Happy March! Here in California we’ve had a month of dreary weather (cold and massive amounts of rain), so I’m looking forward to a brighter, warmer month in April (fingers crossed). But the grey skies didn’t stop Disneyland from lots of work this month. From a land re-opening to a major attraction showing an error screen, there was still a lot to talk about across the resort. Let’s take a look back at March.
TOONTOWN 2.0
This month’s biggest event happened over in Disneyland. Toontown reopened after an extensive update and refurbishment, with a ceremony using the original podium from the 1993 opening.
Source: Disneyland Resort
The land’s enhancement was designed to incorporate as much interactive play as possible, while also incorporating a new headline attraction into the landscape and making the existing attractions more open and accessible to guests of all abilities. For a more detailed explanation of the changes, check out my previous post here.
Source: Disneyland Resort
SOARIN’ OVER CALIFORNIA FAIL
During the annual Food and Wine Festival, the guest favorite entertainment offering is definitely the return of Soarin’ Over California (replacing Soarin’ Around the World). But this month, some unlucky guests had a bizarre ride experience to say the least.
Wow Soarin’ Over California is so nostalgic! pic.twitter.com/LWJJEoy6mf
— Palmer (@jpalmerdubs) March 5, 2023
Thankfully, it looks like this error was corrected the same day and guests were given anytime Lightning Lanes to make up for it. Guess it’s a reminder of the limitations of rides with zero practical effects that rely totally on screens!
INDIANA JONES ENHANCEMENTS
After a months long refurbishment, Indiana Jones finally reopened this month. And I am happy to report that it is in much, much better shape than it has been for quite some time. Imagineers fixed the most glaring problems (like the climactic boulder scene that straight up didn’t work anymore), added visual enhancements (new lighting, new smaller effects), and tuned up the practical effects scattered throughout the queue rooms.
For an excellent view of the refreshed ride experience, check out this video from MiceChat:
OTHER UPDATES
Work on the bridge to San Fransokyo in California Adventure continues. You might notice the bridge is finally red! Though the taller elements that imitate the Golden Gate bridge have yet to appear.
Avengers Campus has a new shop on the way, going into the lower level of the Quinjet building. Sadly, we still have no update on the E-ticket attraction allegedly going in there someday.
And finally, starting April 19, Disneyland will open its first ever in-park DVC lounge. The space will be located in Tomorrowland, in the top floor of the currently closed Star Wars Launch Bay.
Source: Scott Gustin