MickeyBlog News for July 2nd, 2023
As Americans prepare for the July 4th holiday, The Walt Disney Company adds more attractions and amenities.
We will say to boo to them for one unforgivable snafu, though.
I’ll explain in this week’s MickeyBlog News.
Rogers: The Musical Is a Smash
When Disney California Adventure (DCA) announced that it would host a show for Rogers: The Musical, park officials quickly knew they had a hit.
Photo: Disney
The announcement itself went viral due to tons of excited Disney fans.
As the opening date approached, DCA revealed that it would employ a virtual queue for Rogers: The Musical.
Photo: Disney
To the best of my knowledge, that’s the first time ever for a Disney show-based attraction.
That news didn’t deter anyone from wanting to attend. Disney acknowledged outrageous demand on the level of E-ticket attractions, but fans didn’t blink.
Photo: Disney
Park officials had announced that Rogers: The Musical will only play from June 30th through the end of August.
Nobody wants to miss this limited engagement. So, a virtual queue sounds like good news to all involved.
Photo: Disney
Recently, DCA upped the ante by introducing four daily “Premium Viewing Experiences” at a cost of $29 per person.
You can think of these Premium Viewing Experiences (PVEs) as the equivalent of Lightning Lane for a show.
Photo: Disney
I’ll admit to some skepticism that this tactic would work, but then the first four PVEs sold out almost immediately.
The deal is better than it may sound. In addition to the show, you also get a popcorn bucket, a drink of your choice, and lounge seating before the show.
Photo: Disney
So, you’ll feel like you’re watching a movie as much as a Disney show. That may be worth $29 if you don’t want to miss Rogers: The Musical.
As for the show itself, a friend who attended the first show said that it’s so good that Disney could tour with it. And they might one day.
Photo: Disney
Thus far, everything about this presentation has exceeded expectations. So, when is it coming to Walt Disney World?
We Got Oogie Boogie Bashed in the Face
Disney tech and opening day booking troubles. Name a more iconic duo.
That’s right, folks. The boogie man appeared again, and we’re not talking about the delightful bloke from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Photo: Disney
Early this week, Disneyland opened pre-sales to Oogie Boogie Bash for Magic Key passholders.
The beloved Halloween after-hours event always sells out quickly, and Disneyland fans have learned this the hard way.
So, many of the early sales allotments of tickets for the bash were booked that day. You should consider that the calm before the storm.
Two days later, Oogie Boogie Bash tickets went on sale for the general public, and the whole thing…could have gone better.
Glitches were prevalent, with reports that many people in the queue couldn’t finalize transactions. In fact, they couldn’t even reach the ordering phase.
After 30 minutes or so, Disney paused all Oogie Boogie Bash sales to research the snafu.
Photo: Disney
At 11 a.m. local time, Disney updated the Oogie Boogie Bash ordering page to say it was “aware of a technical issue with Oogie Boogie ticket sales.”
Not long after that, Disney closed Oogie Boogie Bash sales for the day.
Photo: Disney
Somehow, that’s not even the worst part. Disney won’t reopen ticket purchasing until July 7th…at the earliest.
Presumably, the underlying problem is significant, and Disney will be short-staffed during the holiday. So, it’s best to wait.
Photo: Disney
This whole thing is ridiculous and cyclical. It seems to happen about once a quarter at this point.
Disney, I’m saying this as a dedicated fan. YOU HAVE GOT TO FIX YOUR TECH!!!
Photo: Disney
Disney Miscellany
I realize you’re probably reading this around the holiday, and I’d hoped to be brief. Alas, Disney didn’t play along with my goals.
So, let’s tear through several other stories quickly, starting with Hey Disney!
One of our social media mavens snagged pictures of the first two resorts using Hey Disney!, the new virtual assistant.
Then, one of our writers compiled a guide on how to maximize the benefits of Hey Disney! during your visit.
At Walt Disney World, the conversion from Splash Mountain to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure has officially crossed the Rubicon.
Disney removed the final Splash Mountain pressed penny machine, thereby eliminating all vestiges of the defunct ride.
“Never lose sight of what’s important.”
Then, park officials installed the water tower overnight. Now, we have the wienie for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure visible during park visits.
Meanwhile, Disney revealed Tiana’s outfit for her jaunt into the bayou.
Photo: Disney
While I think it might be a bit too heavy for Louisiana swamps, it’s gorgeous!
Also at Magic Kingdom, the fireworks dessert cruise increased its price by $31.
We also learned the nightly pricing for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
Credit: Disney
If you don’t mind celebrating in November, that’s when tickets are cheapest.
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney also revealed the nightly pricing for Disney Jollywood Nights.
Amusingly, the most expensive night for this is November 20th. We’d like some consistency, Disney!
Also, One’s Man Dream has returned to the park. This happened right after my publication deadline last week. So, the show’s been back for a week.
Disney Miscellany II
Meanwhile, we think we solved a mystery at EPCOT, where Disney had previously confirmed a new sushi experience coming soon.
Apparently, Tokyo Dining will evolve into Shiki-Sai Izakaya and Sushi. That’s what the official site for Tokyo Dining indicates anyway.
Photo: Disney
Disney also revealed this year’s Eat to the Beat concert series and dining packages.
The other story we’re tracking involves the introduction of per-park Disney Genie+ pricing. However, we don’t have much data yet.
Photo:disney
All I can tell you is that it started. I’ll do a deeper dive after the July 4th holiday has ended.
Finally, Disney has announced that it will host a rare military flyover as part of its Independence Day celebration. You don’t want to miss that!
Have a terrific holiday week, my many loves!
Photo: MickeyBlog
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Feature Photo: Disney
