Magic Chat Live

The new year is off to a quick start at the Disneyland Resort as new projects such as the return of Captain EO get underway and on-going construction projects throughout the Resort continue at full speed. Disneyland is also getting ready to celebrate its 55th Anniversary and new commemorative merchandise for the occasion is already hitting the shelves in retail locations throughout the parks.

The inside of the park maps have recently been updated with new attractions and features in both parks. Disneyland's map now lists The Disneyland Story featuring Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln as a NEW! attraction. The Disney Gallery, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, and Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue are also listed as new offerings.

Shoppers design custom skateboards at new Downtown Disney kiosk
December 28th, 2009, 7:28 pm · posted by Sally French

The Board Factory is the latest kiosk to open at Downtown Disney, allowing shoppers to design their own skateboards.

Nine-year-old Skyler Ludin of Irvine was visiting Santa at the Paradise Pier Hotel, and knew he wanted a skateboard for Christmas.

On the way out, Ludin saw the new kiosk. Ludin and his father, Terry, decided to stop by and create a skateboard for Skyler.

Shoppers start by picking out the various pieces of their skateboard, including wheels, trucks, decks. Skyler, whose nickname is “Sky” because of his sky-blue eyes, designed his skateboard with a light-blue color scheme.

Shoppers get to watch their skateboards as they are made — which takes about 10 minutes. The deck (which is the design underneath the skateboard) is placed on via heat-transfer through equipment that heats to about 280 degrees.

dsc_0070The skateboards cost about $70 to $85.

“The board is very durable and strong, and it’s hand-made,” Terry Ludin said.

Skyler hopes that the new skateboard will help him master some new tricks; he’s been working on the “Ollie” and “pop shove-it” for a while now.

“I felt like it was really cool designing my own skateboard,” Skyler said. “Like, it was awesome.”

DISNEYLAND TESTS NEW EXPRESS TICKET LINE
The OC Register's Around Disney blog reported on a new express ticket line Disneyland is testing that allows guests to skip the ticket booths and go straight to the main gate, purchasing tickets with credit card.

New Express Ticket Line allows guests speedy access into Disneyland a new Express Ticket Purchase entrance turnstile has opened at Disneyland, allowing guests to purchase theme park tickets right at the gate and avoid making an additional stop at the ticket booths.

Visitors simply swipe their credit card and get a ticket printed out for them at the gate.

Tickets available at the Express Ticket Purchase line are the one-day Disneyland ticket for adults ($72), children ($62) and seniors; the one-day Park Hopper ticket for adults ($97) and children ($87); and the two-day Park Hopper ticket for adults ($151) and children ($131).