Low crowds at the Disneyland have been dominating social spheres but the Fourth of July proved to be a return to “normalcy” with the expected crush of humanity descending on the happiest place on earth for its famous fireworks presentation for Independence Day.
Beyond the crowds, Disneyland Resort continues expanding with ever-more offerings as we saw the grand opening of the GCH Craftsman Bar at the pool area of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. We’ll also take a closer look at the newly opened Pixar Pals Parking Structure plus check in on construction for the upcoming Marvel-themed land.
We’ll drop in on Batuu again for a look around the new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge expansion plus scope out a new meet and greet for the Black Panther and scope other changes around the property. Of course, a nice merch run awaits at the end plus more in this latest park pictorial. ENJOY!
Another Grand Opening!
After several months of construction, the new GCH Craftsman Bar has opened poolside at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. The menu offers a variety of noshables from artisanal pizzas and avocado toast to sliders, nachos, and shawarma. A robust offering of unique drink options are also available.
MORE INFO: PICTORIAL: New Craftsman Bar opens at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa with strong new menu
Pixar Pals
After chronicling the construction over the past year or so, we’re excited to finally take a look at the new Pixar Parks Parking Structure. Yes, we get excited about even parking structures around here. We suspect you do too or you wouldn’t be here!
MORE INFO: PICTORIAL: Pixar Pals Parking Structure opens, expands Disneyland Resort parking by thousands
Fourth of July
Disneyland has been a reliable place every year to catch a patriotic presentation of the red the white and the blue high above the skies of Anaheim and this year proved no different with the 9:30pm performance of Disney’s Celebrate America! – A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky.
Thousands of fans descended on the park to take in a bit of the patriotic pride.
Crowds that everyone has been “waiting” for finally landed and Disney responded with their busy-day protocols including these glowing signs directing traffic. Main Street opened up backstage access paths on both sides of Main Street, USA and restricted one-way traffic on both sides of the street with the eastern side allowing only northbound traffic while the western side was restricted to southbound traffic only.
Crowds on Main Street were forced into Tomorrrowland for “All Lands and Attractions” access. About an hour before the fireworks, park-wide anouncements advised guests try “it’s a small world” for additional viewing.
But most people had caught onto that idea even a full hour before the fireworks show.
As is usual every year, many opt to watch the fireworks without any musical accompaniment in the Esplanade. Giant viewing areas were taped out earlier in the day.
After the fireworks, the trams and walkways back to Mickey and Friends were quite packed. Anaheim PD closed down Magic Way to vehicular traffic so that the only cars allowed through the thoroughfare were those exiting Downtown Disney, the Disneyland Hotel, or the Pixar Pals Parking Structure.
Even a full hour after the fireworks, every single level of Mickey and Friends was gridlocked with cars trying to exit.
Final Chance to Play
Disneyland’s TOY STORY 4 extended preview which includes a custom intro by actor Tony Hale ends after this weekend. ENDS JULY 7, 2019.
MORE INFO: TOY STORY 4 at Disneyland brings extended peek of Disney-Pixar’s latest animated adventure
AP Corner
You can still get your free photo-op, magnet, and button from the AP Corner under the Silly Symphony Swings. The ocarina mug is also available for separate cost.
Marvel-themed Land
MORE INFO: Find more articles about the upcoming Marvel-themed land.
Around Disney California Adventure
New dining area for Award Wieners is still under way.
Tried the temporary new Lava Fries. They feature the location’s amazing Filmstrip Fries topped with Pulled Pork, Teriyaki Sauce and Pineapple Salsa! There’s also a Lava Dog available with those same ingredients and a side of regular fries. Definitely worth it. There’s a slight spicy kick to the dish but the portion of meat is surprisingly hefty and the fresh pineapple in the salsa pairs well. It’s a really great snack to share.
Annual Passholders who mobile order at select locations will get a free button with their food. Participating locations we’re aware of include Bayside Brews, Corndog Castle, Lucky Fortune Cookery, and Award Wieners.
Although Black Panther has been greeting guests back here since Captain Marvel and her plane debuted in Hollywood Land, he didn’t really have a specific spot before this weekend. There’s now a more clear temporary setup for the popular Avenger.
Captain Marvel wasn’t out which provided the opportunity to get a closer look at the props under her plane.
A really great tribute to Stan Lee! The numbers indicate his birth date and the date of his passing.
Another great deep-cut Easter egg. MSH13 03191968? The comic book “Marvel Super Heroes”, issue #13, was released March 1968. What’s significant about that title? It’s the first-ever introduction of Carol Danvers!
Mickey is still missing atop the Silly Symphony Swings.
Incredicoaster and other coaster attractions at Disneyland took a brief downtime in the afternoon following the earthquake that shook the southland. All attractions resumed normal operation later that afternoon following safety inspections.
Inside Out: Emotional Whirlwind.
Churro. Why not?
Decided to soar over the state to escape the afternoon heat!
Test print on a FastPass ticket for the Ghostwriter printer used for making the paper FastPasses.
Taped off areas delineated the viewing areas for fireworks. A popular free spot to catch some impressive pyro displays. Unfortunately, Disney doesn’t pump the show music here but that doesn’t stop the area from filling up!
Around Disneyland
A bunch of photo-ops were available all around the Resort to commemorate Independence Day.
Every time we go through the backstage passageways behind Main Street we tend to find artwork that catches our eye.
The park got progressively busy as the day wore on reaching a fever pitch around 8pm. Crowds stayed well after the fireworks.
Yowza!
Disney used temporary walls to block views of the parade to keep walkways moving.
Mary and Bert were without their horses during Mickey’s Soundsational Parade. Why they aren’t dressed as Nanny and Chimney Sweep is mind-boggling.
Would be awesome if this could be activated from the Play Disney Parks app and cue some show smoke behind the bluff.
Don’t mind if I do…
Back to Batuu
I know.
Control panel open for the peeking.
CAUTION.
Marquees for Jewels of Bish and Zabaka’s Toydarian Toymaker stalls.
Around the Resort
No visible progress on the former info booth in the Esplanade.
Finally popped into Ballast Point.
Ballast Point Downtown Disney full menu.
Smokey Blue Burger with Fries and Impossible Meat Lettuce Cups.
An hour after the fireworks the crowds were gone from the Esplanade but the air was still filled with smoke thanks to endless barrage of fireworks from houses around the Resort.
Cast Members blocked access to the first tram loading station in an effort to get more people to go to the second one.
Close to 11pm and Downtown Disney was still quite busy.
TOY STORY 4 window display at World of Disney.
Merch Run
Los Feliz Five and Dime was selling Starbucks merch.
Your newest ear must-haves.
New headband bandanas.
Haunted Mansion wallet.
Splash Mountain Wishables.
Humphrey’s doing park merch the right way. Refreshing to see location-relevant items and not the endless repetition of branded merch.
Some of the legacy lightsabers are back in stock. Kyber Crystals are still out unless you buy a holocron and even then only red and blue are available. August is the target we’re hearing now for new shipments.
Still no personality chips, either.
Wallets still in stock but backpacks still out.
The version of this design on the left has more colors and is way better than the adult version next to it. =(
This still makes me laugh. Sweetie, you basic.
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
Glowing Again
In an exceedingly odd move, Disney has decided to resurrect the Main Street Electrical Parade for another limited time encore engagement starting August 2, 2019. To make way for the new parade, Disney also confirmed that Mickey’s Soundsational Parade will be closing July 17.
MORE INFO: MAIN STREET ELECTRICAL PARADE is coming back… again
New Exhibit Materializes
It’s been five decades since a certain foreboding manor along Disneyland’s Rivers of America flung open its doors to mortal visitors and now the Disney Gallery on Main Street is paying tribute to the Haunted Mansion with a fantastic new exhibit: Happy Haunts Materialize: Fifty Spirited Years of the Haunted Mansion.
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.
- AP PERK: Summer Bring-A-Friend ticket offer, $99 for 1-day Hoppers. MORE INFO
- 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.
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