Summer is officially here and we’ve got your ticket into the Happiest Place on Earth for a look at all the goings on. From new updates inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to construction updates on Pixar Pals Parking Structure and the Inside Out: Emotional Whirlwind, there’s a good bit to go over here!
Plus, we’ll take you back to the Main Street Cinema which is once again merch-free following public outcry from last week’s decision to make it a retail location. Summer heat will soon start to sizzle and the Disneyland Resort shows no signs of cooling down with everything under way! Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge is not yet finished and there’s an entire Marvel themed land on the way too with a Spider-Man attraction. Lots to take in here.
Of course, a nice little merch run awaits you at the end. ENJOY!
Getting into Batuu
With the reservation period officially coming to an end this weekend, Disneyland is bracing for the general public to arrive at the Happiest Place on Earth with intent to visit a galaxy far, far away. There’s been several updates with regards to how guests will be able to do that and if you plan on visiting the land, you’ll want to make sure to know all the details…
MORE INFO: DETAILS: Getting into the new Star Wars land at Disneyland starting June 24
OG Disney Wall
We have a special treat with another fantastic guest post by Jim Denney, author of Walt’s Disneyland. Two years ago, we were excited to share Walt’s Disneyland Dream — Was it Older Than Mickey Mouse? and today we’re happy to share his thoughts on a piece of Disneyland history hidden in plain sight since opening day! ENJOY!
MORE INFO: OP-ED: Disneyland’s mysterious 64-year-old “Test Wall” — Mystery Solved?
A Store No More!
We shared photos last week of the Main Street Cinema which had been turned into a temporary pop-up shop and it caused a hell storm of reaction on social media with countless fans taking the opportunity to tag official Disney accounts and even CEO Bob Iger to share the displeasure at the seemingly crass commercial conversion of a simple opening-day attraction into a shop.
This week, we saw the Cinema open without any of that merchandise and instead a bunch of benches — which had always been missing — added instead. Recency bias aside, we were in there a few times on Thursday and saw a countless flow of people coming in and out. Removing the turnstiles and pulling back the curtains seems to have made a big difference for attracting foot-traffic into the location. It works a lot better now and we consistently saw people in with with strollers for a cool quiet place to rest.
Time will tell if people continue to stream in and out of the location over the summer but there’s obviously moer ways Disney can utilize the space than a shop. The PLAY Disney Parks App seems to be a ripe opportunity here to enrich guest experience for little cost. Plus, taking a cue from Esmeralda at the Penny Arcade, they could have Tilly at the ticket booth generate commemorative cinema tickets that can be handed out. Everyone’s a sucker for a bit of ephemera!
Summer AP Corner
AP Corner is back for the summer. If you’re a Disneyland Annual Passholder, you can:
- Receive a Lion King-themed, keepsake button (while supplies last).
- Snap a photo against a Lion King-themed backdrop.
- Pick up an Annual Passholder magnet if you haven’t received one or need a replacement.
- Purchase an exclusive Lion King Ocarina Sipper.
Pixar Pals Parking Structure
It’s looking like Pixar Pals Parking Structure won’t make it in time for Monday’s general opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge but we’re hearing it might open up as early as next week!
Sensors at Mickey and Friends now help alert to open parking spots in each lane.
Looks like the pathway inbetween Mickey and Friends and the Pixar Pals parking structures is planned for emergency/fire access. It seems trams will also pass through here when they are being taken out of commission.
Back up barricades block access through the gates. Kinda scary to see.
It looks like the new tram loading station will have individual queues for each vehicle.
The connecting bridge between both structures is basically ready to go.
New signage at Pixar Pals.
Finishing touches including plants are starting to go into position.
The Pixar Ball sits near the base of the new escalators.
The new bridge over Magic Way is still several weeks away from opening. It will connect the new structure with the Downtown Disney parking lot to avoid hvaing guests cross vehicular traffic on the walkpath to the resort.
The lighting in the new structure is quite nice, each level is lit up with it respective color. They correspond to the same colors on Mickey and Friends. So purple, red, green, blue, pink from bottom to top.
More Pixar Pals
We visited Disneyland on Sunday too and parts of the Pixar Pals parking structure were in use!
Demolition is already under way for the last remaining parts of this area. The old loading area and its switch back queues are no longer in use.
You can see the old entrance under the structure is now blocked off and guests are now being directed to the brand new tram loading area.
Signage helps direct guests in this inbetween state when parts of Pixar Pals is not yet available.
Digital signage helps direct guests.
Prepare bags for inspection. Remove items from pockets. Thank you!
If you elect to skip the trams you can continue walking past the new escalators and head towards Magic Way to get to Downtown Disney. The new walkway is slightly akward as you have to double back on your path. From this exit, you have to go left towards the intersection and then double back across the street to head towards the Downtown Disney entrance. We suspect a new walkway will open up once the bridge over Magic Way opens up.
This picture was taken the same day as the one before and the walls had already been removed to allow guest access.
Once you get through security screening you can head towards one of two loading station.
Individual queues now delineate each row on the tram.
TRAM TO THE PARKS…
Almost ready!! pic.twitter.com/lyZlWx4Goo
— MouseInfo (@MouseInfo) June 24, 2019
TRAM BACK TO THE STRUCTURE…
Exiting at the new team unload area near Pixar Pals Parking Structure pic.twitter.com/MEfns398pe
— MouseInfo (@MouseInfo) June 24, 2019
The former loading areas are now used exclusively for exiting.
Signage helps try to remind you which side of the structure you’re parked.
The escalators were not in use on Sunday afternoon.
The escalators for levels 5 and 6 were running.
So cute! Would be awesome if this was Nemo instead since its Pixar Pals side. This could go on the Mickey and Friends side.
The pretty new structure really highlights how badly Mickey and Friends needs a thorough refurbishment.
DRIVER! MOVE THAT BUS. No wait, MOVE THOSE WALLS!
New trashcans. Ooooh.
It looks like the new ramp connecting both structures is one way only from Pixar Pals TO Mickey and Friends only. We suspect the sister bridge at the other end of the structure is one-way for Mickey and Friends TO Pixar Pals. It does not appear that there’s any vehicle exits on the Pixar Pal side so it seems like guests on that side might have to make the schlep across to exit out of the existing Mickey and Friends exit ramps.
Marvel Themed Land
The new Marvel-themed land continues along with more metal shooting upwards and onwards.
MORE INFO: Find more articles about the upcoming Marvel-themed land.
Around Disney California Adventure
As Disney looks for more ways to get crowd-wary guests back into the parks, it seems they’ve elected one fantastic decision…. to bring back Oswald the Lucky Rabbit! He should be around for at least the next few weeks!
The modifications to the Award Wieners dining area continue.
World of Color platform has been raised in the mornings the past week or two.
New windows are going up at the Lamplight Lounge patio.
Inside Out: Emotional Whirlwind will be opening by the end of this month!
Designs have been placed on all the buckets.
Around Disneyland
Come on in and sit a spell!
Test Wall! In case you missed it, find this great piece: OP-ED: Disneyland’s mysterious 64-year-old “Test Wall” — Mystery Solved?
A new Churros & Lemonade stand has opened in Critter Country. Some cute thematic elements here.
Who know Mr. Blue bird was so punny? This could be a cute photo-op if you can make it look like he’s on your shoulder.
Looks like French Market got fresh new shade coverings.
Patriotic bunting is making its return to Main Street.
Strawberry Shortcakes are back at Plaza Inn. A summer tradition. Yum!
Back to Batuu
Even in the world of Batuu, there’s new things to see and learn!
Bubo Wamba Family Farms Light-up Souvenir Sippers have landed on Batuu at the Milk Stand! They’ll cost you $24.99.
Droid head lamps, morbidly delightful.
Have you learned how to read Aurebesh yet? Here’s what’s here…
ORES OUTER RIM EXPEDITION & SUPPLY
- Private Guides Available
- Weekly Survival Training
- Daily Expedition Planning
- Basic Blaster Maintenance
- Specialized Language Courses
Ark of the Covenant (from Indiana Jones) inside of Dok-Ondar’s.
Only blue kyber crystals were out for sale this week.
A look at some of Dok-Ondar’s more refined collection items.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance will be FastPass-ready whenever it opens.
This is not a great shot but we noticed this week that a waterfall was on in the extended queue for the attraction. Can’t wait for this to open!!
How do you say Coppertone in Aurebesh?
Sour Sarlacc ($5.49) from Ronto Roasters is made with Minute Maid® Limeade with Raspberry and spicy Mango. This drink was not really a favorite of anyone in our group. Some decried it being very sweet but I found it too sour without being sweet enough. This one is definitely a pass.
Moof Juice ($5.49) from Docking Bay 7 is made with Simply Fruit Punch®, Simply Orange® with Pineapple, Chipotle-Pineapple. This essentially tastes like fruit punch but not in that gut-punch sort of way that it typically hits your taste buds. The flavor is mellowed out somewhat by the other flavors but it’s still a very sweet concoction. I had hoped that the Chipotle-Pineapple would have given this a more unique edge but the end result is a pleasant but not terribly special beverage.
SPOTTED!
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge hidden mickey!
Finding Star Wars Land
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is finally here. In case you missed it, we have a WHOLE BUNCH of looks into the land, its shops, its dining, and its (for now) single premiere attraction! In case you missed it, check out our pictorial guides below below!
The Rides
Dining
Shopping
- SWGE GUIDE: ‘Droid Depot’
- SWGE GUIDE: ‘Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers’
- SWGE GUIDE: ‘Creature Stall’
- SWGE GUIDE: ‘Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities’
- SWGE GUIDE: ‘Toydarian Toymaker’
- SWGE GUIDE: ‘Jewels of Bith’
- SWGE GUIDE: ‘Resistance Supply’
- SWGE GUIDE: ‘First Order Cargo’
- SWGE GUIDE: ‘Black Spire Outfitters’
More to Explore
Around the Resort
Trader Sams now offers Dole Whip Cocktail with either light or dark rum. We had ours with Parrot Bay Rum and it is MAGICAL.
New anamorphic topiaries in Downtown Disney for the summer. As you can see between left and right there’s one exact vantage point where the various pieces come together to form an image.
Looks like the planters feature some lovely mums.
“Mums” also the word on the Rainforest Cafe and AMC Theater locations. Still closed with no announcements with regards to what will be coming!
Merch Run
Protect the Pride
These special edition Nala and Simba plush support The Lion King Protect the Pride campaign. They are also available at certain Disney stores, on shopDisney.com, and in select U.S. Disney Parks and Resorts locations
MORE INFO: Disney to raise up to $3 million for conservation with new The Lion King PROTECT THE PRIDE campaign
More in Store
DJ R3X is available as a Funko Pop figure!
Lounge Fly Pixar Fest!
Toy Story 4 comes to play
Disneyland (along with Disney Parks locations around the globe) have begun showing a TOY STORY 4 extended preview which includes a custom intro by actor Tony Hale. ENDS JULY 7, 2019.
MORE INFO: TOY STORY 4 at Disneyland brings extended peek of Disney-Pixar’s latest animated adventure
California Soarin’
Are you ready to go Soarin’ Over California again? You can charter your own flight now! Due to popular demand, the attraction’s return has been extended! ENDS August 31, 2019.
MORE INFO: SOARIN’ OVER CALIFORNIA to return to Disney California Adventure for limited time this summer
Wake the Dead!
Disneyland is inviting you to help come wake the dead with a special after-after hours party (from 1am – 4am!) to celebrate the Haunted Mansion! Commemorating 50 years of the chillingly awesome attraction, this “under the hill” soiree will take include a bunch of earthly delights including spirited sips and bites, special entertainment, character encounters, photo ops, and access to several west-side park attractions, plus a few other supernatural surprises.
Magical Savings on Admission
It’s one of the questions we get asked the most, how can you save a little money on Disneyland tickets? Below is what’s available now.
- US military discounts for tickets and hotels; Disneyland, Walt Disney World. MORE INFO
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 and apparel, you can also find stickers, phone & laptop cases, mugs, and more!
SHOP NOW: Find more designs and products at our store: mouseinfo.com/tees.
THE END!
