Theme Park Update December 21 – 27, 2009
NEWS UPDATE
Complete theme park news, updates, schedules and info for December 21-27, 2009
CaliforniaGuideBook.com
Latest NewsUpdated entries on Attraction Closures and Project Watcher!
Disneyland Park
Latest News
The world mourns the loss of Walt’s nephew, Roy E. Disney, who passed away on December 16th at his Newport Beach home after a year-long battle with stomach cancer. A fixture of The Walt Disney Company since his youth, Roy E. was credited with two revitalizations of Disney’s hand-drawn animation unit, as well as saving the company – twice. In the early 1980’s, after a team of entrepreneurs nearly succeeded in purchasing and breaking up the Company, Roy ousted the businessmen and installed the powerhouse team of Michael Eisner, Frank Wells and Jeffrey Katzenburg. Nearly a decade and a half later, Roy’s “Save Disney” campaign was the catalyst for the early removal of Eisner, who no longer proved to be the golden prince of Disney. Disney Flags at Company headquarters and theme parks around the world are currently flying at half-mast in his honor.
The Main Street Opera House has re-opened with The Disneyland Story, featuring “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln”. This version of the attraction does away with the annoying binaural sound headphones from the previous incarnation, restoring the show to its original 1964 New York World’s Fair glory. Once again, the opening narration is provided by Disney legend Paul Frees (voice of the Ghost Host in The Haunted Mansion), with Lincoln being voiced by actor Royal Dano. The Lincoln figure is of the latest technology, utilizing the most sophisticated Audio-Animatronics developed to date. This is the second installation this year to Town Square, joining the recently re-located and re-opened Disney Gallery next door.
After months of speculation and rumors, Disney officially announced the temporary return of “Captain E.O.”, the 3-D music video space adventure starring Michael Jackson and Anjelica Houston. The film, directed by Francis Ford Coppola and produced by George Lucas, originally ran in Tomorrowland’s Magic Eye Theatre from 1986-1997. The film was removed in preparation for the Tomorrowland ‘98 makeover and replaced with “Honey, I Shrunk the Audience”. The “Honey” film will be removed by mid-January, with “Captain E.O.” opening in February 2010. Hints at the future of “Honey” indicate the attraction will not return; the theater will likely open with a new show at the conclusion of Jackson’s run.
The Rivers of America will be drained for maintenance January 4 – May 5, 2010. This will impact several Frontierland and Critter Country attractions, as well as the Fantasmic! and Tiana’s Showboat Jubilee entertainment offerings. See our Attraction Closures page for full details and dates.
Troubadour Tavern, a new counter-service dining facility in Fantasyland, is now open.
The Holidays Magic at Disneyland will continue through January 3, 2010.
“it’s a small world” Holiday joins The Haunted Mansion “Nightmare Before Christmas” with seasonal overlays and special holiday lighting!
“Believe … In Holiday Magic”, a new fireworks show, and “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade join the seasonal entertainment line up! See our review on the Disneyland Park Entertainment Guide!
Tiana’s Showboat Jubille, a new entertainment offering at Disneyland based on the upcoming animated film, “The Princess and the Frog” is reviewed on our Disneyland Park Entertainment Guide!
Disney’s California Adventure
Latest News
-In Paradise Pier, the Paradise Lagoon is now completely refilled after the months-long draining for World of Colorconstruction. The exposed black fountain platform is still raised to “maintenance level”, and will soon be lowered to invisibility below the water.
-On December 3, 2009, Disney announced the permanent closure of “Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular!” at The Hyperion Theatre on August 15, 2010. It will be replaced by “Toy Story – A Musical” in Spring 2011. See our Project Watcher page for more information.
-In The Golden State, The Walt Disney Imagineering Blue Sky Cellar was recently updated with new models and conceptual artwork focusing on The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Adventureand Disney’s World of Color.The former exhibits, focusing on Toy Story Midway Maniaand Mickey’s Fun Wheel, have been removed. The Cellar will be continually updated through 2012 to focus on various elements of the park’s $1.2 billion renovation.
This week’s header image is Copyright 2009 The Walt Disney Company. All rights reserved.
