* After you read this report you may want to check out the pictorial updates in our Disneyland Resort Pictorial Update section

Hello all,

Friday was a quiet day at the Disneyland Resort for me. We had no real objectives except to relax and roam the parks. The weather was a bit cooler and the crowds seemed a little lighter than last week.

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Jason

Trip logs and mileage reports are in the Park Miles section.

Disneyland & DCA Thoughts and Observations:

• We were walking around GRR and found out the walkway under the lift hill is still closed off due to the after hours work. There is no indication of this until you get to the blocked off walkway. We saw several people head into the dead end and were a bit confused. It would have been nice to have seen a sign somewhere telling you or at least something on the barrier for those that are new to the park saying to go back around to reach the Bay Area/Pier.
  
  
• As you saw in the pictorial update the Golden Dreams theater has been removed. The space there really seems small to me, it will be interesting to see how they fit the Little Mermaid attraction into the space. Also curious how long the ride will be, if its like a Peter Pan or Cartoon Spin or something longer... that is one piece of information that I have not seen anywhere yet. Has anyone??
  
  
• There is a new store, Kitson Kids, opened where Starbillies used to be in Downtown Disney. This is a really awkward shaped store, and the collection of items for sale did not make much sense to me, guess I am not hip or trendy. For more info you can visit their website http://www.shopkitson.com which does not even bother to list the location. The workers in the store were not that friendly or engaging either and they were more concerned with chasing those of us with cameras out (myself and at least two other people were asked to not take pictures, seems to me they should put up a sign like the other stores that do not want pictures taken inside).
  
  
• We rode monorail blue back to the park and it was interesting to see the new window design(it has been installed for a while but this was my first trip with them). Its a half window that can be raised/lowered if needed for the day by CMs, it is locked from guest control it appears. The cars themselves were on the warm side even with the cooler day, fans, vents, and windows. Also kind of interesting they were directing everyone to the ramp in Tomorrowland and would not let you go down the stairs. Then to add to the confusion at the bottom of the ramp near the Nemo queue Disneyland security was working with someone and they were directing you into the entrance line. I could not tell what security was up to but I saw a handful of CMs in the area and they asked us to keep moving.
  
  
• I spoke to a CM about the BBQ changes that went into effect on Thursday. As you saw in the pictorial update the menu has been reduced (no more dessert or drinks included or corn for lunch). As far as I could tell there was no pricing information available without asking a CM either. Wonder if the signs are still coming or if this is a test and adjust still or just a new policy to have you talk with the CMs. Also the characters and photo op were removed but some entertainment has stayed. I read the lunch price is now $20 and dinner $25, kids are $10 for both.
  
  
• We caught a couple sets of the College Band on Friday and it is great to see how they grow throughout the summer and really get into the show. There are only a few weeks left for this years band, so if you are at the park stop by and see a set.
  
  
• We stopped to watch Fantasmic Friday evening. Someone I was with had not seen the changes since they were waiting for the dragon to start, but we had some time so decided to stop and see the 9:00pm show. Unfortunately there were no eels, no croc and of course no dragon. Anyone know what happened to the eels and croc? I read somewhere the eels had a minor problem last week but I thought everything was running again... guess not or at least not for the 9pm show Friday.
  
  
• The trams to exit the park Friday were a bit backed-up at the unload station due to only two stops being available. I am guessing the recently redone side will open this week? It still seems weird to shut down half the tram stop during the peak summer season. It appears that summer is no longer a slow time when it comes to rehabs/projects. (Another great example of this is the rehab work on the Fantasyland dark rides going on).
  
  
  
• Interesting Web Notes:
  In this section of the Geekspeaks column I will include links, notes, and rumors I find/stumble across/or have been informed of:
  
  
  • Marty Sklar Window dedication video (DisneyParks) - Click Here
    
    
  • Disneygeek.com new media links:
    • Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/disneygeekcom
    • Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/disneygeek
      
      

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