The Disneyland Resort is getting some major upgrades soon. The changes — which were announced at the Destination D23 event by Josh D’Amaro, Chairperson of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts — will greatly affect certain areas of the resort and the overall guest experience. They may also be taking away something you love… but there’s also the return of some classics too! Here’s a look at all the changes that are ahead for Disneyland…

, BIG DISNEYLAND NEWS: Fantasmic, Magic Bands, Downtown Disney Redevelopment and More!

Magic Band+ and Greater Technology Integration

Following the announcement of MagicBand+ and “Hey, Disney!” coming to the Walt Disney World resort, Josh D’Amaro stated this new technology will be coming to the Disneyland Resort in 2022. The “wearable technology” of MagicBand+ will “enhance the guest experience” and allow a “hands-free” way to activate different magical moments throughout the resort. And while MagicBand+ is headed to WDW, we’ve been told there will be certain differences between the experiences at DL and WDW. Be sure to keep your eye on MiceChat to find out exactly what these differences are as they get released over the coming month. 

, BIG DISNEYLAND NEWS: Fantasmic, Magic Bands, Downtown Disney Redevelopment and More!
MagicBand+ will debut in 2022 at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The next-generation wearable retains popular features from the original MagicBand and adds new functionality to unlock magical moments throughout Walt Disney World theme parks and resorts. (Disney)

“Hey Disney!” which has been rolled out across the hotels at Walt Disney World, is also coming to the Disneyland Resort. This voice assistant works with the Amazon Echo’s Alexa system and will help guests have a better overall experience at the resort — at least that’s the hope. These devices will be available in all three Disneyland hotels soon. 

For more about WDW’s rollout of MagicBand+ and “Hey Disney!,” take a look at our coverage from earlier this year:

And You Thought Magic Bands Were Dead! New Interactive MagicBand+ Coming Soon

Disneyland Hotel Update

Speaking of the hotels, D’Amaro announced that Disney Imagineers are “hard at work” bringing more magic to the Disneyland Hotel. They are reportedly adding a whole bunch of new elements throughout the hotel to “bring Disney storytelling to life,” inspired by the classic films from Walt Disney Animation Studios. 

, BIG DISNEYLAND NEWS: Fantasmic, Magic Bands, Downtown Disney Redevelopment and More!
Construction at the Disneyland Hotel

As a part of this update, the pool complex and recreation area will be completely redesigned, and the rooms will be getting a refresh as well. There are also reportedly some hidden magical gems that will be scattered around the hotel, bringing even more magic to a guest’s experience.  

Nighttime Spectaculars Return

One of the most exciting parts of the Disneyland announcements — at least for us — was the information that all three nighttime spectaculars will be returning to Disneyland Resort in 2022. Sometime next year (although they didn’t tell us exactly when), “World of Color” and “Fantasmic!” will start performing once again.

, BIG DISNEYLAND NEWS: Fantasmic, Magic Bands, Downtown Disney Redevelopment and More!

And in time for its 50th-anniversary celebration, the “Main Street Electrical Parade” will be making its triumphant return to Disneyland parks. The parade was teased to return earlier this year, so we’re looking forward to seeing it again. We’re just curious to see if there will be any updates to the iconic parade…

, BIG DISNEYLAND NEWS: Fantasmic, Magic Bands, Downtown Disney Redevelopment and More!

For more about the return of the Main Street Electrical Parade, take a look at our coverage below:

Disneyland Teases the Return of the Main Street Electrical Parade

Mickey’s Toontown Redo

As previously announced at IAAPA earlier this week by Josh D’Amaro, Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland Park will be getting a brand-new reimagining. Now, however, we have a few more details of what the new land will entail. D’Amaro said the land will feature some brand new experiences perfect for families and those little ones, including some new play areas and open, grassy spaces for people to relax and decompress. They also announced they expect the redo of Toontown to be finished sometime in 2023. 

, BIG DISNEYLAND NEWS: Fantasmic, Magic Bands, Downtown Disney Redevelopment and More!
Mickey’s Toontown concept art

For more detailed coverage of the changes headed to ToonTown, be sure to look at our article:

Disneyland’s ToonTown Closing in 2022 for Enhancements

Downtown Disney Changes 

Probably the most extensive of the changes announced at Destination D23 for Disneyland Resort is what’s going to be happening to Downtown Disney. Our sources say the district is about to “embark on its next evolution” and will feature new entertainment, dining, and shopping experiences. 

, BIG DISNEYLAND NEWS: Fantasmic, Magic Bands, Downtown Disney Redevelopment and More!
Downtown Disney redo concept art

Following the changes that have already occurred in Downtown Disney in 2018, there is now a multi-year project in the works to bring the district to the “next level.” Work will begin in January 2022 with the transformation of the old AMC Theatres building and surrounding area into a new “lifestyle space.” 

And while that construction is going on, Earl of Sandwich, Sugarboo & Co. and Starbucks will be shut down on the west end. While the east end Starbucks will still be operating, this appears to be the end for Earl and Sugarboo. Please join us in saying a fond farewell to Earl of Sandwich at Downtown Disney — for the second time! There is no word yet on if those shops will ever reopen. 

No more details about the Downtown Disney reimagining have been released as of yet, but as always, keep an eye on MiceChat for the latest information on all the changes happening there and across the Disneyland Resort.  


Merry and Bright Theme Park Ticket and Travel Deals

, Disneyland’s ToonTown Closing in 2022 for EnhancementsOur travel partners at Get Away Today are here to help you make new family memories with discounted theme park tickets and hotels. Extra days, big savings, travel packages and more. Snap up those deals to Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line and other family travel destinations while you still can, with your MiceChat partners at Get Away Today- HERE


The World-Famous MiceChat Gumball Rally Returns!

, BIG DISNEYLAND NEWS: Fantasmic, Magic Bands, Downtown Disney Redevelopment and More!
Event Information

After a long hiatus, it’s time for the big return of the MiceChat Gumball Rally at Disneyland. The event is a competition to see who can ride the most attractions at Disneyland in a single day. Guests compete in small groups of 2 to 4 members and spend the day doing what Disney fans love most… riding the attractions!

So, say goodby to those nice people on the dock… because the Gumball Rally is rolling your way on February 12th.  

Due to the need to book theme park reservations, we recommend signing up for the Rally now so you’ll have plenty of time to secure your spot. We are also offering discounted theme park admission and discounted hotel rooms this year via our partners at Get Away Today.  Don’t miss out! 

Gumball Rally Event information * HERE *


Let’s Hear From You

What are your feelings about these changes? Are you happy certain areas are getting a refresh? What about the addition of certain technologies like “Hey Disney!” and MagicBand+? And will you join us in mourning the second death of Earl of Sandwich? 

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Caitlyn Wisser
Caitlyn is a seasoned writer, editor, and content creator who specializes in all things entertainment. A video game enthusiast, she spends her spare time streaming a variety of things for her online following. She loves stories and theme parks and can be found spending her off-hours traveling to various tourist destinations around the world.