Normally late summer months seem to cruise by without much but Halloween anticipation…not this time. Between new fast pass announcements, teasers for upcoming attractions, and construction kicking off across the park, there’s plenty to look back on this month at the Disneyland Resort.
ANNUAL PASSES, FAST PASSES, & THE GENIE
After officially ending the existing Annual Pass program earlier this year, Disney finally announced its replacement: Magic Key.
This system will be similar to the previous passes, with tiered options and discounts for participants – but will continue the current reservation system. For more information about Magic Key, check out my detailed post here.
Disney also announced another new pass system this month: bye bye fast passes, hello Lightning Lane.
Lightning Lanes will be an up-charge connected to a new system, called “Genie”. Genie will show wait times, help you make dining reservations, and allow you to book your Lightning Lanes to skip the lines. For more information about Genie and the new fast pass system, check out my previous post here.
NEW CONCEPT ART & A TEASER VIDEO
Last year, Disneyland announced plans to transform Splash Mountain into a new Princess and the Frog themed attraction. But since then, we’ve heard basically nothing about what this new ride will entail – until this month. Disney released some new concept art for the attraction, along with a short description of the plot.
 Source: Disney Parks Blog
Per Disney Parks Blog:
Tiana is an ambitious and resilient woman, who proves that success comes through a connection to her family and community and has learned to never lose sight of what’s really important – giving back to others through great food and inspiring them to achieve their full potential.
As seen in this latest rendering of the attraction, the story will take place after the final kiss as Naveen and Louis join Tiana on her latest adventure, hosting a one-of-a-kind Mardi Gras celebration where everyone is welcome – during which some original music inspired by songs from the film will bring guests into the story. Tiana is leading the way and fans will be able to encounter old friends and make new ones along the way as well!
Disney also shared a video from a visit to Dooky Chase’s Restaurant in New Orleans. Its founder, Leah Chase, was one of the inspirations for leading lady Princess Tiana. Her daughter, Stella Chase Reese, talked about the importance of music and food as Chef Dook cooked a pot of magical gumbo.
WALLS GO UP ACROSS DISNEYLAND
Even though refurbishment season generally doesn’t start until January, a lot of walls went up around Disneyland this month. First, walls popped up around It’s A Small World‘s gift shop, closing off much of the view from the western side of the attraction (which is still open during the construction).
 Source: Laughing Place
Over in Critter Country, the Harbour Galley restaurant appears to be going through some kind of transformation. Could it be taking on a new theme connected to Princess and the Frog as well?
 Source: Fresh Baked Disney
Meanwhile, Tomorrowland‘s walls around the lagoon will be staying up into the winter. Just above the lagoon, more construction walls appeared around the Monorail station, which appears to be getting a slightly updated color scheme.
 Source: Laughing Place
And finally, Main Street has a new project in the works. Main Street Photo Supply permanently closed its doors this month, and I’ve heard from a few sources that the space will be absorbed by the shop next door, possibly housing holiday merchandise year round.
 Source: Hastin
OTHER UPDATES
Two new stores are on their way to Downtown Disney! Lovepop, a 3D card shop, and Pele Soccer will be opening in the district soon – though no official open date has been announced yet.
New contact-less scanners have been installed at the park’s security checkpoints, with the goal of making screenings faster and more efficient.
And finally, Halloween is here! The resort’s official season starts today, and the spooky decor has already started popping up around the resort. I can’t wait to visit Oogie Boogie Bash – are you going this year?
