The Miscellaneous Thought Thread

[TwilightZone]

Update on Haunted Mansion Holiday -

"Disneyland announced in September that Haunted Mansion Holiday would run through Jan. 8 — the traditional end of the holidays at the Anaheim theme parks.

But now Haunted Mansion Holiday will stick around an extra three weeks until Jan. 29, according to the Disneyland website.

The venerable haunted house will close on Jan. 30 for its conversion back to its year-round version, according to the Disneyland website.

Disneyland has not announced why the run of the annual seasonal overlay was extended. The theme park has a number of attraction refurbishment projects planned for January.

Haunted Mansion Holiday and It’s a Small World Holiday typically end their seasonal runs in January — with Mansion closing first followed by Small World about two weeks later.

In 2023, that order will be swapped with Small World closed Jan. 9-19 and Haunted Mansion closing on Jan. 30, according to the Disneyland website.

A return date has not yet been set for the classic version of Haunted Mansion, according to the Disneyland website."

Disneyland extends Haunted Mansion Holiday run 3 weeks

Disneyland’s classic version of Haunted Mansion won’t return until February once the Halloween and Christmas decorations are put away for another year.

www.ocregister.com

I wonder if work on Mickey and Minnie impacted this or not

 

[Californian Elitist]

I wonder if work on Mickey and Minnie impacted this or not

I think this may have something to do with it, given how many rides are going down and Toontown still being closed. Mansion is a people-eater. Makes sense to keep it open a little longer, given the circumstances.

 

[PiratesMansion]

They probably want to make sure they have Small World ready to help absorb the MMRR crowds, since there really won't be anything else over there to absorb the crowds when the new attraction opens. It makes logistical sense.

 

[ᗩLᘿᑕ ✨ ᗩζᗩᗰ]

I guess Haunted Mansion Holiday will be celebrating New Year's Day as well? Might as well go for the hat trick and toss Valentine's Day in there too. Jack and Sally's love in unrivaled. Is there any holiday they won't claim as there own? Oogie is green. St Patrick's Day?

 

[PiratesMansion]

I guess Haunted Mansion Holiday will be celebrating New Year's Day as well? Might as well go for the hat trick and toss Valentine's Day in there too. Jack and Sally's love in unrivaled. Is there any holiday they won't claim as there own? Oogie is green. St Patrick's Day?

There's going to be huge demand right next to Small World in a month, there won't be right next to Haunted Mansion. Hence the desire to get the regular IASW functioning earlier than usual so that it's there to absorb crowds, and there's some overflow capacity available when MMRR inevitably can't handle everyone who wants to ride the brand new attraction the minute it opens.

I don't imagine there's any motive beyond that or that this will be the start of HMH encroaching upon the normal one even more than it already does.

 

[Disney Analyst]

There's going to be huge demand right next to Small World in a month, there won't be right next to Haunted Mansion. Hence the desire to get the regular IASW functioning earlier than usual so that it's there to absorb crowds, and there's some overflow capacity available when MMRR inevitably can't handle everyone who wants to ride the brand new attraction the minute it opens.

I don't imagine there's any motive beyond that or that this will be the start of HMH encroaching upon the normal one even more than it already does.

Makes total sense. Have the people eater next to the new attraction open.

 

[EPCOTCenterLover]

Good lord. Only 6 months of classic Mansion this year. At this point, don’t even bother taking the overlay down.

Please don't give them any ideas! I much prefer the classic Mansion.

 

[Rich T]

While it was nice to finally experience the classic that is Carousel of Progress (my mom has talked about it being one of her favorite rides when she was a kid many times), I couldn’t ignore the poor shape it was in. The smell of old furniture that hasn’t been cleaned in decades smacks you right in the face as you enter the building. It smells its age, but that’s likely due to lack of maintenance. The clunkiness of the attraction was distracting at times and the animatronics could have moved better. I kept thinking we (Disneyland) could and likely would do a much better job of maintaining the attraction.

My ride several weeks ago was just sad. I was so happy when I entered and took a seat; it was like visiting a friend I hadn’t seen in nearly 50 years. I was willing to overlook the shakey AAs and poor sound. But then the carousel refused to turn after act two. And Act 2 started up again in front of us and the audience groaned and laughed. We sat through the second showing of the act, and applauded when the carousel actually turned to move us forward. But in Act 4 the carousel wouldn’t turn AGAIN and we all had to spend Christmas with the Robo Family twice.

There were cheers and shouts of relief as we finally reached the last stage. This experience lasted nearly 40 minutes. I love what CoP once was, but I might not ever visit it at MK again.

 

[Rich T]

I agree with the sentiment but in reality Avatar feels more Disney than a lot of what Disney and Pixar have put out in recent years in my opinion.

I agree on Alien

Did you just resurrect the IP vs original attractions conversation? I thought we all gave up on original attractions at least 5 years ago. Now we just want good attractions based on IP and we just want the old attractions to work.

I will never give up hope that Disney might someday greenlight a great attraction concept that has nothing to do with IPs.

At the same time, I cannot wait for Epic Universe, which is 90% IP-driven. But DL is in danger of losing its identity.

Disneyland thrives on variety. Original concepts like Small World, Big Thunder, Space Mtn, Pirates and HM are what save DL from simply feeling like a commercial for the studio’s films and shows. They’re what make DL feel like a legitimate PLACE of its own; a unique combination of ideas and experiments that grew into something wonderful.

 

[Californian Elitist]

My ride several weeks ago was just sad. I was so happy when I entered and took a seat; it was like visiting a friend I hadn’t seen in nearly 50 years. I was willing to overlook the shakey AAs and poor sound. But then the carousel refused to turn after act two. And Act 2 started up again in front of us and the audience groaned and laughed. We sat through the second showing of the act, and applauded when the carousel actually turned to move us forward. But in Act 4 the carousel wouldn’t turn AGAIN and we all had to spend Christmas with the Robo Family twice.

There were cheers and shouts of relief as we finally reached the last stage. This experience lasted nearly 40 minutes. I love what CoP once was, but I might not ever visit it at MK again.

That's really unfortunate. I have heard of the carousel stopping and getting stuck, but that never happened when I got on, thankfully. Not good show at all.

It was the first ride I got on at MK, so I was really disappointed. It wasn't a very good first impression. I had never been on CoP ever, so I was unwilling to look past the maintenance issues. The ride needs to go down for a long time for a very extensive refurb and update. I know DL has maintenance issues as well, but I just have a strong feeling that we'd take better care of CoP. It was ours before it was theirs.

I too have no desire to ride it again, assuming it's going to stay in that condition. Right now, it's a one-and-done for me.

 

[mickEblu]

HOT TAKE: Disneyland’s Christmas tree is only the third best Big Christmas tree at DLR behind DCA and the Grand Californian Lobby. Also I like Christmas at DCA more.

Of course I say that as an AP who can just go for stuff like atmosphere. Obviously Disneyland is the bigger draw with the Christmas Parade, Christmas fireworks and holiday ride overlays. Don’t sleep on Viva Navidad though. It’s higher energy, shorter and has live music.

Spent a good chunk of my day at DCA today and have to say I think Christmas at DCA is underrated. BVS is especially great. Where as Main Street is more traditional with warm yellow lights and Christmas music, BVS has those big old school multi color bulbs which I love. Overall it’s more colorful and I prefer the classic Christmas songs to the music they have playing on Main Street. Not to mention the live music by the fountain by that band who’s name I can’t remember. New this year I believe are the garlands/ wreaths(?) going up the lampposts which are a nice touch. I think I prefer the early- mid 20th century thing they have going on at BVS vs the more traditional feel they have on Main Street. It’s hard to beat that view of all the Garlands running across Main Street with the Snow castle in there background though.

Cars Land too is really well done and Grizzly Peak does it just right with all the lights in mason jars in the trees. I’m not all that impressed with any of the other lands Christmas decorations at DL.

HOT TIP: if a men’s restroom has a line, 90% of the time (some of) the urinals are free. The line is for the toilets. Even if this helped one person I did my job.

Lastly, those Festival of Holidays booths were empty today. Have people finally gotten the hint? Or was it due to the fact that there were less Keys and more day tickets holders in the parks today?

 

[GiveMeTheMusic]

HOT TAKE: Disneyland’s Christmas tree is only the third best Big Christmas tree at DLR behind DCA and the Grand Californian Lobby. Also I like Christmas at DCA more.

Of course I say that as an AP who can just go for stuff like atmosphere. Obviously Disneyland is the bigger draw with the Christmas Parade, Christmas fireworks and holiday ride overlays. Don’t sleep on Viva Navidad though. It’s higher energy, shorter and has live music.

Spent a good chunk of my day at DCA today and have to say I think Christmas at DCA is underrated. BVS is especially great. Where as Main Street is more traditional with warm yellow lights and Christmas music, BVS has those big old school multi color bulbs which I love. Overall it’s more colorful and I prefer the classic Christmas songs to the music they have playing on Main Street. Not to mention the live music by the fountain by that band who’s name I can’t remember. New this year I believe are the garlands/ wreaths(?) going up the lampposts which are a nice touch. I think I prefer the early- mid 20th century thing they have going on at BVS vs the more traditional feel they have on Main Street. It’s hard to beat that view of all the Garlands running across Main Street with the Snow castle in there background though.

Cars Land too is really well done and Grizzly Peak does it just right with all the lights in mason jars in the trees. I’m not all that impressed with any of the other lands Christmas decorations at DL.

HOT TIP: if a men’s restroom has a line, 90% of the time (some of) the urinals are free. The line is for the toilets. Even if this helped one person I did my job.

Lastly, those Festival of Holidays booths were empty today. Have people finally gotten the hint? Or was it due to the fact that there were less Keys and more day tickets holders in the parks today?

Heard booth food sales are not great this year. IMO the new menu items are not great.

DCA has Viva and WOC-SOL, great musical acts, lots of fun decor. DL's Christmas celebration is stale and needs an overhaul.

 

[lazyboy97o]

My ride several weeks ago was just sad. I was so happy when I entered and took a seat; it was like visiting a friend I hadn’t seen in nearly 50 years. I was willing to overlook the shakey AAs and poor sound. But then the carousel refused to turn after act two. And Act 2 started up again in front of us and the audience groaned and laughed. We sat through the second showing of the act, and applauded when the carousel actually turned to move us forward. But in Act 4 the carousel wouldn’t turn AGAIN and we all had to spend Christmas with the Robo Family twice.

There were cheers and shouts of relief as we finally reached the last stage. This experience lasted nearly 40 minutes. I love what CoP once was, but I might not ever visit it at MK again.

The Carousel not turning can be an issue with guests. If someone exits it won’t turn for awhile.

 

[Disney Analyst]

HOT TAKE: Disneyland’s Christmas tree is only the third best Big Christmas tree at DLR behind DCA and the Grand Californian Lobby. Also I like Christmas at DCA more.

Of course I say that as an AP who can just go for stuff like atmosphere. Obviously Disneyland is the bigger draw with the Christmas Parade, Christmas fireworks and holiday ride overlays. Don’t sleep on Viva Navidad though. It’s higher energy, shorter and has live music.

Spent a good chunk of my day at DCA today and have to say I think Christmas at DCA is underrated. BVS is especially great. Where as Main Street is more traditional with warm yellow lights and Christmas music, BVS has those big old school multi color bulbs which I love. Overall it’s more colorful and I prefer the classic Christmas songs to the music they have playing on Main Street. Not to mention the live music by the fountain by that band who’s name I can’t remember. New this year I believe are the garlands/ wreaths(?) going up the lampposts which are a nice touch. I think I prefer the early- mid 20th century thing they have going on at BVS vs the more traditional feel they have on Main Street. It’s hard to beat that view of all the Garlands running across Main Street with the Snow castle in there background though.

Cars Land too is really well done and Grizzly Peak does it just right with all the lights in mason jars in the trees. I’m not all that impressed with any of the other lands Christmas decorations at DL.

HOT TIP: if a men’s restroom has a line, 90% of the time (some of) the urinals are free. The line is for the toilets. Even if this helped one person I did my job.

Lastly, those Festival of Holidays booths were empty today. Have people finally gotten the hint? Or was it due to the fact that there were less Keys and more day tickets holders in the parks today?

I think this is the right take. DCA just seems to do a better job now at Christmas.

WOC season of light is an utter joy.

 

[Californian Elitist]

DCA actually does do a better a job at celebrating Christmas than Disneyland. The offerings are fresher there. I do love Main Street, but, yeah. DCA is better in this category, for once.

 

[mickEblu]

I think this is the right take. DCA just seems to do a better job now at Christmas.

WOC season of light is an utter joy.

Completely forget to mention WOC Season of Light.

 

[mickEblu]

DCA actually does do a better a job at celebrating Christmas than Disneyland. The offerings are fresher there. I do love Main Street, but, yeah. DCA is better in this category, for once.

I didn’t notice it really until this year. Not sure why.

 

[mickEblu]

Heard booth food sales are not great this year. IMO the new menu items are not great.

DCA has Viva and WOC-SOL, great musical acts, lots of fun decor. DL's Christmas celebration is stale and needs an overhaul.

I think it’s partly this years not great food items but also an accumulation effect of barely decent items and not so great value of the items over the years especially when compared to year round restaurants/ portions or even seasonal items offered at places like Paradise Gardens.

DL does feel a bit stale compared to DCA. I think they compliment each other nicely though. I think the changes should mostly come in the way of new entertainment and shows and not the decor or atmosphere.

 

[Californian Elitist]

I didn’t notice it really until this year. Not sure why.

I think it’s because DCA slowly introduced everything. They didn’t all come at once. Not to mention Disney heavily promotes Disneyland during Christmas, likely due to small world holiday, HMH, the tired and outdated parade and firework show, etc. DCA has all the new stuff.

The group you were thinking of is Phat Cat Swinger. They’re fantastic and a great addition to DCA.

 

[mickEblu]

I think it’s because DCA slowly introduced everything. They didn’t all come at once. Not to mention Disney heavily promotes Disneyland during Christmas, likely due to small world holiday, HMH, the tired and outdated parade and firework show, etc. DCA has all the new stuff.

The group you were thinking of is Phat Cat Swinger. They’re fantastic and a great addition to DCA.

Yeah that’s probably it and I’ve also probably never spent a good time in both parks during Christmas at night before in the same evening.

No I’m talking about that band that plays by the fountain In Carthay Circle. They re there year round with the Black female lead singer.