This week we discuss the hotel plans on hold, D23 details, refurbishments, autism lawsuits, Disney trivia, how we would change the park, and more.
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News this Week:
As we reported in the breaking news update, the new upscale hotel is on hold indefinitely by Disney. The new hotel was to include 700 rooms, 17,000 square feet dining and retail spaces, and a new parking structure consisting of 2,194 spaces. Back in 2016, the Anaheim city council approved a new hotel development, which included a 70% rebate on hotel room taxes for the next 20 years. When Disney changed the proposal to relocate parts of the new complex, they had to resubmit the plans to the council. The council is not the same people who were in charge back in 2016, and are much more strict with Disney, for proof of that, just go back to the Eastern Gateway project that was abandoned in the last year. The city of Anaheim stated that the change in the site plan would make the hotel ineligible for the tax credits that are no longer offered. Once Disney heard that, they responded that the project would be put on indefinite hold. – http://www.developingoc.com/2018/08/a-closer-look-at-future-disneyland-hotel.html
Since our breaking news update, a lot of information and speculation has come out about this issue. In the long run, it appears that the city of Anaheim would like to strike a balance from the old deal and nothing to see if Disney will come back to the table. – https://www.ocregister.com/2018/08/15/disneylands-new-upscale-hotel-put-on-hold-indefinitely/
Over at the Disneyland Hotel, the Tangaroa Terrace will be closing for refurbishments starting on Sept 4. This will be a lengthy refurbishment with the anticipated re-open date in mid January 2019. During it’s closure, you will be able to find some of your favorite menu items at the Coffee House and Trader Sam’s. – http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2018/08/09/tangaroa-terrace-at-disneyland-hotel-closing-for-refurbishment/
There has been quite a bit of work happening on Main Street. Disney is working on refurbishing the exterior of some of the buildings. All of the businesses have been able to remain open except for the Main Street Cinema. Some temporary ramps have been installed so that wheelchairs are still able to get on and off the sidewalks during construction. – https://micechat.com/203506-disneyland-update-a-ghost-will-follow-you-home/
As we have talked about on the show previously, this year marks the 90th birthday of Mickey Mouse! On November 18, Mickey’s birthday, Disneyland will have a celebration cavalcade that will begin at “it’s a small world,” stop at Sleeping Beauty Castle for a special moment, and then conclude in Town Square. Next year, the resort will join the international Parks and Resorts in hosting “The World’s Biggest Mouse Party.” There are no further details on that at this time. – https://www.mouseplanet.com/12083/Disneyland_Resort_Update_for_August_20__26_2018
With Halloween quickly approaching, a new seasonal treat has been spotted at the parks. One of our favorite Halloween villains, Oogie Boogie, can be found on a unique krispy treat. This creepy treat is Oogie Boogie inside and out! It is shaped like the villain and is filled with gummy worms! – http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2018/08/19/this-oogie-boogie-krispie-treat-in-disney-parks-has-a-hidden-surprise/
A Federal Appeals Court declared that visitors with severe autism can proceed with their lawsuits against the parks. 30 Disney guests claim that Disney violated the Americans with Disabilities Act. The plaintiffs claim that Disney’s program that is in place does not do enough to accommodate them. – https://www.laughingplace.com/w/news/2018/08/20/court-says-severely-autistic-visitors-may-proceed-with-disney-lawsuit/
D23 tickets and some details were announced last week. There are some changes this year on who can get discounts on the tickets. Now you have to be a D23 Gold member to get the special pricing. So what is the pricing? General admission without a D23 gold membership is $89 for the one day pass, and $249 for the 3 day pass. Child tickets are $69/1 day. $185/3 day.
If you are a D23 Gold member and purchase your tickets before November 20, the one day pass is $67 and the 3 day pass is $177. Child tickets are $49/1 day, $145/3 day. Also announced with the tickets were some exclusive D23 exclusive merchandise that includes t-shirt, lanyard, pin, and tote. If you want to get the VIP treatment, a limited number of VIP Sorcerers tickets, limit 2 per member, will be available for $2500. – https://d23.com/d23-expo-2019-ticket-prices/
The 2019 D23 Expo will have all sorts of fun to experience. It will include all of Disney, which encompasses Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars. The mousequerade costume contest is returning with Ashley from Her Universe and Yvette Nicole Brown judging. The Disney Design Challenge will be themed to the Haunted Mansion. The Disney Archives will be back with no announced exhibit. The badges this time around will have RFID which should speed up access to venues. – https://micechat.com/203406-d23-expo-announcements-from-disney/
September 20th for Tiki Room return
