“To all who come to this happy place, welcome!” Those famous words from Walt Disney’s Disneyland dedication speech still ring true 67 years later. While this year’s anniversary was smaller in scale than in previous years, it’s still an important milestone and reminder of what we all love so much about Walt Disney’s original magic kingdom. While this Update does look back at what’s left of Walt’s original version of the park, we also look forward to the future and what’s happening in the parks right now, what might be coming, and what everyone is waiting for. You won’t want to miss today’s Disneyland Update!

67 Years of Magic

When Disneyland opened on July 17, 1955, no one knew the kind of longevity this park would have on the burgeoning family entertainment industry and the birth of theme parks. And year after year, Disneyland remains the crown jewel in the industry because of the vast number of highly themed attractions set in a detailed and well-maintained environment. Other parks, even other Disney Parks, all look to Walt’s original park for their inspiration.

Disneyland’s opening day stampede of children

While Disneyland has undergone an unbelievable change in its 67 years of operation, there are still elements from Walt’s days and even from opening day. Although, almost every inch of the park has been changed, moved, or upgraded in some way over the years.  

Walt’s original version of the park was much simpler than what it has evolved into. Many of the earliest rides were transportation in nature, with lots of boats, trains, cars, horses, carriages, trollies, etc. And while Disneyland didn’t create the idea of dark rides, Fantasyland did step up the genre with heightened storytelling, lighting, and synchronized sound. 

You could drive right up to the front gate in those early days. 

And while attractions have come and gone, the idea of Disneyland has remained largely the same— a place where people of all ages could enjoy a day together in a safe and clean place (unlike most carnivals and amusement parks of the day). 

When you look back at early Disneyland, you instantly recognize how much things have changed… and how much they have stayed the same.  

A creepy early Mickey and Donald walk toward the central hub of Disneyland. The castle looks almost exactly as we know it today.

All of the lands have seen dramatic change. Walt had limited funds to build Disneyland, so Fantasyland got a colorful medieval tournament look with canopies and tents instead of the Germanic fairytale facades we know today. And many of the attractions which survive from opening day have been reworked or moved. Much of that work was done in 1983 when famed Imagineer Tony Baxter led a project to enhance the happiest land of them all.  

And as you have no doubt heard many times, Disneyland opened in a bare-bones state, many attractions lacked landscaping or evening theming. Riders of Storybook Canal Boats rode through a muddy trench with only weeds and hills of dirt to look at. Of course, Walt pushed his teams to keep improving and enhancing the park at a rapid pace.  

Tomorrowland has been completely rebuilt multiple times over the decades. But some elements of the design have stood the test of time even though all of the attractions have been changed since opening day… many times over.   

Disneyland has always been a work in progress. While the pace of change slowed down after Walt’s death, new lands, new rides, and changes to existing rides are constantly in the works. It’s rare for Disneyland to revive an old attraction, but common for them to adapt an existing one to a new theme or technology.

A Flight to the Moon became a Mission to Mars…. and then a pizza place, which became a pizza place themed to Toy Story’s little green men. But elements of the design have remained.

We were in the park for the entire anniversary weekend. While there wasn’t anything particularly special in the days leading up to the 17th, there was a small but sincere moment recognizing Disneyland’s birthday. The classic Disneyland Band (a staple to the park since its opening in 1955) played a few tunes in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle before the Dapper Dans and a selection of characters (Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Chip, and Dale) came out to sing Happy Birthday to the park they call home.

We were able to get a prime spot right at the center of the performance area at the castle to capture the moment. (Jump to 1:40 in the video for the band to show up)

Once the moment was completed at the castle, the band headed to Town Square where Andy Castro of our Dateline Disneyland column was able to catch a different version of the show.

In previous years, there have been special merchandise and food offerings for the anniversary. This time around, there were only a few special treats. For the last few weeks, the Grand Californian Hotel lobby has hosted a snack station with some sweets designed to celebrate the anniversary. By the time we visited the snack bar at 3pm on the 17th, they were pretty much wiped out of everything!

The other place to get a Disneyland anniversary treat (a Sleeping Beauty Castle cupcake) was also at the Grand, this time at the Craftsman Grill. Unfortunately, a very small number of the cupcakes were made and they were all sold out by 2pm. It’s strange that most of the Disneyland Anniversary items were reserved for the hotel, an out-of-the-way spot for most guests. We wonder why the items weren’t available at the Jolly Holiday or elsewhere inside Disneyland. 

But there was one odd food item available for one day only inside Disneyland… Walt’s Chili Cheese Fries at Red Rose Tavern. 

Disneyland Opening Day Attractions

We spent much of the weekend celebrating Disneyland’s birthday by riding the classic 1955 attractions. Though, to be honest, all of them have been altered in some way.

The Disneyland Railroad

All aboard! This attraction is a major element of Walt’s vision for Disneyland. He loved trains, and in some sense, Disneyland was a giant train set and plaything for Walt. A Grand Circle Tour around the park remains popular with guests to this very day. Waits on a busy day can easily reach 30+ minutes. But the railroad’s route has been altered over the years, most notably with the construction of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and the rerouting of the Rivers of America. 

Walt had the Ford Magic Skyway dinosaurs from the 1964 New York World’s Fair moved to Disneyland, where they ended up in a diorama along the train route.

Here’s a one-minute time-lapse of the entire Disneyland Railroad journey from our trip on Friday: 

Mad Tea Party

Round and round we go. This spinning ride has been entertaining guests for a dizzying 67 years. But even this one has been substantially changed over the years. It was once located directly behind the carousel in the Castle courtyard in 1955. The new location next to Alice in Wonderland has additional theme with trees, vines, and all those whimsical lanterns.  

Here’s a 10-second whirl on the Mad Tea Party (sped up for today’s short attention spans): 

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Snow White 

This Fantasyland original is very different than how it was first envisioned back in 1955. Today known as Snow White’s Enchanted Wish, it reopened last year after a complete overhaul to make the experience less frightening while still carrying the storybook charm that made Walt Disney’s first full-length animated film so beloved.

In the early days, Snow White wasn’t even in the attraction. The idea was that the guests in the vehicle were Snow White and were experiencing her journey (as tormenting as it was). The ride proved to be surprisingly terrifying to many guests. Originally “Snow White and Her Adventures,” The entry and queue were rebuilt to look scary to forewarn riders and the name changed to “Snow White’s Scary Adventures” in the 80s. But even that wasn’t enough to stop complaints at City Hall, so the ride was ultimately reimagined with new scenes, technology, and a happier outcome which is reflected in its new title, “Snow White’s Enchanted Wish.” Aside from the location and general theme, this is really a new attraction with some familiar elements.  

Here’s the current full version of the attraction for those of you who haven’t had a chance to experience it yet: 

Peter Pan’s Flight

There’s a reason that this is the most popular Fantasyland dark ride, even after all these years. Nothing compares to the feeling of flying off towards Neverland and over the miniaturized version of London. 

In recent years this attraction has received a bit of technical pixie dust with projection and fiber optic effects. 

 Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride 

This classic attraction will keep you on the edge of your seat (with lap restraints, of course!) along this wild ride. We’re not sure how many kids these days have seen “The Wind in the Willows” (from “The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad”), which makes us wonder if this attraction could follow in the footsteps of its sister attraction at Walt Disney World and be replaced with something a little more modern (not that we want to see that happen). 

This ride is the most primitive and original of the Fantasyland dark rides. But it does have the distinction of being the only Disney attraction we can think of that sends you directly to Hell to face the devil himself. 

Let’s take a ride…

Casey Jr. Circus Train

One of the things that makes Disneyland so unique is how many attractions intertwine. Casey Jr. and Storybook Land are good examples of that. Both give great views of the other while offering very different experiences.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Storybook Land Canal Boats 

This particular attraction was one of Walt Disney’s favorites. Seeing all the miniature horticulture and architecture is something that has remained popular, even after all these years. Every once in a while the ride is updated with new characters and settings from new films, such as Aladdin and Frozen.  It also gets a miniature holiday makeover with tiny wreaths and Christmas trees and decorations. 

King Arthur Carrousel 

This regal attraction is fitting of its place in Fantasyland. Located in the heart of the park, it is a central aspect of what made Walt’s vision a reality. If it weren’t for the carousel in LA’s Griffith Park, Walt may never have thought to build a Disneyland at all. Walt purchased an old Dentzel carousel (which had been in use since at least 1922) from Sunnyside Amusement Park in Toronto, Canada. It is a classic amusement park attraction that has been elevated with Disney music, beautiful gardens, and a team of white horses (the 1922 version of the Carrousel had a menagerie of animals). 

Jungle Cruise  

The world-famous Jungle Cruise has become a true Disneyland classic attraction. Puns and bad jokes are all fair game for this trip down the jungle… but it wasn’t always that way. The original concept was a true-life adventure. Walt even wanted live animals. But the early version of the ride left guests bored… so the Imagineers created gags and jokes to punch things up… and a classic was born. 

Walt sets sail on the Jungle Cruise. The early boats weren’t quite as well-themed as the current version.

The ride returned from park shutdowns with a revised story, new jokes, and a whole new ending: 

Main Street Cinema 

We have strong feelings about the Main Street Cinema. It’s a staple to Main Street U.S.A. and helps give guests a taste of the classic Mickey Mouse cartoons. That said, we really wish that Disney would rotate the selections that play inside— especially since there are so many classic Disney shorts. And since everything is digital these days anyway, we don’t understand why these clips don’t change with the season. Just imagine Skeleton Dance at Halloween and Santa’s Workshop at Christmas! This would also be a great place for a snack stand that sells popcorn, sodas, and movie theater-style candy boxes (perhaps even vintage candies). On a hot day, like it was all weekend, it sure is nice to sit inside the theater with a cold beverage!

The Golden Horseshoe 

Although the Golden Horseshoe has been around since Disneyland’s opening day, what goes on inside is drastically different than what it was when the park first opened. While the days of musical revues and dinner shows are long gone, you can now sit for a spell to listen to a live piano player in the air conditioning and enjoy a rootbeer float.

Of course, nothing compares to the original Golden Horseshoe Revue. When it ended in 1986, it was the longest-running show ever. I can still remember Slue Foot Sue and goofy Wally Boag. The venue has also hosted the Golden Horseshoe Jamboree, Billy Hill and the Hillbillies, Woody’s Roundup, and now various minor piano-focused performances. 

olden Horseshoe Revue’s first Slue Foot Sue, Judy Marsh

The Golden Horseshoe Revue was a favorite of Walt Disney’s and he even had it produced as an episode of The Wonderful World of Color: 

Mark Twain Riverboat

Along with the Train, the Mark Twain is a relaxing old-school Disneyland classic. And while the steamship still makes its way around the Rivers of America, the spiel and scenery has been almost totally changed since 1955. New Orleans Square, Haunted Mansion, Splash Mountain, the whole back of the river, and even the Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island are all changes this venerable vessel has witnessed.

The boat has hosted celebrity performers over the years and more than a few characters. 

It also serves a very important role in Fantasmic! 

Autopia (In name only)

There’s really nothing about this attraction that is original other than the name. The locations, track layout, vehicles, and even theme have all changed over the decades. It’s even questionable whether this gas-guzzling attraction deserves a place in a land of Tomorrow. We might see an electric or Fuelcell update in the future… or perhaps all that land will eventually be used for a Tomorrowland expansion of another sort entirely. Time will tell. But there’s no denying that kids still love the opportunity to get behind the wheel. 

In 2017, Honda became a sponsor and added ASIMO and friends to the Autopia.

Sleeping Beauty Castle

And of course, we can’t forget the shining jewel of Disneyland, Sleeping Beauty Castle. Although the castle has had numerous updates over the years (and we’re particularly fond of Kim Irvine’s current interpretation), this castle is one of the most photographed locations in the world. The walk-through didn’t open until 1957. 

The castle is much more brightly colored today than it was in the early days, but it also makes a more visually striking image in its rich blue rooftops and cascading pink walls. 

And that’s our Disneyland birthday tribute! You’ll have to forgive me for getting so carried away. So much of my life revolves around this special park, and its history is particularly important to me. So, when you see me complain about something, hopefully you’ll understand it truly does come from a place of love and respect for what Walt built and what seems appropriate for the world’s most beloved theme park. Happy Birthday Disneyland!

Disneyland Summer Crowds

It was another weird traffic week. Though Disneyland’s birthday was busy, and waits could be very long at times, again we noticed some lower waits on the weekend than during the week. But there were certainly times when the weekend felt packed… especially at the Lightning Lane attractions.  

Character Craze

One thing that people can’t seem to get enough of are character meet and greets. Many characters that we came across had sprawling queues filled with people waiting to get a picture and/or an autograph from a character. Mickey is always a popular choice, and we saw him both on Main Street and on the Small World Mall, where both queues were well over an hour long! It has us missing the days when the characters were distanced so we could just take a quick selfie and get on with our day! Are you willing to stand in line for character meet and greets even when they’re over an hour long?

The huge switchback is just to meet Mickey, Minnie and pals.

Minnie, Pluto, and Mickey were meeting guests on Small World Mall. The line was epic and moving VERY slowly as every guest took time to chat with the characters, take a photo, and often get an autograph as well. 

At the same time, Mickey was ALSO on Main Street, and with an equally epic line. 

This isn’t even the end of the line. If you look all the way down by the Firehouse, that’s Mickey!

There was a time when Disney didn’t want kids to figure out that Mickey wasn’t real. So they had a rule that Mickey couldn’t be in two places at once in the same park so kids wouldn’t put two and two together. But we saw Mickey on Main Street and Small Word Mall within minutes of each other. I’d like to believe this was a simple mistake, but this has been happening a lot lately. 

Although characters have become overwhelmingly popular, some attractions aren’t getting overly crowded. When we were at Disneyland on Friday and Saturday, we saw Peter Pan’s Flight with a mostly-empty queue!

Second Star to the Right

Some attractions were still commanding decent queues, like Space Mountain. But mid-day, Peter Pan had about a 10 to 15 minute wait.  Keep in mind that this is mid-day on a Saturday!

Coming Crowd Crush

While we have been enjoying the park so far this summer, the real crowd crush will be coming in August when the vast majority of Magic Key passes expire. The last two weeks of August are fully booked up. Here’s the reservation calendar as of 6pm 7/17/2022:

If you’re a Magic Keyholder, you’re likely experiencing some stress about the lack of info regarding renewals. Disney has promised that there WILL be some kind of a program to renew your Magic Key, but no details have been shared yet. We anticipate that details will be shared very soon. And hopefully it’s good news. But at least some of what’s coming is dependent on that class action lawsuit filed by a Dream Key holder who isn’t happy that the pass with 365 day access doesn’t really guarantee you access at all due to park reservations. AND that Keyholders are often denied reservations even when day tickets still have availability (at least at the time the case was filed last year). 

Strange Staff Situation

Disneyland, like all businesses these days, has been having a heck of a time trying to staff just about every role in the resort. That’s a hard thing to do with entry-level-type jobs right now as all businesses compete with each other for the limited number of willing workers. One thing Disney always had going for it in the past was the “magic” of working for Mickey Mouse, free entry into the parks, little perks, and shift flexibility made possible by a generous “Points system” which allowed employees to accrue a certain number of points for things like sick, tardy, leaving early, etc. before facing discipline. 

In a bizarre turn of events, Disneyland notified its employees earlier this year that they intend to do away with the points system and enact a highly restrictive and punitive HR policy that would begin reprimanding employees after just a day or two of sick time. 

We understand that Disney is trying to get employees to show up for shifts, but this couldn’t possibly help a low-wage employer find more willing workers to take all those open positions. Worse, we fear that cast will be pressured to come to work sick out of fear of losing their jobs. Of course, that also means they’d be exposing other employees and guests as well. This is a huge change from the days in 2020 when Disney was touting their expertise in health and safety.

The other big issue for employees is that many are either in school, working more than one job, or have childcare issues requiring shift flexibility. But Disney schedulers generally don’t take 2nd jobs and other issues into account when scheduling and often deny or ignore day off and shift requests. Many otherwise loyal Disneyland cast members may have no choice but to leave the company due to a lack of shift flexibility. 

Disney recently claimed they would be negotiating with unions regarding the new HR system. However, the unions were essentially informed that Disney is simply notifying them of the changes and that they don’t intend to negotiate significant changes to the new policies. 

The new HR system is expected to roll out in October. Just in time for the busy holiday seasons. This will be an issue to watch. Hopefully Disney makes some changes, most importantly to health and safety concerns, and to shift flexibility. 

The End of Summer Sets Up Halloween

It feels like summer has barely gotten started, but the signs of its inevitable end are approaching. The stores near us have already gotten their school supplies lined up (why does this still make me sad all these years since I’ve graduated from school?), and Disneyland has announced an end to their current summer nighttime entertainment lineup. Both the Main Street Electrical Parade and Disneyland Forever Fireworks will be coming to an end on September 1st.

While Disneyland describes MSEP as their “perennial parade” (which translates to: when we need people to visit, we bring this old parade back), the Disneyland Forever fireworks were a show brought out to inspire nostalgia from the park’s 60th anniversary. We’ll likely see MSEP again soon— especially since it was updated this year with a brand-new finale segment— it is possible that this may be the last time to see Disneyland Forever. (We’re hoping that there’s a whole new show coming next year). 

We generally watch Disneyland Forever from Sleeping Beauty Castle (when we’re there late enough!), but this week we were able to watch the fireworks from Rivers of America after the 9pm showing of Fantasmic!, and it was a really incredible experience. If you don’t mind missing the low-level pyrotechnics being shot off the castle or the flying characters, watching the show from Rivers of America is an entirely different experience! The soaring water screens utilize some of the effects from Fantasmic!— it’s like a cross between World of Color and fireworks with water screens, projections, and colorful water fountains — a thoroughly entertaining show.

With all that in mind, don’t be too sad about the end of the summer spectaculars.  Once summer comes to a close, Halloween time will creep in. Starting September 2nd, Halloween officially kicks off across the Disneyland Resort. You can expect the Halloween Screams spectacular nightly at Disneyland (projections-only during the week, with added fireworks on the weekends), plus the Oogie Boogie Bash parties at California Adventure. AND, both parks offer decorations, holiday treats, and attraction overlays. It’s our favorite time of the year. 

While the Oogie Boogie Bash remains fully sold out right now, we really hope that Disney will add additional nights for this year’s event. There are two fewer nights this year than last year’s sold-out events. If you’re curious about the Oogie Boogie Bash parties, you can read our thoughts HERE.

In other Halloween news, the first few Halloween merchandise items are starting to make their way into the parks. At the Emporium on Main Street, we found a few Halloween-themed t-shirts:

In the next few weeks, we’ll likely see more Halloween goodies and merchandise. You can read more about Disneyland’s Halloween plans HERE.

ConstructionLand

Every anniversary, we’re reminded of Walt Disney’s iconic quote: “Disneyland will never be completed, it will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.” Every week that quote remains true as we detail all the nonstop construction and refurbishments all around the resort. Here’s a look at what has been happening this week:

Currently Under Refurbishment and Construction at Disneyland

These are the attractions that are currently undergoing a refurb:

Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage (July 12th, 2021-July 24th, 2022)

We’re getting closer and closer to the full return of the subs!

Although the attraction is still closed to guests, this week there were a few opportunities for cast members to do a preview of the attraction. So, we have a little teaser of what lies beneath the ripples of the lagoon…

Watching the subs make their trip around the lagoon is really amazing. Seeing that motion in the water really helps make the area feel alive. We’re so lucky to still have this lagoon. Walt Disney World filled their lagoon in years ago for a Fantasyland expansion and the Imagineers have eyed all that space at Disneyland over the years for various ideas as well. But there’s something truly magical about this sparkling blue body of water. We hope the lagoon stays, even if the attraction itself continues to evolve. 

When we visited last week, the waterfall wasn’t working at the entrance to the underwater cave. However, when Andy Castro visited the park this morning (July 18), the waterfall function had returned.

Photo from 7/16/22
Photo from 7/18/22

We’re just one short week away from being able to ride it ourselves on July 25, but we’re also hopeful for a soft opening now that the ride is functional and cast are riding it. 

Tarzan’s Treehouse (September 1st, 2021-TBA)

Work continues at this Adventureland attraction but with very little changes. We’re really hoping that something drastic happens soon because it’s just been construction scrims with negligible differences for the past few months.

Mickey’s Toontown (March 9th, 2022-2023)

There’s a similar situation over at Toontown since the whole area is obscured by a big ‘ol construction wall. 

 

On our walkthroughs of Disneyland this week we also noticed a few curious construction projects. The first is a set of construction walls around the former Big Thunder Mountain FastPass station. There’s some repaving going on. Hopefully this allows for more queue space (which regularly overflows due to Lightning Lane). 

While riding the Mark Twain Riverboat during this week’s Disneyland Live video with Dusty Sage, we spotted some new work along the river’s edge just before you arrive back at the dock. We believe this is just a restoration of some of the faux rockwork. 

And the little landing just before the dock is getting some redecking. 

 

Leaving the theme parks, there’s also a bit of construction happening in Downtown Disney. Aside from the demolition of the old AMC complex (which is currently a dirt lot with nothing of note happening yet), there’s also some work taking place along the tram route near the Downtown Disney flower fountain. 

And part of the former Downtown Disney lot (now a cast member lot) between Downtown Disney and the Pixar Pals Parking Structure, is being cleared. Trees have been cut down and curbs and planters scraped flat. 

Upcoming Refurbishments

If you’re making plans to visit the parks soon, you should know what may be down during your next trip.

Redwood Creek Challenge Trail (August 1st-19th)

As Halloween time approaches, Redwood Creek will once again install its Villains Grove overlay. This area transforms at dusk into a creepy area haunted by Disney villains.

 

Haunted Mansion Holiday Install (August 15th-September 1st)

The other holiday overlay that will take place will last all the way through the new year. The traditional format of Haunted Mansion will end on August 14th, so if seeing classic Haunted Mansion is important to you, now is the time to visit!

Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! (August 15th-TBA)

The only ride in the Hollywood Backlot area of DCA will be going out of commission for maintenance starting August 15th. We’re not sure what issues will be addressed during this refurbishment, but I’m sure Roz will look forward to a lengthy vacation.

Always watching…

Returning to Operation

Red Car Trolley (July 17th)

Finally! The Red Car Trolley at DCA has made its return to the park at long last. The Red Car Trolley rolled out on stage Sunday the 17th. Unfortunately, it broke down shortly thereafter and was stuck in place for most of the day near Carthay Circle. On top of that, only one car is running, the other is still not ready for use.

The way that the trolley will work (in theory) is that it will come on stage before the park opens. During the day, the trolley will make trips between Hollywoodland and Buena Vista Street. The Trolley will not venture into Avengers Campus during park hours. 

Knott’s Security Issues

Disneyland’s theme park neighbor, Knott’s Berry Farm, had a terrible Saturday evening. More than 10 violent fights broke out in the park in the evening hours, forcing the park to close early and many guests to seek shelter. The park reopened on Sunday with extra security. We noticed additional security at Disneyland on Sunday as well. Whether that’s actually more staff or just more visible, we don’t know. But clearly wanting guests to feel secure after the Knott’s incident.  

This & That

We’re at 5,700 words already and I swear I’m almost done. There are just a few more stories from around the resort that you should know about. 

Downtown Disney Silletas Add Information

When we were walking through Downtown Disney this week, we saw something that pleasantly surprised us regarding the large floral displays: informational placards! Since the silletas were installed last month, we have been asking Disney to add some sort of informational signage— or at least a QR code— to display more information about each abstract floral display representing a diverse array of employee groups working at Disney. The new placards include both a QR code as well as a short description of what the installation represents. Context makes all the difference!

If you want to know more about any of the displays, just scan the QR code. 

Disneyland’s Silhouette Studio Returning

The silhouette studio on Main Street has been sitting empty since Disneyland’s reopening in April 2021. We’ve been hearing rumblings that the studio will be returning soon. We don’t have an exact opening date yet, but there are open positions for the shop and cast nearby are buzzing about the return. 

New Orleans Square Perfume Shop Update

Madamoiselle Antoinette’s Parfumerie in New Orleans Square currently offers a mix of niche and designer fragrances (Guerlain, Acqua di Parma, and Dior). It appears that the store will become a Guerlain-exclusive store, much like the boutique out at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT. The conversion could happen by the end of August. We hope the L’Art & La Matière collection makes its way out here…

Disneyland App to Add Parking Location Feature

If you’re like me and have trouble remembering where to park, there’s a feature coming to the Disney Parks apps— first to Walt Disney World this summer and then the Disneyland Resort later this year. In theory, the app will utilize location technology to find and save your parking details so no more goofy tricks to finding your car at the end of your Disney day. This is one app-based feature I won’t be complaining about (unless it doesn’t work). 

Oga’s Birthday in Galaxy’s Edge

You may not know it, but Oga Garra (the proprietor of Oga’s Cantina) is celebrating her birthday in Galaxy’s Edge starting today, July 18th through the 20th.

During this 3-day span, a few specialty items will be found at food vendors in the land. Here’s what you’ll find:

  • Oga’s Cantina
    • Blue Citrus Mule features citrus vodka, blue curaçao, pure cane syrup, mule mix, and club soda garnished with a lime wheel and candied ginger.
    • Mygeeto Roll has tuna poke, zhu cucumber, green onion, enoki, eel sauce, fried garlic, vermicelli, and sea bean rolled in rice paper and garnished with ponzu foam.
Mygeeto Roll
  • Ronto Roasters
    • non-alcoholic Pasaana Punch includes orange juice, white grape juice, red passion fruit, and hibiscus.
Blue Citrus Mule; Pasaana Punch
  • Docking Bay 7
    • Blue Milk Chia Pudding is made with a coconut milk and chia seed blend, fresh berries, pepitas, and shredded coconut.
  • Jat Kaa’s Collers (ODV carts in Galaxy’s Edge)
    • Peka Wheat Gear Puffs, crispy wheat puffs in a savory and spicy seasoning blend.
Blue Milk Chia Pudding; Peka Wheat Gear Puffs

Disneyland Photos

Let’s close out this lengthy update with some pretty pictures that will help soothe your mind after another looooooong Disneyland Update. Please enjoy!

We’ll start with a Pirates of the Caribbean featurette…

Most of the show elements in the attraction were working with the exception of the figures in the chase scene. One of the turn tables was VERY loud on our last visit. How was this not addressed during the months-long refurbishment the ride just went through?

Flying high… It may be a bit surprising, but Dumbo is not an actual opening day attraction! It opened about a month after Disneyland’s debut.

The Haunted Mansion exhibit in the opera house is due for a change. 

He did good…

The Arc Reactor is finally fixed. 

Rooftops and railings… compare the castle of today with 1955…


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Let’s Hear From You

And with that, we’ve come to the end of today’s Disneyland Update! What are your Disneyland anniversary memories? What do you think about the return and prompt failure of Red Car Trolley? Ready for the Subs to make a splash? Will you be making a trip to Galaxy’s Edge to celebrate Oga’s birthday? Anxious about Magic Key renewals? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Thank you to Nathan Villamor, Mike Kindrich, and David Yeh for their help assembling and providing photos for this week’s Disneyland Update!

And a little parting gift from our Disneyland Insiders, who produced this great video from Disneyland’s birthday celebration: 

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Dusty Sage
Dusty is the founder and CEO of MiceChat.com. When he's not visiting theme parks and writing, editing or speaking about Disney and theme parks worldwide, Dusty is involved in multiple Disney related projects and charities. He helped save and restore the charming Walt Disney Birthplace in Chicago, launched the Dick Van Dyke Foundation, and is the curator of Walt Disney's historic 1930's estate in Hollywood. If you've got news or photos to share with the MiceChat community, or would like to book Dusty for an upcoming event, please contact [email protected]