Spring is in the air! The Disneyland Resort is sporting vibrant springtime flowers, there’s an extra pep in our step, and the Spring Breakers have arrived in droves to enjoy some pre-Easter fun. To top that off, there have been some amazing accomplishments with projects wrapping up around the resort over the past couple of weeks. And with these projects finishing in time for Spring Break, attendance caps have been raised… which has made things feel extra crowded at times. 

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

 

We also have some news on something new about to break ground in Avengers Campus (as soon as TODAY), but it may not be the project you’ve been waiting for. Plus, the return of something we’ve been begging for that’s so simple but so important… PLACES TO SIT AND RELAX!

All this, plus construction updates, refurbishment schedules, ToonTown troubles, our thoughts on the pending Splash Mountain closure, and much, much more.  Let’s take a look around the resort and help you gain some realistic expectations if you plan on a visit in the very near future.

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

New Avengers Campus Construction Begins

Something new is coming to the Avengers HQ building… but it’s likely not what you were expecting. While a 3rd attraction is hopefully still on the way to this location, the construction walls you’ll see going up as soon as today (or VERY soon) is actually for a new store. 

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

The land opened with one small store and two merchandise carts.

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

To meet the shelf space needs, the nearby Hollywood Pictures Backlot had to give up its Studio Store and Stage 17 buildings as retail space for Avengers Campus. We don’t know if they will revert back to their normal operation or remain in Marvel mode after the new shop in Avenger’s Campus opens. 

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More
Studio Store with the Stage 17 Super Store behind it in Hollywood Land.

If and when Avenger’s Campus gets its 3rd attraction, it will need a gift shop, so let’s just consider this new shop a downpayment on more magic yet to come. 

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

Sit a Spell

While seating has been a challenge in the parks since late 2019, we have noticed that many more benches and tables have recently been placed around the parks. While the number of benches and tables isn’t at the same level as before Project Stardust removed gardens and planter seating to make way for heightened crowds anticipated for the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, this is definitely a step in the right direction.

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

We ran into some senior Disneyland executives at the opening of ToonTown and asked about the increase in benches we had noticed on our way to the reopened land. We were immediately told that it’s not just seating, but tables and shade being added as well. They are a bit slowed down by supply-chain issues at the moment and said we should keep our eyes open for lots more restful spots in the very near future. If that was our only big news this week, we’d have been happy. 

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

From Main Street and Small World, to Galaxy’s Edge and ToonTown, we are noticing a huge increase in places to sit. 

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More , Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

While we’d still like to see more seating added, enough new spots have materialized that we were actually able to find open benches even during this very busy spring break season!

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

Blooming Crowds

Overall, it’s been very busy in the parks. It’s Spring Break, after all, and that always means  more guests in the park. And with ToonTown recently reopened, there seems to have been an increase in the maximum capacity allowed in the park as well. 

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

As usual, we visited the parks several days this week (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday). The earlier parts of the mornings were very manageable on all of those days, with just the usual mix of tourists showing up at opening. Though, as the day wore on and got closer to parade and fireworks times, everything changes. Fireworks are offered nightly during the height of the spring break season. And that means that more guests stay later, and also many Magic Keyholders head to the park after work for the big spectaculars. There’s always an uptick in attendance on firework evenings (Wondrous Journeys is scheduled nightly through April 16).

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More
Mornings remain a great time to visit… if you can get yourself up early.

We did notice an interesting crowd pattern. For some reason, Thursday seemed to be the worst crowding, much more so than Friday or Saturday. At times, we found the conditions to be incredibly uncomfortable on Thursday, with excessive waits for nearly every attraction. We were expecting that weekends would feel most impacted, but that wasn’t the case. 

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

On Friday morning, I took a ride on the Omnibus down Main Street. It was a very enjoyable morning. 

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More , Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More , Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

I was even able to mobile order lunch at 11:15am and find a place to sit before the lunch rush kicked into high gear.

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

But it quickly got busier as the day went on. New Orleans Square is frequently the canary in the coal mine. Things get bad quickly in this location as guests queue for Pirates, Mansion, and attempt to access all the shopping and dining. 

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

Several areas of the park feel the crunch more than others. And at least some of that was caused by multiple big rides all being down at the same time. At about 10:30 on Friday morning, there were 5 major attractions down simultaneously. As you can expect, this impacted the rest of the park. 

When multiple major attractions go down at once, this puts added pressure on other attractions, making those waits even longer. It also puts more guests in the walkways, making navigating the parks very difficult at times. 

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

The other issue is Lightning Lane. The longer a Lightning Lane attraction is down, the more guests who paid for the service that must be accommodated once the ride comes back up. That means longer lines for Lightning Lane return and MUCH longer waits for those in Standby. So, if there are lots of rides down in the morning, as there were on Thursday, the whole rest of the day is impacted as those with early morning Lightning Lane appointments now have the rest of the day to redeem their spot. 

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More
A while after Rise of the Resistance came back online, we noticed that the Lightning Lane line stretched back past the merchandise stalls. This is a common occurrence, particularly for individual selection Lighting Lane attractions.

The main draw during Spring Break is definitely the fact that there are nightly showings of fireworks and Fantasmic (weather permitting, of course) through April 16th. So you can expect things to stay a bit nuts in the parks through at least the middle of April. 

And, because of those nighttime spectaculars, by 6 PM the crowds really start rolling in for the evening shows. 

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

So, is it worth visiting Disneyland during Spring Break? For many families unwilling to pull their kids out of school for a Disney visit, the choices of when to visit are limited and it may be Spring Break or nothing. So, if you’re willing and able to put up with the increased demand, visiting Disneyland during Spring Break may be your best bet and can still be a great experience. There are plenty of shows and spring colors to enjoy. But, you’ll need to set your expectation for crowds and waits appropriately. If you can get beyond hour+ waits for major attractions, then you can handle the season. Any holiday season when kids are out of school will be exceedingly busy, but Disneyland almost always increases the entertainment and special activities to compensate. At the moment, you can enjoy the Food and Wine Festival at Disney California Adventure, three nighttime spectaculars in the resort, a twice-daily parade at Disneyland, and extra characters out and about. For many, that’s all the more reason to attend. 

ToonTown Teething

Toontown has been a wild success that draws us into the whimsical home of Mickey and his friends; the land also highlights the ability of Imagineering and the park to reinvent itself in a way that feels like classic Disneyland but with modern enhancements. So, it is no surprise that it is very popular and, at times, extremely busy. It may be a lot more difficult to have a perfect picnic with so much lawn space not only taken up by other guests but also by strollers. 

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

Most new Disney experiences have a period of growing pains where both expected and unexpected issues arise. And that’s certainly true here. For all the wonder of this new/old area, there are also issues with crowds, strollers, wait times, wear and tear on some of the play equipment, water play areas that aren’t working yet, the uneven ground under the fake grass, and other issues. 

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

The biggest issue is too many people in a very small space. It isn’t always this packed, but it is enough that something needs to be done to make the experience more enjoyable for all? Cast members are constantly trying to keep up with the demand of finding extra space for strollers. Currently, the old Jolly Trolly maintenance barn is being used as overflow stroller storage. If you are unable to find your stroller, be sure to ask a cast member. Strollers often get moved to make room. 

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More , Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

At times, it’s so difficult to walk through this cul-de-sac of a land that you actially come to a standstill. When guests end up shoulder-to-shoulder, is it time to put a cap on the number of guests in the land at one time? Would making a virtual queue system for the land improve the guest experience (only when needed)?  

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More
Where’s Goofy? He’s pretty easy to find, even in this crowd!

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

The land becomes even more congested when the major attractions ( Runaway Railway or Roger Rabbit) go down for any length of time. Additionally, even the roughly 20-second Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Gadget Coaster can back up with a 45+ minute wait! Keeping some extra patience in your perfect picnic basket is definitely going to be a key to enjoying this popular area of Disneyland.

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

Kids are rough on things. But some of the specialized new play equipment in the land is already suffering wear and tear, most notably in CenTOONial Park. 

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

The paint is already peeling off the roots of Walt’s dreaming tree. 

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

It’s particularly bad in the spots a child might walk on. 

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More , Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More , Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

Even the thoughtful braille graffiti is wearing down (note the word “Play” carved into the root and the braille version above it). We’re not sure what can be done about this. The roots were made to be soft to minimize injuries, but that also makes them more fragile. 

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

And, nearby, one of many areas where the ground under the faux grass is so uneven that it poses a tripping hazard. Around the Dreaming Tree, benches and a barricade have been set up to prevent guests from walking over the area. But we found little spots similar to that on nearly all of the lawns. At some point, the grass in many areas will need to be lifted, the ground leveled, and the grass reaffixed. Hard to do in a land this busy. 

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

The water play areas are also having issues. The splash zone at Donald’s Boat has yet to be turned on that we are aware of. 

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

And you can smell the chlorine as you approach the adorable new fountain at the center of the land… which also continues to spill out far beyond its intended play area on windy days (as we’ve been having lately). 

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

We have faith that these and other issues will be addressed as operations has a chance to figure things out. But one thing that would make it all much more manageable would be to prevent the land from becoming gridlocked. And as unpopular as this is sure to be, some form of capacity limitation is clearly needed for this new experience. 

Disneyland Hotel DVC Rooms Ready to Book

The next major addition to the Disney Vacation Club collection is preparing to open on September 28 this year. While that’s still a ways off, rooms are available to book now — and you don’t even need to be a DVC member. In fact, at this time, only cash rentals are allowed… which has many DVC members upset. Disneyland appears to be using this time to make a hefty profit before beginning to sell Vacation Club points for the new tower. Here’s what you can expect to pay to stay in The Villas at the Disneyland Hotel. 

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

Most Fridays and Saturdays in October, November and December are the same price, with the exception of Nov 24 and 25 when prices are higher, and Dec. 22-23 and Dec 29-30 when prices are even higher than Thanksgiving weekend. Occasionally there are weekday rooms at a lower price. 

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More
Exterior and pool area view of the Villas at the Disneyland Hotel – concept art

Garden View villas are separate from the main tower and provide easy access to the pool and include a balcony or patio. These villas cost more than the preferred view.

Duo (sleeps 2)

    • Standard View
      • Occasional weekday $560
      • Typical $655
      • 11/19-25 $680
      • 12/17-31 $699
    • Preferred View
      • Occasional weekday $628
      • Typical $736
      • 11/19-25 $763
      • 12/17-31 $783
    • Garden View
      • Occasional weekday $684
      • Typical $805
      • 11/19-25 $838
      • 12/17-31 $860

Deluxe Studio (sleeps 4)

    • Standard View
      • Occasional weekday $748
      • Typical $873
      • 11/19-25 $908
      • 12/17-31 $932
    • Preferred View
      • Occasional weekday $852
      • Typical $995
      • 11/19-25 $1035
      • 12/17-12/31 $1064
    • Garden View
      • Occasional weekday $935
      • Typical $1092
      • 11/19-25 $1129
      • 12/17-31 $1165

1-bedroom (sleeps 5)

    • Preferred View
      • Occasional weekday $1406
      • Typical $1642
      • 11/19-25 $1708
      • 12/17-31 $1754

2-bedroom (sleeps 9)

    • Preferred View
      • Occasional weekday $2045
      • Typical $2388
      • 11/19-25 $2485
      • 12/17-31 $2552

3-bedroom (sleeps 12)

    • Preferred View
      • Occasional weekday $4688
      • Typical $5472
      • 11/19-25 $5694
      • 12/17-31 $5846

Now that you’ve seen the prices for the new DVC property, what is your interest in making a cash booking? Do you think that it’s fair to make DVC members pay with cash instead of points? Are you planning on purchasing points at The Villas once they become available? For more information about The Villas at the Disneyland Hotel, read the article below:

NEW VIEWS: Villas at the Disneyland Hotel Opening September 28, 2023

Hyperspace Mountain Returns

Ready to jump into hyperspace? The popular overlay of Space Mountain returns on May 1, just in time for Star Wars Day (May the 4th), and will continue through May (which Disney referred to as “Star Wars Month”).

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

This time around, Hyperspace Mountain will only run through June 4th. 

While the majority of our readers seem to enjoy Hyperspace Mountain, not everyone wants the Star Wars overlay to be implemented long-term (which is permanently in place at Disneyland Paris). As long as they are willing to keep the run of these overlays short, we’d like to see Ghost Galaxy return this Halloween as well. What about you? 

Disneyland Resort Construction and Refurbishments:

There are lots of projects in progress at the Disneyland Resort. Let’s take a look at what’s happening!

Adventureland Treehouse: (September 1, 2021-2023)

The former home of Tarzan is well on its way to becoming a treehouse that more resembles the old Swiss Family Robinson version of the attraction. It’s been under scaffolding for a long time and we are now seeing more visible progress. It isn’t every day that you get to look into a construction area, but thanks to some recent high winds, we have been getting that opportunity more often. 

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

We can clearly see the thatched roofing across the treehouse, along with some updated exterior details.

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More , Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

There’s still no opening date set for the Adventureland Treehouse, though it appears that things are moving along nicely. We wouldn’t be surprised to see this open towards the end of spring or early summer.

Disneyland Monorail

The Monorail was down for a brief refurbishment through Friday, but was back open for guests on Saturday. 

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

Tiana’s Palace & Mint Julep Bar: (February 17-TBA)

Scaffolding and scrims went up a couple of weeks ago to transform the French Market into Tiana’s Palace in advance of the upcoming retheme of Splash Mountain. With the scrims rolled up due to wind, it really shows off how high the scaffolding goes in order to build the new “smokestacks” of the building

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

There don’t appear to be any major changes that we can see just yet, but workers are active in the construction area. When finished, it should look similar to the concept art below.

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

San Fransokyo:

The San Fransokyo project is moving at a more rapid pace. Just a couple of weeks ago, the wharf was drained with concrete forms and scaffolding in place. Now, the bridge is back open, the lagoon filled, and the new themed bridge structure will soon be dropped into place.

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

The major components left to install are the bridge towers, new signage, simple Baymax meet and greet area, and moving of the beer truck. If all goes as planned, the project will open for early summer. 

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More , Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

The area the beer cart will move to is boarded up. 

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

Concept art lines the walls. 

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More , Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

You can see that the area won’t really change much after the overlay. The new signage and decorations are the main difference. 

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

Cocina Cucamonga remains, but some new signage will reframe the establishment as a cerveceria. 

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

The new Baymax meet and greet area will be constructed just behind where the beer cart currently resides. But it shouldn’t take too much work. There’s just a red awning, some new trees, and a switchback. 

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

Silly Symphony Swings: (February 27-TBA)

And just like that, POOF! The complete structure of the Silly Symphony Swings has disappeared! The attraction started the refurbishment on Feb. 27th and there is no return date confirmed for it yet. 

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More , Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

Here are future refurbishments that you can expect to begin soon:

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: (April 3rd-13th)

The wildest ride in the wilderness will have a quick 10 day refurbishment. next month, right in the height of the Spring Break season. 

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

Dumbo the Flying Elephant: (April 10th)

Also going down during Spring Break is Dumbo. 

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

Matterhorn Bobsleds: (April 17th-TBA)

Disneyland’s bobsled ride tends to have an extensive refurbishment every year. The 64-year-old rollercoaster is as popular today as it ever was, but requires regular refurbishment to repair and replace parts of both the ride structure and the mountain itself.

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

Over the last decade, the attraction has essentially been rebuilt one small section at a time… but there’s always more to do. While we love this attraction, it has become so bumpy that it’s almost too painful to ride.  

Splash Mountain/Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

There was a bit of a kerfuffle over the weekend in regard to the anticipated closure of Splash Mountain for its overhaul into a Princess and the Frog attraction. A local news organization incorrectly announced a date for the attraction’s permanent closure, but Disney quickly informed them that the info was wrong. Unfortunately, many theme park fan sites ran with the info and most, but not all of them, have made corrections to their articles. We didn’t run the story at all because we had no confirmation or indication that Splash had been given a closing date. 

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

However, we do think a closure could be approaching soon after Spring Break ends. Now that Indy has returned to operation, and once Big Thunder reopens from its refurbishment, Disneyland should have enough E-Ticket capacity to take Splash down. If the ride is to be completed for a 2024 opening, it will need to begin its transformation soon. The ride closed at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World in late January of this year. We’re hopefull that Disneyland will give guests enough advance warning that they can make those final trips to the briar patch. 

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More
A new scene and some of the brand-new characters coming to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. You see the Walt Disney World boat in this image, the Disneyland logs are not expected to change.

More about the conversion of Splash Mountain to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, including everything we know about the storyline revealed so far: 

NEW: Concept Art and Story for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disneyland & WDW

 

Downtown Disney Expansion:

Development has been slow in the zone that formerly contained the AMC cinema and various stores (Starbucks, the original Earl of Sandwich, and Sugarboo). The revitalized district will eventually accommodate new retail establishments and eateries. The completion of this undertaking is anticipated to be a lengthy process, with an estimated conclusion sometime in 2025… that’s a long time to look at the same stretch of construction walls. 

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

Several projects are happening in Downtown Disney and at the Disneyland Hotel. It appears that concrete is being ripped out and replaced all over the place. The paving project in front of Star Wars Trading Post has been going on for well over a month, but as with the other projects on the resort, rain is likely to have played a factor in the delays.

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

Jazz Kitchen:

Work continues on the de-theme of Jazz Kitchen. There’s no anticipated finish date for when this mall-style eatery will be completed.  

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

Home Store and Wonderground:

This project is starting to shape up, showing us what appears to be an expansion of the dining area upstairs for the upcoming Paseo restaurant taking over the Catal space. There have not been any changes to the facade of the rest of the building yet.

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

Disneyland Hotel:

At the Disneyland Hotel, more walkway projects are happening by the Fantasy Tower. Rebar appears to have been set up, so hopefully, these projects will be finished sooner than later. This particular stretch of pavement has been behind construction walls for over a month now.

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More , Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

There is also one next to Trader Sam’s. 

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

We hope it won’t be too much longer until the scaffolds on the front of the new Villas at the Disneyland Hotel tower are removed. That should really improve the look of the area. 

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

Paradise Pier Hotel:

The Paradise Pier Hotel’s transformation into Pixar Place continues. It’s taking months just to paint the front of that hotel. 

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

Structural changes and additions are also in progress all over the hotel. But somehow, they still get over $400/night for this hotel. 

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

Disneyland Resort Project Tracker

There’s a lot more going on folks. Our own Andy Castro has assembled (and frequently updates) an article detailing all of the major projects and construction around the Disneyland Resort. Bookmark this page!

UPDATED! Disneyland Resort Project & Rumor Tracker

This and That:

Wait! That’s not all… as always, there are a variety of smaller stories that we still need to share…

Space Mountain Single Rider Returns

The single-rider queue for Space Mountain has returned! Many people who visit the parks on a solo trip take advantage of this option as it certainly saves time from waiting in the stand-by queue with other families.

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

Toontown Magic Key Art:

Disneyland is offering a cute print to Magic Key Holders celebrating the opening of ToonTown. The art features Toontown with Mickey and the gang enjoying a perfect picnic in CenTOONial Park. 

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

The placement of the giveaway is oddly situated on the Big Thunder Mountain Trail, just behind the Thunder Mountain Railroad attraction. That’s quite a distance from the new land. 

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

 , Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

Disney100 Guided Tour at Disneyland:

Disney history fans, this one is for you! A new guided tour will start on April 7th that will take guests to various locations of importance around the resort (namely Buena Vista Street, Animation Academy, Main Street Opera House, Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, and Sleeping Beauty Castle) This is a 2-hour tour that will take you into both Disneyland and California Adventure while highlighting  the century-long history of The Walt Disney Company.

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

The tour includes a complimentary digital download of a PhotoPass shot in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle, a special Disney100 Celebration treat, reserved viewing for Magic Happens Parade, and a specially designed Disney100 commemorative pin. The cost for “Celebrating Disney100 at the Disneyland Resort Guided Tour” is $110 for guests ages 3 and up. 

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

Disneyland Guided Tours – What You Need To Know

 

Chocolate Easter Egg Scramble:

The Chocolate Easter Egg saga continues. After a few unnecessarily difficult guest experiences (shouting, some line pushing, unruly guests), Disneyland is now offering interested purchasers a ticket at park opening with a return time to pay for their egg. We’re not sure why Disney didn’t do something similar to the Candy Cane virtual queue. Chocolate Easter Eggs are sold Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. If you want one, you’ll have to get to the park early and grab a ticket (subject to change with little or no notice since this is all an unofficial process that Disney doesn’t communicate to guests in advance)! Note that on most occasions, there may be a few leftover eggs available for walkup if you’re particularly lucky (they recently distributed them around 4pm, but an unofficial line forms before that). 

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

A Walk with Dusty

Every Friday at 5pm PST, Dusty Sage hosts a live walkthrough of Disneyland (or another theme park) to catch up on the latest news and show people at home a glimpse at what Disneyland looks like. If you missed this week’s walkthrough, no worries! You can find these live videos on both our Facebook and YouTube pages! This week, our viewers got an extra-long video since we didn’t have a “live” video last week since Dusty was in the air on the way home from the press event for Walt Disney World’s Tron coaster and #AllTheDisneyThrills. Take a look at the video below, and join us for our next video this Friday at 5pm!

Photos from Around the Park:

This week we had a lot of rain. But, when the clouds cleared, it made for some beautiful evenings. Here are some of our photos from around the parks, including some photos using my favorite techniques in nighttime photography. I hope you enjoy!

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More , Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More , Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More , Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More , Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More , Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More , Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More , Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

When you shoot a “long exposure”, you know people are going to walk through your shot. It’s always cool when it’s people who have light-up toys. It creates a painting with light. The blue and red ghost looking light that you see in the foreground is from a man and his son walking through with lightsabers.

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

I love the vintage feel of Buena Vista Street. 5 & Dime are always a hit and draw in crowds when they perform.

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

Speaking of performers, if you’re at the Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival, be sure to check out Phat Cat Swinger! They perform melodies from various Disney movies as well as swing band era tunes. These cats are a can’t-miss, especially if you enjoy Big Band music.

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

If you tuned into Dusty’s Live walkthrough of Disneyland on Friday at 5, you might have seen that we ended in the Frontier tower of the Disneyland Hotel. There’s a very special display. The recreation of the original Big Thunder Mountain concept model sits in the lobby of this tower. The detail is beautiful and if you ever get the chance you should check it out! 

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More , Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More , Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

Check out this clip of the model!

While the grass may be fake, those gorgeous flowers certainly aren’t! 

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More , Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More  , Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More


Discount Disney Theme Park Tickets & Hotels!!!

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More
The Disney100 celebration is coming up. Time to start planning!

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Check out the latest offers for Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and Knott’s Berry Farm:

If you live in Southern California, there’s a very special ticket offer for you that runs from January 9th through May 25th: 

(MiceChat works with Get Away Today to provide you with the best theme park travel deals and we may make a small commission on any sales made through our links)


Let’s Hear From You

“Now’s the time to say goodbye…” We really hope you enjoyed this week’s Disneyland Resort update. Let us know your thoughts on the crowds and wait times. What do you think about Avengers Campus getting a new shop? Does ToonTown need to implement a virtual queue or other crowd control measure? Have you been able to obtain one of the highly sought-after chocolate eggs? Let’s hear from you in the comments below!

, Disneyland Update: Avengers Campus Construction, Splash Dash, Re-Tooned & More

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Mike Kindrich
Mike is a Southern California Native and a professional photographer who loves everything Disney and combining two of his favorite past times to share with the world. He is often found in the Disney parks with his family enjoying time together and finding new perspectives to photograph while looking out for new things to report on in the parks.