Disneyland Resort – Page 171

Anaheim GardenWalk Lures Few Customers

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

Times are hard over at Disneyland’s neighboring mall, the Anaheim GardenWalk. It seems it has failed to attract any interest since its opening last year. The OC Register’s Around Disney blog has more:

One family ate at a single table in an otherwise empty food court on a recent weekday afternoon at the Anaheim GardenWalk mall. Some stores had made no sales by 2 p.m. And only a few browsers sauntered by clothing boutiques and empty storefronts.

But on the Saturday night of Valentine’s Day, one large restaurant was booked by 8 p.m. Others had more than two hour waits. The bowling alley’s wait was almost as long. And patrons bustled through the main mall corridor in the chilly air.

Eight months after its grand opening, the Anaheim GardenWalk is finding mixed success in luring customers to the long-awaited outdoor mall and entertainment destination near Disneyland.

Nightspots, especially major chain restaurants and a nightclub at opposite ends, fill up regularly on weekends.

But the businesses in between – clothing stores, fast-food joints, sweets shops – are struggling to bring in patrons, particularly on weekdays. Just 70 percent of about 80 spaces are occupied.

Read the Rest of Register Reporter Sarah Tully’s story and take a GardenWalk poll here.

Disneyland Guests Held Back Today While Powder Investigated

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

According to the OC Register:

The ticket booths at Disneyland Resort were temporarily shut down this morning but have reopened after authorities determined that a suspicious white powder found on the park’s ticket booths was harmless, authorities said.

Cleaning crews reported early this morning that they had spotted an unusual white substance at the windows of several ticket booths. Police were called in at 7:30 a.m.

Some guests entered Disneyland and California Adventure when the parks opened at 8 a.m., Disney spokeswoman Suzi Brown said. But when the powder was found on more ticket booths, park officials decided to temporarily hold back all guests from the ticketing area until police could investigate the powder. The booths were shuttered at 8:45 a.m.

The parks were never closed, as some guests were allowed into them. The ticket areas were closed down for a while, though, keeping other guests out.

“We thought it would be best to close off all ticket booths until we could make sure there was nothing hazardous,” Brown said.

Anaheim police called in a hazardous-materials unit from the Anaheim Fire Department. Samples were tested and soon determined to be nothing more than a fine, nonhazardous sand, said police Sgt. Rick Martinez.

Guests and employees who were held back for more than an hour were allowed to enter the ticket area and the amusement parks at 9:45 a.m. Martinez said.

“The safetey of our guests and our cast members is our top priority,” Brown said. “The measures that were taken today were done so in an abundance of caution.”

Investigators were working with park officials to review surveillance video, looking for who might have deposited the substance on the ticket booths. No arrests had been made.

“We’re not sure if it was a prank or a deliberate attempt to disrupt park operations,” Martinez said. “Either way, this is serious business. And we will be following up.”

Shawn Hutchinson’s 2/24/09 Photo Report

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

Well, it certainly does look like Shawn Hutchinson is a great addition to our team of photographers, as this will be his 3rd photo report in 6 days! Here’s his report from February 24th:

An old parking tram from the pre-DCA days parked in the Pinocchio parking lot.

The Frying Pan Sun!

Grizzly Peak.

I hope those fish aren’t real…

The Pacific Wharf bridge under refurbishment.

Myrna Litt’s 2/26-27/09 Photo Report

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

Myrna spent 2 fun-filled days at the Disneyland Resort and comes to us with a great photo report:

“Celebrate Today!” decorations on the Timon parking lot entrance.

Balloons galore on the Harbor Blvd. entrance.

The security tents.

Now into DCA for a look at construction, construction, and more construction!

Lots of work in the Paradise Pier lagoon. The holes they are digging are for the lighting towers.

Shawn Hutchinson’s 3/6/09 Photo Report

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

Shawn Hutchinson is currently on a 3 day excursion to the Disneyland Resort for his birthday, and he reports back to us with photos from yesterday:

As it was Shawn’s birthday, he got a birthday fun card!

The breakfast of champions, Mickey Mouse Waffles!

One of the stores on Main Street is currently having some work done to its facade.

The majestic Matterhorn Mountain.

DLR Photo Report – 3/8/09

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

Yesterday was a great day to be at the Disneyland Resort, despite it being a little crowded. Here is my latest photo report:

Celebration Point on Main Street USA.

Some awesome flowers at the base.

You’re Invited to Celebrate Today!

The letter popping out of the envelope.

Shawn Hutchinson’s 3/15/09 Photo Report

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

Also at the Disneyland Resort yesterday was Shawn Hutchinson, and he delivered a wealth of photos for us:

Shawn started off with a walk around the Disneyland Hotel.

A relatively new sign I believe.

The lovely Sorcerer’s Hat, which works much better than it’s big brother in Orlando.

Croc’s Bits ‘n Bites is still closed for refurbishment.

Ed Grier Appears at 3am This Morning for Third-Shift Appreciation

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

According to the OC Register’s Around Disney blog:

Disneyland Resort President Ed Grier and Cast Member Genie Levert, of the Disney’s California Adventure night custodial team, play a game of Nintendo Wii Bowling during a sports-themed breakfast in honor of third shift cast members.

According to Disney Spokeswoman Betsy Sanchez, the park hosts the breakfast every year to recognize the efforts of the over-night staffers who prune trees, clean streets, or paint fake boulders to look real, among hundreds of other tasks.

It’s nice to see that with the new management scheme for Disney Parks & Resorts, Ed seems to be getting out and about at the Resort more, as well as interacting with cast members, which definitely is a good thing!

Man Police Nabbed at Disneyland Found Guilty

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

According to the OC Register’s Around Disney blog:

A Monrovia man arrested last year in Disneyland’s parking lot after a day at the theme park was convicted today of 33 felonies for crimes he committed elsewhere.

Anthony Hislar, 27, faces life in prison for crimes including home-invasion robberies, carjackings and a shooting in the fall. A Los Angeles Superior Court jury did not reach a verdict on a charge of attempted murder and a mistrial was declared on that count.

Hislar was arrested on Sept. 24 in the Disneyland parking lot by Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department deputies and Anaheim police officers.

Deputies received a tip that Hislar was spending the day at Disneyland and apprehended him as he was leaving the park at about 6:30 p.m.

During the arrest, a stolen Mercedes-Benz linked to Hislar was recovered in the parking lot.

He is scheduled to be sentenced on April 7.