Diamond Celebration: 24 Hour Event @ Disneyland Resort May 22-23!

[GenGen22]

With that many people coming in even earlier the park will hit max capacity even earlier than we all anticipated.. YIKES!!!!

 

[john398]

With that many people coming in even earlier the park will hit max capacity even earlier than we all anticipated.. YIKES!!!!

how can you tell how many people coming even earlier?

 

[figment_jii]

Shopping news!
Shopper’s Guide to the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration
Assuming it's not a typo, the biggest surprise is that some of the 60th anniversary (non-limited edition merchandise and collectibles) merchandise will be available starting on Wednesday (including Alex and Ani and Pandora). I thought nothing would be available until the 22nd, but maybe they're hoping to distribute the shopping crowds.

how can you tell how many people coming even earlier?

I think it based on the schedule of when they're going to be opening things. Last year (2014), no guests were allowed to line up until midnight, Security opened at 3:00 am, and everyone was held in the Esplanade until the parks opened at 6:00 am. This year (2015), guests may begin to line up at 10:00 pm (based on when Pumba lot opens), Security opens at 2:00 am, and guests will allowed into DL's MS at 4:00 am. Based on the guidelines for this year, it sounds like they're expecting more people in early hours of the morning.

 

[Chiomaca]

I'm staying at the Ramada Inn Maingate - it's a little far to walk alone in the dark of late night/super early morning - any word on if the ART buses will be running? Any other way to get there without a car - figuring the odds of taxi or Uber are low, but maybe there are a few smart Uber drivers out there willing to drive around then.

 

[Belleandtinker]

What are the "select" rides and attractions that will be open? Past experience?

 

[Angrose]

Shopping news!
Shopper’s Guide to the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration
Assuming it's not a typo, the biggest surprise is that some of the 60th anniversary (non-limited edition merchandise and collectibles) merchandise will be available starting on Wednesday (including Alex and Ani and Pandora). I thought nothing would be available until the 22nd, but maybe they're hoping to distribute the shopping crowds.

I am SUPER excited about this shopping news! I will be there Thu afternoon so will start my shopping before all the crowds arrive on Friday. I'm hoping to get my hands on one of the 60th anniversary droids!

 

[whjensen]

I think it based on the schedule of when they're going to be opening things. Last year (2014), no guests were allowed to line up until midnight, Security opened at 3:00 am, and everyone was held in the Esplanade until the parks opened at 6:00 am. This year (2015), guests may begin to line up at 10:00 pm (based on when Pumba lot opens), Security opens at 2:00 am, and guests will allowed into DL's MS at 4:00 am. Based on the guidelines for this year, it sounds like they're expecting more people in early hours of the morning.

Either that or they are simply honing their process each time they do this. I think it's too early to make predictions without the data that Disney obviously won't share. That being said, I think it's always best to be prepared for the worst and be pleasantly surprised.

 

[figment_jii]

What are the "select" rides and attractions that will be open? Past experience?

What do you mean?

 

[kim3339]

Assuming it's not a typo, the biggest surprise is that some of the 60th anniversary (non-limited edition merchandise and collectibles) merchandise will be available starting on Wednesday (including Alex and Ani and Pandora). I thought nothing would be available until the 22nd, but maybe they're hoping to distribute the shopping crowds.

I'm surprised stuff will be out early too; I really want the shirt was the rides and opening dates. I know it's an opened ended item so they'll have it throughout the year, but I just was hoping to get it Fri wear this weekend.

Finally started to look at the schedule for things throughout the day and the Mickey and the Magical Map show got my attention. Has anyone seen it before and is it worth it?

 

[figment_jii]

It's a cute show that has lots of bright colors and music. It features Mickey, Mulan, Rapunzel, Pocahontas, Stitch, the music from Little Mermaid, and other characters. I found the show to a bit of a mish-mash of random seeming things, but others I went with really liked it. The kids loved the show - it moves pretty fast and is very colorful. Like most things, I think it's worth seeing at least once!

 

[GenGen22]

how can you tell how many people coming even earlier?

it's just my guestimate. Before we were informed that gates were opening at 6am & now it's 4am. Also, announcing a free surprise if you are in line at 2am will definitely get people's attention as they will want the free gift. I do think this is also because the local I spoke to told me Good Morning America will be there to film the opening so, I'm sure that's why they want a large crowd.

 

[Belleandtinker]

What do you mean?

According to what I read - not all rides will be open 24 hours. They used the word "select" rides and attractions. If this is false and all rides will be open all day - great. If it is true that some rides will be closed, what are those rides. For example - Will Toon Town be open all day and night?

 

[beachdreamr1229]

So, I'm seeing 20-30% chance of showers on Friday. As a so cal resident, I know not to make too much of this, but if it were to rain (and that's a big if), would they have to cancel the new parade and/or fireworks even though it's their big debut?

 

[mershell]

I'm wondering. I've no idea what the capacity is for Main Street. Probably more than I'd imagine, but what are the chances everyone who shows up for the opening will get onto Main Street to see the open ceremony? I would hate to get there and have to wait out by the turnstiles because they couldn't get everyone inside. Is that even a possibility or does Main Street accommodate a lot more people than it seems? Anyone know?

Thanks

 

[iKristin]

According to what I read - not all rides will be open 24 hours. They used the word "select" rides and attractions. If this is false and all rides will be open all day - great. If it is true that some rides will be closed, what are those rides. For example - Will Toon Town be open all day and night?

It looks like all the rides (minus Peter Pan) are open. A select few close at 3AM, which is probably because they require daily maintenance checks in order to keep operating. BTMR closes at 3AM on Saturday. Most of the rides stay open until 6AM though. Only a very select few actually close between 3 and 4AM on Saturday.

 

[purple figment]

According to what I read - not all rides will be open 24 hours. They used the word "select" rides and attractions. If this is false and all rides will be open all day - great. If it is true that some rides will be closed, what are those rides. For example - Will Toon Town be open all day and night?

Last year some of the rides closed before 6 AM Saturday morning for regular maintenance. If you go to one of Figment_jii's posts (e.g post 330 in this thread) and click on the "24 hour day trip" report in Figment's signature there is a scan of last year's Times & Entertainment Guide. In one section it lists the times for rides that closed before 6 AM. Toontown, specifically closed at 8:30 for fireworks, then re-opened from midnight to 3 AM.

 

[iKristin]

Rides closing before 6AM on Friday

• Autopia 4AM
• Big Thunder Mountain 3AM
• Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters 5AM
• California Screamin' 4AM
• Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage 3AM
• Francis' Ladybug Boogie 4AM
• Gadget's Go Coaster 4:30AM
• Grizzly River Run 2AM
• Jungle Cruise 3:45AM
• Matterhorn Bobsleds 2:15AM
• Mickey's Fun Wheel 4:30AM
• Pinocchio's Daring Journey 2:45AM
• Pirates Of The Caribbean 5AM
• Radiator Springs Racers 3AM
• Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin 4:30AM
• Splash Mountain 3AM

 

[Fantaluminishes]

it's just my guestimate. Before we were informed that gates were opening at 6am & now it's 4am. Also, announcing a free surprise if you are in line at 2am will definitely get people's attention as they will want the free gift. I do think this is also because the local I spoke to told me Good Morning America will be there to film the opening so, I'm sure that's why they want a large crowd.

Remember Live with Kelly and Michael will be there. The 4am entry into Main Street will coincide with their taping. If GMA was going to be there "live", the broadcast would run from 4am to 6am, which means GMA would be going off the air when the park opens. I think the opening "event" will be Kelly & Michael related, and the crowd on Main Street will be strictly for the viewing audience. Unless there are giant video screens on Main Street, only a very few if the people let in at 4am will actually see anything.

 

[mershell]

I wonder if they will have viewing screens in the Esplanade.

 

[RKKUNK]

I thought "Kelly & Michael" were only taping on Monday and Tuesday. I could see GMA being there. They could always show what they tape the following morning.