This week, Downtown Disney reopens, what has changed, what is the process like and more, Fuel Rod updates their terms, updates on the progress at the parks, Disneyland turns 65, we talk with a special guest about cast members from 1955, and more!
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News:
Downtown Disney re-opened this week and one of our supporters, Liberty, took over our Instagram for the day to cover the occasion. Guests lined up outside the gates of the resort on opening day and crowds were pretty heavy. Once the gates opened, some of the stores like World of Disney and the Disney Dress Shop had a virtual queue system setup for access and to keep numbers of guests inside as socially distant as possible. Initially, crowds made it difficult for distancing inside of World of Disney and eBay resellers were quick to pick up as much of the new 65th anniversary merchandise as possible. On day 2, things were much more manageable and went smoothly. – https://wdwnt.com/2020/07/photo-report-downtown-disney-district-7-9-20-grand-reopening-social-distancing-temperature-screenings-and-more/ and https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/07/09/photos-first-look-at-a-reopened-downtown-disney-at-disneyland-resort/
What is different now that Downtown Disney has reopened? First, mobile wait lists that allow guests to provide their name and phone number and will receive a text message when they are able to enter. New product launches are also not coming to the resort and will instead be available online through merchandise events or shopDisney. This includes monthly releases and limited-edition merchandise. Dressing rooms are also not available. Returns and exchanges will be accepted at DIsney-owned locations, but could vary with 3rd party vendors. – https://www.micechat.com/263030-downtown-disney-whats-open-and-whats-still-closed/ and https://disneyland.disney.go.com/experience-updates/downtown-disney/
Finally, what is open at Downtown Disney? (See list at Disney link) – https://www.micechat.com/263030-downtown-disney-whats-open-and-whats-still-closed/ and https://disneyland.disney.go.com/experience-updates/downtown-disney/
As we reported on last week, parking for Downtown Disney is limited to the Simba lot, behind the Paradise Pier Hotel. The large parking garages, including Mickey and Friends and the Pixar Pals lot are not available. Parking is free for the moment, and doesn’t open until the posted time at the lot, which is currently 10am. – https://www.micechat.com/263030-downtown-disney-whats-open-and-whats-still-closed/ and https://disneyland.disney.go.com/experience-updates/downtown-disney/
The Walt Disney Family Museum has announced a day of special events to celebrate the 65th anniversary of Disneyland on July 17th. The “Virtual Community Day” will be on July 17th from noon to 5pm pacific time and will be open to the public. No registration will be required. Guests will include Camille Dixon and Bill Rogers, the voices of Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. Legend Rolly Crump’s son, former Imagineer Chris Crump will also be present. The presentation will also include some home videos of Disneyland’s opening day. – https://www.micechat.com/263579-virtual-disneyland-65th-anniversary/
The Orange County Register spoke with TouringPlans about how many people Disneyland would actually be allowing into the parks when they do reopen. Based on the numbers from Shanghai and Walt Disney World Parks and data collected by TouringPlans, the estimate is about 10% of capacity, or about 8,500 guests, or 20% of the average daily attendance at Disneyland Park alone. DCA would have 5,000 guests, or about 18% of the daily count. – https://www.ocregister.com/2020/07/14/