There’s not usually a lot going on in the summer as Disney tries to optimize the experience for the busy vacation season but as we know the Disneyland Resort in general is a hotbed of activity this year.

Star Wars themed land construction continues to go vertical while Tom Sawyer Island continues to undergo refurbishment with new paint. Some of that new paint was recently unveiled at the old mill at the southern end of the island used as the backdrop for Fantasmic!. The building now sports a brighter paint job of red and green which many are starting to piece together is likely to enhance projection mapping effects on a revamped version of the show.

Meanwhile, in Fantasyland the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique has expanded its empire by creating a new auxiliary room offering expanded areas for guests to wait and sign up for their magical transformations for boys and (mostly) girls.

The summer heat got us thirsty so we hopped the monorail and went to the new Downtown Disney Starbucks for a visit. The tiny new shop now serves as a closer option to Disneyland Hotel guests for the double-tailed mermaid’s famous coffee. A selection of snacks, food, and souvenirs are available inside.

Plus, we take another look at merchandise available all around the resort with a special emphasis on Disney Fan wedding gift ideas.

Enjoy!

Star Wars Land

The area known for now as “Star Wars Land” is quickly becoming Star Walls land as construction continues to go up all around the construction site.

Interesting vistas across the Resort.

Unky Walt backstage.

Tom Sawyer Island

There’s a new paint job on the old mill on Tom Sawyer Island and many online noted how much brighter the scheme is than its previous dull brown. The reason for this is not coincidental. With Disney’s recent announcement of the 2017 return of Fantasmic!, it should come as no surprise that the preparations are for a rejuvenation of the popular nighttime spectacular. The brighter building creates a better canvas for projection mapping.

All around the island, refurbishments continue to move along. Tarps are down around some areas and previously grey primed rocks are now sporting more natural spotting and aging textures.

Walls have gotten taller at the Sailing Ship Columbia, blocking views at enhancements being made to the ship.

Royal Reception

The little flex space near Pinocchio’s Daring Journey has found itself in use once again, this time as the Royal Reception. Used as as an auxiliary room to handle the crushing demand for Disney’s Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, you can pay for and book your appointments and also get a buzzer that will let you know when it’s your time to be transformed. There’s a small selection of costumes and accessories on display and handouts offering a look at all the options available.

Starbucks, double shot

The second Starbucks has been open at Downtown Disney for a while now and offers a closer caffeine respite for guests of the Disneyland Hotel. The shop offers a sizable selection of munchies and also promotes the Starbucks K-cups as brewable in the hotel’s own coffee makers. Starbucks in your room!

The shop also offers a selection of several different California themed cups that are normally only available in those respective cities. Options include San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas.