The Disneyland Resort is in the middle of an average summer season. The crowds are swelling, schools are shuttering for the season, and the parks are becoming packed with locals and visitors alike. There is still plenty to do and enjoy, but it takes a little planning and patience. Still, Disneyland and California Adventure really look wonderful and as smoothly as can be expected with the increased level of crowding. Let’s stroll through both parks and see what happened this week.

DISNEYLAND DOING WHAT IT DOES BEST

It happens every summer: the schools let out, the pass holders swarm, and the tourists converge. Yet, somehow, Disneyland absorbs huge crowds and still maintains its sense of charm and intimacy.

Main Street U.S.A. is bustling with traffic, both human and otherwise. Being the first impression anyone gets of the park, it sets the right tone for things to come.

The premium prices to get into the park is almost always a shock to visitors. But, once they see such beautiful care given to the horticulture and sets on display, it certainly softens the blow.

BIG THUNDER REFURB

The wildest ride in the wilderness continues on its scheduled refurbishment as details return to the attraction. Along the track, more of the ornamental railroad ties are being carefully installed to give it the authentic, mine train look. Along the load and unload area, Rainbow Ridge is nearing completion and work is well underway at the station.

No official date for the return of the attraction has been set, but Disney has said that it will come back sometime in the fall. We will keep you posted.

NEW ORLEANS SQUARE TRAIN STATION

The newly refurbished New Orleans Square is just now enjoying a stunning blossom display from its newly planted flowers. New Guinea Impatiens, known for their deep hued, vibrant leaves and blossoms, now blanket the hillside with a blaze of magentas and reds.

The relaunched Disney California Adventure has now officially been operating for a full year. As indicated by the Theme Park attendance numbers recently released, the park has exceeded every expectation. This proves that if you build a quality theme park, guests will appear.

Even all the way to the far ends of Paradise Pier, the property is teaming with visitors. The Walt Disney Company should be very proud of what they have accomplished at DCA. But there is still much to be done in the park to bring all areas up to the Cars Land/Buena Vista Street standard.

BLUE SKY CELLAR LOOKS TOWARD THE PAST

All compliments aside, the Imagineers really need to shift their focus onto the Blue Sky Cellar. The last change came in January, when it began featuring the Princess Fantasy Faire and Mickey and the Magical Map. But now, with both of those attractions finished and opened, the exhibit serves little purpose.

Will we see a closure soon to feature a Monsters Inc Door coaster ride? Heck, even an exhibit featuring the new Disney Fantasy cruise ship would be an improvement (though, we’d like to see this space remain theme park centric).

FREE TICKETS TO KNOTT’S BERRY FARM

Check back tomorrow as we report on the new summer offerings at Knott’s Berry Farm and learn how you could win one of 30 tickets to Knott’s for use on Friday June 21st. You will also get to be part of a taping for Fox 11 news that morning. Pretty cool eh? See you tomorrow!



MICECHAT PODCAST

Don’t forget to put on your headphones and take a listen to the latest MiceChat podcast! We’ve rounded up the top attractions of Summer 2013 for you. You’ll be surprised by just how much is going on.

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Big Knott’s Ticket Giveaway coming tomorrow!