[vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]The Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration has been announced.
Among the new entertainment offerings will be a fireworks spectacular called Disneyland Forever…
…a new parade, Paint the Night, inspired by the Main Street Electrical Parade of old, modernized with today’s newest innovations in lighting technology…
…and for Disney California Adventure, World of Color – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney will be a “moving celebration of Walt and his dream of Disneyland…”
Both the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle and Carthay Circle Theatre will “glisten and gleam” with sparkling diamond-inspired overlays commemorating this year of celebration of Disneyland’s 60th Anniversary…
Disneyland is certainly being honored, no doubt about that. And they seem to be sparing no expense to bring new experiences to both parks.
These are surely going to bring in an influx of guests to the resort over the next year, and I wouldn’t be surprised if there are record attendance numbers.
Everything seems to be addressed here…
…but is this all at the risk of the guest experience?
Here’s a shot I took at the park on a typical day during the crowded holiday period with the standard holiday parade being rolled out down Main Street…
And herein lies the problem. The announcement is an indulgence of parades and shows that ask crowds to congregate and stand at the epicenter of these parks. These are being touted as limited-time “must see” experiences. The congestion and crowd flow is unpleasant when things are relatively normal. What will the experience be like during this celebration period?
Where are the new rides to help soak up some of the people?
Disney has already made it known that Condor Flats will be re-themed to Grizzly Peak Airfield, and speculation points to a revitalization of Soarin’ over California which should help, but nothing has been made official to get us excited.
Strong rumors point to various changes coming to a variety of rides inside both parks, most notably new animatronics installed inside the classic Fantasyland dark rides, changes to the abominable snowman on the Matterhorn, some additions to Haunted Mansion. These will be welcome plusses to be sure, but my guess is that by not touting these up front with the major 60th announcement, Disney isn’t wanting to set expectations too high here.
Clearly, a budget is being thrown at these enhancements, but they aren’t going to address the larger problem at the resort, which seems to be getting worse, and that is the congestion.
A Star Wars-themed land replacing Mickey’s Toontown is a strong rumor, and could be just the sort of perfect crowd-absorbing attention-grabber Disneyland desperately needs. Even this, if the construction timetable of Cars Land or Wizarding World of Harry Potter is an indicator, is 3-5 years away.
Don’t get me wrong. Disney is addressing this all-important 60th anniversary in the best way it can, with what it has to work with, and I do think these new offerings are going to be wonderful, honoring, and emotionally moving. But attempting to see them is going to be the real trick.
Disneyland has never looked better. Disney California Adventure has been revitalized. The prices on season passes were raised and they still received record sales. Bottom line, these parks are operating at max capacity. We’re beyond short term fixes, tweaks, and enhancements. It may be time to start thinking about a true infrastructure expansion.
Disneyland’s 60th celebration is going to be a nostalgic reminder of where this magical place started. It also may prove to be a stressful indicator of where the resort stands right now. To keep the value of these parks at a premium, to keep the guest experience optimal, it may be time to start looking to the future.
It may be time for a 3rd theme park in Anaheim.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]