Another Candlelight weekend is in the books, and once again Disneyland managed to turn Main Street into a cathedral… complete with trumpets, choirs, and a narrator you probably didn’t expect (unless you were sitting next to Dusty at lunch). Benjamin Bratt’s performance echoed all the way down Main Street and we’ve got the photos and video to prove it.
But Candlelight is only the opening act for this week’s update. Magic Keys are shifting again, with a brand-new option arriving in January. The 70th anniversary entertainment slate ramps back up right after the holidays, Pixar Place just debuted two meticulously themed suites, and construction around the resort is… well… a tale of two cities. Avengers Campus is flying ahead while Downtown Disney’s former Tortilla Jo’s is still cosplaying as an abandoned dig site.
And because it’s the holidays, we’ve also got gingerbread diplomacy, red velvet waffles, a peek inside Walt’s Christmas-ready home, and a fresh batch of MiceShots to wrap everything up.
Let’s take a walk… there’s a lot to see this week.
Candlelight Processional
Disneyland’s Candlelight Processional took place on December 6th and 7th. Each year, Town Square is transformed into a spectacular outdoor concert venue, with the Main Street U.S.A. Train Station as the backdrop.
While we don’t usually learn the identity of the celebrity narrator until sound check (about 2 hours before the first performance of the weekend), thanks to a stroke of luck, our own Dusty Sage ran into this year’s narrator on Saturday and discovered extra early that it was “Coco” star Benjamin Bratt.
Benjamin delivered an incredible performance… powerful, emotional, and beautifully told. It was one of the most resonant Candlelight performances in recent memory.
While seating in Town Square for the Candlelight Processional is reserved for invited guests, standing room is available to see the performances… and, of course, guests can watch the processional of singers make their way down Main Street.
The stunning Candlelight images above were shot by our dear friend Sarah Anne.
Dusty recorded this short passage from the show that we hope will inspire you this holiday season:
Unfortunately, Disneyland’s Candlelight Processional is only on two nights each year. But, you still have time to visit Walt Disney World’s version of this time-honored event before the holiday season ends. Read our guide for everything you ever wanted to know about Disney’s heartwarming Candlelight tradition:
The Magic of Disneyland Candlelight Ceremony: Narrators, Viewing Tips & History
Magic Key Change-Up
Only the Inspire Key and Believe Key annual passes are currently available (while supplies last), but there’s Magic Key news to share. Starting Jan. 13, 2026, the Imagine Key and an all-new Explore Key (replacing the Enchant Key) will also be available for purchase (as always, while supplies last).
The Enchant Key is currently only available for renewal, but will no longer be available for purchase or renewal starting January 13, 2026. If you’re an Enchant Key holder, you can keep using your pass until it expires. When it’s time to renew (after January 13th) you’ll be given the option to renew at a different pass level, including the new Explore Key. Confused? Let’s take a closer look…
What is the Disneyland Explore Key?
The Explore Key will be priced at $999, while the Enchant Key is currently at $974. Both have the same basic benefits (hold 4 theme park reservations at a time, up to 10% off merchandise and dining, 25% off Toy Story parking, and 25% off the purchase of Lightning Lane). The key difference from the old Enchant Key is the availability of reservations in summer. The Explore Key offers access on select weekdays in June and July, a period that was largely blocked off under Enchant.
Bottom Line: Explore has the same basic benefits as the Enchant Key, but also includes some summer availability. It’s an upgrade in availability from the previous Key, at a slightly higher price. We’re curious how you current Enchant Key holders feel about the change. Happy to get the extra days, or upset about the price increase… or both!?
If you’re wondering which Magic Key is right for you, check out our comprehensive guide:
Some Disneyland Magic Keys Are Unlocking Again – Everything You Need To Know
2026 is Just Around the Corner
The 70th-anniversary entertainment that was on hold during Halloween and the holidays will be back in January and will run through the end of the anniversary celebration on August 9th, with the Wondrous Journeys fireworks spectacular returning Jan. 8th, the Celebrate Happy Cavalcade returning Jan. 9th, and the Paint the Night parade returning Jan. 30th.
A Paint the Night Dining Package at Plaza Inn is now available for booking for use beginning Jan. 30, 2026.
Mickey and pals will also get their colorful 70th anniversary outfits out of the closet starting on Jan. 8th.
We’ve definitely missed that toe-tappin’ Jonas Brothers theme song!
One piece of 70th Anniversary entertainment that looks like it won’t be returning is “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!” at Disney California Adventure. Due to construction about to start at the west end of the parade route for the new Coco attraction, major parades will be on ice for a while in DCA. Though cavalcades will be able to start from near the Little Mermaid ride instead of the Paradise Gardens parade gate.
Last week, we shared a boatload of news about everything coming to the Disneyland Resort next year (both returning favorites and all-new experiences), including the highly anticipated Disneyland debut of Bluey and her sister Bingo on March 22, 2026. The new Bluey show will be an experience not unlike the Pixar Pals Playtime Party, which offered a bit of a stage show, dancing, meet-and-greets, and other activities and photo opportunities.
Other notable 2026 news is that the Oogie Boogie Bash will be back on 33 select nights from August through October, the most party nights ever (and up from 31 dates in 2025). We’re curious to see how Disney will handle the Frightfully Fun Parade amid all the construction at one end of the Coco parade route.
RELATED READING:
-
- Disneyland 2026 Events Guide: What’s Coming, When to Visit & Key Dates to Know
- UPDATED DISNEYLAND 70TH ANNIVERSARY GUIDE: Celebrations, Tributes & What’s New
- Disneyland After Dark 2026: Your Guide to Tickets, Food, Entertainment & More!
- Disney California Adventure: Oogie Boogie Bash 2025 Event Guide
New Themed Suites at Pixar Place
Two new themed suites are available for booking at the Pixar Place Hotel. Let’s see how the “Coco” and “The Incredibles” suites turned out!
The Coco Suite
The new Coco-themed two-bedroom premium suite features Oaxacan-style architecture, terracotta tiling, Mexican artisan quilted and woven pieces, a fireplace, unique handcrafted wooden furniture, and hand-painted art.
With a push of the button marked “Buenas Noches,” a carved alebrije of Dante brings the room alive with light and projections.
The Incredibles Suite
The new Incredibles-themed two-bedroom premium suite has a mid-century design with a “spy-fi” twist, including a hand-scanning prop at the entryway, plus super-inspired touches, special effects, and surprises.
The suite features a primary bedroom for the Parr parents, with a connecting room designed by Edna Mode herself.
For help booking these new Pixar-themed suites, reach out to our partners at Get Away Today HERE!
Constructionland
With no major refurbishments scheduled for December, the only construction projects are the fast-moving expansion of Avengers Campus and ongoing work in Downtown Disney, including the two-story Earl of Sandwich/Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby and new lululemon store.
But the mystery is what’s going on at the former Tortilla Jo’s (or specifically, what’s not going on).
Tortilla Jo’s was demolished quickly to become Arthur & Sons Steak and Bourbon and Pearl’s Roadside BBQ, both from Michelin-starred Chef Joe Isidori, but since then, the project seems to have stalled. The site has looked like this for months with no movement; however, we’ve been told the project is currently in the permitting process with the City of Anaheim, so hopefully, construction will begin soon.
When those two restaurants do open, it will mark the arrival of Disneyland’s third Michelin-starred chef, following Chef Carlos Gaytán (Paseo, Centrico, and Tiendita), and of course, Chef Ramsay.
If you’re wondering why the influx of Michelin-starred chefs is notable, find out here:
Disney Scores a Michelin Star: What It Means for Victoria & Albert’s (and You)
Disneyland Refurbishment Calendar (updated 12/5/25)
Upcoming Refurbishments
- Grizzly River Run: January 5 – TBA
- Incredicoaster: January 5 – TBA
- Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind: January 5 – TBA
- Haunted Mansion – Holiday take-down: January 12 – TBA
- Mark Twain Riverboat: January 12 – 15
- Lamplight Lounge: January 12 – 15
This & That
Disneyland Live
We have a very special edition of the MiceChat Live for you this week. We kick off the broadcast with a visit from Werner Weiss of Yesterland. We are then joined by Mike Kindrich, who recently moved to Orlando but came back to join us for this week’s Live. During our journey, we take you for a spin on the Carousel, see Chewie in his Life Day robes, and make a sacrifice to the Children of the Corn. Don’t miss this one.
Catch us every Thursday at 5pm (Pacific) on our Facebook page or YouTube channel.
Mickey Gingerbread vs. Mickey-Shaped Gingerbread
Last week, we talked about Disneyland candy canes, and this week, we’re discussing the other hot holiday treat: Mickey gingerbread cookies. But did you know there are two different versions?
There’s the extremely popular Mickey gingerbread “man,” but there’s also a Mickey-shaped gingerbread cookie with sprinkles. Both are delicious… but only one has a purchase limit. And be sure to take note of pricing differences between locations.
Mickey Gingerbread: Soft gingerbread Mickey cookie (Limit five per person, per transaction)
Available at:
- Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe in Disneyland ($7.99)
- The Market House/Starbucks in Disneyland ($7.99)
- Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Cafe/Starbucks in California Adventure ($7.99)
- Grand Californian Great Hall Cart ($10.50)
Mickey-shaped Gingerbread Cookie: Soft gingerbread Mickey cookie with sprinkles.
Available at:
- Red Rose Taverne in Disneyland ($7.99)
- Festival Food & Beverage Cart in Paradise Gardens Park at California Adventure ($9)
- The Coffee House at Disneyland Hotel ($9.50)
Have you tried both? Which is your favorite?
And speaking of Mickey-shaped holiday treats… In our ongoing quest to try all the new holiday items, we sampled the new Red Velvet Mickey-shaped Waffles filled with cream cheese and topped with whipped topping from Schmoozies in California Adventure. We’re happy to report this is a little bit of holiday magic… though, we would have loved some raspberry syrup for them.
🎄 This Holiday Season, Step Inside Walt’s Storybook Mansion
Looking for a meaningful gift for the Disney fan in your life? Holiday History Tours return to Walt Disney’s 1930s Hollywood Hills home — fully decorated for the season, including a towering 12-foot tree that sets the backdrop for a charming story from the Disney family’s own Christmas traditions.
Join house historian Dusty Sage for an intimate guided walkthrough of the beautifully restored residence, filled with history, quiet details, and a warm dose of holiday atmosphere.
🎅 New: One-Time Santa Tour — December 26 at 3:30 PM
A special surprise tour has been added for for one date and time only.
On this tour only, guests will:
• Explore the downstairs of the Disney Mansion
• Hear a heartwarming story about a memorable Christmas morning the Disney girls shared in the home
• Watch a vintage Christmas Silly Symphony in Walt’s private screening room
• Meet Santa inside the mansion (photos welcome)
🗓️ Walt Disney Storybook Mansion Holiday Tours
Charming Holiday History Tours are also available on three more dates in December — each offering an inside look at Walt’s home, its seasonal decorations, and its remarkable history.
⭐️ Hurry – space is limited!
🔴 Walt Disney Storybook Mansion Tours HERE 🔴
MiceShots
‘Tis the season. We had a very Christmassy week at Disneyland. From a wintery cookie castle at the Disneyland Hotel, to a viewing of the iconic (if long in the tooth) Christmas Fantasy Parade, to the jaw-dropping Candlight in Town Square, we’re ready for Santa.
After dark, you might just catch Chewbacca wearing his Life Day robes and carrying a glowing orb under the Millennium Falcon.
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Let’s Hear From You!
It was quite a week on Main Street… and everywhere else.
Did Benjamin Bratt’s Candlelight narration impress you? How do you feel about the Magic Key shakeup? Anyone booking those Pixar suites? And which gingerbread camp are you in?
Drop your thoughts below. We look forward to hearing from you.
