Contributing photographer Jason of disneygeek.com sends us these photos from his trip to the parks on Friday, October 26, 2012.

I walked to Downtown Disney to start my afternoon. The ice skating rink opened at Downtown Disney last week. There were only a couple of skaters out this afternoon. It was a little weird to hear Christmas music and have ice skating in the 80+ weather.

The ice was holding up ok given the conditions. Here’s a closer look at the ice.

Next door Earl of Sandwich is ready to open. November 2nd is the date I have seen.

At the Paradise Pier Hotel it looks like the painting on the back side is done.

Around front looks like most of the painting is done except some on the top and bottom.

I crossed the street and cut through the Grand Californian.

Noticed the carpet had been removed. Guess they are replacing it. I had not heard of any problems (last time they did this was after the Christmas tree incident several years ago).

Wreck-It Ralph is featured as you walk into World of Disney.

More visible progress on the west side planter of the DCA entrance. You can see they are closing up the backstage wall (that was opened up for the temporary entrance during construction).

First stop for me, Disneyland. Today is a Halloween party so an early closing.

In an effort to cut down on the ticket renting problem that has been featured in some recent news stories Disney has guests with 4 & 5 day tickets using a separate set of turnstiles where they are checking IDs.

The scaffolding is down on Main Street (but the walls are still up).

Even though it’s not even Halloween yet the annual snow fall has begun on Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Speaking of snow fall the snow machines have been installed along Main Street and around the hub.

Christmas has arrived in New Orleans Square too.

On my quick walk-through nothing new or drastically different jumped out at me.

Fastpass has returned to Haunted Mansion Holiday.

The Jack Skellington Meet and Greet has moved to the second terrace near the River now.

Made my way around to the Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree and the Halloween Carnival to checked out the latest pumpkin creations.

Walked through Fantayland, Monstro is looking new again and his scaffolding is removed.

Small World is closed for its annual transformation to the holiday version.

Moving on to the old Fantasy Faire, looks like the control booth is being rebuilt.

The gas station in Toontown is being repainted. Guessing the tarps are down due to the wind.

The restrooms are still open during the work.

The work on Minnie’s side yard is continuing.

Wreck-It Ralph has set up shop in the back of the Starcade.

Thought the wait time sign was great.

There are two backdrops set up.

Also a couple of Fix It Felix video games to play.

Vanellope von Schweetz was out when I stopped by.

Looking back you can see there was no line right now, sure this will change once word is out and the film is released.

More video games divide the store from the photo area.

Speaking of merchandise..

The Starcade really is a crazy mix of things right now. A random Christmas rack of items as you head to the arcade games.

Cinderella received a new dress recently.

A better view of the building taking shape for the Fantasy Faire.

Christmas lights are up in the hub.

Some work going on in Frontierland, the store is still open though.

Time for Haunted Mansion Holiday.

Circled back to Frontierland. A look at some of the Christmas merchandise.

Then back to Tomorrowland.

Both Vanellope von Schweetz and Ralph were out now.

Next stop Buena Vista Street. Preparations for the Christmas decorations are well underway. There are eye bolts showing up around the street.

Still working on the Carthay entrance.

This tree by Sarges that has been completely wrapped in lights.

A look to show the progress of the hotel painting.

Christmas merchandise is out on Buena Vista Street.

Noticed jackets now at Oswald’s, did not see any hats anymore.

Back to Disneyland where guests were arriving for the Halloween Party.

Main Street was crowded with the party guests entering and day guests making their way out.

The best costumes I saw.. a Lego family.

Most of the Christmas lights were on this evening in New Orleans Square.

Hung out on Main Street for a while as the party started before it was time to go.

Earl of Sandwich had their lights on.

The ice rink.

There were more guests out his evening (maybe 10 whereas this afternoon there were 3).

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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