DISNEYLAND UPDATE: Sold-Out Parks, Opera House Split & Chaotic Construction

Last week delivered a perfect Disneyland storm: $104 Tier 0 tickets, a Valentine’s/Presidents’ Day weekend kickoff, and sunshine before the rain. By noon on Thursday, the resort was completely sold out… and the biggest meltdown wasn’t wait times, it was the Downtown Disney exit funnel, thanks to Porto’s construction walls that push guests into an overly tight squeeze.

This week, we’re breaking down what those cheap ticket days really mean, the Opera House’s new Walt-and-Lincoln split schedule, a telling nugget about Josh D’Amaro’s “experience intelligence,” and the ever-growing footprint of Constructionland across the resort. Plus: the new Black History Month heritage trail, Lunar New Year’s final stretch, and the latest refurbishments and food finds.

Triple Threat

Last Thursday, we saw a Disneyland attendance trifecta: Tier 0 $104 park tickets, the start of a two-holiday weekend (Presidents’ Day and Valentine’s Day), and glorious sunny weather ahead of a rainy forecast for this week. Also drawing crowds was the second-to-last Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts Nite party.

The result: no park reservations and no tickets were available by noon (Magic Key holder reservations were also fully booked).

Inside the parks, we felt the crush of those crowds, but with park reservations still required for Disneyland, wait times don’t get too far out of control because crowds are still tightly controlled.

Crowd Confusion

A byproduct of the extra crowded day was a chaotic exit experience caused by the expanded Porto’s construction walls that block the right side of the walkway between World of Disney and the esplanade. 

Guests are being re-routed through the tram area, but that seemed to cause extra confusion on Thursday night (despite clear directional signs). 

By the weekend, they were rerouting some guests backstage at DCA to circumvent the bottleneck, but the guest experience remained slow and confusing. This is one of those things the park should have expected. A major walkway was closed between the entry to Downtown Disney and the tram loading area… what did they think would happen? 

Tier 0 Tickets

The elusive Tier 0 one-day single-park adult tickets are $104 for adults and $98 for kids. It’s an additional $70 to add the park hopper option to any ticket. It’s a great way to save money, but expect a crowded park experience.  

Here’s when low-priced weekday tickets are available through June:

• Feb. 24, 25, 26
• March 3, 4, 5
• April 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30
• May 5, 6, 12, 13
• June 1, 2, 3, 4

Happy Presidents’ Day, Mr. Lincoln

When Walt Disney, a Magical Life was announced for the Disneyland Opera House, we were told Walt and Mr. Lincoln would eventually perform on an alternating basis (and a special turntable-style stage was designed to allow for smooth transitions between shows).

Since Walt Disney, a Magical Life debuted last year, Abe has only taken the stage when Walt was feeling under the weather, but last Friday, February 13, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln was the only show scheduled for the day. 

The two shows were expected to begin the rotating schedule on February 14, but when we checked the app on Saturday morning, Walt’s story was still closed.

But, as of this past weekend, Lincoln is playing from park opening until 1:30 PM and Walt starts from 2 PM until 8 PM. Check those show times in the Disneyland app during your visit, but there’s now a reason to visit the Opera House twice in one day. 

Vanguards & Visionaries

New this year as part of the resort’s annual celebration of Black History Month, a heritage trail across the resort showcases influential Black leaders, artists, and thinkers.

Here’s where you can find them in Disneyland:

• On Main Street U.S.A: Disney Legend Martha Blanding, musician Scott Joplin, and statesman & abolitionist Frederick Douglass

• In New Orleans Square: Disney animator Ron Husband (The Rescuers, Pete’s Dragon, The Fox and the Hound, The Rescuers Down Under, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Lion King, Pocahontas, Hercules, Treasure Planet, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Fantasia 2000, and Atlantis)
• In Tiana’s Palace: New Orleans restaurateur (and the inspiration for Princess Tiana) Leah Chase
• In Frontierland: Musician Dom Flemons

• In Tomorrowland: Former Astronaut Guion S. Bluford Jr.

Here’s where you can find them in California Adventure:

• On Buena Vista Street: Disney Legend Floyd Norman (Sleeping Beauty, One Hundred and One Dalmatians, The Sword in the Stone, Robin Hood, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Mulan, Dinosaur, Toy Story 2, Monsters, Inc.)

• In Hollywood Land: Austin Taylor, Disney Visual Effects Animator Marlon West (The Lion King, Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Hercules, Mulan, Tarzan, Fantasia 2000, The Emperor’s New Groove. Atlantis, Home on the Range, Chicken Little, The Princess and the Frog, Frozen, Big Hero 6, Moana, Frozen 2, Encanto, Zootopia 2), Disney Lighting Supervisor Olun Riley (Meet the Robinsons, Tangled, Wreck-It Ralph, Frozen, Big Hero 6, Zootopia, Moana, Frozen 2), and Imagineer and Inventor Lanny Smoot.
• At the Downtown Disney Stage: Contemporary artist Nikkolas Smith who created King Chad, the mural of Black Panther actor Chadwick Boseman.

Experience Intelligence

Last week, the Harvard Business Review published an article about Josh D’Amaro, describing Disney’s next CEO as having “experience intelligence,” which the writer defined as “the ability to read and shape the human experience.”

He went on to explain that he followed Josh around and witnessed what he called the “Josh effect” because people are genuinely happy to work for him.

But buried way down in paragraph 24 was a surprise.

One of the times the writer shadowed Josh was during a meeting with Imagineers about a redesign of Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.

“Guests like it,” the writer quoted Josh as saying, “but they don’t love it.”

He went on to describe Josh’s solution: Only the pilots control the adventure, while the gunners and engineers have less to do. The result of that meeting is a redesign that gives every person the chance to participate in the story, an update that debuts on May 22, along with the new Mandalorian and Grogu mission. 

“Anything I can do to help more guests say they love Disney is a valuable use of my time,” Josh told the writer at the time.

So, basically, Josh’s goal for that meeting was to turn something guests “like” into something they “love.” Let’s hope that continues to be Josh’s motivation when he takes over the top job next month.

Read about Josh’s presentation on Disney’s Six Principles of Storytelling here:

Disney’s 6 Principles of Storytelling: Are They Living Up To Them?

Constructionland

Downtown Disney

The big news is that the big Porto’s construction project has completely taken over the east end of Downtown Disney. 

The other side of the Lego Store is behind walls while the second large Lego sculpture is refurbished, but the store is still open.

In the ongoing removal of Downtown Disney fountains, the water feature behind the tram station has been filled with dirt and plants.

We’re sure this one won’t be around much longer either.

Disneyland

Edelweiss Snacks and the former Motorboat Cruise lagoon is surrounded by construction walls. We hope the old Motorboat Cruise dock isn’t going away. It’s a great spot to grab a snack and relax in a park with far too few restful places. 

Galactic Grill has shifted the construction walls toward the far right registers.

California Adventure

Construction continues on the Avengers Campus expansion.

Including a new quick-service dining location across from Guardians of the Galaxy.

Grizzly River Run continues its big annual refurbishment. 

We also noticed the Redwood Challenge Trail construction walls we told you about last week have shifted to a new location on a nearby trail.

Disneyland Refurbishment Calendar

Currently Under Refurbishment

• Grizzly River Run: January 5 – TBA
• Oga’s Cantina: January 20 – March 13
• Edelweiss Snacks: February 9 – 26

Upcoming Refurbishments

• Jungle Cruise: February 17 – TBA
• Jumpin’ Jellyfish: February 23 – March 5
• Space Mountain: February 23 – 26
• Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island: March 2 – 5
• Golden Zephyr: March 9 – 17

Meet Bob Gurr at a Special Screening 🎬✨

We’re thrilled to share the chance to see Disney Legend Bob Gurr at a special Los Angeles screening of Bob Gurr: Living By Design.

Here’s what you can expect at this event:

Experience a magical afternoon celebrating the legendary career of Disney Imagineer Bob Gurr. Living By Design explores not only Bob’s iconic contributions to Disneyland and beyond, but also his full life of creativity, adventure, and innovation.

Bob will be in attendance for this special event and will participate in a live post-screening Q&A, sharing stories from his remarkable career.

Know Before You Go:

• General Admission ($39) – Doors open at 3 p.m.
• VIP Package ($140) featuring early admission at 2 p.m., priority seating, a personal photo with Bob using your own camera, a signed movie poster, and a limited-edition Living By Design collectible pin.
• Autographed Merchandise: A small selection of Bob Gurr autographed items will be for sale immediately following the event in the lobby. Small outside items may be brought  to be autographed. There is a $40 fee per autograph (no personalization requests)

The screening will take place from 3-6 p.m. on February 28, 2026 at the Fine Arts Theater in Beverly Hills.

Tickets & full event details are available HERE. MiceChat readers receive $10 off tickets with promo code DCA10 at checkout.

Walt Disney Storybook Mansion Tour

Step inside the historic Hollywood Hills home Walt Disney built for his family and experience a piece of Disney history most fans never get to see. These intimate, guided tours are hosted by MiceChat’s Dusty Sage and explore both the beautifully preserved interiors and the gardens and grounds of Walt’s Storybook Mansion. Along the way, you’ll hear the stories of the Disney family’s life in the home and how this special place connects to the company we know today. Availability is limited and dates fill quickly, so if this has been on your Disney bucket list, now is the time to plan your visit.

Walt Disney Storybook Mansion Tour – Tickets & Info HERE

This & That

Live @ 5

Take a ride on Monsters Inc: Mike and Sully to the Rescue, then journey with Dusty and Suzanne through Disney California Adventure and Disneyland to see what’s new in the parks…

Pixar Place Sneak Peek

The 2nd floor of the Pixar Place Hotel, just above the lobby, currently features some artwork for the upcoming film “Hoppers” (opening in theaters on March 6th).  
Could we see some of these characters appear at the park or hotel when the movie premieres? 

 

They Went to Disneyland!

Less than 24 hours after the Seattle Seahawks won Super Bowl LX last Sunday, Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III and Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold celebrated their win with a visit to Disneyland and a cavalcade down Main Street, U.S.A.

Next year, Super Bowl LXI will be played at Sofi Stadium—and broadcast on Disney-owned ABC and ESPN—so we can expect a big Disney presence.

Lunar New Year

Even though California Adventure’s Lunar New Year celebration runs from January 23 through Feb 22, the official date for Lunar New Year is tomorrow, February 17, 2026.

Women Who Make the Magic

The Women Who Make the Magic guided tour is an all-new offering debuting March 6, 2026, and will run through Mother’s Day on May 10, 2026.

The limited-time 90-minute experience is $110 per person, and includes a photo op with a Small World doll. Disney Visa cardholders will get a discount on tickets.

Naples Celebrates 25 Years

Along with California Adventure, Downtown Disney District is also celebrating its 25th anniversary and Naples Ristorante e Bar is marking the milestone with a year of special programming, seasonal experiences, and culinary celebrations. 

“This milestone is not just a reflection of the past 25 years, but a commitment to the future,” said John ‘JK’ Kolaski, president of Patina Group. “As we celebrate this anniversary, we’re focused on continuing to deliver meaningful experiences through food, hospitality, and programming that keeps Naples a vibrant part of Downtown Disney.” 

• Signature Seasonal Specials (Year-Round) – Rotating seasonal food and beverage specials celebrating longtime guest favorites.
• Make & Shake Cocktail Series (Summer) – Guests will be invited behind the bar for a guided mixology experience to craft refreshing, seasonally inspired cocktails before sitting down to enjoy a family-style Neapolitan meal. 
• Pumpkins and Pancakes (October) – The family-friendly fall favorite returns with breakfast of pancakes, hot cocoa, and cider, pumpkin picking and decorating, photo opportunities, and special take-home treats. 
• Breakfast with Santa(Thanksgiving through Christmas) – Families can spend a festive morning with Santa, including a breakfast feast, immersive décor, holiday activities, and live carolers (kids 10 and under will also receive a stuffed animal and personalized stocking to take home). 

FUN FACT: Naples is one of only two remaining original Downtown Disney restaurants, the other is Jazz Kitchen. However, both have been completely redesigned in recent years. 

New at Salt & Straw

Salt & Straw has debuted the limited-time Chocolatiers Series of special ice cream flavors. 

Each flavor was created in partnership with an artisan chocolate company:

• Chocolate Almond Gold Bar – Bite-sized bits of almond caramel chocolate bars from Seattle-based Fran’s Chocolates tossed into a salted vanilla ice cream, and tied together with ribbons of burnt caramel and dark chocolate stracciatella
• Cake Batter Chocolate Fudge – Decadent cake batter ice cream speckled with rainbow sprinkles and “frosted” with swirls of brown butter chocolate fudge, created with Jonathan Grahm of L.A.’s Compartés.
• Chocolate Toasted Buttermilk Torte – Oregon-honey milk chocolate frozen yogurt, swirled with ribbons of caramelized toasted-buttermilk fudge, spiced graham cracker crumbles, and decadent chocolate cake, inspired by the Nest Bar at Portland’s Cloudforest.
• Raspberry White Chocolate Cheesecake – a tribute to NYC-based Stick With Me’s “cheesecake bonbon,” featuring layers of white chocolate cream cheese ganache, golden graham cracker crumbs and tart raspberry jam folded into a tart and creamy raspberry strawberry ice cream
• Cocoa Nib Root Beer Float (v) – Sweet and aromatic cocoa nib root beer sorbet, made with San Francisco’s Dandelion Chocolate, and threaded with rich ribbons of 70% Ecuadorian dark chocolate fudge

Sweet Deal

We’ve discovered one of the best deals at the resort! This massive slice of delicious chocolate cake from Hearthstone Lounge in the Grand Californian Hotel is only $13 (and that’s before the Magic Key discount). This slice is suitable for sharing. 

Disneyland After Dark Ticket Tracker

As of Saturday, tickets for both Disneyland After Dark: 70 Years of Favorites events on March 3 and 5 are still available for $159 per person.

Tickets to Disneyland After Dark: Disney Channel Nite is also available at $169 per person on April 12 and $159 per person on April 14 and 16. 

For Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite, only May 4 (Star Wars Day) has sold out. April 28, 30, and May 6 are still available at $174 per person. 

Heart Hunt

Redwood Challenge Creek has a Valentine’s Day-themed scavenger hunt. Guests can look along the trail for two hearts (one red and one blue). The hearts are moved around each week.

When guests tell a cast member where they found them, they will get a prize (or more specifically, we were told, a sur-prize).

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:

Cruise News

Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Disney Adventure, stopped at the port of Los Angeles last Monday before heading to her new home port of Singapore. 

We spotted the track for Ironcycle Test Run, an 820-foot-long roller coaster suspended up to 30 feet above the ship’s upper decks.

We also caught a glimpse the Flying Saucer Splash Zone, which is part of the Toy Story Splash Pad water playground.

FUN FACT: Disney Adventure will be the largest passenger ship to sail through the Panama Canal.

Read all about Disney Adventure here:

Disney Adventure Delayed to March 2026 + Complete Onboard Guide

MiceShots

It’s starting to feel like springtime at Disneyland. Recent rains and warm weather have led to a colorful canvas in the gardens and treetops across the resort. 

We caught the parade of characters at the small world facade… but half of the kids seem to be on strike. All of the dolls on the west side of the facade were frozen in place.  

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