DLW 371: Before the Birds Sang Words with Author Ken Bruce

DLWeekly Podcast - Disneyland News and Information

This week, Disney helps with the wildfire response, construction has started on a highly anticipated project, the Lunar New Year celebration starts this week, a change coming to the Sip and Savor pass, we talk to Author Ken Bruce about Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, and more!

Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/.

Check out all of our current partners and exclusive discounts at https://www.dlweekly.net/promos.

News:

It is a time of great sadness in Southern California as wildfires rage and devastates so many people’s lives. The Walt Disney Company has committed $15 million dollars to Los Angeles Area Fire Relief & Rebuilding Efforts. Further resources will be provided to the Employee Relief Fund to help Disney employees who are impacted. Many Imagineers called the areas of fire devastation home. – https://disneyparksblog.com/disney-experiences/disney-company-los-angeles-area-fire-relief-rebuilding-efforts/ https://www.micechat.com/407847-disneyland-news-fires-hope-next-chapter/

Construction has officially begun on the expansion to Avengers Campus. Sunday, January 12th the Timon parking lot was closed to start construction. A lot of prep work still needs to be completed before any vertical construction can begin, but it has started! – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2025/01/12/confirmed-construction-just-started-on-disneys-avengers-campus-expansion/

For Weeklyteers who want to get in on the Beverage Education & Tasting Seminars for the Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival, tickets and reservations are now open. The festival will run from February 28th through April 21st. Visit the link in the show notes for all the details and to book your spot! – https://disneyland.disney.go.com/events-tours/disney-california-adventure/food-wine-beer-spirits-tasting-seminars/#tab-panel-block2-1

If a casting call is any indication, there is a new show coming to DCA this summer. The casting call is looking for “vibrant, energetic, and dynamic vocalists of all gender identities.” The performer chosen will be a DJ host who is youthful, quirky, and has great comedic timing, according to the post. This could be a new show moving into the Disney Theatre, home to the Disney Jr. Dance Party. – https://wdwnt.com/2025/01/casting-new-show-disney-california-adventure-s25/

Fans of the Disney Dress Shop in Downtown Disney may be wondering where it went soon. The location is getting a new sign “Disney Storyland Boutique.” Once the new sign is installed, the shop should also be reopening in the old Wonderground Gallery location. – https://www.micechat.com/407847-disneyland-news-fires-hope-next-chapter/

A Megabot sipper from Big Hero 6 is available for purchase in Disney California Adventure starting Friday. The sipper is in the shape of a Megabot – the robot seen in the opening scenes of the movie. Guests can purchase this item at both restaurants in San Fransokyo. – https://wdwnt.com/2025/01/new-big-hero-6-megabot-sipper-coming-soon/

Lunar New Year arrives at Disney California Adventure later this week and the six food marketplace booths are already setup, with menus and pricing revealed. It looks like the pricing has increased on the items, so a Sip and Savor Pass might be the way to go. No pricing has been released for the pass at this time. – https://www.micechat.com/407847-disneyland-news-fires-hope-next-chapter/

When purchasing a Sip and Savor pass this year, you will have another choice to make: what design do you want? This year’s passes will come in three limited designs which pay homage to either Chinese, Vietnamese, or Korean cultures, while also featuring Disney characters in culturally-inspired outfits designed by artist Ann Shen. – https://disneyland.disney.go.com/dining/disney-california-adventure/sip-and-savor/

A new beignet has come to the Mint Julep Bar in New Orleans Square. The Chocolate Hazelnut-flavored Mickey-shaped Beignets are basically Nutella beignets! There is an optional chocolate-hazelnut dipping sauce which you can get for $1.39. The beignets themselves can be purchased in a 3-pack for $6.49, or a 6-pack for $10.49. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2025/01/10/review-did-disney-just-make-mickey-beignets-even-better/

With Jolly Holiday closed for a major refurbishment, you might be craving some of the treats that usually call this location home. Fear not! A few of the items have moved to Refreshment Corner next door. Most notably are a couple of the breakfast croissants, and the Matterhorn Macaroon. – https://disneyland.disney.go.com/dining/disneyland/refreshment-corner/menus/breakfast/

SnackChat:

Cozy Cones – https://disneyland.disney.go.com/dining/disney-california-adventure/cozy-cone-motel/menus/ https://lizoncall.com/pear-of-dice-soda-recipe/

Discussion Topic:

Two time Emmy Award winning animator and author Ken Bruce – https://tikiroom63.com https://www.instagram.com/tikiroom1963