Spring has sprung in Disneyland, and with just two months left before the big Diamond Jubilee celebration, the refurbishments are starting to wind down. Both Disneyland and California Adventure are finishing touch-ups and upgrades in each land, so that the park looks it’s best for its 60th birthday. Aside from the ongoing enhancements, Disneyland is its usual springtime self, with flowers in full bloom and extended park hours to prepare for the oncoming busier season.
Dapper Day
This month Disneyland hosted its first Dapper Day of the year. Dapper Day is a special event where guests are encouraged to dress their best for their visit to the park, and most participants wear Disney-themed, vintage-inspired dress. All of the impeccably dressed guests meet up in front of the castle to chat and get to know one another, and then take a massive group photo!
Despite the rain, the Dapper Day turnout was huge. I unfortunately couldn’t attend, but all of the outfits I saw on Twitter and Instagram looked fantastic. The next Dapper Day is scheduled for September 18th. For more information about Dapper Day, to see photos, or find inspiration for your own outfits, check out the official website here.
Refurb-ing Away
The 60th anniversary celebration is rapidly approaching, and many of the park’s refurbishments are nearing completion. The castle is back, along with the Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough. Over the next few months, the castle will receive a diamond overlay to commemorate the park’s 60th. This close-up from Mice Chat shows the beginning stages of the overlay already visible from Main Street USA:
Critter Country’s three-month refurbishment is finally coming to an end, with the land reopening at the start of April. No major changes to any attractions or restaurants have been implemented, so guests will feel right at home in this quiet country land. When the land reopens, all of its attractions will resume full operation. There will be one minor change, however, regarding the Hungry Bear Restaurant. Upon reopening in April, this restaurant will no longer offer a dessert package for Fantasmic!, and will instead return to normal dinner operations.
Over in California Adventure, the “re-imagining” of Condor Flats is still in full swing, but the former Taste Pilot’s Grill has now reopened as Smokejumper’s Grill. The menu is exactly the same, but the restaurant’s new theme and décor provide a glimpse of the upcoming Grizzly Peak Air Field.
Other Updates
On March 31st, Innoventions will close its doors for good. Disney has yet to announce it’s replacement, but rumors include Marvel’s SHIELD headquarters, something Star Wars related, or a 60th anniversary showcase.
Due to the show’s consistently high crowd volume, cast members now strongly encourage Frozen Fun guests to obtain a fast pass for the Sing-Along show. Stand-by guests usually do not get seated, and some fast-pass guests even have trouble on weekends or particularly crowded days. If you want to see the show, have a fast pass and return to the theater as soon as you reach your time window.
And last but not least, I was surprised to find that Disneyland didn’t really have any Mardi Gras celebration this year. New Orleans Square maintained its purple, gold, and green color scheme and masked displays, but there was no special event or souvenir to commemorate the festivities.