It’s been a big week for Disney, with a major leadership shake-up at the company, including a new Disneyland president, the highly anticipated arrival of preschool powerhouse Bluey… that Disneyland wasn’t prepared for… and renewed attention on two issues Disney would probably rather not be answering for: ticket prices and disability access.
And hanging over all of it… a blast of spring heat that made a busy week at the parks even more miserable.
But first, let’s start with the new faces in the executive suite…
CEO Shake-Up
Last Wednesday marked the start of a new era at Disney, as Josh D’Amaro officially took over as CEO, replacing Bob Iger.
Other major leadership changes took effect the same day. Dana Walden stepped into the new role of President and Chief Creative Officer, Thomas Mazloum became Chairman of Disney Experiences, and Jill Estorino took over as President of the Disneyland Resort.
Walden’s expanded portfolio now pulls Disney’s streaming, film, television, games, and digital entertainment businesses under a broader Disney Entertainment structure.
Among the other notable changes:
- Alan Bergman now serves as Chairman of Disney Entertainment
- Joe Earley and Adam Smith are Co-Presidents of Direct to Consumer, overseeing Disney+ and Hulu
- Debra OConnell is Chairman of Disney Entertainment Television, a newly created role
- Sean Shoptaw will oversee Games and Digital Entertainment.
One of the biggest of Disney’s digital entertainment goals is the Epic Games collaboration:
Then came the uncomfortable questions…
On his first day in the job, D’Amaro was immediately pressed during Disney’s annual shareholders meeting on three issues that continue to frustrate many fans: theme park ticket prices, Lightning Lane, and Disability Access Service.
Pricy Parks
When asked how Disney balances ticket pricing with guest satisfaction, Josh acknowledged that a Disney theme park visit is a significant investment, and said the goal is to ensure the experience “is worth it.” However, he did not admit that tickets cost too much.
Instead, Josh pointed to “value season” travel, multi-day ticket savings, and special offers. That may sound reasonable on paper, but for many families tied to school calendars, those lower-cost windows simply aren’t realistic.
Here’s our latest article about Disney’s annual ticket price increase:
Disneyland Ticket Prices Go Up Again on Magic Keys, Day Tickets & Lightning Lane!
Lightning Lane Reservations
The question about Lightning Lane was surprisingly not about the price, but rather the systems to make attraction reservations, and specifically, Josh was asked why Walt Disney World allows guests to reserve Lightning Lane return times at 7 a.m. regardless of whether they’re in the park, whereas Disneyland requires that guests make their reservations only after they’ve entered the gates.
In this case, Josh’s explanation makes some sense… Walt Disney World guests tend to plan farther in advance and have more parks to choose from, while Disneyland’s smaller footprint allows for a more day-of approach.
Josh says Disney’s goal for Lightning Lane is the same at both resorts, and that’s to provide a way to “reduce time spent waiting in line and add flexibility to the day in a way that fits how each resort operates.”
You can read about Lightning Lane at both resorts here:
UPDATED! Disney Lightning Lanes: Premier, Multi, or Single – What You Need to Know
Disability Access Service (DAS)
When asked whether Disney would consider restructuring DAS to better serve guests who need it, Josh defended the current interview-based system, saying it is designed to better understand individual needs and match guests with the right level of support.
That sounds reasonable in theory. In practice, many guests say they have been denied accommodations they genuinely need, making the current system a continuing source of frustration.
More notably, Josh’s promise that Disney will continue to “evaluate accommodations” sits awkwardly beside the company’s opposition to a shareholder proposal that called for an independent review of the system. That proposal failed.
You can read more about DAS here:
DAS: Big Disability Access Changes for Disneyland & Walt Disney World
You can learn about Disney’s executive shuffle here:
Bluey’s Best Day Ever?
Bluey and her sister Bingo finally arrived yesterday at the Fantasyland Theatre to star in Bluey’s Best Day Ever!
The family-friendly musical, inspired by the wildly popular Australian series, features live musicians, interactive games, and a brief “cavalcade” moment with inflatables of Bluey’s friends. On paper, it’s exactly the kind of daytime entertainment Disneyland has been missing.
Bluey-themed Entertainment:
Bluey and Bingo appear at scheduled intervals throughout the day in two different shows, joining a troupe of performers and musicians for songs, dances, and playful segments featuring fan-favorite characters like Chattermax, Unicorse, and the ever-chaotic Grannies.
Between showtimes, the space is supposed to be activated with smaller musical moments and interactive activities, plus a themed class photo opportunity that lets kids step into Bluey’s world… but we’ll get to what actually happened in a moment…
It’s all really cute and upbeat… if you can get into the theater.
Bluey-Themed Food, Beverages, and Novelties:
Troubadour Tavern (mobile order available)
- NEW Pizza Girls Baked Potato ($12.29): Pepperoni, sausage, bacon bits, marinara, mozzarella, alfredo sauce, and parmesan herb topper
- NEW Mini All-Beef Hot Dog ($5.99) served with a Cuties Mandarin Orange, applesauce, and a choice of small water or lowfat milk (Kids meal)
- NEW Poffertjes! Poffertjes! ($7.99): Mini Dutch pancakes topped with buttered condensed milk and powdered sugar
- NEW Magic “Asparagus” Pretzel ($3.99): Pretzel rod coated in white chocolate
- NEW Pavlova Parfait ($7.99): Meringue bites, vanilla yogurt mousse, berry compote, vanilla cake, fresh berries, and candied kiwi
- NEW Watermelon Ice Block ($5.79)
- NEW Mud Cake Cold Brew ($7.79): Joffrey’s Coffee French Roast Cold Brew with a malted milk topper, fudge brownie bits, and sprinkles (Non-alcoholic
- NEW Lime Ice Block Drink ($10.79): Pineapple limeade with coconut milk and watermelon ice block (Non-alcoholic)
There will also be a new Bluey Sipper ($22.29), which includes a choice of fountain beverage (limit two per person, per transaction; available while supplies last.
NEW Stumpfest Cake at Plaza Inn: 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 while supplies last). The Bluey Bucket includes popcorn at time of purchase (limit ten per person, per transaction).
A collection of “Bluey” merchandise is also available at select retail locations throughout Disneyland Resort, with additional items arriving at a later date.
Bluey’s Worst Day Ever
After years of scaled-back entertainment offerings at Disneyland, it turns out guests were more than ready for something new… especially something with a built-in fanbase like Bluey.
What Disney didn’t anticipate was just how big the demand would be.
By late morning, the queue had stretched from Fantasyland Theatre all the way to Sleeping Beauty Castle, clogging already busy walkways and catching many guests off guard.
In response, Disneyland made on-the-fly adjustments. The interactive dance party component was effectively scrapped to prevent guests from lingering, and the space was reconfigured to squeeze in more seated viewers per show. Operationally, it made sense. Experientially, it changed the tone.
Even with those changes, the situation remained difficult. The queue was cut off shortly after noon, turning away many families. For younger guests in particular, that often translated into tears, frustration, and a very different version of “Best Day Ever.”
Those who did make it to the queue faced long waits in unusually warm conditions for March, with limited shade and little clarity on whether they’d actually make the next performance.
It’s the kind of scenario Disney has solved before with virtual queues and timed entry systems, which makes their absence here all the more noticeable.
The clear takeaway… guests want entertainment. They’ll pack a theater to capacity for it. But when there isn’t enough of it, or when demand isn’t managed, even a charming new show can quickly become one of the most frustrating experiences in the park.
Savannah Bananas Day
Disneyland is once again leaning into the Savannah Bananas craze with a one-day takeover that spreads across both parks… This Thursday, March 26, is the second annual Savannah Bananas Day at the Disneyland Resort – and this year, the Bananas will be peeling into both parks!
One of the newest Banana Ball Championship League teams, the Indianapolis Clowns, will also be joining the one-day-only event.
- Don’t miss the Banana-filled performance at 10 a.m. in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle
- Stick around for the Savannah Bananas Cavalcade stepping off at 12:30 p.m. (the cavalcade will travel from Small World to Main Street U.S.A.)
At Disney California Adventure Park:
- Join the Savannah Bananas at 1 :30 p.m. for a can’t-miss performance at the World of Color viewing area
- Meet select Savannah Bananas and Indianapolis Clowns players in the Hyperion Theater Courtyard at 2:15 p.m. (virtual queue confirmation and wristband required; virtual queue enrollment begins at 9 a.m.)
Banana-Themed Treats:
Enjoy banana-filled sweet treats across the Disneyland Resort.
- Banana Pudding at Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree – Bananas, Whipped Cream, Crushed Wafer Cookies, Dulce de Leche and Toffee (mobile order available)
- Frozen Banoffee Banana at Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream – Milk Chocolate-dipped Frozen Banana with Toffee Pieces, Caramel Sauce and White Chocolate Drizzle (mobile order available; available with the DCA Food & Wine Festival Sip & Savor Pass)
- Mickey-Shaped Banana-Hazelnut Waffles at Schmoozie’s – Mickey-shaped Waffles with Chocolate-Hazelnut Filling, topped with Banana Whipped Cream and Powdered Sugar (mobile order available)
- Banana Brûlée Tart at Wine Country Trattoria – Vanilla Tart with Brûléed Bananas, topped with Banana-Coconut Whipped Cream (reservations highly recommended)
- Frozen Banana Mudslide Cocktail at Wine Country Trattoria – Vanilla Vodka, Kahlua, Baileys Irish Cream, Banana Liqueur and Half & Half (reservations highly recommended)
- Banana Caramel Bread Pudding at Aunt Cass Cafe – Banana Pudding with Caramelized Butter Sauce, Whipped Topping and Crushed Vanilla Wafers (mobile order available)
- Add Banana Cold Foam to Any Drink at the Cappuccino Cart (mobile order available)
Plus, you can find Frozen Bananas dipped in chocolate at select outdoor vending carts, and fresh bananas at fruit carts in Disneyland and California Adventure.
Savannah Bananas in Downtown Disney:
The Bananas are also taking over Downtown Disney with special food, drinks, and merch.
- Banana Chocolate Classic Shake at Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes: Banana puree mixed with chocolate syrup, whipped cream, and a cherry on top (available March 23-31)
- Banana Stardust at Salt & Straw: Banana custard with pandan caramel and rice crispy crunch (available March 26-29)
- Walking Banana Pudding at Parkside Market Coffee: Creamy banana pudding layered with whipped cream and vanilla wafer cookies (available March 26-29)
- The Caged Bird Cocktail at Parkside Market: Oolong-infused gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari with a banana foam (available March 26-29)
- Bananas Foster Glazed Beignets: Banana rum icing, cinnamon-sugar dust, caramel drizzle, and vanilla bean creme anglaise (available now through March 26)
- Banana Cannoli at Naples Ristorante e Bar: Classic cannoli shell filled with banana cream (available on March 26 only)
- No Drama Bahama at Naples Ristorante e bar: Non-alcoholic rum, real banana, pineapple juice, genedine, dried orange, and mint (available on March 26 only)
- Banana Espresso Martini at Splitsville Luxury Lanes: Espresso, banana, and coconut shaken into a smooth martini (available March 20-29)
From 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on March 26, a Savannah Bananas Merch Pop-up near the Downtown Disney LIVE! stage will feature a selection of fan-favorite gear, including t-shirts, hats, and novelties. The collection will also include an exclusive and limited-time Savannah Bananas Disney tee and collectible pin created especially for Savannah Bananas Day (available while supplies last). A DJ will be playing music from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In addition, baseball-themed Home Run Popup Cards are available for $13 at Lovepop through March 31.
Banana Ball at Walt Disney World
If you’re planning a trip to the Walt Disney World Resort in May, don’t miss Banana Ball at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. On May 29 and 30, the Loco Beach Coconuts and Party Animals will face off in a baseball battle full of hilarious hijinks.
Constructionland
It’s spring break, one of the busiest times of the year for the Disneyland Resort… add Bluey and the Food and Wine Festival and it’s extra nuts… but that hasn’t stopped the construction and refurbishment craze. Let’s take a look…
Disneyland
As work continues on Main Street U.S.A., the trees on the west side of the street in front of the construction have been removed (hopefully only temporarily).
Jungle Cruise is also still behind scrims, but they’re not printed like the ones on Main Street.
And the Fantasyland Motor Boat Cruise dock is also still under wraps.
California Adventure
The expansion of Avengers Campus continues. The massive show building will house both of the land’s new attractions: Stark Flight Lab and Avengers Infinity Defense.
Across from Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout, a new shaded seating area has taken over the ride’s FastPass distribution location.
Downtown Disney
The top story in Downtown Disney is that the path next to the Porto’s construction site has been reopened. This is the good news of the week in many respects, as guests can once again walk easily from the parks to Downtown Disney.
No opening date has been announced for the new Earl of Sandwich and Gordon Ramsay at the Carnaby, but it looks like construction is nearly complete on the exterior of the building.
Exterior refurbishment of the Lego Store also continues, as new Lego displays are on the way.
When we passed the Pandora store in the morning, there was a plain plywood wall up, but…
…by the evening, there were ads posted, signaling this project is not just a quick fix.
Hotels
The Grand Californian has had a large construction zone for months. The hotel will eventually have a fancy new lounge for concierge guests.
Disneyland Blues
If Pizza Planet in Tomorrowland feels extra dingy, it’s not your imagination. Disney has allowed many of the overhead bulbs to burn out. Bulbs fail, of course… but when large sections go dark, it starts to feel less like maintenance and more like neglect.
Disneyland Refurbishment Calendar (updated 3/22/26)
New this week is the Galaxy’s Edge Milk Stand, and the Silly Symphony Swings… and back on the calendar is Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind, as its status continues to be up in the air, along with all the other TBAs on the list.
Currently Under Refurbishment
- Grizzly River Run: January 5-TBA
- Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind: January 5-TBA
- Jungle Cruise: February 17-TBA
- Golden Zephyr: March 9-17
- Milk Stand: March 23-27
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
- Silly Symphony Swings: April 27-TBA
Cruise News
During the shareholders’ meeting last week, Josh announced that the next ship in Disney Cruise Line’s fleet will be the Disney Believe.
Following her three sister ships in the Wish class, the enchantment-themed Disney Wish, the adventure-themed Disney Treasure, and the heroes-and-villains-themed Disney Destiny, Disney Believe will be themed to “promise and possibilities.”
Disney says onboard experiences will be inspired by “powerful tales of characters who believe in themselves,” including those from Encanto, Frozen, Moana, and The Little Mermaid.
The Disney Believe is expected to debut in late 2027.
RELATED READING:
- Welcome Disney Cruise Line’s Newest Ship – the Disney Wish!
- Everything You Need To Know About The Disney Treasure Cruise Ship!
- Meet Your Destiny: Disney’s Newest Cruise Ship Celebrates Heroes & Villains
This & That
Live @ Five
Dusty ducked into the Enchanted Tiki Room to escape the summer-like temps, then takes you through Disneyland, into Downtown Disney, and finally into Disney California Adventure. It’s an essential week to watch the Disneyland live…
Oga’s is Open
Oga’s has reopened, with refreshed flooring and updated electrical and behind-the-bar services, but to guests, nothing has really changed… yet.
The big change is coming soon… more Star Wars music 🎶
Meanwhile, Dok Ondar is taking a little vacation.
Magic Key Activities
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 and stickers at the Kingswell Shop (while supplies last).
From April 7-17, Magic Key holders can claim an opening day Soarin’ Over California attraction poster, specially printed for Magic Key Holders (while supplies last). The complimentary limited-edition poster commemorates this year’s Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival.
Posters will be available for pickup outside Soarin’ Over California (under the watchtower) Monday through Friday from 4 to 8 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 8 p.m.
Knife Cut
Following the recent re-imagination and expansion of Napa Rose in the Grand Californian, Chef Andrew Sutton, Disneyland’s culinary director for signature dining, has left the resort after more than 25 years.
In addition to Napa Rose, Chef Sutton oversaw the kitchens at Carthay Circle in California Adventure, the members-only Club 33 and 1901, and the uber pricey multi-course 21 Royal dining experience in New Orleans Square.
No news yet on who (if anyone) will replace Chef Sutton, but since each of the signature restaurants already has an Executive Chef, Disneyland may have them oversee their respective kitchens, possibly all supervised by Disney Experiences Culinary Director, Chef Jeremiah Balogh.
It’s no secret Disney has it’s sights set on a second Michelin Star (the first was won by Victoria & Albert’s at Walt Disney World, and even Chef Sutton told us he was hoping Napa Rose would earn one for Anaheim. But don’t worry, foodie fans: California’s 2026/27 stars have yet to be announced. So, as far as anyone knows, Napa Rose still has a chance.
Find out what it takes to earn a Michelin Star here:
Disney Scores a Michelin Star: What It Means for Victoria & Albert’s (and You)
Throwback Dance Party
From March 27 to June 7, the Disney+ Throwback Dance Party at the Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage and Lawn will feature weekend daytime entertainment, plus a special photo op inspired by Disney Channel hits.
Performances will take place at 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m.on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Disneyland After Dark Ticket Tracker
No news is…. telling. Tickets are still available at $159 per person for all three Disneyland After Dark: Disney Channel Nite dates (April 12, 14, and 16).
Two dates are also still available for Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite, April 28 and May 6. Both dates are $174 per person.
Tickets for Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite are expected to go on sale soon.
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
Winter Melts Into A Hotter Than Normal Spring
If the parks felt a little more chaotic than usual, the weather certainly didn’t help… Following an unusually wet winter, spring kicked off last week with shockingly hot temperatures.
When we shot this update last Thursday, it reached 93 degrees mid-day… forcing guests to seek refuge in the few shady and air-conditioned spots at the resort.
Just about anywhere that had a spot of shade, guests plopped down on the ground to relax and recover.
Guests crowded into spaces like the Golden Horseshoe… but sadly, the stage remains empty.
At California Adventure, crowds gathered in the air-conditioned Animation Building, which was looking more like an emergency shelter than a theme park attraction.
And thanks to the high temps, the few outdoor shows didn’t get the attention they deserved because it was just too hot to stand around in the sun to watch them.
Check out our guide for the coolest spots at Disneyland. You’re going to need it!
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Let’s Hear From You!
Disney has a new CEO, a new Disneyland president, and a long list of guest concerns waiting for attention… where should they start?
Did you attempt the Bluey experience, or take one look at that line and walk the other way? And with the overwhelming interest in Disneyland’s new show, should Disney rush a new production onto the long-empty Hyperion stage at Disney California Adventure?
Let’s hear it 👇
