Around the Resort
Grizzly River Run has been re-field and was testing on Saturday.
The new paint scheme appears to be the same colors, just more vibrant and less of a ‘warn down’ look. Disney is trying to make areas like Golden State and Condor Flats look more current than their older ‘abandoned’ look of the past.
The lift and wheel house looks exceptional good!
The Ghirardelli Chocolate and Soda Fountain isn’t showing any external changes as of yet.
The new venue should be open in time for the June 15th re-launch of Disney California Adventure.
With the draining of Grizzly River Run, the Pacific Warf bridge was touched up, again to look more fresh and current. Disney has dubbed this ‘Placemaking’ project, ‘Project Sparkle’ in order to get California Adventure ready for the big media events of June 14th and the relaunch on June 15th.
Robert Sherman, Legendary Disney Songwriter, Dies at age 86
Robert Sherman (left in the above photo), one of the most revered and loved Disney songwriters, has passed away at home in London at age 86.
Robert Sherman along with his brother, Richard, wrote some of the most iconic Disney songs, including Walt Disney’s personal favorite, “Feed the Birds”. Even if you have never heard of the Oscar Award Winner, or the “Sherman Brothers” you’ve definitely heard their music. “it’s a small world” (after all) is probably the most well known piece of Disney park music. Love it or hate it, the theme song to the iconic and loved Disney attraction is one of the most recognized musical scores in the world. Robert Sherman and his brother were also the musical geniuses of the 1964 classic Mary Poppins, including the zany ‘Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’.
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A wreath was placed next to the “Sherman Brothers” window on Main Street.
The Main Street improvements continue at Disneyland. The Blue Ribbon Bakery is no more as it has been replaced by the Jolly Holiday Bakery. The Carnation Cafe will be taking over the indoor space when the area reopens in a few months.
Large printed tarps have been placed over the buildings. It’s quite impressive when Disney does this!
The scaffolding around the Matterhorn is starting to come down and the new paint scheme looks great! The Matterhorn Bobsleds are scheduled to reopen on June 15th.
This is the first major rehab since 1978 and the first time the Matterhorn had scaffolding from top-to-bottom since it was built in 1959.
This six month long rehab includes the new bobsleds, and a new station with a queue for single riders and guests with disabilities.
New signs have been placed in the east transportation corridor directing guests towards the sometimes complex maze of buses, shuttles and taxis. This is a welcome sight and the design makes for less confusion by guests who don’t know the resort transit system.
The new sign system includes an electronic board as well.
The exterior of the Animation Building is behind tarps.
D23 Expo is Returning to Anaheim in 2013
The D23 Expo, the large convention for all things Disney, is returning to the Anaheim Convention center next fall.
This past August was the second D23 Expo, and drew more than 40,000 Disney fans to Anaheim. Those in attendance were entertained by stars such as Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Billy Crystal and Dick Van Dyke! Fans were able to get inside looks at attractions under development at Disney parks, such as Buena Vista Street and Cars Land.
“Anaheim is extremely pleased that the D23 Expo will be returning next year,” said Charles Ahlers, president, Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau. “This exciting event is quickly becoming an industry icon, drawing Disney fans from around the world. The Anaheim community truly appreciates and enjoys this quality show and positive impacts it brings.”
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It has been a few weeks since the debut of ‘Minnie’s Fly Girls Charter Airlines‘, and Minnie’s meet and greet outfit has now been replaced to fit the show’s theme. Minnie still sports the ‘Aviator’ look for the show, as she is portrayed as just having flown in, but during her meet and greets between shows she can now be seen dressed in her uniform.
Update: Some readers have reported that Minnie’s outfit has now changed for the show as well.
Cheer Competitions This Month at the Disneyland Resort
You may see a lot of ‘spirit’ around the Disneyland Resort this month as the USA (Untied Spirit Association) cheer competitions come to town.
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In Downtown Disney, the Lego Imagination Center is starting to show a new paint job and one of the external Lego sculptures.
When guests arrive at the Disneyland Hotel, they are now immediately greeted by a huge vintage map of Disneyland.
I could spend hours looking at the detail in this map, and it is a bit of tease as you can spot some very favorite attractions that are no longer around.
On the back side of the wall, across from the Fantasy Tower elevators, the historical photographs have returned!
Before the renovation, they were displayed near the restrooms, closer to the convention center. They disappeared during the renovations and I was very disappointed when they did not return.
A few weeks ago they resurfaced in new frames.
Among the many famous celebrities and foreign dignitaries that have visited Disneyland over the years, they also feature the famous photograph of Walt Disney greeting the first two children to enter Disneyland on July 17, 1955, opening day!
That’s going to do it for this week’s update. If your just finding Disneyland Live, I would like to welcome you! I’ve noticed A LOT of new visitors lately here on the blog and we hope that you’ll stay with us! You can see the past updates here.
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