DISNEYLAND UPDATE: Christmas Crunch, Porto’s Push & World of Color Conundrum

It’s shaping up to be a season of change at the Happiest Place on Earth. The Festival of Holidays is looking a little lighter this year (officially opening this Friday, the 14th), with fewer booths and trimmed-down menus. Over in Fantasyland, Storybook Land Canal Boats is gearing up for its return this week—complete with a new Tangled touch that’s sure to draw big crowds.

Meanwhile, Downtown Disney is once again in motion as Earl of Sandwich gets the boot to make way for the long-promised Porto’s Bakery, and two nearby ticket booths disappear in the process. It’s all part of a slow but steady transformation of Downtown Disney, but it has implications for the Esplanade and how you buy tickets to the park as well.

Elsewhere, the refurbishment schedule has cleared, “World of Color – Season of Light” has been benched this holiday season in favor of keeping “World of Color – Happiness” for Disneyland’s 70th anniversary, and the resort is clearly catching its breath before the next big wave of construction.

So grab a peppermint churro… here’s everything new, changing, and quietly disappearing at the Disneyland Resort this week.

Ticket Booths Get the Boot for Porto’s

Change is brewing in Downtown Disney… and this time, it smells like Porto’s Bakery. In preparation for the long-awaited Porto’s project (which will finally replace the soon-to-be-demolished Earl of Sandwich), Disneyland is also removing the two ticket booths nearest the sandwich shop’s patio—booth numbers 7 and 8 for those keeping score.

According to city permits, the booths will have their utilities capped and foundations pulled up, clearing the way for construction crews and pastry dreams alike.

With the loss of those windows, ticket sales have been shifted to the Guest Relations building beside Disneyland’s gates. Unfortunately, that same location also handles Lost & Found, so expect some added queue tape (and perhaps a few lost tempers) as the holidays hit full swing.

Meanwhile, DAS services continue to operate on the Harbor Boulevard side of the Esplanade.

Disney is encouraging guests to buy tickets through the Disneyland app, with Cast Members on hand to help guide the less tech-inclined.

It’s a small shuffle in the grand scheme of things… but symbolically, another quiet farewell to the park’s analog past as the resort edges closer to its reimagined entrance and transportation hub… and, yes, one very hyped bakery.

For now, guests can visit the temporary Earl of Sandwich food truck near the old ESPN Zone on the far west side of Downtown Disney until the company’s new permanent location is complete. 

Christmas Crunch

Disneyland has less than a week to get the entire resort in shipshape for the holiday celebration, but most of the important things are already in place.

Festival of Holiday Menus

This year, the Festival of Holidays at California Adventure has six Festive Foods Marketplaces, with nine new seasonal bites and sips on the menus (plus a lot of returning favorites). There are also new items at other dining locations across the park.

The festival has been shrinking in recent years, with fewer booths and menu items. There were 14 booths when the festival made its debut in 2016, and less than half that many this year.

But there are still fun new things to look forward to. Here are some of the items we are placing at the top of our list of new items to try this year: 

At Holiday Duets, there’s a NEW Al Pastor Mac & Cheese with tortilla crumble and cilantro that we can’t wait to try. 

A Twist on Tradition will have a new Holiday Turkey Leg with cranberry sauce and a new Salted Caramel Brownie White Russian that sounds amazing. 

 

Merry Mashups has a colorful Holiday M&M’S Éclair that is sure to be a hit. 

You can find the complete holiday menus for the entire Disneyland Resort here:

Disneyland Holiday Menus 2025

Holiday Decor

Mickey and pals are getting ready for the holidays. From one end of the resort to the other, there are garlands, lights, decorative elements, and thematic flourishes. You can’t miss the change of seasons once the trees go up. 

Disney California Adventure places the park’s main tree at the end of Buena Vista Street in front of Elias and Co. 

And while we haven’t been able to catch Disneyland’s tree yet (it hadn’t gone up when we shot this Update, but likely is by now), other parts of Main Street, New Orleans Square, Frontierland, and Toontown have quickly transitioned from spooky to merry. 

In California Adventure, Cars Land is early to the holiday party as well. Which was a tall order, as this land was also the most densely decorated for Halloween and is one of the most impressively decorated for the holidays as well. 

One thing that won’t be swapped out for Christmas this year is “World of Color – Happiness.” World of Color generally offers the wonderful “Season of Light” during the holiday season, but this year the 70th-anniversary version will continue throughout the season. (You can join the Virtual Queue at noon each day to access a preferred viewing area.) Are you glad to see “Happiness” remain this year, or were you looking forward to “Season of Light”?

Holiday Tour

Beginning on November 14, the holiday-themed Home for the Holidays Guided Tour is available daily, which includes reserved viewing for A Christmas Fantasy Parade, Lightning Lane access for Haunted Mansion Holiday, holiday treats, and an exclusive collectible keepsake. The price for the 2-hour walking tour is $120 per person. Disney Visa cardholders pay $102 (park admission not included; park reservation required).

A Story of Celebration: 70th Anniversary Guided Tour is also still offered daily and includes rides on the Mark Twain Riverboat and Disneyland Railroad, Lightning Lane entry for another select attraction, reserved viewing for a nighttime spectacular, popcorn, and a special tour keepsake.

Life Day

Disneyland isn’t just celebrating Earth holidays this year… they’ll also be celebrating Life Day. Originating on the Wookiee home planet of Kashyyyk, visitors to Batuu (aka Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge) will also be able to join the celebration.

Beginning Nov. 17, Chewbacca will mark the Wookiee seasonal celebration in Galaxy’s Edge with evening appearances wearing the traditional red robe and carrying a glowing Life Day orb. 

Be sure to try these limited-time Life Day food and beverage in Batuu:  

Kat Saka’s Kettle:

• Kerkoiden Cold Hot Chocolate – Cold hot-white chocolate, Mexican chocolate spice mix, and strawberry crumble (Non-alcoholic)
• Life Day Cheese Branch with Kat Saka’s Sauce: Croissant dough mixed with cream cheese, parmesan, cheddar, and spicy alfredo dipping sauce

 

Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo:

• Felucian Kefta Garden Spread – Impossible Meatballs, Roasted Butternut Squash Purée, Tzatziki, Toasted Sage, Pita Chips
• Endorian Roasted Chicken Salad – Marinated chicken, mixed greens, roasted seasonal vegetables, pumpkin seeds, and green curry ranch
• Kublag Curry – Herb rice, curry-spiced shrimp, creamy chicken curry, cilantro, and feta crumbles
• Kashyyyk Cake – Brownie base, raspberry sauce, tiramisu, and dark chocolate mousse

 

Milk Stand:

• Wookiee Ookiees – Pecan chocolate shortbread and salted caramel
• Blue Milk with Golden Lichen Paddy Frog Eggs – Blue Milk with strawberry puree and golden lychee popping spheres (Non-alcoholic)

Oga’s Cantina:

• Joh Blastoh Sangria Gocola – Red wine, apple vodka, apple cider, orange-pineapple juice, and cinnamon, falernum, pomegranate syrups rimmed with a blend of cinnamon sugar, spiced nutmeg, and ground cloves topped with star anise and an apple chip
• Millaflower Toast – Cinnamon-swirl toast, whipped ricotta cream, cheesecake frosting, strawberries, lychee pearls, chocolate crumble, and matcha powder

Reminder: Oga’s Cantina is now walk-up only with a traditional standby queue and no longer takes reservations.

Holiday Happenings in Downtown Disney

No park ticket? No problem—Downtown Disney’s holiday lineup is overflowing with festive food, drinks, and events this season.  

Paseo & Céntrico

Both spots are shaking up seasonal cocktails and dishes. Paseo pours a Coco Navidad, Ponche Navideño, and Mexican Hot Chocolate, while Céntrico serves the Berry MexMas and Frosty Fiesta alongside specials like the Snowman Cake, Chicken Tamale, and Tamales de Rajas.

Paseo also hosts “Cocina Navideña: A Holiday Heritage Celebration” (Dec 13 & 20, 2 p.m.)—a $70/$55 cooking demo featuring tamales, churros, and ponche.

Naples Ristorante e Bar

Holiday cheer here ranges from a Van Winkle Bourbon Dinner (Nov 13, $250) to a Breakfast with Santa on select dates ($90/$35). Expect themed cocktails like the Santa Margarita and Skrewball Christmas Cider plus a Diwali Chicken Tikka Masala Pizza for the season.

Disneyland Holiday Reading:

• Countdown to Christmas: Your 2025 Disneyland Holiday Guide!
• The Magic of Disneyland Candlelight Ceremony: Narrators, Viewing Tips & History
• More Merry 2025 Holiday Merchandise Arrives at Disneyland!

Constructionland

We’ve already covered a lot today, but there are some big developments in Disneyland’s construction saga that we really need to share…

Casey Jr. Circus Train and Storybook Land Canal Boats

We’ll start with the big news about the return of Casey Jr. Circus Train and Storybook Land Canal Boats on November 14th, including a new miniature version of Rapunzel’s Tower from “Tangled” and two different songs from the movie on the ride’s audio track (one during the day and a different one at night).

Avengers Campus

We’re showing you a different view of the construction on the two Avengers Campus attractions. When viewed from Cars Land, you can see new rebar going up along the closed path connecting Radiator Springs to Avengers Campus. It appears that a tall wall or decorative feature is under construction.  

From inside the land, the view is evolving, too. A new lattice structure is visible along the roofline. 

You can spot similar beams in the concept image below (right).

Lululemon

The future Lululemon in the old ESPN Zone building is also moving more quickly now. In the last week, the ceilings were finished and the display windows installed. 

Napa Rose

While Disney initially targeted a fall 2025 return for Napa Rose, the reopening has been pushed into 2026. 

The renovation will be dramatically different, refreshing the elegance of the space while also reinforcing its ties to the Napa wine region. 

The outdoor patio is being expanded to provide more alfresco dining opportunities.  

Disneyland Refurbishment Calendar

Last week, Big Thunder Mountain returned from its refurbishment with literally no fanfare (probably because nothing new was added). Still, behind the scenes, the ride did receive safety enhancements and a fresh coat of paint throughout.

 

By later this week, our refurb list will be cleared of everything except a brief Indy refurbishment. After years of nonstop refurbishments, this is a surprising development… but may not last long. Refurbishments and major construction typically pick up again in early January, as soon as the holiday season ends. 

Currently Under Refurbishment

• Storybook Land Canal Boats: July 28 – November 13
• Casey Jr. Circus Train: July 28 – November 13
• it’s a small world – Holiday Installation: October 30 – November 13
• Redwood Creek Challenge Trail – Holiday Changeover: November 1 – 13

Upcoming Refurbishments

• Indiana Jones Adventure: December 1-3 

This & That

Don’t close that window just yet… We have more for you!

Disneyland Live

This week’s walk through Disneyland is a fun one you won’t want to miss. Dusty, Suzanne, Ando and friends journey from Storybook Land to Cars Land to see what’s new, discuss the latest news, and kick off the holidays early. 

Magic Key Sales Unlocked

Last Tuesday, November 4th, sales for Inspire Keys ($1,899) and Believe Keys ($1,474) were unlocked; Enchant and Imagine Keys are currently only available for renewal. 

As always, there’s no way to know how long Magic Key sales will be available, so if you’re considering making a purchase, act fast.

Not sure which Magic Key is right for you? Check our guide here:

Some Disneyland Magic Keys Are Unlocking Again – Everything You Need To Know

 

New 70th Anniversary Keys

Remember those big plastic 70th-anniversary keys for $59.99 that unlocked interactive features in the park (and came with collectible pins)? Well, there’s a new set of gold-trimmed park icon pins to collect, plus a brand new 10th pin with a key on it. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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New Pixar Place Suites

Two new themed suites are about to start accepting guests at the Pixar Place Hotel. The rooms themed to Coco and the Incredibles are now available to book for stays beginning in December 2025.

The Coco Suite features Oaxacan-style architecture, terracotta tiling, Mexican artisan quilted and woven pieces, a fireplace, unique handcrafted wooden furniture, and hand-painted art. Inspired by the film’s Rivera family hacienda, Coco fans will also find family photos and mementos.

The mid-century Incredibles Suite includes a primary bedroom, with a connecting room for Edna Mode designed by Edna herself. The ‘spy-ifed” suite features a hand-scanning prop at the entryway, and other super-inspired touches and special effects, including a spy phone, hidden messages, a secret door and other surprises.

Our partners at Get Away Today can help you book these new suites (and everything else you’ll need for an amazing Disneyland vacation).

Check our guide for everything you need to know about Pixar Place Hotel:

UPDATED! Inside Disneyland’s Pixar Place Hotel — Plus New Coco and Incredibles Themed Suites

runDisney Medals Revealed

70th-anniversary inspired medals have been revealed for the 2026 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend, which will take place January 29th through February 1st.

Disney Destiny Christening

Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Heroes and Villains-themed Disney Destiny, sets sail on her maiden voyage November 20th, but you can watch the livestream of Destiny’s christening event, November 10th, at 6:30 p.m. ET.

For more details about Disney’s newest ship, check out our guide. And if you are interested in making new friends, MiceChat is sailing in February 2026 and you’re invited to join us. Details below:

Meet Your Destiny: Disney’s Newest Cruise Ship Celebrates Heroes & Villains

Star Sighting

Following his team’s World Series win, L.A. Dodgers shortstop, Mookie Betts, went to… where else? Disneyland!

Walt Disney Storybook Mansion Tours

Our own Dusty Sage gives tours of Walt Disney’s historic 1930s mansion in the Hollywood Hills. It’s an extraordinary experience to step back in time and visit the restored home where Walt raised his family and launched a magical empire.

A limited number of November tours are still available to visit the Disney mansion – HERE

MiceShots

And now it’s time to say farewell to today’s Update… with some beautiful shots from around the Disneyland Resort. 

There’s a nook in DCA’s Hollywood Land promoting A Very Jonas Christmas Movie streaming this holiday season. 

Let it bro…

New collectible Disneyland 70th Anniversary medallions are now available with a holiday twist. 

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