Happy Spring Break week, Disneyland fans! The sun is shining in Southern California, and schools across the country are taking a breather. That usually spells big crowds at the Happiest Place on Earth… but not always.
In this week’s Disneyland Update, we’re checking in on construction progress, new 70th anniversary surprises, food festivals galore, and a delay for “it’s a small world.” There’s a lot for theme park fans to celebrate right now—even if the road to magic land has a few bumps along the way.
Welcome to Disneyland
There have been variable crowds at Disneyland this past week, from the unbearable crowd crush you might expect during spring break to actually enjoyable crowd levels. Part of that has to do with price. Disney’s surge-based pricing has the formerly busiest days of the year at a premium, but many are willing to shift their visits to the more affordable weekdays, which often means that the week is more crowded than the weekend.
So, don’t expect conditions of the past to still be in play. With some exceptions, the most expensive days are also now the most enjoyable… but you can take that advice with a grain of salt, because weather, conventions, and holiday schedules all make an impact regardless of price.
Crowds could be like this on a lower-cost weekday…
Or like this during the weekend, but on a higher cost day…
Disneyland 70th News
The big day is nearly here—Disneyland’s 70th anniversary celebration kicks off on May 16, and Disney keeps sprinkling more pixie dust on the plans.
The 70th Celebration In Disneyland:
Starting April 24, guests can book A Story of Celebration: 70th Anniversary Guided Tour—a two-hour add-on experience that explores the legacy and history of Disneyland Park.
In addition, at five interaction points in Disneyland’s original lands (Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, and Frontierland), MagicBand+ will unlock unique effects inspired by some of the park’s opening day attractions. MagicBand+ will also interact with “Paint the Night,” “Tapestry of Happiness” projection show on the Small World facade, “World of Color Happiness!” and “Wondrous Journeys” through synchronized vibrations and lights.
70th Celebration In California Adventure:
We knew the all-new World of Color show called World of Color Happiness! is debuting on May 16th in California Adventure, but we now know that guests will get to play a part.
The show is hosted by the Emotions from Inside Out and Inside Out 2, but guests will have the opportunity to vote on which Emotion will be featured in certain scenes throughout both showings of the nighttime spectacular. Eligible guests can vote for Sadness, Anger, Disgust, or Envy on the Disneyland app before each day’s first performance.
Across the resort, Disney PhotoPass will introduce new photo enhancements with anniversary flair throughout the celebration, such as themed Magic Shots and Disney PhotoPass Lenses.
New 70th Dining Packages
Reservations are now open for two new dining packages. The World of Color Happiness! Dessert Party, which includes a selection of sweets and snacks in a souvenir keepsake box, along with preferred seating to the new nighttime spectacular.
The Better Together Dessert Party also includes sweets and snacks in a keepsake box, and a dedicated viewing area to watch the daytime parade, “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!”
The two dessert parties join the Paint the Night Dining Package at Plaza Inn, which includes a multi-course meal and reserved viewing for the “Paint the Night,” nighttime parade.
For all the details about Disneyland’s 70th-anniversary celebration, read our guide:
DISNEYLAND 70TH ANNIVERSARY: The Muppets & Duffy Join The Party!
Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite Returns
Star Wars Nite has landed once again at Disneyland, with the first events taking place this past Tuesday and Thursday—and several more nights still to come. For fans of the galaxy far, far away, it’s a fun excuse to don a cape, wield a lightsaber, and meet rare characters while sampling themed food and exclusive merch.
MiceChat Contributor David Yeh attended the first night and shared some photos with us.
If you’re a regular to Disneyland After Dark events, be warned: this year’s edition treads familiar ground. Most of the entertainment, characters, and offerings are recycled from previous years. Even Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga, the featured projection show, can be seen on select regular park nights—no pricey upcharge required.
Still, for those who haven’t experienced it before (or just really want a photo with a Jawa), Star Wars Nite delivers that themed fan-service energy.
🎟️ Tickets for Star Wars Nite are available now through the Disneyland website.
Constructionland
The march of projects continues across the Disneyland Resort—and some are more complex than they appear.
Arthur & Sons Steak and Bourbon + Pearl’s Roadside BBQ
The slow demolition of the former Tortilla Jo’s building in Downtown Disney has left many guests wondering… what’s taking so long?
The roof is already gone, and the walls are coming down bit by bit. Awnings and façade details have been stripped away—but progress seems unusually slow. That’s because this isn’t a full demolition. Only the top portion of the building is permitted for removal. The basement and foundation will remain in place as the new Arthur & Sons Steak and Bourbon and Pearl’s BBQ are built on the bones of the old structure.
In short: out with the old, but not all the old.
Earl of Sandwich & Carnaby Tavern
Just steps from the Downtown Disney west-side security gate, a new location for Earl of Sandwich is on the way—again. The popular sandwich spot will set up shop near the new D-Lander boutique, and this time, it’s bringing along a British pub–inspired tavern option (upstairs) to step things up a bit. But don’t worry; your favorite quick-serve sandwiches will remain available downstairs.
Nectar Life
The bath and body shop that looks like a bakery is now under construction next to the future Earl of Sandwich.
ESPN Zone Transformation
There’s one more big project currently underway on the west side. The old ESPN Zone is preparing for shops and/or dining as well.
Grand Californian Projects
There’s a flurry of activity over at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. New theme park turnstiles are currently under construction, mimicking the work underway at the front of the parks and Monorail station. Meanwhile, the signature Napa Rose restaurant is undergoing a major refresh, guest rooms are being refurbished, and a new concierge lounge is in development for those willing to pay more for extra conveniences.
Wrapping Up…
Projects don’t last forever, though many feel like they do. The brief Redwood Creek Challenge Trail refurbishment has wrapped up. The play area has that new paint smell.
There are many small areas throughout the resort where you’ll find wooden boxes or trash cans on top of small boxes. Nearly all of these are for the refurbishment of old light fixtures.
Inside the park, the mysterious plastic sheet covering the Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe sign has finally been removed… revealing that the lights are still broken. On our visit, a section of lights on the first “L” in Jolly was glowing a noticeably different color than the rest—so, not exactly a picture-perfect fix.
However, the rest of the sign has been restored, and the penguin is once again the center of attention at the top.
Disneyland Refurbishment Calendar
Currently Under Refurbishment
- The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln adding “Walt Disney — A Magical Life” to theater: April 16, 2024 – July 16, 2025
- Pixie Hollow: September 16, 2024 – TBA (what could they be doing that is taking this long?)
- UPDATED: it’s a small world: January 21 – May 9th (as work was done on this older attraction, the team found they needed a few extra weeks to complete the various creative and maintenance projects)
- Indiana Jones Adventure: March 17 – April 24
Upcoming Refurbishments
- Tomorrowland Lemonade Stand: April 20 – 26
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant: April 22 – 23
- 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 – May 12
- Anna & Elsa’s Royal Welcome: April 28 – May 12
- Mad Tea Party: May 5 – 6
- King Arthur Carrousel: May 7 – 8
- Chip ‘n’ Dale GADGETcoaster: May 19 – TBA
Extra Fun for Theme Park Fans
As we’re looking ahead to Disneyland’s big 70th celebration, we don’t want you to miss out on some of the other SoCal theme park fun that’s still going strong (or about to)…
DCA Food & Wine Festival (continues through April 21)
There’s still one more week to savor the flavors of the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival. This is your reminder to use up all those allotments still left on your Festival Tasting Card!!!
Check out our event guide for all the info about this year’s festival, including menus, entertainment, and more:
Eat This! Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival 2025 Guide
Season of the Force (continues through May 11)
Season of the Force continues at Disneyland, with Star Wars-themed bites, sips, merch, and attraction overlays. This year, for the first time, fans can meet Luke Skywalker in Galaxy’s Edge.
As part of the seasonal celebration, Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite has also returned to Disneyland Park, with tickets still available for after-hours parties on April 22, 24, 29, May 1 and 6.
Find out more about the galactic celebration here:
Season of the Force 2025 Guide: All the Star Wars Food, Merch, and Galactic Fun at Disneyland
Knott’s Boysenberry Festival (continues through May 18)
Disneyland’s Orange County neighbor, Knott’s Berry Farm, is hosting its own food-focused festival, and this year, the Knott’s Boysenberry Festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary.
Read all about it here:
KNOTT’S BOYSENBERRY FESTIVAL: 10 Years of Pie-Faced Fun & Berry Good Bites!
Universal Fan Fest Nights (April 25 through May 18)
For the first time, Universal Studios Hollywood is hosting Fan Fest Nights, an after-hours event celebrating favorite franchises like Harry Potter, Star Trek, Back to the Future, Wicked, and more.
Check out our guide for all the details:
Universal Hollywood Fan Fest Nights: Immersive, Interactive & Highly-Themed
This & That
Live at 5
Did you know we go LIVE from Disneyland every Thursday at 5pm (Pacific)? But don’t worry; even if you miss us live, you can still catch the replay on the MiceChat Facebook Page or YouTube channel. This week, Dusty and friends check out the crowds and construction and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Happiest Place on Earth. You’ll be glad you followed along…
Say Cheese!
Last week, the new facial recognition gates were up and running at the Downtown Disney monorail station and sometimes even at Disneyland’s front gate, but we expect the system to be operating at all park entrance gates in time for the 70th next month.
Bob Gurr Documentary
Disney fans, this one’s for you. On April 26, 2025, the world premiere of “Bob Gurr: Living by Design” will roll into the historic Alex Theatre in Glendale—and trust us, you won’t want to miss it.
This brand-new documentary celebrates the incredible life and career of Disney Legend Bob Gurr, the last surviving member of Walt Disney’s original Imagineering team. At 93, Bob’s still every bit the icon—full of wit, wisdom, and stories that helped shape Disneyland and beyond.
The one-night-only event promises the full Hollywood treatment: red carpet arrivals, celebrity guests, and a post-screening Q&A with Bob himself. It’s a rare chance to honor one of the true pioneers of themed entertainment—and maybe even say hello.
🎟️ Tickets are on sale now — and if you use code DESIGN93, you’ll save 20% (while supplies last).
More event details here:
Bob Gurr Gets the Hollywood Treatment — And You’re Invited to the Ride
For a preview of the film, watch the trailer here:
Red Car Revived!
Well, sort of. One of Disneyland’s Red Car Trolleys has made its way to the Garner Holt Foundation.
Disneyland donated the iconic trolley to help the Garner Holt Foundation inspire “the next generation of dreamers and doers to discover potential careers in STEM and STEAM.”
View this post on Instagram
Happy 100th to the Ernest S. Marsh!
Continuing our theme of iconic Disneyland transportation, Locomotive #4 (AKA the Ernest S. Marsh) is celebrating its 100th birthday, 66 of them on the Disneyland Railroad.
For Disneyland’s 70th anniversary, Locomotive #4 got its own special anniversary flags. You can learn more about the Ernest S. Marsh HERE.
In Case You Missed It
Last weekend, our very own Dusty Sage was able to preview Universal Epic Universe, which officially opens on May 22nd at Universal Orlando Resort.
You can find all our Epic Universe coverage HERE.
MiceShots
Now that we’ve taken a look at all the news… let’s take a moment to unwind and enjoy some pretty photos from around the resort…
The cactus are blooming in Cars Land…
Every year during Food & Wine Festival, we watch the grape vines sprout and grow from week to week. They are a true sign of spring.
Have you found the new seating area in Cars Land behind the Cozy Cones?
Follow MiceChat on social: MiceChat Facebook Page, MiceChat Facebook Group, MiceChat Instagram, MiceChat Threads, MiceChat X, MiceChat YouTube
Discount Disney Tickets and Travel
🚨 DEAL ALERT: 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!)
Let’s Hear From You!
Spring Break crowds, 70th anniversary updates, new construction, and Star Wars overload—there’s a lot happening at Disneyland right now. What stood out to you this week? Are you planning to celebrate the 70th? Going all-in on a dessert package or the enhanced MagicBand+ experience? Have you braved a Star Wars Nite—or decided it’s a “been there, done that”? And how do you feel about those shifting crowd patterns and prices? Are the lower weekend crowds worth the higher ticket cost?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. We love hearing from fellow Disney fans!
