Welcome to October! The Disneyland Resort is in full swing for all things spooky, and I can’t wait to celebrate at Oogie Boogie Bash in a few weeks. September kicked off full-swing Halloween time at the resort, and with it came some heartwarming stories, a heartbreaking video, and some new offerings across the resort. Let’s take a look back at this past month.
GRANTING WISHES
Earlier last month, the Disneyland Resort continued its work as the largest “wish granter” for the Make-A-Wish Program. For those unfamiliar with the program, Make-A-Wish helps children battling critical illnesses make one of their dreams come true, with the goal of providing families hope and optimism, with a newfound courage to keep going with medical treatments.
During a special 5-day event called Blaze Your Own Path: A Star Wars Adventure, 19 children’s wish to enter the Star Wars universe came true.
Source: Scott Gustin
The children experienced 5 days of fun at the resort, with a particular emphasis on Star Wars offerings, including a special dinner and dessert party finale with a “one-of-a-kind” lightsaber battle.
Source: Scott Gustin
If you’d like to help Make-A-Wish give kids these kinds of special experiences, check out their donation page here.
TIANA’S BAYOU ADVENTURE – CAST MEMBER PREVIEW
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is almost here! Cast Member previews are officially running from October 22 – November 12, with cast members able to bring one guest each. As the date creeps closer, the walls around the mountain are slowly coming down and we can get a better look at the new theming. I love this video from Inside Disney showing what the nighttime lighting is looking like for the attraction.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure officially opens on November 15.
PARK ARREST GOES VIRAL
Last week, a video of an arrest in the park went viral. While arrests in the park aren’t as uncommon as you’d think, this one was particularly tough to watch – as the woman being arrested has two young daughters clinging to her and yelling for help as she’s escorted out of the park. I won’t embed the video because it’s pretty heartbreaking to see her daughters so upset, but if you feel so inclined, you can watch it here.
Stories went rampant online – that she hopped the turnstiles, that she was drunk and disorderly, etc. As of writing this post, here’s all we’ve heard from the Anaheim PD, per KTLA:
Jessenia Diaz, 26, of Torrance, was taken into custody and cited for obstructing a peace officer for refusing to provide identification. Disneyland officials told KTLA that the woman allegedly tried to bring her children into the park without paying for tickets. Officials said the woman was uncooperative with Disneyland Resort security teams, and the Anaheim Police Department was later engaged.
For her part, Diaz denies these claims and has threatened legal action against the Disneyland Resort. I’ll follow up in a future post if any further developments become publicly available.
OTHER UPDATES
To celebrate Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month, the Disneyland resort launched some new eats, which will be offered through October 15:
- Coco Skull Sipper (Alien Pizza Planet, Fairfax Market, Galactic Grill, Hollywood Lounge, Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe, Paradise Garden Grill, Rancho del Zocalo, Refreshment Corner, Studio Catering Co., and several carts throughout both parks)
- Stuffed Pan Dulce (Award Wieners)
- Torta Cubana (Rancho del Zocalo)
- Torta de Milanesa (Award Wieners)
Source: A Disney World After All
Are you loving Agatha All Along on Disney+? If so, the resort’s latest merch drop is right up your alley. Swing by any of the major merchandise locations (like the Disneyland Emporium or World of Disney) for a whole new collection of ears, tumblers, backpacks, and more.
And finally, don’t forget to swing by Pixar Place Hotel if you’re visiting the resort this Halloween season. The hotel is hosting an art showcase featuring Joseph Yakovetic, with an amazing collection of painted pumpkins.
Source: MiceChat