Today marked the return of Long Lost Friends to the Disneyland Resort as a part of Limited Time Magic. They can be found at the Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree daily for this week only (August 19-25, 2013). This celebration of Long Lost Friends has some returning characters, along with some other lost friends. Here is who you can possibly find (things are obviously subject to change as they are living breathing friends):
Hercules
- Hercules
- Megara
- Hades
Pinocchio
- Pinocchio
- Geppetto
- Jiminy Cricket
- J. Worthington Foulfellow
- Gideon
Sword in the Stone
- Merlin
Pocahontas
- Pocahontas
- Captain John Smith
- Meeko
- Governor Ratcliffe
Snow White
- Snow White
- Dopey
Tarzan
- Tarzan
- Jane
- Terk
Robin Hood
- Robin Hood
- Friar Tuck
- Sheriff of Nottingham
- Prince John
Song of the South
- Br’er Bear
- Br’er Fox
- Br’er Rabbit
Peter Pan
- Peter Pan
- Wendy
- Captain Hook
- Mr. Smee
Lilo & Stitch
- Lilo
- Stitch
Details about Long Lost Friends
Long Lost Friends will be available to Disneyland Park guests this week between 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree will be opening at 10:30 AM to guests with valid Disneyland Annual Passes. To enter at 10:30 annual passholders will need to line up beforehand and have their passes scanned by a cast member. The line entering the arena for this will be next to the Big Thunder Ranch BBQ leading up to where the restrooms are and not the entrance by the cabin.
The characters are divided into two sets. Half of them will be out at a time and then the other half will be available for photos. The host announces throughout the day that characters will not be signing autographs but instead cards with their autographs are passed out. Also, guests are asked to only take one pose per group with each character unit they meet.
Tips for Long Lost Friends
Long Lost Friends is a popular event at the Disneyland Resort. Plan on things being a bit busy. This may not be 100% factual but as a rule of thumb, the further the week progresses the busier Long Lost Friends will be. That being said, choose what characters are your priorities and come up with a plan. Also, recognize that because the characters will be switching back and fourth throughout the day, if you are in the back of a line there is a very good chance you will be seeing the next group of characters and not the ones you are looking at. There is a little guesswork going on with this but it is just part of the experience.
Recognize that certain units will be a bigger draw than others. You may have to wait longer…and/or more than once. This is also just part of the game. If you really want to see a certain character, odds are a lot of other people do too. So… [pullquote]Bring your patience![/pullquote] Everyone is visiting for the same reason so make it fun. There is entertainment in the arena throughout the day so enjoy Billy Hill and the Hillbillies while you wait. Enjoy a snack. Enjoy meeting other people in line. Make the line waiting into an adventure!
One last thought, be flexible. Recognize that everyone in the arena is a living and breathing individual and has feelings and needs. It is very possible that not every character will be exactly where you think they should be when you think they should be there. This isn’t because they don’t want to be out there. It might be because the need to eat. It might be because they are getting chased by a fox and are stuck in a tree? Just remember that everyone working for Disney is there trying to create the most fun experience they can for Long Lost Friends. They have a hard job and will be trying to make thousands upon thousands of guests happy this week. Take some personal responsibility for your own happiness and the happiness of those around you and let’s make their job a little easier and the whole event a lot more fun! What do you say?
Long Lost Friends
Long Lost Friends is a fun an exciting week at the Disneyland Resort. Go out and get your picture with your favorite Long Lost Friend or two… or three… or four… or more. Enjoy the atmosphere and enjoy the happiest place on Earth!
(More photos can be found here on the Archives page)
Which Long Lost Friend is your favorite?
Make it a GREAT day!
- Mr. DAPs
