Disneyland is bursting with big announcements this week, from thrilling new details about Avengers Campus attractions to a fresh Mandalorian & Grogu mission for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run. As the park gears up for its 70th anniversary, fans also celebrated Indiana Jones Adventure’s 30th with a star of the attraction! Additionally, winter refurbishments are nearing completion with the return of two iconic trains—the Disneyland Railroad and Monorail. It’s a lot to dig into, so let’s dive straight into the latest updates from around the resort.
Disney @ SXSW
Disney was at the annual SXSW festival in Austin, Texas this past weekend and revealed details about new rides and experiences coming to Disneyland and Walt Disney World in the near future. Let’s take a look at the Disneyland portion of the news, starting with Avengers Infinity Defense.
This high-tech trackless dark ride will thrust guests into an action-packed battle alongside Marvel’s greatest heroes, featuring practical effects, projection mapping, and dynamic fight sequences against the cosmic threat of Thanos. Expect surprises, twists, and an all-star Avengers lineup, though few new details were revealed.
We also learned more information about the technology behind the second Avengers Campus attraction, Stark Flight Lab. The attraction will take you into Tony Stark’s workshop to test a new flight suit in a cutting-edge simulator. Starting on a moving track, guests are lifted by robotic arms for a gravity-defying, immersive flight. Robert Downey Jr. surprised SXSW guests by introducing the attraction and will reprise his role as Tony Stark.
But, what’s really neat about this attraction is the ride system. Ride vehicles will move along the track and be picked up by robotic arms for the thrill portion of the experience. In the images below, you see actors creating the motion of the robotic arms as inspiration for how the arms will move.
You can see the arms in motion in this video:
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Disney also revealed new destinations for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run, launching next Memorial Day weekend at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Inspired by the Mandalorian & Grogu film (opening the same day), the updated interactive experience takes guests to Bespin’s Cloud City, Tatooine, and the Death Star wreckage. This marks the first major update since the ride’s debut in 2019, sparking hope for more previously-cut additions to Galaxy’s Edge—including characters, John Williams’ music, and live entertainment.
The mission will take place just outside the plot of the film rather than retelling it. But the locations are nostalgic for those who have been fans of Star Wars since the original trilogy.
During the panel, BDX droids walked on stage with a surprise guest—an adorable Anzellon named Auto. The Anzellons were first introduced with Babu Frik in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, and we’re already in love with the cute little guy. BD droids made their debut in the video game Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and have quickly gained popularity, appearing in The Book of Boba Fett, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and The Mandalorian. These Imagineering-developed BDX droids (which made their Disneyland debut last year for Season of the Force) will feature in The Mandalorian & Grogu, showcasing Imagineering’s influence on the films.
Check out the full article about all the parks announcements from SXSW, including the new Cars attraction coming to Magic Kingdom and a peek at the Monsters Inc roller coaster coming to Disney Hollywood Studios:
DISNEY PARKS ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM SXSW: Avengers, Star Wars & A Tomorrowland Tease!
Disneyland 70: Celebrate Happy
Disneyland’s 70th anniversary is fast approaching and the park has announced additional details about the entertainment, decor, and more. The theme is “Celebrate Happy,” in reference to Walt Disney’s opening day dedication, “To all who come to this happy place… welcome!”
Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, and Downtown Disney will be completely decked out for the celebration. In addition to what’s seen in the concept images, there will be a Mickey and Minnie installed in Town Square and Carthay Circle will take on 70th colors. In the evening, the Carthay exterior will host a projection show set to the tune of the celebration’s theme song, “Celebrate Happy.”
A contemporary 50-foot sculpture inspired by Sleeping Beauty Castle will tower over the Esplanade complete with colorful glass panels and golden charms representing the five original lands of Disneyland.
Mickey, Minnie, and their pals will be dressed for the party (and are expected to meet guests in and around Town Square).
Miguel and Dante from Coco will join the other children inside it’s a small world when it re-opens on April 25th. On the outside, Small World will be host to Tapestry of Happiness, an animated mosaic of Disneyland attractions in the unique style of Disney Legend Mary Blair. When the show debuts with the 70th anniversary, it will also feature the theme song Celebrate Happy, as well as nods to classic Disneyland music.
Toy Story Midway Mania will also be participating, with nods to the 70th anniversary. The attraction’s digital midway games were designed to be updated frequently but that never happened, so this is a pleasant surprise.
The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade will roll down the Disneyland parade route featuring favorite Disney characters and some exciting less-seen characters like Duffy, ShellieMay (in her first U.S. theme park appearance), and Goofy’s son Max.
In the evening, Paint the Night will return after a long hiatus. The parade will feature the Frozen segment again after being cut for its Disney California Adventure run.
Finally, over at Disney California Adventure, the all-new World of Color Happiness will feature a rendition of The Muppet Movie‘s “Rainbow Connection” by Boyz II Men, and an original song “Makes Me Wanna Move” by Fitz and the Tantrums. Additionally, a special message guided by Joe the Legal Weasel and more than a dozen Muppets will play before the show.
For everything 70th anniversary, check out our complete guide:
DISNEYLAND 70TH ANNIVERSARY: The Muppets & Duffy Join The Party!
Season of the Force Food
This week, Disney announced a slew of food items for the annual Season of the Force. There are plenty of returning favorites as well as new items, including some interesting novelties. The light-up Death Star popcorn bucket, for instance, will likely be a popular item.
For the full menu and all things Season of the Force, check out our article:
UPDATED! Season of the Force: Your Complete Guide to Disneyland’s Intergalactic Extravaganza
Indiana Jones Adventure at 30
Indiana Jones Adventure celebrated its 30th anniversary on March 3rd, and the perilous journey through the Temple of the Forbidden Eye still dazzles three decades later as one of the most beloved attractions ever built! Disney marked the occasion with a handful of offerings. Guests could purchase two commemorative pins (one available to all guests and another exclusive to Magic Key holders), take photos in front of two anniversary signs near the ride, and receive free temple map handouts. Additionally, Club 33 sold a selection of exclusive anniversary merchandise.
We took a transport through the temple to celebrate. The recent updates and refurbishments make this already spectacular experience shine.
Yet, for the fan and cosplay group California Jones, that wasn’t enough. On March 3rd, they organized a special event featuring Sallah himself, John Rhys-Davies. Sallah is featured in three of the Indiana Jones films, but is also the charming host of the Disneyland attraction— from the preshow instructing guests to fasten their “safety belts” and advising adventurers as they enter the belly of the temple to take it easy on the curves.
The event also led to a reunion between Rhys-Davies and two key Imagineers who worked on the attraction. He was joined by Chuck Ballew, the art designer responsible for creating the ride’s fictional language, Maraglyphics, but later met up with Tony Baxter, the former Vice President of Imagineering who served as the project lead for the attraction.
Rhys-Davies and Ballew hadn’t seen each other since filming the video about the making of the attraction. The video should start around 7:44, right before the two warn Karen Allen (Marion Ravenwood in the Indiana Jones series) not to gaze into the eyes of the idol:
John Rhys-Davies joined the group of dedicated Indy fans to ride Indiana Jones Adventure— not just once, but five times. A remarkable feat for a man of his age, but we’d expect nothing less for the finest excavator in Cairo.
He posed for photos with fans and Cast Members and even signed a few autographs.
It was a spectacular time for the dedicated group of Indys.
Constructionland
Let’s take a look at a few construction projects from around the resort, starting with several that just finished up:
The Disneyland Railroad opened to long queues this week after another a months-long refurbishment.
Everything looks great… but the Mardi Gras props are missing from the platform just before pulling in to the New Orleans station.
The Disneyland Monorail is also back in action, now sporting a sleek new entrance! The outdated turnstiles have been removed, making way for a modern gate system that matches the ones being installed at the main entrances of both parks.
Walls came down around the restrooms near Alice in Wonderland. The rockwork has received a complete repainting.
But walls are now up around the Golden Horseshoe as the iconic establishment undergoes a major exterior refurbishment. The marquee above the entrance has been removed for the project, but the Golden Horseshoe remains open for business as usual despite the construction.
The exterior refurbishment of the shops on Buena Vista Street and the Carthay Circle Restaurant continues.
Perhaps we’ll see some 70th anniversary decorations when the scaffolding comes down.
The former Tortilla Joe’s continues extreme reconstruction for two new restaurants to take its place. Concept art for Pearl’s Roadside BBQ has been added to the construction walls.
Cement work on the west end of Downtown Disney is wrapping up. On Thursday, workers were seen working on the polished look of the darker color concrete.
The Earl of Sandwich’s temporary location was closed last week while workers installed a new epoxy floor in the makeshift sandwich shop.
By Sunday, the establishment had reopened, and was serving guests. A new permanent location is still under construction near the new D-Lander shop.
Walls have shifted again at both park entrances for further construction on new turnstiles.
Disneyland Refurbishment Calendar
Currently Under Refurbishment
- The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln – adding “Walt Disney — A Magical Life” show to theater: April 16, 2024-July 16, 2025
- Pixie Hollow: September 16, 2024 – TBA
- Grizzly River Run: January 6 – March 13
- Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe: January 7 – March 21
A new sign has been installed at the Jolly Holiday Bakery. The problematic dotted LED signboard is no longer visible. You can see the comparison in the photos below.
- it’s a small world: January 21 – April 25
- Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!: March 10 – 20
Upcoming Refurbishments
- Indiana Jones Adventure: March 17 – April 24
This and That
Spring is just around the corner, and Disney is celebrating with a fresh batch of seasonal treats! While most of these sweet delights can be found throughout the resort, there’s one buzzy little exclusive — Pooh Corner is offering an adorable “bee” cake pop that you won’t find anywhere else.
Plexiglass has been bolted into the previously open windows of The Red Car Trolley to prevent guests from reaching inside.
Disneyland is celebrating Women’s History Month. The annual Minnie floral has returned just inside the Disneyland turnstiles.
Magic Shots offered by Photo Pass Services are Mary Blair themed to celebrate Women’s History Month.
Tilly is also dressed for the occasion!
Disneyland After Dark: 90s Nite took over the park twice this week, celebrating everything from the last decade of the 20th century!
One of the major attractions was a mashup parade of several of the most iconic 90s parades: Lion King, Aladdin, Mulan, and the Hercules Victory Parade!
No After Dark event is complete without rare characters. 90s Nite featured quite a few, including Monterey Jack and Fat Cat from DuckTales and Clopin from The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
MiceShots
Let’s round out today’s update with some MiceShots. It’s a true sign of Spring when all the ducklings start waddling around the park.
We caught the Mad Hatter and Alice enjoying a spot of tea.
The springtime flowers and Minnie floral really are stunning.
It rained a few days this week, creating some delightfully slower days.
We’re happy that the Disneyland Railroad is open again. It’s always wonderful taking a trip back in time to the age of the dinosaurs.
Soon this view will be lit up by a new World of Color featuring the Muppets and Inside Out…
MiceChat Thursday Live at 5
If you haven’t already, make sure to check out this week’s Thursday Live at 5. Mike and Suzanne take you around the park (in the rain!) to check out all the news and take a wet ride on Dumbo.
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Let’s Hear From You!
It’s been a busy week here at the Disneyland Resort! If you’ve made it this far, we’d like to hear from you. Did any of the SXSW announcemenst interested you? With 3 nostalgic Star Wars locations headed to the Millennium Falcon, do you have other hopes for Galaxy’s Edge? Are you ready for the 70th Anniversary? Let us know in the comments below.