Welcome to the first Disneyland Update of the year… and the last day of Christmas at the resort (January 6th ends the holiday season)!

As we dive into 2025, it’s the perfect time to take a look at what’s ahead—and what should be ahead—for the Disneyland Resort. Beyond the usual construction updates, restaurant openings, and refurbishment news, we’re sharing our resolutions for the resort this year. From overdue fixes to bold new ideas, these are the changes and improvements we think Disneyland can (and should) accomplish in the months ahead. Let’s dream big and see where the magic takes us!

Before we get to our resolutions for the Disneyland Resort, let’s take a look at what opened over the weekend. 

Welcome To The Parkside Market

Downtown Disney’s Parkside Market is now soft-opened! The food hall offers new options for a quick bite, a coffee, or an adult beverage—all with a unique Monorail view! We were there as the doors opened and visited throughout the day as our friends showed up to try all the new dishes and drinks. 

You have two options to order: 1) Go to the window of one of the three downstairs eateries and order… or 2) Go upstairs and order any of the options from a server. 

We tried signature items from all of Parkside Market’s venues…

Seoul Sister: Serving Korean-Californian fusion dishes like Bulgogi Beef Bowls. The flavors are bold, with the beef balanced nicely by kimchi and your choice of rice, noodles, or salad.

Sip & Sonder: offers coffees, specialty lattes, and baked goods. We enjoyed the Onyx Latte with a hint of charcoal.

GG’s Chicken Shop: Featuring crispy chicken sandwiches, fresh salads, and sides like spiced waffle fries and crispy Brussels sprouts. The chicken sandwich was a standout—perfectly crunchy with a sweet, spicy kick!

Unfortunately, the downstairs dining room is too small to seat a large number of guests at once. It’s only a matter of time before more tables need to be added outside. 

Upstairs, the Vista Lounge offers a variety of drinks, from creative cocktails like the Smokey Sunset to mocktails and espresso-infused creations like the Nocturnal Overlook. The Monorail gliding by adds a touch of Disney charm to your dining experience.

We also spent some quality time in the Vista Lounge upstairs, sampling several of their adult beverages (all in the name of research, of course!)

From creative cocktails to espresso-infused drinks, the menu has something for everyone, and the Monorail views make it an unbeatable spot to relax with friends.

Fancy bird glasses? We couldn’t resist! (and, no, you don’t get to take these home).

Oh yes, we did try one more delicious thing… 

Overall, Parkside Market is a straightforward establishment that’s likely to be a hit with guests. While the prices are steep—$18 for a chicken sandwich, no matter how good, feels like highway robbery—it’s par for the course at the Disneyland Resort these days. Bargains or even reasonably priced options are nonexistent. That said, Parkside Market is still more affordable than many of the newer dining spots at the resort, which will undoubtedly make it a popular choice for quick bites and casual meals. Expect it to fill up daily.

🎥 Check out our Instagram Reel for a closer look at the new market! 🔗 Watch Here ⬇️

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Our Big Tip: Skip the lines at each counter! Instead, order from a server upstairs at the Vista Lounge. They’ll bring items from all the food hall locations directly to your table—plus drinks from the bar. The best part? Everything is consolidated into a single bill. We tried this ourselves, ordering from all four establishments at once. It’s an efficient and stress-free way to sample everything Parkside Market has to offer.

Read our full review and find out more about Downtown Disney’s transformation in our guide: 

Parkside Market Opens & Downtown Disney News

Our Resolutions For The Disneyland Resort

When Disneyland closed its gates on March 14, 2020, it was riding a high. The parks were in good shape, major stage productions filled the Hyperion and Fantasyland theaters, and crowds packed the parks daily (for better or worse). Sure, we had our usual gripes about crowds and food quality, but overall, Disneyland was thriving.

Much changed when the parks reopened more than a year later on April 30, 2021. Annual Passes were gone, live shows were on hiatus, and widespread understaffing created a noticeable strain. Disneyland had to make rapid adjustments, and some beloved elements never made a full comeback.

While some things have returned to normal since 2021, the guest experience remains a mixed bag. The spontaneity of dropping in on a whim has been replaced by required park reservations. Those who don’t live on their smartphones miss out on key perks like dining reservations and Lightning Lane bookings. Stage entertainment has dwindled to a shadow of its former self, and standby lines for once-reasonable rides have ballooned under the expansion of the Lightning Lane system. Add record-high ticket prices—up to $206 a day during peak seasons—and you’ve got a guest experience that often feels at odds with its price tag. Even the famously magical holiday season saw noticeable cutbacks in decorations and details this year.

It’s clear there’s room for improvement. Below, we share 9 resolutions for the Disneyland Resort in 2025—achievable goals that can bring some of the magic back or at least offer a hopeful vision for the future. We’re saving a 10th goal for you to add in the comments below…

Return Live Entertainment to the Two Big Theaters

Entertainment is central to the Disney experience. The Hyperion and Fantasyland Theaters not only provide a space for families to enjoy quality entertainment together, but they also ease the pressure on ride wait times, improving the overall park experience. This aligns with Disneyland’s original vision: to entertain everyone.

“We believed in our idea – a family park where parents and children could have fun- together.” – Walt Disney

In recent years, Disneyland has cut back on large-scale stage shows, likely to save on costs for performers and production. While that might make sense on a spreadsheet, it does little to boost guest satisfaction. It’s time for Disneyland to reclaim its spotlights and bring the magic of live performances back to the parks.

We’d love to see something similar to the new Moana musical on the Disney Treasure and now that Avengers Campus is expanding, perhaps Rogers the Musical should return: 

Rogers the Musical Now On Stage at The Disneyland Resort – PHOTOS, VIDEO & INFO

But what Disneyland truly needs is a bold, original production on the scale of the beloved Aladdin musical, which once graced the Hyperion stage. There was a time when Disney theme park shows not only drew massive crowds but also inspired the company at large—Beauty and the Beast on Broadway was born from a Disneyland stage show.

Could you imagine such a creative leap happening in today’s budget-conscious Disneyland? It’s time for the parks to champion visionary leadership that prioritizes guest experience and entertainment value over cost-cutting. Disneyland deserves nothing less.

Fix Tomorrowland – The Future Is Broken

“Tomorrow is a heck of a thing to keep up with.” —Walt Disney

Over the years, Disneyland has tried to keep Tomorrowland relevant, but the future waits for no one. Updates have been sporadic, and without regular refreshes, tomorrow quickly fades into yesterday. Unfortunately, the problems with Tomorrowland aren’t just about outdated attractions—they’re compounded by the neglect and abandonment of major spaces like the Carousel of Progress, PeopleMover, Tomorrowland Theater, and Starcade. These empty, forgotten areas make the land feel incomplete, while outdated attractions like the fume-belching Autopia and the broken Orbitron atop the Rocket Tower serve as painful reminders of what Tomorrowland once was.

At this point, there’s very little “tomorrow” left in Tomorrowland.

It’s time for Disney to make bold decisions about the theme and purpose of this land. Some attractions may need to go, while others deserve to be reimagined. While fans dream of a new E-ticket attraction, which should happen, the clearest path to the heart of many guests would be to bring movement back to the PeopleMover track—an iconic Tomorrowland element that’s been left to decay for 25 years. A revamped or modern equivalent of the PeopleMover could provide the kinetic energy and charm the land so desperately needs.

Walt Disney’s original vision for Tomorrowland in 1955 was ambitious:

“A vista into a world of wondrous ideas, signifying man’s achievements … a step into the future, with predictions of constructive things to come. Tomorrow offers new frontiers in science, adventure, and ideals: the Atomic Age, the challenge of outer space, and the hope for a peaceful and unified world.”

But perhaps it’s time for a new direction. Tomorrowland could embrace space exploration, discovery, or the creativity of humanity—concepts that are more attainable and timeless than an ever-changing vision of the future.

Here’s what we’d love to see:

• A major E-ticket attraction that brings excitement back to the land.
• An upgrade to Space Mountain 
• A new family-friendly attraction or a reimagining of the outdated Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters.
• A space-themed table service restaurant in the former Starcade space.
• A replacement for the long-abandoned Captain EO theater.
• And, of course, the return of movement to the PeopleMover track.

But what of the Autopia and Submarine Voyage? While nostalgic, there needs to be huge improvement here. The Autopia needs to be electrified, and the Subs are too complex and dangerous to load and unload by today’s standards. If Disney isn’t willing to invest in new subs with easier side loading (like LEGOLAND uses) it may be time for the attraction to be replaced. If the large tract of land were to become something like a Frozen-themed land, it would be a huge improvement for guest entertainment.

Hoo Hoo, World of Frozen Debuts at Hong Kong Disneyland!

Tomorrowland deserves to be a land that inspires and entertains—a place that lives up to its name… whatever that name ends up being. While there’s no way for Disney to tear down and rebuild Tomorrowland in 2025, this is the 70th anniversary of Disneyland and a great time to announce the future plans for one of its original lands. 

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

The solution is simple: reimagine Galaxy’s Edge as Star Wars Land. Treat it like any other land at Disneyland—embrace the full scope of the Star Wars universe, unshackle it from a singular moment in time, and make it a celebration of everything that makes Star Wars iconic. Allow any ride or character from the franchise to exist here. Introduce roving entertainers and musicians. And for the love of Yoda, play that gorgeous Star Wars score throughout the land! Background music is essential in a theme park, as proven by the superior ambiance of Universal’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

A reimagined Star Wars Land could also incorporate Star Tours. With Tomorrowland in need of reinvention, this classic attraction could be moved and upgraded, fitting perfectly into Galaxy’s Edge. There’s more than enough space to accommodate it.

Longer-term fixes could include the addition of a themed dining experience, more attractions, kinetic energy through droids and stunt shows, and expanding live entertainment. While not all of this can happen overnight, some of it absolutely could—and should—happen in the coming year.

Disneyland has the opportunity to turn Galaxy’s Edge into the immersive, exciting land fans dreamed of when it was first announced. The Force is strong here; it’s time for Disney to use it.

Your Best Star Wars Adventure is Out There, But Not in Galaxy’s Edge (YET)

Improve Ride Maintenance

Ride breakdowns are becoming an increasingly common frustration at Disneyland. For guests paying premium prices—and in many cases, shelling out extra for Lightning Lane access—frequent ride closures are simply unacceptable.

On Wednesday afternoon, these 4 big Lightning Lane attractions were all closed at the same time… causing wait times , Small World had a near hour long wait.  Yikes… but all too common. 

Disneyland needs a more proactive approach to maintenance. All parts have a lifespan and should be replaced before they malfunction. Further, tracking problem attractions and addressing recurring issues before they escalate would go a long way in improving the guest experience. Disney should temporarily remove the Lightning Lane option for attractions that have been experiencing unreliability. This simple adjustment would set more realistic expectations for guests and help reduce frustration.

For a park that prides itself on operational excellence, better preventative maintenance isn’t just a fix—it’s a necessity.

Remove Lightning Lane From Attractions That Don’t Need It

Lightning Lane has reached a tipping point at Disneyland, and the impact is being felt across the parks. With so many attractions now offering the upcharge service, standby lines—even for rides without Lightning Lane—are slowing to a crawl. The system has created a ripple effect, making the park experience less enjoyable for everyone, including those who pay for the service.

The more attractions that offer Lightning Lane, the fewer options remain for guests in standby lines to experience reasonable waits. This imbalance causes frustration, especially for those who have already paid a hefty $206 for park admission. It’s a clear choice by Disney to prioritize upcharge revenue over guest satisfaction, which degrades further as standby lines grow unbearable.

Some attractions simply don’t need Lightning Lane. High-capacity rides like Pirates of the Caribbean, Little Mermaid, Haunted Mansion, and it’s a small world historically maintained manageable wait times. Adding Lightning Lane to these attractions has created artificial bottlenecks, with queues spilling out into pathways and wait times skyrocketing unnecessarily.

If Disney truly values the guest experience, it’s time to reevaluate Lightning Lane’s scope and scale. Not every attraction needs it, and limiting its use could restore balance to the parks and improve satisfaction for all guests. 

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

Downtown Disney Needs More DISNEY! 

Downtown Disney has always struggled to establish itself as a truly themed Disney experience, and in recent years, it’s become little more than a slightly upscale local mall. While recent changes have undeniably improved the quality and diversity of food and merchandise, they’ve come at the expense of the themed experiences that once made the district unique.

Take Jazz Kitchen, for instance—its charming New Orleans theme has been replaced with a bland aesthetic that feels more like a California Pizza Kitchen. The World of Disney store shed its whimsical, immersive design in favor of a hip, edgy vibe. The few remaining Disney-themed spaces, like the Star Wars Trading Post, feel like afterthoughts—temporary overlays that don’t even come close to matching the scale of what Downtown Disney could offer.

This lack of theme wouldn’t sting so much if the district didn’t come with all the downsides of a Disney experience: long security lines, premium pricing, and distant and expensive parking. For a place that should exude Disney magic, Downtown Disney instead feels generic, leaving guests to wonder why they’d choose to shop here over other retail destinations in Southern California.

If Disney wants Downtown Disney to live up to its name, it needs to embrace its own brand of magic and creativity. Whether it’s through more immersive store designs, entertainment offerings, or themed dining experiences, it’s time to make Downtown a truly themed experience living up to the Disney name. 

Park Reservations and Magic Key Fixes

Getting a new Magic Key annual pass isn’t easy. When Keys briefly became available in November, they sold out in less than a week and haven’t been restocked since. But even having a Magic Key doesn’t guarantee access to the parks—you still need a park reservation, which adds an extra layer of frustration for passholders.

It’s time for Disneyland to experiment with relaxing reservation requirements for Magic Key holders. There are several ways this could be done:

• Introduce “Good to Go” days—dates posted a week or two in advance when reservations aren’t required.
• Remove reservation requirements for certain weekdays after 1 p.m. (at least for the upper tier keys)
• Create a new tier of Magic Key with no blackout dates or reservation requirements (at a premium price, of course).

We understand why park reservations exist. Over the years, Disneyland has allowed the parks to become increasingly crowded without making significant investments to expand capacity. Reservations help ensure that guests who do visit can still have a somewhat enjoyable experience. However, the combination of park reservations, Lightning Lane, and tiered ticket pricing has turned a visit to Disneyland into a logistical puzzle—especially for infrequent guests who may not fully understand the rules.

While a crowded park might seem like a positive indicator for shareholders, the reliance on reservations is actually a glaring sign that Disneyland hasn’t invested enough to meet growing demand. That’s not a metric Disney’s board of directors should be proud of.

Fix Park Entry

Getting into the parks should be a seamless experience, but right now, it’s plagued by two major issues: Early Entry and front gate bottlenecks caused by photo-taking. Both problems are frustrating but entirely fixable.

Early Entry

Early Entry at Disneyland is currently a disappointment. Guests staying at the three Disneyland Resort hotels can enter the parks 30 minutes early, but that’s hardly an advantage. With long lines at security and at the Grand Californian entrance, it can take more than 30 minutes just to get into the park, erasing any supposed perk of the program.

Disneyland should return to the older, more guest-friendly system of 60 minutes early entry at one park, alternating between Disneyland and DCA. This longer window would allow guests to actually enjoy a meaningful head start, making their pricey resort stay feel more worthwhile. Frustrating your guests before they’ve even set foot in the parks isn’t the best way to start their day!

Front Gate Slowdowns

Another source of frustration is the long lines at the front gate, where guests often have to pause to get their photo taken to associate with their ticket. This process slows everything down for everyone.

There are two simple solutions to this issue:

1. In-App Photo Upload: Allow guests to take and upload their ticket photo in the Disneyland App before arriving. This would eliminate the need for photos at the gate entirely (similar to the system Disney Cruise Line uses to attach a passenger’s photo and cruise card before boarding).

2. Dedicated Magic Key Lines: Key holders tend to know the entry process and move more quickly through the lines. Creating special entry lines for Magic Key holders during peak hours would speed up entry for pass holders and day guests alike.

The Training and Efficiency Trap

Disneyland cast members are the backbone of the resort. A great cast member can make your day with a magical interaction that becomes a cherished memory – and there are many wonderful cast members at the Disneyland Resort – but a rude or unhelpful cast member can just as easily ruin it. Undertrained and, at times, unhappy cast members can have a profoundly negative impact on guest experiences, and that’s something Disney must address.

There was a time when cast members were extensively trained to embody the “Disney Way.” They were taught to always prioritize the guest experience, avoid saying “No,” and create positive interactions. But that level of commitment and training has slipped over the years. When a cast member argues with a guest, appears dismissive, or exhibits rude behavior, it’s a clear sign that the Disney Way isn’t being followed. Worse, it often signals a systemic issue—managers, supervisors, and leads also need to live and breathe the same values they expect their teams to uphold.

Small Moments, Big Impact

Disney magic isn’t just about the attractions; it’s the little things that create unforgettable moments. A custodian drawing with water on the pavement, a photographer making a child feel like a prince or princess, or a manager surprising a table with a complimentary dessert—all of these are examples of what makes Disney unique. But when cast members ignore trash, shout orders, or fail to engage with guests, that magic quickly fades.

Unfortunately, the pandemic caused a wave of departures among senior cast members and trainers, leading to a lapse in mentorship and institutional knowledge. Without a top-down commitment to restoring those standards, the loss of the Disney Way will continue to hurt guest satisfaction.

The Security Problem

The issues are magnified at security checkpoints. On a recent Friday afternoon, we waited 30 minutes to go through security at Downtown Disney. Only two lanes were open, and the team was understaffed. Worse, some security personnel were unfriendly, dismissive, and even made inappropriate comments about personal items in guests’ bags. This is most guests’ first interaction with a Disney cast member. A more professional and guest-focused approach would go a long way toward fixing this issue. If security can’t be trusted to be friendly, then perhaps greeters should also be hired to help guests prepare for the security ordeal. 

Efficiency Challenges

Efficiency is another area in need of improvement, particularly in restaurants. Mobile order was designed to streamline the guest experience, but it has created significant stress for cast members and frequent delays for guests. Even with appropriate staffing levels, restaurants like Hungry Bear Barbecue are struggling to meet demand. Mobile order guests often wait 20 to 30 minutes for food, while standby lines swell.

The solution lies in management. Rather than focusing on small cost-saving measures, such as portion sizes, managers need to be on the front lines during peak hours to help expedite orders and support their teams. Restaurants that operate efficiently, like Plaza Inn, often have managers who actively engage with operations and guests, ensuring everything runs smoothly and that guests are happy. There needs to be more of this… Disney may need to call in efficiency consultants to evaluate processes and procedures at each location. The guest experience is on the line. 

The Path Forward

To justify Disneyland’s rising prices, the resort must prioritize training, cast happiness, and operational efficiency. Every guest deserves to feel like they’re stepping into a world of magic, not a system of stress. Making cast members feel supported and empowered will go a long way toward restoring that Disney magic… and that is very much felt by guests. 

In addition to the ongoing projects in the Main Street Opera House and Pixie Hollow, four more attractions closed today for refurbishment, with Haunted Mansion and Jolly Holiday  closing tomorrow.

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
• Meet Tinker Bell in Pixie Hollow: Sept. 16 – TBA
• Disneyland Monorail: Jan. 6 – TBA
• Mark Twain Riverboat: Jan. 6 – 10
• Grizzly River Run: Jan. 6 – TBA
• Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind: Jan. 6 – 23

Upcoming Refurbishments:

• Haunted Mansion (holiday take down and bride surprise): Jan. 7 – 17
• Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe: Jan. 7 – TBA
• Disneyland Railroad: Jan. 13 – Spring 2025
• it’s a small world: Jan. 21 – Spring 2025

This & That

LIVE at 5

Dusty took us on one last holiday-decorated stroll through the parks on Thursday. By next week, much of the festive decor will be gone, and the resort will enter a brief period of normalcy until everything is decorated for Disneyland’s 70th anniversary. 

Interim Fireworks

With the official end of the holiday season comes the return of Mickey’s Mix Magic, which takes over for the seasonal “Believe… In Holiday Magic” nighttime spectacular on Jan 7.

Love it or hate it, the show has become the standard “fill-in” between other fireworks spectaculars.

Lunar New Year Details 🧧

After we went to print, Disney revealed the menus for this year’s Lunar New Year celebration at Disney California Adventure. The festival will run for a month from January 17th through February 16th. While the celebration will look very much like it has for the last few years, with a procession, World of Color Lunar New Year segment, characters, merchandise, and food, there are some new items to try at this year’s food booths. 

Take a look at our complete guide: 

Ultimate Guide to Disney California Adventure’s Lunar New Year Celebration!

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