Tag: disneyland resort

  • New Fried Pickle Corndog with Peanut Butter at Disneyland Resort is Kind of a Big Dill

    New Fried Pickle Corndog with Peanut Butter at Disneyland Resort is Kind of a Big Dill

    If you like to try new treats, the new Fried Pickle Corn Dog at Disneyland Resort will have you relishing in delight.

    The Panko-crusted corndog comes with a side of peanut butter for dipping and is available at Disneyland’s Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs Cart in Downtown Disney.

    The Fried Pickle Corn Dog is kind of a big dill so big that the creators at Blue Ribbon Corn Dog extended its time on the menu until the end of April. Take a closer look at the new confectionery below:

    A hot dog stuffed in a pickle with a panko crust? Seriously? Count me in! Each corn dog is hand dipped and will cost you $13

  • New Limited-Capacity Event Coming to Disneyland Resort March 18

    New Limited-Capacity Event Coming to Disneyland Resort March 18

    As we previously reported, a new, limited-capacity ticketed experience is coming to Disney California Adventure park beginning March 18, where you can experience some of the sights, sounds and flavors of the Disneyland Resort with A Touch of Disney!

    A Touch of Disney

    A Touch of Disney offers some of the world-famous food and beverages from around the resort, plus a chance to see Disney characters, shop for the latest Disney merchandise and pose at unique photo locations.

    A selection of iconic food and beverage items from both Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park will be available for you to enjoy, from churros and the world-famous DOLE Whip to the classic Monte Cristo Sandwich usually found in New Orleans Square. Many items will be served snack-sized, so you can delight in a variety of bites and sips from mid-day through the evening. These guest-favorites will be available at locations around the park, including Smokejumpers Grill, Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats, Award Wieners, Cocina Cucamonga to name a few, and six seasonal and creatively themed marketplaces.

    Select retail locations also will be open, selling the latest apparel, accessories and souvenirs, including the new, adorable Disney NuiMOs. Pop in and out of the shops along Buena Vista Street or head to Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff at Pixar Pier for a selection of treats, including themed candy apples.

    While you explore the park, capture photos at iconic locations and discover new photo-worthy spots – some that are available only if you attend A Touch of Disney. You might catch a wave from Mickey Mouse and see some of his pals in unexpected settings. Mater and Lightning McQueen may be seen in Cars Land, or Joy and Sadness at Pixar Pier. To help set the stage for A Touch of Disney, a new, specially curated soundtrack of reimagined Disney songs will be broadcast throughout the park, along with updates and reminders about many can’t-miss experiences. Attractions remain closed for now.

    Here’s what you need to know*:

    • Dates: Beginning Mar. 18; offered Thursdays – Mondays from noon to 8 p.m.
    • Pricing: The introductory $75 ticket includes admission, parking for the experience at Mickey & Friends parking structure, unlimited downloads of Disney PhotoPass photos taken during the day of the experience, and a $25 A Touch of Disney dining card valid towards the purchase of food and non-alcoholic beverages (subject to restrictions including not being valid for alcohol). Ticket prices are subject to change.
    • Tickets: A Touch of Disney tickets will be available on Disneyland.com beginning March 4, for select days from March 18 through April 5, 2021. Tickets for this experience will then be released for dates on a rolling basis until the experience ends. Tickets must be purchased in advance and online at Disneyland.com for a specific date (subject to availability).
    • Dining: Table reservations for Lamplight Lounge and Carthay Circle Lounge – Alfresco Dining will be made available beginning March 11. Table reservations do not provide admission to A Touch of Disney and dining at those locations requires A Touch of Disney ticket that is valid on the same day as the table reservation. Reservations are recommended, and additional details are coming soon.

    Downtown Disney District will remain open seven days a week with unique dining and shopping that includes Black Tap Craft Burgers and Shakes, Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen, Naples Ristorante e Bar, World of Disney and Star Wars Trading Post, which recently opened in a new location. Buena Vista Street will remain open as an extension of the Downtown Disney District through March 14, and will be closed beginning March 15. Beginning March 18, Buena Vista Street will become part of A Touch of Disney.

    With the health and safety of everyone in mind, A Touch of Disney will operate with limited capacity and enhanced health and safety measures in place based on guidance from health authorities, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and appropriate government agencies.

  • Disney California Adventure to Reopen for Limited-Time Event

    Disney California Adventure to Reopen for Limited-Time Event

    Disney California Adventure will reopen for a special, limited-time event featuring food, beverage, and merchandise inside the theme park.

    Disneyland President Ken Potrock sent out a letter to cast members on Monday, asking to bring back 1,000 members to staff a special, limited-time, hard-ticket event at California Adventure, a Disneyland spokesman said.

    In a letter that commemorates the 20th anniversary of Disney California Adventure Park today, Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock announced directly to cast members that a new offering is headed to the resort, soon. A copy of that letter is below:

    Dear Cast Members,

    It’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years since we welcomed our first Guests to Disney California Adventure Park. While I’m relatively new to the Disneyland Resort, I was so excited to visit Disney California Adventure that first year and have enjoyed seeing the park evolve over the last two decades and the role it has played in creating a multi-day destination for our Guests. From the ongoing expansions and enhancements focused on bringing more Disney storytelling to the park, including Cars Land, to our upcoming mission to suit up the next generation of Super Heroes at Avengers Campus, we continue to add new and vibrant experiences for Guests to enjoy.

    I’m pleased to report that Avengers Campus is making incredible progress. From the futuristic architecture, theatrical lighting, unique audio, creative food, beautiful costuming and innovative merchandise, the land will be an immersive experience that we know our Guests are going to love. And while we aren’t ready to reveal Avengers Campus to the world just yet, I am excited about another very special opportunity we have at Disney California Adventure Park that speaks to our top priorities: getting more Cast Members back to work and engaging with our Guests in different and relevant ways.   

    Currently planned to begin mid-March, we will debut an all-new, limited-time ticketed experience, focused on our world-famous food and beverage offerings from around the resort, the latest merchandise and unique, carefully crafted entertainment experiences…all to be offered multiple days a week. With limited capacity and enhanced health and safety measures in place, Guests once again will get to step into a magical Disney environment — an environment that will provide memorable and fun experiences our Guests are craving.

    Teams across the resort are currently developing this distinctly Disney experience, so there are many more details to come, but I wanted you ­– our Cast Members ­­– to hear this news first. Stay tuned for the official announcement coming soon.

    What I’m most thrilled about is that this initiative — along with the recent reopening of our outdoor dining on Buena Vista Street — enables us to bring about 1,000 Cast Members back to work. While that is clearly not all we want to accomplish, it’s a start. Teams are working as we speak to start recalling identified Cast in the coming weeks.

    This past year has presented extraordinary challenges, but that has not curtailed in any way our ability to move forward with a spirit of optimism. Thanks to each and every one of you for your contributions to making the Disneyland Resort a place where dreamers around the world are always welcome. Stay safe and stay well.

    Sincerely,
    Ken
    Disneyland Resort President

    While Disney’s two Anaheim theme parks have remained closed, its Downtown Disney retail and restaurant strip remain open and extended into Disney California Adventure’s Buena Vista Street.

  • Disneyland Resort Discounted Ticket Offer for Southern California Residents Returns Today

    Disneyland Resort Discounted Ticket Offer for Southern California Residents Returns Today

    Disneyland is ringing in 2020 with a new deal on multi-day tickets. The resort is offering residents in Southern California and Northern Baja California the chance to purchase discounted multi-day tickets. This year’s deal is a three-day, one park per day ticket for $199.

    That works out to $67 per day, and is about $100 less than the normal cost for adults.  It’s also well below the cost of single-day, one park per day tickets, which currently range from $104 to $149.

    Take a look below for full details including a new deal for “kids everywhere” who are between 3 and 9 years old:

    Special Ticket Offer for Southern California Residents

    For a limited time, Southern California residents can visit the Disneyland Resort theme parks for $67 per day with the purchase of a three-day, one-park per day ticket. Park Hopper options also are available. The tickets are available for purchase through May 18, 2020. Eligible guests may purchase up to five tickets per person, per day, and prices are the same for adults and children. This special ticket also includes one Magic Morning,** which gives admission to select attractions on select days at Disneyland park one hour before the park opens to the general public. Southern California residents may redeem their tickets on any three separate days through May 21, 2020.

    Special Ticket Offer for Kids Everywhere

    For families visiting from outside of Southern California, there’s a special value for kids. For a limited time, guests can save on Disneyland Resort park tickets for children ages 3 to 9 for $67 per day with the purchase of a three-day, one-park per day ticket. Park Hopper options also are available. The tickets are available for purchase through May 18, 2020. Guests may purchase up to eight tickets per person, per day. This special ticket also includes one Magic Morning, which gives admission into select attractions on select days at Disneyland park one hour before the park opens to the general public. This three-day ticket expires 13 days after first use or on May 21, 2020, whichever occurs first.

    With your park admission, enjoy these thrilling and distinctly Disney experiences, which are must-do’s in 2020:

    • Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance: The newest attraction inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge debuts at Disneyland park on Jan. 17. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance takes you aboard a full-size transport shuttle before you are captured by a Star Destroyer and find yourself in the middle of a climactic battle between the dark side of the First Order and the light side of the Resistance. While you’re on the planet of Batuu in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, sample galactic food and beverages, enter intriguing merchant shops and take the controls of the most famous ship in the galaxy aboard another attraction in the land, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.
    • Lunar New Year: The joyous Lunar New Year celebration commemorates the Year of the Mouse at Disney California Adventure park, Jan. 17 through Feb. 9.  Ring in 2020 with multicultural performances including “Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession,” fun-filled activities, innovative Asian cuisine and themed merchandise inspired by Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese cultures. In honor of Year of the Mouse, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will appear in festive attire. 
    • “Magic Happens”: The all-new “Magic Happens” parade comes to life for guests at Disneyland park beginning Feb. 28. Celebrating awe-inspiring moments of magic that are at the heart of so many Disney stories, this new daytime parade will feature stunning floats, beautiful costumes, and beloved Disney characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Frozen 2,” “Moana” and “Sleeping Beauty,” plus Disney and Pixar’s “Coco” and more, all led by Mickey Mouse and his pals.
    • Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival: From Feb. 28 through April 21, the popular Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival returns offering festivities for guests of all ages to enjoy. Guests will be able to explore California-inspired cuisine and beverages, tastings and entertainment, plus a wide range of specialty bites along the Festival Marketplace kiosks.

    Save Up to 25 Percent on Select Stays at the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort

    Stay and play in the heart of the magicto enjoy special savings with room offers at the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort. Hotel guests can save up to 25 percent off select rooms, Sunday-Thursday nights, based upon availability through April 16, 2020. Guests can save up to 20 percent on standard rooms and 25 percent on premium rooms at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa; up to 20 percent on standard rooms and 25 percent on premium rooms at Disneyland Hotel, and up to 10 percent on standard and premium rooms at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel. These room offers may be reserved for stays now through April 16, 2020 when booked by March 16, 2020.Ϯ

    The Hotels of the Disneyland Resort offer easy, convenient access to both parks, with benefits and magical touches that only a Disneyland hotel can provide, including themed room elements, character dining and character wake-up calls by request. Hotel guests can make the most of their time with the Extra Magic Hour (with their valid theme park ticket), which offers park admission to a designated theme park one hour earlier than the general public and is only available for guests who stay at a Disneyland Resort Hotel.

  • VIDEO: Violent Fight Breaks Out in Disneyland as Children Watch

    VIDEO: Violent Fight Breaks Out in Disneyland as Children Watch

    The happiest place on earth was certaily anything but for many guests visiting Disneyland Sarurday as a fight broke out in the middle of Toon Town.

    The incident happened Saturday night as an argument between family members escalated into a full-on brawl.

    The incident was caught on video and shows a woman spit in a man’s face. He retaliates by punching her, repeatedly. Take look at the video below, but be warned it contains extreme violence.

    Moments later that same man accuses another female relative of hitting his mother. He brutally attacks her, knocking her down and hitting her, over and over again.

    Anaheim police responded and interviewed family members, but officers say none of the victims was cooperative and they were escorted from the park.

    In a statement, a Disney official said: “We do not condone this behavior.”

    Police became aware of the video Sunday, and say they are now pursuing a criminal case.

  • New Inside Out Ride Will Open This Summer at Disney California Adventure Park

    New Inside Out Ride Will Open This Summer at Disney California Adventure Park

    As we’ve previously announced, Disney California Adventure park will welcome Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind to Pixar Pier and yesterday, Disney announced this whimsical family-friendly attraction will open this summer!

    Inspired by the Disney and Pixar film “Inside Out,” guests are invited to step into the workplace of Riley’s Emotions—Joy, Sadness, Fear, Disgust and Anger. Once you hop aboard one of eight Memory Movers, you’ll take a sense-ational spin and find yourself surrounded by vibrant shelves packed with glowing recollections.

    Below is a first look at a few of the attraction posters, which each explore parts of the mind as featured in “Inside Out.”

    This ride is definitely going to hit all the feels. Stay tuned to Disney Dorks for all the latest updates.

  • ‘Mickey’s PhilharMagic’ Debuts at Disney California Adventure Park in April

    ‘Mickey’s PhilharMagic’ Debuts at Disney California Adventure Park in April

    The spectacular magic of Disney animation and music will soon come to life in the 3D movie musical “Mickey’s PhilharMagic” at Disney California Adventure park. 

    Premiering in April at the Sunset Showcase Theater in Hollywood Land, Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and other favorite Disney characters take the stage in this 3D fantasy adventure.

    As Donald prepares the orchestra for Mickey, he comes across the conductor’s baton and Mickey’s Sorcerer’s Hat. A little magic goes a long way and proceedings go awry! Donald is unexpectedly plunged into a 3D dream world and you’re taken along for the ride. The experience will sweep you away into the fantastic world of classic Disney animated musical sequences—from “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Little Mermaid,” to “Peter Pan” and “Aladdin.”

    What better time for “Mickey’s PhilharMagic” to debut than during Get Your Ears On – A Mickey and Minnie Celebration! Celebrate 90 years of magic with the all-new “Mickey’s Mix Magic” nighttime projection show, “Mickey’s Soundsational Parade,” limited-time décor, specialty foods, merchandise and more!

    Stay tuned to the Disney Dorks for more details on this exciting new addition to Disney California Adventure park!

  • How to Plan, Stay and Play at the Disneyland Resort

    How to Plan, Stay and Play at the Disneyland Resort

    Guests visiting the Disneyland Resort in 2019 will enjoy special moments and create unforgettable memories with their friends and family, including their experiences at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, which opens in summer 2019 at Disneyland Park, and the reimagined land of Pixar Pier, at Disney California Adventure Park.

    Beloved nighttime spectaculars, immersive attractions and entertainment offer countless ways for guests to make the most of their vacations at the Happiest Place on Earth. Just take a look below at all of tips for guests as they plan to stay and play at Disneyland Resort.

    PLAN

    • Official Disneyland App – The official Disneyland App offers useful information right at a guest’s fingertips, including attraction wait times, Disney FastPass return times, maps, entertainment guides and other special features. Guests may also use the app to purchase tickets with their mobile device, look for character appearances in the park, find park hours and even order food and beverage at select fast casual and quick service restaurant locations.
    • Disneyland Resort on Google Street View: Guests can now explore the Disneyland Resort like never before – right from a phone or computer – on Google Street View. Disney Parks have launched a series of 360-degree panoramas at Disneyland park, Disney California Adventure park and the Downtown Disney District to help guests plan their next vacation.
    • Disney Vacation Planning DVD – Guests are invited to preview the magical experiences that await their next Disneyland Resort Vacation with a library of informative videos. To order a Disney Vacation Planning DVD, go to www.DisneyPlanning.com.
    • Disneyland Express – Just 30 miles from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and just 15 miles from John Wayne Airport (SNA), Disneyland Resort offers the Disneyland Express for guests to book easy bus transfer to the resort. Disneyland Resort Express also provides convenient transportation to Anaheim area hotels.
    • Dining Reservations – To make the most of vacation time, guests may make dining reservations in advance at the resort’s award-winning restaurants. Special dining packages offer guests a full-course meal and reserved viewing for entertainment includng “Fantasmic!” at Disneyland.
    • Social Media – Keep up with the latest updates about the Disneyland Resort at MyDisneyDorks.com, where guests may also get behind-the-scenes looks at the parks, resort hotels and Downtown Disney. For planning tips and fun facts, follow @MyDisneyDorks on Twitter. Guests may also engage with Disneyland on Facebook and Instagram.

    STAY

    • Stay in the Magic – Guests discover many special benefits when they stay at one of three Disneyland Resort hotels: the classic Disneyland Hotel and luxurious Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa – both AAA Four Diamond properties – and the sunny California beachfront-themed Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel.
    • Extra Magic Hour – Early Admission to the Parks – Guests staying at any Disneyland Resort hotel may enjoy Extra Magic Hourentry into Disneyland or Disney California Adventure one hour before the parks open to the public. This opportunity is good for the length of a guest’s stay, with designated days for each park. To check availability, daily times and additional information, visit Disneyland.com and click on “Park Hours.” (Valid theme park admission and active hotel room key required.)
    • Grand Hotel Experience –In December 2017, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa completed the most extensive refurbishment since the hotel’s 2001 opening. Guest rooms have been completely redesigned with a fresh sense of luxury and the pool deck has been refreshed with beautiful, new hardscapes to reinforce the Arts and Crafts style. Guests staying at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa enjoy an exclusive entrance to Disney California Adventure through the hotel. Nearby, guests also enjoy the Downtown Disney District, with its eclectic mix of entertainment, dining and shopping opportunities. The new, elevated experience continues to impress guests and the hotel was named one of the Top Hotels in Southern California in the 30th annual Condé Nast Traveler’s 2017 Readers’ Choice Awards.
    • Storybook Vacation – At Disneyland Resort hotels, guests have the opportunity to share a meal and laughs with favorite Disney characters, relax by sparkling pools and enjoy a night on the town complete with dinner at one of several award-winning restaurants.
    • Convenience and Legendary Service – Guests who stay at Disneyland Resort Hotels are treated to exclusive conveniences throughout their stay, including a Key to the Magic card for charging meals and merchandise to the guest room. The Package Express service delivers resort merchandise purchases right to a guest’s hotel. Hotel guests are treated to the legendary Disney guest service throughout their vacation.
    • Multi-generational travel and large parties – Many families enjoy traveling to the Disneyland Resort with family members of multiple generations, or with family reunions. The Hotels of the Disneyland Resort welcome multi-generational travelers and large parties, offering multiple suites at each hotel that sleep parties of six or eight. Some of the suites connect to adjacent suites to accommodate the larger parties.
    • Great Value – Guests can find great value in multiple-day tickets and vacation packages at the Resort hotels, or at nearby Good Neighbor hotels, by purchasing online. Contact Enchanted Kingdom Vacations with Vikki for all the latest special offers are available at Disneyland.

    PLAY

    • Disney FASTPASS Service – Disney FASTPASS allows guests to maximize their time in the park by reserving a specific time window to enjoy their favorite attractions. When guests return during that time, they enjoy a shorter line reserved for FASTPASS holders. Guests are encouraged to pick up Disney FASTPASS tickets early for favorite attractions such as Radiator Springs Racers.
    • Disney MaxPass – Guests will maximize their day with the ability to reserve digital Disney FASTPASS selections right from your mobile device using the Disneyland app while in the parks. Plus, it offers the opportunity to download, save and share Disney PhotoPass photos captured during an entire day. Both services are included when purchased per ticket, per day. Disney MaxPass can also be purchased through the app.
    • Disney PhotoPass Service – PhotoPass photographers at character, dining and special locations throughout the park ensure that everyone gets in the photo. Guests may link, view and purchase photos at Disneyland.com or directly from the Disneyland app.
    • Play Disney Parks Mobile App – The new Play Disney Parks mobile app allows families and guests to interact with the theme parks, creating unique experiences and activities that bring surrounding environments to life. With group play that enables everyone to join in on the fun, guests can turn wait time into play time at select attraction queues, earn, collect and share uniquely themed digital achievements, test their knowledge of Disney trivia and listen to the music and sounds of Disney parks through curated Apple Music playlists.
    • “A Walk in Walt’s Footsteps” Tour – Guests may follow in the footsteps of the man whose vision and creativity brought Disneyland park to life, Walt Disney. This 3 ½-hour guided tour covers the life of Walt Disney and stories behind the magic of Disneyland.
    • Portable Phone Charging Systems Kiosks – Guests recharge their batteries without missing any of the fun by using a convenient portable battery set that can be purchased from kiosk locations throughout the resort. When the portable battery runs out, guests may swap it for a fully charged replacementat any kiosk at no extra cost.
    • Parent “Rider Switch” – A theme-park “rider switch” policy gives both parents a chance to enjoy their favorite attractions without double the wait. A parent who waits with a young child while the other parent rides the attraction may board the ride with minimal wait time once the first parent exits. Guests may ask a cast member about this option.
    • Enjoy the Shows and Entertainment – Oftentimes, children enjoy live entertainment and stage shows for the first time at the Disneyland Resort. Families may choose from multiple shows in the daily Show Entertainment Guide (available at the main entrance gate and at Guest Relations centers). These include parades, character encounters and shows such as “Disney Junior Dance Party!” (Disney California Adventure) and “Mickey and the Magical Map” (Disneyland). Fans of Disney’s global film phenomenon, “Frozen”, will find the dazzling theatrical interpretation “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion Theater” at Disney California Adventure Park. Guests also may encounter performers and singers as they stroll through the parks, including the Dapper Dans at Disneyland, and Five and Dime at Disney California Adventure.
    • Be Amazed by Projection Shows and Spectacular Fireworks – State-of-the-art projection shows and fireworks illuminate the sky above Disneyland park on select nights, choreographed to timeless music and with surprise appearances by some classic Disney characters. Viewing locations are throughout Disneyland and top spots include: along Main Street, U.S.A., in front of “it’s a small world” in Fantasyland and along the Rivers of America in Frontierland.
    • Character Dining – Character dining is a great way to introduce youngsters to Disney characters. At select locations, a cast of characters will visit guests at their tables. Another tip: Many Disney restaurants offer children’s menus.
    • Healthful Dining Options – While special treats are part of the Disney fun, families can also choose nutritious snacks such as nuts, trail mix and fresh fruit from outdoor carts. Kids meals come with fruit or vegetables on the side, along with juice, water or low-fat milk. Fries and soda are available upon request, at no additional cost. Look for the Disney Check symbol on menus, indicating the best nutritional choices for children. Additionally, for lifestyle dining options, or for requests from guests with food allergies or intolerances, there are a wide range of choices, from kosher to gluten-friendly and sugar-free.

    If you need help booking your magical vacation, contact Enchanted Kingdom Vacations with Vikki for help. My services are completely free and I will always find you the lowest rates. Let me do all the work so you don’t have to!

  • The Four Neighborhoods of Pixar Pier Opening This Summer at California Adventure Park

    The Four Neighborhoods of Pixar Pier Opening This Summer at California Adventure Park

    When Pixar Pier opens this summer in Disney California Adventure park, guests will find four whimsical neighborhoods inspired by beloved Pixar stories. Here’s a bit more detail on what to expect!

    Incredibles Park – Inspired by “The Incredibles,” Incredibles Park will be an inviting plaza featuring mid-century modern design aesthetics. Guests will enter through an archway where the iconic Incredibles logo will be seen overhead. Once inside, the new Incredicoaster will take you on a thrilling race alongside the Parr family. A combination of character figures, lighting, music and special effects will bring all the action to life! Upon exiting the attraction, the Jack-Jack Cookie Num Nums stand will tempt guests with freshly-baked treats.

    Toy Story Boardwalk – Adjacent to Incredibles Park, Toy Story Boardwalk will be themed to “Toy Story.” Guests will be shrunk down to the size of a toy on the fan-favorite Toy Story Midway Mania! Jessie the yodeling cowgirl will invite you for a rootin’ tootin’ spin on Jessie’s Critter Carousel (opening in 2019). At Poultry Palace, big appetites and small fries alike can enjoy a fun meal inspired by Pixar’s short, “Toy Story Toon: Small Fry.” There will even be a fun-sized Zurg—perfect for photo ops! You can also stop by Señor Buzz Churros, where Buzz has switched into Spanish mode to offer this classic treat. ¡Delicioso!

    Pixar Promenade – This charming seaside promenade inspired by classic turn-of-the-century California boardwalks will celebrate the heartwarming stories and beloved characters from all of Pixar’s films. The focal point of Pixar Promenade will be the Pixar Pal-A-Round. This reimagining of a guest favorite will still include the iconic face of Mickey Mouse on the Paradise Bay side of the wheel. But now, each of the 24 gondolas will feature different pairs of Pixar pals!

    Pixar Promenade will also feature the Games of the Boardwalk, offering guests a chance to test their skills and win a prize. The four colorful game booths will include Heimlich’s Candy Corn Toss, Wall-E Space Race, La Luna Star Catcher and Bullseye Stallion Stampede. Also featured along the promenade will be a classic band-shell stage, ideal for musical entertainment acts and encounters with your favorite Pixar characters. Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff will feature delightful confections, including saltwater taffy and rainbow cotton candy. For some savory bites, head over to Angry Dogs, where the dogs heat up as Anger from “Inside Out” burns with rage!

    Inside Out Headquarters – Located on the western end of the pier, the lush and colorful area inspired by “Inside Out” will be known as Inside Out Headquarters. This playground for the emotions will feature a whimsical family-friendly attraction, scheduled to open at a later date.

  • The Abandoned West Coast EPCOT Plans and What Could Have Been

    The Abandoned West Coast EPCOT Plans and What Could Have Been

    From the moment Michael Eisner became CEO of The Walt Disney Company in 1984, plans for expansion at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World were on the forefront of his mind and in 1991 Eisner’s original plans for the expansion of the Disney empire in Anaheim included a version of Orlando’s EPCOT called WestCOT.

    In 1991, Disney announced plans to build WestCOT on the site of Disneyland’s parking lot. It was themed around a Utopian vision of the future, similar to EPCOT Center at Walt Disney World, and would be the first Disney theme park to contain hotels within the park.

    WestCOT was a planned second theme park for the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. It was essentially a replica of EPCOT Center at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, and was dedicated to the celebration of human achievement, namely technological innovation and international culture. The park was represented by SpaceStation Earth, a larger version of the geodesic sphere Spaceship Earth featured at EPCOT Center.

    Westcoast Epcot

    The project would have been made up of two parts: Future World and a kind of World Showcase area. Future would still be a place for guests to get hands on with science, but the World Showcase would be a little different. Instead of being divided into individual countries, the area would be split into different regions like the The Americas, Europe, Asia and others. Rides included a James Bond-esque chase on a train, a trip through an Egyptian palace and a Native American Spirit Lodge.

    In the 1990s, The Walt Disney Company decided to expand the original Disneyland Park into a multi-park, multi-resort business model with WestCOT intended to be the centerpiece. A ton of fanfare came with the new projects announcement and the mere thought of it had Disneyland fans waiting with bated breath, but the project had more than a few hurdles.

    The biggest challenge was the budget. WestCOT project was projected to cost an estimated $3.1 billion which was a lot back then, even for Disney. The company wasn’t able to find any funding from outside sources and the price tag was a large part of the decision not to move forward with the project.

    The project was scrapped in 1995, but Disney would still be moving forward with plans for a second theme park in Anaheim, however; and after a three-day summit in Colorado the plans for what would truly come next were born. The planned site for WestCOT would later house what would become the resort’s second theme park, Disney’s California Adventure Park, which opened in 2001.