This week, Orange County enters expanded stage 2, what that means for Disneyland, what is open in the Disney universe, construction details for the new DVC tower, a bit of zen from Cars Land, we talk about the former entrance marquee, and more!
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News:
The State of California has approved Orange County to enter “expanded stage 2” of reopening. This includes dine-in restaurants and shopping malls. The state’s Resiliency Roadmap still doesn’t allow bars, tourist hotels, or theme parks from opening. What this does allow for is the possibility of Downtown Disney reopening. Following the lead of Disney Springs out in Florida, Downtown Disney is not expected to open until late June at the earliest. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/05/23/news-disneylands-orange-county-approved-to-move-into-stage-two-of-reopening/#more-340676 and https://www.mouseplanet.com/12663/Disneyland_Resort_Update_for_May_26__31_2020#news4
We keep talking about all the stuff that is still closed in the Disney Universe. So, what is open around the world at the time of this podcast recording? Shanghai Disneyland, as we reported before is open in China, Disney Springs out in Florida is partially opened, and character dining at Hong Kong Disneyland’s Enchanted Rose Garden in the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel. All of Disneyland in Anaheim, Tokyo Disneyland in Japan, and Disneyland Paris in France are still completely closed at this time. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/05/21/here-are-all-of-the-disney-locations-around-the-world-that-are-open-right-now/#more-336203
With construction continuing at the Disneyland resort, the DVC tower has made some progress with new renderings released by Disney. A community webinar was held Thursday, May 21st to show off the renderings and blueprints. The new tower at the Disneyland Hotel will be “L” shaped and a seperate pool on the backside of the new tower. The part of the tower that faces South Walnut Street will step down in height from 12 stories to 5. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/05/24/news-disneyland-releases-more-details-about-new-vacation-club-tower/ and https://wdwnt.com/2020/05/photos-new-renderings-of-disney-vacation-club-tower-at-disneyland-hotel-released-at-community-webinar/ and https://www.mouseplanet.com/12663/Disneyland_Resort_Update_for_May_26__31_2020#news3
The Disneyland Resort has once again updated their unused ticket policy. For tickets purchased between March 14th and 31st of 2020, unused one day and multi day tickets are good through their expiration date, subject to the type of ticket, which can be found in our show notes. Promotional tickets, originally expiring on May 21st, 2020, have been extended to December 16th, 2021. For all the specifics and “small print” please check out the link in the show notes. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/05/21/news-disneyland-extends-the-validity-of-some-tickets-affected-by-the-closure/#more-339877 and https://www.mouseplanet.com/12663/Disneyland_Resort_Update_for_May_26__31_2020#news5
It is that time of year where students all over are graduating from high school and colleges all over the country. Disney reported that nearly 700 cast members have graduated through the Disney Aspire program. The program pays 100% tuition upfront for in-network schools. The program covers high school diplomas, trade schools, and Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2020/05/dreams-within-reach-celebrating-our-graduates/
On Monday, #Disneymagicmoments shared a peaceful video of a beautiful sunrise over Cars Land in California Adventure. The video was originally part of the “Disneyland Resort at Dawn” video series the Disney Parks Blog put together a few years ago. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2020/05/disneymagicmoments-sunrise-views-from-cars-land-in-disney-california-adventure-park/
Former Disneyland Resort President, Rebecca Campbell, shared a photo touching reflection on her time at Disneyland. The photo is of Rebecca up in Walt’s apartment, standing next to the light and looking out over Main Street USA. She captioned it with “I remember my first day on the job at Disneyland, going up to Walt’s apartment, and looking out the window to see the amazing Cast Members and wonderful guests. It was a powerful moment, and one that has stuck with me ever since. I feel extremely grateful to have had this experience and to have met so many incredible people along the way. As I embark on my next role as chairman of Disney’s international business units and streaming services including Disney+, I want to thank all of you for making the Disneyland Resort truly the Happiest Place on Earth. I was a frequent guest of the parks before I worked here… and I have no doubt I’ll be back often with my family.” – https://wdwnt.com/2020/05/photo-former-disneyland-resort-president-rebecca-campbell-reflects-on-overseeing-the-happiest-place-on-earth/
This past week, Disney shared the Lion King: Rhythms of the Pride Lands stage show. You would normally need to travel to Disneyland Paris to experience this energetic show but thank you to Disney Magic Moments for making this fun show available for Disney fans around the world to watch at home. We will have a link in our show notes to the video. – https://www.cnet.com/news/disneyland-paris-will-live-stream-its-lion-king-stage-show-friday-night/
The world famous Jungle Cruise is now boarding! Fans of this punny attraction will be all ears for this next bit of news. A new t-shirt is available on shop disney and it features this classic opening day attraction. What makes this shirt notable, it that it showcases concept art sketched by none other than Marc Davis. The artwork dates back to 1961 when Walt brought his team back to re-imagine the ride. – https://wdwnt.com/2020/05/shop-fun-new-jungle-cruise-t-shirt-features-concept-art-from-the-reimagined-disneyland-attraction/
If you are like us, then you have been wondering when Disney is releasing the next set in the Disney Castle Collection line. There is no date yet, but images from the next release have been shared online. This time the castle is from the universe of Frozen, featuring Arendelle Castle. Once again, there is a pin, puzzle, ornament, notebook, and light up figurine. New releases in the collection will go on sale every other month. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2020/05/photos-new-frozen-arendelle-castle-merchandise-revealed-for-the-disney-castle-collection-coming-soon-to-shopdisney/
Discussion Topic:
Disneyland Marquee
WDW News Today – https://wdwnt.com/2020/05/a-welcoming-icon-signs-off-in-this-october-1989-issue-of-disneyland-line/
Yesterland Part 1 – https://www.yesterland.com/disneylandsign.html
Yesterland Part 2 – https://www.yesterland.com/disneylandsign2.html
