Climbers return to the Matterhorn, The Country Bears are part of another Jamboree at Disneyland and the Penny Arcade returns, kind of, in the MiceChat Round-Up. Come see for yourself the work that was recently completed on Disneyland's Main Street. While you're here, you can also ponder a few things that Walt Disney World is actually doing right, read about the Pirates attraction coming to Hollywood Studios and give your vote on what the worst ride is at Tokyo DisneySea. All this, plus a new Communicore Weekly and a new series of videos on MiceTube called 'Just Ask Alex.' It's all here in the MiceChat Round-Up.~ CakvalaSC
EDITOR’S PICK
First Look at Main Street's new Gibson Girl Ice Cream, Candy Palace and Penny Arcade Fishbulb is the first to bring us photos of the refurbishment of three stores on Main Street USA. Unfortunately, some Magic was lost with turning the inside of the Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor into a huge indoor queue that sits empty most of the day at the expense of the previous iconic Penny the Elephant. The Penny Arcade boasts a newly refurbished mechnical band, but no longer do you get to choose which of the various songs it will play. And the Candy Palace gets a beautiful huge new kitchen, that, alas, crowds its entry and eliminates indoor seating at Coke Corner. A lot of change came to Main Street. See if you agree it should have been better.
Thanks to your terrific response, the Gumball Raly is now sold out.
But there may still be a chance to get in! How? By joining the waiting list.
What's a Gumball Rally? The Rally is a race to find out who can ride the most attractions at Disneyland in a single day. Yes, it is harder than it sounds. Yes, it will challenge you physically. But, it's one event that folks of any age can compete in and have a great time in the process. Whether you win or lose, you are always a winner when the race takes place on your favorite rides at your favorite place on earth.
MiceChat is NOT affiliated with the Walt Disney Company in ANY way.
The Disney web site is located at www.disney.com
Q. Al, with so much seeming to finally go right with DCA now (culminating in the ceremonial re-launching of the entire park in June), I'm wondering how the fate of the park would have changed if DCA 1.0 had been a roaring success? What if, as originally predicted, guests LOVED the edgy, hip entertainment, the emphasis on upscale restaurants and shops over rides, the thematically-challenged off-the-shelf carny rides and film-based attractions.... look into your crystal ball and tell us what Summer 2012 would look like in Disney's California Adventure if they never had to reboot the park because guests just LOVED it from Day One. What kind of attractions would have been built in the last 10 years? What sort of entertainment offerings? What about the executive change-ups in the wake of DCA 1.0's failure that might never have happened if the park had succeeded? And what affect would a successful DCA 1.0 have had on Disneyland? Thanks, Bill
A. Lord, the mind reels, but the success of the Universal Berry Farm (aka DCA 1.0) may have kept Eisner in power until he was ready to retire on his own terms; Pressler would have been a frontrunner for his spot when he left, and Harriss would have been moved quickly into the old role once reserved for Al Weiss before she moved on to the Chair of Parks & Resorts.
There was a quick slate of attractions originally slated to go into DCA in the '02-'04 timeframe had the park been a success; a Ursula-themed carnival spinner in the western helix of Screamin' was one, plus a cheap carnival plywood-flat dark ride on the Pier accessed via the old Pacific Ocean Photos spot near Maliburitos, and Hollywood Backlot's Stage 17 built for Millionaire in Summer '01 was designed as a "flex space" that could be swapped out for various theater/stage attractions every five years or so. Eisner would have ended the Pixar deal, so their current footprint would have been much reduced. What is now Cars Land would probably be an ESPN Xtreme Zone.
Disneyland itself overall would probably end up with fewer attractions; plans had Snow White replaced by a Princess shop and the Subs removed for a playground/shop complex to start with. Lincoln and Tiki would be closed and replaced with shops. Main Street's Fire Station and Cinema would also have been converted into retail spaces, and Center Street would have been lost to retail too. Tom Sawyer Island would have been closed to save on upkeep. There was some discussion about adding four new hotels surrounding the original park before Pressler started - he probably would have put them on the front burner. Three of them would face into the back of Frontierland, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland respectively, offering park views at Grand Californian pricing.
Things have changed a lot in ten years. And ten years from now they probably will again. Wanna bet on the third park being in place by then? ;) - Al
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The historic Carnation Plaza Garden sadly shut down, A new temporary home for visiting musical performing groups is now using the old Festival Arena behind Big Thunder Ranch. Then we take a closer look at what happened with the refurbishment of three stores on Main Street USA, and question whether is was necessary to remove so much from this are only to install a huge indoor queue in that sits empty most of the day. Was getting rid of Penny (the resin elephant) wise? Or (the removal of penny presses) pound foolish? ~ Aladdin
Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree - 5/5/2012
Festival Arena has a new name for this summer, due to the demise of Disneyland's Carnation Plaza Garden. The newly named Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree will be the temporary home for visiting performing musical groups. Other additions such as character meet and greets will help fill in this large area. RonW has the photos!
Inside Carthay Circle Theatre Restaurant ssaamm brings to our attention some photos from inside DCA's new Carthay Circle Theater. The only question that remains is how many guests that enter the new DCA will be expecting an attraction inside this prominent new building, only to discover it is a restaurant, instead?
Join The MiceChat Vancouver To Los Angeles Cruise This September! Our Disney Dream cruise last year was such a hit that we've booked another remarkable voyage at low group rates. Join us September 10th through 16th as we voyage from Vancouver to Los Angeles with a two night stop in San Francisco. We'll even visit the acclaimed Walt Disney Family Museum along the way. Don't miss out on this affordable, relaxing, and fun MiceChat adventure!
Welcome back, MiceChatters! Just 12 more days until MiceChat invades Disneyland for our annual Gumball Rally! Do you have what it takes to win the coveted Gumball Rally trophy this year? Let’s see! Remember to keep posting those ideas and rumors…you never know if they’ll make it to the weekly Round-Up or not! -Demigod-
Adventure Thru Inner Space Revival
MiceChat member VintageMouse wonders how many people would be interested in Disneyland bringing back a classic Tomorrowland favorite: Adventure Thru Inner Space. This is a poll, also, so remember to vote!
Any word on that rumored extended Indy refurb? Santoanderson wonders if anyone has heard anything about the Indy refurb that was reported here a few weeks ago. Supposed to be a long one…
What if DCA didn’t exist?
So, what if DCA didn’t exist? What do you think Disney would have done with the area? A west-coast EPCOT? A water park? bheuett would like to know what you think they would have done if Disney California Adventure had never been built.
Reimagining the Main Street Cinema
MiceChatter DoctorQ9 speculates on why the Main Street Cinema is what it is and ponders changing it into something a bit more useful.
Replacing BLAB with a Wall-E adventure Sorcerer’s Apprentice offers an idea for switching out Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters for a new, 3D interactive ride based on Wall-E. What do you think?
The A/V Room
We have a new Communicore Weekly video which looks at Gibson Girl, Imagination Bathroom, Avengers, Wooden Posts, Top 5 Books...
Introducing a brand new MiceTube video series. In this inaugural episode of "Just Ask Alex," the adorable 9 year old talks about one of his favorite rides, the PeopleMover! Is it possible that Alex is smarter than all of us? Probably!
LIVE BROADCAST AT RALPH BRENNAN'S JAZZ KITCHEN
As the official venue of choice for MAGIC 24.7, Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen in Downtown Disney Anaheim will be hosting a live broadcast from the Ralph Brennan Radio Booth in the Jazz Kitchen on August 11, 2012 (exact time of broadcast TBA).
We'll be doing a live cooking demo, featuring our station's own signature drink (Twisted Magic), doing live contests and bringing on special Disney Park guests. We hope you can join us! For the full itinerary, check out our special event website: magic247live.com!
YOUR DISNEY TOP FIVE
The Time Rovers are going live again this Thursday at 6pm Pacific for one hour! Here's what we're discussing: If Disney gave you a free pass to do ANYTHING to any of it's parks...what would it be? Call us LIVE on Skype (username Magic24.7) or on our MAGICLINE at (424) 270-1955 and get in the discussion!
Remember to bookmark our site (magic247radio.com) and listen between 6am-4pm Pacific Monday to Friday for your official MiceChat.com Newscasts featuring YOUR posts and more Disney Park news! We also have welcomed former Weather Channel meteorologist Jeff Mielcarz to the station, who will provide you with Disneyland & WDW weather Monday to Friday!
PODCAST UPDATE
Every Monday to Friday between 6-9 am Pacific, we give you your MiceChat.com Newscast. Coming soon, you’ll be able to get a full recap of news from your favorite site.
Have you signed up for MiceDeals? Don’t miss out on 50% to 80% off Southern California and Orlando
area theme park, restaurant, hotel and attractions!
Visit MiceDeals.com today and sign up at the top of the page for your daily
deal reminder. Hurry, because they sell out quick and don’t last long.
This week we have news of a new (minor) attraction coming to the Studios, a fantastic trip report (and dare I say a suggestion for a possible Rally, editors?), and a report on the declining by degrees of a resort stay. Come see what's up this week! ~yoyoflamingo
Soooo Disappointed - DAK Lodge Stay
What could be so disappointing at this fabulous resort you ask? Well, after reading EC82's report, you'll see there truly is a list of things that would be defined as 'declining by degrees.'
WDW vs. Universal EC82 continues his reviews and puts Universal Studios into the mix in regards to the property, what needs to be fixed and what worked!
Debbie's Extreme 4 Park Challenge
How many characters do you think you can meet in a typical operating day across all 4 parks? This is exactly what kennygman77 and his daughter set out to do. See how many they actually found, and read about their tiring exploits about how they accomplished it!
Things WDW parks and resorts do right/good things? RegionsBeyond ask what elements of the parks still really work? Favorite things, awesome food offerings, relaxing little spots, elements of rides, little known offerings?
120,000,000 Euro loss for EuroDisney
It seems as if Euro Disney has hit a rough patch financially. But the discussion here is quite interesting. With Europe in turmoil with leadership and fiscal issues, what needs to happen to help Disneyland Paris benefit?
The worst ride in DisneySEA
Is Jasmine's Flying Carpets truly the worst ride at DisneySea? Stop on by and give us your feedback :).
Have you seen trees made of old bottles? ridden the SuperDooperLooper at Hershey Park? watched the Superstar Parade at Universal Studios? This and more in Other Theme Parks and Destinations. ~ Trekkie Dad
The Bottle Tree Ranch
Somewhere in the California desert is the Bottle Tree Ranch, and techskip knows how to get there. See the pictures he took on his last visit.
Video: Universal's Superstar Parade Malin found this video of the new parade previewed at Universal Studios Orlando. MiceChatters are giving it mixed reviews. What do you think?
It's official--Knott's is dropping theme. Broadway Guru notes that Knott's Berry Farm is no longer describing itself as a 'theme park' on all of its web pages. Why?
All You Can Eat Pass deal through May 24 jcruise86 informs us that $21.95 entitles an adult to eat all day at five counter service restaurants at Universal Studios Hollywood. (And it's not the only place in southern California offering an all-day all-you-can-eat deal.)
R.I.P. "MCA" aka Adam Yauch CrazyLarry has posted news of the loss of a beastie boy. On a related note, what was your favorite song from this group?
‘The Avengers’ This is a older thread but due to the success of the Avengers movie we're reviving it. It's already at $200 Million, what are your thoughts? Did you enjoy it?
Pixar Evacuated
OogieBoogie reported that Pixar Animation Studios was evacuated due to a fire at a nearby bus yard.
5/8: Kevin Yee – Queue You
Kevin takes a look into the new FastPass+ system Disney is working and more!
5/7: Universal Orlando’s new parade, Lagoon show, SeaWorld construction and progress
Spectacular cinematic fantasies and parades aplenty are the heroes of today's Orlando Parkhopper. Universal Studios Orlando previewed its new Superstar Parade this week and it is impressive. Then we head down the road a bit to see what the latest news from SeaWorld Orlando is. Disney isn't opening anything new this summer, that creates an opportunity for SeaWorld and Universal to steal some extra visits away from the Mouse. Does it all stack up?
5/7: Cones, Candy, Mountains & Mermaids
It was a busy week at the Disneyland Resort! At Disneyland, three shops along Main Street, U.S.A. reopened after wrapping up extensive remodeling projects. At the end of Main Street, the Carnation Plaza Gardens is now closed to begin its transition into the controversial Fantasy Faireprincess meet-and-greet area. Over at California Adventure, the Little Mermaid got a minor makeover at her year-old dark ride. As Ariel received her new do, construction continued along Buena Vista Street as Disney Imagineers tested the new attractions in the 12-acre Cars Land area. We also take a detour to the Fullerton Railroad Days to check out the Disneyland Railroad's Lilly Belle parlor car and the recently restored Combine car.
5/6: The Top of the World at the Contemporary Resort In the '70s, Walt Disney World's most opulent restaurant is 15 stories in the air, atop the largest a-frame on the planet. Heady times indeed. Take a look back at the original Top of the World restaurant. Learn about the nightly, Broadway-style shows, the lavish Sunday buffet and the steep, $7.50 cover charge.
5/5: Epcot’s American Adventure, An Epic Animatronic Achievement
The centerpiece of Epcot's World Showcase is the American Adventure. Far too few families stop to visit on their circular trip around the world, but if they'd take the few extra steps, they'd find themselves part of the most impressive animatronic story ever told. Our story, the American Adventure. Join Jeff Heimbuch and the 626 as we delve into the style, history and technical achievements of this massive attraction at the heart of World Showcase.
5/4: Weekend Update: Paige O’Hara Interview, Pie in Celebration, Sea World Splash
We've got something really special for you this weekend. Our amazing reporter, Scarlett Stahl, interviews Paige O'Hara (Disney's Belle from Beauty and the Beast). If you didn't already love Paige, you will. Then we visit a variety of locations in Orlando, from Epcot's Biergarten to SeaWorld and Celebration's pie festival! Did someone say 'pie'? And we finish up with a park in the sky? Yep, that's right. In the sky! Check out another fun and funky update and have a wonderful weekend.
5/3: Sue Kruse – First & Last Sue finds things to see and do with Titanic, Planes, Walt Disney World and Willy Wonka!
5/3: Welcome to DDW: Construction Kingdom, Test Track under the knife, and MORE!
MiceChat would like to present to you a brand new column for Fridays! Introducing Dateline Disney World. It's very similar to the outstanding Dateline Disneyland, but will cover the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Author Cory Disbrow will use his background as a creative photographer, presenting high quality photos of the goings on at Disney World, along with some beautiful photographs of the parks and a commentary on what's new in The Vacation Kingdom of the World.
5/3: Disneyland’s New Main St Shops, Matterhorn, Mad T Party, Cars Land, Transformers
Welcome to In the Parks, your weekly dose of Southern California theme park news. Disneyland's Matterhorn has begun testing and is prepping for its June 15th return and we think you'll like what we have to show you today. We also have pictures of the Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor, Penny Arcade and Candy Palace renovations. At the same time, California Adventure is getting noticeably closer to Cars Land and Buena Vista Street officially debuting on June 15th (and unofficially opening even earlier than that). We'll stroll through Knott's for the latest news there, and wrap things up at Universal Hollywood with Transformers in Technical Rehearsal mode and some of the new merchandise offered.
5/3: One City, Two Moonliners
You wouldn't know it, but in the heart of the country are two rockets to the moon! One Moonliner is from the same era as the Disneyland original; the other is a more recent replica.
5/2: How the Disney Dining Plan Works The Disney dining plan is one of the most popular options for Walt Disney World guests. Buying the dining plan lets you know ahead of time what you’ll spend on food and gives you an incentive to try a wider variety of restaurants, adding to your overall Disney resort experience. Used correctly, it can be both convenient and economical, but there are a few basics you need to know.
5/2: Cutting to the Chase at Universal Hollywood : Transformers is a Home Run
Transformers: The Ride 3D is in Technical rehearsals at Universal Studios Hollywood. The new attraction has been getting a lot of buzz since it began cycling visitors in April. But is it a hit? Sam Gennawey offers his take on this brand new experience. But the ride has much to thank Disney imagineers for with its innovative use of the ride vehicle as an integral part of the attraction. This is not just another review, it's an in-depth explanation of how ride vehicle technology enhances guest experience.
5/9: Coast to Coast with Natalie!
The love of Disney is what drives a guest to visit Disney. But for one to want to work there it is a passion. Meet Natalie, an attractions host who has worked at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Learn what brought her to the college program and how she came to work on both coasts. Which park was easier, harder, and which was a better experience. Was making the magic for guests day in and out a dream come true or a living nightmare. Read all about her fascinating story here.
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