Disneyland second annual 24-Hour Party got underway at 6:00 a.m. this morning. People started lining up yesterday evening and a couple of thousand were ready to enter when the park opened its gates this morning, according to the OC Register.
Having learned via experience just how popular this event is, Disneyland and the city are better prepared to cope with the additional traffic and other demands. From the OC Register:
Disney, city and traffic officials are getting ready for the worst-case scenario, holding meetings to plan ahead – something they didn’t do much of last time.
For the first time, the city’s Traffic Management Center will stay open for more than 48 hours to monitor traffic, extending green traffic lights to improve the flow. Last year, the center was closed by the time cars backed up.
Among other steps being taken:
Traffic: The city is setting up an extra 10 digital signs to direct motorists to different routes or parking lots and officers will be on the streets guiding vehicles.
On nearby freeways, the California Highway Patrol plans to display digital messages pointing motorists to the right exits for open parking lots. Units will cruise busy areas, as needed, said Officer Ray Payton, an agency spokesman.
Parking: An elaborate plan is in place to point visitors to lots at different times, including to Anaheim GardenWalk and to the Anaheim Convention Center. Some Disney employees will park at Angel Stadium and take shuttles in.
Disney is encouraging annual passholders, by giving them collectible buttons, to carpool with three or more.
More notice, more police: City officials will send out alerts and press releases to residents, notifying them that a major event is in the area, said Ruth Ruiz, an Anaheim spokeswoman.
And the Police Department will double its staff on Disney property for the event, said Sgt. Dennis Briggs, who heads the police’s Disney unit.
More room: This year, California Adventure will stay open, too, which could ease the crush. However, a Grad Nite for high school seniors, which was planned before the 24-hour party, will also unfold Thursday night at Disney California Adventure, where some areas will be reserved for them.
Have fun everyone!
