Gloomy mornings leading to beautiful weather throughout the day reigned over the Magic Kingdom the past few days and on our visit we got some sights on continued evolutions at the Happiest Place on Earth.
The biggest news that came seemingly out of nowhere was that the Disneyland Autopia welcomed in a new visitor in the form of Honda’s helper robot ASIMO.
The upcoming Star Wars themed land also continues to move at a furious pace towards its 2019 opening while refurbishment continues at other areas including the Matterhorn and Snow White Grotto.
Over at Disney California Adventure, there’s been a lot of progress revealing the upcoming FastPass system coming to Toy Story Midway Mania. We also find that Grizzly River Run has reopened and that Kristoff and Olaf have joined Anna and Elsa at the Royal Reception.
Over at the Hungry Bear, they replaced the Pineapple Upside Down Funnel Cake with a super Blueberry Lemon Funnel Cake that we knew we had to try. We also have a big fat merch update with pieces from all around the resort including Wonderground Gallery.
All of this and more in our latest pictorial update! ENJOY!
ASIMO Returns
Ever since Innoventions closed to become what is now the Star Wars Launch Bay, former Disneyland Resident and Honda wonder-robot ASIMO has been without a home at the Happiest Place on Earth… until now.
Just this past week ASIMO moved back into Tomorrowland but this time he’s planted his roots right next door at the Disneyland Autopia which is sponsored by Honda.
His return to Disneyland comes with a brand new character created specifically for the attraction, it’s his avian robot friend Bird! The duo can be seen throughout the attraction in a variety of settings as they explore all that nature has to offer… with their Honda branded gear, of course.
The electronic screen has received an update that adds to the existing presentation with a series of images of Bird and ASIMO on their adventures.
ASIMOments with Mr. Lincoln.
Star Wars Land
More and more interesting visuals continue to emerge at the construction site for the upcoming Star Wars themed land arriving in 2019 at the Disneyland Resort. Ever since the recent debut of AT-ATs at the site, many have been looking eagerly for more obvious signs to come from a Galaxy far, far away.
From Mickey and Friends, the facade for Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT was shimmering. More on that in a bit, but now more construction surrounding the Star Wars expansion…
Taming the Wild Frontier
Frontierland had to make some major adjustments to get ready for the new Star Wars themed land and those thematic adjustments are quickly moving along to open this year.
Interesting structure going up along the Big Thunder Trail.
Shack appears to be all set.
Trestle bridge is getting some rust enhancements.
A look down the river, you can see the Star Wars construction. And there’s more visible from Critter Country…
Fantasmic!!
Set to debut “later this year” the updated Fantasmic! is also plowing along for its debut. Rumors abound about changes including Pirates of the Caribbean replacing Pan, princess swaps, and more. What is certain is that they are definitely making some sort of progress…
A look at the boat and its new rudder. This houses a projector for the updated Fantasmic!
Facade Breakout
Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT is now 62 days away and the exterior facade is starting to come together with its final look.
It certainly is unique, let us know what you think in the comments below!
Details continue to emerge as more of the building is revealed.
Palm trees were removed at the front entrance.
A re-themed cupola has also emerged.
A peek at the main lobby facade.
Looks like somebody or something has already performed a breakout mission…
FastPass Expansion
There’s been a lot of visible progress for the FastPass expansion at Toy Story Midway Mania.
Signage for returning FastPass.
Electronic waitboard.
FastPass scanners at the entrance.
One of the shade structures now houses FastPass machines.
The covers make them look like little vintage changing booths.
World of Color FastPass moved away from Grizzly River Run and is now found near Ariel’s Undersea Adventure.
Matterhorn will also reopen this year with FastPass.
Wine and Dine
There’s still 21 days left of the Disney California Food and Wine Festival, take a look at our INSIDE AND IN DEPTH report on the event.
Around DCA
Grizzly River Run has reopened after several week refurbishment.
Neat and pretty!
Splash down is spinning rafts and all is magical.
Peek-a-boo!
There was no line so we decided to visit Anna and Elsa and found that Kristoff and Olaf joined the Royal Reception!
There were never such devoted sisters.
Around Disneyland
Easter-themed Candy Apples are adorable!
You can still get Golden Churros and Golden Beignets to celebrate the return of Pirates of the Caribbean.
But we had our sights set on a different sweet target…
There’s been a change to those tasty vittles at the Hungry Bear. They’ve swapped the Pineapple Upside Down Funnel cake for Blueberry Lemon Funnel Cake.
The Blueberry Lemon Funnel Cake ($7.49) features a blueberry compote and lemon frosting drizzle plus whipped cream and powdered sugar.
Blueberry Lemon Funnel Cake is super tasty. There wasn’t much of a detectable lemon flavor as we could tell but the dish was not lacking for it. The blueberry compote is just sweet and tart enough to be a perfect balance of both and pairs really well with the crispy funnel cake. The whipped cream is a great balance to the intensity of the fruit. It’s awesome!
PRO TIP: If you’re having the Blueberry Lemon Funnel Cake as dessert with your meal, order the compote on the side so that you can try to keep your funnel cake warm and crispy while it waits for you.
BRB, destroying one of the new Blueberry Lemon Funnel Cakes from the Hungry Bearhttps://t.co/2JNGqVDwNa pic.twitter.com/oE2AAHFkVJ
— MouseInfo (@MouseInfo) March 25, 2017
Hungry Bear Crispy Chicken Sandwich with onion rings.
Apron on an apron.
Long line in Frontierland for Chimichangas and snacks.
AP DAYS are gone. The patch of grass reminds me of old cartoons when you knew when something was going to happen in the frame because the grass was a different color than the rest of the grass.
Downtown Disney
Still not much visible on the new Splitsville location coming soon but we did see most of the foundation seemingly set and ready. The new bowling/restaurant promises to bring a variety of eats including sushi and other fun eats.
Read more: Sushi finally returning to Disneyland Resort in new ‘Splitsville’ location at Downtown Disney
Merch Run
Class of 2017 merch has landed for the upcoming season!
Rainbow graffiti tee is awesome!
Vinylmation Wonderground Gallery figure called THE BRIDE RETURNS.
She’ll set you back $70.
Guardians of the Galaxy merchandise has landed with a heavy dose of Groot.
Oh yeah, and everyone else.
Now that it’s reopened, you can show your love of Grizzly River Run with the host of merch items available.
Rushin’ River Outfitters has always been a great little bit of thematic magic.
Some more pieces from Twenty Eight and Main. This one isn’t my favorite.
Chick-a-Pin Hill Logging Company is pretty awesome though!
Hang on to them hat’s n’ glasses!
Small Fry!
Jumbo Talking Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey.
Tee Time!
If you are looking for a way to help support the site so we can continue to bring you more info about the mouse, feel free to browse our TeePublic Store! Aside from tees, you can also find coffee mugs, phone & laptop cases, and more!
Find more designs at our store: teepublic.com/stores/mouseinfo.
the GOTG makeover is a hot mess. Worst of all, it does nothing to remind me of Guardians of the Galaxy
I am trying to login the teepublic site for the Picaroon toon tshirt, but I can’t login or create an account or anything – it keep jumping to ‘forbidden’ when I go to the main site or try to create an account.
You shouldn’t need to create an account. From the tee page, just ADD TO CART and you should be able to check out from there without creating an account.