A typical day at Disneyland, no special events, but there were a few tasks that I wanted to accomplish. First task was that it was the release day of Lorcana’s third set, Into the Inklands, at least for Disney parks and hobby stores. The mass retailers release date is March 8th. From what I could gather, Lorcana was not sold inside the parks. The second was to get more Lorcana cards signed by Disney characters. This was more likely with the number of characters at Disneyland. By the way, the park was very crowded, sometimes with very little elbow room. The other task was to get coverage for Sleeping Beauty’s Castle Walkthrough. This was always a charming experience that features the beautiful artwork of the 1959 film. It is of course one of the distinctive features of Disneyland’s castle.
The castle looks repainted in some parts, the gold is sparkly, but there is two shades of pink, and one spire has light blue with the other turrets a dark blue. The sides of the castle has two paintings showing scenes from the story. Walking into Fantasyland and to the left, past the Sleeping Beauty water fountain, is the door to the attraction. Just inside the doorway is a small archway with the book that has medieval-style illustrations. Some of the guests took the time to read them. The stairs wind increasingly up to the castle, a little steep for me, but there are handrails. The windows showing the scenes are very colorful, with 3D like cutouts like cels in a diorama, but showing the burning spinning wheels.
The story is good, but needs more about the Good Fairies facing Maleficent and changing he curse. Next it moves to the sleeping court so again the fairies are minimized who are a large part of the Disney film. Plus, cutting out “Once Upon a Dream.” Of course, the challenge is telling the story with a few scenes and limited space. One of the stunning scenes is Aurora asleep with a ray of light falling on her. There is a dark corridor of doors, this could have eerie green light peeking from below, grunting from Maleficent’s goons, but the interactivity is that you can rattle a chain and knock on the doors. There is another great scene with Maleficent in her tower, the lightning illuminates her if you wait for it.
Then, the scene with spinning wheels, difficult to see, they should be painted or lit to capture them better. Another great scene is Prince Phillip ready to cut through the forest of thorns while Maleficent in dragon form breathes fire down on him! Finally, we have Phillip about to kiss Aurora and awaken her. I would say to walk through it just once. I walked out and then saw Gaston. Always a funny guy. He signed Gaston: Scheming Suitor. I didn’t get him to sign Gaston: Intellectual Powerhouse! It was interesting to see Bert and Mary Poppins on King Arthur’s Carousel waiting for it to start. I followed Aladdin and Genie to a meet and greet area with It’s A Small World a bit of a distance away.
Aladdin was a little surprised to see the cards and signed Aladdin: Street Rat. Genie signed Genie: On the Job. I think others have gotten Lorcana cards signed, but I haven’t seen which ones. I was on my way to Rise of the Resistance and saw Chopper, “Get to da choppah!”, it’s great to see well known droids rolling around Galaxy’s Edge. First time I was at the back of the shuttle. It launched from Batuu, you see the three X-Wings follow you, and then engage in the TIE fighter battle. Very impressive though you lose most of the story with Lt. Bek. It was also new to have the front and see R5-J2 and have him in the frame of pictures.
Across from Big Thunder, which was down that day, over the water with the fish leaping, is the tunnel that was part of Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland. The train ride opened in 1960 and clsoed for Big Thunder. I was interested in looking at what parts remain from seeing the diorama model at Walt’s Carolwood Barn. I think it took up of most of Big Thunder with a new path bisecting the former ride area. I also took the Sailing Ship Columbia and a cast member was helpful pointing out the former area of the mine train. The Big Thunder train was parked right by Rainbow Ridge which was formerly part of the Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland attraction. The roller coaster usually passes by it, but it was the load area for the original ride.
I saw the Meet Disney Princesses at Royal Hall which would mean that I could get more cards signed. Cinderella was impressed by Cinderella: Knight at Training. It is one of my favorite changes for the characters also Cindrella: Stouthearted, fully dressed in armor with sword and shield! Ariel signed Ariel: On Human Legs, I still have to get a Lorcana version of Ariel as mermaid card. I went on from there to see the Disneyland Band play a Star Wars melody. Brass and drums moving in perfect synch, I wonder about a band at Galaxy’s Edge, “Impressive. Most impressive.” I still had enough energy left to wait in the queue to Meet Tinker Bell at Pixie Hollow. So this time it was the Tinker Bell: Peter Pan’s Ally card.
Lorcana at Pin Traders, photo by the author.
After leaving Pixie’s Hollow, there was Captain Hook, so it was time to get Captain Hook: Forceful Duelist signed. There was still Pooh Corner, but I decided to take the Monorail to Downtown Disney and check Pin Traders. I was stunned that not only did they have the Into the Inklands cards, but it was an entire wall of product! They had the two starter decks; Plenty of Pluck, Duck Tales defenders (Ruby/Sapphire), and Dogged and Dynamic, Dalmatians and Pirates (Amber/Emerald). The deal was five of any series (starter decks and booster packs). For the first time, I saw Deck Boxes (for Into the Inklands), and also the Lorebook card portfolio.
Next to Pin Traders is a new mural for Celebrate Soulfully featuring a girl posing with Princess Tiana in front of the Rivers of America. There was work on some chalk art for the occassion by Marcella Swett. A side note about the Monorail, across the way is the former People Mover track which was a rusty color, but has been painted gold. I also noticed a large Grogu drink container holding a cup with a blue frog popping up. Finishing off the day, I went for a meal, one that I had first tried and remembered for a month afterwards - Muffuletta Sandwich, $14.99. This was at Tiana’s Palace. I think I guess describe it as a cold cut sandwich with a thousand flavors and a slight burn at the end!
The menu description is mortadella, salami, rosemary ham with cheddar, provolone, and house-made olive relish. It has red beans & rice on the side. Any meal of course requires Buttermilk Cornbread, $3.99, and the House-filled Beignet, $4.49, the beignet has lemon pie filling oozing out of it, delicious! The highlight, though, was the Jamabalaya Jazz Band. The former restaurant, French Market, was my usual eating place, just to enjoy the Slow-roased Half Chicken and some jazz. They were joined on stage by lead singer, Queenie, who sang, “Pennies from Heaven.” Later, they head off to a raft on the river to perform. I will say that the band and the food are not to be missed!
I also walked to the Adventureland Treehouse which had opened last year on November 10th. I liked Tarzan’s Treehouse and also the former Swiss Family Treehouse. The new attraction is a slight upgrade from the original treehouse. It winds from Pirates of the Caribbean to a kitchen area. A sign says Father is the chef of their meals. This leads up some steep stairs, a little more challenging than I remembered, and I used the rope at the side to help several times. There is a bamboo fence labeled Jane with a ostrich who pops up every now and then. Some paintings display the work of the family at the Studio. Mother’s room has the self-playing musical organ which has a bit of a face.
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