I have lots of new Disneyland information; cool new things, some changes and great deals.
We started our press day off at the fun Big Thunder Ranch Restaurant. What never heard of it? Its new. You will know the location…its that weird place behind Thunder Mountain that you would always walk by and go ‘I wonder what that place is for?’…well it has been used as a location for private parties and corporate gatherings and now it a family style restaurant. Complete with themed (western y’all) entertainment. Wonderful singers and of course characters (See me with Woody. He totally has a thing for bloggers). The meal was OUTSTANDING. BBQ chicken, pork, corn, coleslaw, corn bread and more. And by more I mean the cutest dessert ever. A waffle cone with filling in the bottom and a cupcake on top. It is ‘all you can eat’ and prices are around $29 adult and $13 for kiddies. Okay not cheap- but when you consider a soda is $2.50 and a basic burger anywhere else in the park is about $9.00….this really doesn’t seem all that bad. Plus the entertainment part of it. But really? Its about the food. Just outstanding. I had a nice conversation with Gary who is the head of all food and catering for the park- and learned about great plans and changes happening in lots of locations. (have you been to the carving-style place which serves huge carved beef sandwiches right above Pirates? ). And I am certain he is going to run with my idea for a coffee cart out on the plaza for me when I am waiting in line to get in the park. Gave him that idea for free. I am a giver ya know.
We also watched the new parade. It is a simpler parade than I have seen in years past with a strong emphasis on music. And you know what- I loved it. Especially loved that Mickey was sporting not only a killer hoodie but also a pair of custom Pumas. Although it seems a little unfair Minnie was still stuck wearing a torturous pair of heels (as were the dancers)…..come on Disney, cut the girls a break!
And then we were on to what I thought was going to be the ‘boring’ part of the press event. The informative presentation. But actually it was great. Here is a summary:
The SoCal Resident deal was revealed: $99 for a 3 day park hopper pass
‘Two nights free’ at Disneyland hotels.
The beloved Electrical Parade is returning with changes and improvements. The 3 original floats from the 1972 version of the parade which never made it back in 1996, are returning! (Including Snow White’s float)
Lots of LED lights are being added to the floats to help enhance and add detail to the existing designs.
The parade music has been re-done. Don’t worry Disney traditionalists-we heard a sample- and it is the same song, only the sound is richer.
In part of the original concept of “A fairy’s light leads the way”, Tinker Bell will become the leader of the parade.
And then there was Steve Davison, the man responsible for the firework show every night at Disneyland. And he has probably the coolest job title ever (something like VP of Parades and Spectaculars). He gave a rather….dramatic presentation on the new firework show. He danced, he sang….he used jazz hands. Here is a short snippet….isn’t his passion for the show great? Jump to 1:30 for the finale… Hope to see all of you in the Park this Spring and Summer.And if you go- let me know what you think of these new changes…
