Change is in the air at Disneyland as the resort continues its never-ending transformation. Thankfully, some long-awaited projects are finally wrapping up as we head into the final stretch of the year. With the finish line in sight, we’ll soon see less scaffolding and more cohesive spaces both in Downtown Disney and inside the parks. But, not everything is smooth sailing—last week brought the inevitable annual price hike. While it’s never fun to hear, this increase was expected, and Disney threw in some deals to soften the blow. But it’s not all bad news: a surprise announcement on Friday has fans buzzing with excitement over the long-awaited return of a favorite nighttime parade. We’ll unpack it all in this week’s update, so stick around as we take you through the latest at Disneyland!
Paint the Night Parade Returns At Last!
Switch on the sky, and the stars glow for you
Go see the world ’cause it’s all so brand new
Don’t close your eyes
‘Cause your future’s ready to shine
It’s just a matter of time
The time is now! Can you hear the music? If not, you soon will. On Friday, Disneyland fans were treated to some surprising but very welcome news… Disney’s beloved Paint the Night Parade is returning! The information came in the form of a somewhat cryptic video, although the visuals and iconic soundtrack immediately gave it away. See for yourself:
View this post on Instagram
Fans knew exactly what the clip was inferring and immediately took to the comment section to share their excitement. It’s been 8 years since Paint the Night’s spectacular floats made their way down Main Street, U.S.A., (its Disneyland run ended in 2016), and 6 years since its run in Disney California Adventure (for Pixar Fest in 2018).
So, “When can we do this again?” And in which park? Details have yet to be released, but we suspect the parade will be up and running in time for Disneyland’s upcoming 70th-anniversary celebrations. We could see Paint the Night’s return early next year. The sooner, the better, as far as we’re concerned!
For a nostalgic look back at the long-awaited parade, a full video POV, and Dusty’s interview with the show director, check out our article:
Light the Lights! Paint the Night Is Returning To Disneyland!
Disneyland Price Hikes!
For the last few weeks, we’ve been reminding you that fall isn’t just pumpkin spice season; it’s price hike time as well at Disneyland. It happens like clockwork every year around this time, and although it’s expected, it’s never well received. Well, it finally happened last week. The changes occurred at 1:30 am on Wednesday morning, and Dusty was up late to bring you a comprehensive guide to all the Disneyland Ticket changes. This year, guests will see a rise in day tickets, multi-day passes, Magic Keys, and Lightning Lane costs, but no change at all on Parking or the lowest cost Tier 0 day tickets.
But there is a silver lining: starting early next year, there’s a limited-time $50 kids ticket and Disneyland Hotel discounts, which can help keep your overall costs down!
Let’s take a look at the details of these ticket changes.
Disneyland One Day/One Park Ticket Prices for 2024/2025
One day/one park tickets range from $104 to $206 with park hopping costs holding steady at $65. Here’s the breakdown showing the increases from last year:
- Tier 0 – $104 (this has been the low price since 2019)
- Tier 1 – $126 (a +$7 or 5.9% increase)
- Tier 2 – $142 (a $8 or 6% increase)
- Tier 3 – $164 (a $10 or 6.5% increase)
- Tier 4 – $180 (a $11 or 6.5% increase)
- Tier 5 – $196 (a $12 or 6.5% increase)
- Tier 6 – $206 (a $12 or 6.2% increase)
Add park hopping for $65 (a $0 increase over last year) on Tier 0, 1, or 2 tickets; $75 (a $5 increase) for Tier 3 or 4 tickets; and $75 (a $10 increase) for Tier 5 or 6 tickets.
Disneyland Multi-day Tickets
While guests may assume multi-day tickets are a better deal than one-day tickets, this isn’t always the case, so make sure to do your due diligence before your trip. Here’s the breakdown, with increases, for multi-day tickets:
- 2-Day / One Park Per Day – $330 (a $20 or 6.5% increase, $165 per day)
- 3-Day / One Park Per Day – $415 (a $25 or 6.4% increase, $138.33 per day)
- 4-Day / One Park Per Day – $474 (a $29 or 6.5% increase, $118.5 per day)
- 5-Day / One Park Per Day – $511 (a $31 or 6.5% increase, $102.2 per day)
Disneyland Park Hopper Add-On
As stated above, switching Parks mid-day comes at a cost, which varies by tier and ticket duration.
- Starting price of $65 (same as last year)
Disneyland Lightning Lane Going Up
In addition to tickets, the starting price for Lightning Lane has gone up by a couple of dollars this year (and fluctuates depending on the date and demand).
- Starting price of $32 (formerly $30)
Unfortunately, $206 days have already landed at Disneyland, with November offering an extreme price range of $104 weekdays to $206 weekends. As a result, expect weeks with $104 days to be much busier than the $206 days. Which price would you choose?
But almost all of December is at a rate of $164 or higher, with 11 days at $206.
The remainder of October sits on the high end of the pricing spectrum as well, with this past Friday being the first $206 (one-day/one-park) day ever at Disneyland.
And you might expect that it would have been a less crowded day as a result of the high price… but due to the Columbus Day/Indigenous People holiday on October 14th (and Halloween activities at the resort), many people took a 4-day holiday and spent a long weekend at the Disneyland Resort.
We noticed fully extended queues for some of the smaller rides in the resort, like the dark rides in Fantasyland (including Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride).
Check out that line for Pinocchio’s Daring Journey!
And Peter Pan couldn’t have been busier…
New Orleans Square felt like the old times before park reservations, with the line for Pirates stretching all the way to Tiana’s Palace and bisecting the center of the entire land.
And Guardians of the Galaxy had an excruciating standby queue that hemorrhaged out into the street to the side of the actual queue.
It’s hard to rationalize paying a higher price to avoid crowds when this is what you may end up with. What do you think?
For more details and a deep dive into Disneyland’s pricing trends and changes over the years, visit our recent article:
Disneyland Ticket Guide: Price Increase
Don’t Overpay
While the prices have gone up if you buy direct from Disney… Our ticket partners at Get Away Today still have multi-day Disneyland tickets at the old price for a few more days!
Book your tickets now: Discount Disneyland Tickets (HERE)
Magic Key Portal Upgrade
If you’ve opened your Disneyland app recently, you may’ve noticed that the Magic Key portal has a new look. The streamlined setup makes it easier to navigate, as guests can now:
- View special offers for all Magic Key holders
- See their Magic Key benefits in one place
- Browse discount locations via a map
What do you think of the new setup? Is it any better?
Of course, we can hear may of you screaming, new Magic Keys aren’t currently available for sale (renewals only for now). But we have it on good authority that the passes will be available again before the year is up. They are generally made available in time to be used as Christmas presents.
New Magic Key sales may be blocked for now… but how about a nice juicy bone for those of you who do have active passes…
Magic Key Previews for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Construction and ride testing continue at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in preparation for its November 15 official opening, which also marks the first day of the holiday season at Disneyland. With the knowledge that Cast Member previews begin on October 22, we were expecting that Magic Key holders would also get a sneak peek before its public debut… and we were correct.
Magic Key previews will take place on the following (15) dates and times:
- Monday, October 21, 2024 – from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Tuesday, October 22, 2024 – from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Wednesday, October 23, 2024 – from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Friday, October 25, 2024 – from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Saturday, October 26, 2024 – from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Sunday, October 27, 2024 – from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Tuesday, October 29, 2024 – from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Friday, November 1, 2024 – from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Sunday, November 3, 2024 – from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Tuesday, November 5. 2024 – from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Wednesday, November 6, 2024 – from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Friday, November 8, 2024 – from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Saturday, November 9, 2024 – from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Sunday, November 10, 2024 – from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Tuesday, November 12, 2024 – from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Virtual Queue Details
Magic Key Holders must join the virtual queue in the Disneyland app for the attraction preview.
- Magic Key holders with a Disneyland Park reservation for that day will have the opportunity to join the virtual queue starting at 7:00 AM.
- Magic Key holders who already entered either Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park that day will have the additional opportunity to join the virtual queue starting at noon (for previews later that day).
How to request to join the virtual queue:
- In the Disneyland app, find the virtual queue section of the home screen and select “Join Virtual Queue.”
- Select “Join Virtual Queue” for the Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Magic Key Preview.
- If your boarding group is called, you’ll receive a notification via the Disneyland app. Then, head to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and check in at the standby queue entrance within your designated return window – and enjoy your preview!
Remember that joining a virtual queue does not guarantee participation in this offering. Not all boarding groups may be called to return. Limit one virtual queue entry per Magic Key holder, per preview day.
Magic Key Holders will also be treated to a commemorative keepsake poster, available on each of the attraction preview dates, while supplies last. Pick it up near the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge entrance nearest Fantasyland from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. (One poster per Magic Key holder)
Over the weekend, we got a sneak peek at what Disneyland Resort Cast Members will soon be sporting in Bayou Country. You’ll notice the addition of a few accessories to the custodial costumes in the intro (aprons and an ascot). Here’s a video preview of the rest of the Cast Member ensembles including attractions, entertainment, food and beverage, and retail:
View this post on Instagram
We also have an update on Louis’ Critter Club, which will overtake half of Pooh Corner near the Tiana’s Bayou Adventure exit. The store will open two days before the attraction on November 13.
It’s all starting to come together.
Christmas Countdown
As of today, we’re about one month away from holiday time at the Disneyland Resort. Can you smell the sweet treats on Main Street, U.S.A.? If not, you will on November 15 when the festivities commence. Disneyland’s 2024 Christmas calendar spans to January 6, 2025, this year, and while the Parks are bringing back many of the same offerings, there are a couple new additions to look forward to.
This year, Santa Claus and select characters are setting up shop in Fantasyland Theatre at Disneyland. Guests can partake in festive activities here like cookie decorating, craft making, and storytelling, set to a backdrop of atmospheric music during the day.
Mickey and friends will delight guests with unique, postal-inspired looks for 2024, “reminiscent of traditions of writing heartfelt letters to friends, family, or even Santa Claus during the holiday season.” Shout out to the imaginative creators of this year’s super cute and creative attire!
Another new, 2024 addition is Chip and Dale‘s Ornament Trail in Downtown Disney. From November 22 through January 1, guests can go on a quest to find character ornaments hidden in holiday trees and bring home a holiday keepsake (from World of Disney or Disney’s Pin Traders) while they’re at it. Maps and stickers are available for $9.99 at the following locations:
Downtown Disney District: World of Disney, Disney’s Pin Traders, WonderGround Gallery, Disney Home
Hotels of the Disneyland Resort: STOR-E, Disney’s Fantasia Shop, Acorns Gifts & Goods
Happy hunting!
A new event will sprinkle some Christmas magic on Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa this year, Mickey’s Holiday Pajama Party breakfast and brunch at Storytellers Cafe. Guests can look forward to holiday-themed meals, seasonal decor, and select characters dressed in their PJs. How fun is that?! There’s a lot to look forward to when it comes to returning favorites as well – from parades and festivals, to ride overlays and holiday treats, we’ve got the full rundown for you in this comprehensive article:
And we can’t forget about merch. Disneyland goodies have already hit the shelves. Check out what’s already in store in our holiday guide:
DISNEYLAND HOLIDAY MERCH: Festive Cheer, New Gear & Merry Must-Haves!
Tomorrowland News
But not the Tomorrowland news you are waiting for…
Autopia Additions
Rev on up to Autopia’s exit and you’ll notice updated driver’s license photo booths. We like the futuristic look.
Autopia has such an interesting history at Disneyland, from its direct connection with Walt Disney to unique versions throughout the years, and more. To delve further into the attraction’s story and see an older version of the driver’s license photo booths, check out this blast from the past Yesterland article: Chevron’s Autopia
One of our hot topics here at MiceChat is the future of Tomorrowland, which has been in a state of disarray for far too long. In addition to the obvious underutilization of space and lack of attractions, Autopia’s gas-powered cars have been a constant source of speculation. In April of this year, the L.A. Times broke a story that Disneyland would transition Autopia’s vehicles from gas to electric in 2026. Dusty caught up with climate columnist Sammy Roth in a special Disneyland LIVE shortly after to discuss the future of Disneyland’s Tomorrowland in addition to taking a ride on the nostalgic attraction. Don’t miss this one:
Buzz Lightyear Ride Photo Camera
Remember that blurry ride photo you used to wait in a long line for after exiting Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters? Here’s an example:
Well, you won’t have to think about that anymore because the camera that snaps guests’ photos onboard the attraction has finally been upgraded. Well, that was a long time coming!
Meanwhile, there’s nothing new to report at the entry to Tomorrowland, which is stuck in perpetual broken promises mode.
Nearby, work is wrapping up on the Pixie Hollow refurbishment.
New to Debut in Downtown Disney
The evolution of Downtown Disney continues with two new carts popping up last week. Let’s take a stroll through Disneyland’s shopping and dining district.
Kawaii Slime Company
We got a heads-up that Kawaii Slime Company was on its way back in late August when details emerged about stores and restaurants in the works for Downtown Disney. Kids will especially love this creative cart which allows them to make their own custom slime using fun add-ons.
The slime trend has been popular for quite some time and doesn’t seem to be going out of style anytime soon, so we expect this to be a popular cart for Disneyland’s younger crowd.
Havilah & Co.
The next cart Havilah & Co. appeals to the adult demographic, offering a wide variety of scented candles. Something particularly special about this shop is that it’s a 50/50 company, like Downtown Disney’s Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs and California Churro (owned by Working to Give). 50% of the profits are donated. What a fabulous place to contribute to, and a classy addition to Downtown Disney.
Be sure to check out the Christmas Eve candle; it smells amazing! Runner up for us is the enchanted Autumn Acres.
This winter, there will be even more stores to peruse in Downtown Disney including:
- Avengers Reserve – a new, Marvel-themed shop
- D-Lander Shop – a So Cal-style boutique
- Disney Wonderful World of Sweets – a Marceline’s Confectionery upgrade
The colorful paint featured in the concept art above is going on the front of the building now.
A new Steakhouse and barbecue restaurant are headed to the old Tortilla Jo’s
Earl of Sandwich & The Carnaby Tavern are also on the docket for the space near the new Downtown Disney security checkpoint.
And the Parkside Market will feature a number of quick service establishments, a coffee shop, and an upstairs bar:
Let’s us know which of the new Downtown Disney establishments you are most excited about. For more about Downtown Disney’s construction, a general timeline, and details about what to expect, visit our article:
Downtown Disney Transformed: Updates on New Restaurants & Shops!
Construction Kingdom
Big Thunder Reveal Is All Wet
We finally know what’s been hiding behind Frontierland construction walls for the past couple of weeks. It’s another new water bottle filling station. Conveniently located across the exit from Big Thunder Mountain, it’s a welcome addition, and already a popular one. After we stopped by, it was continuously in use.
We’ve already seen new themed stations arrive in Fantasyland and Bayou Country, so we’re hoping there are even more to come.
Haunted Happenings
Leota’s gift shop continues to rise. It’s much larger than expected. But will hopefully feel more appropriate once it is fully themed.
The large crypt on the other side of the mansion is actually an elevator shaft for the new ADA accessible lifts. It’s another large structure which feels out of scale with the Mansion.
Bayou Review
We’re almost there. Tiana’s new ride is testing constantly,
The last little tidbits are being added to the ride now. A new sign went up over one of the lift hills last week inviting Family and Friends to the Mardi Gras celebration.
Hungry Bear
We’re really looking forward to the revamped Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree. The kitchen was gutted and rebuilt and we hope that means they got all the equipment they need to make BBQ on par with the old Big Thunder BBQ which was lost for Galaxy’s Edge.
Disneyland crew were having a meeting on the patio on Friday. But you don’t see them trying any of the new food.
Disneyland Front Gate Projects
There are a number of things happening at the front of the park. Trees have been moved and their planters flattened. The Stroller Rental building is being refurbished. And a new set of automated gates is being installed.
Plywood currently surrounds the newly planted trees with trashcans used to keep you from running into them. We have a feeling that something more permanent is on the way because this looks like a temporary situation.
And next to the Newsstand, new turnstiles are going in.
Extensive Railroad Refurb
The obvious part of the long Disneyland Railroad refurbishment are the train station refurbishments. All four stations are getting some work done, including the New Orleans Square station which has fire damage to repair. But there’s a large amount of track being replaced as well.
Disneyland Refurbishment Calendar
Currently Under Refurbishment
- Splash Mountain – Conversion to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure: May 31, 2023 – November 14, 2024
- The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln – adding “Walt Disney — A Magical Life” show to theater: April 16, 2024 – 2025
- The Briar Patch – Remodel to Ray’s Berets: May 1 – TBA
- Hungry Bear Restaurant – Remodel to Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree: July 8 – TBA
- Disneyland Railroad: August 5 – TBA
- World of Color – One: September 9 – October 24
- Pixie Hollow: September 16 – October 31
- it’s a small world – Holiday install: September 16 – November 14
- it’s a small world Toy Shop: October 3 – 18
- The LEGO Store: October 7 – TBA
With everything else in Downtown Disney getting refurbishments or replacements, it was only a matter of time before Lego went under the knife as well. This store was feeling a bit stale inside and out. We’re looking forward to seeing what they do to brighten it up.
But even while the store is closed, there will be some building opportunities for the kids.
Upcoming Refurbishments
- The Little Mermaid – Ariel’s Undersea Adventure: November 4 – 22
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: November 18 – TBA
Heads up Big Thunder fans, the wildest ride in the wilderness has some downtime scheduled starting in mid November with no announced end date.
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant: November 19
- it’s a small world: January 21- Spring 2025
This & That
Disneyland Live
Dusty and Suzanne took us through Disneyland for another fun LIVE@5 last Thursday, and even braved a visit with Lord Vader. If you missed it, you can still check it out below:
As a reminder, or live videos have moved to Thursday nights at 5pm (Pacific) and you can find them on the MiceChat YouTube and Facebook pages.
Walt Disney’s Storybook Mansion Tours
There’s still time to take a tour of the charming 1930s Walt Disney Hollywood mansion with Dusty this Halloween season. History tours by day – OR – scary candlelight ghost tours at night. But act fast, only one weekend remains. Here’s a sneak peek at what to expect:
Pepita Puppet
The Storytellers of Plaza de la Familia Celebrate The Musical World of Coco! (That title continues to be a mouthful) recently added a vibrant new puppet to the show, Pepita. It’s about time! When the entertainment offering first kicked off, we expected to see more spirit animals. But it’s really charming and adds a lot of color and motion to the show.
In fact, Pepita was pictured in the concept art, and advertised as part of the new show along with some other figures. We wonder what took so long and where the others are.
Heroic Encounter
Disney California Adventure is currently offering a Cardmember-exclusive Super Hero photo experience called Heroic Encounter. Grab your Disney Visa Card and head near Stage 17 in Hollywood Land to have your picture taken. Afterward, visit the Disneyland app to download your complimentary photos.
In the morning, Stitch greeted us in front of a DCA-themed backdrop.
In the afternoon (from 3 pm to 6 pm) the background changed to an Avengers theme, with Spider-Man in tow. (We’ve also heard that the original Captain America makes appearances here as well).
Mobile Order Additions
A couple of new locations will soon be added to Disneyland’s mobile ordering system. Guests can use the app to order ahead for Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta and a limited menu of DOLE Whip offerings at The Tropical Hideaway starting on October 16.
We’re sorry to hear that Tropical Hideaway is being added to the system again. It has been tried here before and just results in terrible crowding in an already tight corner of Adventureland. Here’s what lines looked like on Friday without Mobile Order, adding the system here will only make things worse. We feel sorry for all those tourists who are paying $206 to visit on a busy day only to find out that they didn’t know enough about all of Disneyland’s excessive mobile scheduling products to actually enjoy their day. Theme parks shouldn’t take this much work.
Groovy Treat
If you’re aiming to satisfy your sweet tooth, a new Kuzco treat has been added to the mix. Head to Candy Palace or Pooh Corner for an Emperor’s New Groove-inspired Llama Potion Cereal Treat dipped in chocolate and topped with a white chocolate llama piece.
Tribute to Hank Ameen
Did you know that Disneyland is home to the current, longest-serving Disney Cast Member? We couldn’t end this update without tipping our hats to 92-year-old United States Air Force veteran Henry (aka Hank) Ameen. Hank began his career in 1958 as a Jungle Cruise skipper.
A few years later, he joined the Garden Grove Fire Department, although he missed Disneyland so much, he used his days off to work as a Disneyland Resort firefighter – and Hank’s been there ever since, making sure everything is safe for the fireworks shows. Learn more about his amazing story in the video below:
View this post on Instagram
As you can imagine, he’s made a lot of wonderful memories over the years including lunch with Walt Disney. Hank recalls, “He started walking towards my table, but I never thought that he would sit with me. He pulled up a chair and he asked me questions like, ‘How do you like working here? How do you like the food? What can I do?’ It was maybe a 10-minute conversation. That was a wonderful memory.” On October 8, he celebrated his 62nd service anniversary. Congratulations Hank!
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Let’s Hear From You!
What’s your take on Disneyland’s latest price hikes—will they impact your next visit? And are you excited for the return of Paint the Night? Which park do you think it will light up? Plus, with Magic Key previews for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure on the horizon, who’s ready to check out the new ride? Downtown Disney is being reshaped from one end to the other, but does anything really excite you in the upcoming lineup? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
Our thanks to Dusty Sage, Christy Weinberg, Suzanne Lee and the entire MiceChat crew for their help with today’s Disneyland Update.
