Summer of Hidden Midways

The picture bellow, taken by the website Original D, of the latest Disneyland Resort maps, shows off 2 interesting things:

First off, more confirmation of the Indiana Jones Summer of Hidden Mysteries, which will begin on May 22nd. And secondly, this is the first time that the new Toy Story Midway Mania attraction has had the Midway part of the name including in anything promotional. That makes me happy!

Innoventions Dream Home AP Previews

Be one of the first people to see the future! Attend a very special Annual Passholder sneak peek at the Disneyland® Park’s Innoventions Dream Home.

Discover a 5,000 square-foot home of the future inhabited by the dynamic Elias family and learn how the technology of today — and the technology of tomorrow — seamlessly interconnects within the home, the surrounding community and the whole world.

  • Help the Elias family celebrate their son’s recent soccer victory and plan their upcoming trip to China for the World Championship.
  • Explore this beautiful Taylor Morrison Home and sample the benefits for a digital lifestyle provided by Microsoft, HP and Lifeware.
  • Visit the adjacent party tent and explore new technology in a fun, hands-on environment.

Located inside Innoventions.

All Disneyland® Resort Annual Passholders are invited to a very special sneak peek at the Innoventions Dream Home on the following dates and times:

Sneak Peek Dates Available to All Annual Passholders
June 2, 2008 – 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
June 3, 2008 – 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
June 4, 2008 – 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Sneak Peek Dates That Are Blockout Dates for Southern California and Southern California Select Annual Passholders
June 5, 2008 – 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
June 6, 2008 – 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Blockout Dates apply. Entry based on first-come, first-serve basis. Sneak peek event may include long wait periods, is subject to temporary closures without notice and may be cancelled at any time. All participants must show their valid Annual Passport to enter the Innoventions Dream Home. Entry is non-transferable, is not guaranteed and may not be sold

Adventures in Adventureland

Here are the offerings confirmed for the Indiana Jones Summer of Hidden Mysteries:

“Indiana Jones™ and the Secret of the Stone Tiger”
Young Guests become archeologists as they solve clues, complete tasks and decipher codes, Indy style which leads to a hidden treasure. A friendly and helpful female archeologist, who may not be as innocent as she seems, will host the experience. However, if her intentions are found to be villainous, Indy will surely be on the scene to aid the youngsters.

Indiana Jones™ Adventure Map
Guests will be able to pick up a special map near the entrance to Aladdin’s Oasis, leading them to a series of clues that, when deciphered, reveal a secret message. This message can be used online to obtain an exclusive download of desktop wallpaper, screen saver or other collateral. The map also has a section that highlights activities in the queue of Indiana Jones™ Adventure and the Jungle Cruise.

Adventure Photo Location
Guests can step into an action-packed sequence inspired by Raiders of the Lost Ark. They can also pick up their Indiana Jones™ Adventure Maps at this location.

Indiana Jones™ Adventure Queue
Using their Indiana Jones™ Adventure Maps as a guide, Guests will discover an exciting array of secrets hidden away in the queue of the attraction.

Jungle Cruise
The Jungle Cruise Skipper spiel has been enhanced to reflect the idea that Indy has been traveling through the jungle on his latest expedition – and we will signs of his exploits. Moreover, Guests with a keen eye can look for hidden icons from the first three films, which are described in their Adventure Maps.

Indiana Jones™ in Adventureland!
Indiana Jones™ and a male enemy agent run into each other in the street and pursue one another through Adventureland – pushing through the crowd, popping up here, there and everywhere! Seems one of them has a map to the Temple of the Forbidden Eye that the other wants. This results in a series of fun-filled, dramatic staged “moments” that include fights on balconies, pursuits and daring escapes!

Mr. Grier… Thank You For Tearing the Walls Down!

It seems the rumors were true… The walls for the new food stand & store for Toy Story Midway Mania did in fact come down today! Our friend MintCrocodile has a few excellent pictures up on his SmugMug page:


The store, Midway Mercantile, is now open!


A look inside the store… It looks like they have some good merchandise


The little sign pointing towards the exit is obviously the exit to Toy Story Midway Mania


Also, the area opposite the attraction has been “uncovered”


The new food stand, Don Tomas, is also now open for business!


Just shade for the moment… Maybe something else will come here?

Thanks again to MintCrocodile for these pictures. You can few even more from the uncovered areas by clicking here!

Mr. Grier… Tear Down This Wall!

We’re hearing that the Toy Story Midway Mania walls will be coming down tomorrow. The store & turkey leg stand will be open, & the ride… I’m not sure at the moment. But we’ll be sure to keep you updated!

Summer of Hidden Facades

David “Darkbeer” Michael has added a couple of interesting pictures to his SmugMug page, which I wanted to share here:


The It’s a Small World facade is now completely under tarps


This sign in the Esplanade proclaims that the Summer of Hidden Mysteries will begin on May 22nd!

OK, I Went to Disneyland! Happy Now?

From the LA Times Travel Blog:

Three months after winning Super Bowl XLII, New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning finally made good on his postgame proclamation: “I’m going to Disneyland!”

For a second there, I thought Manning’s new wife, Abby McGrew, was sporting a Twinkie-sized wedding ring — until I realized the rock was on her right hand.

Here the newlyweds enjoy a post-parade spin on the Astro Orbitor at Disneyland:

— Brady MacDonald, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

I’m Finally Going to Disneyland!

From the LA Times Travel Blog:

Super Bowl XLII MVP Eli Manning will finally make good on his postgame pronouncement: “I’m going to Disneyland.”

The New York Giants quarterback will ride in a vintage convertible automobile along the Disneyland parade route on Wednesday, May 7, 2008, at 4:30 p.m. in a “cavalcade” including Disney characters. The parade could begin up to an hour early depending on Manning’s schedule, according to Disney officials.

Manning’s new bride, Abby McGrew, will accompany her college sweetheart to the Anaheim theme park in their first official public appearance as husband and wife. The newlyweds — married in a celebrity wedding on April 19, 2008, in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico — may ride in a Disneyland attraction or two after the conclusion of the official events.

Disneyland was forced to postpone a hastily arranged parade on the day after the Super Bowl when Manning got stuck for hours at an Arizona airport waiting for the skies to clear of corporate-jet getaway traffic.

The abrupt cancellation left disappointed New York Giants fans along Disneyland’s parade route as a team of forlorn Pop Warner football players rode a float sans the MVP down Main Street U.S.A. Manning will meet privately with the Pop Warner players on Wednesday following the cavalcade.

In the days after the Super Bowl, Manning opted for a ticker-tape parade down New York City’s “Canyon of Heroes,” an appearance on the “Late Show With David Letterman” and a sunny vacation in the Bahamas over a photo op with Mickey Mouse.

— Brady MacDonald, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

Walk-Around Disney Fairies

Jim Hill Media has an interesting article today talking a little in depth on the Disney Fairies promotion that is coming up later on this year. Info on the meet ‘n greet at Disneyland, the promotion itself, & more is in there.

Bellow are pictures of the prototype costumes for the 5 walk-around Fairies: