Things are stirring at Disneyland as Halloween Time prepares for an earlier-than-ever August 23rd debut. A beloved ride is back in action, unexpected new offerings are popping up, and the departure of one party makes way for the arrival of another. Meanwhile, this is just the calm before the D23 storm rolls in on Thursday, hitting the resort with special offerings before heading to the Anaheim Convention Center from Friday to Sunday for a weekend of Disney history, reveals, and promotion. Don’t forget to visit your MiceChat pals at Booth #219 in the D23 Emporium, and follow our social media all week for breaking news and honest thoughts. All this, plus a slew of haunted photos, in today’s Disneyland update. Let’s see what materializes…
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Dead-er Together
Pixar Fest officially came to a close on Sunday, August 4, 2024. With its departure, Disney California Adventure will be left without the Better Together parade… or any parade.
The Hollywood Pictures Backlot and the Fantasyland Theater will be without entertainment.
The festival marketplace booths have been shuttered at DCA.
And a number of character meet and greets have closed up shop.
And without replacements for most of this entertainment, Disneyland has an unfortunate entertainment shortfall for the foreseeable future.
One bit of Pixar Fest will continue on for a couple more weeks. The Together Forever Fireworks is scheduled through August 22nd, with Halloween Screams starting the next night.
Sadly, another beloved bit of entertainment also ends on August 22nd. Magic Happens will depart Main Street before the Halloween Season… with nothing to replace it until A Christmas Fantasy Parade returns in November.
With Pixar Fest now wrapped up, it’s time for Disney to shift focus to the next season…
Spooky Surprises and Ghoulish Delights
The Halloween season (and by extension a creepy version of Christmas) has arrived at the Disneyland Resort weeks earlier than advertised. Haunted Mansion Holiday has reopened, spooky season merchandise is in the stores, and a variety of fall offerings are now available to book.
It’s Christmas Time….
Haunted Mansion Holiday made crowds scream with delight when it reopened on Monday, July 29th. Due to major construction surrounding the popular attraction, there have been a few changes both outside and in. If you followed our Instagram and Facebook stories, you got to experience the spooky fun with us on opening day! For those who missed it, check out our full POV video on YouTube.
Although Haunted Mansion Holiday has returned every year since 2001 with only minor changes, there were some notable additions this year.
One of the first things you’ll notice is the relocation of the hearse in the queue, now positioned on your right as you enter.
Where the hearse used to be, new Lightning Lane touchpoints have been added, though they’re currently unused since the ride requires a Virtual Queue (more on that shortly). By moving the Lightning Lane entry into the queue, Disneyland aims to reduce the crowd confusion that often clogs the walkway in front of the attraction.
The pet cemetery has been retained almost exactly as you remember it. But the huge switchback queue behind it is blocked off and under heavy construction.
A new Dr. Finkelstein-inspired Gingerbread House with lights and rotating cookies now adorns the Ballroom scene. It’s a whimsical effort but a bit hard to see all the details as you go by due to the lighting and railings…
What you can’t quite make out as you wiz by from the front is that there’s a monster on the slab that makes up the roof to the right. The giant rotating cookies have faces on them which position over the head of the monster, changing his expression. But it’s next to impossible to see that from your doombuggy.
Thankfully, Resort President Ken Potrock shared some construction photos taken a few days before opening which show off the scene from just the right angle.
We’re thrilled to report that a tribute to Marc Davis has been added just before the seance room, near the breathing doors. Unfortunately, it’s a bit tricky to spot in the dim lighting. We’ve lightened the photos significantly so you can see the tribute to “Grandpa Marc.”
Perhaps they can find a way to keep this in the Mansion year-round.
It’s always heartwarming when the Imagineers honor their predecessors.
Speaking of tributes. Rolly Crump’s Candle Man appears again this year on the top of the piano in the attic. Rolly famously created the concept for a Museum of the Weird that never made if off the drawing board.
At the end of the Attic scene, you’ll spot some new figures. New blacklights really make these pumpkin and skeleton jack-in-the-box figures stand out… This is also the spot where the Bride was located. We hear that Imagineers are working on a new and improved version of that figure which we could see as soon as January.
There’s also a little surprise at the end of the ride… but very few guests will realize it’s new. The ghosts who follow you home (as presents during Haunted Mansion Holiday) are no longer physical props seen behind the mirrors, but are now projections. But they sure do look just like you remember.
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So, you want to ride Haunted Mansion Holiday…
There’s one big thing you need to keep in mind if you want to ride the Haunted Mansion… due to much of the queue being under construction, all guests must obtain a Virtual Queue spot via the Disneyland App at either 7am or noon (when inventory availability is updated). But don’t worry, it’s easy to do and doesn’t require you to have laser fast fingers.
To give you an idea of how the Virtual Queue works, we joined at 7:15 a.m. on July 30th (15 minutes after availability opened up) and still got boarding group 115, which was estimated to be called at 10:57 am. You do not need to be in the park for the 7am opportunity, but you DO need a valid park reservation. However, if you wait until the noon virtual queue opportunity, you will need to have already scanned your park ticket at the front gate.
Some Ghostly (or ghastly) Thoughts…
Overall, the Mansion looks great considering all the construction going on in the queue and for the exit gift shop coming soon. However, sharp eyes will notice lots of little things missing this year (some exterior decorations, some interior decorations, a few missing special effects like snowfall in the graveyard scene), but we’re glad that major ride capacity has returned to the West side of the park.
Haunted Mansion’s 55th Anniversary is August 9, 2024. And while it’s great the attraction will be open, it’s also sad that it will be in holiday mode. Don’t get me wrong, I love Haunted Mansion Holiday… but I’d really like Disney to leave the Mansion in regular mode from its birthday through the entire Halloween season. Perhaps even making it scarier for Halloween Time. And then launching Holiday mode in early November with the rest of the Christmas activities in the park. Hearing Jack cry out “It’s Christmas…” in the middle of summer is just a bit too much.
What do you think about the timing of Haunted Mansion Holiday?
Visit our recent article for all things Haunted Mansion:
UPDATED! Haunted Mansion Reopens With Surprises & Virtual Queue
Halloween Happenings
Yes, it’s early August, but Halloween is creeping up quickly! 🎃 Disney isn’t waiting around—stores are already filled with spooky merchandise, and the Oogie Boogie Bash is set to cast its spell on us starting August 23rd. Meanwhile, in Orlando, the Halloween festivities kick off this Friday, the 9th! Wow, trick or treat indeed!
Oogie Boogie Bash This Month
The crown jewel of the Halloween season is Disney California Adventure’s after hours party. The completely sold out Oogie Boogie Bash has been expanded to more nights this year and will launch on August 23. Recently, fans got a sneak peek at event-exclusive merchandise. What do you think of this year’s vibrant designs?
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There are also some hints about a couple of new Disney Villains coming to Oogie Boogie Bash. This teaser video holds some clues. The comments section went wild with guesses, but most seem to think that it’s Hades from “Hercules” and Dr. Heinz Doofenshmirtz from “Phineas and Ferb.” What do you think?
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Visit our guide for more Oogie Boogie Bash for everything you need to know about this year’s event:
Fall Character Breakfast/Brunch Storytellers
In the fall theme, reservations are now open for a new dining experience called Mickey’s Autumn Adventures at Storyteller’s Cafe in Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Starting September 3rd guests can get in the mood for the season by dining amongst seasonal decor and characters dressed in new attire for breakfast or brunch. Reservations for Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates Halloween are not yet open but are also coming soon at the Disneyland Hotel.
Disney’s Happiest Haunts Guided Tour
And there’s a special Halloween tour returning to Disneyland’s this year as well. The Happiest Haunts tour offers the following:
- A 2-hour walking tour across Disneyland Park
- A history of Halloween and Halloween tales specific to Disney experiences
- Lightning Lane entry to a select attraction
- Access to the reserved viewing area for Halloween Screams, a nighttime spectacular
- Photo op with the Hitchhiking Ghosts from the Haunted Mansion
- Collectible keepsakes—Disney’s Happiest Haunts Guided Tour Pin and Trading Cards
The tour is $120 per person and requires valid park admission and a park reservation. Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance.
Halloween Merchandise
And, the stores in the parks and Downtown Disney are filled with Halloween spirit jerseys, Loungefly bags, ear headbands, decor… and the ever-popular giant Mickey pumpkins.
The popular Giant Mickey pumpkins which sold out instantly for the last few years have been joined by Minnie pumpkins, small pumpkins, and even Stitch pumpkins this year… resulting in a much wider availability of product in the stores.
There are quite a few Stitch related items this year. We like this candy bowl:
The Sanderson Sisters have newly designed merchandise this year.
And there are several fun product lines with designs from creepy to kooky.
You can catch all the collections and info from our Merchandise mave, Natalie Kipper, in our MiceMerch guide to Halloween below:
UPDATED! Disneyland Halloween 2024 Merchandise Puts a Spell… On Our Wallets!
All this and Halloween season hasn’t even started yet!
D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event / D23 Day
It’s finally here! D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event (formerly the much more simply named D23 Expo) is arriving this weekend, August 9-11, 2024, with the first-ever D23 Day at Disneyland kicking things off on August 8th.
At this year’s showcase, we’re hoping to hear updates about Tomorrowland, the Avatar experience, and the Avengers attraction at Disneyland… as well as more information about DisneylandForward and what’s on the horizon.
We can also expect to hear about new shops opening on Disneyland’s west side adjacent to the park stage and across from Din Tai Fung. We’re awaiting news on a bath and beauty store as well as a Loungefly/Funko store among other announcements.
But keep your ears open. They might hint at some questionable plans for Tomorrowland. They’ve been kicking around the idea of turning the old PeopleMover platform into a DVC Lounge. Nothing could be more shortsighted. Imagineering has great plans out there for the return of a PeopleMover-like attraction… but a competing plan to build a lounge on the loading platform would kill the PeopleMover once and for all. The problem with a new Tomorrowland is money… the bulk of the new project money for the US parks in the next 10 years is headed to Walt Disney World. Disneyland’s future is shaping up to be less ambitious in the next decade (some big things, but not the epic vision that Disneyland needs).
If you’re attending the Expo, don’t forget to stop by MiceChat’s booth (219) to say hi and meet some of our very special guests (Imagineers, celebrities, historians, authors, and magic makers).
And even if you won’t be at the Expo, you’ll be able to find all of our D23 coverage in one simple spot:
Construction
We have a quick construction update for you today. We’ll start on the Resort’s far West side.
A new security gate is under construction for Disneyland Hotel guests. Vertical posts have gone up for the shade structure and patches of concrete have been laid.
Just steps away is the Parkside Market project. Restaurants & shops are on the way.
And Earl of Sandwich grew a bit this week… While the current facility (the former LA Brea Bakery) is still in operation… the food truck installed as a temporary location is now open as well. Earl will eventually depart the building next to Disneyland’s Esplanade to make way for a new Portos, which is now back on track.
The temporary food trailer is now up and running with a limited menu.
A small amount of seating is available next to the truck.
The destruction of the fountain between the closed Tortilla Jo’s and Splitsville has created a traffic situation for the Alley.
Signs on the construction fence direct guests around the project to the seating area.
And at the entry gates to Disneyland, pavers are being leveled and full grown trees removed… because the thing we need in the middle of a hotter than normal summer is less shade! 🤷🏽♂️
Disneyland Construction & Refurbishments
There are a lot of refurbishments kicking off today. Space Mountain, Disneyland Railroad, Turtle Talk with Crush and the rest of the Animation Building. Then, Dumbo closes tomorrow and the Monorail next week. Add to that the attractions already closed, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, Winnie the Pooh and the Canoes… and all the entertainment that ended on the 4th… That’s a lot of attractions & entertainment down at the same time.
It sure does feel like Disneyland should have ramped UP the entertainment to help make up for all the closed attractions. Instead the’ve done the opposite.
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)
- Davey 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)
- Disneyland Railroad: (August 5th-TBA)
- Space Mountain: (August 5th-September 5th)
- Turtle Talk with Crush: (August 5th-15th)
- Anna & Elsa’s Royal Welcome: (August 5th-15th)
- Animation Academy: (August 5th-29th)
Upcoming Refurbishments
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant: (August 6th)
- Disneyland Monorail: (August 12th-TBA)
- Indiana Jones Adventure: (September 9th-13th)
This & That
This week, Suzanne joined Dusty on a ride through Haunted Mansion Holiday for our Disneyland live at 5. Then they headed into the park to explore the latest news. If you missed it, you can catch it below!
Note: We will be switching up the schedule soon to accommodate tours Dusty is giving of Walt Disney’s 1930’s mansion in the Hollywood Hills. So please stay tuned for more info – we’ll keep you posted.
Create Your Own Headband Returns to Disneyland Park
Starting August 8, 2024 (D23 Day at Disneyland Resort), the highly popular Create Your Own Headband returns to The Mad Hatter, on Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland, and Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff at Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure.
Mickey Speaks!
On our first visit to the DVC Mickey statue a few weeks ago, we couldn’t get him to talk. A MagicBand activation is supposed to enable him to speak… but this time around, he came to life! Listen in to the video below.
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We sure do hope he’s on commission. 😉
Disney Princess Week Month-Long Celebration
While Disney Princess Week arrives later in the month (August 25 through 31, 2024) Disney is celebrating throughout the whole of August. We have details on special food, merchandise, and a VR experience…
Celebrate World Princess Week with a New AR Experience, Disney Parks Food, & Merch
Get Your Red Hots at Craftsman Grill
Craftsman Grill at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is offering specialty hot dog menu items for August, September, and October. Check out the lineup below, and let us know which is your favorite!
- Big Wave Dog for August: Hawaiian Sweet roll, chicken apple sausage, pineapple mango salsa spicy aioli, and unagi sauce served with Maui onion chips
- Chicken Parm Dog for September: Garlic ciabatta bun, Italian sausage, chicken Milanese, marinara, three cheese blend, fennel, and onion escabeche served with fries
- Cali Boo!-rito Dog for October: Toasted bolillo-style bun, all beef hotdog, French fries, carne asada, shredded cheese, guacamole, and chipotle aioli served with tortilla chips and salsa.
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Skipper’s Adventure Mug Trader Sam’s
A new novelty, the Skipper’s Adventure Mug, will soon arrive at Trader Sam’s – available for purchase via mobile order on the Disneyland App through the Trader Sam’s Mug Release listing on August 8, 2024. In addition, artist Mookie Sato will be on hand on August 8 for signing from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Mobile orders can be placed as early as 6 a.m. PST on August 8, and the limit is two per order, while supplies last.
The mug will be available at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar on August 9 served with the Skipper Sipper beverage featuring tropical juices, agave nectar, falernum, mint, and fresh lime juice topped with soda water. Does this new novelty pique your interest?
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A Haunted MiceShots
With the Mansion reopened and its anniversary this Friday, I know you’re curious to see what’s inside… It’s what happens when two holidays collide.
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Let’s Hear From You!
Were you able to hitch a ride on Haunted Mansion Holiday last week, or watch our video? What do you think of the new additions? Are you heading to D23 this weekend? What announcement are you hoping to hear? Spooky season begins this month – do you have tickets to Oogie Boogie Bash? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Today’s Disneyland Update was brought to you by Dusty Sage, Mike Kindrich, and Christy Weinberg, with help from the MiceChat crew.