As we head into a new week at the Disneyland Resort, we’re bracing for a major leadership shake-up. Josh D’Amaro becomes Disney CEO, Dana Walden begins her tenure as President and Chief Creative Officer, Disneyland President Thomas Mazloum takes over as Chairman of Disney Parks & Experiences, and Disney Parks International President Jill Estorino replaces him as President of the Disneyland Resort… and ALL of this happens Wednesday.
We’ve also got details about a shareholder proposal to review (and potentially improve) Disney’s Disability Access Service (DAS) program, updates about construction projects going strong across the resort, and a fun bit of casting news that’s sure to please Marvel fans.
So, hold on to your hats and glasses because this Disneyland update is going to be a wild ride!
Changing of the Guard
This Wednesday, March 18, Josh D’Amaro will officially take over as CEO of the Disney Company from Bob Iger, and Dana Walden will begin her newly created role as the company’s President and CCO.
Who’s Taking Over the Parks from Josh?
Disneyland President Thomas Mazloum will replace Josh as Chairman of the company’s parks, cruise line, and consumer products division, a logical choice considering that he previously helmed Disney Signature Experiences, which includes Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney, NatGeo Expeditions, DVC, and the Aulani Resort in Hawaii. Thomas also previously served as Senior Vice President of Operations at Walt Disney World.
Thomas is leaving Disneyland just over a year after taking the role. And that leaves Disneyland in need of a leader willing to provide some stability to a resort with many issues to fix.
Who’s Taking the Top Job at Disneyland?
In the ongoing game of Disney musical chairs, Thomas’s promotion to Josh’s position left an empty president’s chair at Disneyland… but not for long. Last week we learned that Jill Estorino, who currently oversees Disney theme parks and resorts in Europe and Asia, will step into the top spot at Walt Disney’s first theme park
We’ve yet to meet Jill, but we hope that Thomas will help free up the budget he already knows she will need to truly fix the issues at the Disneyland Resort. Cast member training has been improving, and ride reliability has become a bigger focus, but we’re still waiting to see Disneyland bring back big-stage entertainment and smaller acts as well. She may not yet be familiar with Disneyland’s rich entertainment history, but we’ll be right here to remind her… and we hope you will be as well.
As we mentioned in our article announcing this leadership change, there are big shoes to fill at Disneyland’s top job… a role once held by Walt Disney himself. The park helps define what Disney is. But these days the experience doesn’t always live up to its legacy, with a park visit becoming more complicated and the entertainment offerings thinner even as ticket prices continue to climb.
Disneyland has always been a premium-priced experience… but it also delivered a level of entertainment you simply couldn’t find at other theme parks. Thomas had begun working on some improvements, but one year wasn’t much time to move the needle. We hope Jill can make quicker progress restoring the things guests notice most… stages and streets filled with performers would be a great start. And because Thomas is now her boss as head of Disney’s parks and resorts, we have reason to believe she may be able to make a strong case to do exactly that.
RELATED READING:
- DISNEY SHAKE-UP: Mazloum Takes Over Disney Experiences as D’Amaro Becomes CEO
- Disney’s Succession Gamble: Is Josh D’Amaro Ready to Lead After Iger?
Disneyland’s Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Week
Jill is taking charge of the resort following three unfortunate incidents in the past week: a hazmat situation in Tomorrowland, a swatting hoax on Main Street U.S.A., and another falling light fixture (this time in Toontown) that injured a guest.
Unfortunate Adventures
Cast members and guests at the Star Tours attraction noticed a strange smell on Tuesday. After some time, several cast members began feeling dizzy and sought medical attention. Disneyland’s safety team and the fire department were called, and the attraction and surrounding areas were temporarily evacuated. It appears that the construction materials used by contractors during the refurbishment of one of the Star Tours cabins were the source of the smell. The investigation determined that the type and level of fumes were acceptable, and the attraction eventually reopened. But cast members and guests could still smell a plastic or resin-like odor for the remainder of the operating day.
KTLA reported that some cast members were treated onsite and released, but several others were taken to the hospital.
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We’re surprised the attraction wasn’t simply kept closed out of an abundance of caution, particularly to accommodate cast members who were still uncomfortable working under the conditions.
Main Street Madness
Last Wednesday night, Anaheim police responded to reports of a mass shooting at the theme park. SWAT teams responded quickly, and guests reported seeing helicopters overhead (some may have been from the media).
Anaheim PD told KTLA 5 News that the incident was a “swatting” attempt, which is a hoax where a caller reports a false emergency, prompting a response from SWAT teams. While it was thankfully determined to be a false report, police still cleared Main Street. The park as a whole was not evacuated.
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Lighting Lament
Another light fixture fell at Disneyland this weekend… this time in Mickey’s Toontown. According to a witness post on Facebook, a decorative light fell from above on Saturday and struck an adult male guest, cutting his leg. Thankfully, the injury appears to have been minor. But considering the location, a play area filled with families and small children, the situation could easily have been far more serious.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time we’ve seen lighting infrastructure fail at the resort. On November 20, 2023, a large parade lighting pole collapsed in Town Square on Main Street, injuring three guests, including one who was sent to the hospital. That incident prompted Disneyland to begin inspecting and refurbishing lighting fixtures throughout the resort.
Since then, guests have noticed light posts removed, bases boxed off, and replacement fixtures installed in various locations as crews work through the system. MiceChat readers may recall seeing fixtures disappear near Jolly Holiday Bakery Café, Rancho del Zocalo, and along the Pirates of the Caribbean bridge. Construction boxes also appeared around lighting bases along the parade route near “it’s a small world” as inspections and repairs were carried out. The refurbishment work has continued quietly ever since… and is still ongoing today.
The Toontown incident is a reminder that the project isn’t finished yet. Fortunately, this latest situation appears to have ended without serious injury. But with so many guests, especially children, gathering under these fixtures every day, it’s an issue Disneyland clearly needs to stay on top of.
DAS News
A proposal regarding Disney’s Disability Access Service (DAS) program will be presented at the annual shareholders meeting on March 18. The proposal requests an independent review of the company’s accessibility and disability inclusion practices.
The following statement was provided to shareholders in support of the proposal:
On the February 2025 quarterly call, Disney reported that the Parks and Experiences division experienced “lower volumes” tied to attendance.
A significant contributor is the company’s recent overhaul of disability accommodations at its parks. The changes have prompted negative press coverage, social media critique, a pending class-action lawsuit, and reports of customers canceling vacations and passes. Mishandling disability access risks eroding guest loyalty, consumer spending, and ultimately shareholder confidence.
The disabled community is one of the fastest-growing global demographics. In the United States, 1.2 million more people reported identifying as disabled in 2021 compared to prior years, with numbers projected to rise further. A survey presented at the 2024 International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Convention found that over 85 percent of disabled Disney guests reported being unlikely or refusing to return to Disney Parks due to DAS changes.
With global tourism to the United States in decline, competition for international travelers has intensified. Disney’s reputation for accessibility has been a differentiator in attracting visitors who plan trips focused on reliable accommodations. Erosion of that reputation reduces competitiveness in a tightening market.
Commissioning an independent review of accessibility standards across all Disney operations would demonstrate leadership, validate best practices, and highlight areas to address gaps and mitigate risk. Transparent evaluation assures shareholders that Disney is actively managing compliance, competition, and fiduciary responsibility—protecting the “magic” that sustains its brand.
The board has recommended voting against the proposal, stating that the DAS program provides “an extraordinary benefit” of never having to wait in the regular standby lines for most rides for those who require that option, and that “a broad range of different accommodations are available to assist in accessing the rides and other attractions in the parks.”
They also stated the following points:
- The company has been the industry leader in accessibility for over 30 years.
- The company is committed to the design and implementation of innovative and effective services that accommodate persons with disabilities and already reviews its practices on an ongoing basis.
- The company provides detailed public information, tips and recommendations regarding its accessibility and disability inclusion practices, both online and in person in its theme parks.
- The company provides strong governance and oversight of its inclusion practices, as well as risk management.
What’s your position on Disney’s current implementation of access for disabled guests? Do they provide reasonable accommodations, or are they not going far enough?
RELATED READING:
- DAS: Big Disability Access Changes for Disneyland & Walt Disney World
- Universal To Require Prior Disability Access Approval: Should Disney Follow?
Constructionland
We’ll start our construction section with an uncomfortable project…
Downtown Disney
With the departure of the Santa Ana winds comes the return of the Porto’s scrims, hiding much of the construction from guests’ eyes… but the walls themselves are really the problem.
If you’re trying to get from the Esplanade to Downtown Disney, or from the Downtown Disney to the parks, the Portos construction walls will block your normal path. To get guests to where they need to go, some guests are being rerouted backstage at Disney California Adventure, while others are sent through the parking lot tram loading station. As a result, trams are not loading and unloading on the far side of the station closest to the Indiana Jones show building.
For now, if you plan to arrive or depart the resort via Downtown Disney, it’s best to avoid the busiest times. The worst time is immediately after the Paint the Night Parade and after the weekend fireworks.
Portos displaced the Earl of Sandwich, which is nearing completion of its new location on the west side of Downtown Disney.
But sadly, there’s still no action happening behind the walls for Arthur & Sons and Pearl’s Roadside BBQ, which we’re told are still tied up in permitting red tape.
California Adventure
The walls came down around the former FastPass distribution area in Avengers Campus, revealing… tables and chairs. It seems like walls were up for a really long time for such a simple redo.
Disneyland
Last week, we pointed out the huge unprinted tan construction scrim on a large portion of Main Street U.S.A. But they didn’t last long; new scrims with graphics of the buildings behind them were installed this past week, and they make a big difference. But that’s not the only change. A construction wall has also been erected that comes all the way out to the street… and you can see that all of the trees that were once on that portion of the street have been removed.
Jungle Cruise is also still under refurbishment, but no fancy printed overlay scrims here. But they have decorated the fence with concept art and fun images.
And while we can’t see most of what’s happening in the Jungle… you can spy boats double-parked near the dock.
A temporary bridge was constructed across the river so crews can easily access the island. This is near the 3D-printed boat we wrote about recently.
It also appears the Port Royale shop in New Orleans Square may once again be returning to an eating area (or even overflow queue space for Pirates of the Caribbean) ahead of the busy spring break travel season.
And the Fantasyland motorboat cruise dock remains shrouded in mystery, though Edelweiss Snacks is open.
Disneyland Refurbishment Calendar
The refurb calendar is slimming down for swimsuit season, with only seven items on the list (one of which is dropping off this week).
Currently Under Refurbishment
- Grizzly River Run: January 5 – TBA
- Jungle Cruise: February 17 – TBA
- Golden Zephyr: March 9 – 17
Upcoming Refurbishments
- Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin: March 30 – TBA
- Disneyland Monorail: March 30 – TBA
- Toy Story Midway Mania!: April 6 – TBA
- Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters: April 13 – TBA
Bus Stop
We previously reported that the Anaheim Transportation Network (ART) buses will end operations on March 31, eliminating the bus service that connects Disneyland with nearby hotels. Disney has said they are planning to continue transportation service in some form, but haven’t provided any details yet. Bus transportation between the Toy Story parking lot and the theme parks is also impacted.
In the meantime, the City of Garden Grove has announced that it will be launching a new shuttle service to connect 10 Garden Grove hotels to the Disneyland Resort. Shuttle service will begin the last week of March and will cost a small fee per guest from participating hotels (the amount hasn’t been announced).
“Garden Grove is proud to welcome visitors from across the region and around the world,” said Mayor Stephanie Klopfenstein. “This new shuttle service keeps our hotels connected to the Disneyland Resort while inviting visitors to explore everything Garden Grove has to offer.”
The shuttle system will serve the following Garden Grove hotels:
• Sheraton Garden Grove – Anaheim South
• Hyatt Regency Orange County
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Anaheim South
• Delta Hotels by Marriott Anaheim Garden Grove
• Anaheim Marriott Suites
• Hilton Garden Inn Anaheim/Garden Grove
• Homewood Suites by Hilton Anaheim-Main Gate Area
• Residence Inn Anaheim Resort Area/Garden Grove
• Great Wolf Lodge Southern California
• Hampton Inn & Suites Anaheim/Garden Grove
Shuttles will operate three routes throughout the day between participating hotels and the Disneyland Resort transit hub.
Casting Call
In a week filled with a lot of really big news, we couldn’t wrap up this update without telling you that Kathryn Hahn (MCU’s Agatha Harkness) has been cast in the role of Mother Gothel in Disney’s upcoming live-action “Tangled” movie.
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Hahn joins previously announced cast members Teagan Croft (Raven in Titans) as Rapunzel and Disney Channel’s Zombies star Milo Manheim as Flynn Rider. The movie will be directed by Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman).
This & That
There’s just a bit more for you… We promise.
MiceChat Live @ Five
Dusty takes you on a journey from the Earl of Sandwich construction site, all the way through the Downtown Disney bottleneck detour, and a trip through Disneyland to see what’s new, what’s news, and what’s just fun to talk about.
The Little Man of Disneyland
Tomorrow is St. Patrick’s Day, so be sure to stop by Patrick Begorra’s house. Haven’t heard of Patrick? He’s The Little Man of Disneyland… a wee little leprechaun who lives in a tree in Adventureland (near the Indiana Jones entry sign).
If you don’t know Patrick’s story, you can read about him here:
Facial Recognition Test
Disneyland has been testing new facial recognition technology to expedite entry through the park gates.
New Pooh Bucket
The adorable new Winnie the Pooh and Piglet popcorn bucket is now available for $29 (includes regular popcorn at the time of purchase). If you want one, act fast; it’s been very popular.
Piglet pops out of the Easter egg.
Eggstravaganza
And speaking of Easter eggs… Disneyland’s Eggstravaganza scavenger hunt is in full swing. You’ll likely spot large character eggs hidden throughout the entire resort. There are three versions of the game, one for Downtown Disney, one for DCA, and one for Disneyland.
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 place the corresponding stickers on the map
- Return the map to a redemption location and receive one of 6 themed keepsake eggs themed to Mickey, Minnie, Chip, Dale, the White Rabbit, and Thumper.
Magic Key Map Activity
Starting today, Magic Key holders can participate in a scavenger hunt-style quest through California Adventure to find the park’s “must-see” and “must-do” spots.
To play, just pick up a map at Kingswell Shop (while supplies last). When you complete your map, you’ll receive a collectible Soarin’ Over California attraction poster (while supplies last).
Important Information:
- Limit one map per Magic Key holder
- Magic Key holder must present a valid Magic Key pass to participate and must be present at time of redemption
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It’s Almost Bluey Time
The highly-anticipated March 22 arrival of “Bluey’s Best Day Ever” is nearly here, and the Fantasyland Theatre is getting ready for Bluey and Bingo’s big show.
Along with Bluey and Bingo, there will be some whimsical new themed eats and treats inspired by various episodes of the beloved kids show.
Troubadour Tavern (available starting March 22; mobile order available)
- NEW Pizza Girls Baked Potato: Pepperoni, sausage, bacon bits, marinara, mozzarella, alfredo sauce, and parmesan herb topper
- NEW Mini All-Beef Hot Dog served with a Cuties Mandarin Orange, applesauce, and a choice of small water or lowfat milk (Kids meal)
- NEW Poffertjes! Poffertjes!: Mini Dutch pancakes topped with buttered condensed milk and powdered sugar
- NEW Magic “Asparagus” Pretzel: Pretzel rod coated in white chocolate
- NEW Pavlova Parfait: Meringue bites, vanilla yogurt mousse, berry compote, vanilla cake, fresh berries, and candied kiwi
- NEW Watermelon Ice Block
- NEW Mud Cake Cold Brew: Joffrey’s Coffee French Roast Cold Brew with a malted milk topper, fudge brownie bits, and sprinkles (Non-alcoholic
- NEW Lime Ice Block Drink: Pineapple limeade with coconut milk and watermelon ice block (Non-alcoholic)
There will also be a new Bluey Sipper, which includes a choice of fountain beverage (limit two per person, per transaction; available while supplies last.
Plaza Inn (available starting March 22)
- NEW Stumpfest Cake: Chocolate roulade with white chocolate mousse and ganache
A new Bluey popcorn bucket will be available at the popcorn carts near Fantasyland Theatre, at small world Promenade, near Central Plaza, and near City Hall (available starting March 22, available while supplies last). The Bluey Bucket includes popcorn at time of purchase (limit ten per person, per transaction).
Bluey-themed merch, including kids’ and adult apparel and a new pin and lanyard will be available at select locations beginning March 20. Additional Bluey items will arrive at Disneyland Resort at a later date, such as Bluey and Bing Create Your Own Headband plushes.
Star Sightings
The colorful Food & Wine Festival picnic area (near the entry to Avengers Campus is sponsored by Once Upon a Farm, an organic food company co-founded by actress Jennifer Garner, who was in California Adventure to share the news that Once Upon a Farm snacks are available at Fillmore’s Taste-In in Cars Land.
“This is literally my vision come to life,” Garner said in an Instagram post. “I said, ‘I want to be in Cars Land where they sell the cuties.’ And here we are. And here’s a cutie.”
And in his ongoing quest to work on every attraction, Disney Legend Josh Gad has added Storybook Land Canal Boat captain to his resume. Sort of.
Disneyland After Dark Ticket Tracker
We’ve been noticing sluggish ticket sales for the Disneyland After Dark events. And as of Sunday morning, the previous fan-favorite Disney Channel Nite event still had all three dates available: April 12 for $169 per person and April 14 and 16 for $159 per person.
It’s possible that many Disney Channel fans have attended the event in previous years, and so far, the only new addition for this year is a Proud Family meet-and-greet, which may not be enough to draw repeat partygoers.
Music and Entertainment:
- High School Musical Zombies Pep Rally
- DescenDance near the Rivers of America
- Disney Channel Rocks near “it’s a small world”
- Camp Rock Sing-Along at the Golden Horseshoe
Character Experiences:
- Proud Family (New)
- DuckTales
- Goof Troop
- Kim Possible
- Lilo & Stitch
- TaleSpin
There were also still two nights available for Star Wars Nite, with tickets for April 28 and May 6 priced at $174 per person.
- Lightsaber Instructional
- March of the First Order Featuring Captain Phasma
- Figrin D’an and the Modal Nodes (Cantina Band)
- Fleet of Fandom – A Star Wars Nite Costume (Cosplay) Showcase
- Choose Your Path
Character Experiences:
- The Mandalorian and Grogu
- Boba Fett
- Emperor Palpatine
- Darth Maul
- Fennec Shand
- Queen Amidala
- R2-D2
- C-3PO
- Hera and Chopper
- Jawas
- Ewoks
For more details about Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite, check out our guide here:
DISNEYLAND STAR WARS NITE: After-Hours Adventure in a Galaxy Not-So-Far Away
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 get caught up on your Disneyland news 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:
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
MiceShots
And we’ll wrap up this week’s Update with a quick look at some of the things we loved this week… starting with this golden-hour timelapse of It’s a Small World.
The Haunted Mansion was a short wait… so we decided to walk through the extended queue garden to see how it has grown in, since there were no other guests there.
It’s getting to the beautifully overgrown stage that we were hoping for since the area was reconfigured a little more than a year ago.
Many of the props, including this gazebo, are off-the-shelf… but, covered in vines, they feel more lived-in.
And this is the point in the Update where we learn that Dusty loves Owls. He spent a quarter hour photographing the various owls in the Mansion queue.
With all the major news this week, we never got around to the weather, which was brutally hot for much of the last week with daytime temps hovering around 90º… but nightfall brings sweet relief as the thermometer drops quickly. Our advice is to prioritize those early morning and after-dark hours when daytime temperatures soar. Unfortunately, we’re already having summer-like temperatures, and the first day of spring isn’t until this Friday!
‘Tis the cute season. Make way for Ducklings…
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Let’s Hear From You!
Between executive musical chairs, guest safety incidents, DAS questions, and construction bottlenecks, Disneyland has no shortage of challenges right now. So what’s at the top of your list? What should the new leadership team focus on first, and what would you most like to see improved at the resort? Let us know in the comments below.
… Duck, Duck, Goose!
