This week, guests get “a touch of Disney” next month, less money for the parks, Star Wars Trading post lands in Downtown Disney, some more locations reopen, make some Disney treats at home, we talk to Michael about working third shift, and more!
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News:
The food event that is coming to Disney California Adventure next month finally has an official name: “A Touch of Disney.” Since there won’t be entertainment or attractions for this event, calling it a Festival was not in the cards. The name is similar to the name that Knott’s used this year, “Taste of Knott’s.” – https://www.micechat.com/282214-disneyland-update-openings-closings-and-glimmers-of-hope/
Last week, Disney had their quarterly earnings call with investors. Not much Disneyland news, except that Disney plans to decrease their budget for Parks, Experiences, and Products and funnel that money into Direct to Consumer, which is TV, movies, and streaming. Bob Chapek also talked about how the pandemic allowed them to rethink their passholder program and how limited attendance could be going forward. Finally, he didn’t expect masks and social distancing at the parks to continue in 2022. – https://www.micechat.com/282214-disneyland-update-openings-closings-and-glimmers-of-hope/
One of the limited capacity issues that they face is overall attendance with reopening Disneyland during the pandemic. One of the possible strategies would be to offer “day-parting” tickets. Day Parting tickets allow Disney to split one day into two parts, each with different tickets needed to attend. Disneyland could then sell, say 15,000 tickets for the first part of the day, remaining within capacity limits, then sell another 15,000 for the second part of the day, bringing capacity up to 30,000 guests a day. – https://www.micechat.com/282214-disneyland-update-openings-closings-and-glimmers-of-hope/
Star Wars Trading Post will be opening to the public this week after some early access days for Legacy Passholders. This location will be more flexible with the timeline for Star Wars than Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland. Merchandise from all eras of the universe will be on sale. The exterior is still themed to be a Resistance base, but also fits in with other iconic locations. Inside the location, Grogu’s pram will be on display. – https://www.ocregister.com/2021/02/11/how-disney-imagineering-turned-the-rainforest-cafe-into-a-star-wars-rebel-base-in-downtown-disney/ and https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/02/11/disneys-new-star-wars-store-will-have-details-from-the-mandaloridan/
La Brea Bakery has reopened in Downtown Disney! This is one of the last locations to reopen since the stay at home order was lifted allowing restaurants to allow guests to dine in again. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/02/10/did-someone-say-bread-a-downtown-disney-bakery-is-reopening-soon/
The exterior section of Oswald’s at the entrance to Buena Vista Street has reopened for the first time since closing almost a year ago. Currently, there is a limited selection of merchandise, but it is nice to have another location open on Buena Vista Street. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2021/02/photos-oswalds-reopens-with-new-mickey-and-minnie-shirts-at-disney-california-adventure/
Starbucks has returned to Downtown Disney in its largest store near World of Disney. No word on the smaller Starbucks at the west side of Downtown Disney, or the location on Buena Vista Street. Sprinkles Cupcakes and Splitsville also do not currently have an opening date. – http