This week we talk about the remaining preparations for Pixar Pier opening on Friday, new balloons, a ballot initiative to pay Disneyland employees more, patron Priscilla joins us to talk about the parks, and more!
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We also opened a merchandise store if you wanted some Disneyland Weekly Swag at https://www.disneylandweekly.com/store/.
News this Week:
Tickets are still available for the VIP Pixar Pier Premiere event taking place this Friday June 22nd. These guests will be the first to experience the newly re-themed pier. Ticket holders will get to walk the red carpet, taste the new Pixar themed foods, meet Pixar characters, experience the Incredicoaster, and more.
https://micechat.com/196625-pixar-pier-there-yet/
With the grand opening of Pixar Pier just days away, Imagineers are hard at work. The pier is currently closed to the public and most of the construction walls have been taken down, signs are being installed, and testing is being done on the Pal-a-round.
https://micechat.com/196625-pixar-pier-there-yet/
Concept art has been revealed for some of the new billboards that will be displayed along the boardwalk. These will be displayed just past the Adorable Snowman treat stand. The images released showcase Mr Fredrickson and Doug looking down at the Pier from their floating house and Eve and Wall-E sharing a special moment together with the Incredicoaster and Pal-a-Round behind them.
https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2018/06/first-look-pixar-themed-billboards-to-welcome-pixar-pier-guests-at-disney-california-adventure-park/
The new Pixar Ball water feature has been installed. This is a hands on water feature that allows guests spin the ball. The ball itself rides on a high pressure water jet, much like the one in Tomorrowland.
https://micechat.com/196625-pixar-pier-there-yet/
Over at the Lamplight Lounge guests can get a sneak peek of the new sketch art chandelier. The chandelier is displayed in the large atrium and features sketches of many of your favorite Pixar characters.
https://micechat.com/196625-pixar-pier-there-yet/
The lobster nachos are back! Earlier this week Disney posted the full menu for the Lamplight Lounge and online reservations are now open for the lower level dining room. The restaurant is booked for the first 10 days after opening. If you don’t mind eating early or late, you may still be able to find some openings for reservations after July 4th. If you are brave or if you have the time, you are able to wait in line for a table on the upper patio however expect a wait!
https://www.mouseplanet.com/12130/Disneyland_Resort_Update_for_June_1824_2018
Some changes have been happening on the other side of Paradise Bay. The lighted “Paradise Pier” on the Golden Zephyr has been shortened to just “Paradise” There is speculation that the sign will soon be “Paradise Park” since that is what that area will be called once construction is complete.
https://micechat.com/196625-pixar-pier-there-yet/
A new, very popular helium balloon design was spotted this past weekend in the park. The new balloon is based on the movie “Up”. Its designed to look like Mr. Fredrickson’s home with a bunch of balloons coming out of the chimney, just like in the movie when he flew to Paradise Falls.
https://micechat.com/196625-pixar-pier-there-yet/
Summer blackout dates begin this week for annual passholders. This is the final week Southern California Select and Southern California annual passholders. These passholders can visit again on August 20. Holders of the legacy Southern California passport are blocked out June 29 through August 20. The Deluxe annual passholders, Saturday blockouts are now until August 18. Just a reminder, the bring-a-friend offer announced for passholders last week is not valid on blockout dates. The discounted tickets are only good for admission on the date they are purchased.
https://micechat.com/196625-pixar-pier-there-yet/
Some new trading cards were being handed out to guests visiting the resort. With the re opening of Pirates of the Caribbean last week, guests received trading cards featuring the new pirate Redd. The backside of the card also had a game so that you could figure out your pirate name. This week, to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Alice in Wonderland dark ride, another trading card was being handed out to guests. This new card featured an image of a classic Alice attraction poster with fun facts on the backside.
https://micechat.com/196625-pixar-pier-there-yet/
There have been enough votes to add an initiative to the November Anaheim ballot to raise the minimum wage at Disneyland to $18 an hour. If approved, the initiative would increase the minimum wage at Disneyland and nearby hotels that receive city subsidies. Currently the minimum wage is $11 an hour. It would jump to $15 an hour on Jan. 1, 2019, and increase in $1 increments yearly up to $18 an hour on Jan. 1, 2022. After that, it would increase by 2% per year or by the inflation index, whichever is greater.
https://variety.com/2018/biz/news/disneyland-ballot-initiative-minimum-wage-1202846504/
