This week we discuss TONS of Galaxy’s Edge news, a new Annual Passport type, online reservations, the Lion King is coming, and more!
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News:
The resort is working hard to make sure that everyone has an enjoyable time when Galaxy’s Edge opens, so they have been releasing a lot of information before the big day. This week, the information was centered around parking. The Disneyland Resort parking areas will not be open until midnight on May 31st. Just to be clear, that is the first seconds of May 31st. We assume that the City of Anaheim and the resort itself will be monitoring the traffic situation for guests that try and arrive earlier. Starting on June 1st, the garages will open no later than 5:30am. With the reservations already given out for this period, there is no need to get to the resort early anyway, as you will not be allowed in earlier, or for any extended amount of time. There is no standby, so it would be a waste of time. – http://blogmickey.com/2019/05/disney-releases-operational-details-for-parking-at-disneyland-when-star-wars-galaxys-edge-opens-on-may-31st/
Disney has been releasing more and more details on the new land. This week they released the full menus for each restaurant. Some of the options include a Roasted Endorian Tip-yip Salad, which is marinated chicken served with mixed greens, roasted seasonal vegetables, quinoa, pumpkin seeds, and green curry ranch, and Ronto Wrap, which is roasted pork and grilled sausage with peppercorn sauce and tangy slaw wrapped in pita. There are a lot of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks as well as a variety of snacks and desserts. For the full menus, plus pictures, check out the link in our show notes. – http://blogmickey.com/2019/05/disney-releases-full-menus-for-star-wars-galaxys-edge-dining-locations/
D23, the official Disney Fan Club, posted some pictures of little details that are coming to the new land. Taxidermied heads of some creatures from the universe, droids, cargo, and more are all on display. – https://d23.com/first-look-stunning-star-wars-galaxys-edge-photos-reveal-intergalactic-new-details/
Of course with all the theming in Batuu, how are they going to enforce the four hour window that we have talked about previously? The colored wristbands that guests will be given will notify the First Order troopers when their time is up, and they will escort you out of the settlement. Disney is also hoping to keep the attraction wait time to under 2 hours, so guests can have the remaining 2 hours to explore all the other details. – https://www.ocregister.com/2019/05/09/how-disneyland-will-enforce-the-4-hour-reservation-window-for-star-wars-galaxys-edge/
Starting on June 24th, the required reservations will not be required for entrance to Galaxy’s Edge, but that doesn’t mean that you can just go walking into the new land. A “boarding pass” will be available to get through the Disneyland app. The app will notify guests when it is their time to “board” the new area. If you don’t have a smartphone, you can get a paper boarding pass at kiosks around the park. Once your boarding time has arrived, guests have two hours to make it into Galaxy’s Edge. There will not be a time limit once inside. Early morning, and possible late evenings may not need this system if the land is not too crowded. Disney has said this system will remain in place until crowds die down. – https://www.ocregister.com/2019/05/09/how-the-star-wars-galaxys-edge-virtual-queue-system-will-work-after-the-initial-reservation-only-period/
There are tons of families who create their own custom t-shirts for a vacation to the happiest place on earth. If families want something a little more “official”, they can now buy some directly from Disney, themed to Star Wars. This comes just in time for the end of the month, when Galaxy’s Edge opens. The new shirts come in six variations: Alliance, AT-AT Family, Rebel Alliance, First Order Family Vacation, Empire Family Vacation, and Stormtrooper. They are available to customize on shopdisney.com. – http://blogmickey.com/2019/05/shop-new-customizable-family-star-wars-shirts-arrive-just-in-time-for-star-wars-galaxys-edge-opening-in-disneyland/
Can’t wait to visit the Millennium Falcon? You don’t have to! Han Solo’s ship is ready for you to see in stunning 360 degrees on YouTube! – https://youtu.be/fndphsrdfM8
Our excitement is building for Emotional Whirlwind! As you all know, the new Inside Out themed attraction will be opening this summer in Pixar Pier. Disney has released the fun and whimsical attraction posters! If you have seen the movie, the attraction posters feature some of the different areas of Riley’s head that Joy and Sadness explore. Of course there is Headquarters, Personality Islands, the Train of Thought, Subconscious, Cloud Town, and Abstract Thought! – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2019/05/inside-out-emotional-whirlwind-opening-this-summer-at-pixar-pier-in-disney-california-adventure-park/
Disney has launched a new online reservation system for young guests wanting to experience the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique! To make an appointment with a Fairy Godmother in Training, you can now go on disneyland.com to make your reservation. Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance. Its as simple as Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo! – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2019/05/online-reservations-now-available-for-magical-experiences-at-walt-disney-world-and-disneyland-resorts/
With the new stroller guidelines in place, even Disneyland had to get new strollers to comply with the limitations. The resort has purchased brand new double strollers that are available for rental by guests needing double strollers. There is a small amount of storage in the bottom and the two seats are in a single line, both facing forward. – http://blogmickey.com/2019/05/shop-new-customizable-family-star-wars-shirts-arrive-just-in-time-for-star-wars-galaxys-edge-opening-in-disneyland/
Tale of the Lion King is coming to DCA on June 7th. The new musical production features a cast of 18 performers that will tell their tales through story, song, and dance. Tale of the Lion King will be performed over at the Palisades Stage. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2019/05/behind-the-scenes-of-tale-of-the-lion-king-coming-june-7-to-disney-california-adventure-park/
We have talked so much about annual passes and the issues that come from offering them at the resort, but this week Disneyland unveiled a new pass unlike anything that we have seen before. The Disneyland Flex Passport, priced at $599, will offer blackout dates matching the Signature Pass, which is $550 more. So, what is the catch? Most weekends and holidays will require a reservation to be made prior to visiting the park. Only two days of reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance at a time. Most weekdays not in the blackout period do not require a reservation. Reservations will be limited on the days requiring them. This is an attempt to offer a more affordable option, but still keeping the crowds down. – https://www.micechat.com/224305-everything-you-need-to-know-about-disneylands-new-flex-passport/
