The new year arrived at Disneyland under gray skies and steady rain… which feels a little too on the nose. A soggy start to 2026 may not actually be an omen, but it does line up neatly with the week’s headlines. We’re kicking off the year with news of cut hotel perks, shrinking entertainment options, and a fresh round of Disneyland Blues. That said, it’s not all drizzle and disappointment. Disneyland’s 70th anniversary celebration begins rolling back into full swing this week, bringing fireworks, cavalcades, and familiar favorites… though even there, a notable cut looms. Let’s take a look at the latest news, observations, construction updates, refurbishments, and plenty of photos and videos from around the Disneyland Resort.
Soggy New Year!
New Year’s Eve was a wet one. And while there were a surprising number of people waiting for fireworks at Disneyland, DCA was practically empty. Thanks to Sarah Ann and other friends in the parks, we have some wet and wild photos to share…
RELATED READING:
- New Year, New Eats: Disneyland Rolls Out New Menus, Treats & Favorites
- New Year, New Merch: Disneyland’s 2026 Collection Is Here
- UPDATED! Disneyland 2026 Events Guide: What’s Coming, When to Visit & Key Dates to Know
2026 Disneyland’s Hotels Cut Guest Perks
Two big changes hit Disneyland Resort hotel guests today, one impacting only Pixar Place but the other for guests staying at all three onsite hotels. And none of this is good news…
Private Theme Park Entrance
The private entrance to California Adventure for Pixar Place Hotel guests has closed for good. Instead, Pixar Place guests will have to walk through the Grand Californian to get to the DCA private entrance, or walk through Downtown Disney to access either park.
Early Theme Park Entry
The bigger change that also went into effect today is the end of the Early Entry perk for Disneyland Resort hotel guests. Instead, hotel guests will receive ONE complimentary Lightning Lane Multi Pass during their hotel stay (not one per day).
Hotel guests can book their complimentary Lightning Lane selection at check-in or after 7 a.m. on their check-in day, as long as they’ve completed the online check-in before their arrival. The complimentary selection is available for any attraction with Lightning Lane Multi Pass (based on availability). Note: this perk won’t work on Lightning Lane Single Pass attractions (such as Rise of the Resistance or Radiator Springs Racers).
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass Attractions in Disneyland:
- Autopia
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
- Haunted Mansion
- Indiana Jones Adventure
- it’s a small world
- Matterhorn Bobsleds
- Mickey & Minnie Runaway Railway
- Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run
- Roger Rabbit’s Car-Toon Spin
- Space Mountain
- Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
- Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass Attractions in California Adventure:
- Goofy’s Sky School
- Grizzly River Run
- Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout
- Incredicoaster
- Monsters, Inc. Mick & Sulley to the Rescue
- Soarin’ Around the World
- The Little Mermaid – Ariel’s Undersea Adventure
- Toy Story Midway Mania
- Web Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure
If hotel guests want more than one Lightning Lane selection, they will need to purchase Lightning Lane Multi-Pass.
We’re interested to hear your thoughts on these hotel perk cutbacks. At the current high price of Disneyland’s 3 hotels, would the loss of early entry and/or the closure of the Pixar Place dedicated park entrance be enough for you to stay at one of the more affordable off-site hotels instead?
Want to know more about Lightning Lane? Read our guide:
UPDATED! Disney Lightning Lanes: Premier, Multi, or Single – What You Need to Know
Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary 2nd Act:
Before we even have time to be sad about the end of the holidays, Disneyland’s 70th anniversary celebration will be ramping back up to full speed with the return of Wondrous Journeys on January 8 and the Celebrate Happy Cavalcade on January 9. Mickey and pals will also be back in their 70th outfits on January 8. Other 70th anniversary entertainment returns later, with one big show not returning at all.
Returning 70th Anniversary Entertainment Offerings:
- Wondrous Journeys Nighttime Spectacular returns to Disneyland January 8th (Projections every day, enhanced with fireworks on select days – mostly weekends)
- Celebrate Happy Cavalcade returns to Disneyland on January 9
- Paint The Night Parade Returns January 30th – You’ll have to wait a little bit longer for Disneyland’s nighttime parade, which doesn’t return until the end of the month.
We have a fun double feature for you below of both the Tapestry of Happiness projection show on it’s a small world AND the Paint the Night Parade:
Ongoing 70th Anniversary Offerings:
The following 70th anniversary experiences did not pause and will continue to run through at least the end of the celebration on August 9, 2026.
- World of Color – Happiness!: The fountain show at Disney California Adventure continues.
- Tapestry of Happiness projection show on the “it’s a small world” facade. Do yourself a favor and see this charming little show. It’s uplifting, honors the things you love most about Disneyland, and lets you walk right up and see it without waiting.
- 70th Anniversary Décor: Anniversary-themed decorations and castle enhancements return to Main Street, U.S.A., Buena Vista Street, and Sleeping Beauty Castle in January.
- The Walt Disney – A Magical Life show (featuring the first-ever Walt Disney animatronic) continues its run at the Main Street Opera House. While the animatronic itself doesn’t look much like Walt, it is a charming show that honors the founder of the Walt Disney Company, and has a great exhibit of historical artifacts, maps, etc. in the lobby of the Main Street Opera House.
- Sherman Brothers Tribute – “So Much That We Share” – continues in the Main Street Cinema.
What is NOT Returning for the 70th Anniversary?
There is at least one thing not returning…
- Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!: The Pixar-themed parade at Disney California Adventure will not return for the remainder of the 70th celebration. This is in part because construction on the future Coco attraction has disrupted the backstage area where the parade kicks off.
Disneyland’s 70th anniversary runs through August 9. The resort will then shift gears back to Halloween mode.
Magic Keys
There’s a bit of Magic Key news to be aware of. The new Explore Key will go on sale January 13th for $999. It replaces the $974 Enchant Key and has all the same perks… but with one big addition, the addition of lots of summer availability (a season which was largely blocked under the Enchant key).
Explore Key Benefits:
- Reservation-based Park Hopper admission with the ability to hold up to 4 theme park reservations at a time
- Up to 10% off select merchandise and dining
- 25% off parking at the Toy Story Parking area
- 25% off the purchase of Lightning Lane Multi Pass
NOTE: If you’re currently an Enchant Key holder, you can use your pass until it expires. If it’s due to renew on or after January 13, 2026, you’ll need to renew at a different pass type.
At the moment, there are only two Disneyland Magic Keys available for purchase: the Inspire Key ($1,899 per year) and the Believe Key ($1,474 per year). The Southern California resident Imagine Key ($599 per year) is currently available only for renewal, but is expected to go back on sale on January 13th alongside the new Explore Key.
As always, sales can stop at any time without notice.
Read our complete guide for more details about Disneyland Magic Keys:
Disneyland Magic Keys Program Changes – Everything You Need To Know
New Novelties
The end of the holidays will bring some new plastic novelties. On January 8, a new Jiminy Cricket Sipper and new Alice in Wonderland-themed bottle topper will be available for purchase with a beverage in select locations listed below (limit two per person, per transaction).
New Jiminy Cricket Sipper
Available at the following locations while supplies last:
- Disneyland park: Alien Pizza Planet, Bayou Country Fruit Cart, Churros near Haunted Mansion, Churros near Sleeping Beauty Castle, Churros at small world Promenade, Galactic Grill, The Golden Horseshoe, Harbour Galley, Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree, Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe, Little Red Wagon, Main Street Fruit Cart, Refreshment Corner, Stage Door Café, Tomorrowland Fruit Cart, Troubadour Tavern
- California Adventure park: Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta, Chiller at Paradise Gardens Park, Corn Dog Castle, Fairfax Market, Mortimer’s Market, Paradise Garden Grill, Popcorn at Grizzly Peak Airfield
- Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa: GCH Craftsman Grill
New Disneyland 70th Mad Tea Party Teacups Bottle Topper
Available at the following locations while supplies last:
- Disneyland park: Bayou Country Fruit Cart, Churros & Lemonade in Bayou Country, Churros near Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor, Lemonade at small world Promenade, Pretzels near Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, Pretzels at small world Promenade, Ship to Shore Marketplace, Troubadour Tavern
- California Adventure park: Churros near Goofy’s Sky School, Churros near Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, Señor Buzz Churros on Pixar Pier, Willie’s Churros at Buena Vista Street
New Flo’s V8 Cafe Menu
On January 20, Flo’s V8 Cafe in Cars Land at California Adventure is getting a menu makeover with the addition of new food and beverages (mobile order available).
Flo’s new menu also includes Joffrey’s Shakin’ Jamaican Cold Brew, an extremely popular import from Walt Disney World.
New Food Items:
- New “Big Dipper” Cheeseburger: Beef patty, American cheese, B&B pickles, and caramelized onions on a toasted bun with pepperoncini cheese sauce served with choice of Cuties Mandarin Oranges or fries
- New Winner’s Circle Chicken and Waffle: Crispy, golden-fried chicken and buttermilk waffle with whipped butter and maple syrup
- New Plant-Based Fillmore Groovy Greens: Romaine and kale, bean and corn salad, cucumbers, tomatoes, crispy quinoa, toasted sunflower seeds, and zesty dressing
- New Fillmore Groovy Greens with Crispy Chicken Fenders: Crispy chicken fenders, romaine and kale, bean and corn salad, cucumbers, tomatoes, crispy quinoa, toasted sunflower seeds, and zesty dressing
- New Ka-Cheeseburger: Beef patty, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, and B&B pickles on a toasted bun served with choice of Cuties Mandarin Oranges or fries
- New Fast Track Loaded Fries: Fries topped with hearty chili, pepperoncini cheese sauce, sliced pepperoncini, and diced onions
- New Cup of Chili: Hearty chili with cheddar cheese, diced onions, and cone-shaped cornbread
- New Mini Buckwheat Waffles: Two mini buckwheat waffles served with sugar-free syrup
New Beverages:
- New Cold Brew: Joffrey’s Shakin’ Jamaican Cold Brew (Non-alcoholic)
- New Start Your Engine Cold Brew: Joffrey’s Shakin’ Jamaican Cold Brew with caramel premium syrup, and a swirl of caramel topped with house-made caramel-flavored cream and a caramel sauce drizzle (Non-alcoholic)
- New Stop Sign Cream Soda Pop: Sprite with housemade strawberry and coconut cream topped with strawberry cream and strawberry-flavored flakes (Non-alcoholic)
Paint the Night Dining Package Returns
The Paint the Night Dining Package at Plaza Inn returns from January 30 to August 9 for lunch reservations from 1-4 p.m. All guests will receive a voucher for the first performance of the Paint the Night parade for that day. Reservations are recommended.
Adult Dining Package Menu (vegetarian options available): Herb-roasted chicken, Mashed potatoes, Buttered haricot verts served with caramelized onion sauce, Hawaiian roll, and a Raspberry chocolate tart
Child Dining Package Menu (vegetarian options available): Chicken tenders, Mac and cheese, Vegetables, Applesauce, Hawaiian roll, and Dessert
The price is $58 per adult and $32 per child ages 3 to 9 (tax and gratuity not included). Valid Disneyland Park admission and Disneyland Park reservations for the same date are required.
Constructionland
A bit of progress on the construction front this week… but it’s sure to bring some confusion to guests trying to make their way to Downtown Disney.
Ticket Booths Demolished
The two ticket booths on the west side of the esplanade were demolished last week as part of the construction of the new Porto’s Bakery and Cafe, which is taking over the former La Brea Bakery/Earl of Sandwich building plus additional real estate at Downtown Disney’s east end.
Based on concept art, the new restaurant will be very large with an expansive multi-level outdoor patio.
The construction site is HUGE, stretching from near the entry to Disney California Adventure all the way to World of Disney. And once the real construction begins, it’s sure to pinch the walkway from the Esplanade into Downtown Disney. We’re waiting to hear how Disney may alter guest access to Downtown Disney from the parks (perhaps using some of the tram load area to make for easier access).
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Earl of Sandwich
Progress on the new two-story Earl of Sandwich has been slow and steady (but mostly slow). When it finally opens, there will be a quick-service Earl of Sandwich on the ground level and the all-new British-themed Gordon Ramsay at the Carnaby gastropub upstairs… which we’re really looking forward to.
Currently, the incredibly patient Earl is operating out of a large food truck between Star Wars Trading Post and the new lululemon store.
Lego Store
Lego shoppers queued up along the construction walls on Thursday. The store remains open while new and refreshed Lego sculptures are added to the exterior.
New Steakhouse and BBQ Restaurants
Still no progress at the former Tortilla Jo’s location, but we’re hoping to see work begin soon on the new Arthur & Sons Bourbon and Steak and Pearl’s Roadside Barbecue restaurants from Michelin-starred Chef Joe Isadori.
Avengers Campus
Work continues inside California Adventure on the expansion of Avengers Campus, which will double the size of the land and add two new attractions.
This building will soon be enclosed. Enjoy the view while you can.
Disneyland Refurbishment Calendar
Currently Under Refurbishment:
- Grizzly River Run: January 5 – TBA
- Incredicoaster: January 5 – February 5
- Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind: January 5 – 22
- Smokejumpers Grill: January 5 – 9
Upcoming Refurbishments
- Mark Twain Riverboat: January 12 -15
- Lamplight Lounge: January 12 -15
- Haunted Mansion holiday overlay removal: January 12 -22
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance: January 20 – TBA
- Oga’s Cantina: January 20 – 24
- it’s a small world holiday overlay removal: January 26 – TBA
- Sailing Ship Columbia: January 26 – 29
Disneyland Blues
There are always things that need some attention in the parks. And with new year’s resolutions in mind, we’re sharing some things worth pointing out…
The Leaning Lamp of Main Street
We’ll start with a noticeably lopsided lamppost on Main Street near the Firehouse. Given the resort-wide lamppost refurbishments following recent failures and guest injuries, it’s surprising to see one looking so in need of some help. It’s entirely possible this post was clipped by a truck or cherry picker after hours, but regardless of the cause, it’s a troubling look considering recent incidents.
We Need a New Tree
Disneyland’s Christmas Tree once again struggled through the season with recurring lighting failures… burned-out sections, outages, and even a moment that looked suspiciously like smoke or worse. This isn’t a one-off fluke. It’s been an issue for years, particularly whenever rain enters the picture. At some point, this stops being “seasonal hiccups” and starts looking like deferred maintenance. For a park that prides itself on polish, reliability, and presentation, it may be time to retire the problem tree and invest in a lighting system that can survive December weather without drama.
Unblock the Locals
While passholders were blocked out at the end of the year, the Festival of Holidays noticeably suffered. The festival thrives on Disneyland’s most loyal local fans, and without them, the booths felt quieter and less lively than usual. It may be time for Disney to rethink those blackout dates.
A lulu of a letdown…
The new lululemon in Downtown Disney feels less like a carefully considered addition and more like a store you’d wander into while killing time at a fading mall. Disneyland has always thrived by offering something better than what guests can find at home, and Downtown Disney was meant to elevate the experience, not replicate the local shopping center. A lululemon could work here, but this one makes no effort to feel special, themed, or even remotely Disney. Strip away the sign and it could be anywhere… which is exactly the problem, and not a great omen for a district struggling to reinvent itself.
Time to Light the Lights
Disney has seemingly mastered the art of charging more while offering less, and the dark Hyperion Theater has become one of the clearest examples. As ticket prices rise, entertainment capacity continues to shrink… and with Monsters, Inc. set to close for years of Avatar construction, Disney California Adventure is about to lose even more. This spring, the park won’t even have a parade to help fill the gap. Leaving a massive theater dark while attractions disappear isn’t just frustrating, it’s indefensible. If Disney wants to justify the price of admission, the lights need to come back on and a show needs to return to that stage.
And don’t worry… we’ll blow our top about Tomorrowland again soon. But that’s a story all its own.
This & That
A little bit more for you… Isn’t there always a little more?
Disneyland Live @ 5
Dusty is joined by friend and photographer, Adam Kent, this week, as well as a caravan of friends. The gents begin their adventure at Haunted Mansion Holiday, see Chewbacca in his Life Day garb, explore the holiday decor one last time, and climb the Adventureland Treehouse to enjoy the view. Follow along for all the fun.
Disney Came Up Roses
Despite the rainy weather, Disney celebrated the lead-up to America’s 250th anniversary during the 2026 Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s Day.
The “Disney Celebrates America” parade entry was a Disneyland vehicle decorated with red, white, and blue flowers, including red poppies, which are a symbol of remembrance for fallen military personnel dating back to World War I. Mickey and Minnie were accompanied along the parade route by over 50 U.S. military veterans who work as Disney cast members and their families.
“The Walt Disney Company is proud to participate in the 2026 Tournament of Roses Parade as part of our ‘Disney Celebrates America’ initiative honoring our nation’s 250th anniversary,” said Disney CEO Bob Iger. “By featuring our own veteran cast members, we’re excited to kick off the year at this iconic event and share the Disney magic that connects generations.”
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The Soarin’ Across America attraction overlay debuting in California Adventure on July 2 is also part of Disney’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
Welcome Michele and Oralia!
Disneyland’s two new Ambassadors, Michele Mary and Oralia Neria Felix, officially began their tenure on January 1st.
What are Disney Ambassadors?
The Disneyland Ambassador Program was launched for the park’s 10th anniversary, when Walt chose tour guide Julie Reihm to serve as an emissary of goodwill on behalf of the company. Julie was named a Disney Legend in 2015.
Today, Disney Ambassadors also represent Walt Disney World Resort, Tokyo Disney Resort, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, and Shanghai Disney Resort.
Star Sightings
We spotted some of our favorite characters out and about in the parks on Thursday!
Including Eric!
Disneyland After Dark Ticket Tracker
There are only two party dates left for the popular Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite, and both are weekdays. Tickets for Thursday January 22 are $169 per person and tickets for Tuesday, February 10 are $185 per person.
However, both dates are also still available for the new Disneyland After Dark: 70 Years of Favorites events on March 3 and 5, both are priced at $159 per person.
Tickets for Star Wars Nite, Pride Nite, Disney Channel Nite, and 90s Nite are not on sale yet.
More about all the events, festivals, and celebrations coming to Disneyland this year:
UPDATED! Disneyland 2026 Events Guide: What’s Coming, When to Visit & Key Dates to Know
Get Your Screams In
Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue will close “early 2026” to make way for the new Avatar-themed land coming to California Adventure, so you may want to ride soon before the popular dark ride screams away.
The Jo Bros Are Out; Percy Jackson Is In
A new photo op for Season 2 of Percy Jackson and the Olympians on Disney+ has replaced the one for the Jonas Brothers Christmas special in California Adventure.
Have you been watching the show on Disney+?
New At Starbucks
New tumblers and mugs have appeared in the park Starbucks locations. The design features the castle surrounded by pink or blue bows.
New Shake at Black Tap
For the entire month of January, Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer in Downtown Disney will be serving the Blueberry and Corn Protein Shake Classic ($12) made with vanilla ice cream, fresh blueberries, sweet corn, and Catalina Crunch low-carb, non-GMO cereal. All topped with light whipped cream and a cherry, of course.
Join The Fun! MiceChat Gumball Rally 2026
Join us on February 7th for our own fun-filled day at Disneyland, the 20th anniversary of the MiceChat Gumball Rally.
The Gumball Rally is a race to see which team can ride the most attractions at Disneyland in a single day. And in our 20th edition of the popular event, the villains will be taking over!
For all the details (including how to buy tickets), check out our Gumball Rally guide:
Did You Know?
Each week, Dusty recaps all the news from the Monday Disneyland Update in a “Disneyland Minute” video. Be sure to subscribe to MiceChat’s YouTube channel and TikTok so you don’t miss it!
Here’s our latest video:
MiceShots
Now… time to enjoy the view.
When it rains, we like to take shelter in the Animation building at DCA.
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Let’s Hear From You!
Our thanks to Samantha, Brian, Suzanne, Sarah, Dusty, and everyone who helped bring together our first Disneyland Update of 2026… and to all of you who read, comment, share, and support MiceChat week after week.
What stood out most to you this time: the hotel perk cuts, the returning 70th anniversary entertainment, the destruction of two ticket booths, the growing list of Disneyland Blues, or something else? Jump into the comments and let us know what you’re seeing, feeling, and hoping for as 2026 gets underway!
