This week, more dining locations are returning, a new menu at a couple of the locations, staffing issues may effect capacity levels, attraction re-openings and changes, we are halfway to Halloween, we duke it out in a trivia spectacular and more, and more!

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News:

With the theme parks having just opened almost two weeks ago, more dining locations are returning. The Paradise Garden Grill reopens on Thursday, May 13th, the Alfresco Dining Terrace for Legacy Passholders and their guests on Thursday, May 20th, the Blue Bayou on Thursday, May 27th, the Napa Rose for dinner only on Friday, May 28th, Storytellers Cafe for breakfast and dinner on Friday, May 28th, and finally the GCH Craftsman Bar, also on Friday, May 28th. For a complete list of all the dining locations, please check out the link in our show notes. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/05/update-foodie-news-dining-guide-to-disneyland-resort-reopening/

The Blue Bayou is reopening soon, so we finally get a look at the updated menu, which now includes some alcoholic beverages. Appetizers include the Signature Gumbo, the Grilled Heirloom Jumbo Asparagus, and the House salad. Entrees include the Monte Crist Sandwich, Jambalaya, Cauliflower Steak and Grits, and more. Two dessert options – an 8 layer chocolate and hazelnut cake, and a vanilla0bourbon creme brulee. A variety of wines and the new Hurricane round out the options. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/05/11/first-look-at-the-alcohol-coming-to-disneylands-blue-bayou-restaurant/

Another restaurant has reopened in Downtown Disney this past week. Catal has returned with a brand new menu, featuring Ahi Avocado Toast, Traditional Paella, Filet Mignon, and Three Cheese Mac and Cheese. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/05/06/another-downtown-disney-restaurant-has-reopened-this-time-with-a-new-menu/

With the likelihood that most restrictions will be lifted next month, Disneyland still is taking it slow due to a number of reasons. The biggest at the moment is the staffing issues at the resort. Furloughed workers had to be called back first and must be given two chances to turn down their jobs before Disney can bring back laid off employees. One visible sign of this is the Disneyland Railroad, which explains why the attraction has been shut down by 3pm each day. Disney has worked through the furloughed cast, and has begun contacting laid off cast. – https://www.micechat.com/290274-disneyland-update-one-week-in-heres-how-its-really-going/

The most budget friendly of the Disneyland Resort Hotels will be reopening next! The Paradise Pier Hotel will reopen on June 15th, with limited capacity. The Grand Californian’s special entrance to Disney California Adventure will reopen on May 28th. Still no word on when the Disneyland Hotel will reopen to guests. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/05/news-from-the-hotels-of-the-disneyland-resort-disneys-paradise-pier-hotel-reopening-june-15-more-restaurant-dining-returning-to-disneys-grand-californian-hotel-spa/

With the weather getting warmer, it is nice to have a popular water attraction back open! Grizzly River Run has returned to operation this week, and is looking great. The attraction usually has its annual refurbishment around this time of year, so this is nothing new. – https://www.micechat.com/290274-disneyland-update-one-week-in-heres-how-its-really-going/

Another attraction is joinging the virtual queue system, if only for testing at this time. The Indiana Jones Adventure is running a test of standby and virtual queue at the same time off and on at the moment. With the current limitations on indoor queuing, the line has been clogging up the nearby walkways. The Jungle Cruise extended queue, which Indy has been using, will be needed by the Jungle Cruise when that attraction reopens this summer. For now, guests can get in the virtual queue through the Disneyland app. Only one virtual queue per guest, per attraction, per day at this time. – https://www.micechat.com/290527-breaking-disneyland-news-indiana-jones-to-get-the-virtual-queue-treatment/ and https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/05/11/another-ride-joins-disneylands-virtual-queue-system/

The costumes for Avengers Campus have been revealed. Cast Members will be known as Campus Representatives in the various parts of the new area, each with their own distinct style. Web Slingers and Web Suppliers Cast Members will wear modern, techy emblems, made from lightweight, breathable fabrics. Pym Test Kitchen Cast Members will wear lab coats, hats, and ties, with unique pieces like pocket protectors. The Ancient Sanctum costumes feature mystical looking textures and sewing techniques, while food cart cast members will sport designs reminiscent of New York cart workers, and a Terran inspired look from Guardians of the Galaxy. Finally, the campus uniform took on the look of Shield agents, with cargo bottoms, a training shirt, and a tactical-inspired vest. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/05/first-look-avengers-campus-cast-members-assemble-in-new-cast-costumes/

We know that it is hard to believe, but we are halfway to Halloween, and the Disney Parks are celebrating. The Disney Parks blog has posted some delectable treats to celebrate at Disney Parks on both coasts. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/05/disneymagicmoments-conjuring-up-the-magic-recipes-for-your-halfway2halloween-celebration/

Along with the treats, there is, of course, some spooky good merchandise as well! New nuiMOs plush costumes inspired by the upcoming Cruella movie, a new Disney Villains Streetwear collection, which features a lot of denim with Haunted Mansion designs, plus some ears, and much, much more! Some of the items are available on shopDisney, with others offered in the parks. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/05/shriek-peek-celebrating-halfwaytohalloween-with-a-spooky-first-look-at-some-spine-tingling-new-products/

Rounding out the halfway to Halloween news, guests can take self guided tours of the Haunted Mansion style attractions around the world. Uncle Deadly from the Muppets hosts the experience, which allows guests to tour the Haunted Mansion in Disneyland and Walt Disney World, Mystic Manor at Hong Kong Disneyland, and Phantom Manor at Disneyland Paris. At the end, there is a surprise look at a Haunted Mansion special premiering on Disney+ this fall. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/05/a-self-guided-tour-of-the-most-mystifying-disney-parks-attractions-around-the-world/

Cast Members will be offered the COVID-19 vaccine on property though June. Active and furloughed cast members and their families can get either the Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson vaccine starting on May 13th at the Disneyland Hotel. Active cast members only can get a single-shot JJ vaccine as of May 10th backstage. Cast members can request appointments through the Disney Hub website. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/05/07/disneyland-will-soon-offer-covid-19-vaccines-onsite-to-cast-members/

Legacy Passholder Perk! – https://m.facebook.com/DisneylandPassholders/photos/a.283932128300337/4682888018404704/?type=3

Discussion Topic:

Trivia Spectacular #2 from Listener Quincy