DLW 129: When is it not magical?

This week, the President of the resort takes us inside, YouTube takes to the skies above Disneyland, Dapper Dans come into your home again, Imagineers streamed some haunted history, get your Disney merch even with the parks closed, we talk how much magic will be gone when the parks do open, and more!

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News:

This week, the president of the Disneyland resort, Rebecca Campbell shared some pictures on her Instagram showing Disneyland during the closure. To many fans, posting just these few glimpses into the parks is a nice break from all the bad news in the world right now. The images show Sleeping Beauty Castle, some close ups of flowers on Main Street, and some images from inside of California Adventure. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/04/22/disneylands-president-shares-photographs-from-inside-the-park/ and

https://wdwnt.com/2020/04/photos-disneyland-resort-president-rebecca-campbell-shares-inside-look-at-disneyland-and-disney-california-adventure-during-parks-closure/

The internet was a buzz with some video that was released on YouTube from a helicopter pilot that was allowed to fly over the Disneyland Resort. Typically, the air space above the resort is a no-fly zone, so this is rare footage. Projects like some hub repaving, the Frontierland entrance widening, Snow White and more are visible from above. If you like this aerial view, he also has videos of flying over Universal Studios and other attractions in the Los Angeles area. – https://www.micechat.com/258072-disneyland-update-gets-high-above-the-parks-when-they-could-reopen/ and https://wdwnt.com/2020/04/photos-video-take-a-high-definition-helicopter-tour-over-disneyland-park-during-the-extended-covid-19-parks-closure/ and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXTZVQqC-KQ

The Dapper Dans from Main Street, USA are back in a new video. This time the group is singing “When I See an Elephant Fly” from their homes. Once again, it is a delight to get a little bit of Disneyland and Main Street at home when we can’t be there in person. – https://www.mouseplanet.com/12639/Disneyland_Resort_Update_for_April_27__May_3_2020#news7

Sunday night, the Haunted Orange County Facebook page held a live stream with the voice of Mickey Mouse, Disney Legend and Imagineer Bob Gurr, and Imagineer Tania Norris who worked on the Haunted Mansion during its planning and construction back in the 60s. – https://www.facebook.com/HauntedOrangeCounty/

The one place that Disney can bring in some income at the moment is through all the people wanting new merchandise. ShopDisney is not disappointing. A new line of Disney “letter mugs” have been released with attractions corresponding to the letter on the mug integrated with the design. – https://wdwnt.com/2020/04/shop-new-disneyland-disney-california-adventure-mugs-and-trinket-boxes-arrive-in-the-abcdisney-collection/

Disney Imagineer Joe Rhode has his own set of Mickey Ears that were released on shopDisney this past week and were immediately sold out. The ears are based on an aviators cap design, with goggles on the front and sherpa lined ear flaps. The ears have a compass design fitting the adventure theme. – https://www.micechat.com/258072-disneyland-update-gets-high-above-the-parks-when-they-could-reopen/

Haunted Mansion and Monsters, Inc. Disney Parks pals have also been released on shopDisney. This line of merchandise features characters from Disney Parks in a cute styling with a prop. The previous collection of characters have also been added to the shopDisney site. – https://wdwnt.com/2020/04/shop-new-haunted-mansion-and-monsters-inc-park-pals-grab-on-to-shopdisney/

A lot of fan favorite treats in the parks have had their recipes, or at least close approximations of the recipies, posted online recently. Fans of the Monte Cristo sandwich will want to head over to our show notes to get this tasty recipie. There are two variants, one that uses a fryer, and one fryer-less. If this is up your alley, check out our recent live stream where we made the grey stuff, ronto wraps, and a Dole Whip. A link to that is also in our show notes. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/04/21/disney-recipe-make-disneylands-signature-monte-cristo-sandwich-at-home/#more-331456 and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stkcWoK1t3s

The governor of California, Gavin Newsom, has put together a task force on business and job recovery. Bob Iger has been named to the 80 member task force that also includes Apple CEO Tim Cook, four former California Governors, and other business leaders. This should help outline what needs to be done to get businesses, including Disneyland, open in the coming months. – https://www.mouseplanet.com/12639/Disneyland_Resort_Update_for_April_27__May_3_2020#news1

For listeners that are DVC members, this is an important update for you. Disney has updated some of its policies, specifically about reservations and points expiration. We have links in the show notes to all the changes for those of you interested. – https://www.mouseplanet.com/12639/Disneyland_Resort_Update_for_April_27__May_3_2020#news4 and https://wdwnt.com/2020/04/disney-vacation-club-issues-temporary-policy-changes-regarding-points-usage-and-statement-on-potential-increases-for-annual-dues/

Guests that have booked rooms at Walt Disney World Resort Hotels for July are being required to check in online and not at the front desk. This process was optional previously, but is mandatory for any reservations when the parks reopen. This is something that we could see come to the Disneyland resort hotels and possibly even other chain hotels and motels around the parks. – https://wdwnt.com/2020/04/online-check-in-will-be-required-for-all-future-walt-disney-world-resort-room-reservations-following-covid-19-pandemic/

Weeklyteers with small kids at home, or maybe even adults wanting to space out and color for a while can download some coloring pages from the Disneyland Paris resort that feature “protecting the magic of nature” for Earth Day 2020. – https://wdwnt.com/2020/04/recycle-with-mickey-and-minnie-downloadable-interactive-coloring-pages-available-as-part-of-protect-the-magic-of-nature-by-disneyland-paris/

Discussion Topic:

MiceChat Speculation – https://www.micechat.com/257900-how-disneyland-could-reopen-sooner-than-expected/

Universal Orlando Survey – https://www.orlandoweekly.com/Blogs/archives/2020/04/21/a-leaked-survey-shows-universal-is-considering-rapid-covid-tests-for-every-guest-and-team-member-among-other-safety-procedures

Orange County Florida Task Force – http://doctordisney.com/2020/04/28/orange-county-task-forces-releases-initial-guidelines-for-reopening-of-walt-disney-world-and-other-parks/

Orange County California Task Force – https://www.foxla.com/news/the-oc-board-of-supervisors-vote-unanimously-on-safety-guidelines-required-to-reopen-businesses