It’s Disneyland Update time! This week, we’ve got a frightfully fun lineup from the Haunted Mansion’s early holiday makeover to Marvelous surprises in Avengers Campus. And that’s just the beginning! Whether you’re braving the spooky new additions or excited to see Deadpool and Wolverine in action, we’ve got all the insider details on what’s happening at The Happiest Place on Earth. So buckle up, because you won’t want to miss a moment of this adventure!
Haunted Mansion Reopens Today
Disneyland surprised many fans this week by announcing an earlier-than-anticipated opening date for Haunted Mansion. Haunted Mansion Holiday reopens with new elements today, Monday, July 29, 2024. But those who read MiceChat regularly have been hoping for this for quite some time, as we’ve been speculating about a July debut for months.
The ghostly hearse is now in a different location inside the queue. In its former home in front of the stairs, you’ll now find three Lightning Lane posts.
This year’s gingerbread house features Halloween Town’s Dr. Finkelstein’s latest mad experiment: a gingerbread man monster. The sugary test subject is in the process of being electrified to life, courtesy of the glowing lightning rods at the top of the device.
Although the interior of the Mansion is ready for guests, there is still a lot of construction surrounding the exterior of the attraction. An expanded queue is still well under construction and an exit gift shop will keep the exit area a navigational mess for months to come.
As a result of the high demand for Haunted Mansion Holiday and limited queue space, the ride will require guests to schedule a Virtual Queue spot for the foreseeable future.
To secure a spot, open the Virtual Queue page in the Disneyland App at 7 am on the day of your visit (you don’t need to be in the park) and if you miss out, you can try again at noon (but you do need to be in the parks for the noon opportunity).
In addition to the new exterior components coming soon in the form of an expanded queue, theming, and exit shop, there are a few new surprises inside as well. History buffs might recall this Marc Davis concept art from back in the day. While the cage is currently under a tarp and not visible to guests, it could soon be revealed to guests. Eagle eyes will remember seeing this prop for one day last year before it mysteriously disappeared. Let’s hope it sticks around longer this time and that it will make an appearance sometime this season.
The new blacklights make the colors of the props, like these Jack-in-the-boxes that were just added to the attic, really pop.
Another change you’ll notice is the hitchhiking ghosts, which are now projections, albeit not like the cartoons at Walt Disney World’s attraction. For the current Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay, they are replaced by projections of presents. Take a look at our video below ⬇️
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That’s not all! Haunted Mansion is set to receive a new bride as well, but she’s apparently not quite ready for her big day just yet. Fans will have to wait until January to see the ghastly gal’s new look.
Watch Dusty take a ride through Haunted Mansion Holiday on the first day of its reopening:
But, what do you think about a holiday attraction in July? Is it too much too soon? Or are you just happy to have your Mansion back? For more details on Haunted Mansion’s reopening, including how to secure a reservation to ride, concept art for the new queue and gift shop, visit our dedicated article:
UPDATED! Haunted Mansion Reopens With Surprises & Virtual Queue
Deadpool and Wolverine Make Waves at DCA
Marvel Studios’ “Deadpool & Wolverine” starring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman premiered on Friday, July 26, 2024, and to promote the film, Disneyland is offering a new character experience. Fans can catch Deadpool and Wolverine at Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure, for a limited time.
Although Deadpool was announced first, we wondered if Wolverine might make an appearance. His arrival was announced on the day of their debut.
Marvel fans were certainly on board for the Deadpool storytime offering. Take a look at these crowds (it was like this for every showing all weekend long).
In addition to story time, Deadpool makes appearances in the Guardians of the Galaxy Dance Off, and he (and often Wolverine) are seen wandering around Avengers Campus, sometimes with a rainbow unicorn.
The new Deadpool & Wolverine film had an EPIC weekend with a box office of $205 million. That’s a record for an R-rated film… Which is why some folks are less than thrilled to see these raunchy on-screen characters in the park, even though their theme park show was cleaned up for audiences of all ages. What do you think, yay or nay?
Here’s a few clips from the show that our staff member, Suzanne Lee, was able to capture from her tippy toes in the massive crowd…
A big movie calls for big movie tie-ins and you’ll find merchandise, food & beverage added to Avengers Campus. There’s a Deadpool Chimichanga at PYM Test Kitchen and a Chimichanga Chaser (flavored Coke) to wash it down with.
The merchandise is in the exit gift shop to the Guardians of the Galaxy ride.
You can read more about Deadpool and Wolverine’s Disneyland arrival in our article:
Lightning Lane Puts Genie+ Back in the Bottle
As of July 24, Genie+ has become Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass. Although at Disney World the name change also comes with some big process changes, like booking rides days in advance, at Disneyland this is simply a name change. So, don’t let the new names confuse you.
For a refresh on Lightning Lanes and how to navigate them, check out our recent article:
D23 Day at Disneyland – August 8th
D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event (formerly the D23 Expo) hits Anaheim August 9-11 promising to be “more expansive and more immersive” than ever. One of the ways Disney will make good on this promise comes in the form of a first-of-its-kind Disneyland takeover on August 8. A plethora of offerings that day include Mickey Mouse ear hats upon park entry…
a cavalcade at Disneyland, special character appearances…
a “Tarzan” merchandise collection, collectible medallions, and more.
Different aspects of the event can be enjoyed at both parks, with special offers in Downtown Disney as well.
For all things D23, check out our comprehensive guide.
Disneyland 70th Anniversary Easter Egg?
As part of D23 Day, Disney casually released this image of four collectible medallions available at the Disneyland Resort from August 8-11. Notice anything interesting about them? Could the third medallion possibly be Disneyland’s 70th anniversary logo? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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And if you’ll be in attendance for D23, don’t forget to stop by MiceChat’s booth, where special guests will be waiting (meet Chris Crump, Matt McKim, Michael Leon Wooley, David Koenig, Garner Holt, Foxx Nolte, Dusty Sage and more surprise guests)!
Strike Update
Last week, it sure did look like a worker walkout was possible. They voted 99% to authorize just such an action if they didn’t get the wage increases and workplace improvements they were looking for. Well, in the early morning hours on Wednesday, Disney and the unions reached an agreement that put a pause on any potential labor unrest… All that remains is for the cast to vote on their new contract today (Monday, July 29th). If the cast approve the contract on the first vote, their new wages will be paid retroactive to when their contract expired in June. If they don’t approve it, we’ll have to see what the next steps are. But the unions recommend a “Yes” vote and we believe that is very likely to pass at this point.
Please take a look at our full article for more details about the contract:
Disneyland Strike Averted – Cast Members Approve New Contract
The Wait Pattern
We’ve spent a lot of time talking about wait times this summer. But there’s a clear pattern you should take note of. High cost ticket days (mostly weekends) are relatively uncrowded (especially by summer vacation standards) and less expensive week days can be VERY crowded.
Our staff were in the parks all week last week. While the crowds were very heavy Monday through Thursday.
Friday through Sunday were not nearly as bad. Pirates boasted a comfortable 20-minute wait on Friday, which was much more like 10 minutes in reality.
Alice and Peter Pan were notably short, with under 30-minute wait times.
Fans could board Rise and Space in under an hour.
This pattern is likely to become more pronounced in mid August through September when some of the least expensive days of the year start to pop up. But weekends remain at highest prices most weekends through the end of the year. Look for those $104-$134 days below, they may be the most affordable, but are also the most crowded… The least crowded days are the highest cost $184-$194 days.
Construction Chaos
It’s a world of construction at the Disneyland Resort. From Downtown Disney to Disneyland’s West Side, and numerous refurbishments in between. We’ve already taken a look at the Haunted Mansion, but just steps away is the massive project to transform Splash Mountain into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and redo Critter Country.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Tiana’s new ride is racing toward a potential early fall opening (no official date has been announced, but the ride is much closer to being done than most folks realize).
We spotted a construction worker at the top of the drop on our visit, but with the whole of Critter Country now closed off, it’s challenging to get a good view.
Critter Country
The Briar Patch shop is transitioning into “The Princess and the Frog”-themed Ray’s Berets in honor of the film’s firefly.
Work has begun on the living roof – an iconic feature that, we’re happy to say, will remain part of the new design… even if it might not appear that way with half of it now scraped clean
As recently reported, Hungry Bear Restaurant is undergoing a Country Bears retheme, complete with a new name, “Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree!” The dining location is currently covered with scrims.
Barbecue sounds like a great compliment to the area and we love the homage to the Country Bears… but we sure would like to see them return in a show of their own somewhere in the resort… A small theater in Grizzly Peak perhaps? What say you?
Golden Vine House Debut
Disney California Adventure welcomed the opening of Golden Vine House on July 24, to current DVC members. The location is a sales center for Disney Vacation Club. You’ll see that it keeps the bones of the Blue Sky Cellar, but adds new details.
A highlight of the space is a digital door that opens to show you all the places you can go with a DVC membership.
Inside, there are models of club properties such as Aulani, on the island of O’ahu.
And the new DVC tower at the Disneyland Hotel.
Be sure to check out the punny writing on the wine barrels throughout the building.
Redwood Creek Reopened & Halloween Prep
The Redwood Creek Challenge Trail is reopened after a long refurbishment. And while not much was changed, it all looks like new.
One thing of particular note is the completely refurbished Kenai’s Spirit Cave. Explore the caves and find the spot where your spirit animal is revealed. You might be a bear… or a wolf… or perhaps even a skunk.
Place your hand on the glowing stone wall…
… and your spirit animal is summoned.
Here’s a video of MiceChat staffer Suzanne learning she’s a wolf…
We also see the first signs of Halloween. The Queen of Heart’s roses have been affixed to a back wall of the Challenge Trail in preparation for Villains Grove at Oogie Boogie Bash.
Downtown Disney
There’s finally some progress at the old Tortilla Jo’s. The sign has been removed, workers have been spotted in the building, and the large tiled fountain in the courtyard has been jackhammered into oblivion.
Last Monday the fountain looked like this:
Now it’s just rubble…
Disneyland Refurbishment Calendar
There was a last minute addition to the refurb calendar. Pirates of the Caribbean will close today for a quick 4 day refresh.
Currently Under Refurbishment
- Splash Mountain – Conversion to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure: (May 31st, 2023-Late 2024)
- The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln (April 16th-TBA)
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: (May 1st-TBA)
- The Briar Patch – Remodel to Ray’s Berets: (May 1st-TBA)
- Pooh Corner – Remodel to add Critter Club: (May 1st-TBA)
- Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes: (July 8th-TBA)
- Hungry Bear Restaurant – Remodel to Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree: (July 8th-TBA)
- Critter Country Fruit Cart: (July 8th-TBA)
- Pirates of the Caribbean: (July 29th – August 1st)
Upcoming Refurbishments
- Disneyland Railroad: (August 5th-TBA)
- Space Mountain: (August 5th-TBA)
- Turtle Talk with Crush: (August 5th-15th)
- Anna & Elsa’s Royal Welcome: (August 5th-15th)
- Animation Academy: (August 5th-29th)
- Disneyland Monorail: (August 12th-TBA)
- Indiana Jones Adventure: (September 9th – TBA)
This & That
Disneyland LIVE@5
Did you know that MiceChat broadcasts live from Disneyland every Friday? You never know quite what to expect in our magical one-hour presentation. From special guests, to ride POV’s it’s always a fun time, and you’re invited! You can watch us on YouTube or Facebook, and enjoy interacting with other MiceChatters in the comments (be sure to subscribe in advance so you get a notification when we go live). Last week, Julie Tremaine from SF Gate joined us in our tour through the parks, along with some fans from Canada, and several MiceChat crew members. There was even a quick look at the new Deadpool show and a tour of Sleeping Beauty Castle walkthrough!
$69 Resident Ticket
This year, as part of Disneyland’s 69th anniversary, a new, $69 1-day, 1-park ticket offer was announced for Anaheim residents within the zip codes of 92801 through 92809, 92812, 92814 through 92817, 92825, 92850, and 92899. The ticket allows Disneyland guests to visit on any one day from August 5th, 2024 through September 26, 2024. Just make sure you get a park reservation.
So Long Pixar Fest
Pixar Fest is coming to a close on August 4. This is your last call to see the Better Together parade, Pixar Pals Playtime Party in Fantasyland, and try the foods in the festival marketplace booths at DCA. The Together Forever fireworks will continue to run until Halloween launches on August 23rd. Unfortunately the growing entertainment lull at the Disneyland Resort will only get worse when Pixar Fest ends. Nearly every stage in the resort will be empty or hosting minor entertainment.
If you’re interested in seeing some of Pixar Fest’s offerings, like the Better Together parade, plan accordingly, because after the weekend, it’ll be gone.
Unfortunately, some of Pixar Fest’s elements, the food booths didn’t prove to be as popular as Disney would like.
While the idea of Pixar Fest was promising, the execution was somewhat lacking overall.
And Club Pixar at DCA was a ghost town, mostly due to the entertainment being cut early in the celebration.
“Inside Out 2” Poster for Magic Key Holders
“Inside Out 2” has become a huge hit, surpassing “Frozen 2 ” as the highest-grossing animated film ever. To celebrate, Disneyland is offering Magic Key holders a poster depicting a scene from the movie. Available at two Disneyland DVC locations, guests could pick it up starting July 25 at the newly opened Golden Vine House, or beginning July 26 at The Villas at Disneyland Hotel (while supplies last).
Fully Charged – FuelRod Upgrades
FuelRod has upgraded to new devices with more capacity and USB-C connections. Best of all, the upgrade process from your old device to the new one is free. That is if you can find a working FuelRod machine. On Friday and Saturday, our staff were looking for a machine to do the exchanges but only found one working machine between the two parks.
The updated Fuelrods now have a USB-C port, a power button, and LED status lights.
We noticed many people calling the customer service number after dropping a dead charger in and not receiving a new one. Many of the machines were empty.
If you do find a working machine, the whole process is quick and easy:
Grizzly River Run Gushes Again
We’re happy to report that the geysers are up and running again at Grizzly River Run. It’s the little things! But, in all truth, the gushing water really does add to the feel of the ride, don’t you think?
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New Nosh & Novelties
Usually, it’s Walt Disney World that gets an abundance of eats and treats, but several new items have recently landed at Disneyland as well. How do they look to you?
- Golden Sausage Bun with ground pork and vegetables served with chili-soy dipping sauce available at Port of San Fransokyo Cervecería
- Golden Bao Bun with ground pork & vegetables served with sweet mayo, furikake, and green onions available at Lucky Fortune Cookery
- Princess Tiana Sipper available starting August 1 at various locations throughout the Disneyland Resort (Is this Disney’s way of making up for the fact that Princess Tiana never appears in her princess gown in the upcoming ride?)
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- Mango-flavored slush with chamoy and diced mango served with chile-lime seasoning available at Tomorrowland Lemonade
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- Cheeseburger Flatbread with pickle aioli sauce, ground beef, grilled onions, and cheddar cheese topped with demiglace and pickle-arugula salad available at Red Rose Taverne
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- Piranha Mug available at Trader Sam’s
- Upriver Smiles: Lyre’s Spiced Cane Non-Alcoholic Spirit with Orange, lime, and pineapple juices with flavors of blood orange and hibiscus (Non-alcoholic)
- Cautious Waters: Bacardí Superior Rum, Cruzan Mango Rum, and Bacardí Dragonberry Rum with lime juice and flavors of Minute Maid Passion Fruit-Orange-Pineapple Juice and hibiscus
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Stay Cool This Summer at Disneyland
National Ice Cream Day was July 21, and with the hot and humid weather guests have been experiencing at Disneyland this past week, a refreshing treat is just what the Dusty ordered. To help hit the spot, we’ve compiled a complete Disneyland ice cream guide for your convenience. Enjoy!
Disneyland Resort Ice Cream Guide: We All Scream For Ice Cream!
Summer isn’t over yet! Here are some of our tips and tricks to help you stay cool in the parks for the remainder of the season.
Stay Cool: Top Family-Friendly Summer Activities at Disneyland
MiceShots
If you’re currently unable to visit Disneyland, these magical shots will transport you back to the parks. Enjoy this journey through The Happiest Place on Earth, brought to you by our fantastic photographer, Mike Kindrich!
Beep beep! Make way for Disneyland royalty…
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Let’s Hear From You!
We’d like to know. What are your thoughts on Haunted Mansion Holiday reopening in July, and how do the new additions sound to you? (Stay tuned this morning because we’ll bring you live coverage from the park once the attraction opens.) Will you be in attendance for the first-ever D23 Day? Would you like to see Ghost Galaxy return to Space Mountain for Halloween Time? Where do you stand on R-rated characters like Deadpool and Wolverine in the parks? Let us know in the comments below!
Today’s Disneyland Update was brought to you by Dusty Sage, Mike Kindrich & Christy Weinberg
