DISNEYLAND UPDATE: Bayou Debut, BBQ Redo & Holiday x 2

It’s been a whirlwind week at Disneyland, with a blend of long-awaited openings, festive transformations, and construction progress. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure finally began previews, and MiceChat’s own Dusty Sage had the honor of being the first to take the plunge! Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree and Ray’s Berets opened their doors in Bayou Country, bringing a new taste of the South to the park. Meanwhile, winter holiday decor has started sneaking in around the resort, even with Halloween still in full swing. And for those counting down to the unlocking of Magic Keys, sales return on November 6th. Though, as with everything else, prices are higher than before. On top of all this, Disney quietly launched its priciest Lightning Lane option yet, adding another layer to the ever-evolving theme park experience. Read below for our thoughts on all the new offerings as well as dozens of gorgeous MiceShots from the parks.

But first, we have big news for everyone patiently waiting to snag a shiny new Magic Key.

Magic Keys Unlocked

Magic Key sales have been unavailable (except for renewals), but new Disneyland Magic Key annual pass sales will unlock once again on November 6, 2024 (no earlier than 9 a.m. PT).

Magic Key holders have access to the Magic Key Terrace, Magic Key holder celebrations, special merchandise, early event ticket purchase, and other discounts and opportunities. But, of course, that all comes at new higher prices. 

New Magic Keys Prices (and renewals):

• • Imagine Key – $599 (a 20% increase)
  • Enchant Key – $974 (a 14.7% increase)
  • Believe Key – $1,374 (a 10% increase)
  • Inspire Key – $1,749 (a 6.1% increase)

For EVERYTHING you need to know about Magic Keys (and how to figure out which tier is right for you), check out our detailed guide below:

LOCKED! Disneyland Magic Key Sales Paused: Everything You Need To Know

Bayou Preview

It was a big week on the bayou as Magic Key holders and Cast Members got their first look at Disneyland’s newest ride (officially opening Nov. 15).

We also got our first look at the new Bayou Country sign.

Last Monday (the first day of Magic Key previews), our fearless leader Dusty Sage won the lottery and was the very first Magic Key holder to ride Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. That’s him you see below in the Daily News (front seat on the first log down the big drop).

Dusty shared video of his Bayou Adventure journey here:

It turns out Dusty was extra lucky to have had such a smooth ride as the attraction experienced a lot of downtime on its first few operating days – and many who were able to secure a spot in the virtual queue were not able to ride due to limited availability.

In addition to Dusty’s video above, Mike Kindrich has some great photos for you as well! 

So, what did we think of the new ride? It’s a bit of a mixed bag. The ride feels tighter than the Walt Disney World version, with fewer dead spots. Kids are sure to love it—it’s a beautiful attraction with great music, impressive animatronics, and intricate sets. But there’s a missing ingredient. Splash Mountain had a villain scene before the big drop for a reason: a thrill ride needs tension to give riders a sense of accomplishment. In Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, there’s no buildup and no thrilling escape. This isn’t just a missed opportunity; it’s a plot hole. Some Imagineers wanted to include Dr. Facilier’s friends from the other side in the old Laughing Place scene, but were overruled by project leads who chose a bland lightning bug sequence instead. It’s the ride’s low point, squandering the big drop by failing to give it the buildup it deserves.

Is the lack of a villain a deal-breaker? For most guests, probably not—it may go unnoticed entirely. We’re the super-fans who grew up with Splash Mountain, so for us, it’s a big miss. Will a young person who’s never ridden Splash Mountain care? Likely not. Still, we’re hopeful future Imagineers might enhance the scene. We’ve already heard from several disappointed current and former Imagineers (including a Disney legend) who agree that skipping a villain and the thrill of a close escape was a misstep. Will this ride get a fix? The cards will tell…

For all the details about the attraction (including its inspiration, backstory, characters, music, and much more), check out our guide:

GUIDE: Everything You Need to Know About Tiana’s Bayou Adventure!

Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree Now Open

The Country Bears have returned to Disneyland… or at least their favorite barbecue dishes have. The reimagined Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree restaurant in Bayou Country officially opened on Oct. 25, but we (and our appetites) were there when the new dining venue soft opened the day before. 

Dusty and Mike agreed that everything they tried was delicious – and Dusty even said it reminded him of Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue (which we lost for Galaxy’s Edge), but sadly, without the cornbread or camp-style desserts (like the amazing deep dish chocolate chip cookie and beloved S’mores Bake).

The MiceChat crew tried the Barbecue Platter (choosing brisket and ribs), the yummy Corn Ribs platter, and the Smoked Angus Beef Burger with Pulled Pork. They also had the Banana Pudding and the Funnel Cake Fries with Banana Caramel Sauce! So far, we’ve liked everything we tried. Note that the Banana Pudding keeps selling out, we hope the park can ramp up to meet the demand. 

But don’t expect quick service at first. The crew is still getting used to their new kitchen and orders can take a while, even if you have a mobile order. We clicked “We’re Here” on our mobile order and still waited over half an hour for our food. But it was worth the wait.

Check out our guide for the complete menu (and Dusty’s full review):

Come And Get It: Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree Now Open!

Hungry?

Ray’s Berets

Across the way from Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree, the whimsical Ray’s Berets shop also opened last week (though with temporary merch until Tiana’s Bayou Adventure officially opens next month).

The shop is filled with artifacts from Ray’s firefly family and friends…

Jar Sweet Jar

Here’s a quick video walk-through of the new store: 

Lightning Strikes

Yes another queue change has landed at Disneyland and California Adventure in the form of Lightning Lane Premier Pass. We’ve shared our thoughts about Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lighting Lane Single Pass causing longer standby wait times, so we were wondering if a third Lightning Lane product will make that problem even worse.

On the first Friday of Lightning Lane Premier Pass (Oct. 25), the wait times seemed fairly normal across the park, but some Disney employees told us they’re not worried that the new expedited entry option will impact wait times as guests are likely to simply shift from using Lightning Multi and Single pass and select the new option instead. At the $400 price point, it is likely to be a niche product for an affluent segment of daily guests. 

 

What is Lighting Lane Premier Pass?

Guests who purchase Lightning Lane Premier Pass for the not-low-low price of $400 per person per day can ride all Lightning Lane attractions in both parks (if they have a park hopper) without selecting return times. Premier Pass can be purchased through the Disneyland app up to two days before a park visit.

Lightning Lane Attractions

If a guest has a park hopper ticket, they will be able to ride any and all of these 24 attractions for the $400 price (in 2025, the price for Lightning Lane Premier Pass will range from $300 to $400 per person per day based on the date).

Is Lightning Lane Premier Pass Worth It?

Let’s do the Disney math. If you decided to splurge on Premier Pass for your family of four on Oct. 24, 2024, it would cost $1600 (plus the cost of your park tickets, of course).

But, if you purchased Lightning Lane Multi Pass on that date instead, it would only cost $144 – and even if you decided to also purchase both Lightning Lane Single Pass attractions for everyone in your party, that would add $108 for Rise of the Resistance and $76 for Radiator Springs Racers for a grand total of $328.

That’s a savings of $1,272 to have to select return times instead of riding any time you want. We find it hard to believe there are many people who are willing to pay so much extra just to avoid having to schedule their ride times.

You can view in our Lightning Lane crash course here:

Disney Lightning Lanes: Premier, Multi, or Single – What You Need to Know

Back on Track

After a lengthy refurbishment, the Disneyland Railroad is once again making Grand Circle Tours around Disneyland Park.

We noticed three trains were running on Friday.

Pre-Halloween Holiday Decor

Last week, we told you about the early holiday snowfall on Sleeping Beauty Castle and now holiday decorations have made an appearance in New Orleans Square – and it’s not even Halloween!

Mickey and pals are getting a jump on decorating their neighborhood for the season too.

And, of course, a holiday snowfall has covered the castle, complete with icicles. 

Holiday Happenings

The Disneyland Hotel and Grand Californian are also getting into the holiday spirit with seasonal experiences starting soon.

Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates the Winter Holidays

Enjoy a festive buffet for breakfast, brunch, or dinner (including limited-time holiday dishes) while Goofy and his pals make appearances in the dining room.

• Breakfast – 7 to 10:30 a.m.
• Brunch – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  

$65 plus tax per adult (ages 10 and up) and $36 plus tax per child (ages 3 to 9). Prices do not include tax and gratuities.

• Dinner – 4 to 9 p.m.

$75 plus tax per adult (ages 10 and up) and $39 plus tax per child (ages 3 to 9). Prices do not include tax and gratuities.

Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates the Winter Holidays from Nov. 19, 2024, through Jan. 2, 2025. Bookings are already open.

Holiday Tea with Santa and Mrs. Claus

Enjoy premium loose-leaf teas, tea sandwiches, and holiday treats in Hearthstone Lounge along with a unique interaction with the Clauses.

• Deluxe Tea – $124 plus tax per Guest
• Classic Tea –  $84 plus tax per Guest
• Child’s Tea (for Guests ages 3 – 9) – $44 plus tax per Guest

Holiday Tea with Santa and Mrs. Claus takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on select weekdays from Dec. 3 through Dec. 24, 2024. Bookings open on Oct. 31.

Mickey’s Holiday Pajama Party Breakfast and Brunch

Join Mickey and his pals at Storytellers Cafe  (including Chip and Dale in their adorable PJs) for a feast of seasonally-themed bites and cheery yuletide décor.

• Breakfast – 7 to 10:45 a.m.
• Brunch – 11 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.

$65 plus tax per adult (ages 10 and up) and $36 plus tax per child (ages 3 to 9). Prices do not include tax and gratuities.

Mickey’s Holiday Pajama Party Breakfast and Brunch takes place from Nov. 19, 2024, through Jan. 1, 2025.

Storytellers Cafe Holiday Dinner

Enjoy an all-you-care-to-enjoy holiday dinner buffet (characters don’t appear during dinner).

$58 plus tax per adult (ages 10 and up) and $30 plus tax per child (ages 3 to 9). Prices do not include tax and gratuities.

Storytellers Cafe Holiday Dinner takes place from November 19, 2024, through January 1, 2025.

Construction Kingdom

It’s a new week with many project changes to share, so let’s take a look at the progress around the park.

Disneyland Railroad

The Disneyland Railroad is currently running, but two stations are still covered with construction scrims. Main Street Station is operational, but it’s still partially concealed while work continues on paint, roofing, and lighting. The station’s covered queue area is now visible and looks great. All the lights also appear to be functioning properly. We are looking forward to seeing the completed station without any missing shingles or burnt-out lightbulbs.

We also noticed the broken/missing decorative wrought iron spikes on the top of the building have been repaired.

The other station still under wraps is the New Orleans Square Station. The trains stop there to take on water and change engineers, but passengers are not able to board or disembark. The construction is part of the continued work on the new garden and extended queue area for the Haunted Mansion. But we hope access to this station will resume soon.

Pixie Hollow

Pixie Hollow remains surrounded by construction walls due to a brief extension of the refurbishment. We’re eagerly hoping for new additions or repairs in the former King Triton Water Garden. It would be wonderful to see the return of the little light and water show that used to take place there.

Haunted Mansion Shop

The new Madam Leota shop at the exit of The Haunted Mansion, looms above the exit to the classic attraction. The roofing is now on and the front of the shop is covered with green scrim. 

Fantasyland Theater

Fantasyland Theater is undergoing changes to prepare for the holidays, which start on November 15. The stage area has finally been stripped of all of the Pixar colors and now looks like a snowy wonderland.

it’s a small world

Another attraction down for holiday preparation is It’s a Small World. This attraction is scheduled to reopen as It’s a Small World Holiday on November 15. 

Light strands have been installed and the bulbs are going in. That’s a lot of light bulbs! After the holidays, this attraction will go down again until spring of next year. 

Downtown Disney

The new Parkside Market building is really coming together quickly now. 

Meanwhile, behind the Parkside Market, the facades for the upcoming D-Lander and Avengers Reserve shops have been lit in a wash of color at night. 

 

And construction walls have come down from in front of the future Wonderful World of Sweets. 

Disneyland Refurbishment Calendar (updated 10/24/24)

Ray’s Berets, Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree, Disneyland Railroad, and World of Color – One have all dropped off the refurbishment calendar, but we’ve still got a few projects underway – not to mention the potentially lengthy Big Thunder Mountain refurbishment starting next month. Could California be getting the same “new magic” as Disney World’s attraction?

Currently Under Refurbishment:

• Splash Mountain conversion to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure: May 31, 2023 – Nov. 14, 2024
• The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln adding Walt Disney — A Magical Life: April 16, 2024 – 2025
• Pixie Hollow: Sept. 16 – Nov. 16
• it’s a small world holiday install: Sept. 16 – Nov. 14
• The LEGO Store: Oct. 7 – Nov. 30

Upcoming Refurbishments:

• The Little Mermaid – Ariel’s Undersea Adventure: Nov. 4 – 22
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: Nov. 18 – TBA
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant: Nov. 19
• it’s a small world: Jan. 2 – Spring 2025

Downtown Disney News

In addition to all the construction that’s still going on, there’s some delicious news from the Downtown Disney District.

Who Loves Cookies?

A new food truck as been added to the Downtown Disney lineup: Cathy’s Cookies.

Hot tip, these cookies are DELICIOUS, but they have just one kind – Chocolate Chip!

Last week, the bright pink truck was in Downtown Disney Monday through Sunday from noon to 11 p.m., but check their schedule on Instagram to find out when they’ll be there.

Black Tap Seasonal Shake

Through November, Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes in the Downtown Disney District is shaking things up with a seasonal CrazyShake milkshake inspired by a classic Thanksgiving favorite.

The Pecan Pie CrazyShake ($20) – Vanilla frosted rim with Texas glazed pecans topped with a slice of pecan pie, whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and a cherry.

Meet Santa at Naples Ristorante e Bar

The ticketed event includes:

This & That

Disneyland LIVE

On Thursday, Dusty took us for a glorious tour of Disneyland on the weekly MiceChat live at 5. If you follow along, you’ll get to take a spin on Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Pinocchio, see the new Barbecue Jamboree, a tour of Ray’s Berets, and see all the latest construction progress! If you missed it, you’re in luck, because you can ride along here:

Kaa Slithers Back

In last week’s update, we reported that the Kaa puppet was missing from Fantasmic! but we can happily report that he slithered back into the show on Saturday night.

But what would really make us happy would be the return of this… 

Disneyland Hotel Casts a Spell

On October 21, the lobby lounge at the Disneyland Hotel was transformed into the enchanting Broken Spell Lounge, described as “a sophisticated experience in a forest setting.”

There will be live entertainment daily beginning at 5:30 pm. 

In addition to beer and wine by the glass, the lounge also serves specialty cocktails, whisky flights, and a limited but eclectic menu.

The new Broken Spell Lounge is open daily from 4 p.m. to midnight.

Pumpkin Fun

Disneyland is showcasing the work of award-winning pumpkin carver and painter Joseph Yakovetic. The display at the Disneyland Hotel features intricately carved pumpkins, including the cursed pirate captain Davy Jones.

Guests can also catch Joe carving pumpkins in the Grand Californian daily until 8pm. Here are some of his creations so far.

And the Pixar-themed pumpkins Joseph created last month are still on display at Pixar Place.

Neighborhood Trick or Treating

Did you know if you’re staying at one of the participating Harbor Blvd hotels on Halloween night, you can go trick or treating?

It’s no trick! The Harbor Walk Halloween Trick or Treat event was originally created for international visitors who didn’t have the opportunity to experience trick-or-treating in their own countries, but these days, all guests staying at one of the 14 participating hotels can join in the fun.

Harbor Walt Trick or Treating starts at 3 p.m. on Halloween and goes until 8 p.m. Just show your room key (and don’t forget your costumes).

This event is exclusively for guests of the participating hotels.

Say Cheese!

If you linger at the very end of the Mickey and Friends Halloween Cavalcade, you will be treated to a villainous photo op. Several of the characters remain for a moment and pose for those who wait until the tail end of this charming (but very short) cavalcade. 

Cavalcade showtimes are 1:45 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. daily.

Disneyland After Dark

Though no official announcements have been made, we did a little snooping on Disneyland’s website and discovered several Disneyland After Dark themed events seem be returning – but sadly one may not.

Under Pride Nite, Star Wars Nite, and Sweethearts Nite, there’s wording that mentions next year, but unfortunately for Disney Channel fans, that themed after-hours event does not seem to be repeating.

2025 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend

What is returning to the parks for sure is another runDisney event – the 2025 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend to be exact – which takes place January 30 – February 2, 2025.

Over the course of the weekend runners can participate n four different races, two challenges, and courses that will take them through both theme parks and around the neighboring areas. 

And if you’re not already motivated to run, maybe these cool medals will convince you.

Disneyland 5K hosted by Groot (3.1 miles)

Disneyland 10K featuring Ahsoka Tano (6.2 miles)

Disneyland Half-Marathan hosted by Safari Mickey Mouse (13.1 miles)

Kids Races hosted by Dug from “Up” (for kids 9 and under)

Dumbo Double Dare (10K + Half Marathon = 19.3 miles)

Disney Visa Cardmember Exclusive

If you have a Disney Visa credit card, you can take advantage of a special offer for stays at the Grand Californian, Pixar Place, or the Disneyland Hotel (including the new Villas).

Here’s the fine print:

• Save up to 30% on select premium rooms
• Sunday – Thursday night stays from January 7 to March 20, 2025
• Book now through March 7, 2025

For even more Disneyland deals, check out our article:

DISNEYLAND DEAL ALERT: $50 Kids Tickets & Hotel Discounts Return!

MiceShots

We like to end our updates with our favorite shots of the resort from the past week. Enjoy our visit to Disneyland…

 

Whether you like Tiana’s Bayou Adventure or not, the new ride has some stunning visuals. 

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Let’s Hear From You!

There’s so much to unpack this week, and we want to hear what you think! Are you excited for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, or does the missing villain scene feel like a missed opportunity? With Disney’s priciest Lightning Lane option yet, would you pay $400 to skip the lines? And brace yourself for holiday whiplash—once Halloween wraps up on Thursday, it’s jingle bells all the way to next year! Tell us what jumped out at you below!