Happy Cyber Week, everyone! Not exactly the most festive holiday greeting, but hey, that’s the world we live in. Despite Thanksgiving landing just last Thursday, we still made it to the Disneyland Resort to bring you the latest news and a live video update. Was there news during a holiday week? Surprisingly, yes! A new shop opened, we’ve got a sobering look at park crowds and prices, tips on saving money during this pricey season, and big construction progress across the resort. So, grab your most over-the-top holiday mouse ears and let’s head to Disneyland!
The Holiday Humbug: Lines Outpace Crowds
Did you avoid Disneyland last week, bracing for epic holiday crowds? You weren’t alone. Surprisingly, reservations were widely available throughout Thanksgiving week. Pre-2020, this period traditionally brought shoulder-to-shoulder crowds and frequent front gate closures—but those days are gone. Why? Blocked-out annual passholders and skyrocketing ticket prices have convinced many would-be guests to skip the “busy season” altogether. Has Disney backed itself into a corner? It’s starting to look that way.
For those willing to splurge, this shift creates an opportunity. If you’ve got the budget—and don’t mind investing in Lightning Lane—now might actually be a good time to visit.
While the park pathways felt manageable, the lines painted a different picture. Holiday tourists, far more likely than local passholders to buy Lightning Lane, flooded the system. Each Lightning Lane purchase stretched standby lines further, leading to wait times that felt much worse than the crowd levels suggested.
If you’ve ever wondered whether Lightning Lane is just a shell game, the holidays prove that it is. Especially when you consider that front gate prices hit a jaw-dropping $206 for much of last week—the highest one-day/one-park price Disneyland charges. And that doesn’t include skip-the-line access. With so many guests now purchasing Lightning Lane, and Disney seemingly unwilling to cap its use, that pricey park ticket won’t get you far unless you’re prepared to shell out even more to ride. Who designed this system? The Grinch?
But even though Disney is trying to limit holiday overcrowding with high ticket prices and pass blockouts they are also running one of their best ticket specials ever this holiday season, 3 days for the price of 2… if you’re a Disney+ subscriber.
Is this an admission that they know they’ve priced themselves too high? Yes indeed… but it’s also a sly way to convince blocked out passholders to pay for tickets during the holidays.
MiceChat LIVE
Dusty, Suzanne, Jeffrey, and Ando spent Thanksgiving at Disneyland this year, capturing the photos for today’s update and hosting our weekly Live at 5. In this edition, we’ll show you what the crowds looked like, highlight construction progress, and give you a peek inside the new D-Lander store. Oh, and we kick things off with a bumpy ride on the Matterhorn…
Candlelight Countdown
Candlelight setup is underway! Town Square and the train station are being transformed for the holiday pageant, a beloved Disneyland tradition started by Walt Disney himself in 1958. The awe-inspiring show will take place this Saturday and Sunday, December 7th and 8th.
Of course, the big question isn’t about the setup—it doesn’t change much from year to year. It’s about who the narrator will be. Any guesses?
For more about this year’s Candlelight Processional and its incredible history, check out our guide:
Disney Candlelight Processional 2024 Narrators, Dates, and History!
SoCal Snowfall
Who says it never snows in Southern California? Starting November 29th, Downtown Disney is sprinkling a little holiday magic with nightly snowfall (or snoap, as we affectionately call it). This charming experience pairs perfectly with the live performances on the west-side stage. And best of all, no theme park admission is required!
The snowfall is concentrated around the Downtown Disney Christmas Tree, nestled between Din Tai Fung and the former ESPN Zone. Whether you’re sipping cocoa, snapping photos, or soaking up the seasonal vibes, it’s a festive treat that brings a touch of winter wonderland to Disneyland’s shopping district.
A Festive First for the Pixar Place Hotel
Pixar Place Hotel is celebrating its first holiday season since its grand opening on January 30, 2024, and it’s bringing the festive cheer with all-new seasonal decor in the atrium.
The holiday magic continues with a vibrant collection of character-themed trees scattered throughout the lobby, each one capturing the playful spirit of a different Pixar film.
Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, it’s worth taking a stroll through the lobby to soak up the atmosphere. You’ll also find a gift shop and the Great Maple restaurant, a hidden gem that often has reservations available even when other resort eateries are fully booked.
Grand Gingerbread
The Grand Californian Hotel’s magnificent gingerbread house is complete, featuring Chip and Dale adorably decked out in their holiday jammies.
Take a closer look, and you’ll spot plenty of hidden Mickeys tucked into the design.
Nearby, the lobby snack stand has received a festive refresh with new counters and cabinetry. Of course, the real star here is the beloved Mickey gingerbread men, which draw long lines of eager guests. This year, there’s a limit of 5 gingerbread Mickeys per guest.
The Grand Californian is one of the coziest spots at the Disneyland Resort during the holidays. With live music, visits from Santa, the intricate gingerbread house, the snack stand, and a variety of eateries, it’s a must-visit for anyone looking for holiday fun outside the parks.
Candy Palace Castle
The Candy Palace in Disneyland has added a Gingerbread Sleeping Beauty Castle this year. It’s incredibly ornate.
The Great Candy Cane Chase
Speaking of holiday sweets, Disneyland’s famous hand-pulled candy canes are back and available on select dates at Disneyland and California Adventure this year:
- Candy Palace & Candy Kitchen (Disneyland): Dec. 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, and 24
- Trolley Treats (California Adventure): Dec. 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, and 25
We stopped by to catch the candy makers in action:
To snag one of these iconic treats, you’ll need a wristband or a spot on the mobile waitlist—no exceptions! For the best chance of getting your hands on one, arrive early (rope drop is ideal) and head straight to Candy Palace or Trolley Treats, depending on the day.
Want to know more? Check out our guide for tips and everything you need to know about Disneyland’s candy canes (including tips for purchasing):
Construction Kingdom
There’s some fun news in our construction section today. One of the many projects we’ve been tracking opened earlier than expected. And we follow up on the big Haunted Mansion queue reveal as well. Plus, everything in between…
D-Lander Opens
Downtown Disney granted holiday shoppers an early holiday wish with the surprise soft open of the new D-lander store, which will officially open (along with Avengers Reserve) later this week on Dec. 6th.
The shop is located across from Din Tai Fung and next to the Parkside Market complex. The small store features high-end products and collaborations with a variety of clothing and jewelry brands. One of which is Pandora… which also has a storefront elsewhere in the shopping district. We wonder if that might mean that the larger Pandora location might give way to another brand.
The D-Lander shop offers trend-forward fashions and accessories inspired by Disneyland’s unique style. The store features a curated selection of apparel, accessories, and jewelry from premium brands like Kate Spade and Dooney & Bourke, as well as a dedicated Pandora Jewelry counter with Disney-themed pieces. Many of the items come with a high price tag, so be prepared for some sticker shock.
Parkside Market Nears Completion
D-Lander may soon be joined by the Parkside Market. The food hall’s management hopes to be open by Christmas. We expect an official opening in January if all goes well.
LEGO Store Details
Although we’re still waiting for the new Lego sculptures that were promised as part of the store’s recent refurbishment, we did spot these cute Lego attraction posters (though we would have been really impressed if they were made of Lego bricks!)
Check out our guide for all the latest news from Downtown Disney:
Downtown Disney Transformed: Updates on New Restaurants & Shops!
Haunted Mansion
The Haunted Mansion has received a significant update with a redesigned queue that opened last week, along with a new accessible elevator at the exit. This upgrade replaces the old concrete switchbacks with cemetery-style gardens that offer more shade for waiting guests. While the trees and vines will need time to grow in, the new design adds an extra layer of detail to the experience.
The updated queue features statuary, pergolas, and lighting elements intended to complement the mansion’s eerie aesthetic. However, some fans have raised concerns about the use of catalog-purchased props and statues rather than items crafted by Disney Imagineering. The balance between practicality and creativity is sure to be a talking point for many.
Once the vegetation grows in and the oak tree’s branches fill out, the queue may feel more cohesive and immersive.
The new elements include a greenhouse-style covered walkway & shaded pergolas.
If the vines are properly maintained, they’ll grow across the top by late spring.
A shed for the cemetery keeper is located where the Lightning Lane merges with the standby queue. His trusty dog even gets recognition with a bone in a bowl.
The mausoleum plaques from the previous queue have been relocated to a crypt that cleverly conceals the new ADA elevator.
The front yard of the Mansion and the pet cemetery remain largely as they were before the new queue was built… with the addition of the fountain from Magnolia Gardens, which has been relocated to the front lawn.
Our furry friends are still resting in peace in the mansion’s pet cemetary.
While the queue is now in use, there is still work happening on the hillside cemetery at the back of the queue, with a green scrim covering the ornate ironwork fence.
The new gift shop at the exit, called Madame Leota’s Somewhere Beyond, is expected to open this winter, but the new concept art shows she’s filled it with a collection of supernatural furnishings, including a crystal ball and the original parlor chandelier she used in séances.
In reality, we expect the shelves to be filled with spirit jerseys and Loungefly backpacks rather than the potions seen in this artwork, but we’re hoping the eerie decor will remain.
What’s next for the Haunted Mansion? Imagineers have been working on a new bride for the attic scene that could make an appearance just after the holiday season if management is happy with the new effect.
Pixie Hollow Delayed
The conclusion of Pixie Hollow’s refurbishment has been pushed back once again, now into January! Hopefully it’s worth the wait.
Refurbishment Calendar (updated 11/26/24)
Currently Under Refurbishment:
- The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln adding Walt Disney — A Magical Life: April 16, 2024 – 2025
- Pixie Hollow: Sept. 16 – Jan. 4, 2025
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: Nov. 18 – Dec. 12
- Storybook Land Canal Boats: Dec. 2 – 5
- Casey Jr. Circus Train: Dec. 2 – 6
Upcoming Refurbishments:
- Grizzly River Run: Jan. 6 – TBA
- Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind: Jan. 6 – TBA
- Haunted Mansion: Jan. 7 – TBA
- Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe: Jan. 7 – TBA
- it’s a small world: Jan. 21 – Spring 2025
This and That
Here’s just a bit more news from Disneyland…
Walt Disney Controversy
At D23: The Ultimate Fan Experience, Josh D’Amaro announced that a second show would be added to alternate with Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. The new show, titled Walt Disney – A Magical Life, will feature an animatronic figure of Walt Disney delivering part of the story in his own voice, sourced from archival recordings. While Disney reportedly received approval for the project from Roy Disney’s family, they did not consult Walt’s immediate family.
This decision has sparked controversy, with Walt’s granddaughter, Joanna Miller, publicly opposing the project. She’s expressed her concerns, calling the animatronic an act of disrespect toward her grandfather, who she says did not want to be turned into “a robot.” Joanna is urging Disney fans to write to the company to voice their opposition.
Walt Disney was famous for “plussing”—making ideas better. In this case, we think a little plussing could resolve the concerns. A potential compromise could involve repurposing the animatronic into a different narrator, helping to tell Walt’s story without directly turning him into an Audio-Animatronics figure. This change could preserve the educational intent of the show, highlight Walt’s legacy, and avoid the issues his family has brought to light.
What do you think should be done? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Disney Deals? It’s True!
It’s unusual for there to be so many deals for Disneyland. But you can currently find ticket deals for adults and kids, discounts on Lightning Lane, a gift for Magic Keyholders, even discounts on merchandise in the parks.
Disney+ 3-day ticket
Disney+ subscribers can get three day tickets to Disneyland for the price of 2 for use thisholiday season.
Kids for $50.
Starting in January, you can get kids tickets for just $50 for a limited time. That’s a huge savings.
Lightning Lane Discount
From January 6 through January 31, 2025, Magic Key holders can enjoy double their regular discount on the purchase of Lightning Lane Multi Pass on days when they use their Magic Key pass for park admission (subject to limited availability).
Moana Gift
Celebrate the premiere of “Moana 2” with a special custom print for Magic Key holders. Available until Dec. 6 at Disneyana, Kingswell Shop, and WonderGround Gallery (while supplies last).
Merchandise Discounts
We’ve noticed some sale signs popping up in the parks. When you see deals like this, pounce if you are interested. Disney doesn’t like to discount things inside the parks.
New Small World Lyrics
To celebrate the 60th anniversary of “Mary Poppins,” a special about the history of the iconic musical movie aired on Nov. 27th.
At the very end of the show, Disney shared new lyrics for “It’s A Small World” written by Disney Legend Richard Sherman shortly before he passed away. Sherman and his brother Disney Legend Robert Sherman not only wrote the beloved attraction tune (and many others), but they also wrote all the songs for “Mary Poppins.”
Before his passing earlier this year, Richard Sherman penned this final verse for “it’s a small world.”
Read more about the new last verse for “It’s a Small World” here:
It’s Still a Small World: New Last Verse For Beloved Disney Song
MiceShots
Have you seen this Jack Skellington costume? Is it just us or is this scarier than Ghost Galaxy? Seriously, what’s up with that mask…
The green alien macaron at Pizza Planet is very sweet, but a fun treat.
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Let’s Hear From You!
This week’s update tackled everything from holiday crowd patterns and ticketing challenges to new developments like the Haunted Mansion queue and Downtown Disney additions. What do you think about the changes to the Haunted Mansion queue—does the mix of catalog props and cemetery-style gardens work for you, or do you miss Imagineering’s handcrafted touch? How do you feel about Walt Disney becoming an animatronic narrator in Walt Disney – A Magical Life? Is it a meaningful tribute, or should Disney take a different approach? And finally, are the current holiday ticket deals enough to make up for the rising costs of visiting Disneyland? We’d love to hear your thoughts—share them in the comments below or join the conversation on social media!
A heartfelt thank you to our incredible crew for giving up your Thanksgiving to make this Disneyland update possible. Mike, Suzanne, and Samantha, I am so grateful for your hard work and friendship! To Jeffrey and Ando, thank you for always being there to support us—and a great big thank you to all of you who join us every Thursday for MiceChat Live at 5 and read these epic Monday Updates. Your support means the world to us, and our hearts are full of gratitude.
– Dusty
Are You Looking For More Holiday Fun?
Universal Studios Hollywood has kicked off their Christmas celebration. It’s filled with wizards, Minions, Whos, and Mario too!
Universal Studios Hollywood Christmastime 2024: Magic, Mayhem, & Mario
It’s merry down on the farm… Knott’s Berry Farm holiday is filled with food, crafts, epic entertainment and lots of down home fun:
But who does the country Christmas best? One of our reporters thinks it’s Dollywood:
And don’t forget to sign up for the Gumball Rally. It’s a race through Disney California Adventure to find out who can ride the most rides in one day… and solve a mystery!