DLW 320: runDisney Returns to Disneyland

This week, a new design coming to Cast Member nametags, Magic Key availability comes and goes… Pixar Place Hotel gets a new eatery and prepares to debut, a major milestone at an upcoming attraction, we talk to Alex and Gretchen about Disneyland’s runDisney event, and more!

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News:

Ken Potrock revealed a new nametag design coming for Cast Members at the resort. The new design goes back to the first name of the Cast Member and their “hometown.” The logo at the top is a colorful design, featuring Sleeping Beauty Castle, the Pixar Pal-a-Round and the vintage Disneyland Resort sign used at the Disneyland Hotel currently. The stars around the nametag are also colorful with “The Happiest Place on Earth” at the bottom. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2024/01/new-disneyland-resort-cast-member-nametag-design-revealed/ Last week, Magic Keys went on sale again for guests who wanted to get in on the program. Within 24 hours, all keys were once again “available for renewal only.” Disney released a statement on their Magic Key site stating they have paused new sales to “help protect the experience for Magic Key holders and the value those passes provide.” – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2024/01/11/three-magic-key-passes-sold-out-one-day-after-disney-resumed-sales/ There is a new eatery which just opened at the Pixar Place Hotel. The Sketch Pad Cafe is just outside of the Great Maple restaurant and offers quick service breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The breakfast menu features Röckenwagner Bakery breads, and a large assortment of standard breakfast fare. – https://www.micechat.com/377590-pixar-place-hotel-will-say-hey-howdy-hey-this-month/ https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2024/01/14/surprise-this-clue-proves-a-new-disney-restaurant-is-open-now/ We are coming up on the Pixar Place Hotel officially opening to guests and a focal point for the hotel is nearing completion. The mobile that will be in the main lobby area has begun to take shape. The stained glass looking characters have been hung from the ceiling and all that remains is the installation of the large Luxo Jr. balancing atop the Luxo Ball. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2024/01/photos-new-giant-pop-art-character-mobiles-added-to-pixar-place-hotel-lobby-featuring-wall-e-toy-story-more/ There is a lot going on at Downtown Disney and even more to come! Tortilla Jo’s has a closing date of March 31st. Earl of Sandwich will be moving again and relocated to a space by the Star Wars Trading Post by the end of February. – https://www.micechat.com/377576-disneyland-whats-new-2024/ A rather substantial addition has come to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure! The water tower for the new attraction has been installed, topped with Tiana’s crown and all! Other than the removal of the tree stump at the top of the old Splash Mountain, this is the largest change to the exterior of the upcoming attraction. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2024/01/09/update-theres-a-new-addition-at-tianas-bayou-adventure-in-disneyland/ https://wdwnt.com/2024/01/first-characters-tianas-bayou-adventure-mk/ A handful of new menu items have come to various locations around the resort. At Red Rose Taverne, a new Vive Le Bacon! burger, and Spiced Lamb and Sausage flatbread has been added. At the Hungry Bear, a Churro Funnel Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream is available. Mickey-shaped Grape Beignets are at the Mint Julep Bar. A couple varieties of Chicken Tenders and a Pibb Xtra Float have come to the Golden Horseshoe. Over at the Refreshment Corner, A Chili-Cheese Potato Dog and a Pepperoni Mickey-shaped Pretzel are on the menu. Over at Disney California Adventure, a S’mores Banana Split, and a Butter Cake is at Clarabelle’s. Smokejumpers Grill has a Raspberry Cheesecake Shake. Aunt Cass Cafe has an Upside-Down Pineapple Cread Pudding. Finally, the Cozy Cones has a Banana Split Churro and a Loaded Fried Tamale. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2024/01/14/15-new-reasons-why-disneylands-restaurants-are-just-plain-better/ So. Many. New. Ears. A large variety of ears has come to the resort, ranging from light-up Disneyland Resort Icons to Nightmare Before Christmas, to Frozen and more! Prices range from $34.99 to $44.99. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2024/01/huge-collection-of-new-minnie-ear-headbands-featuring-frozen-nightmare-before-christmas-more-now-available-at-disneyland-resort/