DLW 118: Park Etiquette

This week, we discuss how Disney is doing in the first quarter, ticket prices going up again, FastPass and MaxPass everywhere, a new dining package, fire!, Valentines day around the park, park etiquette, and more!

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News:

Disney reported their first quarter earnings report last week and the results were mixed. Disney+ already has 26.5 million subscribers, but at a loss of $800 million this quarter and an expected $900 million loss next quarter. This was expected. At the parks, attendance increased 2% and guest spending was up because of higher prices all around. Next quarter will be telling with Rise of the Resistance adding to the quarter and the impact of the Coronavirus closures in Asia. – https://www.micechat.com/249826-disney-and-closed-parks-examining-disneys-q1-financial-results/

This Tuesday, we awoke to news that prices have once again increased for tickets to the happiest place on earth. The single day ticket now has 5 tiers, instead of the previous 3 for value, regular and peak days. One day tickets went up 3 percent upper tier tickets and 3 to 5 percent on 1 Day Park Hoppers. Multi-day tickets increased from 3 percent on the 3-Day Park Hopper to just under 6 percent on the 5-Day, one-park-per-day ticket. Annual passes are up 4 percent on the Deluxe Pass to just over 8 percent on the new Flex Pass. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2020/02/breaking-disneyland-resort-rolls-out-ticket-price-increases-ahead-of-marvel-avengers-campus-opening/

Disneyland didn’t stop at the ticket prices, the add-on MaxPass also saw a price increase. MaxPass started at $10 per person, per day a few years ago and increased to $15 last year and is now $20. If you have an annual pass, the add-on has increased from $100 to $125. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2020/02/disneyland-resort-increasing-price-on-disney-maxpass-digital-fastpass-service-for-2020/

With the increased cost of MaxPass, Disney has decided to add FastPass to two attractions at the resort. The Autopia is returning to a FastPass attraction, while Monsters Inc, Mike and Sully to the Rescue will be getting it for the first time. – https://www.micechat.com/249991-disneyland-update-sparks-fly-as-holiday-hearts-arrive/

In addition to a couple of the more classic attractions, FastPass is coming to Galaxy’s Edge for the first time with the Millenium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run attraction. There is no firm date on when this will launch, but the infrastructure is in place for it, so it could be any time now. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2020/02/millennium-falcon-smugglers-run-coming-soon-to-disney-fastpass-and-disney-maxpass-at-disneyland/

Reservations are now avaialble for a new dining package at the Plaza Inn for Magic Happens. The new parade debuts on February 28th, with the lunch dining package on the same date. The lunch includes a lunch entrée, a beverage, a Plaza Inn credential, and a voucher for the parade reserved viewing area. The lunch is $40 per adult and $25 per child ages 3-9. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2020/02/new-magic-happens-dining-package-coming-to-plaza-inn-at-disneyland-reservations-now-open/

With the new Magic Happens parade coming at the end of the month, there is also some new merchandise! There are new ears, a baseball style tee, a sipper, and more. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2020/02/photos-new-magic-happens-parade-mickey-ears-apparel-souvenir-sipper-and-more-coming-to-disneyland-on-february-28/

On Friday, February 7th, a fire broke out behind Main Street near the fire station and between the Emporium and the Jungle Cruise. The fire caught some of the bamboo on fire, but noone was injured. Half of Main Street and all of Adventureland lost power for a period of time causing evacuations for safety. Cast members reported that it may have been caused by a transformer backstage. – https://www.micechat.com/249991-disneyland-update-sparks-fly-as-holiday-hearts-arrive/

With all of the other holidays getting lavish makeovers around the parks, it is a surprise that Valentines Day doesn’t get much love. This year, there are two locations that have decor up for the occassion. There is a photo op in town square where the Christmas tree and Mickey pumpkin usually are setup, and a small display in the Candy Palace. – https://www.micechat.com/249991-disneyland-update-sparks-fly-as-holiday-hearts-arrive/

Just because the decorations are light, doesn’t mean there aren’t sweet treats for the holiday. There is a sweetheart cupcake, which is a chocolate cupcake topped with a swirl of vanilla and cherry frosting, crunchy pearls, festive heart-shaped sprinkles, a chocolate Minnie bow, and chocolate Mickey ears, available at The Craftsman Grill at the Grand Californian for $7. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/02/07/whats-new-at-the-disneyland-resort-and-downtown-disney-haunted-mansion-refurb-and-the-best-popcorn-bucket-ever/

A new item is available at the Mint Julep bar in New Orleans Square, but you will have to know to ask for it. The chocolate Mickey beignet is available for $5.49 for a set of three. They are tossed in cocoa powder and sugar. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/02/08/chocoholics-youve-gotta-try-these-mickey-beignets-in-disneyland-right-now/

Details were released on the upcoming Pixar Disneyland After Dark Night. Mike, Sully and other monsters will be hosting a Scare Day party in Hollywood Land, Paradise Gardens Park will host the Incredibles Party Zone, where you can meet Edna Mode hosting a “Super Looks” fashion walk. Photo ops will also be availabe as well as some great food items! A Corn Dog Barbecued Pork Belly with Barbecue Sauce and Pineapple will be available, as well as a Blueberry and Vanilla Shake, and a Chocolate and Coffee-flavored Sponge Cake. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/02/08/wait-til-you-see-the-snacks-for-pixar-nite-in-disney-california-adventure/

Patrick Finnegan, Disney California Adventure’s vice president, spoke to the Orange County Register this week and spoke about possible changes coming to Hollywood Land. The discussion started with what they could be doing to the area once Avenger’s Campus opens this summer. The character meet and greets, and pretty much everything else Marvel from that area will be moving to the new land, clearing out the sleepy corner of the park. There was a rumor of an $800 million dollar renovation of the area, but nothing has been officially announced. – https://wdwnt.com/2020/02/disney-california-adventure-vice-president-alludes-to-possible-800-million-dollar-hollywood-land-overhaul-black-box-dark-ride-as-next-park-project-after-marvel/

A new Disney Parks designer collection set of ears has come to the parks. This new set is designed by THE BLONDS, a fashion duo from New York. This time, the ears are more of a hat than a headband. The base has a classic felt Mickey Ear look and feel to it, topped with a silver metallic material covered in different shaped clear rhinestones. The front sports a “V” shaped dip in the metallic stones. Mickey’s signature is on the back as well. According to the Disney Parks Blog, fewer than 50 of these were made, so they could all be gone by now. – https://wdwnt.com/2020/02/photos-first-look-at-the-new-blinged-out-disney-parks-designer-collection-ears-by-the-blonds/

Discussion Topic:
Park Etiquette Tips

http://www.goinformed.net/theme-park-etiquette-tips/

https://discuss.micechat.com/forum/disney-theme-park-news-and-discussion/disneyland-resort/8417320-park-etiquette-let-s-make-a-list

https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Theme-Park-Etiquette

http://wellinthishouse.com/10-basic-rules-for-theme-park-etiquette/5993/