DLW 117: Magic Happens and Stuntronics

This week, we discuss Spiderman flying into the parks, Disneyland After Dark going retro, refurbishments everywhere, new experiences and merchandise in Galaxy’s Edge, a new popcorn bucket, the new Magic Happens parade, a flying animatronic, and more!

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News:

Disney has been pushing the innovations that they have been making in the area of animatronics recently. This week, they posted all over the internet a video of their new creation: the stunt Spiderman coming to Avenger’s Campus this summer. This animatronic will take the place of a live action human doing stunts above the area. The videos posted look very good and we are excited to see how they integrate this into the new land, and how often! – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2020/01/spider-man-swings-into-action-above-avengers-campus-at-disney-california-adventure-park/ and https://www.micechat.com/249371-high-flying-spider-man-stunts-over-disneylands-avengers-campus/

Those of you on the fence about attending Sweethearts Night at Disneyland, here are some details that may sway you. There is only one night with tickets left, February 12th. A Royal Princess Ball will take place with Aurora, Prince Philip, Aladdin, Jasmine, Cinderella, and Prince Charming. The Mark Twain will offer moonlight cruises, and the Golden Horseshoe will host a “Tempus Fugit Celebration”, paying tribute to Walt and Lillian’s 30th anniversary that was held just 4 days before Disneyland’s opening in 1955. A love song themed dance party with Princess Tiana, Naveen, Hercules, Megara, and, of course, Mickey and Minnie! – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/01/30/get-the-all-the-sweet-details-on-the-ultimate-disneyland-date-night-here/

A couple of dining establishments in Downtown Disney will be offering special Valentine’s Day menu options. Tortilla Jo’s will be offering a three course meal including a chice of Pan Seared Chicken Breast or Pan Seared Mahi-Mahi, an appetizer, and a chocolate abuelita cheesecake. Catal is also offering a package for $85 per person and includes a choice of starter, entree, and dessert from a special menu. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/01/29/valentines-day-menus-for-two-more-disneyland-resort-restaurants-announced/

The 80’s came to Disneyland After Dark last week, and it was certainly a party! Projection overlays came to it’s a small world and Sleeping Beauty Castle, making these areas reminiscent of an 80’s dance club. A live DJ, music videos (does anyone remember those?) and dancers revived Videopolis in Fantasyland. 80’s characters were available for pictures including Mousercise Mickey, Roger Rabbit, and even Ewoks! The one downside to the night was the cancellation of the Awesome After Dark – Fireworks to the Max show due to weather. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/01/30/the-raddest-thing-happened-at-disneyland-last-night-and-weve-got-all-the-details/

In addition to the artwork that was installed on the gates of the Haunted Mansion that we talked about on last weeks episode, the original sketch for the attraction has popped up on the scrims covering the ghostly manor. Snow White’s Scary Adventure has also received a decorative scrim during its extended refurbishment. – https://www.micechat.com/249405-disneyland-resort-update-pass-luck-and-passed-over/

Over in Fantasyland, there is more work going on as King Arthur’s Carousel is also behind scrims and receiving a refresh. The history of the attraction and some photos have been installed on the walls surrounding the attraction to spice things up a bit. – https://www.micechat.com/248815-disneyland-update-snow-show-grow/

Once again from February 28th through April 21st, Soarin’ Over California will return to Grizzly Peak Airfield. The return of this classic, that some say is more appropriate for California Adventure, is scheduled alongside the Food and Wine Festival. – https://www.micechat.com/249660-soarin-over-california-returning-to-disney-california-adventure/

If you missed your chance to use the cool themed sporks that were stocked in Docking Bay 7 when Galaxy’s Edge opened, you are going to love this news! The sporks have returned to the dining establishment on Batuu, but the sporks are now for sale and not provided with your meal. For $10.99 you can own one of these unique utensils. The spork comes with a cloth carrying case. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/01/27/wait-what-sporks-are-back-in-disneylands-star-wars-galaxys-edge/

For guests under 9 years old, there is a new scavenger hunt in Galaxy’s Edge. “Bina’s Guide to the Cratures of Batuu” starts at the Creature Stall, and kids collect stamps from locations around Batuu to collect a “token” at the end. Guests have reported that it takes about 30 minutes to collect enough stamps to earn the token. – https://wdwnt.com/2020/02/photos-kids-can-earn-special-token-by-completing-batuu-scavenger-hunt-at-disneyland-resort/

A new Mandalorian mug has arrived in the Star Trader in Tomorrowland. The mug is in the shape of the Mandalorian’s helmet and is quite large. The mug will set you back $22.99. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/01/27/your-coffee-wishes-it-was-in-this-mandalorian-mug-from-disneyland/

A new merchandise category that we haven’t seen much of is card holders. These are basically slim, wallet like leather card holders that can carry a few cards and display an ID or annual pass with one slot with a transparent window. They come in a variety of designs including Star Wars, Mickey, Minnie, Haunted Mansion, Mickey Premium Bar, and more. They are $14.99 and can be purchased at Disney Clothiers Ltd. on Main Street. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/01/28/this-is-the-cutest-new-disney-parks-merchandise-weve-seen-all-day/

A new collection of merchandise has come to the resort. The “Ink and Paint” collection includes a Spirit Jersey, bowls, place mats, cloth napkins, and more. A unique item in this collection is the Ink & Paint Backpack with Fabric Markers that can be used to color the black and white characters. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/01/31/whats-new-at-disneyland-hotels-and-downtown-disney-stars-wars-denim-jackets-and-winking-minnie-purses/ and https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/01/30/we-seriously-need-every-piece-of-this-new-classic-disney-animation-merchandise-line/ and https://www.micechat.com/249534-apparel-and-decor-become-art-with-the-new-disneyland-ink-paint-collection/

For guests who collected the Steamboat Willie Mickey Mouse black and white popcorn bucket last year, there is now a counterpart! The Streamboat Minnie Popcorn bucket is an annual passholder exclusive, available starting on February 6th for just $20. The bucket comes with $1.50 refills through March 29th. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/01/31/this-new-popcorn-bucket-coming-to-disneyland-may-be-the-best-one-yet/

Shortly after this episode posts, the Disneyland Hotel pool should be coming out from refurbishment. The scope of the work included the pool, the monorail slodes, and Minnie Spa. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/01/31/whats-new-at-disneyland-hotels-and-downtown-disney-stars-wars-denim-jackets-and-winking-minnie-purses/

Discussion Topic:

Magic Happens – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2020/01/behind-the-scenes-designing-magic-happens-parade-floats-debuting-feb-28-at-disneyland-park/

Magic Happens Costumes and Rundown – https://blogmickey.com/2020/01/performer-costume-concept-art-released-for-new-magic-happens-parade-coming-to-disneyland

Stickman – https://www.thewaltdisneycompany.com/disney-research-explores-physics-of-acrobatics-with-stickman-robot/

Stuntronics – https://www.thewaltdisneycompany.com/the-evolution-of-the-acrobat-robot-disney-imagineers-unveil-stuntronics/

Avenger’s Campus – https://www.ocregister.com/2019/08/27/avengers-campus-everything-we-learned-at-d23-expo-about-the-marvel-land-coming-to-disney-california-adventure/