This week’s Disneyland Update begins on a somber note, as devastating fires in the Los Angeles area continue to take a heartbreaking toll. The loss of life and property has deeply impacted our Southern California neighbors, and our thoughts are with everyone affected. While Disneyland has remained out of harm’s way, the effects of this tragedy have been felt far and wide.
Amid these difficult times, Disneyland presses forward. Today, we’ll take a look at the post-holiday season and the start of the construction season. Plus, upcoming events like Lunar New Year and Mardi Gras, park refurbishments, and preparations for Disneyland’s next big chapter.
LA Fire Crisis
We begin today’s Update under the saddest and most distressing circumstances. Friends, neighbors, and loved ones have lost their homes to the catastrophic LA fires, and the crisis shows no sign of abating.
At the time we wrote this on Sunday evening, wind-fueled fires had tragically claimed at least 24 lives and scorched over 40,000 acres across the greater Los Angeles area, obliterating entire neighborhoods and more than 12,300 structures. Mandatory evacuation orders have displaced over 150,000 residents, with containment efforts complicated by the threat of more powerful winds forecast for this week. The situation remains dire as communities across the LA Basin brace for what may come.
The fires have also disrupted daily life across the region. Universal, Disney, and many other film studios temporarily shut down operations last week as employees faced evacuation orders and devastating personal losses. Warner Bros., situated near the Walt Disney Studios, reported that over 1,300 of their staff have been directly impacted. While Universal Studios Hollywood reopened on Friday, the park has been quiet due to hazardous air quality and limited staffing, with some restaurants and shops unable to open.
The Walt Disney Company has pledged $15 million toward fire relief and rebuilding efforts—a generous contribution that will undoubtedly make a difference. However, with damages now estimated to exceed $150 billion, more support will be needed to help Los Angeles recover. We hope that other companies will follow Disney’s example and step up to aid in this time of crisis.
For those wondering how Disneyland has been affected, the park has largely been spared. Located in Orange County, more than an hour away from the fire zones, Disneyland is not under immediate threat. The resort remained open throughout the weekend, with air quality fluctuating between good and moderate depending on wind direction.
However, there have been ripple effects. Some Disneyland cast members living in the LA evacuation zones have had to choose between work and protecting their families. Additionally, while Disneyland Resort’s hotel occupancy was notably low on Wednesday evening (around 50%), by Thursday night, the hotels were fully booked with evacuees seeking refuge from the chaos. For many, Disneyland became a sanctuary—a temporary escape from the relentless stress of the fires.
If you’re planning a Disneyland vacation, there’s no need to cancel unless you intended to spend a significant portion of your trip in the LA area. Orange County, San Diego, and Palm Springs remain unaffected and fully operational. These areas depend on tourism to thrive, and your visit could help support local economies.That said, travelers should be mindful of potential flight delays or cancellations stemming from the fires. It’s a good idea to check with your airline and consider alternative airports outside the affected areas.
Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this unprecedented disaster.
If you’d like to help, we’ve compiled a short list of reputable charities working tirelessly to support those in need (there are many other worthy organizations also assisting the efforts): LA FIRE RESOURCES. Monetary donations are especially appreciated at this time, as many organizations have reached capacity for physical goods and are prioritizing financial assistance to streamline their efforts.
As difficult as it is to transition from such sobering news, Disneyland remains open, and there’s a lot to cover in today’s Update.
Holiday Removal
The holiday season has officially wrapped up at the Disneyland Resort, and festive décor is quickly vanishing. The iconic Christmas trees and large decorations have already been removed from Disneyland and California Adventure, though a few lingering touches remain. “It’s a Small World Holiday” will keep the Christmas spirit alive through January 20, while New Orleans Square retains some of its festive charm to align with Mardi Gras celebrations.
Meanwhile, Haunted Mansion Holiday is closed as the attraction transitions back to its classic form—with some intriguing updates. Be sure to read all the way down to our construction section for all the ghostly details. Over in Downtown Disney, holiday decorations tend to linger longer than in the parks, and as of Friday, trees and festive elements were still in place.
However, much of the Resort has already returned to its regular look. Main Street, Buena Vista Street, ToonTown, and Cars Land are back to their classic charm.
While the castle’s snowy rooftops appeared before Halloween last year, they take a while to melt and were still being removed over the weekend.
But Main Street has mostly moved on from the holidays, though some of the shop windows were still being redressed.
For those clinging to the last bit of holiday magic, It’s a Small World Holiday remains the lone holiday-themed attraction until Haunted Mansion reopens.
What’s Next?
One season ends and another begins! Lunar New Year and Mardi Gras are arriving soon with Food and Wine following soon after… then, the larger celebration for Disneyland’s 70th anniversary.
Lunar New Year
Disney California Adventure Park is set to celebrate Lunar New Year from January 17 to February 16, 2025, honoring Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese cultures. The festivities will feature six themed marketplaces offering a variety of Asian-inspired dishes with a Disney twist.
Booths are already placed along the parade route and next to Grizzly River Run…
Bamboo Blessings
• Mini Char Siu Pork Shanks with rice and pineapple chutney (New)
• Strawberry Milk Tea Macaron: Strawberry buttercream with a milk tea center
• Brown Sugar Milk Tea: Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Co. Ceylon Tea, hotteok-inspired brown sugar syrup, maple and butter pecan syrups, and oat milk garnished with banana milk-infused whipped cream (Non-alcoholic beverage) (New)
• Dragon Fruit Cocktail: Dragonberry rum, white rum, lychee purée, dragon fruit and Chinese five-spice syrups, lime juice, and house-made coriander tea garnished with a dried dragon fruit wheel
Longevity Noodle Co.
• Garlic Noodles with zesty garlic butter sauce and Parmesan cheese
• Shrimp Lo Mein Noodles with stir-fried vegetables
• Tropical Coconut Cooler: Coconut cream, coconut milk, house-made jackfruit syrup, dragon fruit syrup, lychee nectar, and cherry juices garnished with mango coconut foam and rainbow jellies (Non-alcoholic beverage) (New)
• Mandarin Citrus Mule: Mandarin vodka, grapefruit liqueur, lime juice, Mandarin and apricot purées, and candied orange syrup topped with ginger beer and garnished with orange rock candy (New)
Lucky 8 Lantern
• Quesabirria Eggroll with guajillo pepper consomé
• Chocolate Firecracker: Light chocolate mousse, chocolate ganache filling, chocolate almond dacquoise, and popping candy featuring DOVE Dark Chocolate (New)
• Guava Lemongrass Cocktail: Silver rum, guava nectar juice, house-made lemongrass syrup, and lime juice garnished with a lemon wheel (New)
• Year of The Snake Margarita: Reposado tequila, lime juice, kiwi syrup, and mango purée garnished with a snake gummy (New)
Prosperity Bao & Buns
• Kung Pao Bao with plant-based chicken, toasted peanuts, and scallions
• Red Panda Bao: Jumbo pork and vegetable bao with chile-garlic sauce
• Harland Raspberry Yuja Lemonade Ale (New)
• Strawberry-Lychee Cocktail: Bourbon, strawberry purée, lychee syrup, and lime juice garnished with a skewered lime gummy (New)
Red Dragon Spice Traders
• Fire Chicken Wings with sesame-seaweed crunch (New)
• Spicy Gochujang Chicken Tacos with yuja citrus cabbage slaw (New)
• Peach Makgeolli Cocktail: Peach rice wine, citron vodka, ginger liqueur, cucumber syrup, and white grape and lime juices garnished with a skewered frozen peach and grape (New)
Wrapped with Love
• Phở Dip with rice noodles, sliced beef, shaved jalapeños, pickled onions, and Phở broth (New)
• Fried Lemongrass Chicken Dumpling with plum sauce
• Mandarin Orange Cream Puff filled with citrus cream and Mandarin compote (New)
• Taro Vietnamese-style Iced Coffee: Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Co. Vietnamese-style Coffee, cocoa powder, and condensed milk garnished with taro-chocolate sweet cream (Non-alcoholic beverage)
In addition to the marketplaces, several dining locations within the park will offer special menu items for the celebration. Guests can also purchase a Sip and Savor Pass, which includes six digital coupons redeemable for select food and non-alcoholic beverages at participating locations. These passes are available in three limited-edition designs honoring Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean cultures, featuring Disney characters in culturally inspired outfits designed by artist Ann Shen.
For more detailed information on the event check out our guide:
Ultimate Guide to Disney California Adventure’s Lunar New Year Celebration!
Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras isn’t until March, but treats are already in the park.
We found King Cake at a variety of locations, including Harbor Galley, Tiana’s Palace, Royal Street Veranda, and Hungry Bear BBQ.
You’ll also find a Mardi Gras Roulade (Vanilla Roulade filled with Coffee Mousse, Purple Vanilla Sauce and Coffee-Chocolate Crunch) at Cafe Orleans. Plus Snack-size Mardi Gras Monte Cristo at Royal Street Veranda. And, there’s a Mardi Gras candy mix-in for the popcorn at the Haunted Mansion popcorn cart!
It was the perfect treat for the long drive home… but I did have to stop at a car wash to vacuum up the evidence.
Food & Wine Festival
The Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival returns to Disneyland Resort Feb. 28 through April 21, 2025. That may seem like it’s still a long way off… but the extra cost beverage education, tasting seminars, and mixology classes are available for booking NOW! They tend to go fast: Food & Wine Bookable Experiences (HERE)
Disneyland 70th Anniversary
And come May 16th, the Disneyland Resort kicks off it’s 70th anniversary with the return of several entertainment offerings including the Paint the Night and Better Together parades, and Wonderous Journeys fireworks. But there is a new World of Color show set for California Adventure.
There’s also a new show taking over the Lincoln Theater at the Main Street Opera House, Walt Disney A Magical Life. The controversial attraction will bring Walt Disney back to life as a state-of-the-art animatronic.
Along with all of that, expect special food and beverages, merchandise, and decor throughout the resort, and new costumes for Mickey and friends.
DISNEYLAND 70TH ANNIVERSARY: New Entertainment, Returning Favorites, and More!
Refurb & Construction Land
What comes down must go up… As the holidays wrap, Disney unleashes the refurbishments and projects.
Testing New Gates
Disneyland and California Adventure are getting fancy new gates which will (hopefully) speed up the entry process in the parks. MiceChat photographer, Mike Kindrich, went through the new gates on Thursday. This round of testing didn’t have guests tapping into the system or scanning tickets on the scanner. Instead, front gate CMs manually scanned the tickets, and the gates would open as you walked up.
Check out our video of the process below:
In this case, it was pretty easy, but the cast member did all the work. We’re curious to see how the gates function when the guest is doing the tapping.
We have a feeling that the transparent gates will be an issue for some. It’s very easy to miss them if you are in a hurry or not paying attention.
Downtown Disney Monorail Madness
If you heard jackhammers in Downtown Disney last week, you were probably standing in front of the Monorail station. Crews were breaking up the concrete and pulling out the old gates. Looks like the new gates are also coming to the Monorail station.
Those aren’t the only construction walls in the area…
ESPN Reboot
The Former ESPN Zone building will soon be transformed. Permits have been filed to subdivide the building into 3 units. There wasn’t much going on at this site until this week when we noticed crews removing the awnings. We’ll keep a close eye on this one.
Downtown Disney Musical Chairs Continue
The Disney Dress Shop is closed with windows blacked out. They have filed a permit to install a new sign, “Disney Storyland Boutique.” There has been a lot of change in this location in recent years. The Wonderground Gallery was moved into a smaller space so the Dress Shop could move here when it was booted by the expansion of Marceline’s Confectionery (to become Disney’s Wonderful World of Sweets)… got that?!
Heading into the parks…
Haunted Mansion Rematerializes
Haunted Mansion is shedding its Holiday overlay. We haven’t seen the regular version of Haunted Mansion since August of 2023. The attraction was closed for construction in January of 2024 and reopened for the Halloween season in Holiday mode.
The pumpkins have been packed up since Friday.
The attraction will return on January 17th with a ghostly surprise. A brand new bride will haunt the Attic. Pepper’s Ghost, projection, and animation effects will enhance her ethereal presence. Guests can catch a preview of the new bride in Madame Leota’s Somewhere Beyond shop, where she graces a wall holding a candelabra, which plays a key role in her spectral act.
The bride will also appears as part of a collectible sipper, available beginning January 18 at Harbour Galley and Stage Door Café for $35.
Jolly Holiday
It may look like a new mad mouse coaster is being built at the end of Main Street, but it’s just a major refurbishment for The Jolly Holiday Bakery.
Space Queue
Over in Tomorrowland, construction walls have popped up in the upstairs outdoor queue of Space Mountain.
The walls wrap around the shade supports.
Buena Vista Street
Over in DCA, scaffolding and construction walls have been erected along most of the storefronts on the East side of Buena Vista Street… But the shops remain open.
This work has made walking on Buena Vista Street a bit cramped when the Red Car rolls by. But it won’t be that way for long. The Red Car Trolley closes for good on February 8th.
Cars Land Projects
In Cars Land, an extended project has had walls up and windows blocked out for months at the Cozy Cone Motel. But there has been some progress in the area.
The former garden area behind the Cozy Cones has been paved for a new seating area. The new seating offers a bit more shade and somewhere to eat your Cozy Cone snacks, which was desperately needed. This is yet another project necessitated by Mobile Order. Like Lighting Lane, which has caused lines to overflow, Mobile Order causes a lack of seating as guests waiting for their orders hog tables, often preventing those with food from finding a spot to eat.
Little Mermaid Queue
Speaking of Lightning Lane… It appears that the Little Mermaid queue is getting an expansion to accommodate its longer queues since Lightning Lane was added to this attraction (which doesn’t even need it).
Why did they take an attraction that frequently had a wait of 5 minutes and ruin it with Lightning Lane? Be sure to read our Disneyland Resolutions from last week to find out…
Refurbishment Calendar
There are lots of projects in the works and about to begin…
- 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
- Disneyland Monorail: Jan. 6 – TBA
- Grizzly River Run: Jan. 6 – March 13
- Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind: Jan. 6 – 23
- Haunted Mansion Holiday Takedown: Jan. 7 – 17
- Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe: Jan. 7 – TBA
Upcoming Refurbishments:
- Disneyland Railroad: Jan. 13 – Spring 2025
- it’s a small world: Jan. 21 – Spring 2025
- Redwood Creek Challenge Trail: Feb. 17 – TBA
This and That
We have a few more items for you today…
MiceChat Live
Dusty and the MiceChat crew recorded this live walk through the parks on the 2nd day of the LA fires. They start the video on the Rise of the Resistance, discuss the early impact of the fires, and then stroll through the parks to observe the crowds and removal of the holidays.
Passholder Perks
From January 7-13, a Magic Key PhotoPass location was set up in the Starcade, offering Keyholders the chance to take photos with characters and receive an exclusive pin featuring either Mickey and Pluto or Minnie and Daisy.
While the event was advertised as running from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., many Keyholders who arrived after school or work were frustrated to find the mobile waitlist already closed. The event details failed to specify when the waitlist would open, which turned out to be when the park opened. On Friday, the waitlist was already full by 4 p.m. Our MiceChat staff experienced a three-hour wait to receive their return notification text, followed by a narrow one-hour return window.
If the free pin fiasco didn’t dampen your enthusiasm, there’s another Magic Key PhotoPass experience running through January 31. Starting at 5 p.m. (except on Sweethearts Nite event days), Keyholders can visit the Pixie Hollow path between Tomorrowland and the Matterhorn for two special 2025 Magic Shots celebrating the new year.
Deadpool Out
Since July, guests have been entertained by Deadpool’s witty storytelling and cameo appearances from Wolverine. While the show consistently drew packed crowds of Magic Keyholders, the final week of the year—when Magic Keys were blocked—saw noticeably sparse audiences. The set has now been removed.
Before the Deadpool show took over, Dr. Strange’s popular demonstration was quietly canceled. Now, both the Hyperion courtyard and Dr. Strange’s sanctum sit empty. Will the Sorcerer Supreme make a comeback? We certainly hope so—his show consistently drew large crowds, with lines forming well before each performance.
A Fork in the Road
During our Thursday Live at 5, we noticed Cast Members alerting guests to a fork in the road. A tiny set of construction cones surrounded the scene. We love seeing whimsical moments such as this in the parks. For you frequent Disney World visitors, this is an imported idea from WDW.
Hidden Mickeys
Is it a new game? Nope! Hidden Mickeys have been a thing at Disneyland for as long as I can remember. It’s always fun to find them. Sometimes, they have been staring you right in the face for years, and one day, you just suddenly notice it. Others are much more difficult to find. While Julie pointed one out during the live video above that she spotted on Rise of the Resistance, we photographed a couple more that we noticed this week. Have you seen these before? Can you name these locations? Let us know in the comments below and we’ll let you know the answers tomorrow.
MiceShots
Time to enjoy a few shots from around the Resort and a few additional thoughts.
While we were in Galaxy’s Edge for the Live, we captured a few shots for the Update.
Enjoy the parks in their natural state… the 70th is on the way.
Some good news. We’ve been reporting that the Pixie Hollow lagoon hasn’t been kept clean. Well, it’s finally been vacuumed. There’s a reason why Walt was so adamant that the park be kept pristine… it makes a real difference. “We’re going to make it so clean that people are going to be embarrassed to throw anything on the ground.”
Similar to the fork in the road, we love seeing custodial cast make art with leaves and water.
We have a couple of events coming up not to miss…
Gumball Rally – Mystery – February 8th
🕵️♂️ There’s a mystery in the air… 🕵️♀️
The Gumball Rally is back. But this time, the stakes are higher, the twists are darker, and the thrills… shocking.
THE CASE:
A dastardly crime has been committed, and the clues are scattered throughout Disney California Adventure. Can you crack the case and conquer the attractions? Or will the clock run out?
You and your team of 2 to 4 detectives will ride, sleuth, and strategize your way through a murder mystery, inspired by the cinematic world of Disney’s noir films and the classic game of CLUE.
Did Clarabelle Cow silence Hyacinth Hippo with a churro on the Pal-A-Round? Or was it someone—or something—else?
THE DETAILS:
🗓️ Event Date: February 8th, 2025
📍 Location: Disney California Adventure
ℹ️ More Info: MiceChat.com/Rally
The Gumball Rally is a high-energy competition to see who can ride the most attractions in one day. But this year, there’s a sinister twist! Solve the case as you crisscross the park, deciphering clues and outwitting your rivals.
This event is fun for all ages, and no trivia expertise is required! Just bring your wits, your spirit of adventure, and a taste for a good mystery.
🎟️ HOW TO PLAY
1. Form a team of 2 to 4 sleuths.
2. Sign up now (HERE)
3. Secure your park tickets and theme park reservations. (Admission is not included!)
🚨 Limited spots available—don’t delay!
Sign up today ➡️ GetAwayToday.com/Gumball-Rally
MiceChat Meetup
From time to time, we hold meetups in the parks so fans can get to know each other better. Join us on Sunday, January 19th, at noon in Disneyland’s Central Hub (next to the Walt and Mickey statue). We’ll chat, take a photo, and then find a nice spot for lunch. The MiceChat meetups are a great way to make new friends and reconnect with old ones.
Follow MiceChat on social: MiceChat Facebook Page, MiceChat Facebook Group, MiceChat Instagram, MiceChat Threads, MiceChat X, MiceChat YouTube
Discount Disney Tickets and Travel
Snag the latest Disney travel deals from our partners at Get Away Today!
Check out the latest offers for Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Disney Cruise Line, including new low hotel rates, extra days and nights for free, special perks, and limited-time opportunities…
(MiceChat works with Get Away Today to provide you with the best theme park travel deals. When you purchase from our travel partner, you not only get great rates and service, you also help support MiceChat. We sincerely thank you for your support!)
A Week We’ll Never Forget
This week’s Disneyland Update was a tough one to write. Covering theme park news feels trivial when so many lives are in turmoil. But Disneyland, located just far enough from LA, continues its operations, transitioning from the holiday season to a time of renewal. And tourists from around the world continue to make the journey.
Our hearts are with everyone affected by the devastating events of the past week, and we hope for swift recovery and relief for those impacted. If you’re able, please consider making a donation to support the relief effort: LA Fire Relief Links
