Fresh off the excitement of the D23 Expo, we’re ready to share our thoughts on how, where, and when Disneyland Resort’s big new projects will take shape. Plus, fall is in the air as the spooky season kicks off this weekend! We’ve got some bear-y exciting construction updates, along with new novelties, reimagined shows, menu changes, and more. Keep reading because you’re in for a wild and sometimes wonderful ride…
Digesting D23 Disclosures
There’s no need to hide our enthusiasm for some of the shovel-ready (AKA non-blue-sky) announcements we were treated to at this year’s Disney Expo. Although there were some let-downs and disappointments (the destruction of the Magic Kingdom’s Rivers of America in particular), there’s a lot to look forward to at Disney Parks around the world. Let’s go over a few of the enhancements planned for Disneyland’s neck of the woods.
WHERE? Here’s Where The Big New Projects are Going…
Let’s start with the biggest one…
Avatar Land
A huge new Avatar land is confirmed for Disney California Adventure. That’s not a surprise to those who read this column. And while the concept art is beautiful, there weren’t a lot of details about this big project… which has caused the rumor mill to go wild. While we don’t know everything, we do know some of what you can expect for Pandora at the Disneyland Resort.
While there will be shopping and dining opportunities in Pandora, the main draw is an all-new river adventure. The ride system was described to me as the same (or similar) as the one used at Shanghai Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean. A motion-base vehicle that looks like a boat and gives the impression that you are actually floating in the water around you… but which is actually rolling on a solid track that allows the motion base to create a wild ride not unlike the experience of the Indiana Jones ride (when needed).
Like the Shanghai ride, Avatar will utilize a combination of high definition projections and massive physical sets.
But where will it go? We’ve seen some wild conjecture. But we’ve been telling you for months that it would go in the Hollywood Pictures section of Disney California Adventure and that’s still the plan. While we are not 100% certain about the layout, the plan is to utilize the huge tram loading area (see overview map below left) and reroute the Monorail (see red line below right). Find the current overhead image of the area on the left with an overlay of the likely changes on the right:
Hollywood Pictures Backlot currently houses two empty sound stages, the Monster’s Inc ride, a stage, and a lot of open areas. But the huge tram load/unload area behind it comprises more room than the land itself. A huge show building can fit in the tram space. A new parking garage on the East side of Disneyland and bridge will funnel guests through a corridor roughly under the inbound Monorail beam behind the Avatar show building. If all of this sounds familiar, it’s because much of the layout was originally planned for a Monster’s Inc land and door coaster, which will now be built at Disney’s Hollywood Studios instead.
We’ll throw one last little tidbit into this discussion. While we don’t know if Mickey’s Philharmagic will survive or be absorbed into Avatar Land, we have heard that the Hyperion Theater is being reserved for future Marvel adventures.
Coco
Onto the project I’m MOST looking forward to… A Coco boat ride! This high capacity family friendly musical adventure is sure to be a huge hit with guests. If there’s one thing DCA needs more of it’s high capacity indoor rides.
And where will it go? I have a general placement of the show building behind the Incredicoaster. When the park was first built, there were grand ideas to bring Fantasyland-style dark rides to the area and have the show buildings placed in exactly this spot. To make it happen, some backstage infrastructure may be moved, such as the parade barn and other show services. We share the probable placement of the Coco ride in the two images below (the large building to it’s right is Midway Mania).
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2 Avengers Campus Rides
Avengers Campus will get not one but two new rides. One of them is the King Thanos attraction “Avengers: Infinity Defense” we first heard about from Bob Chapek at D23 Expo 2022. The ride is a motion base vehicle with projected scenes.
But that’s not the only new Avenger’s ride. There’s also a simulator experience called “Stark Flight Lab,” which was likely designed as a pre-show experience that needed to be split off as it’s own attraction due to limited capacity.
The Kuka Arm simulator experience will have an interesting load/unload system that picks guests up in one location and deposits them in another, increasing capacity from previous Kuka Arm rides such as Knights Tournament at Legoland or Sum of All Thrills at EPCOT.
The location for these attractions is no secret. There’s a huge cast parking lot behind the Avengers HQ facade which could accommodate several attractions. There’s just one small hitch. The Red Car Trolley maintenance building (in yellow in the image below/right) is located behind the Avengers Campus HQ facade. But, as you’ll see in the image we created below/right (in red), the maintenance barn and tracks are expected to be rerouted between the Hyperion Theater and Guardians of the Galaxy tower.
D23 Kerfuffle
But it wasn’t all good news about the Disneyland Resort from D23 Expo. There was a lack of information about a 3rd Park, entertainment complex for the Toy Story lot, or a new Tomorrowland. Only a small mention of a new storyline for the lackluster Millennium Falcon ride…
…and a controversial Walt Disney animatronic for the Main Street Opera House. A turntable will allow the theater to show either the Walt Disney Story or Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln (though, only the Walt story will be told during the 70th anniversary celebration).
And while that may seem like a lot of missed opportunities for Disneyland, there’s a reason for it. After a tremendous backlash after 2022’s Expo presentation filled with “What ifs,” Josh D’Amaro committed to only discussing projects which are green-lit and ready to go this time around. Disneyland, unfortunately, has many projects which are still in the design phase and not yet ready to be announced as there are too many elements still in play. However, we could hear much more about the future during Disneyland’s 70th anniversary next year.
BREAKING NEWS: New Attractions and Surprises Announced for Disneyland
Legends Snubbed
While the D23 Expo (officially “D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event”), was a big improvement over previous events in terms of crowd flow, announcements, and programming, there were some hiccups and missed opportunities. One of the biggest issues was the snub of the previous Disney Legends who were trotted out to the Honda Center only to not be mentioned or asked to stand and be recognized. We’ve heard from several of them that they were shocked and disappointed to be asked to come to the event only to not be acknowledged. Many of them are now in their 80s and 90s and deserve to at least get a moment of our love and attention at these event.
But even more upsetting is the lack of an in memoriam section for the Disney Legends we’ve lost in the last two years. So many Disney greats passed since the last Disney Expo. It’s an absolute shame that they weren’t mentioned. Even the Academy Awards (which the Disney Legends event took visual cues from) takes the time to honor their shining stars.
To Rolly Crump, Alice Davis, Angela Lansbury, Richard Sherman, William “Sully” Sullivan, Glynis Johns, Dick Nunis, Burny Mattinson, Barbara Walters, and Carl Bongirno, all Disney Legends who have passed since the last Disney Expo, we will always remember you.
Halloween Time Arrives This Weekend!
Halloween time begins this Friday, August 23, and runs through October 31, 2024. The weather is still very much at the high end of summertime heat and humidity, but the lure of Halloween parties, pumpkin spice goodies, and not so spooky merchandise sales has Disney inching Halloween further and further into the summer season.
From the Mickey floral at the park entry to the windows and shops on Main Street USA, it’s pumpkin season!
The Giant Mickey Pumpkin arrived in Town Square today.
Tilly the ticket taker at the Main Street Cinema has donned a new costume this year.
The flock of crows has returned to the Fortuosity shop. Alfred Hitchcock would be proud.
The Plaza Point Holiday Shop is celebrating the spooky season. Even the Children of the Corn have been redressed in their Halloween costumes:
The Halloween Tree, honoring Walt’s literary friend Ray Bradbury, has returned.
And Frontierland has rustic-inspired decorations.
When we shot these photos on Friday, the pumpkins surrounding the Partners Statue had not returned for the season yet, but they may already be there by the time you read this.
Disney California Adventure looks even more ready for the season. Oogie Boogie looks down upon guests entering the park.
But he’s so covered in dust that cast members have written on him in his filth. He just needs to be washed down.
Disneyland has pumpkins, DCA has bats. Lots of them.
The whimsical details of Cars Land are back. A stroll through this land at Halloween is pure joy. This is Disney creativity on full display.
There’s much more on the way this week before the Halloween season officially kicks off on August 23rd. We have a full guide for you of all the special eats, treats, rides, shows, and parties. Don’t miss it:
UPDATED! Disneyland Halloween Time Arrives: All the Not-So-Scary Details
And if you’re headed to the Oogie Boogie Bash, we have a guide for that too:
Coco Show Revised
In other Halloween news, the “Coco” show in DCA’s Paradise Gardens Park features some new elements this year. While we’ve heard the production is only slightly different, it’s worth noting that it does have an updated story, new costumes, and a new name (one that’s a mouthful we might add!) “The Storytellers of Plaza de la Familia Celebrate The Musical World of Coco!” will include “musical moments” such as “Remember Me,” The World Es Mi Familia,” “La Llorona,” and more. Guests can catch performances of the reimagined presentation several times per day, beginning August 30.
Hungry Yet? Barbecue Is Returning Soon To Disneyland!
Disneyland has been hurtin’ for legitimate barbecue since the loss of Big Thunder Ranch in 2016.
But guests will soon be able to enjoy some finger-lickin’ food again as Hungry Bear restaurant gets a Country Bear Barbecue makeover.
Major refurbishment and reimagining is wrapping up.
Signage is going up now, as well as new murals and artwork.
Details on the new vittles have been revealed and the menu looks great! Entrees include smoked meats, inventive side dishes, culinary classics, country desserts, and refreshing beverages.
We can’t wait to sample the dishes when the dining location reopens. Now that we know Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will debut on November 15th, it won’t be long before guests can mosey on over to Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree and find out if the food is up to par (the new restaurant could open well before Bayou Adventure). Until then, check out our recent article for the full menu lineup:
Construction
As multiple projects begin to wrap up, we’ve got loads of new ones to start tracking once all those D23 projects get underway. But first…
The Path to the Edge of the Galaxy Opens Today
The path through Critter Country, connecting New Orleans Square to Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge, was closed to guests in July to accommodate work on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and to reimagine the Hungry Bear, Critter Country shops, and the way the land looks.
It may not look like it’s ready from this photo on Friday, but the bridge reopens today.
As part of this process, the Davy Crockett Canoes and Winnie the Pooh were also closed. While the path reopened today, along with the canoes, the rest of Critter Country remains closed for now.
Sometime between now and November 15th, signage in and around Critter Country will start changing to the new “Bayou Country.” The new name of the land doesn’t quite make sense. Yes, Tiana’s ride takes place in a bayou… but Winnie the Pooh’s 100 Acre Woods does not. Whereas the old Critter Country implied animals in general and would have worked for both, the new name only works for the Tiana themed changes in the land. Could this mean the eventual replacement for Winnie the Pooh? It seems the silly old bear may be on borrowed time as no attempt was made to incorporate his ride into the theme of the land.
Refer to our recent article for more details:
Tiana Construction
Tall posts and lights have gone up next to the Bayou Adventure ride. The posts have hooks for shade structures for what we assume will be a large outdoor switchback queue.
Haunted Mansion Queue
While the Haunted Mansion has reopened with a virtual queue, the reimagined outdoor queue and gift shop are still under construction and months away.
It may not look like it at the moment, but work on Madam Leota’s shop at the exit of the attraction has begun going vertical.
Jungle Cruise & Small World Refurbs
Jungle Cruise will be closed for routine maintenance beginning Sept. 16 for about three weeks. On the same date, “it’s a small world” will close for its annual transformation into “it’s a small world” Holiday, which will reopen on Nov. 15.
Jungle Cruise could really use the help. There are multiple broken and deteriorated sets and effects in the ride. Not the least of which is the collapsed tiger scene, which had to be hastily reconstructed by placing a large wooden box around the tiger.
Disneyland Refurbishment Calendar
Take a deep breath… there’s a long list of current and upcoming refurbishments…
Currently Under Refurbishment:
- Splash Mountain – Conversion to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure: (May 31st, 2023-November 15th, 2024)
- The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln – adding “Walt Disney — A Magical Life” show to the theater (April 16th, 2024 – TBA 2025 for Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Celebration)
- 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)
- Hungry Bear Restaurant – Remodel to Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree: (July 8th-TBA but soon)
- Critter Country Fruit Cart: (July 8th-TBA)
- Disneyland Railroad: (August 5th-TBA)
- Space Mountain: (August 5th-September 5th)
- Animation Academy: (August 5th-29th)
- Disneyland Monorail: (August 12th-TBA)
Upcoming Refurbishments:
- Indiana Jones Adventure: (September 9th-13th)
- Jungle Cruise: (September 16th-TBA)
- it’s a small world – Holiday install: (September 16th-November 15th; January 21st-Spring 2025)
- Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island: (September 16th-18th)
- Sailing Ship Columbia: (September 23rd-26th
This & That
As the title implies, we still have a little of this and a little of that left to share…
Disneyland Live
On Friday we took our viewers on a walk through Disneyland to see the progress of Halloween preparations and to take a look at the areas where the big new rides will likely be built. If you missed it, please join us by pressing play:
SPECIAL NOTE: In September and October our live video will move to Thursdays to accommodate Dusty’s public tours of Walt Disney’s 1930s mansion in the Hollywood Hills. If you are interested in taking a tour or attending a special event at the mansion, please follow the Facebook Page: Disney Mansion for more details when they are released this week.
Create Your Own (Halloween) Headband
Beginning on August 23rd (the first day of Halloween Time) the Create Your Own Headband kiosks will add “The Nightmare Before Christmas” characters Zero, Jack, and Sally to the collection. Head to Disneyland’s The Mad Hatter on Main Street, U.S.A., or California Adventure’s Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff on Pixar Pier for purchase.
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My Villains Cup Runneth Over
Walt Disney World may be getting a whole Villains Land, but Disneyland is getting a Villains…cup?! Beginning August 20th, Magic Key holders can snap up this stainless steel tumbler at specific quick service spots at Disneyland.
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Speaking of Magic Kingdom’s Villain’s land… would you like to see the Disneyland Resort also build a permanent land for its beloved baddies? Should it wait for the inevitable 3rd park in the next decade, or perhaps take over an existing land in one of the two existing parks. Let us know your thoughts!
Ghirardelli Puts a Spell on You
During Halloween Time, from August 23 through October 31, DCA’s Ghirardelli will offer the new Put a Spell on You Sundae. We dare you to try it and see if it works!
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Disney Layoffs
From the horrors of Halloween to the horrors of working for the mouse… in the days following the D23 Expo, the layoff hammer has come down hard across the company.
It was reported in July that Disney was trimming its TV divisions including NatGeo, Freeform, and ESPN. But now we are hearing people are being let go in the Experiences division of the company (Parks, Experiences, and Products). We reached out to the company for comment and have yet to hear how many people and in which parts of the business unit have been impacted. But Disney will need to disclose this information to shareholders sooner rather than later. After the massive 8,000 person layoff after Bob Iger returned to the company in 2022, it’s surprising to hear that job cuts are happening again so soon.
Top Theme Parks In The World
It’s not a huge surprise that Disney parks take the top 4 spots in the world. Magic Kingdom was number 1 in 2023 with Disneyland a very close 2nd. Universal Islands of Adventure beat out California Adventure, and both Universal Studios Florida and Universal Studios Hollywood ranked higher than Animal Kingdom. Universal continues creeping its way up the list. That could change significantly next year when Epic Universe opens in Orlando. Universal is playing clever games with ticketing. If you want to see the new park, you have to buy multi-day tickets which are sure to boost all three Universal parks for the inaugural year.
Gumball Rally – February 8th!
MiceChat Gumball Rally Returns February 8th, 2025… With a Twist!!!
It was a day unlike any other. In the hustle and bustle of Disney California Adventure, shadows danced and secrets whispered… What were they saying???
A thrilling new adventure awaits! The world-famous MiceChat Gumball Rally returns on February 8th, 2025, with an enthralling twist: a Disney California Adventure Murder Mystery!
As shadows lengthen and secrets unfold, you’ll race to ride the most attractions in a single day. But this time, there’s a mystery to solve as well. Was it Mickey with a churro on the Pal-A-Round, or perhaps Mad Madame Mim with a turkey leg at the Hyperion?
The clues will lead one lucky team to victory and a day of intrigue and fun.
Remember, folks: This race is for all the gumballs… hesitation could be… deadly.
Choose wisely, move quickly, and may the best sleuths win.
For more info and to sign up, visit the MiceChat Gumball Rally page. Dastardly Dusty is waiting for you.
MiceShots
Have you seen the amazing new Evil Stepsisters dolls in Disneyana on Main Street? Their expressions are priceless.
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Let’s Hear From You!
With so many exciting announcements and seasonal updates, we want to hear your thoughts! What do you think of the new projects coming to Disneyland Resort? Did the lack of announcements for Disneyland Park leave you disappointed? Are you excited for the return of Halloween Time, or is it just too soon? And with the recent D23 reveals, what are your hopes—or concerns—for the future of the parks? Share your thoughts, predictions, and anything else on your mind in the comments below!
My sincerest thanks to Mike Kindrich, Christy Weinberg, and Suzanne Lee for their incredible help with today’s Update.