The Report
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Sorry I missed you last week. I turned in a column, I swear, but the stupid Editor didn't put it up for some reason. I'll have a talk with him.

Anyways, I'm back now. So without further Abu...

Disneyland

News, Events and Rumors
The unfortunate big news at Disneyland is yesterday's accident on Big Thunder Mountain - its third accident in less than a year. Thursday afternoon around 5:00 p.m. two trains collided sending a 10-year old boy and his parents to the hospital with minor injuries. The three were treated and released. The ride is closed pending a review by state investigators. One investigator said the ride could remain closed for months. For more on the accident and the potential fallout, see this detailed Orange County Register article (free registration is required)..

While not strictly Disneyland related, this should be of interest to Disneyland fans (plus Rebekah's on their Board and made me put it in...) The NFFC - the largest club for Disneyana enthusiasts - celebrates their 20th anniversary soon with their annual summer convention in Garden Grove, California just a few miles from Disneyland. Highlighting this year's convention will be presentations from Disney executives Dick Cook, Jay Rasulo and Marty Sklar. Click for the Full Story. Also new this year, you can register for the convention online.

The Big Thunder Ranch Country Picnic has debuted in the former location of Big Thunder BBQ featuring cold fried chicken (yes, it's on purpose. it's "Picnic-Style") and other picnic favorites. We'll have more on this soon, 'cause food is our favorite subject!

The Paradise Pier Hotel has completed most of its major refurbishment. The rooms (which we showed you in a previous Disneyland Update) and the lobby have been changed. But the biggest change is at the pool. The gazebo area which was used for weddings has been replaced with an expanded deck. There's a new kiddie pool and a new slide, "California Streamin'" themed to a wooden rollercoaster. Yet to come are more lobby improvements and a repainted, renamed pool bar - Slurpin' USA.

Disneyland's All-American Pin Festival is back on from July 16th through September 6th featuring special lanyards, limited edition pins and much more in celebration of the 2004 Olympic Games. Get the full pin scoop from DisneyGallery.com

Disneyland put out a press release announcing their new safer, quieter system for launching fireworks. The system, which debuted with "Disney's Imagine - A Fantasy in the Sky" uses compressed air to virtually eliminate ground smoke and noise. Disney has announced they will donate the patents for the new technology to a non-profit organization so they can be licensed to other pyrotechnic providers.

Some refurbishment info: Francis' Lady Bug Boggie has reopened at DCA.  The Enchanted Tiki Room, the Tiki Juice Bar and the Plaza Pavilion are being refurbished from July 30th through March 11, 2005. Fantasmic! will be down September 7th through December 16th. And Haunted Mansion Holiday gets installed (bringing down the Haunted Mansion, of course) September 7th through 30th.

And finally, don't forget LaughingPlace.com's 5th Annual Reader Meet is coming up July 18th at Hollywood and Dine in Disney's California Adventure. Think it's too late to sign up? Think again! Email me to find out how you can still come.

Fun Stuff
The Ventura County Star had a great story on the 1,200 people who work at Disneyland overnight. Free registration is required, but it's worth it. A fun read.