This week, we have exciting news to share about a new Main Street window dedication, new versions of some of Disney Animation’s most popular songs, and all-new merch collections featuring favorite Toy Story pals.
Plus, could Disney Stores be coming back to a shopping mall near you? We’ve got that news too… and much more!
But let’s start with the really big news of the week. After years of being locked into a very specific moment in time, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is finally loosening up…
Galaxy’s Edge Awakens
You asked for more recognizable Star Wars in Galaxy’s Edge, and Disney listened!
Beginning April 29 (with a soft start during Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite on April 28), Batuu will expand beyond its sequel-era setting to welcome some very familiar faces. Guests can finally expect to encounter Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Leia Organa roaming Black Spire Outpost.
It’s a notable shift, and one fans have been asking for since the land opened. When Luke Skywalker made a limited appearance last year, the reaction made it clear: people want the characters they grew up with, not just the ones tied to a narrow storyline.
As part of the update, the land itself will subtly evolve. New props and visual details are being added, and perhaps most importantly, the sounds of Batuu will change. Music from John Williams’ legendary Star Wars scores will now be heard throughout the land, bringing a stronger connection to the films that defined the franchise.
Most of the current residents aren’t going anywhere. Chewbacca, R2-D2, Rey, Ahsoka, the Mandalorian, and Grogu will all continue to appear. The main departures are Vi Moradi and Kylo Ren, with Kylo relocating to Tomorrowland for the Disney Visa meet-and-greet, making room for Vader to take a more prominent role.
New props have been added to the land to reinforce the expanded timeline.
Dok Ondar has also stocked his shop with new relics.
Disneyland has also revealed a new attraction poster for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, hinting at bigger changes still to come.
Those changes come next month…
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Starting May 22, Smugglers Run gets its most significant update yet, featuring the Mandalorian and Grogu and finally giving the attraction a story that feels connected to the broader Star Wars universe.
In the new mission, Hondo Ohnaka recruits your crew to team up with Din Djarin and Grogu to track down ex-Imperial officers and a band of pirates tied to a deal on Tatooine. It’s a more recognizable setup, and one that leans into characters guests already know.
But the real change is how the ride plays.
For the first time, crews will be able to choose their destination from the cockpit. Missions can take you to four iconic locations: Coruscant, Bespin, Endor, or Tatooine. That added choice should go a long way toward making the ride feel less repetitive.
Roles inside the Falcon are also getting upgrades. Pilots will have more control over the ship, while engineers now have something more meaningful to do, including interacting with Grogu during the mission.
Behind the scenes, the update is powered by Unreal Engine, the same real-time technology used on The Mandalorian series on Disney+. According to Dave Filoni and Jon Favreau, that allows for more detailed environments and gives Disney the flexibility to update the experience more easily over time.
Which raises an interesting possibility: this may not be a one-time refresh, but the start of something more flexible.
Congratulations to Kim Irvine!
The mother-daughter Imagineering duo of Leota Toombs and Kim Irvine share several very important things:
- They both portray Madame Leota in the Haunted Mansion (Leota for the original attraction, and Kim for Haunted Mansion Holiday)
- They were both Walt Disney Imagineers
- They’re both Disney Legends (Kim will be inducted at D23: The Ultimate Fan Event in August)
And now they also share the first-ever mother and daughter Main Street, U.S.A. window, which is located above the Crystal Arts shop.
Learn about the window’s design here:
View this post on Instagram
Did You Know?
Kim and Leota aren’t the only members of their family honored with windows on Main Street U.S.A.
Disney Legend Richard “Dick” Irvine worked on the initial building of Disneyland, including the Mickey Mouse Circus, and later became the President of Walt Disney Imagineering. Irvine’s son married the daughter of fellow Imagineer Leota Toombs, the one-and-only Kim Irvine. Richard Irvine has a Main Street window located on the bank in Town Square.
Ophthalmologist Alexander Irvine was Walt’s eye doctor (as well Richard’s father and Kim’s grandfather-in-law). Dr. Irvine’s window is located on Main Street’s Plaza Point building.
RELATED READING:
- Disneyland Main Street Windows Part ONE
- Disneyland Main Street Windows Part TWO
- Disneyland Main Street Windows Part THREE
Are Disney Stores Coming Back?
The answer is… sort of. Starting in May, Disney Store will launch Disney Store Limited Time pop-ups, beginning with all-new limited-time in-person shopping experiences at Ross Park Mall in Pittsburgh, PA (opening May 23) and Westfield Garden State Plaza Mall in Paramus, NJ (opening Fall 2026).
Not only will the temporary stores be stocked with authentic Disney merchandise, but shoppers will also find their favorite signature Disney Store touches and experiences, including opening ceremonies, immersive in-store designs, and exclusive Disney Store products.
So, does this mean Disney is considering bringing back brick-and-mortal Disney Stores? We sure hope so!
But there are some lessons of the past that might hint at what’s really going on. In 2004, Disney sold its physical stores to the Children’s Place, which streamlined and operated them, slowly stripping them of everything that made them special. But the Children’s Place version of the stores was so poorly run and so increasingly boring to shop in that they quickly started losing money, and they eventually sold the stores back to Disney in 2008.
Then in 2019, Target stores began opening Disney shops inside some of their stores. Today, there are more than 240 Disney “Shop-in-shop” locations across the country… But these Disney locations are mostly chaotic, poorly merchandised spots that, quite frankly, hurt the Disney brand.
Dusty and Eric visited the Target in Anaheim to photograph the mini Disney Store for you. It was nothing short of a disaster:
It’s time for Disney to take the idea of the Disney Store back. While there will always be a place for Disney-licensed goods in all sorts of stores, the Disney “Store” concept should be run by Disney itself. Every time they leave it up to others, it goes astray. We hope Thomas Masloum will put an end to the embarrassing Target experiment and begin slowly launching new Disney Stores in the places where they can be most successful.
RELATED READING:
- Magic Runs Out As Disney Stores Rapidly Close Across America
- Disney Store Reborn: Online Shift Sparks Hope for Retail Comeback!
Disney Songs in Sign Language
Disney will debut Songs in Sign Language on Disney+, a collaboration with Los Angeles’ Tony Award-winning Deaf West Theatre to reanimate “The Next Right Thing” from Frozen 2, “Beyond” from Moana 2, and “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” from Encanto in American Sign Language (ASL).
Disney animator/director Hyrum Osmond led a team of more than 20 animators who worked with sign language reference choreographer Catalene Sacchetti and eight Deaf West Theatre performers to reimagine the lyrics in ASL by focusing on “concepts and emotion” instead of a word-for-word transcription.
According to Disney Animation Rendering Engineer Yining Karl Li, no AI was used.
For the ASL remakes, Disney Animation resurrected the original data and pipeline version, reanimated (from near scratch in many places), relit where needed, and re-rendered. Probably the hardest way to do this, but definitely the right way to do it, so that’s what we did.
— Yining Karl Li (@yiningkarlli) April 21, 2026
Disney Animation’s Songs in Sign Language will be available on Disney+ on April 27, which coincides with National Deaf History Month.
Here’s a first look at all three songs:
New footage from the ASL translated version of “The Next Right Thing” from Frozen 2. pic.twitter.com/xbyOyhQPpt
— The Disney Beat (@DisneyBeat101) April 21, 2026
Walt Disney Animation has re-animated some songs from recent animated films into American Sign Language versions, including:
• “Beyond” – Moana
• “The Next Right Thing” – Frozen 2
• “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” – EncantoReleasing April 27 on Disney+ pic.twitter.com/ZzHg5Ha4CS
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) April 20, 2026
First look at “We Don’t Talk About Bruno’ from Disney’s ‘Songs In Sign Language.’ pic.twitter.com/cp93A3CcRu
— ToonHive (@ToonHive) April 20, 2026
Toy Story 5
All last week, Disney announced new collections of Toy Story 5 merchandise ahead of the movie’s June 19 opening date, including luggage, toys, games, plush, apparel, and Buzz and Woody figures that can interact with each other in “Alive Mode.”
The newest Toy Story character, Lilypad, is even getting her own merch, the Toy Story 5 Explore & Learn Lilypad ($27.99), which allows kids to learn their letters and numbers, develop problem-solving skills, play games, and send text messages to Toy Story characters (available starting April 26 at Walmart, with availability at Amazon and Target to follow).
There’s also a cute new Lilypad Bag Charm from popular luggage company, Away (available June 9 on awaytravel.com and in select retail locations), and a new Lilypad POP! from Funko (available April 27 on Funko.com and at select retailers). You can also find Lilypad in the new Blind Box Series Figures from POP MART (available May 1 on popmart.com and at select POP MART retail locations).
You can read all about the new Toy Story 5 items here:
Toy Story 5 Reveal Week: New Buzz, Woody, Bullseye & More Toys
New Bluey Merch
There’s even more Bluey and Bingo merch arriving at the Disneyland Resort in the next couple of months, including apparel, bubble wands, a new pin set, Create-Your-Own headbands, and character plush with their very own detachable Mickey Mouse Ear headbands.
There’s also a new fanny pack, backpack, and tote bag featuring Bluey and Disneyland-inspired designs.
The new Bluey merchandise will be available while supplies last at:
- Fantasyland Theatre Valet at Disneyland park
- Emporium at Disneyland park
- Fantasy Faire Gifts at Disneyland park
- Elias & Co. at Disney California Adventure park
- World of Disney at Downtown Disney District
New Showtimes
In other Bluey news, we noticed over the weekend that the showtimes for Bluey’s Best Day Ever have changed, with the first show now starting at 11 a.m. and the last show starting at 4:40 p.m.
Previously, the first show was at 9:30 a.m., and the last show was at 3:10 p.m.
Hot Potato
We’re still working our way through all the new Bluey-themed food and beverages at Troubadour Tavern, and this week, we tried the new Pizza Girls Baked Potato with Pepperoni, Sausage, Bacon Bits, Marinara, Mozzarella, Alfredo Sauce and Parmesan Herb Topper ($12.29). This hearty baked potato has gotten a lot of social media attention, and now we understand why!
We also tried the Magic “Asparagus” Pretzel ($3.99), which is a pretzel rod covered in white chocolate (that’s obviously green).
Check out our review for everything you need to know about Bluey’s Best Day Ever:
Back on Track
Toy Story Midway Mania has reopened, and it still has the Disneyland 70th Anniversary targets.
And after a very lengthy closure, the Jungle Cruise is also finally back up and running. There were no major changes or additions… but, as you can see in the photos below… it all looks great…
Constructionland
Disneyland
There’s finally some visible work going on at the Fantasyland boat dock.
It appears that a new shade/seating area is under construction next to Edelweiss Snacks.
Work on the monorail is also continuing.
California Adventure
The Avengers Campus expansion is moving along with no opening date yet announced.
And construction walls are still up at Carthay Circle for a relatively small project we expected to be completed by now.
The on-again, off-again saga of the Emotional Whirlwind refurbishment also continues. The ride was disassembled last month and reopened… but it has been completely disassembled AGAIN!
Downtown Disney
The Lego Store is still behind walls as new Lego sculptures are installed. You can see a new Marvel scene is going up right now:
But there’s more exciting news to share…The store currently has the hard-to-get free passports (and a selection of stamps to put in it). You can even take the passport to Lego stores around the world and collect additional stamps.
Disneyland Blues
The grass roof of Ray’s Beret’s in Bayou Country is looking sadder (and drier) every week.
Disneyland Refurbishment Calendar (updated 4/25/26)
Jungle Cruise and Toy Story Midway Mania have reopened, Silly Symphony Swings starts its refurb today, and both the Monorail and Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin have posted reopening dates.
While Roger Rabbit is closed, the area in front of the attraction has been used for stroller parking.
Currently Under Refurbishment
- Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind: January 5 – TBA
- Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin: March 30 – April 30
- Disneyland Monorail: March 30 – April 30
- Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters: April 13 – TBA
- Silly Symphony Swings: April 27 – TBA
Upcoming Refurbishments
- Pirates of the Caribbean: May 4-TBA
- Blue Bayou Restaurant: May 4-20
This & That
Live @ Five
Mike checked out some of the construction projects in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, including a look at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, which is finally set to reopen on May 3 after being closed since January 2025.
Halfway to Halloween
Yesterday, Disney teased that some Halloween news coming today in the form of a ghoulish riddle in which the cards will reveal a clue for what’s lurking this spooky season.
And this morning, the cards (and some cryptic clues) were revealed:
When the pumpkin hour chimes just right,
A clock Unveils secrets within siGht. 🎃
Check the hands, then coUnt the patch,
the harveSt holds the first date to caTch! 🕰️
On this shelf, sits trinkets in dark gloom,
Where keepsakes rest and secrets accrue, 🔮
An upcoming trove waits to be found.
Observe what’s stored and look all around. 🕷️
Special items are coming your ways,
And may appear quicker the longer you gaze.
We still don’t know whether these clues apply to Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort or the Halloween season at Walt Disney World Resort (or both), but the full reveal will appear tomorrow, so stay tuned…
Facial Recognition
Disneyland is using facial recognition to expedite park entry, but there is a lane for guests who want to opt out. Just watch for the 🚫-type symbol over the entrance.
Unfortunately, the facial recognition test isn’t without some hiccups. Guests who have changed their hair, are wearing glasses, or in any other way look different than their pass photo have been causing the system not to recognize them. This results in cast members needing to step in and figure things out, which can usually be handled quickly, but not always. But they’ll get this sorted out eventually. When it works, it’s quicker than having a cast member manually approve each photo.
Seasonal Spa Treatments
This is the final week to treat yourself to several seasonal treatments at Tenaya Stone Spa at the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.
The following treatments are available through April 27:
- 50-minute Glowing Gold Honey Facial ($225) includes a pure raw honey enzyme exfoliating mask and a chocolate softening mask featuring CoEnzymeQ10 with ginseng extract that leaves skin feeling smooth and firm
- 50-minute Grateful Heart Foot Treatment ($170) includes a relaxing foot soak with aromas of fir, wild mint, and lemon, exfoliation, and a massage with sunflower honey butter to relieve tension and improve circulation.
- Honey Bliss Signature Massage featuring warm honey body oil (50 minutes for $220; 80 minutes for $315).
- Couples Honey Bliss Signature Massage featuring warm honey body oil (50 minutes for $220 per person; 80 minutes for $315 per person).
Limited-time Star Wars-themed foot treatments are available through May 30:
- 50-minute Embrace the Light Foot Treatment ($170) includes a Bacta soak after a long day of mastering the Force, renewing exfoliation with sands softer than the beaches of Kashyyyk, and leg massage featuring pure blue tansy.
- 50-minute Call of the Shadow Foot Treatment ($170) includes a restoring Bacta soak without having to lose a duel on Mustafar, a nightsister magick scrub, and a leg massage.
Learn more about Tenaya Stone Spa here:
FIRST LOOK: Disney Grand Californian Imagineering-designed Tenaya Stone Spa
Magic Key Sweet Treat
There’s a tasty trio of treats for Magic Key holders at the Golden Horseshoe: the Neapolitan Sampler, which includes three sample size ice cream floats:
- Sprite Float with strawberry ice cream, strawberry syrup, whipped cream & rainbow sprinkles
- Root Beer Float with chocolate ice cream, whipped cream & chocolate sprinkles
- Coca-Cola Cherry Float with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream & a maraschino cherry
The Neapolitan Sampler is $9.49 (Magic Key holder discounts apply)… a pretty good deal by Disney standards.
Honey of a Treat(s)
We also found these cute Pooh-themed treats in Bayou Country.
Skyway Straw Clip
We spotted a new Skyway Straw Clip for $7.99 + tax with the purchase of a beverage (limit 2 per person per transaction; no discounts apply).
You’re just teasing us now Disneyland.
Starbucks Merch
A new tumbler is available at Starbucks, with both California Adventure and Disneyland versions.
And these Starbucks straw toppers are included in the 70-anniversary merch sale.
Cashless Payment
Some Disneyland vending locations are transitioning to cashless payment, meaning only credit card, gift card, or mobile payment will be accepted.
Some local parks, like Knott’s Berry Farm, have gone completely cashless… offering guests a kiosk to turn cash into a prepaid card. If Disney is going to go down this road, we hope they’ll also offer a way for guests who use cash to convert it to an accepted payment method.
Ticket Tracker
There are still several ticket types available for D23: The Ultimate Fan Event at the Anaheim Convention Center and Honda Center in August:
- 3-Day D23 Ultimate Preferred Fan Pass (Floor Seating + Pin RSP)
Deadline to purchase tickets to participate in pin RSP is Friday, May 1 (5 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. ET) - Friday and Sunday D23 Fan Pass
- Friday, Saturday, and Sunday Afternoon Only D23 Fan Pass
Tickets are also still available for both Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite party dates at $169 per person.
Sad News From The Bayou
In other foodie news, we’re sad to report that the macaroni and cheese at Tiana’s Palace has changed… and not for the better. This seems to be an ongoing issue as Disneyland sacrifices quality for cost.
When Tiana’s Palace first opened, the baked Mac & Cheese was a bit of a brag as Disney chefs claimed that’s how it’s made in New Orleans, but when we ordered it on Friday, we got sad mushy pasta with gooey cheese and way too much oil (despite the menu still calling it was baked macaroni and cheese).
Then…
…and now.
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:
MiceShots
Disneyland is in full springtime bloom…
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Let’s Hear From You!
That’s all the news we’ve got to share this week. Are you ready for a new look at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge? Would you like to see physical Disney Stores return (and perhaps an end to the Target chaos)? Now that Spring Break has died down, are you looking forward to a pre-summer visit? Let us know in the comments below!
