Big news is buzzing at the Disneyland Resort right in the heart of the holiday season! This week, we’ll explore the debut of two new shops in Downtown Disney, exciting updates for next year’s 70th anniversary—including dazzling new & returning shows—and major changes for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Plus, the cherished tradition of the Candlelight Processional returns. Let’s unwrap all the details and see what’s happening at the Happiest Place on Earth!
Candlelight Processional
The 2024 Candlelight Processional took over Town Square over the weekend, with two performances each night.
This year, the celebrity narrator for the beloved Disneyland holiday tradition was Kathryn Hahn AKA Agatha Harkness from the hit Disney+ series “WandaVision” and the equally-popular spin-off “Agatha All Along.”
The Candlelight Processional is a longstanding tradition dating back to the very first performance in 1958. It’s made up of an orchestra accompanied by several choirs including various schools, churches, and a cast member choir that makes up the “living Christmas tree” in the center. The performers pack bleachers and a temporary stage erected on the Main Street train station— specifically created for this show.
Several trumpeters resound from the top of the train station, joining the choirs to create powerful, heartwarming music.
Soloists, bell ringers, and other instruments are added to enhance many songs.
Finally, in between each number, the celebrity narrator reads the story of Christmas and the birth of Jesus Christ.
The Candlelight Processional is one of the most special and intimate experiences at Disneyland— but also one of the most exclusive. Standby availability is extremely limited in Town Square. Yet, it’s one of our favorite events to attend. Did you fight the crowds this weekend to secure a spot?
For details about the annual event at Disneyland, read our article here:
UPDATED!!! The Magic of Disneyland Candlelight 2024: Narrator, Viewing Tips & History
And to find out more about the Candlelight Processional at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World, check out our comprehensive guide:
Disney Candlelight Processional 2024 Narrators, Dates, and History!
Say Bayou to Virtual Queue
Fantastic news for those trying to go down the bayou— Disneyland will be lifting the virtual queue requirement for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure starting tomorrow, December 10th. Instead, a regular standby line will be in effect, as will the extra cost options (Lightning Lane Premiere Pass or Lightning Lane Multi-Pass).
With both Haunted Mansion and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure removing their virtual queue requirement and offering Lightning Lane again, we’re waiting to hear when Disneyland will fulfill their promise to remove the temporary Lightning Lane at Pirates of the Caribbean. The offering was added to bolster Lightning Lane capacity lost by downtime at the other two west-side attractions, but it’s no longer necessary.
For everything Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, check our comprehensive article:
Disneyland’s 70th
Disneyland will celebrate its platinum anniversary from May 16, 2025, through summer 2026, with the theme of “celebrate happy” (because, as we all know, Disneyland is The Happiest Place on Earth).
Walt Disney – A Magical Life
Debuting on May 16, 2025, as part of Disneyland’s 70th anniversary celebration, Walt Disney – A Magical Life will premiere at the Main Street Opera House theater. This new show will feature a cinematic presentation of Walt Disney’s journey, culminating in a visit to Walt’s office where he’ll be brought to life as an Audio-Animatronics figure.
However, the creation of this figure has sparked some controversy. While some members of the Disney family have expressed approval when asked, Walt’s granddaughter Joanna Miller—an active advocate for preserving her family’s history—has voiced concerns. She has frequently reminded fans that Walt explicitly did not want to be turned into an animatronic. In fact, Walt’s daughter Diane and former Imagineering head Marty Sklar successfully blocked similar efforts in the past.
Although Joanna supports the show’s intent to educate and celebrate her grandfather’s legacy, she believes the two minute segment in which robot Walt addresses the audience disrespects his wishes, which she finds troubling.
After the anniversary celebration, the Walt Disney show will alternate with Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. And while the Walt animatronic has the potential to shroud Disneyland’s 70th anniversary in controversy, there’s a lot more on the horizon, though not all of it is new…
Favorite Entertainment Returns + Something New!
The anniversary celebration will include the return of three popular entertainment offerings plus one all-new nighttime spectacular.
As expected, the Paint the Night nighttime parade (which made its debut for Disneyland’s 60th) will return to Main Street U.S.A., but the Disney100 Wondrous Journeys fireworks and projection show will also be back to illuminate Sleeping Beauty Castle, Main Street, and Small World (enhanced by fireworks on select nights).
You can watch our spectacular video of Wondrous Journeys here:
UPDATED: Disneyland’s Wondrous Journeys Fireworks & 4K Video
Across the esplanade at California Adventure, the Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! daytime parade introduced during Pixar Fest will be back along with the new World of Color Happiness! nighttime spectacular inspired by Walt’s opening day speech: “To all who come to this happy place… welcome!”
The all-new World of Color show will be hosted by Joy and the other Emotions from “Inside Out” and “Inside Out 2″ who will share music and moments from favorite Disney stories, including “Turning Red,” “A Goofy Movie,” “Tangled,” and “The Lion King.”
Wondrous Journeys and Better Together will pause for seasonal Halloween and Holidays entertainment
70th Anniversary Cavalcade & Projections
During the anniversary celebration, a new character cavalcade will take place at Disneyland Park, plus new projections will be displayed on the facades of both Carthay Circle and “it’s a small world.” A new anniversary theme song called “Celebrate Happy” will be heard across the entertainment offerings.
And while the new cavalcade for Disneyland is on the way, one big thing is not… The popular Magic Happens Parade will not be happening in 2025. The parade budget has gone to Paint the Night. A fair trade for now, but we sure would like to see the park do day and nighttime parades as they did for so many decades before.
Mickey, Minnie, and their pals (plus Sleeping Beauty Castle) will also be sporting snazzy new 70th-anniversary outfits for the milestone celebration.
Read our guide to find out more about Disneyland’s 70th-anniversary celebration:
DISNEYLAND 70TH ANNIVERSARY: New Entertainment, Returning Favorites, and More!
Decorations, Merchandise & Special Food
Disneyland’s birthday won’t just be about entertainment, there will be an assortment of celebratory food, merchandise and decor as well. Details on all of that are yet to come, but from the concept art below, you can see that the decor will be simple. A 70th medallion with bunting and banners will decorate the castle and likely Main Street and other resort locations. They do not appear to be going overboard with this celebration, they’ll save that for the much more significant 75th anniversary.
How does Disneyland’s 70th anniversary celebration look to you? Will you make it a point to visit for the return of Paint the Night, Wondrous Journeys, and the new World of Color Happiness? While we have no doubt that the new Walt show in the Opera House will be a sentimental hit, should the park be turning him into a robot against his wishes? Let us know what you like about the 70th plans and what you hope they still might do to plus it up.
Disneyland Resort 2025 Festivals and Events
While not specifically for the 70th anniversary, Disneyland will have another year of festivals, special events, and seasonal celebrations. Let’s run down the list and see what looks like fun…
Jan. 17-Feb. 16, 2025 – Lunar New Year at California Adventure
Disney will celebrate the Year of the Snake with Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession (on select days), the World of Color pre-show Hurry Home – A Lunar New Year Celebration, daily live musical performances, and Asian-inspired menus at six Lunar New Year marketplaces and select dining locations throughout the park.
In addition, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will debut all-new outfits inspired by traditional Korean attire.
Read our Lunar New Year 2024 guide here:
Ultimate Guide to Disney California Adventure’s Lunar New Year Celebration!
Jan. 24, 2025 – Anaheim Ducks Day at California Adventure
Hockey fans can meet select Anaheim Ducks players, play themed games, and see a special cavalcade in California Adventure. In Downtown Disney, Anaheim Ducks Day Overtime will feature additional entertainment, activities, and photo opportunities.
Feb. 8 and 15, 2025 – Celebrate Gospel at Disneyland
The uplifting annual concerts have been a Disneyland tradition for more than a decade, featuring performances by community choirs from across Southern California and award-winning Gospel artists.
Feb. 28 – April 21, 2025 – Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival
The flavors of the Golden State are the stars at ten festival marketplaces – including two with new themes. The fan-favorite festival also features live entertainment, culinary experiences, and of course, the limited-time return of the OG Soarin’ Over California attraction.
Check out our article for a kids-eye view of the 2024 DCA Food & Wine Festival:
Family Fun at the Festival: A Kid-Friendly Guide to DCA’s Food and Wine Fest
March 28 – May 11, 2025 – Season of the Force at Disneyland
The 2025 celebration of all things Star Wars will feature nightly performances of Fire of the Rising Moons at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge with new projection effects and music (enhanced with fireworks on select nights). Plus, the popular Hyperspace Mountain overlay of Space Mountain will return to Tomorrowland.
Summer 2025 (Date TBA) – Disney Jr. Let’s Play! Party at California Adventure
Families with young kids won’t want to miss the one-day event at Disney California Adventure Park with special entertainment, Disney Jr. character meet-and-greets, and family-friendly activities (the party continues in the Downtown Disney District as a two-day event).
Aug. 22 – Oct 31, 2025 – Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort
Halloween is once again starting in the heat of August with Disneyland’s spooky celebration from Aug. 22 through Oct. 31 and the “Coco”-inspired Plaza de la Familia at California Adventure Park from Aug. 22 through Nov. 2.
The separately ticketed Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party will offer more nights than ever in 2025, with parties on 31 select dates:
• Aug. 17, 19, 21, 24, 26, 28, 31
• Sept. 2, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30
• Oct. 2, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26, 28, 31
Check out our event guide for the 2024 Oogie Boogie Bash:
Nov, 14, 2024 – Jan. 7, 2026 – Holidays at the Disneyland Resort
Even though we’re in the midst of the 2024 holiday season, the resort’s 2025 holiday celebration, including Disney Festival of Holidays at California Adventure, will begin hot on the heels of Halloween 2025, with only 2 weeks between.
2025 Separately Ticketed Events
Four Disneyland After Dark events are planned for 2025:
- Sweethearts’ Nite (Jan. 21, 23, 28; Feb. 4, 6, 9, 11, 13)
- 90s Nite (March 4 and 6)
- Star Wars Nite (April 8, 10, 22, 24, 29; May 1, 4, 6)
- Pride Nite (June 16 and 18)
Tickets for Sweethearts’ Nite and 90s Nite go on sale on Dec. 12, 2024; tickets for Star Wars Nite and Pride Night will be announced at a later time.
Constructionland
With Disneyland gearing up for its 70th anniversary next year, construction and refurbishments haven’t slowed down for the holiday season. Let’s take a look at a few construction sites around the resort:
Pixie Hollow
Construction walls have dominated the entrance to Tomorrowland for quite some time now. No, not the abandoned Tomorrowland entrance project, but the heavy refurbishment for nearby Pixie Hollow. The entire area has received a vibrant lick of paint, including a bright blue bottom for the lagoon.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
The runaway trains have been silent for a nearly month-long refurbishment, but Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is scheduled to re-open on this Thursday, December 12th.
Madame Leota’s Somewhere Beyond
The new Haunted Mansion exit shop, Madame Leota’s Somewhere Beyond, is looking close to opening.
New signs and fixtures were installed this week.
Disneyland Refurbishment Calendar (updated 12/06/24):
The most notable change to the refurbishment calendar this week is the addition of “Walt Disney — A Magical Life” to the Main Street Opera House theater. It now has an official end date of May 15, 2025, since the show will debut on May 16, 2025, as part of Disneyland’s 70th anniversary celebration.
Currently Under Refurbishment:
- The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln adding “Walt Disney — A Magical Life” show: April 16, 2024 – May 15, 2025
- Pixie Hollow: Sept. 16 – TBA
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: Nov. 18 – Dec. 12
Upcoming Refurbishments:
- Grizzly River Run: Jan. 6 – TBA
- Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind: Jan. 6 – TBA
- Haunted Mansion (holiday takedown): Jan. 7 – 17
- Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe: Jan. 7 – TBA
- it’s a small world: Jan. 21 – Spring 2025
Downtown Disney District
The Downtown Disney west side is taking shape with two new shop openings! Let’s take a peek inside:
Avengers Reserve
The exterior of Avengers Reserve features several Avengers team members around the front of the store. Spider-Man and the Hulk are prominent… but search the nooks and crannies of the facade, and you might just spot Ant-Man and the Wasp relaxing above.
Inside, Spider-Gwen, Captain Marvel, Rocket, and Groot hang out in the rafters.
The Avengers Reserve carries everything Marvel, from Thor to Deadpool.
D-Lander
Next door, the boutique D-Lander Shop has also opened. This store sells trendy Disney-branded products— including collaborations with brands like Kate Spade, Dooney & Bourke, and Pandora.
The store isn’t cheap, but if you’ve got the money for high end bags and ears, this is the spot for you.
Read our guide for all the new shopping and dining coming soon to the Downtown Disney District:
Downtown Disney Transformed: Updates on New Restaurants & Shops!
This & That
There’s a little of this and a little of that for us still to explore…
Disneyland LIVE
Dusty and the gang visited Disneyland on Walt Disney’s birthday and share an epic live video… complete with a ride on the Disneyland Railroad, news about Disneyland’s 70th, a look at construction progress, and lots of fun banter with Julie, Mike, Suzanne & Ando.
Don’t miss our Thursday Live at 5 videos. Follow the MiceChat Facebook and YouTube pages.
A Reminder From The Great Beyond
This past Thursday, December 5th, marked what would have been Walt Disney’s 123rd birthday. It’s remarkable how his imagination continues to influence the world, even decades after his passing in 1966. His legacy is the reason we write these articles each week. Walt created something truly special with Disneyland—something worth preserving, enhancing, and championing every day.
Unfortunately, it’s clear that not all Disney employees fully grasp the core principles that make Disney and Disneyland so unique. You can feel it every time you’re forced to navigate endless reservations on your phone, pay extra to ride an attraction, have an unhappy exchange with a cast member, or notice burned-out lightbulbs and broken-down rides. As Disneyland is polished for its 70th anniversary, we hope that some of the investment also goes toward training every Disney employee on Walt’s legacy and the timeless values that set Disney apart from everyone else.
Avengers Muscle Out the Red Cars
Construction will begin in 2025 for the expansion of Avengers Campus, which will add two new attractions to the Marvel-themed land: Avengers: Infinity Defense and Stark Flight Lab.
Unfortunately, that also means the demise of the Red Car Trolley. Be sure to catch a ride before it closes on Feb. 8, 2025.
We’re very sad to see the charming vehicles go as they are not only a fun way to ride around the park, but also add kinetic whimsy that pays tribute to the iconic trolleys from Hollywood’s heyday (which Buena Vista Street and Hollywood Boulevard are based upon).
The one (tiny) bit of good news is that a Red Car Trolley will be parked on Buena Vista Street for photos. The Red Cars could have been saved folks, it only required a move of their maintenance barn and a slight reroute at the end of the line from one side of the Guardians of the Galaxy tower to the other side. But money talks, and money was saying it wasn’t worth it. I have a feeling that many of you would agree that it shouldn’t always be about the money, sometimes good will and guest experience are more important than ride capacity and what they can slap a Lightning Lane on.
MiceShots
After a brief refurbishment this week, Storybook Land Canal Boats has re-opened with it’s adorable holiday overlay. The stories remain the same, but the added tiny wreaths, garland, and trees add a little extra holiday charm.
There’s another charming tiny home at Disneyland dressed up for the holidays. The Little Man of Disneyland, Patrick Begorra, has added miniature garlands and a wreath to his cozy in-tree-house beneath the Indiana Jones Adventure marquee in Adventureland. Absolutely adorable!
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Let’s Hear From You!
That wraps it up this week from the Happiest Place on Earth. What news caught your attention this week? Are you excited for Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary? Is it the right mix of returning and new? What were you hoping for? Did you happen to snag a spot for the Candlelight Processional? Do you think the Red Cars should have been saved and rerouted? Should the Walt Disney A Magical Life show be altered to respect his own wishes? Let us know in the comments below.
