June gloom made another starring appearance on Saturday but it quickly burned off giving us a beautifully sunny and not terribly crowded day at the Disneyland Resort.
Our mission for this trip was to scope out some of the changes to the FastPass system which were quietly rolled out this past week. We’ll take a good look at everything going on there including changes to the process that have been in place since the service was first offered in 1999.
We’ll also use this trip to get an on-going look at the progress for the new Star Wars themed land still under construction along the northwestern side of Disneyland. The changes also come with significant enhancements in Frontierland which continues to receive updates and enhancements for a full-scale reopening by next month which will see the return of Fantasmic!, Disneyland Railroad, Mark Twain, Sailing Ship Columiba, and more.
There’s more to see around the Resort including at Disney California Adventure Park and in Downtown Disney. There’s a bunch going on and we’ll have a Merch Run plus much more in this lastest pictorial update. ENJOY!
Faster Pass
Earlier this week, Disney quietly launched a new set of changes to their FastPass program which affects the way guests will be able to use Disney’s famous “save time in line” system. Luck favors the prepared so here’s a few FastPass Tips and Tricks that even seasoned veterans should know next time they head to the Happiest Place on Earth…
Read more: Changes to Disneyland’s FastPass system that you need to know about!
Scan Complete
As part of the new update to FastPass, Disney has also changed HOW you redeem your FastPass Reservation Times. You now scan your admission media instead of turning in the paper FastPass. You can now actually keep those!
Below you can see the FastPass scanners for Star Tours, Guardians of the Galaxy – Misison Breakout, Radiator Springs Racers, and Soarin’. Similar scanners are in use at all 16 Photopass locations in the parks. Each attraction has two sets, one at the entrance and one at the FastPass/Standby merge points.
Signage at all the FastPass attractions advise of the new scan process.
Frontierland
We decided to revisit Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island for a continuing look at progress along the Rivers of America and for the upcoming Star Wars themed land.
These lovely blue flowers are all around the island. Blue thistle?
The Suspension Bridge was open on Saturday.
Special effects on the island were working properly this weekend.
The river banks become more verdant.
Native American village continues to receive updates.
Dog on a log. Boy in a bag.
Looks like some more residents of the village have landed.
Looking for a signal.
Oh, deer! There seems to be a bunch of new wildlife returning to the river banks.
New walkway to Star Wars themed land from Critter Country is starting to take shape.
Walkway has an offshoot. ODV-ready.
Star Wars Land
A look at on-going progress of the upcoming Star Wars-themed land.
Around Disneyland
New signage has popped up at the Disneyland Railroad stations.
Never noticed this before but it looks like the Chief Waves-a-lot will be positioned once more on the river, this time near waterfalls. From current vantage points on the island, however, you can’t see this particular spot.
New Orleans Square Train Station.
A breach in the wall in Frontierland! Refreshed posts can be seen going up on the left.
Jungle Cruise has some walls up.
Still behind walls as new dining area and stroller parking is prepped in Adventureland.
A jolly old time for a snack.
You can learn a lot of things from the flowers.
Disneyland Cinnamon Roll.
Pomegranates in Tomorrowland.
Saw a cast of characters moving on through.
Around Disney California Adventure
Summer of Heroes popcorn bucket.
It’s an AP-only design that allows $1 refills.
Mangonada from Clarabelle’s Handscooped Ice Cream.
Pride Month!
Posters returned at Starbucks, removing references to the Hollywood Tower Hotel.
No Sunset Blvd. replaced “Hollywood Tower Hotel” on the Red Car, too.
Around the Resort
Splitsville is going to take up a lot more space than the former House of Blues in Downtown Disney.
You can see the building structure has jutted out to meet the construction walls.
Carnitas Nachos at White Water Snacks.
Front desk behind walls at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.
Opposite end of the lobby is also behind curtains.
How much is that doggy in the window?
The one with the waggly tail!
Merch Run
The world is a carrousel of color!
Beautiful, wonderful color!
More socks.
Current Purchase with Purchase off is still valid.
Disney Magic
The Disney logo will be added to the uniform for the Orlando Magic basketball team as part of an expanded relationship between the NBA team and Disney.
Read more: Walt Disney World becomes official sponsor of Orlando Magic’s team jersey
Tee Time!
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Find more designs at our store: teepublic.com/stores/mouseinfo.
Another great update!!!
FYI it was also Pride in Orange County this weekend