The D23 Ultimate Fan Event features events at both the Honda Center and the Anaheim Convention Center. At the Honda Center, Friday includes the Disney Entertainment Showcase, Saturday focuses on Disney Experiences, and Sunday hosts the Disney Legends Award Ceremony. The Anaheim Convention Center offers multiple stages with events like the Music of Marvel Studios, 30 Years of Toy Story, and The Muppets 70th Anniversary. Other highlights include panels on Disney animation, theme parks, and exclusive signings with Disney legends and creators.
'Not Just a Goof' is a documentary exploring the creation and cultural impact of 'A Goofy Movie.' The film delves into the challenges of making the movie, its reception, and its lasting influence on fans. Many fans, particularly latchkey kids from the 1990s, found emotional resonance in the film's themes of family and reconciliation. The documentary also features behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with key creatives, including director Kevin Lima and voice actor Bill Farmer.
Jeff sampled various Disneyland eateries, including the Palm Breeze Bar, Carthay Circle, Club 33, and Napa Rose. Highlights included the Silencio Bruno sandwich at Jolly Holiday, Matterhorn-themed Dole Whip with coconut water, and Walt's Chili at Club 33. He also enjoyed the O-O-A drink at Trader Sam's, which comes with a theatrical presentation. Jeff noted that while some dishes were excellent, others, like the pork chop at Carthay Circle, were underwhelming.
Disneyland experienced lower-than-expected attendance during the Fourth of July weekend in 2024, possibly due to ongoing construction and refurbishments for upcoming attractions like Tiana's Bayou Adventure and Haunted Mansion Holiday. Additionally, the absence of major holiday-specific decorations or celebrations may have contributed to the reduced crowds. Jeff noted that the park felt less busy than usual, with shorter wait times for rides.
For the Matterhorn's 65th anniversary, Disneyland offered a special Dole Whip made with coconut water instead of pineapple juice, topped with shredded blue coconut to resemble snow. Additionally, Club 33 featured a tiki bowl shaped like the Yeti's footprint. These limited-time offerings celebrated the iconic attraction's legacy and were part of the park's ongoing Pixar Fest celebrations.
This week, Julia Layne joins Jeff to discuss some timely news: The D23 schedule just dropped, and we look at Friday's schedule as we start to make plans for the convention. Then, we talk about a new documentary about "A Goofy Movie" called "Not Just a Goof" which we were able to preview at the Walt Disney Family Museum, and we talk about the creation of the documentary and the reasons that "A Goofy Movie" is held so dearly by its fans. Finally, Jeff visited Disneyland over the Independence Day weekend and sampled the latest menus of many of his favorite park eateries, and we talk about the highs and the so-sos.