DISNEYLAND UPDATE: Packed Parks, Show Shuttered & A Galaxy Too Far

Spring has sprung… and so have the crowds. Thanks to those tempting ticket offers and a calendar full of spring breaks, the parks are packed to the gills. Add in some beautiful SoCal weather, and you’ve got stroller traffic jams from Main Street to the Matterhorn.

But while the guests are showing up, the entertainment lineup is oddly sparse. Where are the extra parades, the bonus shows, the seasonal sparkle? Meanwhile, construction walls are multiplying, popcorn buckets are blooming, and the 70th anniversary decorations are starting to peek out—if you squint.

Oh, and Season of the Force is about to begin, but with most Star Wars Nite dates still available, it seems guests aren’t exactly scrambling to spend more for less. Is the Force fizzling?

From epic queues and spring treats to castle décor and curious cutbacks, we’ve got the latest from a bustling Disneyland Resort that’s feeling a little too busy… and a little too bare.

Spring Fling Gets Fierce

Busy, busy, busy… With SoCal and Kids Ticket offers making a visit to Disneyland more affordable, warm weather luring locals, and spring break schedules bringing tons of tourists, the Happiest Place on Earth is absolutely packed! Normally, that would mean that the resort offers more shows and parades to help soak up the crowds… but not this year. The Disneyland Resort hasn’t offered so little in the busy season in my memory. 

From Disneyland to DCA, there weren’t many places to avoid the crowds. 

On Thursday the Pinocchio queue was packed and extended into temporary switchbacks around the front of the attraction… and through a sea of parked strollers. 

The queue for the New Orleans Square Train Station extended into the former Magnolia Gardens area with switchbacks taped on the ground.

Pirates had a fully extended queue that snaked over the bridge, through the whole land, and all the way back to Tiana’s Palace.

Every Day is Snow White Day

The live-action Snow White movie premiered on March 21 (to mixed reviews), and while we think Disney’s original princess should always be celebrated, there are a few ways to commemorate Disney’s latest movie in the parks.

“Poison” caramel apples are available at Trolley Treats.

And Snow White has been added to the line-up at Animation Academy.

Not in the movie… but we came across Gaston loitering at the newly-refurbished Wishing Well in Snow White’s grotto next to the castle. When we asked what he was wishing for, he said it already came true…

… and showed us his own reflection in the well. ❤️

For more about Snow White, the movie’s history, impact on the parks, treats & new merchandise, please take a look at our guide…

Snow White – Merch, Mayhem, and Milestones!

New Dining Experiences

Starting May 16, 2025, Disneyland is introducing new dining experiences. The opportunities include a new “Paint the Night” dining package and the debut of a character dinner at Storytellers Cafe.

Paint the Night Dining Package at Plaza Inn: A multi-course meal and reserved viewing for the “Paint the Night” nighttime parade that returns for Disneyland’s 70^th Celebration. Guests can pick up their meal between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. and sit at any available table at Plaza Inn. The menu features a baby wedge salad, mushroom gravy-glazed meatloaf, and pea purée over creamy mashed potatoes, served with herbed crispy carrots and a themed dessert (kids’ meal option available). Then, they’ll have a special viewing location to watch the parade in the evening. Reservations open on March 25, 2025. 

Donald’s Tales of Adventure Dinner Buffet at Storytellers Cafe: Donald, Daisy, and friends invite guests to join the fun as they share their stories of discovery around the campfire. The menu features a barbecue-style buffet and desserts like a s’mores bread pudding, all while taking in the sounds of the forest and nighttime creatures. Reservations open on March 25, 2025. 

Note: Mickey’s Tales of Adventure will continue to be available for breakfast and brunch at Storytellers Cafe. 

Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo Nighttime Gathering: This dining package returns to Galaxy’s Edge for a limited time with special takeaway items and a viewing of “Fire of the Rising Moons” (when available). Reservations open on April 3, 2025.

Check our guide for details about everything that’s planned for Disneyland’s 70th celebration:

DISNEYLAND 70TH ANNIVERSARY: The Muppets & Duffy Join The Party!

And speaking of the 70th celebration, on Friday, we saw the very first touches of decor appear at the tip top of Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Construction Kingdom

There are projects all over the resort area. And while some of the projects are short-term freshening up of rides and buildings, there’s also new ride, restaurant, and shop construction we’ve been keeping an eagle eye on. 

Guardians of the Galaxy

Let’s start with the good news. After a brief refurbishment, Guardians of the Galaxy Mission Breakout has reopened to instant crowds. 

Carthay Circle

It’s a curious choice to refurbish Carthay Circle right now—especially since the building is a replica of the theater where Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs premiered in 1937. It could have been the perfect centerpiece for a Snow White celebration in the park… but perhaps Disney doesn’t think the new film warrants that kind of spotlight.

Although part of the exterior is wrapped, the interior remains open. There’s even a display of Snow White costumes in the lobby. 

Elias and Company

Construction has wrapped up on Buena Vista Street. The Elias and Company scaffolds came down over the weekend, exposing freshly painted facades and details. 

Golden Horseshoe

The classic Golden Horseshoe is getting a bit of exterior polish in time for the 70th anniversary. Too bad there has been no new show announced for this opening day attraction so dear to Walt Disney himself. 

Harbor Galley

While the popular quick-serve shack remains open to guests, there’s a bit of work happening on the side closest to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. 

Grand Californian

Work continues on the DCA entrance from the Grand Californian, which will be getting the same updated gates that have already been installed at the main entrances to both parks and at the Downtown Disney monorail station.

Elsewhere in the hotel, a new color scheme is taking over. The Disney Vacation Club wing is getting a lighter look with tile accents. 

Downtown Disney

The rapid pace of change continues in Downtown Disney. While progress on the new Earl of Sandwich seems to have stalled, there’s plenty going on elsewhere. 

We should see some progress soon as a new bath and body store goes in next to D-Lander. 

The old ESPN Zone building is being transformed, but Disney hasn’t confirmed what is taking over the space just yet. Though, at one point, Loungefly/Funko was interested in the building. 

A new steakhouse and BBQ are headed to the old Tortilla Jo’s. But the building looks like a ghost house at the moment. 

There are broken windows. 

Holes in the facade and a tangle of metal from old awnings. 

While we enjoy watching the construction progress… this one may be a bit too disheveled for the average guest to be exposed to. Construction scrims to obscure the mess would be welcome here. 

It’s a Jolly Holiday Again

Jolly Holiday Bakery soft-reopened on March 21 with a limited menu, but officially reopened on March 22 with a few new additions.

Beginning March 22, the full menu added returning favorites, including the Beef Birria Toasted Cheese sandwich, Chocolate Mousse Brownie, Banoffee tart, Strawberry-Stuffed Croissant, Matterhorn Macaroon, and S’Mores Tart, plus a few new additions:

New Donald Macaron filled with Cherry Buttercream and Vanilla Bean Cream ($8.29)

New Pineapple Bundt Cake topped with Pineapple Mousse and a Cherry ($6.79) – This was very good. 

New Jolly Chopped Salad with Creamy Italian Vinaigrette and a Fresh Breadstick ($12.99)

New Toffee-Nut Cold Brew with Toffee-Nut Syrup and Vanilla Foam ($6.79)

Unfortunately, the previously malfunctioning LED sign is still broken. They’ve simply covered up the popcorn lights with a plastic sheet… which does little to obscure the broken section of the sign. It’s really a shame that this wasn’t better addressed during the long refurbishment.  Looks worse now than it did before.  

Also, you may note that the decorative penguin, which was previously on the top, has disappeared, as has the “Bakery Cafe” section at the bottom. We hope the penguin, in particular, returns soon because the sign looks strange without it. See all that decorative scrollwork on the top of the sign? There’s a giant space at the top where the penguin should go.  

This is what the sign looked like before the refurbishment: 

Disneyland Refurbishment Calendar 

A whole slew of post-spring break refurbs hit the calendar this week, including Soarin’, which returns to “World mode” on April 21, but then curiously closes for refurbishment just a week later. And, of course, the Pixie Hollow saga continues…

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 – STILL no end in sight. 

While the area around the meet and greet looks clean and fresh, where Tinker Bell meets guests is still closed, and keeps getting pushed out. This project is months overdue. 

• it’s a small world: January 21 – April 24
• Indiana Jones Adventure: March 17 – April 24

Upcoming Refurbishments:

• Matterhorn Bobsleds: April 28 – TBA
• Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room: April 28 – TBA
• Soarin’ Around the World: April 28 – May 1
• Sorcerer’s Workshop: April 28 – TBA
• Anna & Elsa’s Royal Welcome: April 28 – TBA

Downtown Disney Food & Wine Events

Several Downtown Disney restaurants are celebrating the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival with special culinary demonstrations and events. Take a look and see if anything looks interesting to you… no theme park admission required. 

Experiencias de Paseo: Crudo & Tequila at Paseo (April 9 at 4 p.m.): Led by Paseo’s Executive Chef Rudy Lopez, guests can experience a culinary demonstration on the stories behind Kanpachi Crudo, the classic appetizer of chips and salsa, and Paseo’s Sonrisa Margarita. Tickets are $45 per person + tax and 20% gratuity. Make reservations HERE.

An Evening With Chef Carlos Gaytan at Paseo (March 26 at 6 p.m.): Chef Carlos Gaytán (the first Mexican-born chef to earn a Michelin star) will feature an incredible five-course tasting menu paired with delicious wines from leading Mexican wine brand, Monte Xanic, for guests to enjoy. The night will feature Chef Gaytán’s authentic Mexican dishes with a twist that guests have come to know and love (Menu subject to change to ensure an exceptional guest experience). Tickets are $150 per person + tax and 20% gratuity. Make reservations HERE.

The Menu:

• Mussels a la talla – nestled in a delicate, savory buñuelo
• Shrimp cocktail – avocado mousse, mango habanero gel, crisp tostadas
• Pozole verde – mahi mahi, avocado, queso fresco, radishes
• Crispy pork belly – tamarindo glaze, house pickles, sesame seeds, fresh herbs
• Mandarina cheesecake – buttery cookie crumble

Make & Shake: Pizza Making and Mixology Class at Naples (March 29 and April 5 at 4 p.m.): Guests can make their own authentic wood-fired pizza with the restaurant’s renowned chefs and craft the perfect cocktails with expert mixologists. This expert-led class will teach guests how to perfectly top their Neapolitan creations with fresh vegetables and savory Italian meats, paired with a mixology session where you will learn to make two craft cocktails. Tickets are $55 per person + tax and 18% gratuity. Make reservations HERE.

Mixology Creations:

• Italian Royale – Celaya Reposado, vanilla, fresh lemon juice, bitters, sparkling wine
• New York Sour – Bulleit Rye, Lemon Juice, Fee Foam, Red Wine, Blueberry Syrup

Vista Parkside Market: Spirit and wine Tastings from 2 to 3:30 p.m. every Saturday through April 12, 2025. Tickets are $50 per person (includes tax & gratuity; must be 21+). Make reservations HERE.

• March 29 – Garrison Brothers
• March 29 – Casamigos Tequila
• April 5 – Ardberg
• April 12 – Bulleit Bourbon

Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio: Beignet & Beverage tastings on Saturdays and Sundays at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. though April 20, 2025. Includes three gourmet beignets (simply glazed, strawberry shortcake, and bananas foster) paired with beverages. $35 per person + tax., gratuity, and fees. Make reservations HERE.

This & That

There’s more folks! A few little bits and bites left to explore…

Disneyland Live at 5

Dusty, Mike, Suzanne, and friends visit the Happiest Place on Earth. We start our journey on the Carrousel and then make a grand tour to see the latest construction and news. 

Don’t miss our next live stream this Thursday at 5pm Pacific on our Facebook Page and MiceChat YouTube. 

Star Wars Days & Nights 

Season of the Force blasts off this week (March 28), but that’s not the surprising part. What is unusual is that Star Wars Nite—part of the Disneyland After Dark event series—still has tickets available for seven out of eight nights. The only night that’s sold out? May the 4th, naturally.

But, with so much Star Wars headed to the parks during the day, perhaps folks just don’t want to shell out $180 for a ticket to a fairly stale Star Wars Nite? We’re looking forward to Hyperspace Mountain, special merch & treats, Luke Skywalker in Galaxy’s Edge, Fire of the Rising Moons fireworks, and the brand new Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga nighttime projection show… all available with a regular daily ticket to Disneyland. We just haven’t seen anything that motivates us to purchase that extra event ticket for Star Wars Nites… what about you? 

So Long, Disney Jr.; Hello Bluey?

After a full day of shows on Sunday, the Disney Jr. Dance Party has disappeared from the California Adventure events schedule beginning today.

And with that, another show has vanished from the Disneyland Resort. 

But there is some hope. We suspect the theater is preparing for the highly-anticipated arrival of Bluey.

Spring Popcorn Bucket

There’s a cute new popcorn bucket at the resort… but depending on where you get it, it may come with something other than popcorn and even at slightly different prices. 

The Jonas Brothers “Celebrate Happy”

And one last little tidbit to leave you with today…

Disneyland’s 70th anniversary theme song, “Celebrate Happy,” will be sung by the Jonas Brothers. Because boy bands never go out of style.  

MiceShots

Let’s wrap up this Update with a visual tour of the resort, where spring has sprung…

The Eggstravanganza starts on March 25th, you can already spot the eggs hidden around the resort. This year’s prize is a wooden craft set. 

One of the seagulls is missing from the buoy that floats in the submarine lagoon. Although there is only one bird there, you can still here the “MINE MINE MINE” of both birds.

And with the sunny weather, the characters are out and about!

The pink trumpet flower trees (Tabebuia rosea) around the resort are in full bloom. We particularly love the one in Galaxy’s Edge across from Dok Ondar’s. 

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A huge thanks to my dear friends Mike Kindrich, Suzanne Lee, and Samantha Davis-Friedman for their invaluable help with today’s Update.