Happy August! I don’t consider summer over until Labor Day, but the Disney Parks certainly don’t feel that way. August marks a distinct shift, from summer to full on Halloween prep. You’ll see orange, yellow, and red colors coming into the resort rapidly over the next few weeks, and attractions with overlays will start transforming. But for now, let’s take a look back at the last stretch of true summer at the resort: July.
SAN FRANSOKYO STARTS TO OPEN
The land formerly known as Pacific Wharf is still transforming into San Fransokyo. New details have been popping up in the area each week, including some stunning artwork on a few walls.
 Source: Just Ask Danny
San Fransokyo’s first dining spot is now officially open: the Port of San Fransokyo Cerveceria. This glammed up beer stand is in the center of the plaza, offering refreshments from Karl Strauss.
 Source: Touring Plans
The land is scheduled to officially open on August 31.
HAUNTED MANSION PREMIERES – DESPITE STRIKE
Despite the ongoing writers’ and actors’ strikes in Hollywood, the Haunted Mansion premiere at the resort continued as scheduled…just with some changes. Haunted Mansion cast members from around the world walked the red carpet in front of the haunted home, and had the prime seating at the screening in Hollywood Land‘s Hyperion Theater.
 Source: Disney Parks Blog
Special guest Tania McKnight Norris joined the crew for a bit. I’ll be writing a longer post on her next month – but she’s an incredible former Imagineer who helped design much of the mansion’s interior, including the iconic wallpaper.
Source: Disney Parks Blog
I haven’t seen the movie yet, as I’ve heard really mixed things about it. If you’ve seen it – please let me know what you think. Is it worth seeing?
FRESH HAPPENINGS IN NEW ORLEANS SQUARE
In New Orleans Square, an old favorite band has a new stage. The Jambalaya Jazz Band now lights up the Rivers of America for evening performances, floating along a stunning barge. Does it look familiar? It’s the raft to Tom Sawyer Island with some decor!
 Source: Daps Magic
Back on land, a highly anticipated restaurant is nearly ready to open. The French Market will soon become Tiana’s Place, based on The Princess and the Frog. The stunning riverboat facade echoes the design of Princess Tiana’s restaurant from the film.
 Source: Disney Parks
Tiana’s Place opens “later this year”. Stay tuned – I can’t wait to experience it.
OTHER UPDATES
This month, Disneyland finally announced its expansion of alcoholic beverage availability throughout the park. Starting September 12, Carnation Cafe, River Belle Terrace, and Cafe Orleans will add wine, beer, and cocktails to their menus. Personally, I think this makes total sense. If Downtown Disney, California Adventure, and Galaxy’s Edge all serve alcoholic drinks, what difference does it make whether or not those drinks are served in Disneyland? Guests are having it anyway.
If you’ve got a preschooler in your family, head to the resort next month. The resort will host a “Disney Junior & Friends Playdate” from August 18-20, with dance parties, character interactions, and plenty of photo ops. The party starts on the 18th in California Adventure, before moving to Downtown Disney on the 19th and 20th.
And finally, we got some bittersweet news about Fantasmic! this month. The good news – the show will return to the Rivers of America in early 2024. The bad news – the iconic fire breathing dragon (that malfunctioned and caused the show’s long closure) will not return. Instead, the finale will be reworked with special effects, with details to come at a future date. To say farewell to the practical effect that wowed us for so many years, I’d like to share this stunning photo of the former finale, captured by Laughing Place.
 Source: Laughing Place
So sad to lose the dragon… I loved it and managed to get some hazy photographs of it when I last saw the show. But, I can understand the safety aspect!