Greetings! Ole Grandpa has done a lot of reading since the last post. Lots of things are happening in the Disney bubble. Some make the news others are more quiet. This post will summarize some the latest goings on in the Wonderful World that is Disney.

As always if there is anything you wish me to cover, let me know in the comments. It you like this content please subscribe. If you do not also let me know.

Disneyland Resort

Let’s start with the O.G. Disneyland Resort. Grandma and I have a trip there later this winter. I have been following news on the grand old original pretty closely. Not all the news is on construction and refurbs so let’s get started.

Construction

Disneyland RailRoad continues to be closed. They are replacing sections of tracks as well as doing a refurb on several stations. Main Street station is now covered in scrim that has a false facade printed on it.

Yes I know the photo is not the station, but it is on Main Street. The Station scrim is very much like this. At the time of this writing I could not find any good photos of the station.

This refurb is going to take some time and there is currently no posted completion date. Which is very sad as this is Grandma’s and my favorite way to get around the park. We hope that it will be completed before our trip.

Critter Country

Critter country is continuing its metamorphosis into Bayou Country. The whole land is being re-themed to support the transformation of Splash Mountain into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Poo is now open as is the path to Star Wars. Everything is due to be ready for the grand reopening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure on 11/15. I am sure hoping that they learned enough about this attraction from the dismal opening at WDW. We shall see, I guess.

• Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
  Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will open November 15, 2024
• The Briar Patch
  The Briar Patch is currently closed—along with the land—to begin its transformation to Ray’s Berets.
• Hungry Bear Restaurant
  Hungry Bear Restaurant is currently closed to begin its transformation into Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree
• Critter Country Transforming into Bayou Country
  When Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens on November 15, 2024, Critter Country will then become Bayou Country!

Downtown Disney

Lots going on here. From the official Disneyland web site:

• Parkside Market, a curated collection of 4 diverse culinary concepts from Levy Restaurants all under one roof:
  • Seoul Sister, a fast-casual, modern eatery with a Korean-forward menu from Executive Chef Kelly Kim, based on bibimbap with a California twist
  • Sip & Sonder, a Black women-owned brand offering signature lattes, fresh treats, frozen drinks and Caribbean-inspired bites
  • GG’s Chicken Shop, a restaurant from Chef Lee Wolen serving up fried chicken sandwiches, salads and classic-comfort dinner table sides
  • An overlook bar where you can relax and sip signature craft cocktails and mocktails from mixologists who infuse, muddle, stir, shake and swizzle the freshest mixes using local ingredients and artful garnishes
• Porto’s Bakery & Café, an iconic Southern California destination known for its sweet pastries and desserts, as well as delicious California-Cuban-inspired dishes
• Din Tai Fung, a world-renowned, family-run Chinese restaurant specializing in soup dumplings
• Paseo and Céntrico, an eatery and courtyard bar offering upscale Mexican cuisine and tequila-based cocktails—a menu created by Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytán
• Tiendita, a quick-service restaurant that will offer Chef Gaytán’s Mexican heritage flavors on-the-go with Mexican street food staples
• A dynamic open lawn for special events and activities, musical entertainment and more, including the new LIVE! Stage that is now open.

Din Tai Fang is already open, but a lot of construction is on going. In addition another building is being transformed. Avengers Reserve Shop is coming . It is a new shop dedicated to the fandom of Marvel’s Avengers. And what has us excited is: Disney Wonderful World of Sweets. My sweet tooth is already twinging for this one!

Errata

It is rumored that the Sorcerers Hat entrance from the Disneyland Hotel is now open for hotel guests. We sure hope so since this will speed up our entry into DTD and the parks. This entrance is very close to the Monorail station. Did you know that once you are on the Monorail, you are considered inside the Disneyland Park? So you can make your LLMP and LLSP while on the Monorail.

While on the subject of entry. It is also rumored that all on property hotel guests can use the Pixar Place entrance to California Adventure. You can already use the entrance in the Grand Californian hotel, but this entrance would be a much quicker way. We intend on trying it on our upcoming trip.

Next time I will look at the news from WDW and DVC. Lots going on there as well. Some I am very excited for, others not so much.

Please let me know in the comments if there is anything I can research for you.

Until Next Time