Wednesday is Christmakkah—the rare alignment of Christmas and Hanukkah on the same day! 🎄🕎 While Disneyland is brimming with Christmas cheer, Hanukkah and the other seasonal celebrations take a quieter role over at DCA’s Festival of Holidays.
As you gear up for your own holiday celebrations, we’ve got a sleigh full of news, refurbishments, speculation, and surprises to unwrap.
Now, let’s take a look at something old, something new, something surprising and something Bluey…
From Ghosts to Pirates – The Square in Repair
Over the last few years, New Orleans Square has been undergoing a progressive project to reshape walkways, retheme some of the shops and restaurants, enhance queue capacity, and bring older infrastructure up to date.
Part of that project was the removal of some of the elevated Fantasmic viewing platforms and the creation of new gardens.
Then came the new Eudora’s Chic Boutique and, of course, Tiana’s Palace.
They were followed by the Haunted Mansion queue redo and new shop.
With the Haunted Mansion project nearly complete (just the gift shop left to open), Imagineers are shifting focus to a new challenge: Pirates of the Caribbean’s queue problems. On busy days, the standby line for the 57-year-old swashbuckling classic snakes through the heart of New Orleans Square, creating bottlenecks and cutting off access to shops and restaurants at the back of the land.
Now we’re hearing that a major reworking of the Pirates queue is the next big New Orleans Square project. Like the Haunted Mansion update, this project might come with surprises—possibly including the loss of the Port Royal shop, which currently stocks Haunted Mansion merchandise. And with the spooky goods moving to Madame Leota’s Somewhere Beyond store next to the Mansion, Disney has the opportunity to reclaim the Port Royal and Royal Street Veranda spaces for the Pirates project. The expanded area could allow the Pirates queue to move closer to the attraction itself, creating a more shaded, immersive experience while clearing up the pedestrian logjam in the Square.
As scary as that may sound to some of you, it would be much better for park operations and more comfortable and less confusing for guests. We hope this project moves forward quickly as New Orleans Square has been a mess this holiday season… especially since Disney hasn’t removed Lightning Lane as promised.
New Gates, Who Dis?
The first banks of new entrance gates are ready to go at both Disneyland and California Adventure. The gates allow guests to tap and go with fewer cast members needed. But cast can still assist guests who have trouble with their tickets or have special needs.
… While testing with guests is happening off and on, the new gates aren’t fully open just yet.
Magic Key Availability Added
Since launch, the Imagine Key has had no weekend dates at all and the Enchant Key has had no Saturdays. But that might be changing… the Magic Key Reservation Calendar shows 2 Sundays available for Imagine and 2 Saturdays, plus all four Sundays available for Enchant… but sadly, not until January 2026. That’s more than a year away, so it’s possible that this is an error, but we’re waiting for new dates to be listed to see how much additional flexibility the lower passes might be getting in the future.
Hopefully, more weekend availability will be added as additional months are revealed for 2026.
Magic Key Extras
We have a bit more Magic Key news for you. New Disneyland Magic Key Extras have been unlocked for January 2025.
- Jan. 7-13, 2025: Souvenir Pin Giveaway & Disney Character PhotoPass Event
- Jan. 8 – Feb. 19, 2025: Refillable Popcorn Bucket
- Jan. 7-31, 2025: New Year Disney PhotoPass Magic Shots
You can find everything you need to know about Disneyland Magic Keys in our guide:
Disneyland Magic Key Sales & New Perks – Everything You Need To Know
Construction Kingdom
Most of Disneyland Resort’s current big projects are in the wrap-up phase…
Madame Leota’s Gift Shop
Madame Leota’s Somewhere Beyond shop at the exit to Haunted Mansion is nearly complete, with new details added every day.
Over the last week, more details and ornamentation has been added to the building.
Awaken the spirits by ringing a bell…
Downtown Disney Construction
What comes down must go up! Just as we were celebrating losing many of the construction walls in Downtown Disney, new ones have appeared, this time at the former ESPN Zone.
We’ve been speculating for a while about what was going to happen with this massive empty space, and it looks like we’re about to find out.
This building is huge and could accommodate several shops and/or restaurants.
Parkside Market
The new Parkside Market food hall still has walls around it, but it looks like those may be coming down very soon. We know that the operator, the Levy Group out of Chicago, wants to soft open this holiday season. We’ll see if they are able to accomplish that goal.
The market’s eateries will include three quick service options:
- Seoul Sister – A Korean-Californian fusion restaurant from Executive Chef Kelly Kim.
- Sip & Sonder – An acclaimed L.A. café featuring fresh treats and signature lattes as well as Caribbean-inspired bites.
- GG’s Chicken Shop – An eatery from James Beard Award-winning creators featuring a menu of comfort food like chicken sandwiches, salads, and classic sides.
- Vista Parkside Market – There will also be an open-air rooftop bar with views of Downtown Disney and the entertainment stage.
Arthur & Pearl Come to Town
Arthur & Sons Steak and Bourbon and Pearl’s Roadside BBQ (both from Michelin-Starred Chef Joe Isidori) will be moving into the space formally occupied by Tortilla Jo’s, but, so far, we haven’t seen any construction.
The full-service steakhouse will feature a menu filled with prime cuts of beef, fresh seafood, sandwiches, and salads. Guests can also expect a wide bourbon selection and creative cocktails from the restaurant’s lively central bar.
The quick-service Pearl’s Roadside BBQ will feature a menu of pulled pork, beef brisket, and smoked heritage turkey, all paired with house-made sauces. An outdoor bar will offer craft beers and moonshine cocktails.
Earl of Sandwich & Portos
Earl of Sandwich will soon be moving into its third Downtown Disney location (fourth if you count the food truck). The all-new Earl of Sandwich will feature a quick-service location on the ground level, and the all-new table-service Carnaby Tavern upstairs. It’s being built between D-Lander and Din Tai Fung near the new security gate on the west side of Downtown Disney.
Inspired by the 1960-era “British Invasion” bands from the U.K., the Tavern will include a patio and an indoor/outdoor full-service bar.
Wonderful World of Sweets
With a previously-announced “winter” opening date, the reimagined and expanded Marceline’s looks ready to welcome guests any day now – and you’d think the peak holiday weeks would be a perfect time to open a new sweet shop, wouldn’t you?
The brand-new sign has been installed above the front door!
What’s Next for Downtown Disney?
It has not yet been announced, but we expect a couple of new stores to arrive in Downtown Disney in the coming year: A bath and body store called Nectar and a shop featuring Funko and Loungefly items. There’s still more Downtown Disney news to come soon.
For all the Downtown Disney News, check out our guide:
Downtown Disney Transformed: Updates on New Restaurants & Shops!
Disneyland Refurbishment Calendar (updated 12/20/24)
The Pixie Hollow gardens have finally reopened, but the Tinker Bell Meet and Greet remains closed for a while longer.
Also, for the first time since before the lengthy queue refurbishment, we’ll be getting the OG Haunted Mansion back on Jan. 18, 2025. And there is likely to be a ghostly surprise. We’re waiting to see if Imagineering’s hard work on a new Bride will finally make it into the attic.
Time to say farewell to Oogie… until next August.
Current Refurbishments:
- The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln (adding “Walt Disney — A Magical Life” show): April 16, 2024 – May 15, 2025
- Meet Tinker Bell in Pixie Hollow: Sept. 16, 2024 – TBA
Upcoming Refurbishments:
Surprise… The Disneyland Railroad is closing for ANOTHER major refurbishment this January for track replacement. Although much of the grand circle tour was re-tracked this past fall, the Main Street to New Orleans section still needs renewal work. The project kicks off on January 13th, but doesn’t have an end date. However, the park hopes to wrap things up in time for Disneyland’s 70th anniversary, kicking off in May.
Of course, it’s not just the Railroad getting some TLC…
- Disneyland Monorail: Jan. 6 – TBA
- Grizzly River Run: Jan. 6 – TBA
- Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind: Jan. 6 – 23
- Haunted Mansion (holiday take down): Jan. 7 – 17
- Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe: Jan. 7 – TBA
- Disneyland Railroad: Jan. 13 – Spring 2025
- “it’s a small world” (holiday take down and refurbishment): Jan. 21 – Spring 2025
Meet Bluey
It was only a matter of time. Earlier this week BBC Studios and Disney announced the first-ever animated feature film for “Bluey,” so it’s no surprise that Bluey and her family will soon be appearing at Disneyland (and Disney Cruise Line & Walt Disney World too).
Who’s Bluey?
If you’re not familiar (which likely means you don’t have little kids in your life), Bluey is a lovable blue heeler dog who stars alongside her Mum, Dad, and little sister, Bingo, in the Emmy-winning animated series Bluey. The show isn’t just a hit—it’s a phenomenon. In 2024, Bluey became the most-watched series globally on Disney+ and the most-streamed show in the U.S., racking up an incredible 842 million hours of viewership—that’s a jaw-dropping 50.5 billion minutes!
Beginning in January 2025, Bluey and Bingo will also interact with passengers on Disney Cruise Line voyages originating from Australia and New Zealand, including special meet-and-greets and an interactive clue-filled game that culminates in a dance party.
Although we didn’t know it at the time, we got a sneak peek at what the meet-and-greets might look like during D23:The Ultimate Fan Event in August when Bluey and Bingo appeared at the Disney+ Pavilion on the show floor.
Details about how guests can meet Bluey at Disneyland will be shared in the months ahead.
Red Car Farewell Tour
We were hoping our beloved Red Car Trolley would be spared, but sadly, the charming attraction will close in 2025 to make way for the upcoming Avengers Campus expansion.
You should make plans to visit soon before she returns to the barn one last time. As a consolation prize, one of the trolleys will still be parked on Buena Vista Street for photo ops.
This and That
On Thursday, Dusty and Suzanne took a nighttime ride on the Jungle Cruise to congratulate the Bengal Tiger, who’s finally out of his box! Then they head off on a journey through the park to discuss the latest news.
D-Lander Mystery Solved
Curious about the vintage mural behind the registers in the new Downtown Disney shop? The portrait features cast member Susan Reed, originally showcased on the cover of the April 1957 edition of The Disneylander Magazine.
The early employee publication ran from January 1957 to November 1961, in an era long before email or social media connected Disney staff.
What’s Next?
The holiday season wraps up on January 6th, but Disneyland never takes a break. In fact, two celebrations are just around the corner!
Lunar New Year
Disney California Adventure will celebrate the Year of the Snake from Jan.17 through Feb 16, 2025, with the return of Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession, the “Hurry Home – A Lunar New Year Celebration” World of Color pre-show, and festival food booths serving Asian-inspired bites and sips.
It’s one of our favorite times of the year, a fantastic festival.
Mickey and Minnie will also don traditional Korean outfits, replacing their red and gold Chinese outfits from the past few years.
Anaheim Ducks Day
On Jan. 24, 2025, the Anaheim Ducks hockey club will take over California Adventure (and Downtown Disney) for Anaheim Ducks Day, featuring a cavalcade, appearances by select Anaheim Ducks players, fan activities, themed merch, and specialty food and beverage items.
You can read about all the events and experiences planned for Disneyland’s 70th-anniversary year here: DISNEYLAND 70TH ANNIVERSARY: New Entertainment, Returning Favorites, and More!
MiceShots
With the queue construction complete, Jack has returned above the entry sign at the Haunted Mansion. We’re glad to see the jolly ol’ skeleton.
There’s more good news. All but one of the animated windows at the Disneyland Emporium on Main Street have been fixed… it’s a Christmas miracle!
Unfortunately, the Princess and the Frog window still wasn’t working when we passed by. We hope it can be fixed as well.
Santa found a new helper…
We’ve had a lot of foggy nights lately… but they sure do make for some glorious views of the Castle.
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Let’s Hear From You!
As Disneyland wraps up its holiday magic and gets ready for spring celebrations, we want to hear from you! What are you most looking forward to? What do you think about the updates to New Orleans Square, including the Haunted Mansion and possible Pirates queue fix? Will you miss the Red Car Trolley as it makes way for Avengers Campus expansion? And who’s ready to meet Bluey?
From all of us at MiceChat, we wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, or whatever you’re celebrating this season. May it be filled with joy, laughter, and a touch of Disney magic!
And, if you find yourself without plans on Christmas afternoon, our own Dusty Sage has you covered with a special Live at 5 (Pacific) from the Disneyland Resort. He’ll be back again on Thursday at 5pm with a festive look at Knott’s Berry Farm’s holiday celebration. Two days of theme park holiday magic… that’s a whole lot of twinkling lights for us to share!
Let us know your holiday plans and Disneyland dreams in the comments below!
