The winds of change are blowing through Disneyland Resort! This weekend marks the end of the line for a beloved Disney California Adventure attraction, while over at Disneyland, a long-missing effect is making a grand return. But that’s not all—February 8 brings the MiceChat Gumball Rally, and this year’s competition has a mystery to unravel. We’ll break down what makes this edition stand out, plus the latest Disneyland Resort developments—including a shop so popular it’s drawing rope-drop crowds and a surprising reason why Madame Leota’s boutique is about to see some unexpected construction.
Red Cars Roll Out & Cannons Fire Up!
Big changes are rolling through the parks this week! The Red Car Trolleys at Disney California Adventure make their final run on February 8th, marking the end of an era. While the attraction is retiring, Disney has promised to keep at least one trolley on display on Buena Vista Street as a photo op—so while they won’t be traveling through the park, they won’t be gone entirely.
Meanwhile, in a galaxy far, far away, Rise of the Resistance is bringing the battle back to life! Disneyland’s maintenance teams have been burning the midnight oil to restore the long-dormant blaster cannon effect, and on Friday morning, guests entering the attraction were delighted to see the cannons back in action.
The Mouse giveth, and the Mouse taketh away…
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Of course, we rushed to the park to see it for ourselves… It’s incredible how little things like this can make such a big impression…
The MiceChat Gumball Rally – Like You’ve Never Played It Before
The annual MiceChat Gumball Rally is back—bigger, bolder, and with a devious twist! In 2025, teams will still race to ride the most attractions in a single day, but this year, there’s a mystery to solve along the way. The competition moves to Disney California Adventure, where competitors won’t just be tallying rides—they’ll be unraveling a murder mystery! Who was the victim? Where did it happen? What was the weapon? And whodunit? Find out when the Rally kicks off on February 8, 2025.
Alongside the 1st through 10th place winners, teams will also compete for awards for Best Team Logo, Best Team Name, and the Spirit of MiceChat Award. We love seeing the creativity and care you all put in every year.
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Whether it’s your first Gumball Rally or you’re a returning fan (if so, welcome back!), it is certain to be a memorable time.
Get your ears on, gumshoe! There’s still time to reserve a spot for your team of 2, 3, or 4 people HERE.
Find more information and read about past rallies:
Constructionland
It’s the off-season, which means lots of refurbishments are underway…
DCA Projects
Elias & Co. on Buena Vista Street in California Adventure remains under scrims as refurbishment continues on the storefronts.
Meanwhile, over in Cars Land, the never-ending refurbishment of the seating area behind the Cozy Cone office remain closed to guests… but interestingly, the new seating area behind the Cozy Cones seating area are once again behind construction walls.
The new seating area in Cars Land was also closed for refurbishment.
The Little Mermaid ride remains open while it’s queue is being expanded a bit to accommodate larger standby crowds due to the impact of Lightning Lane.
Disneyland Projects
Ongoing light pole maintenance is still in progress across the resort, with less-than-beautiful green boxes in place while they’re being worked on.
What’s Happening at ESPN Zone?
The construction news keeps on coming as Disney continues work on what was previously the ESPN Zone building. Disney has confirmed that something new is coming to the space, but have not said what.
But our own Dusty Sage speculates that Loungefly/Funko may be looking at the space for an impressive interactive store similar to their popular Hollywood location, Funko Hollywood.
Check out our experience at Funko Hollywood, and let us know if you think it is a good fit for Downtown Disney:
Would you like to see a shop like this in Downtown Disney?
Disneyland Refurbishment Calendar
- The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln – adding “Walt Disney — A Magical Life” show to theater: April 16, 2024 – May 15, 2025
- Pixie Hollow: September 16, 2024 – TBA
- Disneyland Monorail: January 6 – March 5
- Grizzly River Run: January 6 – March 13 – in addition to the regular touchup the ride receives every winter, some rockwork and piping is also being redone this time around.
The wooden bumpers throughout the attraction are also being replaced. 
- Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind: January 6 – 23
- Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe: January 7 – TBA
- Disneyland Railroad: January 13 – March 6 – A track replacement project continues at the Disneyland Railroad. Half the track was replaced late last year. The attraction is once again under the knife and will return in March.
- Disney Gallery: January 20 – February 1
- it’s a small world: January 21 – Spring 2025 – The little children of the world are taking a nap while crews freshen up the lighting, mechanics, and sound on this 59 year old attraction.
Upcoming Refurbishments
- Redwood Creek Challenge Trail: February 17 – TBA
- Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!: March 10 – TBA:
This will be a tough one for DCA. A major E-Ticket closing in a park light on major rides will be a huge burden.
This and That
There’s still more news for you today…
Disneyland LIVE at 5
Relive Thursday’s live stream with Dusty, Mike, Suzanne, and a few surprise friends as they explore Disneyland while discussing current Disney Parks happenings:
Putt With Pixar Pals
On Feb. 7, the limited-time Pixar Putt pop-up 18-hole mini golf experience debuts at the Pixar Place Hotel.
The whimsical mini golf course will feature favorite moments and characters from Pixar films, including Toy Story, The Incredibles, Monsters, Inc., Elemental, Finding Nemo, Coco, A Bug’s Life, Wall-E and Inside Out, and Inside Out 2.
The course will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. (closing at 10 p.m.). Prices start at $25 and advance booking HERE is recommended (there’s a separate ticket link for Magic Key holders). Parking is available at the Pixar Place Hotel (first 3 hours free and standard rates after that).
Special Drinks at Parkside Market
Sip and Sonder at Parkside Market is spotlighting Black heritage throughout February with their signature Nod to Nicaud coffee drink. The signature cold brew with chicory and cane sugar honors Rose Nicaud, a trailblazing entrepreneur – and one of New Orleans’ first women of color vendors – whose legacy shaped the city’s coffee culture.
In addition, Vista Parkside Market (Parkside Market’s rooftop bar) is celebrating the Year of the Snake with the Serpentine Sour, a gin cocktail with yuzu juice, egg white, bitters, and an artistic foam topper. The Lunar New Year cocktail is available now through February 16.
Long Lines to Shop at Disney Storyland Boutique
As many Disney collectors will tell you, Tokyo Disneyland’s merchandise is really unique and fun. The new Disney Storyland Boutique in Downtown Disney now stocks a number of items from Japan’s Disney Stores. The two collections currently available are the Sakura (cherry blossom) and Cat Day 2025 collections from Disney Store Japan.
These items definitely draw in the crowds. In fact, shoppers have been rope-dropping this store in the hopes of purchasing some of the items before they sell out for the day. Even during the middle of the day, the line can wrap around the building and into the corridor between Disney Storyland Boutique and Beignets Expressed.
Hopefully, the clear demand will encourage Disney to make even more Japanese merchandise available to collectors at the US parks. DisneyStore.com already has plans to release Disney Store China and Disney Store Japan merchandise for US consumers, including their recently released Floral Plush Collection from Disney Store China.
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January Showers Close Madame Leota’s
Last week, a light rain hit the resort. Unfortunately, as the water began to trickle down the incline from the bridge over Tiana‘s Bayou Adventure towards New Orleans Square, it followed the path of least resistance… directly into Madame Leota‘s new shop.
But cast members acted quickly to close the shop, and sandbags were placed in front of the door to divert the flow.
With more rain forecast for this week, the park plans to rework the pavement in front of the shop. Expect construction to begin in the front of the store this week and take about a month to complete. But don’t worry—Leota’s shop will remain open and accessible from the side entry closest to the exit of the Haunted Mansion throughout construction.
The Haunted Mansion-themed shop opened in late December 2024. You can find our coverage of the store here:
Madame Leota’s Somewhere Beyond Shop Now Open At Disneyland!
Disneyland Magic Keys Still Available
All four Disneyland Magic Key passes (Imagine, Enchant, Believe, and Inspire) went back on sale on January 22. Until that point, only renewals were available.
Interestingly, all four key tiers are still available for purchase (you need to be a Southern California resident for the Imagine tier). Previously, when Magic Key sales were reopened, the allotment sold out relatively quickly, but at press time, inventory was still available for all four Keys.
Our guide for all things Magic Key is available here:
Disneyland Magic Key Sales & New Perks – Everything You Need To Know
Disneyland After Dark Tickets
Magic Keys aren’t the only tickets that remain plentiful. Despite going on sale to the general public on December 12, tickets are still available at $149 for Disneyland After Dark: 90s Nite dates, March 4 (March 6 is sold out).
Additionally, all dates for the popular Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite parties remain available, with prices ranging from $169 to $189.
Sweets For Your Sweetie
The best way to your beloved’s heart is through their stomach. With that motto in mind, Disneyland will be offering a variety of sweet Valentine’s Day treats.
At Disneyland:
- Strawberry Milk at Bengal Barbecue (available February 12 through 16)
- Valentine’s Grey Stuff at Red Rose Taverne (currently available through February 28)
- The Strawberry Shortcake Sundae at Tropical Hideaway (currently available through March 3)
At Disney California Adventure: Valentine Champagne at the Hollywood Lounge (currently available through February 16)
At the Candy Kitchens around the Resort – Candy Palace, Pooh Corner, Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff, Trolley Treats, and Wonderful World of Sweets (currently available through February 16):
- Snickers Caramel Apple (available in the Parks only)
- Queen of Hearts Candy Apple (available in the Parks only)
- Strawberry Cheesecake Minnie Caramel Apple
- Pink Minnie Caramel Apple
- Raspberry Peanut Butter Square
- Lotso Cereal Treat (at Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff only)
- Pink Minnie Donut Cereat Treat
- Besos Conversation Heart Cereal Treat
- Luv U Conversation Heart Cereal Treat
- Te Amo Conversation Heart Cereal Treat
- Strawberry Mickey Cake Pop (available in the Parks only)
- Dark Chocolate Marshmallow Wand
- Milk Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry (available in Disneyland and at Trolley Treats only)
- Dark Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry (available in Disneyland and at Trolley Treats only)
- White Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry (available in Disneyland and at Trolley Treats only)
At Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa (currently available through February 16):
- Box of Valentine’s Day Strawberries at the Grand Californian Great Hall Cart
- Valentine’s Day Linzer Cookie at the Grand Californian Great Hall Cart
- Box of Assorted Valentine’s Day Cookies at the Grand Californian Great Hall Cart
- Mickey-Shaped Sugar Cookie at the Grand Californian Great Hall Cart
At The Great Maple at Pixar Place Hotel (available only on February 14):
- Crab Cakes
- Red Wine Braised Short Ribs
- Dark Chocolate Berry Torte
- Mon Cheri cocktail
At Downtown Disney District:
- Chocolate Strawberry Churro at California Churro (available February 1 through 14)
- Sweetheart’s Tart at Naples Ristorante e Bar (currently available through February 28)
- Velvet Heart cocktail at Naples Ristorante e Bar (currently available through February 28)
- Chicken Mole at Paseo (available February 14 through 16)
- Half Bottle of Gloria Ferrer Gloria Brut Rose Carneros 2017 at Paseo (available February 14 through 16)
- Tropi-Crush cocktail at Paseo (available February 14 through 16)
- Valentine’s Buñuelo at Tiendita (available February 14 through 16)
There’s also a new Valentine’s Day CrazyShake in Downtown Disney. Black Tap has collaborated with high-end cookie company Last Crumb for The Red Velvet Cookie CrazyShake.
This sugary concoction features a chocolate frosted rim with Hershey’s Kisses, red M&M’s, a Last Crumb “What the Velvet” cookie, whipped cream, heart-shaped sprinkles, and a chocolate drizzle. The Valentine’s Day shake will be available from February 13 through 17 at all Black Tap locations.
MiceShots
We visited a lot of interesting locations at Disneyland this past week, including Toon Town on Roger Rabbit’s Cartoon Spin at the start of last Thursday’s live stream. Watch out for the dip!
It may always feel like Mardi Gras in New Orleans Square, but as we get close to the actual holiday date, the land gets dressed up for the occasion with masks, beads, and jester-like puppets.
The Mark Twain’s lights came on as we prepared to board for an evening ride along the Rivers of America.
And we encountered a Native American village during our riverboat journey.
It is remarkable how different some attractions can look by day and night. Here, we see the Disneyland Treehouse and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in their distinctive looks.
People often talk about the ducks of Disneyland, but let’s show some love for the Resort’s hummingbirds! This fairy-like avian was seen noshing on Radiator Spring’s desert flora at Cars Land in Disney California Adventure.
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Let’s Hear from You!
That wraps up this edition of the Disneyland Update! Will you miss Disney California Adventure’s Red Car Trolleys? Are you planning on visiting them one last time before the attraction retires? What do you think about the addition of Disney Store Japan merchandise to Downtown Disney? Were you glad to hear that the canons are firing again at Rise of the Resistance? And does it make a difference to the attraction experience? We hope to see you at the upcoming MiceChat Gumball Rally, it’s fun for the whole family?
