Contributing photographer Jason of disneygeek.com sends us these photos from his trip to the parks on Friday, May 17, 2013.

D23 Expo banners now line Disneyland Drive

The fountain at the Mickey and Friends Tram stop in Downtown Disney has fences around it.

First stop today, DCA, to pick up a wristband for the Limited Time Magic Annual Passholder event this afternoon. Animator Eric Goldberg will be featured in a “Master Class” of the Animation Academy.

After getting my wristband I then headed over to Disneyland. A look toward the Castle on Main Street USA

Walked through Innoventions, Iron Man Tech is still drawing a fair number of guests. We were held at the entrance for a couple of minutes as they were spacing people out before allowing you to enter the building.

A couple of ducks out for a stroll.

The new Fantasyland Theatre signage is up, only a week until the new show officially opens. Interesting the main sign is generic and not show specific.

Off to the side one for the upcoming show.

Troubadour Tavern has reopened.

The menu, the baked potatoes have not returned. (The updated menu on AllEars is HERE)

From the Mark Twain you can see Rainbow Ridge is moving along and looking great.

The paving/planter project in New Orleans Square continues, so the train station is not available.

On Main Street the porch area is being worked on and behind walls.

The painting project of the Market House/Disneyana facades looks to be wrapping up.

The door across the street still looks the same.

Over to the Hollywood Backlot in DCA. No visible progress on the Monsters University dorm overlay to this facade.

I made my way to the Animation building for the 4pm session with Eric Goldberg.

A brief introduction by a host.

Then Eric took the stage for his presentation and drawing lesson. Right after I took this picture a cast member came by and informed us that no photos were allowed. So I was then able to sit back, relax, and enjoy the presentation. Unfortunately it means no pictures to share. The event was open to all Annual Passholders, you just had to visit the Animation Building during the day to get a wristband then return for the event at the time you received (they ran sessions at 3,4,5 and 6). Eric took the stage and gave a 25-minute or so presentation on some of his work showing some early tests and sharing stories about some of the characters he worked on. He discussed Abu, Iago, the Genie, Phil, and Louis. He also showed some tests he did for Wreck-It Ralph of Sour Ball and King Candy. After his presentation he conducted a very quick set of tutorials on how to draw Pinocchio and Phil for us (a later session did the Genie and Goofy/Pluto). They then selected a handful of guests to join him on stage and showcase their work. The entire session ran about 45 minutes. I would have enjoyed more stories instead of the drawing lesson, especially since I cannot draw and he was going so fast most could not really keep up.

Moving on to Cars Land. I saw/heard that they re-striped Route 66 again last week.

Thought maybe the plan was to better blend in the sides.

But it does not appear so…or if it was it does not look much better.

A couple small blooms and several look ready to pop in the cactus garden.

A fun stroller cruising through the parks.

At the bandstand outside Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta The Ellis Island Boys were performing (oops on the focus… grabbed the tree vs them).

Some of the 2013 Grad Merchandise.

For you Duffy Fans a look at the window/selection on the Pier.

At the Carthay Circle Restaurant both outdoor seating areas are closed. Looks like they are building a structure to cover the patios.

Back to Disneyland, Tomorrowland was a mass of people as usual on Friday night.

1st Anniversary Pins for Buena Vista Street and Cars Land were in the Little Green Men Store.

Out in Toontown the Goofy Water fountains have finally returned and the lights and sound effects were working. I think I first noticed the fountains gone back in October so it has been a long process.

Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Back to DCA. Grad Nite was starting to take over Cars Land with signs and barriers going up.

Tower was up to 90 minutes and a large number of guests in the area.

Random Monsters University merchandise in Elias and Co.

The lobby carpet in the Grand Californian has returned, the temp solid color carpet is gone.

Hope you enjoyed this highlight tour of the Disneyland Resort. For additional photos and details from this trip you can check out the full Disneyland Update I posted on my site, http://disneygeek.com Also be sure to follow me on twitter @disneygeekcom for pictures from the parks.

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