Now that the holiday celebrations have come to an end at the Disneyland Resort, the parks are rapidly taking down all their cheery decor and seasonal offerings. With so much happening in the new year, this week’s Disneyland Update focused solely on Disneyland. Today, we’re taking a look at Disney California Adventure. Between all the Marvel land construction, holiday removal, and other news it’s a flurry of information, but I’ll try to keep it brief. Let’s get this show on the road.
Holiday Takedown
The holidays at the Resort officially ended on Jan 6. But when we were there on the 6th, several of the holiday decorations had already been taken down. Every day since then, more seasonal decor has come down gradually. Cars Land is back to its usual octane for the first time since the Halloween season started in September of 2019!
Throughout the Resort, the retail stores have stopped pushing holiday merchandise in favor of 2020 gear and new collections. At Gone Hollywood, there is a whole series dedicated to “The One & Only Mickey Mouse” that has recently replaced the holiday onesies
Festival of Holidays Over
The Festival of Holidays ended on January 6, along with all the other seasonal offerings. On the final day, every booth had an outrageous line of people wanting one last taste of holiday fare . . . and also to use up any of their remaining Sip & Savor tabs before it was too late.
Most of the festival signage has been removed and just a few smaller details remain.
Yes, that’s a Lunar New Year image you see on the pillar below. That’s the next big thing.
The Festival of Holidays merchandise booth is still up, but its wares have been replaced with 2020 merch from around the Resort and the signage on the cash wrap now reflects Lunar New Year.
The Lunar New Year Festival starts on January 17th. There will be 4 food booths, Mulan’s New Year Processional, and Mickey and Minnie in special outfits.
Marvel Construction
The upcoming expansion project, Avengers Campus, has reached new heights. New decorative antennae have been placed on the Spider-Man attraction building. They sort of evoke the look of the Guardians of the Galaxy tower. The overhanging arm (for the stunt show) is behind scrims for the time being.
There are some rectangular boxes barely peeping over the wall along the parade route. Possibly supports for a new sign.
New metal posts have been installed near the Spider-Man ride.
On the side nearest to Guardians, it looks like another section of paving is nearly complete.
Looking at the construction site from the Pal-A-Round, you can see that there are all sorts of cones and flags in the area.
The building closest to Guardians looks like a maze of metal. It sure has sprung up quickly!
The new building behind Luigi’s Tires has gained a second story. When it is finished, it will become a parade rehearsal site with additional offices on the upper level.
Here’s a ground-level view of that building. It will clearly be visible from Luigi’s Tires, but we’re sure there are plans to keep it themed from within the land.
Refurbs
DCA is starting off the year by giving some of its restaurants and attractions a little love and refurbishment.
Currently, the Carthay Circle Restaurant and Bar are closed through January 31st, along with the attached Club 33 1901 lounge. The Carthay Circle Lounge is one of my favorite places to get a drink and it will soon be the right temperature to start using their brand new side patio, so I’m looking forward to when it’s open again for business.
Grizzly River Run and its souvenir store next door, Rushin River’ Outfitters, will be closed Jan 21-Feb 13.
Finally, the last scheduled refurb in DCA, so far, is the Bakery Tour in Pacific Wharf. It will be closed from Jan 21-Feb 11.
This & That
Now for some of the other things happening in DCA recently.
Baby Yoda
Anaheim Ducks Day
January 8 was Anaheim Ducks Day at DCA. The celebration of the hockey team included a Ducks Cavalcade of some of the players, turning Stage 17 into Fan Headquarters with activities and special photo ops, and lots of exclusive commemorative merchandise.
AP Alfresco Tasting Terrace
The Alfresco Tasting Terrace above the Wine Country Trattoria restaurant reopened on Monday as a (somewhat) exclusive AP area. The Tasting Terrace is a small venue that’s quietly tucked away above the Winery and was frequently overlooked because of how hidden it was. Although, now that it has become something of an AP lounge, the demand has skyrocketed.
The Blue Sky Cellar’s patio has become a waiting area for the Alfresco Tasting Terrace, and there was even an additional queue for people waiting to get in there. The Alfresco Terrace only has space for about 50 guests at a time, and people were waiting for several hours before getting ushered upstairs.
To gain access to the area, you or someone in your party must have a valid AP, granted you’re willing to wait for a spot. While you’re up there, you can enjoy up to two alcoholic beverages per adult. Additionally, there are 5 unique cocktails that are inspired by the history of DCA, and a complimentary appetizer.
Nickel Presses
We reported in the holiday season that there were seasonal nickel presses around the parks. This time around, we saw some that some pressings were still bearing the 2019 design. I’m curious about how often the designs are updated. Any pressed nickel fans out there who know?
Churro Shake Menu Addition!
If you know me, then you know I can’t resist a good, sugary Disney treat. For the holidays, Schmoozies had a churro shake with brown butter-cinnamon ice cream, churro cereal pieces, and a piece of churro toffee. It took the Instagram world by storm because it’s not only adorable but mouth-wateringly delicious. I’m so glad to see this shake sticking around.
MiceChat Anniversary & Gumball Rally
MiceChat/MiceAge is turning 17 years young and we will be celebrating with a weekend of celebrities and events at the Disneyland Resort February 7th through 9th, 2020. While our celebrity events have yet to be announced, tickets are already available for our world-famous Gumball Rally on February 8th. The Rally is a race through Disneyland to see who can ride the most attractions in a single day. It’s absolutely the most fun you’ll ever have in the parks.
Gumball Rally Tickets and Information HERE
Join over 500 of your fellow Disney fans to see who’s got the best strategy for riding the attractions. Compete in teams of 2 to 4 individuals and have the time of your lives.
For more information about the event and to register, visit the Gumball Rally Info Page HERE.
Disneyland’s Southern California Resident Ticket Deal is Back!
3-Day Disneyland Resort tickets for travel now through May 21, 2020 are available at a $106 savings on each adult ticket and $86 savings on any child (ages 3-9) ticket! It is only valid for residents who live in ZIP codes 90000-93599. Residency will be verified at time of booking and government photo ID is required to use the tickets at the parks.
Here’s the best part . . . we have them cheaper and can be combined with hotel discounts and an additional $10 off using the “micechat” discount code (on 3 night stays) – Shop the SoCal Resident Special HERE
Not a SoCal resident? Our partners at Get Away Today help you save money on Disney theme park tickets and travel packages. For Discounted theme park tickets and travel packages to Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Universal, Knott’s Berry Farm and other family vacation destinations, always start HERE: Get Away Today (When calling, mention MiceChat so you get your special rates and deals!).
And in celebration of their 30th anniversary, Get Away Today is giving away 70 prizes!!! Here’s your chance to score some AMAZING vacation prizes: Information and prize entry HERE.
Let’s Hear From You
What do you think of the developments for Avengers Campus? Are you going to miss the Festival of Holidays? Will you be trying out the AP-Only(ish) Alfresco Tasting Terrace? Let us know in the comments.
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Have a great weekend everyone.
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