Disneyland Resort (DL, DLR, DCA) Discussion Thread

[SharkTums]

Yeah, Maxpass was great and this is SUPER SIMILAR to Maxpass so the Disneyland fanboys shouldn't be freaking out as much as all the crazy WDW'ers!

[A.J.]

Disney has announced this year's holiday offerings for the Disneyland Resort!

Holiday Magic is Coming! Beloved Seasonal Traditions Return to Disneyland Resort as Holidays Begin Nov. 12

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/09/holiday-magic-is-coming-beloved-seasonal-traditions-return-to-disneyland-resort-as-holidays-begin-nov-12/

The Disneyland Resort will once again transform into a merry and magical place as guests return to enjoy their holiday season here, Nov. 12, 2021. You’ll have three more days to celebrate the Holidays, too, because we’re extending it through Jan. 9, 2022.

As you visit to make new memories this year, many beloved traditions are back that will provide you with cheerful entertainment, yuletide treats, specialty merchandise, sparkling décor and seasonal transformations of select attractions! 

At Disneyland park, nostalgic holiday magic shines brightly with the glistening Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle and a 60-foot Christmas tree on Main Street, U.S.A. Both make wonderful photo locations for that cherished memory of your Holiday visit.

Entertainment making a comeback this year at the park includes “A Christmas Fantasy” parade where beloved Disney characters join Santa Claus for a merry musical celebration down Main Street, U.S.A. You may also see Santa making other stops within the parks throughout your visit. For the perfect kiss goodnight, you will be treated to “Believe … in Holiday Magic” fireworks spectacular and magical snowfall over portions of Main Street, U.S.A. Additionally, seasonal transformations will happen once again at “it’s a small world” Holiday and the 20th installation of Haunted Mansion Holiday.

At Disney California Adventure park, create new memories during Festival of Holidays and discover the sights, sounds and tastes of a diverse season of celebrations during this festive time of year, including Christmas/Navidad, Diwali, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Three Kings Day. Friends and families are invited to celebrate with “Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” as Disney characters host a fun street party featuring Mexican folklórico dancers and Mariachis, Brazilian samba dancers and percussionists, giant mojiganga puppets and Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in their fiesta best! At Paradise Gardens, you’ll enjoy festively themed food and beverages, live music and dance, and later in the holiday season, Mirabel from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ upcoming film “Encanto” will make her park debut. Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for information on Mirabel’s arrival!

Over in Cars Land, the four-wheeled residents will be pulling out all the stops with their holiday décor. From the snow-covered billboard at the entrance all the way to the hubcap-studded tree at the courthouse, you will see automotive ornamentation at its finest along Route 66. And for a little more festive magic two popular attractions will transform into Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl and Mater’s Jingle Jamboree.

Also around the resort, traditional holiday décor and carolers bring the holiday spirit to Downtown Disney District and the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort. Over at the lobby inside Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, you’ll want to discover all the fun, new details on the giant gingerbread house this year. 

With so much to do at the Disneyland Resort, where will your merry making begin? For more details, continue to check back on the Disney Parks Blog where additional information about Holidays at the Disneyland Resort will be shared.

[KBrylczyk]

Finally, I've been waiting on the dates to plan a trip.

[Jew]

On 8/19/2021 at 6:21 PM, JGuy said:

Well, this is a downgrade. After two decades of having access to free fastpasses, I can’t imagine the majority of returning guests will like this.

I actually believe this and changing all the passes to reservations will create much needed balance in the parks. Not all will purchase lightning lane and AP’s can’t flood the parks (since Disney can cut off reservations at any time), so the ratio of fastpass to standby line should be much better for both.

[A.J.]

Disney has announced all the details about Disney Merriest Nites, Disneyland's Christmas ticketed event for 2021!

Disneyland Resort Introduces Disney Merriest Nites, an All-New, After-Hours Separate Ticketed Event at Disneyland Park on Five Nights from Nov. 11-Dec. 9, 2021

• Mickey Mouse and his friends will host the first after-hours holiday party at Disneyland Park. Princess Tiana, Lilo & Stitch, Queen Elsa, Buzz Lightyear and Miguel from the Disney•Pixar film “Coco” join Mickey Mouse to host six themed parties within one giant celebration
• Event includes ‘A Christmas Fantasy’ Parade viewing, unique character sightings and themed photo opportunities
• Tickets for Disney Merriest Nites go on sale Sept. 14, 2021, for limited-capacity holiday fun

Magic is here with Holidays at the Disneyland Resort, and this year Mickey Mouse and his friends are hosting Disney Merriest Nites, the first after-hours holiday party at Disneyland Park.

For family fun with limited capacity, the all-new Disney Merriest Nites holiday party will be offered as a separate-ticket event at Disneyland on five select nights in November and December. Disney Merriest Nites tickets will be sold for events on Nov. 11, Nov. 16, Nov. 30, Dec. 7 and Dec. 9. Tickets will be available for purchase beginning Sept. 14, 2021, no earlier than 9 a.m., on Disneyland.com and the Disneyland app. At Disney Merriest Nites, Mickey Mouse has invited his friends to help host six themed parties within one giant celebration throughout Disneyland park. Families and guests of all ages who are attending this event can enjoy enhanced holiday décor, seasonal entertainment, and specialty food and beverage offerings themed to each party during the event.

As the host of the party, Mickey Mouse will welcome guests on Main Street, U.S.A. in Victorian flair, and Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and their friends join in the fun, traveling in a special coach with Christmas carol sing-alongs, Muppet antics, and a few chickens! Over in New Orleans Square, Princess Tiana will welcome guests to celebrate Noel with a bayou-inspired celebration. Guests visiting Frontierland will see Miguel from the Disney•Pixar film “Coco” wishing everyone Feliz Navidad for a jolly fiesta. Three more character-hosted holiday parties await guests with a tropical party hosted by Lilo & Stitch in Adventureland, a wintertime celebration with Elsa in Fantasyland, and Buzz Lightyear taking the holidays to new heights over in Tomorrowland.

Special event merchandise will be available in Disneyland Park. Additional seasonal merchandise will be available throughout the Resort. Guests may add to their holiday wardrobes with seasonal attire and accessories, and find novelty items such as pins, plush and decorative items to continue the festivities at home. For guests looking to taste the treats of the holiday season, multiple food and beverage locations will offer specialty items for purchase as well as party-themed offerings.

 

At Disneyland Park
In addition to the parties being hosted by Mickey Mouse and friends, guests also will enjoy the classic sights, sounds and flavors of Holidays at the Disneyland Resort. Upon entering Disneyland guests will be greeted by a magnificent 60-foot-tall Christmas tree on Main Street, U.S.A., decorated with nearly 1,800 ornaments. The classic tree is an iconic symbol of Holidays at Disneyland Resort, as well as an ideal location for holiday photos. At the entrance to Fantasyland, the holiday magic will shine brightly each evening when Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle begins to sparkle with light and music fills the air illuminating the night in an enchanted wintertime spectacle. Returning for the season, guests will again see “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade * and some favorite Disney characters and princesses throughout the park, dressed in their seasonal finest – with a few surprises this year.

Additionally, seasonal transformations will once again resonate holiday cheer at “it’s a small world” Holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday.

Highlights of Disney Merriest Nites

• Entry to Disneyland Park before the party. The parties start at 8 p.m. PT and guests will have the opportunity to play in Disneyland three hours before each party begins
• Experience six parties in one. Six parties in lands throughout the park are uniquely themed and hosted by Mickey Mouse and his friends
• Unprecedented access to Holidays at the Disneyland Resort. Guests at these themed parties can experience many attractions with lower wait times due to a limited number of guests. This includes the seasonal transformations of “it’s a small world” Holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday
• Seasonal entertainment. Guests will be immersed in the spirit of the season with seasonal entertainment, such as “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade and seasonal musical performances
• Spectacular holiday décor and lighting. From a glistening castle and enchanted lands that sparkle to festive wreaths and garlands galore, the holiday season is visible throughout the park.
• Access to attractions within these lands: Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Adventureland, New Orleans Square and Frontierland during the party
• Themed photo backdrops and unlimited Disney PhotoPass digital photo downloads from the night are included with admission to Disney Merriest Nites. With the help of Disney PhotoPass photographers located throughout the party, it’s easier than ever to capture holiday photos – with the whole family in the photo.
• Holiday treats and eats specially curated for the event.

[jedimaster1227]

Today Disney announced that Mickey's Toontown at Disneyland Park will be reimagined in time for the debut of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway in 2023! The land will close in March of 2022 but will reopen with new experiences and spaces designed for families and young children to enjoy!

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/11/mickeys-toontown-at-disneyland-park-to-be-reimagined-with-new-experiences-and-more-play-and-interactivity-for-young-families-in-2023/?CMP=SOC-DPFY22Q1wo1111210062A

Just in time for Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse’s birthday this week, we have some exciting news to share about the Disneyland Resort!

An ambitious reimagining of Mickey’s Toontown in Disneyland park will debut in early 2023, alongside the new attraction, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. This news was shared today at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Expo by Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, Josh D’Amaro.

Building on the legacy of Mickey’s Toontown, Imagineers are working to create some all-new experiences so families and young children can have more opportunities to play together inside Disneyland park. The beloved Mickey’s Toontown will transform into a vibrant symphony of sights, sounds, and sensations. Focusing on today’s families with young children, Mickey’s Toontown will feature new play experiences, as well as open, grassy play spaces for everyone to unplug. The land will have landscaping for both spontaneous family play and parental relaxation.

“We are so excited to leverage Disney’s powerful brand, develop new stories and share even more magical experiences with our guests,” said D’Amaro. “The newly reimagined Mickey’s Toontown will be a welcoming place where families and younger guests can connect and play together in fun new ways.”  

Even with a greener and more spacious Mickey’s Toontown, the land will offer more play activities and attractions than ever before. From active play to tactile play, new experiences will let children play, slide, spin, splash, touch and listen!

One of the new areas coming to Mickey’s Toontown will be CenTOONial Park, the first space guests will see when they enter. This natural space will be anchored by two interactive play experiences.

At the center of CenTOONial Park will be a fountain, designed for play, which will also become a center icon for Mickey’s Toontown. As its base, water tables will invite guests to play with the water and have a sensory experience. At night, the fountain will be brought to life in a unique spectacle.

A nearby dreaming tree will be inspired by the tree a young Walt Disney would daydream under in his hometown. Sculpted tree roots will provide an opportunity for children to play, crawl and explore, and undulating topography will offer rolling hills and a place to sit and dream.

In addition to reopening in 2023 with the new, family-friendly and adventurous Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Mickey’s Toontown will still be home to many beloved characters including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck and more!

Mickey’s Toontown will close in March of 2022 to begin creating these all-new experiences. We will have lots more detail to share with you in the future, so stay TOONED to the Disney Parks Blog for updates!

[swfan1988]

Looks to me like they are removing most (if not all of) the Roger Rabbit references, and trying to bring the land more in line with the new Mickey Mouse cartoons to better match Runaway Railway. Bummer for Roger fans, but I think the right call in the long run for the land. I have always been a fan of Toontown, so I'm glad it's getting some much needed attention.

They also notably did NOT mention Cartoon Spin or Gadget's Go Coaster in the release and they are only vaguely depicted in the concept art. Have to wonder if a retheme is coming for Gadget, and the end is near for Cartoon Spin?

[DBJ]

Thanks for the article and concept art.  Shade would be welcome change for that area. I have a feeling Gadget for sure will getting a new theme, plenty of other characters more in line with the Mickey mouse shorts that would fit better.   Rodger I think is definitely on chopping block and will be redone with new theme.  My dream would be larger ride vehicles for capacity sake.  That q line is so well done, hope they don't lose that.  Maybe retheme it as Chip and Dale, tie in with new Disney + project.   I

[coneyislandchris]

^ Didn't they already mention that Roger Rabbit was going to be getting an update pushing Jessica Rabbit as less of the damsel-in-distress, and instead becoming the lead protagonist? I swear I saw this somewhere a few months back...

Of course they announce this land closure after I've already booked my family's trip for next April, but honestly, gives us even more of a reason to come back in '23!

[COASTER FREAK 11]

Yes, that is correct, they announced the ride would be updated. So the ride isn't going anywhere with this update to the land.

[Nrthwnd]

In the top left corner of the first art concept above, you can see coaster track, sort of.

So, that makes me think that Gadget's Go-Coaster will survive the renovation of ToonTown.

Only it may be re-themed to a different Disney character, like one of the Mickey Mouse gang.

Hmm. Maybe this will become a "Chip & Dale" themed coaster! How about that, Elissa?

[COASTER FREAK 11]

That's a better idea then the tree thats there still. Maybe even have it be themed to Rescue Rangers?! 

[Nrthwnd]

^I'm still wondering if they are going to create another entryway into Galaxy's Edge? From that point, I mean.

Otherwise, "the new rumor" going around, is that with building a new show building for this Runaway Railway, there is the possibility that they are going to add an extra scene in this version.

Anybody else read about this rumor? .... and .... Go Mickey!

And .... From their looking at the "route" of the vehicles, the rumor source sort of figured, that what was called the "Alleyway" between Daisy's Dance School and the Factory, etc. would be where the new scene would go. Just a rumor, mind.

[COASTER FREAK 11]

Anything is possible in regards to making another SW:GE connection, but I seriously doubt that is going to happen with this Toon Town refresh. Look at the backstage infrastructure in the way, that was JUST built with SW:GE, and the distance that connection would have to be.

It does not make sense to modify those buildings, block a backstage road during park hours, and waste prime expansion space on a single walkway. 

 

They could have made a connection, going through the new train berm, and avoiding the buildings, but again, that would have been done when that berm was made. And it's unlikely to be modified at this point (though I do think this would have been the best use of space option). 

 

I feel the only real way a connection would ever be made is with a SW:GE expansion into that area. With this new walkway built into the new structures. At that point, the backstage road could be trenched farther north, and an elevated walkway connection over it could be made. 

[Nrthwnd]

^ I didn't realize there was such a distance from SW:GE to ToonTown. Pathway-wise.

Well, like you said, there could be another SW:GE attraction created and built, to then help build another pathway, from ToonTown.

[jedimaster1227]

Today the Disneyland Resort shared more details about the return of nighttime spectaculars at both parks, including some exciting news about the Main Street Electrical Parade!

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2022/02/disneyland-resort-unveils-return-dates-for-nighttime-spectaculars-and-new-finale-coming-to-the-main-street-electrical-parade/

As announced in November during Destination D23, the Disneyland Resort is thrilled to bring back its nighttime spectaculars this spring. So many fan-favorite entertainment offerings have continued to return – from Jambalaya Jazz in New Orleans Square at Disneyland park to “Disney Junior Dance Party!” in Disney California Adventure park. Plus, we’ve recently introduced experiences like encountering Raya in Redwood Creek Challenge Trail to the Celebrate Soulfully entertainment throughout the month of February. Each of these offerings highlights the incredible momentum at the Disneyland Resort as part of our phased reopening.

Today, we’re excited to share even more on the entertainment front, with additional details around the return of our nighttime spectaculars!

On April 22, 2022, the “Main Street Electrical Parade” and “Disneyland Forever” fireworks spectacular will return to Disneyland park, and “World of Color” will return to Disney California Adventure park. “Fantasmic!” is preparing for its return to Disneyland park on May 28, 2022.

But that’s not all the exciting news we have to share with you today!

Upon its return to Disneyland park, the “Main Street Electrical Parade” will be celebrating its 50th anniversary. In honor of this milestone, the Disney Live Entertainment team will introduce exciting new elements to the “Main Street Electrical Parade” that will continue to evolve this beloved spectacular.

Over the past five decades, the “Main Street Electrical Parade” has brought families together to delight in its many whimsical stories and featured characters. And soon, that will continue for a whole new generation of dreamers. In honor of the parade’s 50th anniversary, this nighttime spectacular will return with an all-new, enchanted grand finale that celebrates the theme of togetherness.

This universal theme is reflected in the creative concept of the grand finale sequence. Inspired by both the original design of classic “Main Street Electrical Parade” floats and Disney Legend Mary Blair’s iconic art style on “it’s a small world,” the new grand finale brings to life more than a dozen Disney Animation and Pixar stories. These stories will be interpreted in thousands of sparkling lights and electro-synthe-magnetic musical sound, with unique representations of beloved characters as animated dolls.

As the new grand finale passes by, guests along each side of the parade route will see a different set of stylized scenes from classic and contemporary favorite stories such as “Encanto,” “The Jungle Book,” “Raya and the Last Dragon,” “Aladdin,” “Coco,” “Mulan,” “Brave,” “The Princess and the Frog” and more. Check out one of the early pieces of concept art, featuring Mirabel and Antonio from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Academy Award-nominated film, “Encanto.”

From the Blue Fairy to a colorful, unique representation of Sleeping Beauty Castle, the grand finale of the “Main Street Electrical Parade” comprises seven segments stretching 118 feet in length, making it one of the longest and grandest units in the parade’s 50-year history.

“Main Street Electrical Parade” and “Disneyland Forever” will be available for a limited time at Disneyland park. When “Disneyland Forever” fireworks spectacular comes back on April 22, it will run weekends only (Friday through Sunday). “Mickey’s Mix Magic” will present its high-energy, projections-only show during the week (Monday through Thursday) until late spring. At that time, “Disneyland Forever” fireworks will then run nightly in the summer. “World of Color” and “Fantasmic!” will return to their regular schedule upon reopening.

We cannot wait to “ignite the night” once again! With the return of fan-favorite offerings, and new experiences on the way, the Disneyland Resort is buzzing with energy and excitement. It’s a great time to plan a visit, and we’re so excited to continue welcoming back our guests!

We look forward to sharing more details about our entertainment offerings as the return of the “Main Street Electrical Parade,” “World of Color,” “Disneyland Forever” fireworks spectacular and “Fantasmic!” draw nearer in the coming weeks. As always, stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog!

Check the latest entertainment details and schedules at Disneyland.com or the Disneyland mobile app. Entertainment, experiences, and offerings may be modified, limited in availability or unavailable, and are subject to restrictions, and change or cancellation without notice. Theme Park reservations and valid admission for the same Park on the same day are required for Park entry. Park reservations are limited, subject to availability and not guaranteed. Park admission and offerings are not guaranteed. Visit Disneyland.com/Updates for important information to know before your visit, including the latest information on required face coverings.

[jedimaster1227]

It has been announced that Mickey's Toontown in Disneyland will close on March 9th, 2022 to undergo its transformation before opening in early 2023. This announcement includes confirmation that Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin, Mickey's House and Minnie's House will all return with the land along with reimagined experiences coming to Gadget's Go Coaster, Goofy's House and Donald's Boat. 

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2022/02/the-transformation-of-mickeys-toontown-at-disneyland-park-begins-soon/

As we previously shared, Mickey’s Toontown in Disneyland park will soon begin its transformation into a vibrant symphony of sights, sounds, and sensations with some all-new experiences, more play and interactivity for our guests, with a focus on families and young children. To begin this work, Mickey’s Toontown will be closed beginning March 9, 2022, and will reopen in early 2023, alongside the new attraction, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway.

If you want to see Mickey’s Toontown one more time before the reimagining begins, be sure to visit between now and March 8! As a reminder, both a theme park ticket and park reservation for the same park and the same date are required for park entry.

But don’t worry if you can’t make it before then — when Mickey’s Toontown reopens in 2023, it will still be home to favorite attractions such as Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin, Mickey’s House and Minnie’s House! Plus, other attractions will be reimagined in new and exciting ways, including Gadget’s Go Coaster, Goofy’s House and Donald’s Boat.

We look forward to sharing many more details about the reimagining of Mickey’s Toontown in the future!

[Nrthwnd]

^^ With the new ending (7 attached mini floats) to the Electrical Parade, I'm sure that "some fans" will be livid that the "To Honor America" float, which traditionally ended the parade, is being replaced, at this time. Even if they bring it back into the parade later on, people will still bitch about the "THA" float being put "on hiatus."

By the way, I do love all the mini floats they've created, especially that all of them are honoring Mary Blair's iconic IAsW designs/style.

[CaptainUnknown]

As someone who has their first visit out to the park in summer 2023, I'm happy that Roger Rabbit will remain at the park.

[KBrylczyk]

11 hours ago, Nrthwnd said:

^^ With the new ending (7 attached mini floats) to the Electrical Parade, I'm sure that "some fans" will be livid that the "To Honor America" float, which traditionally ended the parade, is being replaced, at this time. Even if they bring it back into the parade later on, people will still bitch about the "THA" float being put "on hiatus."

By the way, I do love all the mini floats they've created, especially that all of them are honoring Mary Blair's iconic IAsW designs/style.

Is that the giant bacon strip float?  Because that's honestly the most accurate way to honor America.

[COASTER FREAK 11]

Thought I do like the new ending, I just don't want this parade. I want Paint the Night. I want a new float for that parade!

 

Hopefully, with this being the 50th anniversary of the MSEP, it will go into a museum when it's done!!!! Or a dumpster, that's also acceptable, lol. 

[pianojohn]

Meanwhile at Walt Disney World, which is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Magic Kingdom,

Nighttime parade?? 

Nada.

Zilch.

Crickets.

[COASTER FREAK 11]

See, this is where the parade should have gone. They could celebrate their 50th together! LOL

[Nrthwnd]

Here's one for DCA (sort of) Nostalgia: This was taken on my Sept.2016 trip to the Disney Empire Lands.

And West Coast Bash, w/ SF:MM and Knott's, too.

Now, does anyone out there have a more recent shot, taken from the same spot? #Justcurious.

How time has flown by, hmmm?

[KBrylczyk]

13 hours ago, Nrthwnd said:

Now, does anyone out there have a more recent shot, taken from the same spot? #Justcurious.

Not the exact same spot but pretty darn close. This is from November 2021, I believe I was standing between the Spidey ride and the Spidey gift shop.