This week, tickets, park hopping, and PhotoPass changes, some restaurant shuffling in Downtown Disney, a Magic Happens dining package, Disney100 branding is everywhere, a whole list of closures, we talk to Skipper Freddy, and more!
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News
There are a lot of changes coming to Disneyland tickets, park-hopping, and more in the New Year. Starting February 4th, guests with the ability to park hop will be able to switch parks at 11am, instead of the current 1pm time. More dates have been added to the calendar at the $104 ticket level, bringing it up to nearly two months of days at the lowest ticket price. Throughout the Disney100 celebration, digital attraction photos will be complimentary starting February 4th. This is limited to digital attraction photos only. Also announced were more opportunities to join the Magic Key program throughout 2023 as pass inventory becomes available. For all the details, check out the link in our show notes. - https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2023/01/disneyland-resort-announces-new-updates-to-offer-guests-more-value-and-flexibility/
The closest location to get food in the esplanade abruptly closed this week. La Brea Bakery announced the closure of the Downtown Disney and all other non-airport locations to focus on their partnerships with distributing their baked goods. The location will make room for a temporary tenant before being demoed and becoming the location for the Porto's that was announced back at the D23 Expo in September. - https://www.ocregister.com/2023/01/09/la-brea-bakery-abruptly-closes-at-downtown-disney-after-two-decades/
Fans of great tasting, inexpensive food can now rejoice! Earl of Sandwich, the sandwich shop that was torn down with the rest of the AMC theater complex has announced its return. In the near term, it will be moving into the La Brea Bakery location, adding a sit-down option until a new location is built elsewhere in Downtown Disney, likely on the west side where construction is happening now. - https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2023/01/downtown-disney-district-welcomes-back-earl-of-sandwich-this-february-more-district-updates/
Weeklyteers who like dining in the once highly themed Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen will be sad with the changes coming when it re-opens. Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio will be the new name of the location. Guests who have experienced the new design have found it plain and mostly un-themed. The fully refurbished location should return after a "short time" according to Disney. Din Tai Fung, which was announced at the D23 Expo this year has some new concept art. In the concept art, there is a round bar surrounded by tables for diners to eat at. The new location will be on the west end of Downtown Disney, but no opening date or timeline has been announced. - https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2023/01/09/4-major-downtown-disney-restaurant-updates/#more-762543
When Magic Happens returns, there will be a dining package available to guests at the Plaza Inn. Each