DISNEYLAND UPDATE: Secret Grogu Mode, Coco Walls & An Emergency Next Door

The Disneyland Resort is sliding into the busy summer season with a mix of new experiences, returning favorites, construction walls, and one very serious nearby emergency. This week, Trader Sam’s celebrates 15 years of tiki trouble, a new covered dining area opens in Fantasyland, The Mandalorian and Grogu take over the Millennium Falcon, and fresh construction walls in California Adventure point toward a much-anticipated new attraction.

COMMUNITY ADVISORY: Orange County Chemical Emergency Near Disneyland

We want to share important operational information regarding a state of emergency unfolding in Orange County and Disneyland’s response.

Authorities continue to manage a hazardous chemical incident in Garden Grove, just a few miles from the Disneyland Resort. The emergency involves an unstable storage tank containing methyl methacrylate (MMA), a highly flammable industrial chemical used in plastics manufacturing. Gov. Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency as crews work around the clock to prevent the tank from rupturing or exploding.

Evacuation orders were issued on Friday and continue to impact tens of thousands of residents across portions of Garden Grove, Anaheim, Cypress, Buena Park, Stanton, and Westminster. Disneyland remains outside the evacuation zone and continues normal operations.

Emergency officials have indicated that the evacuation zone is primarily intended to protect residents closest to the facility from the immediate danger of a tank rupture or explosion. However, authorities have also acknowledged that a larger explosion or fire could send hazardous smoke and airborne chemicals over a much broader area, depending on weather and wind conditions. While officials have not identified any immediate threat to Disneyland, the situation remains serious and continues to be closely monitored.

Disneyland Resort is also actively monitoring the situation and following guidance from local emergency agencies.

The emergency is unfolding during one of the resort’s busiest holiday weekends, and many visitors to the area may be unaware of the large-scale operation taking place nearby. At this time, there is no indication that Disneyland guests are in immediate danger, but the situation remains active.

Guests seeking official updates should follow the Orange County Fire Authority and local emergency management agencies for the latest information.

Our thoughts are with the thousands who have been displaced, as well as the emergency crews working to safely defuse the situation.

And now, let’s move on this week’s update, starting with big news from Batuu…

New Millennium Falcon Mission

A new Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run mission featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu has officially launched at Disneyland, along with updated duties for the two engineers (AKA the riders traditionally relegated to the back row).

Previously, the engineer role mostly involved smashing blinking buttons while the pilots had all the fun. But now one of the engineers gets an important new responsibility: choosing the mission’s next destination. The other engineer still mostly pushes buttons, but progress is progress.

All missions begin on Tatooine before jumping to one of several destinations:

In addition to appearing at the front of the ship, Mando and Grogu also appear on small screens on the control panels.

Need even more Baby Grogu chaos? There’s also a hidden “Grogu Mode” for guests who know the secret code. Before the mission begins, both gunners must fasten their seatbelts, hold the white square button nearest the back of the cockpit, and press their glowing activation buttons before anyone else touches the controls.

If done correctly, the cockpit lights flash green, and Grogu enters full gremlin mode, cooing, chirping, and reacting throughout the mission. Use the Baby Yoda cheat code at your own risk. 😉

Want to take a ride with us (on the normal version)? We’ve got video: 

You can read more about the updated attraction here:

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Gets A Mandalorian & Grogu Upgrade – But Is It Finally The Ride Fans Wanted?

The BDX Droids Are Back

Fresh off their big screen debut in “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” the BDX droids returned to Black Spire Station in Galaxy’s Edge on May 22. If you haven’t seen these adorable little droids in person, we suggest heading to Batuu to check them out.

New Novelties

In addition to The Mandalorian and Grogu, two new novelties also arrived in Disneyland Park last week.

The BDX Droid Bucket is available at the following locations:

• Popcorn Cart in Tomorrowland
• Kat Saka’s Kettle
• Beverage Carts in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

The Mandalorian and Grogu Jetpack Sipper is available at the following locations:

• Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo
• Ronto Roasters
• Tomorrowland Fruit Cart
• Galactic Grill

Kicking Off A Patriotic Summer

As part of the nationwide Disney Celebrates America events leading up to America’s 250th anniversary, Disneyland hosted more than 100 Sailors and Marines to mark both Los Angeles Fleet Week and the 250th anniversaries of the United States Navy and Marine Corps.

Sailors and Marines marched Down Main Street U.S.A. accompanied by one of the largest U.S. Navy bands ever to perform at Disneyland.

The parade culminated with a special Flag Retreat ceremony and a flyover of Disneyland Resort by U.S. Navy jet aircraft.

We’re also happy to see both parks decked out in red, white, and blue as the Semiquincentennial summer gets underway. Last summer, the resort opted to skip the patriotic flags and bunting in favor of the Disneyland 70th anniversary decor. 

Even the children of the corn have gotten into the patriotic spirit at the Plaza Point holiday shop on Main Street. 

The store even has a patriotic display and a red, white, and blue ornament. 

Soarin’ Across America

Also part of America’s 250th celebration is the new Soarin’ Across America overlay, which arrives at California Adventure on July 2 (due to Soarin’ Over California continuing through June 30 as part of DCA’s 25th anniversary celebration).

However, Soarin’ Across America has already made its debut at Epcot and, while the OG California version will always have our heart, there’s a lot to love about the newest version.

The new flight takes guests over iconic American landmarks and landscapes:

• The Kennedy Space Center in Florida (featuring the Artemis II rocket)
• New York City
• Portland Head Lighthouse in Cape Elizabeth, Maine

• Washington D.C.
• The Louisiana Bayous
• The Branson Scenic Railway in the Ozark Mountains

• Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills of South Dakota
• Custer State Park in South Dakota
• The West Rim of the Grand Canyon in Arizona

• Denali National Park in Alaska
• Waikiki and Diamond Head in Honolulu, Hawaii
• The Hollywood Hills in Los Angeles

The finale scene at Walt Disney World is Epcot, which will obviously be changed to Disneyland when the new attraction arrives here.

Are there other locations you feel should have been included in this flight across America? 

You can read more about Soarin’ Across America HERE, and (spoiler alert!) watch our video of Florida’s version below.

Trader Sam’s 15th-Anniversary Tiki Mug

Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar is celebrating 15 years of tropical chaos with a new anniversary mug release on May 29. The limited-edition Hyena Mug will be available for $89 plus tax via mobile order through the Disneyland app.

Here’s How To Get One (or Two):

Mobile orders open as early as 6 a.m. on May 29 through the Disneyland app, where guests can select an available pickup window. There is a limit of two mugs per transaction, with one transaction allowed per guest. Discounts do not apply.

Pickup will take place in the Disneyland Hotel Grand Ballroom between noon and 5 p.m. Guests should check in through the app during their selected arrival window and wait for a notification that their order is ready. Complimentary parking at the Pixar Pals structure will be available beginning at 11 a.m. for guests with proof of purchase.

Artist Signing: 

Disney Imagineer Rich Kirchhoff will appear for mug signings from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. and again from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. A Disney Vacation Club-exclusive cocktail hour follows from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., with an additional signing session from 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Only the anniversary mug itself may be signed, and guests are limited to two signed mugs. A valid Disneyland Resort purchase receipt may be required.

Know Before You Go:

• Guests must be 21 or older to purchase the mug.
• Only the Disneyland app account holder who placed the order may pick it up (valid photo ID required).
• Orders not picked up during the designated window may be canceled and refunded.
• Mugs will not be available for pickup at Trader Sam’s after the event concludes.

Looking for another way to celebrate Trader Sam’s? We also spotted these 15th-anniversary glasses at the Disneyland Hotel.

Constructionland

Disneyland

Work continues on Main Street U.S.A. as the scrims continue to downsize. Most of the building has now been revealed, with just Refreshment Corner left to unwrap. 

We hope the trees along this section of the street return soon. 

…and in New Orleans Square, Pirates of the Caribbean is in the midst of a lengthy refurbishment (with no posted end date). 

Construction walls also dominate the skyline in Tomorrowland.

With both the Buzz Lightyear ride and the Store Command shop closed for refurbishment. 

Last week, new construction walls were up at Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree… but this doesn’t impact the restaurant. You can still purchase a plate of ribs, with plenty of dining space available. 

California Adventure

The walls at Carthay Circle Theater have shifted to the other side of the entry as crews fix up the terrazzo walkway. 

Behind Carthay, Avengers Campus expansion is still moving along with two new rides slowly making their way to the park. We should hear about official opening dates at the August D23 Expo…

… and colorful construction walls at the back of the park signal that construction is also underway on the new Coco-themed attraction behind the Paradise Gardens dining complex.

Meanwhile, the Silly Symphony Swings have been dismantled for their scheduled refurbishment.  

And just steps away there’s another disassembled attraction, the Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind. 

Downtown Disney

The Earl of Sandwich is getting closer and closer to its still unannounced opening day.

But while the new permanent location is nearly complete, the Earl’s temporary location is facing a bit of money trouble. An Orange County “Notice of Seizure for Unsecured Property” has been posted on trailer, claiming that $17,519.46 is owed for the 2024–2025 tax year. What’s more, the notice warns that the property is subject to seizure and sale for non-payment.

With all the relocating back and forth across the district, it’s certainly possible the Earl got a bit behind on his bookkeeping, but $17,500+ is also not a small oversight.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Disneyland Refurbishment Calendar (updated 5/24/26)

New this week is that Little Green Men Store Command and Paradise Chiller have both moved their return dates back a bit. In addition, Blue Bayou has reopened, but Disneyland is alerting guests that the restaurant will offer a “modified dining experience” while Pirates of the Caribbean is under refurbishment, with views of the attraction obstructed and the possibility of construction noise. We warned about this a few weeks ago. At the high prices Blue Bayou charges, it’s worth prioritizing other locations until Pirates reopens as well. 

 

Currently Under Refurbishment

• Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind: January 5 – TBA
• Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters: April 13 – TBA
• Silly Symphony Swings: April 27 – TBA
• Pirates of the Caribbean: May 4 – TBA
• Little Green Men Store Command: May 10 – TBA
• Chiller at Paradise Gardens Park: May 19 – June 13

This & That

Live @ Five

Edelweiss Lodge Debuts

We’ve been following the construction of the new shaded seating area across from the Matterhorn. The Edelweiss Lodge is now open so you can eat your turkey leg in comfort… and shade. 

The new covered seating area also features charming Alpine details to match its Matterhorn-adjacent location.

Disneyland has been adding covered dining areas across both theme parks, and we’re happy to see them, especially with summer coming (and potential rain with the forecast Super El Niño weather pattern). Hopefully, that means fewer Disneyland guests will need to eat their meals on the tops of trash cans.

Grad Nite 2026

Graduation season is in full swing, and Disneyland Resort is hosting middle and high schools for Grad Nite 2026 on May 28, 29, 31, and June 3, 5, 7, 10, and 12.

What that means for day guests is that there will likely be large groups of teens in both parks, and that California Adventure will close at 9 p.m. so the grads can party after hours.

We also spotted a new long-sleeved shirt for 2026 graduates.

Mobile Order Update

Mobile order at Alien Pizza Planet is reducing the types of food you can Mobile Order. For now, you can only order whole pizzas or whole pizza combos. But the entire menu is available for walk-ups, which greatly speeds up the wait. 

We’ve seen similar mobile ordering adjustments at The Golden Horseshoe, which no longer accepts mobile order (though Stage Door Cafe now only accepts mobile order).

Pixar Shorts in Tomorrowland

The Tomorrowland Theater near the entrance to Space Mountain is now showing an 18-minute collection of Pixar short films featuring Luxo. Jr, Lou, and Smash and Grab. While that’s not very exciting, the park needs the capacity, and with a warm summer on the way, the air conditioning is very much appreciated. 

Note that the theater is only open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily (one shift). 

Last Chance

June marks the last chance to score the lowest priced 1-Day, 1-Park adult tickets (ages 10+) before they disappear for the rest of the summer (they return in early September).

The $104 Tier 0 tickets are only available on June 1, June 2, June 3, and June 4, but if you haven’t visited the resort on a Tier 0 day, be prepared for park reservations to disappear. These tend to be among the most popular days due to the reasonable price. So be sure to plan ahead if you’d like to take advantage of this rare opportunity. 

A Walk in Walt’s Footsteps Tour Returns

Disneyland After Dark Ticket Tracker

We’re still waiting for Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite to sell out, but at this point, both dates are still available. While the After Dark events are very expensive, and the offerings have been hit or miss… the mini parade, short fireworks, character encounters, and dance parties of this event are quite popular with attendees. You don’t need to be gay to attend this event… just willing to enjoy the park a little more colorful and fabulous. 

MiceShots

The kids are growing up and graduating… and filling the parks with their rambunctious celebrating. But don’t let that stop you from enjoying the pre-summer floral displays, still moderate weather, and attractions (that aren’t down for refurbishment).  

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