Now that it’s October, Disneyland is in the home stretch of one of my favorite seasons of the year. In “normal life” I really don’t care that much about Halloween, but the park knows how to get even indifferent Halloween fans like me into the spirit. Bright fall colors, pumpkins, TONS of villains roaming the parks…it’s just a ton of fun. Let’s take a look back at the first half of the spooky season at the happiest place on Earth.
TIANA’S PLACE OPENS IN NEW ORLEANS SQUARE
In New Orleans Square, the former French Market officially reopened as “Tiana’s Place”, themed after the heroine from Princess and the Frog. Tiana herself was of course on hand for the occasion, which included an official ribbon cutting ceremony.
Source: Laughing Place
Tiana’s Place features an updated menu, and the decor inside has tons of hidden tributes to the movie. The marquee itself now resembles Tiana’s restaurant she opens at the end too. You can check out the new menu here – I’ll have a post on it as soon as I get a chance to try it out!
Source: Disneyland Resort
One other new happening in the area: a nighttime show on the Rivers of America. While we await Fantasmic!‘s return next year, check out “The Heartbeat of New Orleans – A Living Mural”. This show will include jazz music and light projections that follow the adventures of a little frog as he travels through the city.
SIGNS OF LIFE FOR A LARGELY EMPTY BUILDING
I know I am not alone in wondering when Avengers Campus will FINALLY open its second headliner attraction – the thrill ride we’ve had teasers about since the land was first announced. Well, we’re still waiting on any kind of details, but this month Disney did release yet another teaser…this time of the ride vehicle.
Source: Disney Parks Blog
Until then (and we still don’t know when “then” is, the mysterious and empty building in the rear of Avengers Campus finally has some signs of life. On the lower level, you can now shop at Avengers Vault. The land’s newest shop is worth visiting, because it has as many special artifacts as it does goods for sale. You never know what hidden treasures the heroes have pulled out from the vault to show new recruits!
Source: Disney Parks Blog
A REFRESH TO TOONTOWN’S RECENT REFRESH
Despite the fact that the new and improved Toontown has only been open for about six months, walls are back up in the center of the land. The floral fountain, in front of the Runaway Railway marquee, is at the center of the construction area.
In March:
Source: Disneyland Resort
In September:
Source: Fresh Baked Disney
It looks like much of the astroturf/synthetic grass is being removed and replaced with brick. It seems super disappointing to take away the park feel and a space where people would sit down and relax during the day, but maybe the material was really not doing well with wear and tear?
OTHER UPDATES
Starting next spring, Star Tours will have a new character: Ahsoka! The character will appear in some fashion – I’m guessing as a hologram message to R2D2 and C3PO.
In September, Disneyland added a bunch of new cocktails and menu items to restaurants around the park. Check out this Disney Parks Blog guide to see what’s new.
And finally, Magic Key holders have a new perk. If you make ANY purchase at select locations (you’ll see signs by registers), you’re eligible to receive a complimentary Magic Key-themed MagicBand+.