Contributing photographer Jason of disneygeek.com sends us these photos from his trip to the parks on Friday, August 31, 2012.

This weekend the Disneyland Resort is hosting its annual 1/2 Marathon. Preparations were well underway for Sunday.

The finish line as you head to Downtown Disney.

Today there was a health and fitness expo at the Disneyland Hotel convention center.

I had not seen these banners before. I like the retro look.

Walked through the Expo.

All day today and Saturday there were speakers on the main stage.

The Expo was set up the same as the other events. On the left when you walked in was the Official Merchandise shop. The center area had the speakers, then the right side had all the booths. The merchandise area was the most crowded.

Character locations for the race.

Photo backdrop in the lobby.

Heading through Downtown Disney… there is not much visible progress at the Earl of Sandwich location. Though the initial announcement had the shop opening in “Summer”, now with less than three weeks left of the summer and no official date that seems unlikely.

Halloween displays at World of Disney

In DCA Buena Vista Street was alive with activity.

The beads are gone from Fillmore’s Taste-In.

First attraction of the day for me.. Maters. Only a 15 minute wait.

Walked through Dancing with Disney. It seemed more crowded than previous visits. Could be parents sought out the A/C.

Displays for upcoming films in the Animation Building.

Stopped by Off the Page. Thought this was odd.. Glow Ears in a display case.

On the Performing Arts stage in the Backlot Theater were the Joyful Noise Makers – Handchimes from Garden Grove California

A video clip of the group performing. (Laura inserts a warning here: it is That Song, so beware! 🙂 )

Over in Disneyland Soundsational was making its way down Main Street.

The Fantasy Faire is starting to take shape.

The new Village Haus LCD menu boards were installed and operational. In addition to the menu display there is some animation, too.
Village Haus Menu.

A video clip of the menu.

Stopped by the Jamboree. A couple of Country Bears were enjoying the Billies performance.

Donald was out for pictures.

Goofy joined the Bears.

The Bears heading in.

Chip and Dale came out next.

Cowboy Minnie and Mickey stopped by the coloring station for a while.

The nightly running of the goats…

And parade of the horse.

The Mansion is closed since the installation of the Nightmare overlay is in progress – Halloween Time begins very early this year – September 14.

The Harbour Galley has baked potatoes now.
Harbour Galley Menu.

The Blue Moon rising over the Rivers of America (I know over-exposed).

Pirates League will be open in New Orleans Square from September 1 – October 31.

The Suburban Legends performing at Tomorrowland Terrace Friday.

A video clip of their finale.. Gummy Bears!

With the Fantasyland Theater area closed, the princesses have moved their meet and greet to the “small world” terraced area, though in the evening they were long gone…

The Magic, the Memories, and You ends this week so I went to one last showing before it disappears.

To wrap up the night watched Fantasmic. Found this grouping of Glow with the Show Ears.

A video clip of the princess segment.

Noticed the information booth by the trams now has DVC logos on it.

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.