Just a short update. Note that the idea of painting the castle gold is not only meant to mark the 50th, but also to make the castle feel like we see it in that famous picture with Walt walking under the Castle...this idea does seem to make sense to me, because it is not overly expensive, and with the restoration of both the Carrousel and "it's a small world", this may just work.
Searching for the perfect shade of gold – We hear that Imagineers are testing various gold paint samples in the Disney Studios backlot in Glendale. As has been widely rumored, plans for Disneyland's 50th anniversary celebration include turning Sleeping Beauty Castle gold, either by painting it, using lights, or somehow covering it with gold material. [Remember the "Castle Cake" that the Magic Kingdom got for its 25th birthday?] Fiber optics are pricey, and Disneyland regulars have been adamant that the castle not be turned into a giant pink confection, so it looks like Imagineers will be gilding the castle.
A gold castle for Disneyland's Golden Anniversary doesn't sound too bad. We just hope that, unlike the "temporary" wand over Epcot's Spaceship Earth, and the Sorcerer Hat at Disney-MGM Studios, the castle will return to it's normal appearance after the 18-month celebration has ended.
Speaking of paint - it seems that Disneyland's painting efforts will be focused on the west side for the next few months, to prepare the park for the Pirates of the Caribbean movie premier and merchandise special event. Painting projects elsewhere in the park have been suspended – some in mid-project – to get Frontierland and New Orleans Square ready for the spotlight.
Does DCA offer coat check? We received an unconfirmed report that a man was searched and removed from the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail at Disney's California Adventure last week. Another visitor spotted what was thought to be a gun sticking out from the man's coat, and alerted a cast member. Anaheim Police quickly responded to the area and searched the man. Instead of a gun, officers found a knife. The man was escorted out of the park, but was apparently not charged.
Easing travel worries – Three U.S. airlines — Continental, Delta, and US Airways — are hoping to encourage passengers to make travel plans by offering them the ability to change their plans without penalty. US Airways' new policy takes effect should the Department of Homeland Security raise the national alert level to Code Red, or if military action begins in Iraq. The Continental and Delta policies are already in effect, but apply only to select transatlantic flights. For complete details, see the airlines' Web sites.
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Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
Disneyland
Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes – through March 27
Rivers of America – through March 27
Mark Twain Riverboat – through March 27
Sailing Ship Columbia – through March 27
Splash Mountain – through March 13
Critter Country – through March 13
Sleeping Beauty Castle walkthrough – indefinite
Disney’s California Adventure
Superstar Limo – indefinite
Future Attraction Closures:
Mad Tea Party – April 28 - May 15
Pirates of the Caribbean – April 28 - May 30
Blue Bayou Restaurant – April 28 - May 30
Indiana Jones Adventure – September 2 - October 24
Space Mountain – September 2003 - August 2004
Searching for the perfect shade of gold – We hear that Imagineers are testing various gold paint samples in the Disney Studios backlot in Glendale. As has been widely rumored, plans for Disneyland's 50th anniversary celebration include turning Sleeping Beauty Castle gold, either by painting it, using lights, or somehow covering it with gold material. [Remember the "Castle Cake" that the Magic Kingdom got for its 25th birthday?] Fiber optics are pricey, and Disneyland regulars have been adamant that the castle not be turned into a giant pink confection, so it looks like Imagineers will be gilding the castle.
A gold castle for Disneyland's Golden Anniversary doesn't sound too bad. We just hope that, unlike the "temporary" wand over Epcot's Spaceship Earth, and the Sorcerer Hat at Disney-MGM Studios, the castle will return to it's normal appearance after the 18-month celebration has ended.
Speaking of paint - it seems that Disneyland's painting efforts will be focused on the west side for the next few months, to prepare the park for the Pirates of the Caribbean movie premier and merchandise special event. Painting projects elsewhere in the park have been suspended – some in mid-project – to get Frontierland and New Orleans Square ready for the spotlight.
Does DCA offer coat check? We received an unconfirmed report that a man was searched and removed from the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail at Disney's California Adventure last week. Another visitor spotted what was thought to be a gun sticking out from the man's coat, and alerted a cast member. Anaheim Police quickly responded to the area and searched the man. Instead of a gun, officers found a knife. The man was escorted out of the park, but was apparently not charged.
Easing travel worries – Three U.S. airlines — Continental, Delta, and US Airways — are hoping to encourage passengers to make travel plans by offering them the ability to change their plans without penalty. US Airways' new policy takes effect should the Department of Homeland Security raise the national alert level to Code Red, or if military action begins in Iraq. The Continental and Delta policies are already in effect, but apply only to select transatlantic flights. For complete details, see the airlines' Web sites.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
Disneyland
Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes – through March 27
Rivers of America – through March 27
Mark Twain Riverboat – through March 27
Sailing Ship Columbia – through March 27
Splash Mountain – through March 13
Critter Country – through March 13
Sleeping Beauty Castle walkthrough – indefinite
Disney’s California Adventure
Superstar Limo – indefinite
Future Attraction Closures:
Mad Tea Party – April 28 - May 15
Pirates of the Caribbean – April 28 - May 30
Blue Bayou Restaurant – April 28 - May 30
Indiana Jones Adventure – September 2 - October 24
Space Mountain – September 2003 - August 2004
