The summer season steams along at the Happiest Place on Earth and although the crowds are certainly lighter than perhaps most expected, the Disneyland Resort is far from empty. Beyond growing crowds, there’e still projects ongoing across property.
For this weekend’s park pictorial, we’ll take a look at on-going progress at Pixar Pals where construction continues despite the structure actually being open. There’s a new bridge and walkway taking shape to help with guest flow. There’s also an entirely new Marvel-themed land springing up at Disney California Adventure and dining area renovations at Award Wieners.
Beyond all that, it’s mostly bric-a-brac observations around the parks this week plus a check-in on Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge; its crowds and its merch. Of course, a nice merch run awaits at the end plus more! ENJOY!
An Opening Date Far, Far Away
Disney recently confirmed that the high-profile E-ticket attraction STAR WARS: RISE OF THE RESISTANCE will be opening December 5, 2019 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and January 17, 2020 at Disneyland Park.
Stop Gap
Mickey and Friends Band-Tastic Cavalcade will be coming to Disneyland to round out the summer entertainment offerings from July 18 through August 1, 2019. This offering fills the gap in entertainment that will be missing when Mickey’s Soundsational Parade closes after July 17 but before the Main Street Electrical Parade returns on August 2.
Pixar Pals Parking Structure
Although it’s open, the Pixar Pals Parking Structure is still not quite finished.
The parking assist lights were activated at Mickey and Friends several weeks ago but they’ve yet to be turned on at Pixar Pals.
This weekend was our first time parking at Pixar Pals and it seemed unusually dark. It didn’t look like there were lights out, it just seems that the existing lights don’t cast enough light so you’re left with big patches of kinda dark areas. This photo isn’t the best indicator of it but the entire level on CARS level seemed oddly dark.
A bunch of trees have sprung up in the plaza in-between Mickey and Friends and the Pixar Pals Parking Structure.
Looks like there’s still more trees to come!
For at least the past several months (and as far back as we can remember) Mickey and Friends standard protocol seemed to be to load the Minnie roof-top level first — an annoying trend (for early risers, at least) that we can only assume was to beat the oppressive heat of the day — but now that the Pixar Pals Parking Structure is here it seems Disney is using Minnie level (or Inside Out if you’re on the Pixar Pals side) as a last resort to load in towards the later parts of the day after the heat has subsided.
This is a massive win for those who arrive early as it was always annoying to be amongst the first people to arrive and then have arguably some of the worst possible parking in the entire structure.
Not much noticable change on the bridge, it’s still not completely connected to the structure but otherwise looks about ready. It’s the walkway it connects to across the street that still needs a bit more work.
The low incline walkway up to the bridge makes it wheelchair friendly and removes the need for an elevator. You can see here the walkway up to the bridge forks to another walkway.
That forked walkway connects to the intersection of Disneyland Dr. and Magic Way. This will be the way that guests walking to the resort from nearby hotels north of Disneyland (Anaheim Maingate Inn, Best Western Courtesy Inn, Days Inn by Wyndham Anaheim West, etc.) will enter the property.
Beyond the fork in the path, you can see the walkway will meander over towards the Downtown Disney security screening area. This should prove to be a nice walking path.
Mornings are misty once again. May Grey, ok. June Gloom, fine. JULY, though?!
Pixar Pals elevator wells still need some patch jobs.
Valid through 7/10/19. Cool. Cool. XD
Not your turn. My turn. I push the button.
Jack-Jack is floating right out of his bubble, lol.
MORE INFO: PICTORIAL: Pixar Pals Parking Structure opens, expands Disneyland Resort parking by thousands
Around the Resort
Scaffolding is down on the former info booth but walls remain. Looks like it wasn’t removed but what does the future hold… TBD!
Time for this sign right by the booth to get an update.
Marvel-Themed Land
Not much noticeable change is visible from ground level.
Hard to see from this picture but the Cast Member in the orange vest was pounding away at the facade of the hangar.
By the time we got to the Pixar Pal Around (criminy can we rename that thing?) a nice big hole had been opened up.
MORE INFO: Find more articles about the upcoming Marvel-themed land.
Around Disney California Adventure
Surprised Mickey — or “Oswald” has he’s more commonly known — is still greeting guests on Buena Vista Street. So great. Now that Red Car News Boys show is ending on July 23, maybe they can do an atmo-show with Oswald and Roger Rabbit. A Tail of Two Rabbits, perhaps?
Not much visible progress on the dining area for Award Wieners.
Still no Mickey on the Silly Symphony Swings.
Around Disneyland
The banners in the esplanade were updated.
The Haunted Mansion Holiday banner was finally replaced with a regular Haunted Mansion banner.
Peter Pan’s Flight banner.
“it’s a small world” banner.
Rawr.
Toot toot!
Pew pew!
Doesn’t look like the DCA banners had any major updates.
Merch displays were re-arranged to make the Emporium entrance more easily navigable. Haleloo.
Water is still pretty icky around the Resort.
Figaro and the bluebird have returned to the Fantasy Faire!
Fig and Blue are back! pic.twitter.com/1RtIvvy0Tx
— MouseInfo (@MouseInfo) July 13, 2019
Mood.
Still really annoyed by the return of the carrousel cart in the castle forecourt. Completely defeats the purpose of Project Stardust and widening the walkway back here. Will die on this hill.
Stroller Parking.
Princess strolling through the kingdom.
Two new Adventures by Disney posters have sprung up in Frontierland. Beautifully designed though they may be, they’re completely out of place in the land. I’m a big fan of synergy when it’s appropriate and Disneyland has always been a clash of contradictions in terms of themes meshing together and time periods being blurred but a Disney logo should not be included anywhere in any of the lands as part of general themeing and atmosphere. The posters minus the logos are perfectly in theme, and again gorgeously designed, but the Adventures by Disney logo at the bottom immediately zaps you out of whatever immersion you were experiencing with time, setting, and place that is so carefully crafted.
Bad show.
Good show.
The Jungle Cruise queue has also been hit by bad show. As minor as it is in the overall hierarchy of visuals on the image, the Adventures by Disney logo completely removes you from the 1930s theme that the atmosphere, decor, and music are setting up for you here. Considering the incredible lengths Disney took to make sure the land of STAR WARS: GALAXY’S EDGE was completely devoid of STAR WARS logos and elements that remove you from the immersion, it just rings muddled and confused to have beautiful new artwork elsewhere in the park that contradicts the purpose of taking you to a land of yesterday, tomorrow, and fantasy.
Bad show.
Good show.
And honestly, that’s the tea. Don’t be mad about it. No, literally. Up there. ^^ The barrel. It’s JRFC Ltd. Tea.
Finally got to try the Bengal Barbecue Poke Bowl and it is surprisingly awesome. Bright colors and bold flavors abound here in this winning new dish. It features Sushi-Grade Ahi Tuna in a “Spicy” Mayo sauce served with Edamame-Cucumber Slaw, Sesame-Seaweed Salad, Pickled Ginger, Fresh Avocado, Crispy Wontons, Green Onions, and a Ginger-Lemongrass Soy Dressing.
The dish is presented beautifully with the ingredients separated so that it’s easy for finnicky eaters to take out elements they don’t want. This came in especially handy for removing the pickled ginger which would otherwise overpower the entire dish. The Ginger-Lemongrass Soy Dressing is also very, very good! It took a few years too long but I’m glad Disney finally embraced the poke trend and doing it well. Dishes like this always make you stop and think, wait this is theme park food?! Now if only we could get some sushi options in the parks…
Mon capitan.
Taking some time to stop and enjoy the flowers.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is open. Let’s go!
Back to Batuu!
I know people keep sharing pictures of empty Batuu but since the land has opened we’ve only experienced it busier than on any of our days during the reservation periods last month.
80 minutes around noon for the new Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run.
Crowded. Not crowd-dead.
The extended queue that goes backstage to a lightly themed set of switchbacks was in use around noon on Saturday. You can see the giant doors partially opened leading to the backstage portion. A Cast Member controls flow here so that the massive door isn’t just open, exposing the backstage area.
ODV carts are setup offering not just drinks but also fans and select merch items.
Stormtroopers were looking for a pilot named Ohnaka. Shocking that they had no idea his well established enterprise is literally right behind them.
These two Stormtroopers were heckling this guest in line — as they do with everyone in the land. He was in line to get his picture taken at the Millennium Falcon. After heckling him, then a few other guests, they came back to him. The first Stormtrooper goes back up to the guy and said he just realized that he remembered him from a resistance recruitment rally a few nights ago. They then told him he would have to come with them. They proceed to pull him out of line, leaving his group behind. They pull him away just a few paces before the Stormtroopers start arguing with each other. The first Stormtrooper says he has to call it in and proceeds to talk to someone through his commlink. That Stormtrooper apparently gets chewed out and then awkwardly tells the guest that he’s free to leave but that they’ve got their eyes on him. Everyone that was standing around watching this all happen started cheering once they let him go.
Honestly. Tears. Big awkward nerd tears.
Honestly, the horticulture of Batuu is stunning. Really wish there was a Traveler’s Guide to the Botany of Batuu.
The bubbling blue milk in this container at the Milk Stand has apparently turned white. I guess even Blue Milk sours in the suns?
I found a new terminal in Batuu. I was not able to hack it with my Datapad.
Several items were back in stock this weekend at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. The line you see here is for the Batuuan Spira gift card which is now finally back in stock.
The metal coin is technically free. It is a Disney Gift Card (there’s a barcode on the back and it’s reloadable) but the minimum amount to acquire this gift card is $100. So while it’s technically free, you have to spend $100 to get it. What’s great about this card is that it works just like a regular Disney Gift Card which means you can use it anywhere on property or wherever Disney Gift Cards are accepted — including your local Disney Store.
Resistance Supply was also selling these sweet model kits.
You can put together your own A-Wing, Poe’s X-Wing, or the Millennium Falcon.
Die-cast metal toys are popular.
Dok-Ondar’s still only has blue and red crystal available if you purchase a holocron. The last we heard was August but this is unconfirmed.
Luke’s lightsaber is back in stock.
A few other blades are still available, too.
Wampa, wampa! ::throws tomato::
If a Resistance MRE meal kit is not your style, you can juice up on Jedi Food Capsules.
Data Storage Units are in stock. On Earth we call them USB drives. This particular unit features 32GB of storage with pre-loaded content and incldues the storage pouch.
It is similar to one owned by Lor San Teeka in STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS. His antiquated device proved useful to the Resistance. Once plugged into a capable droid, it projected a holographic star map showing the location of the first Jedi temple.
Jedi Gear Set.
Padawan training lightsabers.
WARNING: Keep Clear of Beak and Tentacles!
Still no personality chips available but plenty of other ways to customize your droids.
Droid Factory playset.
Remote controlled MSE Mouse Droid.
Droid superstars!
Merch Run
The Lion King
It’s Simba. It’s a beanie. It’s a Simbeanie!
It’s Simba. It’s a hoody. It’s Simbhoody. Ok, maybe that one doesn’t work.
Merch for THE LION KING has started hitting shelves to promote the upcoming live-action reboot. You can check out a review we posted about the new movie below.
MORE INFO: REVIEW: Does it roar? A spoiler-free look at THE LION KING
Adventureland is well stocked on merch for THE LION KING.
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
Look at these adorable plush that have joined Br’er Rabbit on the shelves in Critter Country.
Poof!
Adventureland Bazaar still has a hefty ALADDIN presence.
Looks like some of the merch has been smuggled off Batuu at the Emporium.
Disney Parks 2020 Calendar is here.
Enchanted Tiki Room backpack.
Grey Haunted Mansion print backpack.
Loungefly vintage park map backpack and wallet.
Really great colorful Disneyland design featuring the retro logo. Check out the stitching on the rim! So good!
Can’t sleep. Mermaid will eat me. Imagine a school of these swimming around viciously in the water???
Disney Style Minnie Mouse accessory dolls.
Jumbo plush.
Still love these gold water bottles.
Wish the designs were etched. =(
Grand Old Time!
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
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.
THE END!
thanks great update.
speaking of merchandise, i sat in the resistance area and watched at least a dozen or more adult men say they wanted one of the bike helmets themed to star wars helmets. sadly for some odd reason Disney only got helmets that fit children heads. Disney could be selling way mote of those if they had them in adult sizes.