Spring has arrived at the Disneyland Resort, which means sunny skies, fresh flowers, and the return of the shrinking Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival.
This week also brings a stack of seasonal add-ons: new (and very overdue) timeline expansion in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the Eggstravaganza hunt, a new guided tour spotlighting the women of Walt Disney Imagineering, and… yes… the usual maze of construction walls. We also take a quick look at why Disney’s Abu Dhabi park plans are raising eyebrows as the region heats up.
Let’s get into it…
DCA Food & Wine
The Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival returns March 6 through April 27, 2026.
Following the frustrating trend that started with Festival of Holidays (and continued with Lunar New Year), there are fewer festival food offerings than in the past, with just 11 food items. But there are also additional new items at eateries across the park.
Here are the 5 new Festival Marketplace food items:
- NEW Chicharrón Nachos: Chicharrón, chorizo, cheese sauce, tomatoes, and salsa verde (available at California Craft Brews)
- NEW Carbonara Pizzetta: White sauce, Nueske’s Applewood Smoked Bacon, and black pepper drizzle (available at LA Style)
- NEW Tajín Habanero Seasoned Wings with Tajín chile-lime sauce (available at Peppers Cali-Ente)
- NEW Ramen Mac & Cheese: Furikake crumble, fish cakes, green onions, and chile crunch (available at Peppers Cali-Ente)
- NEW Torta Ahogada: Braised pork carnitas, frijoles charros, pickled onion, and salsa (available at Mercado de Antojos)
There are also 14 new food items at dining locations throughout California Adventure:
- NEW Frozen Banoffee Banana: Milk chocolate-dipped frozen banana with toffee pieces, caramel sauce, and white chocolate drizzle (available at Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream; mobile order available)
- NEW Chile Relleno Torta: Chile relleno, refried beans, salsa roja, lettuce, cotija cheese, sour cream, and guacamole on toasted telera bread served with fries (available at Award Wieners; mobile order available)
- NEW Chicken and Waffle Mole Taco: Waffle taco shell filled with chicken in spicy mole sauce, white rice, pepitas, and sesame seeds (available at Hollywood Lounge and Studio Catering Co.; mobile order available)
- NEW Mickey-shaped Banana-Hazelnut Waffles: Mickey-shaped waffles with chocolate-hazelnut filling topped with banana whipped topping and powdered sugar (available at Schmoozies!; mobile order available)
- NEW Spinach and Artichoke Grilled Cheese: Spinach and artichoke on parmesan-crusted sourdough served with potato bites (available at Pym Text Kitchen; mobile order available)
- NEW Pandan Latte Churro: Coffee sugar, pandan whipped cream, and toasted coconut shavings (available at Terran Treats)
- NEW Green Pozole: Traditional Mexican stew with chicken and hominy served with chips (available at Cozy Cone Motel 5 – Popcone; mobile order available)
- NEW Banana Caramel Bread Pudding: Banana pudding with caramelized butter sauce, whipped topping, and crushed vanilla wafers (available at Aunt Cass Cafe; mobile order available)
- NEW Bunch of Grapes Boudin Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread (available at Boudin Bread Cart and Aunt Cass Cafe)
- NEW Bulgogi Bowl: Bulgogi beef and gochugaru-marinated cucumbers over rice garnished with spicy mayo, crispy shallots, and sesame seeds (available at Lucky Fortune Cookery; mobile order available)
- NEW Chef’s Special: Thai-BBQ porkchop with drunken noodles, Chinese broccoli, scrambled egg, peanut chile oil, Thai basil, and a lime wedge (available at Lamplight Lounge; reservations highly recommended)
- NEW Chocolate-Pistachio Donuts (available at Lamplight Lounge; reservations highly recommended)
- NEW Chicken Spinach Artichoke Dip Pizza: Herb roasted chicken with spinach artichoke creamy cheese sauce (available by the slice or as a whole pie at Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta; mobile order available)
- NEW Pork Chile Verde Chalupas: Two chalupas filled with pork in salsa verde, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, and queso fresco served with Spanish rice and refried beans topped with queso fresco (available at Paradise Garden Grill; mobile order available)
And of course, no DCA Food & Wine Festival would be complete without a Mickey-shaped macaron, and this year marks the return of the fan-favorite chocolate and Snickers version.
Magic Key Food & Wine Offerings
Magic Key holders can take advantage of several special offerings during the Food & Wine Festival.
- Magic Key Map Activity – Magic Key holders can pick up a specially-designed California Adventure map for a fun scavenger hunt to find attractions and hidden gems celebrating the park’s 25th anniversary. Complete your map by April 17 to receive a collectible Soarin’ Over California poster (while supplies last). Locations to pick up maps and poster will be announced soon.
- Sip & Savor Pass – Magic Key holders can get a reduced price for the 8-taste Sip & Savor Pass
- Magic Key Merch – A special Magic Key-themed festival t-shirt and pin are available at Acorns Gifts & Goods, Elias & Co., Studio Store, and at festival merch stands.
You can find all the details about this year’s festival here:
Eat This: The 2026 Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival Guide
But if the DCA festival seems like it’s on a diet this year, Knott’s sent us to a feast for their upcoming Boysenberry Festival. More food, more entertainment, more Betty Boysenberry…
No Season of the Force
For the first time in several years, Disneyland is not having an official “Season of the Force,” despite several notable changes coming to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in April and May.
In the past, the Star Wars-themed seasonal event took place from late March through mid-May, and offered unique experiences in Galaxy’s Edge, exclusive merchandise, themed culinary offerings, and, of course, the popular Hyperspace Mountain attraction overlay, which returns on April 28.
In addition to Hyperspace Mountain, a new adventure is being added to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu, and several iconic Star Wars characters will be arriving at Black Spire Outpost.
Expanded Timeline
Beginning April 29, 2026, the Galaxy’s Edge timeline will finally expand when Leia Organa, Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, and Darth Vader join Chewbacca, Rey, Ahsoka Tano, The Mandalorian, Grogu, and R2-D2 on Batuu.
Kylo Ren, on the other hand, will be departing Black Spire Outpost for Tomorrowland, where he will take over Darth Vader’s meet-and-greet responsibilities.
Iconic Star Wars Music
Also coming to the land on April 29 is music from Disney Legend John Williams, featuring themes from the first six films, including the iconic “Main Title” and Force Theme (played in the tunnels leading to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge) as well as motifs from “Han Solo and the Princess,” “The Desert and the Robot Auction,” “The Emperor,” and the “Cantina Band,” which will be heard in Oga’s Cantina.
Several shops in Galaxy’s Edge will be updated, including First Order Cargo, which will transform into Black Spire Surplus, a military salvage operation offering artifacts from across the history of the galaxy, including Imperial and Rebel items from the Galactic Civil War. An earlier generation of the Mubo family will operate Droid Depot, where they will be prototyping the BB style of droid.
New Mission
Starting May 22, 2026, a new storyline on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run will see Hondo Ohnaka learning about a deal between ex-Imperial officers and a band of pirates. Naturally, he’s got his sights set on the generous bounty for their capture, so guests will need to team up with the Mandalorian and Grogu to track them down.
For the first time, guests will be in control of their own destination, with potential adventures on Bespin, the wreckage of the second Death Star around Endor, and the city-planet, Coruscant. A new gameplay addition also allows the engineer positions to communicate with Grogu during the mission.
Eggstravaganza 2026
The Eggstravaganza “egg” search will be taking place throughout the Disneyland Resort from March 3 to April 6, 2026.
How to Join the Fun
- Pick up a map and stickers at select merchandise locations for $11.99 (plus tax)
- Search for hidden “eggs” based on Disney characters and placing the corresponding stickers on the map
- Return the map to a redemption location and receive one of 6 themed keepsakes
Maps differ between Disneyland Park, California Adventure Park, and Downtown Disney District, so be sure to search in your map’s designated location.
- Downtown Disney Sales Locations: Disney Home, Disneyland Storyland Boutique, Disney’s Pin Traders, WonderGround Galler, and World of Disney
- Downtown Disney Redemption Locations: Disney’s Pin Traders and World of Disney
- Disneyland Park Sales Locations: Adventureland Bazaar, Candy Palace and Candy Kitchen, Disney Clothiers, Ltd., Disney Showcase, Disneyana, Emporium, EngineEAR Souvenirs, Eudora’s Chic Boutiquem Le Petite Chalet, Pioneer Mercantile, and TomorrowLanding
- Disneyland Park Redemption Location: Disney Showcase
- California Adventure Park Sales Locations: Elias & Co., Gone Hollywood, Ramone’s House of Body Art, Rushin’ River Outfitters, Seaside Souvenirs, and Trolley Treats
- California Adventure Redemption Location: Elias & Co.
- Resort Hotels Sales Locations: Disney’s Fantasia Shop in the Disneyland Hotel (Downtown Disney District Map), Acorns Gifts & Goods in the Grand Californian (Downtown Disney District and Disney California Adventure Park Maps), and STORE-E in Pixar Place Hotel (Downtown Disney District Maps)
Important Details
- Purchase limits apply
- One map equals one keepsake
- Maps are valid for redemption through April 6, 2026, or while supplies last.
Constructionland
Work continues across the resort, including the ever-expanding construction zone for the new Porto’s restaurant in Downtown Disney.
Downtown Disney
The new two-story Earl of Sandwich at the west end of Downtown Disney is progressing, but no opening date has been announced.
But the big story is the massive construction site for the new Porto’s that stretches from World of Disney to the California Adventure gates.
Following gridlock created by crowd confusion, signs aim to direct guests around the massive roadblock.
Disneyland
Facades on the west side of Main Street U.S.A. are hidden by construction walls and scrims.
Jungle Cruise is also currently behind construction walls.
California Adventure
Grizzly River Run is still closed for its annual refurbishment.
And work continues on the expansion of Avengers Campus.
Imagineering shared a video on the progress of the project that will double the size of the Marvel-themed land.
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Disneyland Refurbishment Calendar (updated 2/27/26)
Space Mountain and Edelweiss Snack have already reopened; Tom Sawyer Island and Jumpin’ Jellyfish reopen later this week. New to the list is Toy Story Midway Mania, which oddly begins refurbishment smack in the middle of Food & Wine.
Currently Under Refurbishment
- Grizzly River Run: January 5 – TBA
- Oga’s Cantina: January 20 – March 13
- Jungle Cruise: February 17 – TBA
- Jumpin’ Jellyfish: February 23 – March 5
- Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island: March 2 – 5
Upcoming Refurbishments
- Golden Zephyr: March 9 – 17
- Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin: March 30 – TBA
- Disneyland Monorail: March 30 – TBA
- Toy Story Midway Mania: April 6 – TBA
This & That
And now it’s time for a little bit of this and a little bit of that…
Our Dusty Sage chimes in with this scary reminder that Disney is building a theme park dangerously close to a current war zone…
Rising Tensions Raise Questions About Disney’s Abu Dhabi Park
As headlines are dominated by U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran and Iran’s retaliation against neighboring states, including reported missile and drone activity targeting the United Arab Emirates, Disney’s planned theme park partnership on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi is drawing renewed scrutiny. While Disney will not own the park, its name will be on the gate in a region that appears increasingly unstable by the day.
Beyond the immediate security concerns, critics, including our own Dusty Sage, continue to point to the UAE’s restrictive policies toward LGBTQ+ individuals and women as a reputational challenge for a company that publicly champions inclusion. Many in the industry are quietly asking the same question: why risk the safety of cast members and guests, and the strength of the Disney brand, on a project that looks more precarious with each new round of headlines?
Dusty warned us about these very conditions when the project was first announced just one year ago:
Now, for something a little less fraught…
Live @ 5
Our Dusty Sage was cruising aboard the Disney Destiny, this past week, so Mike Kindrich took us on a stroll through Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort for this week’s MiceChat LIVE video. Step into the movies with us as we see what’s happening in this rapidly transforming park…
Women Who Make The Magic
Bookings are now open for the Women Who Make the Magic Tour, which begins March 6. Advanced reservations are recommended, but same-day reservations may be available.
The new guided tour honors the impact of legendary women who were instrumental in the creation of the original Disney theme park, including Harriet Burns, Alice Davis, Mary Blair, Ruth Shellhorn, Leota Toombs, Kim Irvine, Dorothea Redmond and more.
The price of the tour is $110 per Person (plus tax). Disney Visa Member discount applies.
While the tour doesn’t begin for a few days, International Women’s History Month has kicked off at the resort with the annual addition of Minnie Mouse as the large Disneyland entry floral.
Disneyland After Dark Ticket Tracker
Tickets are STILL available for next week’s Disneyland After Dark: 70 Years of Favorites events on March 3 and 5. The offerings, inspired by seven decades of Disneyland Resort favorites, including the return of Videopolis, sound like a lot of fun. So why isn’t the event sold out? Tickets are a whopping $159 per person. Which we believe is just beyond what most guests are willing to pay.
Tickets are also available for Disneyland After Dark: Disney Channel Nite on April 12, 14, and 16. Tickets for April 14 and 16 are $159 per person; tickets for April 12 are $169 per person.
Only two party nights are still available for Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite, April 28 and May 6. Tickets for both dates are $174 per person.
Mike & Sulley Are Sticking Around
As we reported last week, Disneyland Resort President Thomas Mazloum confirmed to MiceChat that Monsters Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! will remain open into 2027, despite previously announced plans for a new Avatar-themed land which is supposed to be taking over Hollywood Land in California Adventure. Could that mean a potential change in plans for this area? We may need to wait for the next D23 Expo to hear more.
But we’re very happy to see this family-friendly dark ride stick around for another year. This park is thin on kid rides, and the loss of A Bug’s Land, followed by the pending removal of this dark ride, would have left a big hole in the park’s family offerings.
Read about Dusty’s blockbuster conversation with Thomas here… which also includes the reason why park reservations aren’t going away, but park-hopping restrictions are:
DISNEYLAND RESET: Park Hopping Changes, Reliability Gains… But Stage Shows Still Missing
Make March Matter
Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes in Downtown Disney is partnering with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) for their annual Make March Matter campaign.
Available exclusively at the Downtown Disney location, the limited-time Make March Matter CrazyShake is a strawberry shake with a vanilla frosted rim rolled in confetti sprinkles, topped with a CHLA cookie, rainbow rock candy, whipped cream, and a cherry.
“This custom CrazyShake is all about bringing people together for a great cause,” said Black Tap Anaheim’s General Manager Angelica Flores. “It’s fun, colorful, and supports the incredible work CHLA does for families every day.”
What is Make March Matter?
The annual campaign unites businesses, community members and supporters to raise funds for children’s health. The initiative supports CHLA’s mission to deliver lifesaving treatment, advance research, and provide family-centered care to children throughout the region.
Throughout March, Black Tap will donate $1 for every Make March Matter CrazyShake sold, with proceeds benefiting CHLA.
Cereal-sly Delicious
Salt & Straw in Downtown Disney has brought back the popular Cereal-sly Delicious Series, with creative ice cream flavors inspired by classic cereals.
Favors include:
- NEW – Concord Grape Nut Crumble – Concord grape juice frozen yogurt swirled with rich Grape Nut pudding, and studded with a toasted pecan and Grape Nut crumble
- NEW – Captain’s Berried Treasure (v) – Cereal-steeped coconut and oat milk ice cream swirled with fruity, house made “crunch berries,” bright pink and purple cookie puffs made with freeze-dried strawberries and blackberries
- Pots of Gold and Rainbows – Toasty, cereal-steeped ice cream tossed with hand-sorted, rainbow marshmallows
- Snap ‘N Crackle Marshmallow Treats – Rice Krispie marshmallow florentines crushed and scattered through salted vanilla ice cream
- Peanut Butter Brownie Cereal Puffs – Double-baked, Reese’s-coated peanut butter brownie puffs folded into peanut butter-marbled, milk chocolate ice cream
Guests can also pick up Salt & Straw’s first-ever collector sticker inspired by Pots of Gold and Rainbows. Sticker is available with the purchase of any Cereal-sly Delicious Series flavor.
Adventureland Day
Kungaloosh! Disneyland was taken over by adventurers in their best Adventureland-inspired outfits yesterday for the annual Adventureland Day. We caught the group in the middle of their scavenger hunt, finally ending up in Batuu…
It was quite the jungle out there! In addition to the scavenger hunt, there were group rides, photos, and a sing-along at the Enchanted Tiki Room.
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Disneyland Minute
Each week, Dusty recaps all the hottest headlines from the Monday Disneyland Update in a quick-hit Disneyland Minute video. It’s an easy way to stay caught up if you don’t have time to read the full update… or if you just want the highlights straight from Dusty.
Be sure to subscribe to MiceChat’s YouTube channel and TikTok so you don’t miss it!
Here’s the latest video, which he somehow found time to assemble and upload from a cruise ship:
Cruise News
Speaking of cruise ships… Disney Legend Robert Downey Jr. will be the godparent for the Disney Adventure, the newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, which will set sail for her maiden voyage from Singapore on March 10, 2026.
“It’s impossible to describe the majesty of the Adventure, and to be its godparent is an honor,” Downey said. “As the largest ship in the Disney fleet, a gargantuan blessing must be bestowed … I’ll do my darndest.”
Downey’s portrayal of Tony Stark/Iron Man was the cornerstone of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He will now star as Doctor Doom in Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Doomsday, in theaters December 18, 2026.
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To find out more about the Disney Adventure, check out our guide:
Disney Adventure Delayed to March 2026 + Complete Onboard Guide
Walt Disney Storybook Mansion Tours Return!
Step inside the Walt Disney Storybook Mansion in the Hollywood Hills for a rare opportunity to walk in Walt’s footsteps at one of his most storied homes. This intimate, small-group tour, led by Dusty Sage, explores the rooms where Walt entertained friends, dreamed up projects, and lived during a pivotal chapter of his career. You’ll hear the history, the Hollywood connections, and the personal stories that make this house far more than just another celebrity address. Space is limited, and access to this home is exceptionally rare.
Walt Disney Storybook Mansion Tour Tickets HERE
RELATED SPRINGTIME READING:
- It’s Butterbeer Season at Universal + A DIY Recipe for Home!
- PREVIEW: Knott’s Berry Farm Boysenberry Festival 2026
- Universal Fan Fest Nights 2026 Guide: Scooby-Doo, Dragons, Pirates & a Few Mysteries
MiceShots
The 70th-anniversary Celebrate Happy Cavalcade returned to Main Street. U.S.A. following the holidays, and our Disney friends were definitely enjoying the sunny weather this week.
We’re also taking you on our own version of Disneyland After Dark (or, more accurately, California Adventure After Dark!) The colorful park looks even more beautiful at night.
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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…
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Let’s Hear From You!
What are you most looking forward to this spring at the Disneyland Resort? Are you heading to DCA for Food & Wine? Planning to welcome Luke and Leia to Galaxy’s Edge? Or are you just here to celebrate that Mike and Sulley got a stay of execution in Hollywood Land, and what do you think that really means for Avatar? Also, how do you feel about Disney putting its name on a new park in Abu Dhabi amid rising tensions? Tell us in the comments below!
