October 19, 2022

DLW 257: Downtown Disney with Imagineer Mel McGowan

1 hour 26 minutes

This week, MagicBand+ is soft-launching this week, paper tickets may be going away, the Matterhorn returns with some updates, Indy isn’t get the refurb we hoped for, a lot of price increases across the board, we talk to former Imagineer Mel McGowan, and more!

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News:

Starting the day this podcast goes live, MagicBand+ will start rolling out with a soft-opening for Magic Key Holders, DVC Members, and some cast members. Other guests will be able to purchase and use the service on October 26th. MagicBand+ will add “Glow with the Show” elements during nighttime spectaculars, fireworks, and more. Admission to the parks will also work, as well as Genie+ reservation redemtion at the attractions. The best news is that the MagicBand+ bands can be used at Disneyland and Walt Disney World, with no need to buy separate ones for each coast. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2022/10/magicbandplus-debuts-at-disneyland-resort-on-oct-26-2022/

With MagicBand+ soft-launching this week, more and more guests are using their phones or MagicBands to enter the parks. Cast Members at Disneyland have reported that the physical paper tickets will be phased out for most guests. For guests that want a paper ticket, one can be provided for an additional fee. – https://wdwnt.com/2022/10/rumor-disneyland-resort-to-retire-free-paper-theme-park-tickets-this-week/

This past Friday, the icy peaks of the Matterhorn were once again alive with the screams of guests enjoying the bobsled run after its refurbishment. New seat cushions and refreshed effects are noticeable throughout. Harold, the abominable snowman was completely refurbished, and the projection effects were replaced. – https://www.micechat.com/336664-disneyland-update-theme-park-magic-comes-at-a-price/

We previously reported that the Indiana Jones Adventure was going down for refurbishment with hopes that it would be an extensive one. Alas, the refurbishment will be a short one of only two days. MiceChat reports that there are some fixes on the way, but the supply chain delays are what is holding up progress at this time. – https://www.micechat.com/336664-disneyland-update-theme-park-magic-comes-at-a-price/

The holiday season at Disneyland is quickly approaching from November 11th through January 8th. Disney Festival of Holidays is returning with Tina and The Sounds of Celebration! bringing powerhouse vocals and dynamic musicians to perform holiday tunes. Mariachi Divas, Mostly Kosher, Blue13 Dance Company, Phat Cat Swinger, and The Mistletoes are also returning. World of Color – Season of Light, A Christmas Fantasy Parade and Believe…In Holiday Magic are also back. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2022/10/more-merry-magic-coming-this-holiday-season-to-disneyland-resort/

More locations are returning to use with the busy holiday season approaching. The tiny shop “Embarcadero” reopened in the last week. The shop is home to popular apparel, ear headbands, and jewelry. The merchandise mix is mostly pricess-themed, and not limited to The Little Mermaid as it was in the past. – https://www.micechat.com/336664-disneyland-update-theme-park-magic-comes-at-a-price/

A recent feature in the Disneyland app has some new Haunted Mansion themes. Magic Key holders have exclusive access to these lenses, which are like filters in Snapchat. Guest use the Disneyland app and select the menu in the bottom right of the screen, then select “Disney PhotoPass Lenses.” This will show all the options. A Genie+ subscription is required to use the lenses. The three Haunted Mansion lenses are a screaming woman, a Medusa-looking creature, and Constance Hatchaway. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2022/10/17/how-to-access-disneylands-new-haunted-mansion-photopass-lenses/

A new attraction is joining The Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, and others in the board game universe! Space Mountain is a new game from Ravensburger that is now available for purchase. The game includes pieces from all five Space Mountains around the world. Players will race to see who can complete their missions and visit all five Spaceports first, while avoiding cosmic events, and keeping an eye on their fuel levels. The game is made for 2-4 players, ages 8 and up, with game time between 20 and 40 minutes. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2022/10/new-space-mountain-board-game-from-ravensburger-now-available/

Some favorite souvenirs from around the parks are going up in price. For the first time since 2018, the prices have gone up for the open edition pins. Previously, the silver colored pins were $9.99, which has increased to $11.99, the yellow pins have increased to $14.99 from $12.00, and pink has remained at $14.99. The blue tier has been removed. Minnie ears have also gone up from the base price of $29.99 to $34.99. – https://disneypinsblog.com/open-edition-pin-prices-increase-at-disney-parks/

Disney’s PhotoPass “Capture Your Moment” provate photo shoots have also increased in price. The 20 minute session with up to eight guests was priced at $79, and is now $99. As a reminder, photos are not included and must be purchased separately, or linked to a PhotoPass account. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2022/10/disney-photopass-capture-your-moment-private-photo-shoot-session-prices-increased/

Discussion Topic:

Imagineer Mel McGowan – https://www.storylandstudios.com/slsteam/mel-mcgowan/

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