DISNEYLAND UPDATE: Autopia Sparks, Star Wars Snarls & Summer Starts

The SoCal sun is shining, park hours have been extended, and show times have been adjusted. That can only mean one thing… summer is on the way to the Disneyland Resort!

We’ve also got electrifying Autopia news, a galactic-sized Star Wars ticketing mess, and construction walls snaking across the resort.

Extended Summer Hours

A sure sign of summer is the expansion of park hours at the Disneyland Resort… 

Later park hours began last Friday, May 8th, when Disneyland closed at midnight (instead of 10 p.m.). Due to an after-hours event on May 8th, California Adventure’s extended hours started on May 9th, when the park closed at 10 p.m. instead of 9 p.m.

This week, Disneyland will close at 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and at midnight on Friday and Saturday; California Adventure closes at 9 p.m. on weekdays and 10 p.m. on weekends. Both parks open at 8 a.m. every day, and park hopping starts at 11 a.m. daily (though that will change soon, as Disneyland plans to do away with special hours for park hopping and allow guests with park-hopper tickets to change parks at any time… though we still don’t know exactly when that change will take effect).

Some Disneyland nighttime show times have also been adjusted:

• Paint the Night at 8:45 p.m. and 10:45 p.m. (the parade is scheduled to end on August 9)
• Fantasmic! at 9:05 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
• Wondrous Journeys (with fireworks) at 9:35 p.m.

• Fire of the Rising Moons at 9:35 p.m.
• Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga at 8:45 p.m. and 10:15 p.m.
• Tapestry of Happiness showtimes change, check the Disneyland app

As always, check the Disneyland app for show times on the day of your visit.

And this is your reminder to see the wonderful Paint the Night parade one last time (at least for now). It ends on August 9th, with no replacement announced. 

Autopia Goes Electric

There have been rumblings for several years that Disneyland was going to convert the Autopia vehicles to electric, but so far there has been little official discussion… until now.

Disneyland is now saying it plans to replace the opening day attraction’s gas-powered cars with fully electric vehicles in early 2027 – and that Imagineers are already designing a fully-electric Autopia ride vehicle. But if this sounds familiar, that’s because in 2024, Disneyland had previously announced plans to convert the Autopia cars to electric by the fall of 2026 to meet California emissions standards. 

The Walt Disney Company has pledged to reach net zero emissions by 2030, so eliminating Autopia’s gas-powered cars is an obvious step towards increasing renewable energy sources and reducing Disneyland’s carbon footprint.

Did You Know?

Disneyland Resort currently sources 60% of its electricity from renewable energy resources, including Radiator Springs Racers at California Adventure, which is powered by 1,400 solar panels positioned on the top of Cars Land’s Cadillac Range mountains.

Read more about Autopia here:

Is Disneyland’s Autopia an Attraction of the Future or the Past?

Star Wars Snafu

The Force was not with fans (including several of our MiceChat crew) trying to purchase tickets for the Star Wars Celebration on April 1 – 4, 2027, at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

The 50th-anniversary event used the “Queue-it” ticketing system like other Disney online ticket sales, but people waited up to 5 hours just to find out all tickets were already gone. The popular 4-day ticket sold out in 30 minutes, and Saturday and Friday single-day tickets were gone in 3.5 hours. If that wasn’t frustrating enough, notifications were hours behind, so people kept waiting only to be disappointed. As of Monday morning, all ticket types are sold out.

A primary cause of the ticketing fiasco was that 20 tickets could be purchased per transaction (including the 4-day pass), which made them even harder to get (although VIP 4-day ticket purchases were limited to 4). We might have understood if the 20 ticket limit was only for single day tickets, but by not putting a lower limit on the 4-day general ticket, all they did was help the scalpers. It seems Disney later cracked down on resellers who listed tickets at a 400% mark-up, but that doesn’t solve the problem they created in the first place.

The obvious solution is to restrict multi-day ticket to a maximum of 4 or 5, and not allow multiple purchases by a single person (we saw someone bragging online about making three purchases before we’d even gotten halfway through the queue). They should also force people to register for an account so they can track purchases and crack down on ticket scammers.

Wondering what all the fuss is about? Check out our article here:

Inside Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025: A Galaxy of Stars, Surprises & Fandom

Galaxy’s Edge Afterglow

Just one week after Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge expanded its timeline, the initial rush has subsided a bit. The standby wait times on Saturday afternoon were as expected for a springtime weekend, with Smugglers Run at 30 minutes and Rise of the Resistance at 70 minutes.

During last Thursday’s MiceChat Live @ Five, we spotted Han Solo and Chewbacca loitering at the Falcon. The crowds at the fence were noticeably smaller than last week when these characters debuted.

And, now that we’ve had some time to digest the recent changes, we have a few constructive thoughts. First, and foremost, we really appreciate this shift in the Force. Having original Star Wars characters in a land filled with John Williams’ music is a big win for Star Wars fans. Unfortunately, the choice of character costumes and hairstyles is leaving many guests perplexed. Try as they might, the characters just don’t look right. 

What helps other face characters in the parks look their park is their costumes, hair, and accessories. If that’s too far off the mark, it leaves guests wondering if it’s an official character or just a fan dressing up for the park. 

The performers are certainly doing their best, but the looks they have been given feel off: 

Compare our recent character shots above with this great image of Luke, Leia, and Han from the films. Luke is in a white robe, with shaggy, sandy-blond hair. Leia in her princess robe and iconic honey-bun hairdo. And a slightly older Han with shaggy reddish-brown hair.  

Here’s a good example. Even the blocky LEGO faces and figures of these characters are instantly recognizable because they mimic the costumes and hairstyles above. So, it’s the costumes and hair that are the main problem with Disneyland’s Star Wars crew… not the poor actors who are tasked with playing the roles. 

What do you think? What version of these legendary characters would you like to see Disneyland mimic? 

Kylo Who?

Now that he’s been booted out of Galaxy’s Edge, we went in search of Kylo Ren, to visit him in his new digs in Tomorrowland. The signs still all feature Darth Vader… who previously met with Disney Visa cardholders in this location. If you have a Disney Visa card, you can take a photo with him inside the remains of the Star Wars Launch Bay in Tomorrowland between 2pm and 6pm every day. 

It’s a fun experience, and usually doesn’t have much of a wait. 

The meet and greet takes place in the remains of the Star Wars Launch Bay. If there are guests waiting in front of you, you’ll have time to enjoy some fun Star Wars props and displays. 

Constructionland

The volume of projects at the Disneyland Resort is impressive; it’s not as mind-blowing as what’s going on right now at Walt Disney World, but for the tight space the Disneyland Resort occupies, it’s impossible to ignore the construction walls from one end of the resort to the other. 

Disneyland Projects

During the recent Main Street construction, the original 1955 Carnation Company sign was uncovered from underneath the newer Carnation Cafe sign.

But, since the Carnation Company isn’t the sponsor of this restaurant anymore, the modern version of the restaurant sign has returned… Saying “Carnation Cafe.” 

A new building has popped up behind the construction walls at Edelweiss Snacks in Fantasyland.

The building has impressive architecture, but does not appear to have walls… leading us to believe this may be a seating area for the adjacent Edelweiss Snacks (which remains open during construction). 

But luckily, guests can still satisfy their cravings for Turkey Legs, Garlicky Cheesy Brats, and Matterhorn Puffs at Edelweiss Snacks. 

Though the old Motorboat Cruise dock behind the turkey leg shack is still closed. 

With Pirates and Blue Bayou closed for refurbishment, Disneyland has left the former Port Royal shop as a seating area for the nearby Royal Street Veranda. In fact, Port Royal has been removed from the Disneyland map and you can’t even search for it. 

Disney California Adventure Construction

The massive Avengers Campus expansion is still assembling slowly. But multiple lifts are in use at the moment as crews work on the electrical cables dangling from the ceiling of the attraction. 

And, from Cars Land, you can see a new wall nearing completion. The construction fence separating the Pixar land from Avengers Campus is decorated with fun posters of Marvel films done in a Pixar Cars style. 

I don’t know about you, but I’d love to see these (and the ones they created for Halloween and Christmas) created as a series of short films for Disney+.  

Silly Symphony Swings has been disassembled for its extensive refurbishment. 

As has the Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind, which is also disassembled for the 2nd time this year. 

There’s a refurbishment going on at the Cahuenga Building on Hollywood Blvd. This is all facade and sidewalk work… but it’s worth speculating about. If the area was going to be demolished for Avatar Land early next year, why would they bother? Which leads us to believe that either Avatar Land was not designed to absorb Hollywood Blvd, sparing the Animation and Disney Junior buildings… OR… perhaps Avatar Land isn’t still in the cards for this location. 

And there’s a bit of terrazzo work ongoing in front of the Carthay Circle building as well. The restaurant remains open. 

Downtown Disney

And there’s some fun progress in Disneyland’s shopping district. 

The Earl of Sandwich and Carnaby Tavern are sizzling right now as signage, lighting, and decor are being installed rapidly. 

And, while there’s nothing new going on at the stagnant Bourbon Steak and Roadhouse BBQ site, we did get you an overview of the site from an unusual angle. 

You can see how the establishment is built atop a large parking structure… one of the factors that makes building here such a challenge.

Huge new murals are finally going in on the exterior of the LEGO Store. Chewie is now riding atop an AT-ST near the front door of the shop.

And the new Avengers mural is just to the left. 

Pandora is getting a redesign, but there’s a cart on the walkway nearby where you can buy all those charms you can’t live without. 

And a colorful Celebrate Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month sign is up in a garden across from World of Disney. 

Finally, we are awaiting the closure of Jamba to make way for the long-promised Boppo Go bubble tea shop. 

And as if all of that wasn’t enough, there’s one more massive construction site that almost every guest will be able to see as they enter the resort… the future home of Porto’s Bakery and Cafe. We took a ride on the Monorail to see if there was anything interesting going on… There isn’t… just a big ol’ pile of dirt. But that’s how it starts. The piles move around a bit, and then one day you’re eating a Ropa Vieja sandwich. 

Disneyland Refurbishment Calendar (updated 5/7/26)

The only new closure this week is Little Green Men of Store Command, which started its refurbishment yesterday. Also worth noting is that there are no new upcoming refurbishments scheduled at the moment.

Currently Under Refurbishment

• Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind: January 5th-TBA
• Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters: April 13th-TBA
• Silly Symphony Swings: April 27th-TBA
• Pirates of the Caribbean: May 4th-TBA

• Blue Bayou Restaurant: May 4th-20th

• Little Green Men Store Command: May 10th-TBA

Pre-Summer Reading

As the weather heats up, check out this fun line of summerwear with built-in SPF: 

• Disney x Columbia Launch “Mickey’s Outdoor Club” Collection with SPF Gear for Summer

This & That

MiceChat Live @ Five

Dusty took his life in his hands as Eric took the wheel of the Autopia. Join them both for a harrowing spin around the highways and byways of Tomorrowland! Then the gents take you to Star Wars land for a visit with the newest residents, before pondering recent changes at the resort

 

Cheers to Trader Sam’s 15^th Anniversary

Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at The Disneyland Hotel is offering a 15^th-anniversary mixology seminar on select dates from May 25 through July 24. Booking for this event starts May 14, 2026 (subject to availability).

During the 45-minute mixology class, guests will learn the secrets behind making Trader Sam’s cocktails and enjoy one specialty non-alcoholic beverage and one alcoholic specialty cocktail.

The $183 price tag also includes a 1.5-hour reception in the outside tiki bar with live music, appetizers, and one cocktail (nonalcoholic option available on request). Receptions for 10 p.m. seminars will be indoors and do not include live music.

All participants will receive a Trader Sam’s 15th Anniversary mug to take home.

Dates and Times:

• May 25 – 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 8 p.m., and 10 p.m.
• May 27 – 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 8 p.m., and 10 p.m.
• June 22 – 4 p.m., 6 p.m., and 9 p.m.
• June 26 – 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 8 p.m., and 10 p.m.
• July 20, 2026 – 4 p.m., 6 p.m., and 9 p.m.
• July 24 – 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 8 p.m., and 10 p.m.

Check-in begins 30 minutes before the event.

Know Before You Go:

• The cost is $183 per adult (plus tax and gratuity). Full payment is due upon booking.
• Trader Sam’s Mixology Seminar is a pre-paid event; discounts do not apply.
• Advance reservations are highly recommended. Same-day reservations can be made on a limited basis and are subject to availability. 
• All guests must be age 21 or older (valid ID required).
• Space is limited, with each class accommodating a maximum of 38 guests.
• Your party may be seated at a table with other guests.
• Guests will receive standard 3-hour validation for the self-parking lot at the Disneyland Hotel.

Will There Be a Disneyland License Plate?

The answer is… maybe. The state of California is gauging interest in a special Disneyland-themed license plate, which, if approved by the California DMV, would be available for purchase for California-registered vehicles. Revenues generated from plates will benefit 13 children’s hospitals in the state.

The approval process includes submitting an application, obtaining approval of the license plate design, and reaching the required pre-order minimum of 7,500 license plates before production can begin. Click HERE to join the interest list.

Disneyland After Hours Ticket Tracker

There’s just a little more than a month to go before the two Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite events on June 16 and 18, and tickets are still available at $169 per person for both parties. 

Although there’s been no official announcement, Disneyland quietly revealed that the Oogie Boogie Bash annual passholder presale will take place that same week (June 16 for Inspire Key and June 17 for all Magic Keys). 

 

Not Very Jolly

Last Monday, we noticed that the two glass cabinets filled with charming Mary Poppins-themed items has been removed from Jolly Holiday Bakery & Cafe on Main Street.

Sadly, in its place is… a whole lot of nothing.

We hope they’ve only been removed for refurbishment. 

Two Booths Are Better Than One… And Just As Popular

That photo booth at the Star Wars Trading Post in Downtown Disney that we recently told you about has been so popular that they added a second one! 

May Salt & Straw Flavors

This month marks the return of the May Flowers Series at Salt & Straw, featuring five floral-inspired flavors that celebrate springtime, including a new flavor, Saffron Milk with Wildflower Honey.

May Flowers Series flavors include:

• NEW: Saffron Milk with Wildflower Honey – Saffron-infused milk sherbet sweetened with wildflower honey
• Jasmine Milk Tea Almond Stracciatella – Jasmine tea-steeped cream folded with dark chocolate almond stracciatella
• Strawberry Tres Leches – Strawberry ice cream swirled with bits of tres leches cake and strawberry jam
• Rhubarb Crumble with Toasted Anise – Roasted rhubarb folded into vanilla ice cream with a warm, toasted anise crumble
• Coffee Chamomile Sherbet (vegan) – Floral-leaning cold brew coffee sherbet with chamomile

Each scoop of the Flowers Series ordered in shop will be topped with a free edible flower.

Walt Disney Storybook Mansion Tours 

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 our own 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.

Just two tours remain. Grab your spot! 

🎟️ Book Walt Disney Storybook Mansion Tour Tickets HERE

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