DISNEYLAND UPDATE: Dramatic Parade Problems, Predictions & Projects

Main Street conducted an unintentional demolition derby this week—missing floats, breakdowns, and a smoky Mermaid that forced a parade reroute. Beyond the drama, we’re turning the spotlight on what Disney might finally say (and what fans actually want) at the next D23 Expo, a limited but nostalgic return to Beast’s Library in DCA via Lorcana, and construction progress everywhere—from Avengers Campus’ two new rides to Downtown Disney’s shakeups. Refurbs, merch, windows with clever Easter eggs, and a better Pumpkin King are all in the mix. Let’s get into it…

The Night The Lights Went Out On Main Street

…Kind of. What actually happened was a domino effect of missing characters, stalled floats, and one very smoky mermaid. Last week, the Paint the Night parade had several snafus, including the mysterious disappearance of DJ from the Cars unit, the dramatic smoking Little Mermaid float, plus other ongoing issues. It seemed like the problems happened back-to-back. 

We’ll start with our pal Mack. He’s towing DJ at the back of his boom box trailer. At least he did… Earlier in the week, while backstage, the Mack truck was backed up into some sort of obstacle, which damaged the DJ figure. As a result, he is now removed from the float while he undergoes repairs.

The most dramatic issue came on the Wednesday performance of Paint the Night when the Little Mermaid float broke down near the Tomorrowland entrance, causing the entire parade to grind to a halt. Attempts to tow it only made matters worse, sending smoke billowing out and forcing nearby guests to be evacuated. The source of the smoke was short-lived after the parade techs quickly doused it with a fire extinguisher. With the route blocked, the rest of the parade was rerouted around the far side of the Hub before being joined by a dark Little Mermaid float towed behind.

Jennifer Vest captured this incredible video of the Little Mermaid float being enveloped in smoke. A scary situation for guests who didn’t know what the smoke was or if they were in any danger.

The second show of the night was truncated, conducted without the Monsters, Mermaids, DJ, and, strangely, without the Mickey finale unit (which did perform in the first parade). 

That’s a lot to go wrong in a single week. At best, it suggests Disneyland’s parade maintenance is stretched thin… at worst, it feels like something more serious (or even malicious). Despite Wednesday night’s catastrophe, the maintenance team did get the Little Mermaid float back out on the parade route the following evening. Either way, until Disney sorts it out, guests should be ready for a version of Paint the Night that has some occasional ‘burnouts.’

D23 Predictions

Now that Orlando’s Destination D23 is in the rear view mirror, we can turn our attention squarely on D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, which returns to Anaheim on August 14-16, 2026.

This year brings a big change to the show floor. The Collectors Emporium has been removed, which means—for the first time since the original Expo—MiceChat won’t have a booth. Neither will the other third-party vendors who once sold pins, shirts, collectibles, and celebrity autographs. It’s the end of an era, and we’ll miss seeing so many of you in that space. But you can still find us at the many events we host throughout the year.

As for the Expo itself, hopes are high. Fans want an official name for Walt Disney World’s upcoming Villains-themed land (and maybe a hint at the rides inside). Also on the wish list: more details and opening dates for the Cars-themed land replacing Rivers of America at Magic Kingdom, the Tropical Americas expansion at Animal Kingdom, and Monstropolis at Hollywood Studios.

But what about Disneyland???

After a whole lot of vague “possibilities” of what DisneylandForward might bring—Frozen, Zootopia, Tangled—things have been relatively quiet. So far, we’ve gotten announcements of a Coco boat ride, expanded Avengers Campus, and an Avatar-themed land at California Adventure, but not much else. Of the major Disneyland Resort projects teased at D23 in 2024, only the Avengers Campus expansion has visible progress… and still no opening dates.

We do know Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sully to the Rescue will close in January 2026 to make way for the new Avatar area—the first true “DisneylandForward” domino to fall.

We also know the Coco attraction will be built in the backstage area behind the Paradise Gardens parade gate. That’s why there are currently no parades at California Adventure, but we’d hate to see that become permanent.

Meanwhile, the expansion of the esplanade, replacement of the transportation hub, and construction of a new parking structure are expected to begin next year.

But what we REALLY want to hear are the plans for Disneyland itself. Now that the Walt Disney animatronic has been added to the Opera House, and a new Mandalorian and Grogu experience is coming to Millennium Falcon… what’s next? Tomorrowland should be at the top of the list, but that project seems stuck in endless flux with a creative leadership revolving door. Other possibilities? New dark rides for Fantasyland. A replacement for the Pooh ride that better fits Bayou Country. Or maybe adding capacity to Galaxy’s Edge to match Avengers Campus.

And while it’s probably too soon to expect details on a third park, we are edging closer to hearing more about a new entertainment zone near the Anaheim Convention Center.

So now we turn it over to you: what do *you* think we’ll learn next summer? Will Disneyland finally give us a clear roadmap for its future—or just more carefully worded “possibilities”? Share your predictions below—we’ll be watching with the same cautious optimism as you.

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Revisiting Beast’s Library

A Disney Lorcana Collector’s Quest is available for a limited time to guests visiting Disney California Adventure. Based on Ravensburger’s hugely popular trading card game, the event lets fans step inside a long-shuttered Disney Parks favorite… Beast’s Library… while picking up some exclusive Lorcana cards.

At launch in late August, guests needed to secure a return-time wristband. Now, you simply line up inside the Animation Building. Every ten minutes, about 40 guests at a time are ushered into the Sorcerer’s Workshop and Beast’s Library for an interactive show.

The show takes place inside Beast’s Library, closed for years and now temporarily repurposed for Lorcana. Two audience members help transform classic characters (Tinker Bell, Pooh, Mickey, Stitch) into their Lorcana counterparts. The story ends with Belle lost on a quest, and guests are tasked with helping rescue her.

On exit, Cast Members hand out a pamphlet, a 12-card booster pack from the new Fabled expansion, and a survey QR code. The packs are the same as retail boosters (though Fabled was already sold out at Disneyland during our visit).

The quest continues with trading. Guests must collect four specific “Glimmers” to redeem a Belle promo card, then tackle a harder second quest to earn a Beast card. The official trading area near Off the Page is lightly organized: a few tables, umbrellas, and some “take one/leave one” community cards. Guidance is minimal, no Ravensburger reps are on hand, only other fans are left to explain the rules to each other. Unfortunately, that may leave newcomers feeling a bit lost.

Completing the two quests nets the exclusive “Belle – Accomplished Mystic” and “Beast – Gracious Prince” cards, available only through this event.

For Lorcana fans, this is a fun bonus. For Disney fans, the real prize may be revisiting Beast’s Library itself. It’s wonderful to step into that space again—even temporarily—and it makes you wonder why Disney hasn’t found a more permanent use. The Animation Building could easily host a character walk-through: Snow White and the Evil Queen in the entry, Belle and Beast in the library, Ariel and Ursula in the grotto. Guests could exit right into the current Frozen meet-and-greet. It’s the kind of ready-made experience just waiting for Disney to bring it to life.

Here’s about a minute of the full experience clipped together to not give too much away…

The event is planned to continue while supplies last, so if you’re curious, don’t wait too long. Whether you’re a Lorcana collector or just nostalgic for a forgotten corner of the park, the quest is worth the detour.

Constructionland

As Walt predicted, Disneyland will never be complete, and there are always projects, small and large, underway. 

Avengers Campus New Rides

Construction continues to reshape Avengers Campus as the land prepares to double in size with not one, but two new attractions. The long-promised Avengers: Infinity Defense ride and the smaller Stark Flight Lab are both taking shape behind the Avengers HQ facade. Framing of the new show building is clearly visible. It’s still too early for opening dates, but the sight of vertical construction is a promising step forward for fans who’ve been waiting years for the land to feel complete.

The show building has shot up in a matter of weeks. There’s already a roof on the structure, and crews working around the clock. 

The concept art (above and below) shows the entry to the E-Ticket Infinity Defense ride at center and the Stark Flight Lab robotic arm ride to the right. 

Downtown Disney Security Gates

The bag check nearest the Disneyland Hotel has been temporarily closed while a new gate is added so the tent can be completely closed off after hours. It should return soon. 

Downtown Disney is host to a variety of projects right now…

Steak & BBQ

Construction on the two new restaurants set to replace Tortilla Jo’s seems to have stalled. While workers swarmed the site as the old building was demolished… it’s been mostly silent here since. We’re sure that Arthur & Sons Steak and Bourbon, and Pearl’s Roadside BBQ are still on the way, but they won’t be opening any time soon.  

LEGO 

The sculptures on the exterior of the Lego store are getting a refresh. The concrete on the east side of the building has also been torn up. This area is frequently host to special events and brick building kiosks. We suspect that new building stations are being constructed here. 

ESPN Transformation

New windows are being installed in the old ESPN Zone building as the structure is prepped for multiple new merchants, including Lululemon. 

Earl of Sandwich Reborn

A new two-story Earl of Sandwich + Carnaby Tavern is still under construction on the west side of Downtown Disney.  The project is said to be making good progress and could open as soon as this holiday season.  

Disneyland Refurbishment Calendar (updated 9/13/25)

Mark Twain has returned to the river, but Tom Sawyer Island and Dumbo are both closed for several days this week… but while the refurb calendar is fairly light, there are still two E-ticket attractions out of commission. 

Currently Under Refurbishment

• Storybook Land Canal Boats: July 28 – TBA
• Casey Jr. Circus Train: July 28 – TBA
• Radiator Springs Racers: August 18 – September 25

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: September 2 – October 25
• Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island: September 15 – 17

Upcoming Refurbishments

• Dumbo the Flying Elephant: September 16 & 17
• Sailing Ship Columbia: September 22 – 25
• Goofy’s Sky School: September 28 – October 4
• Mickey’s PhilharMagic: October 6 – TBA

This & That

There’s more folks… there’s always more…

Disneyland Live @ 5

Dusty, Natalie, Suzanne, and Ando explore the latest at Disneyland. Parade problems, construction, merchandise, and more. Be sure to follow along…

Catch our next live on Thursday. Be sure to follow our Facebook and/or YouTube page.

Candlelight 2025

Mark your calendars! Disneyland’s Candlelight Processional returns December 6 & 7 this year. The date is really the news… the event itself changes little from year to year. You’ll even have to wait until opening night to learn who the celebrity narrator is… but who would you like it to be this year?

Gumball Rally – Once Upon a Villain – Feb 7, 2026

MiceChat’s Gumball Rally is a race through Disneyland to see which team can ride the most attractions in a single day. It’s an absolutely amazing day in the park. But there’s a twist for the February 7th 2026 event… The villains are taking over… Can you thwart their evil plans on your quest through the park?! Tickets available now: MICECHAT GUMBALL RALLY TICKETS & INFO HERE

Gumball Rally

Pixar Putt Extended

Pixar Putt mini golf pop-up has been extended until January 4, 2026.

While that might seem like great news (and we certainly enjoyed ourselves when we visited) their big announcement on Facebook seems to have only received 2 likes.  It’s a good time folks. Let’s show them a little more love.   

New Ghost Mickey Popcorn Bucket & Dante Sipper

The latest plastic collectibles have arrived, and they’re really cute. The Mickey Ghost popcorn bucket has Happy Halloween on the back of his hat and a sweat smile on his face. 

And for $37.79, you can have a colorful Dante sipper. 

New at Starbucks

The new Starbucks Fall sippers have a Minnie pumpkin on the front. The PSL (that stands for Pumpkin Spice Latte, in case you didn’t know) tumblers are also a neat Fall treat.. they evoke the look of the paper cups, with the order boxes on one side.  

Magic Shop Window Decor

The Magic Shop on Main Street has some new window decor featuring famous magicians and some slight of hand. 

You can see magical keys floating in the windows…

 

While we’re speaking of windows…

Zootopia Window

The new Zootopia window on Main Street has a few charming hidden details… Look closely in the windows and you might just find some clever Hidden Mickeys and… even a Haunted Mansion-style rat bride near “The Real Rodents of Little Rodentia” poster

But our favorite detail is the little ghost bride…

The nearby Moana window isn’t quite as detailed, but still a lovely tribute to the film. If you linger long enough, you’ll see the Kakamora ship in the background and even some swinging from above. From time to time Grandma Tala swims across the surface of the ocean as a giant stingray.

Did You Know?

Many of the windows on Main Street U.S.A. are dedicated to men and women who made notable contributions to Disneyland’s history.

You can learn more about them in our Disneyland window series here:

• Disneyland Main Street Windows Part ONE
• Disneyland Main Street Windows Part TWO
• Disneyland Main Street Windows Part THREE
• Disneyland Main Street Windows Part FOUR

Welcome Jack

The new Jack Skellington mask is so much better than the old one. Disneyland visitors can line up to see Jack and Sally in New Orleans Square’s 21 Royal courtyard. But we happened to catch him as he was headed off stage.  

MiceShots

We’ve come to that part of the update where we enjoy some parting shots of the resort. 

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