Welcome back everyone to another WDWNT Photo Report update from the Disneyland Resort. We do our best to keep you up-to-date with all the happenings each week, so you can have a bit of magic with you wherever you are joining from.

This week had the release of the Splash Mountain Funko POP vinyl figure at the Disneyland Resort, some new construction in preparation of Halloween-time, and some new updates from Pixar Pier and the Disneyland Hotel.

Splash Mountain Funko POP Released

The Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts released the Disney Parks exclusive Funko POP vinyl figure this week, and we were there to snag one at both resorts.

We arrived just shortly after opening, and the lines were already forming at Disneyana on Main Street, U.S.A.

Disneyland announced they were going to sell the vinyl figures at Disneyana or Pooh Corner, so we decided to try our luck at Pooh Corner in hopes people wouldn’t want to walk all the way to the back of the park.

We were correct. There was not an outdoor queue outside Pooh Corner (although the queue was set up), and we arrived to only about 3 people in line.

We waited in total about 5 mins, including the purchase. Even though there were not many people in line when we arrived, the Cast Members at Pooh Corner were clearly prepared very well for the event.

Over in New Orleans Square, work is underway for the conversion of Haunted Mansion to Haunted Mansion Holiday. Earlier this week, we reported on concept art released for the new gingerbread house that will be featured this year from the latest D23 Member magazine.

We are ready for Jack to ‘wreck’ the halls starting Sept 7th!

Just outside the Haunted Mansion, the planter directly in front of the French Market was completely walled off. We are not sure exactly what is being worked on here, but this area is normally a large area of congestion during Fantasmic. Possibly a re-working of the planter, to allow for better guest flow during show times and large Haunted Mansion Holiday queues?

In Adventureland, work continued on Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room and the Tropical Hideaway. More of the exterior of the Tiki Room is covered by scaffolding to prepare for detail work to the building.

Even though the Tiki Room itself is under construction, the beloved Tiki Juice Bar remains open on both sides. Mobile Order for Dole Whip, was not being offered as of this weekend.

The construction walls extend all the way around the building into the new Tropical Hideaway construction.

A Custodial Cast Member had swept some of the fallen tree flowers into a Mickey shape for passers by to enjoy.

Over on Main Street, U.S.A., Disneyland’s food and beverage team resurrected one of their long-gone gourmet donuts at the Coffee Cart. The gourmet donuts are swapped with new flavors each week on Friday, so guests only have so long to try them before they are gone. The Reese’s and Butterfinger donut was excellent, and you can read our review of that here.

Clothiers, Main Street Cinema, and 20th Century Music Company all were under construction, with some facade work and painting being completed. Both Clothiers and 20th Century Music Company were open during the construction, but the Main Street Cinema was closed.

Pixar Fest Winds Down

Over in Disney California Adventure, AP Corner was set up for its final ‘farewell’ prior to the end of Pixar Fest. Annual Passholders were able to pick up their last character gift, this time featuring the iconic duo Jack-Jack and Edna Mode.

In Pixar Pier, there was still no sign of Bing Bong yet inside Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff. Instead they had Inside Out character sketch framed pin sets in front of the wall where he will hopefully be soon.

There was also a new Inside Out mug that retailed for $16.99 (Before AP Discount), that featured all the emotions.

We like that they keep adding penny press machines to newer locations on Pixar Pier with new pennies guests can add to their collections.

At the Games of the Boardwalk, the Heimlich prize was back in stock at his namesake’s boardwalk game. Additionally, they have abandoned the new baseballs for new traditional bean bags that are colored like candy corn instead of being shaped like them.

The soon-to-be Jesse’s Critter Carousel has received its red exterior paint job, as well as major work to its structure.

As Pixar Fest comes to a close, Disney has posted signs advertising a 30% off discount on select Pixar Fest items.

The new Monsters University TsumTsum set is still available at Knick’s Knacks.

Porte-Cochère Work Continues at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

Early this month, a major overhaul began on the porte-cochère that covers the valet drive at the Grand Californian. Not only is the wood being refurbished and some replaced, but the overhang looks to be expanded with more coverage and decorative detailing.

This construction does affect your arrival to the hotel by vehicle, and can add a little more time to get to the temporary valet area, and then walking time to the lobby. Make sure to plan accordingly.

A new pedestrian gate being added to the Grand Californian for secured hotel key access to the hotel from Disneyland Drive. The gate has since been installed, but remains propped open all the time. They are still utilizing the Security Cast Member to check Gand Californian hotel-specific key access from Disneyland Drive, rather than the key gate for now.

At the Disneyland Hotel, work has started early on the renovation and refurbishment of Tangaroa Terrace and Trader Sam’s, starting with the outdoor dining fireplace area.

 

At the DVC Sales Center, the Aulani Model Rooms building received some exterior enhancements including a new flooring entryway.

Well that about does it for our coverage from the Disneyland Resort in California. Stay tuned for future updates!

Gavin Moore