Single Rider and Rider Switch Pass

Single Rider and Rider Switch passes allow parents to enjoy rides when they have children to little to ride the attraction. You get your single rider or baby swap pass from the Cast Member that stands at the beginning of the line, at the exit or in the FastPass area. With both of these options one parent watches the toddler while the other rides, then they switch off.
Rider Switch is definately recommended if you have two adults that definately want to ride an attraction and there is no single rider offered.

Rider Switch Pass

Rider Switch Pass is available on every attraction at Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure. With a rider switch the first person, after getting their rider switch pass, will actually stand in the queue (either the FastPass or the standby line). After the first person has completed the ride, the pass is then given to the non-rider who will enter through the exit to enjoy the attraction without having to wait in line. The benefit of rider switch, in addition to being available on all attractions, is that with this pass a second person can ride each time. If you have an older child he or she can ride the attraction with both parents.

If you’re traveling with a baby then you need to know about the Baby Care Center at the end of Main Street. Moms I spoke with call it a calm place in the middle of the Disneyland storm. It has private rooms for breast feeding and potty training toilets. You can buy diapers or other supplies. They also have a microwave where you can heat up food. There’s no charge to get it, only for certain supplies.

Single Rider

Single Riders enter the attraction through the exit or through a special single rider queue. (The Cast Member can direct you.) When you reach the area where they load the ride you will wait until they need someone to fill an empty seat. This can be very quick, or it can take a longer time, but usually shorter than the FastPass line.  We feel this is the best option if there are just 2 adults and a small child. Unfortunately there are a limited number of rides that have single rider lines.

Attractions that offer Single Rider in Disneyland and California Adventure

Splash Mountain- to use the single rider option on this attraction, you will go through the exit. You will take the stairs over the water and next to the regular line at the loading area, will be a single rider line. Anytime they need 1 person to fill a log, they will pull from the single rider line.  It is a great way to enjoy the ride quickly and get back to your child.  For the waiting parent, The Winnie the Pooh ride and the characters from Winnie the Pooh are right by Splash Mountain.

Grizzly River Run- this attraction only offers the single rider option when there is a long wait for the normal queue. To use single rider here, check with the Cast Member at the beginning of the line. This person will let you know if single rider is available at that time, and if so, give you a pass. Once you get your single rider pass, you go up the stairs at the exit. Continue heading through the exit until you reach the boarding area. When you are needed, the loading Cast Member will give you a raft color or number and you are all set.  Just outside of Grizzly River Run is Redwood Creek Challenge Trail.

Soarin' Over California- for single rider, check with the Cast Member at the entrance of the Fastpass queue for a single rider pass. Once obtained you use the FastPass entrance. Some people recommend using FastPass instead of single rider on this very popular attraction.  There are no rides for small children while waiting for this ride.

Maliboomer- for this attraction, you will find a special line to the left of the main queue entrance.

California Screamin’- for single rider you get a pass from the Cast Member in the Fastpass distribution area. There is a special entrance for Single Riders. A Cast Member will send you in groups of 4 or 5 people to wait for a single seat. There is no line here, it is primarily a free for all, so don’t stand there and wait to be told to sit. Instead, when you hear a call for a single rider, start moving.

Mullholland Madness- check with a cast member at the start of the line.  There are plenty of rides for small children while waiting.

Check with Guest Services online or at the parks for additional locations and for height requirements.

*It is important to say that if we abuse the system you may not have a great time at the park.  There is a lot of talk that abusing the system may lead Disney to remove this option entirely.  Make sure to use these recommendations when needed.  It is still fun to wait in line and meet people, experience the magic and search for hidden Mickey's.*

Disney California Adventure Name Change

Earlier this month Disney announced that they have changed the name of "Disney's California Adventure" to "Disney California Adventure."  They have also changed the logos to match the theme changes made inside the park.  Some blogs are saying the name change is due to the fact that Disney is trying to make the park more character driven and not California driven.

So long California Adventure from the past!  We will miss you but are excited for new things to come!

Did You Know?

If you head down Main Street in Disneyland toward Sleeping Beauty Castle, turn right on Center Street. At the very end of the street near the entrance to the Locker Area you will find what looks like a poorly made brick wall. The wall's right side looks uneven and misaligned. A closer look reveals that it contains bricks laid out in several different masonry patterns.
According to legend, this wall was made to test various masonry designs and brick types for use throughout the park. Since money and time were pretty tight in the weeks leading up to Disneyland's opening, it's possible that the Test Wall may have been overlooked, forgotten or simply left as is, allowing its slipshod appearance to survive the last 55 years.

Disney California Adventure "Summer Nightastic"

Disney California Adventure (Name Changed earlier this summer) has added a bunch of new elements to the Summer season with the addition of World of Color and Glow Fest.  The concept started last year with Disneyland adding a new fireworks show and the re-launch of Fantasmic! and The Electrical Parade at California Adventure.  Here are some tips to get you through the busy summer season and still have some sanity. 

"World of Color"

Guests who want to maximize their day of fun at the park AND make plans to enjoy “World of Color” that night in Disney's California Adventure have some new options. To see the show, guests will obtain a special FASTPASS for “World of Color” or they can select from several Dining and Picnic packages that include reserved viewing. In addition, a new immersive “Summer Nightastic!” party, “Glow Fest,” will bring added evening excitement for Disney's California Adventure guests of all ages. “Glow Fest” will be filled with dancing, music and fun, highlighted by special color, sound and light effects, starting in the Sun Plaza at 6:00 pm nightly and continuing in Hollywood Pictures Backlot until park closing.

“World of Color” will be presented twice nightly throughout the Disneyland Resort “Summer Nightastic!” season, June 11 through August 29 (except June 16-17 when Disney's California Adventure will be closed for Grad Nights). Guests will stand during the shows – at 9:00 and 10:15 pm – and they may bring strollers into the viewing area.

 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VA4iRV_52_A
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOnaKB2tfUM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62RyhNop4R0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyN_XfuYNCI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRGQlxmytow

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZKOkVzwMRQ

A Few Tips To Help You Secure a Spot and Enjoy The World of Color:

• Seating is extremely limited. If you arrive without a plan, you aren't like to secure a spot.
  
• Option 1 - Make a WoC dining package reservation ($36.99 per person at Ariel's Grotto or $39.99 per person at Wine Country Trattoria), you'll get dinner and a viewing spot for the show. Call 714-781-3463 to secure your World of Color dining package.
  
• Option 2 - Book a Box lunch reserved spot. Buy a box lunch and receive reserved seating for World of Color (1st show of the night). Boxed lunch can be purchased online, Disneyland Resort | Welcome To The Magic! You may be able to buy a limited number of the picnic lunch boxes at the park on the day of the show which come with reserved tickets to the 2nd showing of the night. Walk-up purchase can be made at the Sonoma Terrace of the Golden Vine Winery for $14.99 (special passholder rate is $12.99). The World of Color picnic boxes offer an assortment of options:
  
  
  
  

  All American:
  
  

  • Cold-honey stung fried chicken
  • Green and red cabbage cole slaw with apple cider dressing
  • Old fashioned potato salad with sweet onions and dill relish
  • Apple pie
  • Choice of bottled Coca-Cola® product or Dasani® water

  European Antipasto:
  
  

  • Cured meats, regional cheese, pepperoncini, artichoke heart and sun-dried tomatoes
  • Carr's® water crackers, balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil
  • Caprese salad skewers, fresh mozzarella and baby heirloom tomatoes
  • Chocolate-dipped tiramisu
  • Choice of bottled Coca-Cola® product or Dasani® water

  Taste of Asia
  
  

  • Chilled miso-glazed salmon, Asian greens, soy-rice wine dressing
  • Vegetable spring roll with Thai mango sauce
  • Soba noodle salad and julienne vegetables with sesame dressing
  • Mandarin orange cake
  • Choice of bottled Coca-Cola® product or Dasani® water

  Mediterranean Vegetarian:
  

  • Marinated grilled vegetables in a whole wheat wrap with roasted garlic hummus
  • Raw zucchini and squash spaghettini with first-press lemon-infused olive oil
  • Vegetable couscous with toasted coriander vinaigrette
  • Lemon layer cake
  • Choice of bottled Coca-Cola® product or Dasani® water

  Here is the All American lunch.  You get a nice re-usable tote bag and the food was very tasty.
  
  
  
• Option 3 - The FASTPASS for “World of Color” will be available each morning at the Grizzly River Run FASTPASS terminals. Guests can insert their park tickets into the terminal to obtain a FASTPASS ticket for the show, and they will be assigned a specific show time. As with other FASTPASS attractions, a limited number of passes are available for “World of Color.” When all of the day’s “World of Color” FASTPASS allotment has been distributed, Grizzly River Run terminals will convert back to distributing the Grizzly River Run FASTPASS tickets. Guests arriving before park opening to line up for the “World of Color” FASTPASS may park in the Pumba parking lot on Disney Way and, beginning at 7:00 am, gather at the Main Entrance to Disney's California Adventure. When Disney's California Adventure opens to the public, guests lined up for FASTPASS will be walked into the park and over to the FASTPASS terminals.
  
• Option 4 - If you don't mind a severely limited view, wait for the 2nd or 3rd showing and attempt to watch the show from the bridge near Ariel's Grotto Restaurant. You might also watch the show from behind near Midway Mania, the Sun Wheel, or even on the side by Silly Symphony Swings. You won't see as much or experience the show as it was intended, but you will get a sense of the size and scope of the show and see some pretty fountains. 
• Spots nearest the Golden Zephyr offer the most restricted viewing experience. Gravitate toward the water play fountain in the center of the stadium or even up toward the upper levels of the stadium. Boardwalk viewing is more immersive and WET (especially toward the right hand side of the boardwalk - as you are facing the lagoon)
  
• Be prepared to queue up in the Hollywood Pictures Backlot for hours before your show time. This will also be the location for a special glow party, so you will be entertained and food will be available for purchase.
  
• Although only 2 shows may be on the schedule, keep your ears open for an added 3rd show. It will be added on busy nights and may be your best shot at viewing the show.
  
• Be prepared for VERY busy conditions. This may well prove to be a packed and uncomfortable crowd situation. Pack your best attitude and just go with the flow. There is no use fighting a mob, you'll only succeed in ruining your own evening and possibly that of others. If it isn't important to see the show as soon as it opens, you may wish to wait until later this Summer. 

 

"Glow Fest"
Music, dancing and “drumming down the sun” will launch “Glow Fest” every night through August 29, beginning at 6:00 pm in the Sun Plaza in Disney's California Adventure. After 8:00 pm, this newest addition to the Disneyland Resort “Summer Nightastic!” entertainment lineup will move into Hollywood Pictures Backlot, providing the kind of immersive excitement for adults and children alike that can only be found in a Disney theme park.

Souvenirs and Treats
Guests who prefer a treat or snack, perhaps with a souvenir “World of Color” takeaway, may choose from a number of bright and colorful options available at food locations inside Disney's California Adventure:

·         “Spectrum Splash”: Beverages in light-up souvenir glasses with a colorful choice of flavors – strawberry red, blueberry blue, or sour Granny Smith apple green.

·         “Light-Up Cotton Candy”: White cotton candy with a colorful swirl, on an illuminated wand that lights the cotton candy from inside.

·         Multi-Colored & Flavored Popcorn: A delicious treat that comes in three flavors – red cherry, blueberry and purple grape – and mixed in with regular kettle corn, all served in a Disney California Adventure see-through “World of Color” souvenir popcorn bucket.

·         Tropical Mist Cocktail (for adults): A passion fruit and mango liqueur with coconut rum – and a light-up swizzle stick. Available at the Cove Bar and Ariel’s Grotto restaurant.

·         Even More Fun: Light-Up Balloons – transparent balloons with light-up “World of Color” art inside; Light-Up Bangle Bracelets; and souvenir “World of Color” travel mugs and sipper cups. 

*Reserved Viewing:
Each guest entering the reserved viewing area must have reserved viewing area admission. Children (ages 3-9) must be accompanied by an adult. Guests may only enter the viewing area during designated times and no early or late admission will be allowed. Guests in large parties may not be guaranteed admission within the same reserved viewing area. Separate theme park admission is required.

*World of Color Road Show*
During the month of July Disney took the World of Color Show on the road to four cities in California.  Here are the videos from their presentations.

San Francisco

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCtw0xOlhd4

Sacramento

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-2xiEXTK-A

San Diego

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OXTHpfM_xY

Los Angeles

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2tlc9NVr1c

Talking "Meet and Greet" Characters

Disney has introduced some talking "Meet and Greet" characters.  These are just tests but we imagine we will see many more of these in the future.  Check out Mickey Mouse below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6k2xdtU8Wc
And C-3PO and R2-D2...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQZn-ix3UR4&feature=player_embedded

They have been doing some form of talking characters for a while now, but not with main Disney characters.  Check out "Push" who we have seen a few times at the park.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aw4y6eMsJQs

Or course, "Turtle Talk with Crush" is a great success and uses the same technology. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-HfSSNSnFs

What do you think?  Has Disney gone overboard or would this have been part of Walt Disney's dream?

Disney Bricks

Walk of Magical Memories

Disneyland

Located between the entrances to Disneyland Park and Disney's California Adventure Park, you may become part of Disneyland Resort history by sponsoring a 10-inch hexagonal brick along Disney's "Walk of Magical Memories.

Here are some items you need to know about purchasing and maintaining your brick:

1: You do NOT have to be an annual pass holder

2: This does NOT apply to just the USA, anyone can get it

3: It is $150 for the whole brick (Inscriptions and all)

4: They can either mail you or fax you the info so you can choose what you want to say and which little character picture to add

5: If you purchase before Oct. 31st then your brick will be installed in the middle of February.

6: Disney will also send you a receipt and a map within 6-8 weeks as to where your actual brick will be located on the grounds and at this time if there are any changes you want made to your brick, call them back with the Disney brick number given to you and they will make those changes before its laid down.

 

7: It’s going to be placed there for 10 years and after that time, Disney will call you and let you know how to update it

8: For an extra $35 you can purchase a mini replica of the brick you will receive at the park. You have a choice between "Wooden and acrylic", acrylic being more transparent. Both come on a wooden base. These are sent out several weeks after you received your confirmation package allowing you to make those changes to your brick if need be. They don’t want to send you a replica if the inscription isn’t correct.

 

9: Check at the News Stand to the left of the Disneyland entrance for a listing of bricks and locations. They are happy to assist you in locating your brick.

Orders may be sent via mail, phone, fax or e-mail:

Disneyland(R) Resort

P.O. Box 3232

Anaheim, CA 92803
ATTN: "Walk of Magical Memories" DL635B

Phone: 800-760-3566
Fax: 714-781-4236
E-mail: dl.bricks@disney.com or click here for a website to order.

Here are the bricks that our family has at the Disneyland Resort.  See if you can locate them on your next visit!

C26 256

C05 264

Walk Around the World

Walt Disney World

During the Disney Decade, a program was offered where you could purchase a hexagonal brick paver to be placed around the Seven Seas Lagoon, creating a walking path starting at the Magic Kingdom and closely following the monorail route. Obviously, there are some inlets that would need to be crossed as well as the holding are for the Electrical Water Pageant. Not to mention some roads, a waterway and a lot of marshland.

The plan never panned out and Disney stopped halfway to the Grand Floridian. There are bricks at the Transportation and Ticket Center, The Contemporary and at the Polynesian.

Depending what the letter is on the brick, it could be in one of five places:
W: West of the Magic Kingdom towards the Grand Floridian
E: East of the Magic Kingdom to the Contemporary
C: The Contemporary
H: The Transportation and Ticket Center
P: The Polynesian

Two different types of pavers were sold until the year 2000: a traditional brick paver ($85 - $125) and larger gray ones ($250). No one really knows why Disney stopped selling them ,but the most prevalent thought is that it was competing with the Leave a Legacy program at Epcot. Occasionally, more bricks have been sold (some in 2006), but they are for special occasion or sold only on a first-come, first-served basis outside of the Magic Kingdom.

In 2008 Disney World suspended this program.  The phone number to the brick department is 407-824-7890.  You can use this number to get your brick cleaned, replaced it, find your brick, or order if the program begins again.  The bricks started at $110 when the program began. In late 2007 they changed the price to $295.

Disneyland's Mint Julep

Served at multiple locations in New Orlean's Square, the Mint Julep is a must have while visiting the park and a great recipe to add to your collection.  Very Southern and very good.

Prep Time: 1¼ hours
Total Time: 2 hours
Serving Size: 6 cups

Ingredients:
1 lb granulated sugar
6 cups water
1 1/4 ounces lime juice concentrate
8 1/2 ounces lemonade concentrate
3/4 cup creme de menthe (syrup available at liquor stores. Do not confuse it with creme de menthe liqueur)
*You can find non-alcoholic creme de menthe syrup at this website: http://www.davincigourmet.com/.*

Garnishes
mint leaf
lime slice
maraschino cherry

Instructions:
1. Combine the sugar and water in a 3 quart saucepan. Stir the contents until the sugar is dissolved.

2. Stir in lime and lemonade concentrate next. Continue stirring and bring to boil just below the boiling point (210 degrees.) DO NOT BOIL!

3. Remove pan from heat and chill. Once chilled, add a ratio of 1 part syrup to 5 parts chilled water.

4. Transfer beverage to pitcher.

5. Garnish each serving with mint leaves, lime slice and a maraschino cherry.

6. Enjoy!

Disneyland Kennels

An indoor kennel is available to the right of the entrance to Disneyland Park. Food and water are provided however, you must return to the Kennel to walk your animal. The Kennel does not provide overnight boarding.

DOGS: You must produce proof of vaccinations for rabies, distemper, hepatitis and leptospirosis for dogs over four months old.

CATS: You must produce proof of vaccinations for rabies, panleukopenia, rhinotracheitus and calcivirus.

Price: $20.00 Per Day

If you are traveling with your pet, you must park in the Mickey & Friends parking structure if you wish to board your pet at the Kennel. If you park in a different area, you will not be allowed to board the shuttle since they are not owned by Disney.

Reservations are required by calling (714) 781-7662, the Disneyland Kennel is not open for Magic Morning.

Below are some additional options outside the Disneyland Resort:

Animal Friends Pet Hotel
13220 Euclid Street
Garden Grove, CA 92843
(714) 537-4500
Near Euclid and Paloma Avenue
Notes - All animals must have up to date vaccination records.

Animal Inns of America
10852 Garden Grove Blvd
Garden Grove, CA 92843
(714) 636-4455
Near Brookhurst Avenue and Euclid
Notes - All animals must have up to date vaccination records.

Check with your hotel to see if they allow pets.  The hotels at the Disneyland Resort do NOT allow pets.

*****ONE MORE THING TO THINK ABOUT, THE FIREWORKS ARE VERY LOUD AND SCARE DOGS, PLEASE TAKE THAT INTO CONSIDERATION.*******

Did You Know?

Disneyland's opening day was a complete disaster.  Here is a video from the opening day of Disneyland.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuJ_RHDxNJY

Disneyland was opened to the public on Monday, July 18, 1955. However, a special "International Press Preview" event was held on Sunday, July 17, 1955, which was only open to invited guests and the media. The Special Sunday events, including the dedication, were televised nationwide and anchored by three of Walt Disney's friends from Hollywood: Art Linkletter, Bob Cummings, and Ronald Reagan. ABC broadcast the event live on its network; at the time, it was one of the largest and most complex live broadcasts ever.

The event did not go smoothly. The park was overcrowded as the by-invitation-only affair was plagued with counterfeit tickets. All major roads nearby were empty.

The temperature was an unusually high 101 °F, and a plumbers' strike left many of the park's drinking fountains dry. Disney was given a choice of having working fountains or running toilets and he chose the latter. This, however, generated negative publicity since Pepsi sponsored the park's opening; disappointed guests believed the inoperable fountains were a cynical way to sell soda. The asphalt that had been poured just that morning was so soft that ladies' high-heeled shoes sank into it. Vendors ran out of food. A gas leak in Fantasyland caused Adventureland, Frontierland, and Fantasyland to close for the afternoon. Some parents were seen throwing their children over the shoulders of crowds to get them onto rides such as the King Arthur Carrousel.

The park got such bad press for the "International Press Preview" that Walt Disney invited attendees back for a private "second day" to experience Disneyland properly. In later years Walt and his 1955 executives referred to July 17, 1955 as "Black Sunday". Today, cast members wear pin badges on July 17 stating how many years it has been since the 1955 opening. But for the first decade or so, Disney officially stated that opening day was on July 18, 1955. For example, a 1967 Disneyland press release referred to July 17, 1955, as "Dedication Day" and not "Opening Day."

On Monday July 18, crowds started to gather in line as early as 2 a.m., and the first person to buy a ticket and enter the park was David MacPherson with admission ticket number 2, as Roy O. Disney arranged to pre-purchase ticket number 1. Walt Disney had an official photo taken with two children, Christine Vess Watkins (age 5 in 1955) and Michael Schwartner (age 7 in 1955); the photo of the three carries an inaccurate caption identifying the children as the first two guests of Disneyland. Watkins and Schwartner both received lifetime passes to Disneyland that day, and MacPherson was awarded one shortly thereafter, which was later expanded to every single Disney-owned park in the world.

Other Facts:
- It took only 364 days to build Disneyland.

- Main Street USA is a replica of Walt’s home town of Marceline, Missouri in 1910. (See Marceline above)
 
- Tomorrowland was originally set in 1986.

- The Autopia ride is the only ride left from Disneyland's original Tomorrowland.  By the end of the first day, all but 2 of the 48 Autopia cars were crashed and about half the rides were broken.
 
- In the early years of the park, the Rivers of America were stocked with catfish and visitors were allowed to fish off the docks of Tom Sawyer Island.

Park Maps and Inserts

Each Park offers a map to help you guide your way through the park.  If you are unfamiliar with the park it is a good idea to grab one, establish a meeting location if someone gets lost and take a moment (outside of a walk way) to get to know the park. 

Inside you will find:

- Description of FASTPASS

- Description of PhotoPass

- Newly featured items in the park

- A long list of services and ammenities of the park

- Current Promotions

- Detailed Map of every area in the park (restraunts, rides, parade routes, restrooms, etc.)

Even if you know the park and don't need a map, make sure to grab the inserts that explain what is happening at the park on the day you will be there. 

You will find:
- New experiences at the park
- Times for parades, firework shows, and special events
- Music and performances in each land
- Helful tools for a successful stay in the park

- Disney Character locations (Even though not listed on this flyer, you will almost always find classic characters on Main Street, right as you enter from under the train tracks.)

Easter

With Spring comes the beautiful flowers and warm weather in the parks. During Easter you will find these two characters hopping in with the regulars.

Disneyland has had this visitor since the park opened. Here are Flower and Thumper visiting children on Easter in 1963.

Along with the seasonal visitors you will find a lot of Easter merchandise and candy sold in the parks.

At Tokyo Disneyland they have a fun-filled Easter Parade. Check out both videos below to see their spirited parade!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iR-LplaxMZM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftDtrIrkInA

Changes to Pirates?

Check out this article from Miceage.com.  Seems there are some changes coming to Pirates of the Carribean for the holidays...

"Well, it had to eventually happen. With Christmas becoming the most important season for Disneyland in terms of attendance and sales, it was time to add another holiday attraction makeover to the list in order to have something new to market this year. Add to that project the latest in NexGen technology, and you have enough going on to fuel discussion boards for years.


So open up a can of that eggnog and slice yourself off a piece of that fruitcake and bear witness to what happens when some political capital is spent.

A series of meetings have been taking place in TDA about the upcoming holiday season. While the stale Christmas parade could use a major makeover, what research proves sells more tickets and merchandise best is another attraction holiday makeover. With the two Lucas attractions off-limits (no star tours holiday special I guess) and the coasters not quite providing an ideal environment for the new RFID/NexGen initiative that pretty much leaves only one attraction.

As it stands now Pirates of the Caribbean will be scheduled to close after the July 4 weekend to begin its transformation into Christmas in the Caribbean. The reason for the early closure is simple, besides Steve Davison just draping garland and lights all over the sets, Imagineering has been busy perfecting a new interactive technology that literally makes the traditional shop at the exit obsolete. But more on that later...

As you can probably imagine, any changes to a classic ride are always controversial. While the Christmas efforts tend to be less so due to their temporary nature, in this case the suits in TDA are doing everything they can to defuse the expected criticism, even bringing in former Imagineering head Marty Sklar out of retirement to help their cause. They're going to claim that Walt Disney himself dreamed up Christmas in the Caribbean while he was still alive and Marty will present proof of such, a cocktail napkin sketch recently unearthed from the Walt Disney Company archives. (Of course a limited quantity archive edition framed napkin reproduction will be available via the Disney Store’s online D23 shop for $400.)

Davison used the sketch to inspire his holiday makeover of the ride, commenting to the many people involved how easy this project was compared to his previous efforts. For example it doesn't take much to turn the pirate bedroom scene into Santa checking his list for who is naughty or nice, getting the donkey to sing Christmas carols along with the three wise men, or toss in a few wrapped presents into the treasure room. Throw up some leftover Osborne lights and voilà you have an instant Christmas themed attraction.

Did we mention the treasure room? That's where the most controversial changes in the ride will be made, spearheaded by Kim Irvine, head of the new Character Redeployment Attraction Program for all the Parks. Inspired by her success in placing unrelated Disney characters into the small world attraction a few years ago, she has decided to do the same in the Pirates treasure room. What visitors will see for the first time this year is the second part of what she had planned originally for the attraction which will make its debut in the Christmas Pirates makeover.

First developed for small world holiday as Stop & Shop (to be installed later this year there), Christmas in the Caribbean will debut a variation on it called Spot & Shop. As visitors board their boats they will be handed a toy spyglass with a special red button. As their boats make their way through the attraction riders will be invited to spot merchandise items strategically placed throughout with their spyglass and push the red button when they see something they want to purchase.

With each button push the item will be instantly charged to their credit card, packaged up and then handed to the rider as he exits the attraction. The “point & shop” technology was exhaustively tested on both the Toy Story Mania and Buzz Lightyear attractions and they will also offer shopping opportunities later next year.

For small world Stop & Shop will pull the boat over to the side of the track each time a rider calls out a character name, whereupon a cast member will pop out from behind the scenery, hand over the item and bill their credit card for it immediately. As the suits in TDA see it, visitors will be happier that they don't have to wait in long lines at the shops, and corporate will be pleased to finally make attractions personnel into revenue producers.

There's still a few glitches being worked out, Steve Davison is insisting that in order to get the full effect of the makeover, boats should only have the center three rows loaded for optimal viewing which of course means reduced capacity. Discussions are also ongoing about replacing the redhead in the auction scene with Miley Cyrus, (Tony Baxter is particularly keen on this), and John Lasseter repeatedly keeps asking for Cars characters to be introduced into the attraction. (He turned down a compromise from Imagineering to name all the boats after all the characters in the film.)

There have been discussions to have the Johnny Depp figures discuss the wonders of 3-D television and Blu-Ray discs, but those negotiations are ongoing with his management. Meanwhile the PR machine is already in full gear to deal with the expected online backlash, Heather Buick Rivera from the Disney parks blog is planning to deny everything as she gets in place a viral DoM campaign, DoM being short for Defenders of Magic.

Christmas in the Caribbean opens November 5, 2010." -AL (Miceage.com)

Happy April Fool's Day!!!

Did You Know?

When it comes to eternal resting places, can you do better than take up residence in the Haunted Mansion?

After all, while the Mansion was being built, Walt himself said "we're out collecting the ghosts, and we want to make it very attractive to them, so we're putting in wall-to-wall cobwebs, and we guarantee them creaking doors, and creaking floors." What self-respecting spook would pass up that opportunity?

Some foolish mortals try their best to join in the ghostly fun. From time to time, stories of human ashes being spread throughout the Haunted Mansion attractions make their way through the rumor mill. Not true, says Disney of the stories, though the leaked details often have an air of authenticity.

On May 15, 2009, another case of spilled human remains was reported at the Walt Disney World Haunted Mansion in the Magic Kingdom. According to inside sources, EMTs from Reedy Creek and specialized Disney custodians worked for two and a half hours to clean the ashes out of the attraction, where they were spread along the Doom Buggy track.

The spreading of cremated human remains is not unusual at Disney parks, despite official denials. Disneyland has had numerous cases of ashes being spread in various attractions, though most commonly the Haunted Mansion.

Some of these true-life stories give way to legends told by Haunted Mansion castmembers to each other and the public. In one such tale, the ashes surruptitiously spread were supposedly those of a young boy, who can still be seen from time to time crying at the exit of the attraction, at least according to the friends of friends who have reportedly seen him.

At any rate, Disney steadfastly refuses to "confirm" that the ashes found are human. But as sure as Disney's grim grinning ghosts will continue to come out and socialize, mortals will continue to try to gain residence in the Haunted Mansion in any way possible.