Fresh from Walt Disney World, what is a boy to do? Go to Disneyland naturally. Well, just for a short bit. I wanted to see the new Ghost Galaxy overlay of Space Mountain, visit the new Disney Gallery, and get my first taste of the Haunted Mansion Holiday. Since my favorite time is right at opening that meant getting to park very early.
You can see how the rehabilitation of the Disneyland Hotel is moving along. Going to miss the open windows but the hotel was looking tired and I look forward to the new rooms. The old windows are on the right and the new blue windows are on the left.
Candymakers hard at work at the Marceline Candy store.
Arrived at 740a and used my little trick to be at the front of the line. The park started off very quiet and filled rapidly. Those first few hours are just golden. The mob ran to Space Mountain only to be turned back. The ride didn't open for the Early Magic folks and was still down until 830a or so. As you can see, a small crowd was gathering in anticipation of the ride opening. It did so some 5 minutes later.
The lobby for Mr. Lincoln was open and is now connected to the Disney Gallery. Inside the 50th anniversary film is still running on a large screen TV to the rear and they brought out a few models. The original Sleeping Beauty Castle with the tiny Walt has escaped from the wall and can be looked at from all sides. Splash Mountain was also represented. 
The model of Disneyland on opening day is back. This time it is behind glass, tilted up and is framed like the incredible Sam McKim maps. The Tomorrowland buildings are still backward but it is a fitting tribute to the park and leaves room for more fun things to come. 
The Bank has become the new Disney Gallery and features Enchanting Classics, a look at the recent changes to the classic attractions such as the Jungle Cruise, Pirates, and its a small world. The Gallery consists of three rooms. 
The first room is the lobby. This is primarily the gift shop and features the usual books, collectable stuff, and a lot of the leftover SHAG Haunted Mansion gear.
Plenty of room with similar merchandise to the Disneyana Store.
The vault holds the most expensive pieces and will make for a great photo opportunity.
The second gallery featured original works from various artists. Very expensive stuff and an interesting transition from the first gallery to the featured show in the room beyond. Along the south wall is the Bank Manager's office that has been taken over by an Imagineer.
The third gallery is the heart of the attraction. In this gallery we see the concept artwork for the most recent rehabs. Within the large glass displays are the maquettes, which are three dimensional models for the animators to work from.
The large built-in seating area is a welcome rest spot. I hope they change the program around frequently. It is a small gallery. But the treasures contained within this first show are well worth the visit. Especially if you are a modern transportation geek like me.
The armed chimps section of the Jungle Cruise.
Over in Frontierland in the Zocalo Park, there is a El Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead display. The holiday is celebrated on November 1 and 2 and it is a time to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. 
Finally, Jack is back with no noticeable changes except for the new iconic gingerbread house. This year we have a very nicely done carrousel. By lunchtime, the park was getting pretty busy. A beautiful fall day, new attractions, and the Halloween overlay on Main Street USA certainly helped.
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