Disneyland Resort (DL, DLR, DCA) Discussion Thread

[A.J.]

Disney has released new concept art for the Napa Rose restaurant renovation at the Grand Californian Resort!

https://disneyparksblog.com/dlr/first-look-new-concept-art-for-napa-rose-at-disneyland/

Today at Destination D23, Disneyland Resort culinary director John State unveiled a never-before-seen artist concept rendering of the enhanced patio space from Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, which is currently closed for an exciting renovation. Fans had the chance to get a first look at the restaurant’s al fresco dining option, with Disney California Adventure park serving as the backdrop for a unique culinary adventure.    

When it reopens, the award-winning Napa Rose will offer an elevated dining experience, blending timeless Craftsman design with a fresh take on modern Californian sophistication and warmth, and immersing guests in a way only Disney can do.   

Elegant New Patio Seating  

The outdoor patio is being thoughtfully enhanced to welcome more guests for al fresco dining. Imagine settling into a comfortable seat surrounded by lush greenery and soft lighting, the California breeze enhancing the flavors of your meal. The space invites you to relax and savor each bite while taking in the beautiful outdoor setting.  

Two new fireplaces will cast a warm, flickering glow across the patio, adding a cozy and inviting touch to the atmosphere. As the sun sets, you can gather around the fire, reflecting on your Disney day and enjoying the ambiance.

About Napa Rose 

Napa Rose has long been celebrated for its refined California cuisine crafted from the finest ingredients, and the restaurant will unveil a brand-new menu designed to delight every palate.  

Over the course of the restaurant’s long-standing history of pairing exquisite food with the finest wines, Napa Rose is known for its extensive wine collection, featuring 1500 labels that range from rare vintages that are no longer sold to the general public to bottles from small, family-owned California wineries. 

[A.J.]

Disney has announced that Soarin' will be debuting a new ride film in 2026 at both Disney California Adventure and EPCOT: Soarin' Across America!

https://disneyparksblog.com/disney-experiences/soarin-across-america-at-disneyland-and-disney-world/

Buckle up and get ready for takeoff! The fan-favorite attraction Soarin’ will be receiving an all-new airborne adventure across the U.S. That’s right— you’ll soon be Soarin’ Across America at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, debuting Summer 2026!

The new bi-coastal offering will showcase the United States—from sea to shining sea—highlighting some of the country’s natural beauty and iconic cityscapes. This will be brought to life with the iconic elements that make Soarin’ unforgettable – the flight, the sights and score, even the scents! Walt Disney Imagineering is hard at work capturing more than a dozen breathtaking locations for the new flight.

[A.J.]

Disney has announced the premiere date for the documentary film Disneyland Handcrafted - it streams on Disney+ and Disney's YouTube channel on January 22nd!

Capturing the excitement of the creation of Disneyland as it was being built more than 70 years ago, you’ll get a chance to peek behind the orange groves and experience the making of the park like never before in Disneyland Handcrafted. This unique film, complete with ASMR moments and constructed using only rarely seen footage that Leslie handpicked through the Walt Disney Archives, depicts the thoughtfulness and care that was put into the development of Disneyland.

As featured in the trailer, Walt’s trailblazing embrace of television has been well-documented in the past, which is why he tasked several cameramen to capture the construction of Disneyland leading up to the park’s opening. Providing an up-close, first-hand look at many of the artists, craftsmen, and Walt Disney Imagineers who were actually there during the construction of Disneyland amid tough conditions, so much of this footage has not seen the light of day…until now.

During production, Leslie was able to tour the Walt Disney Archives and track down binders full of film reels, discovering historical reels that had never been scanned before (including some raw 16mm footage that was never used for “Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color”). Having been stored in the vaults for years, Leslie and her dedicated team were able to produce high-resolution scans of every reel without a timecode, helping to restore beautiful, once-forgotten shots of the early days of Disneyland onto a hard drive through a revolutionary process that had never been tackled before.

No matter what Disney park you’re visiting around the world, you can still trace that special feeling that you get when passing through the front gates at each park back to the original vision of Disneyland. This new film provides an up-close look at the dedication, effort, and passion that was required to realize a dream that would go on to inspire millions around the world.

Honoring the history and revolutionary spirit of Walt Disney has fueled innovation across generations, opening the door for evolution and growth just as Walt dreamed. Disneyland laid the groundwork for a massive global industry that is currently in the biggest era of growth since the original park’s opening, making this film a truly special treat for Disney fans.

[robbalvey]

19 minutes ago, A.J. said:

Disney has announced the premiere date for the documentary film Disneyland Handcrafted - it streams on Disney+ and Disney's YouTube channel on January 22nd!

We got to see a preview of this last night at Disney Springs complete with a Q&A with director Leslie Iwerks!

It was incredible what they were able to put together with all of this lost footage!

 

The documentary covers the construction of Disneyland leading up to the park’s opening date. For a documentary style film, the pacing was great, the historic footage was a lot of fun to watch, and this is going to be a “must see” for anyone interested in the history of Disney theme parks!

We heard from film director Leslie Iwerks on the making of the documentary and the film received a standing ovation at the conclusion! Was a great night of Disney history and hanging out with friends!

 

Our post on Instagram covers a little more from the event last night:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DTfnq_Rjf3w/

[coasterbill]

This actually looks really great. It’s great to see more original content on Disney+. I’ll check it out for sure!

[jedimaster1227]

Disneyland Resort has announced new plans to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Disney California Adventure including the limited time return of Soarin' Over California, new outfits for Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as well as themed food and merchandise offerings across the resort.

https://disneyparksblog.com/dlr/california-adventure-25th-anniversary-offerings/

25th Anniversary in 2026

• Soarin’ Over California returns for a limited-time, February 6 through July 1
• Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse debut new outfits on Buena Vista Street February 6
• Downtown Disney District and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa also celebrate anniversaries with limited-time offerings

In early 2001, Disneyland Resort completed the largest expansion in its history at that time with the introduction of a second theme park, upscale hotel, and outdoor promenade. Twenty-five years later, Disney California Adventure park, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, and Downtown Disney District have continued to evolve and welcome families from all over the world.

In celebration of these destinations’ 25th anniversaries in 2026, you can enjoy an attraction, food, merchandise, and more that nod to Disney history. These offerings add to the festive fun of the limited-time Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration.

Disney California Adventure 25th Anniversary

Disney California Adventure park opened on February 8, 2001. What was formerly a Disneyland parking lot became a dynamic theme park with attractions, shopping, and dining. From Cars Land and Buena Vista Street to Pixar Pier, Avengers Campus, and San Fransokyo Square, the park has evolved over the years, with more to come in the future.

A tribute to the park’s history, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will dress in all-new outfits on Buena Vista Street for a limited time, beginning February 6. The sun motifs and vibrant color palette nod to when the park first welcomed guests with golden possibility.

Soarin’ Over California Returns Feb. 6

The fan-favorite Soarin’ Over California – one of the park’s opening day attractions – will return for a limited run beginning February 6 and continuing through July 1, 2026. Set to a serene and dramatic musical score, take a virtual tour of the Golden Gate Bridge, Yosemite National Park, Palm Springs, downtown Los Angeles, and more.

On July 2, the all-new airborne adventure, Soarin’ Across America, will debut in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.

25th Anniversary Food, Bucket, and Merch

Available for a limited time, February 6-15, 2026, Schmoozies! will serve a decadent cake shake, a confetti shake with strawberry icing, sprinkles, whipped topping, and a slice of cake.

“Swing by” for this awesome 25th anniversary novelty: a bucket modeled after the iconic Pixar Pal-A-Round. Featuring embedded “Magic Inside” technology, the Pixar Pal-A-Round Bucket reacts to select locations in both theme parks, changing color, and lighting patterns that will surprise and delight. The lighting effects enhance the storytelling of some lands and attractions, as well as amplify select nighttime spectaculars with an extra touch of pixie dust.

This first-of-its-kind bucket is available for purchase beginning February 6, while supplies last, at the following locations:

• Mobile order: Hollywood Lounge Seasonal Novelty Release (Feb. 6-8)
• Mobile order: Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta Seasonal Novelty Release (Feb. 6-8)
• Mobile order: Popcorn at Grizzly Peak Airfield
• Fairfax Market
• Mortimers Market
• Select popcorn and outdoor vending carts in California Adventure

Featuring apparel and three collectible pins, the Disney California Adventure 25th Anniversary Collection merchandise will be available beginning February 6, while supplies last, at Elias & Co., Gone Hollywood, and Seaside Souvenirs in California Adventure.

The elevated artwork in the collection has stylized illustrations of the park’s icons and symbols, such as the Carthay Circle tower, Pixar Pal-A-Round, and Grizzly Peak.

Commemorative Map on Feb. 8

On February 8, 2026, while supplies last, guests entering California Adventure with a valid park ticket may receive a complimentary commemorative map. Limited quantities available.

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa 25th Anniversary

The first Disney hotel to be located inside a theme park, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa welcomed its first guests on January 2, 2001, before officially celebrating its grand opening on February 8, 2001. In 2009, the hotel expanded with the Disney Vacation Club resort, The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

Humphrey the Bear Debuts at Storytellers Cafe

A new character is making his “bear-y” first Disney Parks appearance at Storytellers Cafe! Beginning February 6, Humphrey the Bear will be among the characters you’ll encounter during Donald’s Tales of Adventure dinner buffet.

This mischievous, snack-loving grizzly bear of Brownstone National Park is featured in several Disney animated shorts, including two of his own as the leading star. Humphrey’s humorous antics in Goofy and Donald Duck cartoons and beyond even inspired Humphrey’s Service & Supplies at Disney California Adventure.

Advanced reservations are highly recommended for Storytellers Cafe and can be booked up to 60 days in advance on Disneyland.com or the Disneyland app.*

Limited Edition 25th Anniversary Pin

A new, limited edition pin paying tribute to the 25th anniversary of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is available now, while supplies last, at the Acorns Gifts & Goods shop. Chip ‘n’ Dale are depicted striking a playful pose in front of the hotel’s Craftsman-style façade, their mischievous energy balanced by stately elegance.

The pin is presented on a backer card inspired by the hotel’s signature architectural and artistic elements. It’s a must-have treasure for Disney fans and pin collectors alike.

Downtown Disney District 25th Anniversary

When it opened on January 12, 2001, Downtown Disney District introduced new dining, shopping, and entertainment venues just steps away from Disneyland, California Adventure and the resort hotels.

For a limited time, a special anniversary tote and pin featuring the district’s new logo are available while supplies last at World of Disney.

Specialty Food and Drinks at Downtown Disney

Select restaurants and dining locations at Downtown Disney District are serving specialty menu items in honor of the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration.

Beignets Expressed (available now through Aug. 9)

• Bananas Foster beignet dipped in a banana rum glaze, sprinkled with cinnamon-sugar and served with a vanilla crème anglaise

Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio (available now through Aug. 9)

• French “70”: an effervescent blend of gin, prosecco, lemon juice, and lavender simple syrup (for guests ages 21 and older)

Kayla’s Cake (available now through May 31)

• Strawberry yogurt macaron croissant: crisp macaron batter baked on top of a butter croissant, filled with strawberry yogurt custard cream and topped with sprinkles
• Pistachio macaron croissant: butter croissant topped with crisp macaron batter, filled with pistachio custard cream and dusted with edible gold glitter

Vista Parkside Market (available second Saturday of every month)

• Parkside Birders Club: fun-filled opportunity for guests ages 21 and older to taste and learn how to make three cocktails, enjoy light bites, plus receive a $20 bounce back for Parkside Market and a collectible pin. More information is available on Disneyland.com.

Wetzel’s Pretzels (available now through Aug. 9)

• Incredi-Bitz: enhances the Original Bitz with tasty toppings, available in 3 flavors: Choco Churro Bitz, Bacon Ranch Bitz, or S’mores Bitz.

Vacation Packages and Spring Deals at Disneyland Resort

The Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration, a rotating slate of limited-time offerings and seasonal discounts make early 2026 an excellent time to plan a Disneyland vacation! Throughout the year, you can find information about the latest deals and special offers at Disneyland.com/offers.

2026 California Resident Ticket Offer

Eligible California residents can purchase 3-Day Park Hopper tickets for as low as $83 a day per person for a total cost of $249 or a 3-Day Park Hopper ticket with Lightning Lane Multi Pass for as low as $117 per person per day for a total cost of $351. This offer is available for visits now through May 21, 2026. Savings based on regular-priced Adult 3-Day Park Hopper Ticket.

Disneyland Resort Hotel Discount

You may save up to 25% on stays of three or more nights now through May 21, 2026, at the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort, including Disneyland Hotel, The Villas at Disneyland Hotel, Pixar Place Hotel, or Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, subject to availability and restrictions.**

Good Neighbor Hotel Vacation Packages

There are more than 50+ Disney-approved Good Neighbor Hotels in proximity of Disneyland Resort. Select Good Neighbor Hotels offer room and theme park ticket packages.

To enter a park, both a theme park reservation and a valid ticket for the same park on the same date is required. Park reservations are limited, subject to availability, and not guaranteed. Parks, attractions, entertainment, experiences, services, and offerings may be modified, limited in availability or unavailable, and are subject to restrictions, and change or cancellation without notice. Park admission and offerings are not guaranteed. Visit Disneyland.com/updates for more information about visiting the Disneyland® Resort.

*Message, data and roaming rates may apply for the use of the Disneyland app. Availability subject to handset limitations and features may vary by handset or service provider. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first. 

**A consecutive 3-night or longer stay is required, and cancellation of any nights of a stay may affect discount availability. Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same room stay at the same hotel and is valid for nights from 1/1/2026 through 5/21/2026. Book from 12/3/2025 through 5/7/2026; travel must be completed by 5/22/2026. Room types included in this offer are Standard, Premium, Deluxe, Duo Studio, Deluxe Studio, 1 Bedroom Villas, Preferred and Woods/Garden/Courtyard rooms; select Concierge rooms and Suites. Not valid on previously booked rooms. Advance reservations required. Subject to availability as the number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Excludes applicable fees and taxes. Limit two (2) rooms per reservation, and occupancy restrictions apply per room. Additional per-adult charges may apply if more than two (2) adults per room. Offer applied once per reservation and is not valid in combination with any other hotel discounts or offers. Subject to restrictions and change or cancellation without notice.