“Rethemed” is probably more accurate.
ANAHEIM, CA — The Disney fan universe has been all atwitter following stories that the Disneyland Park and Spa is eliminating benches. As usual, however, there is more to the story. And also as usual, Uncle Walt’s Insider has all the super-reliable details the other theme park news sites miss.
We reached out to our usual reliable source, Disney (the company) spokesperson Jun Disney (no relation) for details:
The real story
“Yes, ‘benches’ are going away,” Disney (no relation) confirmed. “By the end of next year, you will no longer find a ‘bench’ anywhere in the Disneyland Resort.”
She continued, “Instead, what are currently known as ‘benches’ are getting a makeover. They’ll get fresh paint, with some glitter and other decorations added in. So they’ll be much, much more than an ordinary ‘bench.'”
Repurposed, renamed
The refurbished benches seating devices come with a new name.
“Once each former bench gets this incredible makeover, it will be referred to as ‘Magical Premium Seating,'” says Disney (no relation). “It’s special little touches like this that keep Disney (the company) at the forefront of guest service. And also lets us charge more.”
The new Magical Premium Seating transformation will be completed in Fall 2019, and guests should be able to reserve Fastpasses for them beginning next summer.
Will you use your Fastpasses on a bench? Let us know in the comments below!
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Cover photo of Disneyland bench — okay, actually a Hong Kong Disneyland bench, but you wouldn’t know that unless we slip up and put it in the photo credits… oh, wait. Dang it — by Xiquinho Silva [CC BY-SA 2.0] via Wikimedia Commons.