Disneyland Resort Archives

Notable Changes at Disneyland 2019

By Dean Chapman | April 12, 2019 | Comments 0 Comment

There have been some big and small changes happening at Disneyland for 2019 and we wanted to make sure that you stayed in the loop for them all! With our frequent visits to the parks we try and take note of these things and get them out to you as soon as we can. Sometimes there is a delay and sometime the news is big enough that you may have already read or heard about it. We encourage you to share these with others so they can be aware and be prepared.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

This one you should have heard by now. It opens at Disneyland on May 31st, 2019 and will only be available to guests who make reservations. Fastpass and VIP tours will not bypass or guarantee you entry into this new land. You MUST have a reservation to enter. Guests staying at a property hotel will receive a guaranteed reservation into the land but not the park itself. What this means is you better get up early and into the park before capacity is reached.

We mention this because we know there are a lot of people who are headed to the parks around that time who may be oblivious to the fact that this new land is opening and that crowds will be crazy.

Smoking at Disneyland

Starting May 1st, 2019 smoking will no longer be allowed in the parks, esplanade or Downtown Disney. The areas that were once designated as smoking areas are going away. If you need to smoke you will have to head outside the security screening areas that are on the borders of the resort. Smoking includes but is not limited to: cigarettes, cigars and vaping of any kind. These items will be allowed into the parks but using them will not be. So if you need to carry your pack of cigarettes with you you can, you just can’t smoke them unless you’re in a designated smoking area outside of security.

Strollers at Disneyland

Starting May 1st, 2019 new requirements for strollers will be implemented. These include new length and width requirements plus a complete ban on all wagons and wagon strollers. This comes from the Disneyland website:

Strollers larger than 36″ x 52″ and wagons are not permitted.

Note: Effective May 1, 2019, strollers that are greater than 31” in width and 52” in length will be prohibited. Stroller wagons will also be prohibited.

Don’t forget these new changes because you will be turned away by security if your stroller exceeds these new requirements.

Knives at Disneyland

Up until now guests could bring knives in that folded and were under 3 inches in length. Starting now guests will no longer be able to bring in knives of any size. If you happen to bring one security will ask you to either surrender it to them in which case you will not get it back or take it off property. This is always a good reminder to check your bags before you leave your hotel just in case you have a prohibited item such as a knife or selfie stick.

Coolers and Ice

While coolers are still allowed into the parks as long as they are the size of a six pack or smaller, bigger coolers will still need to be stored in the over-sized lockers near Guest Relations and Lost and Found. No matter which size of cooler you bring in, ice will either need to be removed to should security what’s at the bottom of the cooler or guests should use ice packs to keep the contents cool. Loose or dry ice is not allowed.

Project Stardust

Ongoing renovations at Disneyland are all part of the resorts effort to prepare for the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. The castle has been under renovation for sometime and so have many other areas of the parks including between Frontierland and Adventureland, Main Street U.S.A. shops and now the green space at the end of Main Street is currently under construction. From what we’ve heard Disney is trying to improve the green space here for better fireworks and show viewing.

‘Mickey’s PhilharMagic’ Coming to DCA Park

By Dean Chapman | March 28, 2019 | Comments 0 Comment

The spectacular magic of Disney animation and music will soon come to life in the 3D movie musical “Mickey’s PhilharMagic” at Disney California Adventure® Park.

Premiering in April at the Sunset Showcase Theater in Hollywood Land, Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and other favorite Disney characters take the stage in this 3D fantasy adventure.

As Donald prepares the orchestra for Mickey, he comes across the conductor’s baton and Mickey’s Sorcerer’s Hat. A little magic goes a long way and proceedings go awry! Donald is unexpectedly plunged into a 3D dream world and Guests are taken along for the ride. The experience will sweep you away into the fantastic world of classic Disney animated musical sequences—from “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Little Mermaid,” to “Peter Pan” and “Aladdin.”

What better time for “Mickey’s PhilharMagic” to debut than during Get Your Ears On – A Mickey and Minnie Celebration! We encourage you to join us as we celebrate 90 years of magic with the all-new “Mickey’s Mix Magic” nighttime projection show, “Mickey’s Soundsational Parade,” limited-time décor, specialty foods, merchandise and more!

Stay tuned for more details on this exciting new addition to Disney California Adventure® Park!

Spider-Man Attraction Announced for Marvel Land

By Dean Chapman | March 25, 2019 | Comments 0 Comment

The Avengers are setting up new Headquarters and training facilities around the globe to inspire all potential recruits willing to step up and become something more. As part of this global initiative, Tony Stark has founded the Worldwide Engineering Brigade — or WEB for short— to develop advancements in super-powered technology, including new enhancements to Spider-Man’s suit as their debut project. By bringing together the world’s brightest young inventors, the WEB is creating new interfaces that will empower all of us to join the ranks of Earth’s Mightiest.

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As we’ve previously shared, Walt Disney Imagineering’s Global Marvel Portfolio is working closely with our partners across Studios and Entertainment to create exciting experiences and attractions where you can join fan-favorite Super Heroes at Disneyland® Resort.

Today, we’re able to share more details on an immersive, interactive experience coming to Disney California Adventure® Park at Disneyland Resort. It will also be coming to Walt Disney Studios park at Disneyland Paris.

The experience will feature an exciting new attraction where Guests of all ages can join the heroes in action. We are expanding our story universe by creating a new organization, the Worldwide Engineering Brigade, to be our setting for this experience. Though WEB is grounded in classic characters like Peter Parker, it is an organization that we can all be a part of – one that invites us to engage with these iconic heroes like never before.

Besides introducing WEB, we can’t wait to debut a brand-new, cutting-edge interface as part of this fun, interactive attraction. Through a blend of never-before-seen technology and practical effects, guests will get to experience for themselves what it is like to have the abilities of a Super Hero.

This adventure will blend seamlessly into the story of the new land we’re creating at Disney California Adventure Park, where there will be surprises at every turn!

We know Guests will be excited to see Spider-Man swinging through these lands in a new suit that they will soon be able to see at Disney California Adventure Park, and at other locations in the future. Recruitment begins soon, so be sure you are ready to assemble and find your power!

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to Open May 31

By Dean Chapman | March 7, 2019

Minutes ago, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products shared an exciting announcement many of you have been waiting to hear – Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is opening ahead of schedule on May 31 at Disneyland® Resort in Southern California and August 29 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios® in Florida.

That’s right – it’s debuting early because of high guest interest in experiencing this new, immersive land. On opening day for phase one, you will be able to live your own Star Wars story and take the controls of the most famous ship in the galaxy aboard Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, sample amazing galactic food and beverages, explore an intriguing collection of merchant shops and more.

And for phase two, opening later this year, will be Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, the most ambitious, immersive and advanced attraction ever imagined that will put guests in the middle of a climactic battle between the First Order and the Resistance and will blur the lines between fantasy and reality. In light of tremendous demand, Disney made the decision to open the land in phases to allow Guests to sooner enjoy the one-of-a-kind experiences that make Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge so spectacular.

Guests planning to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Park between May 31 and June 23, 2019 will need valid theme park admission and will be required to make a no-cost reservation, subject to availability, to access the land. Information on how to make a reservation will be available at a later date. Guests staying at one of the three Disneyland Resort hotels during these dates will receive a designated reservation to access Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge during their stay (one reservation per registered guest); valid theme park admission is required.

A reservation will not be offered or required to experience Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at the Walt Disney World® Resort. And you should know that valid theme park admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios is required to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge after its opening on August 29, 2019. Capacity is limited. Additionally, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will be open during Extra Magic Hours. During Extra Magic Hours Guests staying at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels can spend extra time at Disney’s Hollywood Studios enjoying select attractions. Details will also be available at a later date.

Now, if you’re as excited as we are about experiencing Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, we have important information you should know before you go and begin your own Star Wars adventure in a galaxy far, far away.

Here’s an update from Disney on Star Wars: Galax’s Edge:

Park Admission: Regular theme park admission is required to enter Disneyland Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. There will not be a separate ticket for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. To visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Park between May 31 and June 23, 2019, guests will need valid theme park admission and will be required to make a no-cost reservation, subject to availability, to access the land. We’ll share information on how to make a reservation at a later date.

Land Entry: Because we anticipate galactic excitement during the opening months this year, we are planning ahead to deliver the best possible experiences for our guests. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will be open during normal park operating hours. It will not be included in Extra Magic Hour or Magic Morning at Disneyland Park. It will be open during Extra Magic Hours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Attractions: Disney FASTPASS service, including access via Disney MaxPass, (at Disneyland Park) and Disney FastPass+service (at Disney’s Hollywood Studios) will not initially be offered at Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. We will continually evaluate our operations and services in order to help provide a great guest experience.

Planning: You should also note that vacation packages, park tickets and Disney Resort hotel stays do not guarantee access to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. The land —including participation in its experiences—will be subject to capacity restraints and other restrictions.

2019 Food and Wine Festival Now Open!

By Dean Chapman | March 5, 2019

We just came back from the soft opening of the 2019 Food and Wine Festival at Disney California Adventure Park and have lots to share with you! While there are some new marketplaces at the festival, many of them are the same from years before (and even the soundtrack is still the same). If you enjoyed previous years of the Food and Wine Festival you’ll certainly enjoy this years.

The festival officially opened on March 1st (so if you’re reading this thinking it opened today you’re a bit behind) but had a soft opening on Feb. 28th. They typically do this every year so if you just can’t wait for the official opening day, come the day before.

Crowds weren’t too bad during the soft opening, we were able to get our Sip and Savor Pass (which we highly recommend) without a long line. This year you can actually purchase them at any marketplace and ALL guests can purchase them, not just AP holders (they do get a discount though). This makes the festival so much better in our opinion because you can save upwards to $12 depending on how you use the pass. The breakdown is this:

The Sip and Savor Pass costs $54 including tax (AP holders pay $49). You get 8 tabs to trade in for food or drinks (non-alcoholic). This makes each tab worth $6.75 or $6.12 of AP holders. Some food items can cost right around $6.75 or so but there are several that cost more (the tenderloin slider at Cluck-a-Doodle-Moo for example is $8.50). Using that example you would have saved $1.75 compared to buying it outright. Assuming you choose items similar to this you can save around $12.

All the marketplaces this year have been placed up the main walk path from just beyond Carthay Circle to Paradise Gardens. There are two marketplaces that are off the beaten path so to say and those are LAstyle and Golden Dreams. LAstyle can be found down by Monsters Inc in Hollywood Land and Golden Dreams can be found by Grizzly River Run.

This years list of Marketplaces includes:

Avocado Time – Indulge in flavorful medleys that make your mouth sing.
Berry Patch – Hail the big berry for top billing!
California Craft Brews – Cheers to a round from California’s best local breweries.
Citrus Grove – Zing it up with zesty refreshments!
Cluck-a-Doodle-Moo – Rally for these sliders, wings ‘n’ beer—a sports fan’s dream!
Garlic Kissed – Savor food and drinks featuring the stinking rose.
Golden Dreams – Tempt taste buds with well-seasoned eats and nectarous drinks.
I Heart Artichokes – Partake in the thistle—prepared in 2 different ways!
LAstyle – Feast on favorite southland food-truck flavors.
Nuts About Cheese – Let us introduce you to wine’s best friends.
Off the Cob – Celebrate the essence of summer’s sweetness.
Peppers Cali-Ente – Snack on hot ‘n’ spicy fare with a Cali twist!
Uncork California – Sip vino by the glass or try a flight.
Veggie, Veggie, Fruit, Fruit – Dine on healthy fare paired with complementary libations.

As you can see there are plenty of marketplaces to choose from! We always try and get a food item and then a dessert or a specialty drink from each place. This year our favorite one was Cluck-a-Doodle-Moo’s beef tenderloin slider (for the non-meat eaters out there try the Cauliflower Ceviche at Veggie, Veggie, Fruit, Fruit). It’s been our favorite two years in a row now and is hard to beat! Our favorite drink this year was the Organic Pineapple Passionfruit Kombucha at Avocado Time. For kids, the cotton candy lemonade at Golden Dreams seemed to be really popular.

You can come on out to Disney California Adventure® Park and enjoy the best of Californian cuisine, beverages and entertainment during Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival, now through April 23, 2019! Here’s what to expect:

Culinary Demonstrations: Guests can head to the Backlot Stage in Hollywood Land to watch and learn from talented chefs as they share recipes and tips for preparing favorite dishes.

Festival Marketplaces: You can explore 14 different Festival Marketplaces for a varied and vibrant smorgasbord of small plates, specialty wines and craft beers. Each location’s menu is inspired by fresh, California-grown ingredients!

If you are interested in tasting your way through the festival, the Sip and Savor Pass is now available to all Guests. This pass entitles you to eight select food or non-alcoholic beverage items from any participating Marketplaces, Paradise Garden Grill and select Festival Food & Beverage Carts. Guests can use all eight coupons in a single day, or spread them out over multiple visits!

Signature Events: Book yourself for this year’s must-attend signature events. There are quite a few experiences worth checking out, including the new Dinner with Disney Chefs, Winemaker Receptions at Carthay Circle Restaurant and returning favorites like Sweet Sundays.

Family Entertainment: Guests can enjoy an entree of fun-filled entertainment, including lively performances of Jammin’ Chefs, who use pots, pans and percussion to wow the crowd. During Jr. Chef, kids ages 3 to 11 get to whip up fantastic fun during this hands-on “cooking” experience that ends with a tasty surprise.

Event Merchandise: Guests can commemorate this year’s festival with exclusive event merchandise. There is plenty to please the palate of any Disney fan—from festive headwear and apparel, to kitchen accessories and souvenirs.

If you enjoyed this post please leave a comment below. Did we miss anything? Let us know! You may also be interested in reading about Disneyland Tickets and how to get them cheap. Need help knowing what to pack for your Disney trip? See our What To Pack For Disney article to help you pack right!

Jessie’s Critter Carousel Open’s in April!

By Dean Chapman | March 3, 2019

Pixar Pier, the reimagined land in Disney California Adventure® Park, shares the stories and characters of Disney•Pixar films with exciting attractions, themed neighborhoods and fun eateries. Today, we’re excited to share Jessie’s Critter Carousel will open in April!

You can mosey on over to a giant toy carousel starring Jessie, the yodeling cowgirl and a friendly bunch of desert critters for a rootin’, tootin’ romp. Inspired by the “Toy Story” films, this attraction invites you to saddle up on a whimsical snake, armadillo, turtle, bunny and more from the world of Woody’s Roundup. This newly reimagined attraction will have you yelling “giddyup!”

Time lapse of California Adventure Park

By Dean Chapman | February 26, 2019

See the park at night from the view of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel.

Tangaroa Terrace Reopens

By Dean Chapman | February 8, 2019

Tangaroa Terrace Tropical Bar & Grill has officially reopened at the Disneyland® Hotel at the Disneyland Resort! After an exciting refurbishment, the fast-casual restaurant has a vibrant new look, expanded offerings and is back and serving up made-to-order dishes, signature tiki cocktails, Dole Whip and more!

Tangaroa Terrace, inspired by Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, is the perfect tropical complement to the mid-century modern architecture of the Disneyland Hotel. This island paradise combines traditional motifs from many Pacific islands such as Hawaii, Tahiti, Fiji, Sumatra and New Guinea. Inside, new décor details feature a colorful tropical mural with “hidden” tiki room birds, bamboo accents, exotic stone countertops and glass fish net float lights, with open air views of the pool. Outdoors, Guests enjoy an expanded new patio with brightly colored rattan lounge chairs, tiki bar stools and a communal table for fun, inviting ways to enjoy sunshine and the island vibes.

Throughout the day, you can snack on freshly prepared hot and cold dishes. For breakfast (served until 11 a.m.), there’s the classic Breakfast Platter with scrambled eggs, bacon, and hash browns or the Breakfast Sandwich with kālua-style pulled pork, fried egg, hash browns, and gravy. Sweet options include the Açai Chia Breakfast Bowl with seasonal fruit and granola and Pineapple Upside Down Pancakes. And, there’s the Tangaroa Toast! This brick toast comes coated in cinnamon sugar, and topped with bananas Foster, whipped cream, bananas, and toasted coconut.

For lunch and dinner, sharable options include dishes such as the Kālua-style Poutine (crispy crinkle fries topped with pork, cheese curds, gravy, pickled onions, and Fresno chiles – YUM) and the Pu Pu Platter. The platter comes with Chili-Garlic Edamame, Pork Gyoza (pork and vegetable pot stickers), Sweet-and-Spicy Chicken Wings, and Panko-crusted Long Beans served with togarashi aïoli; all four can also be ordered individually. Guests can also enjoy the Shipwreck Nachos topped with kālua-style pulled pork, pineapple salsa, hoisin sauce, togarashi aïoli, and barbecue sauce.

Other dishes include a Lentil Garden Bowl with brown rice, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and onions tossed in coconut curry; the Tangaroa Salad with sautéed shrimp; and an Angus 1/3 lb. Hawaiian Cheeseburger served with grilled pineapple, Applewood-smoked bacon, Havarti cheese, togarashi aïoli, and teriyaki sauce.

Kids can enjoy their own smaller-portioned versions of these tropical bites. For breakfast, the Kid’s Breakfast Platter and the Kid’s Pineapple Upside-Down Pancake are great options. They can even get the Kid’s Mickey-shaped Tangaroa Toast! All three dishes are served with turkey bacon and fresh fruit. For lunch and dinner, the kiddos can munch on a yummy Grilled Salmon Bowl, a Kid’s Cheeseburger, and the ever-so-popular and tasty Chicken Breast Nuggets.

The restaurant also offers a newly-enhanced marketplace for grab-and-go pastries and snacks, specialty coffees, pineapple Dole Whip soft serve, Dole Whip floats and Dole Whip floats with a splash of rum, plus a full bar of island cocktails. Mobile ordering is available at this location as well, so if you are on-the-go, you can enjoy the convenience of ordering and paying for their meal via the Disneyland Resort app without having to wait in line!

Tangaroa Terrace Tropical Bar & Grill is located in the Disneyland Hotel adjacent to Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar and the pool area!

Vampirina Joins Disney Junior Dance Party!

By Dean Chapman | February 1, 2019

Starting today, the wildly popular Disney Junior Dance Party! at Disney California Adventure® Park welcomes Vampirina to the stage! This live show features music and characters from beloved Disney Junior TV shows—through high-energy songs, dazzling special effects and beloved characters.

Disney Junior Dance Party! is hosted by Finn Fiesta and DJ Deejay, who encourage Guests to sing and dance to their favorite Disney Junior songs. The interactive atmosphere is perfect for kids to sing, dance and play along with favorite Disney Junior stars like Doc McStuffins, Timon from “The Lion Guard,” Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse from “Mickey and the Roadster Racers,” and now Vampirina from the hit Disney Junior series, “Vampirina.”

Be sure to join the fun and sing along at Disney Junior Dance Party!

‘Mickey’s Mix Magic’ Now Showing

By Dean Chapman | January 23, 2019

Get Your Ears On – A Mickey and Minnie Celebration has kicked off a party at the Disneyland® Resort! You are encouraged to “Get Your Ears On” and celebrate 90 years of magic with a new nighttime projection show, the return of “Mickey’s Soundsational Parade,” limited-time décor, specialty foods, merchandise and more including Mickey’s Mix Magic!

“Mickey’s Mix Magic” is full of vibrant sights and upbeat sounds. This new, high-energy projection show creates a family-fun dance party throughout Disneyland Park, with “DJ” Mickey spinning the new celebration song, “It’s a Good Time” along with remixes of favorite Disney songs. Plus, “It’s a Good Time” song is available on streaming services to download and enjoy.

Check out a preview of this electrifying experience below:

In addition, the fan-favorite “Mickey’s Soundsational Parade” returns to Disneyland Park starting Jan. 25, 2019, with new, larger-than-life elements to kick things off.

No celebration would be complete with food! For a limited-time during Get Your Ears On, specialty food, beverage and novelty items are available to commemorate the beloved duo in fun, unexpected ways.

We encourage you to grab your ears and join us for the biggest celebration of Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in Disneyland history!