This week we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the podcast and Disneyland! We also discuss the new ticket system coming to Disney World and how it could impact Disneyland, mobile ordering expands, Downtown Disney updates, better pay for cast members, we have a special guest to talk about the 50th anniversary, 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:
Not a specific piece of Disneyland news, but could impact the resort in the future if successful out in Walt Disney World, is a new pricing scheme for park tickets. Not much is known at this time, but it appears that instead of seasonal pricing, like both resorts currently operate under, the new strategy could see pricing changes on a day by day basis. The tickets will also have a much smaller window for use. The new pricing will begin at Disney World on October 16th. Disney was clear that the reason for this change was overcrowding and trying to provide the best value for everyone. It seems like only a matter of time until this comes to Disneyland. –https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2018/09/walt-disney-world-resort-introduces-new-online-destination-for-vacation-planning-date-based-tickets/
If you plan on attending one of the Mickey’s Halloween Party this year, you might see an addition to the Frightfully Fun Parade. Vampirina has joined the last float in the parade, along with villains. – https://www.mouseplanet.com/12200/Disneyland_Resort_Update_for_September_25___30_2018#news1
If you haven’t purchased tickets to Mickey’s Halloween Party, you are now out of luck as all of the dates have now sold out. A limited number of tickets may be available if you call the resort, visit the ticket booths, or are a guest at a Disney Resort hotel. These are extremely limited, so your mileage may vary. – https://www.mouseplanet.com/12200/Disneyland_Resort_Update_for_September_25___30_2018#news2
Mobile ordering is continuing to expand throughout the resort. As of September 25, Edelweiss Snacks, Stage Door Cafe, Refreshment Corner and the Royal Street Veranda have been added to the system. This brings the total to 22 locations where you can pre-order your food through the Disneyland app and pick up your order once you arrive. – https://www.laughingplace.com/w/news/2018/08/30/disneyland-resort-adds-mobile-order-locations/
Have you been using the Disneyland App for show times, wait times, and other time related things? If so, then this news shouldn’t rain on your parade too hard. Gone are the days of Disneyland handing out times guides with the park guide maps. If you want this information, you will be expected to check the app. If you are determined to use a paper copy, you can still pick one up from guest services. – https://micechat.com/207276-disneyland-update-fall-in-line/
After a long wait, the upstairs dining room at Naples in Downtown Disney has opened. The new space includes a new walk out patio, an open concept kitchen where diners can watch their food being prepared, and more. The third phase of the renovations are due to be completed later this year. The first phase was the outdoor patio on the main level that opened earlier this year. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2018/09/thats-amore-naples-ristorante-e-pizzeria-unveils-new-upstairs-dining-at-downtown-disney-district-at-disneyland-resort/
If you take a stroll through Downtown Disney, you will see that they have decked out the district with yellow, red, orange, and green pumpkins, squash, giant gourds, marigolds, mums and ferns. After you enjoy the nice harvest themed decorations, you can treat yourself to some fall-flavored treats. Jamba Juice has Pumpkin Smash and Pumpkin Harvest Protein drinks, Kayla’s Cake has Pumpkin Cheese Macaron with pumpkin cheesecake ganache, Ralph Brennan’s Jazz kitchen has a witch’s brew cocktail with cinnamon, spice and everything nice. Sprinkles has pumpkin cupcakes and limited time assortment “Boo Boxes”. There is a pumpkin spice churro at California Churro, a Jack-O-Lantern, caramel apple, candy corn, and pumpkin spice flavored cotton candy flavors at Cotton Candy Creations, and finally a Cinnamon Bitz and Caramel Dip at Wetzel’s Pretzels. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2018/09/enjoy-autumn-in-downtown-disney-district-at-disneyland-resort/
Hotel Cast Members from Unite Here! Local 11 will be getting a pay increase of 40% over the next two years, raising the minimum wage in January, 2019 to $15 an hour, with housekeepers seeing an increase to $15.80 an hour immediately. Last month Disney also announced a program called Disney Aspire, which will provide Cast Members with resources to learn, grow, and achieve through a $150 million investment over the next 5 years. – https://www.laughingplace.com/w/news/2018/09/23/disneyland-resort-raises-minimum-wage-to-15-for-more-cast-members/
The Main Street Cinema has come out from behind construction wall to display a new paint scheme, reminiscent of colors that represent Mickey Mouse. It does make the cinema stand out among its neighbors, although the jury is out on whether that is a good thing it not. There has not been any changes to the interior at this time. – https://micechat.com/207276-disneyland-update-fall-in-line/
Discussion Topic:
Lynn Barron from The Sweep Spot podcast joins us to talk about being a cast member during the 50th anniversary at Disneyland.
