Disneygeek - Geek Speaks - 6/22/18 - Thoughts and observations from Friday at the Disneyland Resort

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Welcome to the disneygeek.com Geek Speaks section. In this section I will post my comments on trips to the parks or other Disney related events.

6/22/18 - Thoughts and observations from Friday at the Disneyland Resort

Friday was a mild day at the Disneyland Resort for me. I had a small picture list and the goal was to catch up with some friends and just enjoy the parks. The weather was mild topping out in the low 80s and dipping down to upper 60s. Crowds were also on the lighter side for most attractions and shows with only a few exceptions. Some were extremely mild if you timed it right, for example visited Mr. Toad and waited 5 minutes after 6pm. Dumbo was posted at 10min but looked closer to 20 or so.

Trip Updates: This past week I finished posting pictures sets from my May Walt Disney World trip. Asia - I have videos, thoughts & observations from all days posted. Full pictures sets from all but one Tokyo day are posted. .

Thoughts and Observations:

I was happy to encounter no parking delays on this trip. The overpass was open and only two cars in front of me at the tollbooth. Unfortunately I drew a spot a handful from the end in the last row, but that meant no circling to enter or leave the garage. So overall a good parking experience. No lines at security or for a tram either to reach the park.
The new parking structure is moving rapidly with many more columns rising up and more foundation work visible as the outline of the new structure takes shape. It would be really interesting to see a time line of major milestones. Also some more concept art of the tram area.
The Enchanted Tiki Room is celebrating its 55th anniversary (Saturday the 23rd is the actual date). I did not visit Friday due to a schedule conflict but did take a look at the merchandise to mark the occasion. It was nice seeing offerings available for it.
Was able to spend a few moments meeting Redd in New Orleans Square. She was walking around the area and stopped to say hi and for a picture. I think she is a fun addition to the area. Guests were talking with her and taking pictures but no big crowds or lines since she roams around the area.
Pixar Pier officially opened on Saturday. On Friday there was a media preview, Club 33 event and Premiere Event. I did not attend any of those so I took a look at the new area from across the bay. It appeared they still had work to do but most of the planned additions for this phase looked open and in use. The crowd for the evening event looked healthy I spoke to some random guests who attended while on the tram and they had a great time. They said they felt it was a good value for them. The attraction lines were minimal. They said food lines were longer than attraction much of the time. They did not comment on merchandise but said they really enjoyed the Incredicoaster and experienced it a dozen times.
The World of Disney renovation project has flipped sides and the side closest to Starbucks is open with the new look and the side closest La Brea Bakery is closed for renovation. The fully remodeled store is slated to launch in the fall. The part that is open is still a work in progress with details, artwork, etc.. not installed. The overall look is much more open. It reminded me of Disney Springs at Walt Disney World and seems like a perfect fit for there but does not feel like a match for Anaheim and the Grand Californian area. It did feel much more open and brighter inside. Right now there is very little Disney feel to the store itself.. will be interesting to see how the final feel is when the final artwork, props, etc.. are installed, assuming there is more coming.
More walls have been installed and the area from Salt & Straw through the former Ridemakerz is walled off for renovation. Then the far side past the Monorail AMC and Rainforest are now shuttered. This upcoming week more will be closing and by next week all will be shut and the bulldozers will be arriving. More parts of the Downtown Disney parking lot are now fenced off in preparation for the project and some are used as a staging area for items being removed.
Decided to watch Paint the Night and hoped for the Incredibles to arrive a day early. They did so it was a nice bonus for the day. The new float is in the line up where the Frozen Float was at Disneyland. After the Princesses and before the finale. It was a nice addition and the crowd was vocal as it came by. It is a busy float with three characters, movement, Dash lights all around, Violet up on top and Jack Jack on the side.
At Disneyland Together Forever was delayed a good 5 minutes. No indication why. They played no announcements. Best hunch was wind related since it was gusting a little then stopped. Has anyone seen what happens when cancelled due to wind? I have not yet.
Closed out my day with the final All-American College Band set at 9:55pm. The set was different than what they had performed last week. It was mostly the set I saw at 8:40pm last week. It was entertaining but I was looking forward to hearing the Earth, Wind and Fire medley.
The trams back to the parking structure were on the sluggish side to arrive and load. Luckily I made it onto the second one to arrive at the stop so it was not a long wait.