Welcome everyone to another Disneyland Resort photo report, as of May 28, 2018. This week we bring you construction updates from Pixar Pier, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. We also have more temporary World of Disney locations popping up outside the store during the remodel, new pineapple-themed food to obsess over, and a look at some of the farewell crowds at Cove Bar on its final weekend of operation.
New Pedestrian Access Construction at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
After Disneyland Resort added multiple security check locations with metal detectors just before 2017, a change happened to pedestrian access at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa that received little attention. Any guests who did not have a current room key for that specific hotel, could not access the hotel’s main lobby from the Disneyland Drive street entrance. (There were exceptions for dining reservations, spa reservations, etc.) While this move was ostensibly a necessary step for the safety of the Guests staying at that hotel, it was also likely due to the fact that security checkpoints at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa are small (due to limited space) and cannot handle a large influx of outside guests from neighboring hotels without negatively impacting its own guests with excessive wait times. As of now, they have Disneyland Resort Security and hotel Cast Members screening guests as they enter from the street, directing them appropriately. Based on this construction, it looks as if they could be adding a more permanent secured pedestrian access adjacent to the same security gate vehicles must pass through. We will keep an eye on this for you as things change, and post additional updates.
Pixar Pier Construction Updates
Over in Pixar Pier construction continues at light speed, as they race to finish before the impending June 23rd Grand Opening. The Incredicoaster continues to regularly test with Cast Members aboard, and as we reported last week, the roller coaster began testing with the new launch spiel narrated by Dash rather than Neil Patrick Harris.
A quick peek inside the first tunnel, and you can catch a glimpse of Dash.
Refurbished Character Gondolas Reinstalled on Pixar Pal-A-Round
They also started reinstalling the newly-themed gondolas on the Pixar Pal-A-Round. As we had previously reported, we got a first glimpse at some of the gondolas as they were being repainted off-site. It was great to see it all come together with lots of familiar faces, and we have to admit they look great along with the new color scheme of the attraction!
Work also continues on the new Games of the Boardwalk and Pixar Promenade neighborhood. You can clearly make out at least two of the new games, La Luna Star Catcher (based off the Pixar Short) and WALL·E Space Race.
A small detail that could have gone unnoticed were the red “sun” or “star” designs on the outer edges of the Incredicoaster. In some of the areas, they have been painted red from the previous gold color. However some of the areas are still gold, and it is unclear if the red is just a primer and they will ultimately be repainted gold, or go for a multi-colored design.
There was noticeable change to The Incredibles neighborhood area of the Pixar Pier.
The archway has been constructed and is receiving the first of its theming elements.
Lines for Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats have still been quite long, as it is one of the only new Pixar Pier offerings available until June 23rd’s grand opening. Everyone wants their perfectly photogenic Pixar Pier Frozen Parfait for those Instagram shots in front of Pixar Pier construction walls. (Never underestimate what people will do for the ‘Gram.)
A Final Farewell to Cove Bar
Another area of the Pier that you could find sizable lines was at the Cove Bar. Plenty of guests were waiting in line to satisfy their lobster nacho cravings, and sip one last Fun Wheel before it becomes a part of Disneyland history. Memorial Day weekend is the final weekend of operation for the Cove Bar, before it closes for good to finish its transformation to the Lamplight Lounge.
Pineapple Churro Debuts at Disneyland Park
Over at Disneyland Park, a new pineapple churro debuted. The churro was actually as tasty as it looks, and you can read our review here.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Construction Updates
Galaxy’s Edge construction progress continues, and more of the details of all the petrified spires making up Black Spire Outpost are starting to emerge.
“World of Disney Too” Pops Up in the Esplanade
As World of Disney continues its complete renovation, multiple stands, carts and pop-up shops have appeared around the outside of the current store as a way to continue selling more of the popular or “quick grab” items. These pop-up shops no doubt help ease crowding within the store as well. The newest location is called World of Disney Too and is located in the esplanade, approximately where the old security tents used to be located.
That wraps up our photo report for this week. With changes happening every week at the Disneyland Resort, keep your eyes on WDWNT for the latest updates!
Any word on where the princess character breakfast that used to be in Ariel’s might relocate? This was the only princess character meal to my knowledge at DLR.