I hope all of you US-based readers had a wonderful Labor Day weekend! August was wildly busy for me, with a cross-country move, a busy work season, and all the fun that comes with getting settled into a new home. Disneyland was pretty busy too – with lots of little changes around the resort before the Halloween season ramps up. Let’s take a look back at August across the happiest place on earth.
THE SUN SETS ON EARLY THEME PARK ENTRY
For many years, Disneyland Resort hotel guests had an added perk of an extra hour in the mornings at one of the two parks. Then it changed to 30 minutes, which if you ask me dramatically reduced its value. Starting January 5, that perk will be altogether replaced by one complimentary Lightning Lane multi-pass. So instead of getting into the park early, hotel guests will be able to select an attraction to use a Lightning Lane for.
I know this news received fairly mixed reviews, but I honestly think this change is probably for the best. When the early entry was an hour, I absolutely LOVED it. Being in the park that early is so peaceful and you can crank out rides that get overwhelmed later in the day. But once it cut to 30 minutes, it got harder to get around with guests piling in for rope drop – and you just didn’t have enough time to get through much anymore.
DISNEY PRINCESS CONCERT
As part of Disneyland’s ongoing 70th celebration, the park hosted a special event on August 29. Four of your favorite princess voices performed in front of the castle: Jodi Benson (Ariel), Paige O’Hara (Belle), Anika Noni Rose (Tiana), and Auli’i Cravalho (Moana).
 Source: Disney Plus
If you missed the event live, you can stream it on Disney+!
DISNEYLAND HANDCRAFTED
Speaking of digital content – a new series focused on Disneyland will debut on Disney+ this winter.
 Source: Disney Parks Blog
Leslie Iwerks’ new documentary focuses on the creation of Walt’s original park, including archival footage from the Walt Disney Archives rarely seen by the public.
In the meantime, you can check out the trailer here:
OTHER UPDATES
If you were active on social media at the start of the month, you may have seen reports that a “Remember Hiroshima” doll appeared within It’s A Small World. It turns out, this was NOT a fake TikTok story, and in fact part of Ben & Jerry’s co-founder Ben Cohen’s “Up in Arm” political protest campaign. He confirmed to several news outlets that the doll was a protest against the billions of dollars the U.S. spends on bombs, which are being used to kill people, just like in Hiroshima 80 years ago. The doll was removed the same day.
This week, Disney Parks blog released the concept art for Napa Rose’s new patio dining area. You can check out the images and read more about the enhancements here.
And finally, Disneyland lost a local folk hero this month. Frank, affectionately known as “Porch Potato” for his habit of relaxing on the porch on Main Street, passed away in early August. His family is encouraging anyone with photos or sweet stories of Frank to share them on social media with the hashtag #porchpotatofrank.
 Source: Porch Potato