This week’s update arrives with a mix of the heartfelt and the inevitable. We’re saying goodbye to a woman who gave one of Disney’s most beloved characters her soul, watching one of Disneyland’s oldest attractions run out of road (literally), and keeping an eye on a resort that’s quietly transforming while guests continue squeezing past construction walls. There’s a lot to cover this week, so let’s get into it.
Disneyland’s Autopia Is Running on Fumes
Disneyland’s 71-year-old Autopia attraction is facing a state-mandated deadline: the gas-powered cars must be retired by February 1, 2027, or the ride shuts down.
The story traces back to 2023, when Honda discovered it had failed to properly certify Autopia’s engines due to what appears to be an administrative error. Honda notified Disney, Disney disclosed the issue to the California Air Resources Board, and a notice of violation followed in early 2024. Disney ultimately settled for $56,250 and agreed to overhaul the ride. Disneyland says there was no environmental impact.
The 30-month retirement clock started ticking August 1, 2024, when the settlement was finalized. The compliance plan doesn’t specifically mandate electric vehicles, only that Disney “retire gas-engine powered Autopia fleet” and “continue search for suitable clean technology.” But Disneyland officials have told the Orange County Register they’re actively developing a fully electric prototype.
The full story, including original source documents, comes courtesy of journalist Sammy Roth over at Climate Colored Goggles. Give it a read.
Do you think Disney should update the Autopia? Is it still a worthy “Tomorrowland” attraction? Or is it time for the valuable land it occupies to be completely redeveloped?
Goodbye to the Real Tinker Bell
Margaret Kerry, the actress and dancer whose movements gave life to Tinker Bell in Disney’s 1953 Peter Pan, passed away on June 11 in Wilmington, North Carolina. She was 97.
To the Disney fan community, Margaret was far more than a footnote in animation history. She was a fixture at MiceChat events and our D23 Expo booths over the years, always generous with her time and her stories, and genuinely delighted to connect with the fans who loved the character she helped create.
Her work on Peter Pan was as unconventional as it was inspired. She auditioned by choreographing a three-and-a-half minute pantomime at home, brought her own record player to the Disney lot, and spent months moving around a vast soundstage in a bathing suit with no co-stars, no dialogue, and almost no props… just her imagination and her dancer’s instincts. Marc Davis and the animators did the rest.
Tink never spoke in the film, but Margaret more than made up for that in personality. Feisty, warm, and endlessly charming, she was everything the character suggested.
She lived 97 full years and left behind three children and a legacy that will literally never go dark.
The Walt Disney Family Museum interview embedded below lets Margaret tell her own story in her own words…
Our love and condolences to Margaret’s family, friends, and all the millions who loved her from afar.
In Case You Missed It
If you read the Disneyland Update as soon as it drops each Monday morning, you may have missed a bit of later-breaking MiceChat news about Disneyland parking.
The parking lot on Manchester, used by Cast Members and Team Disney Anaheim employees, will close in June or July to make way for a new parking structure and Harbor gateway to the parks. Disneyland has yet to make any official announcement about the timeline, but permits have been filed with the city and we expect work to start soon.
The parking structure will be built behind the Harbor Blvd hotels with a pedestrian bridge connecting it to the Esplanade, where a new gateway will welcome guests as they cross the bridge.
All of this is part of the long-discussed DisneylandForward project, which will ultimately rework several areas, particularly on the fringes of the resort.
Disney will likely make public statements about all of this soon, as they generally do once info starts to leak.
If you aren’t familiar with DisneylandForward and what it might mean for the Disneyland Resort, we encourage you to read our article, which we have continued to update since the project was first announced:
DisneylandForward… Moving Forward, Here’s What You Need To Know!
MiceChat Parking Offer
And speaking of parking… MiceChat has worked out a great parking deal at the Anaheim Hotel on Harbor Blvd. You can park for $5 less than at the Mickey and Friends parking structure and just walk across the street to the parks (space permitting).
Save this image and take to the front desk at the hotel to pay and get a parking pass for the day:
All-American Treats
Disney chefs have cooked up a selection of red, white, and blue treats to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.
Plus, a new Sam Eagle Bucket will be available starting June 30 (Limit two per person, per transaction), and a new 250th Celebration Dipped Mickey Bar will be available at Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream starting July 2.
Available now in Disneyland Park:
- NEW Apple Pie Dip at the churros carts near Town Square and Sleeping Beauty Castle
- NEW Non-Alcoholic Rocket Soda ($8.29) at Refreshment Corner (mobile ordering available)
Available now in Disney California Adventure Park:
- NEW Apple Pie Churro at Willie’s Churro
- NEW Non-Alcoholic Red, White & Blue Punch ($7.79) at Smokejumpers Grill (mobile ordering available)
Available Now at Candy Locations Throughout the Resort:
- NEW S’mores Marshmallow Wand
- NEW Patriotic Mickey Caramel Apple
- NEW Clarabelle Cow Caramel Apple (only available at Trolley Treats)
You’ll find a variety of red, white & blue treats all over the Disneyland Resort.
Disney on the Yard: Yardfest 2026
Celebrate the spirit and traditions of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) this Friday, June 19, with drum majors, the high-energy Texas Southern University Ocean of Soul Drumline, and, of course, Drum Major Mickey Mouse.
Yardfest 2026 will take place at the Downtown Disney Live! Stage from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., with showtimes at 5:30 p.m., 7 p.m., and 8:15 p.m. No theme park admission is required.
FUN FACT: Drum Major Mickey Mouse was trained by 6 HBCU drum majors to ensure his high knees and back bend are on point.
Yardfest Food & Beverages at Parkside Market:
- Royal Court Latte
- Frozen Strawberry Yard-Ade
- Red Velvet Reunion Whoopie Pie
- Homecoming Fried Chicken Sliders
- The Yard Cocktail (Strawberry Hennessy, Grand Marnier, Bergamot and Lemon)
Guests can also play DJ and host trivia for the chance to win fun prizes, including a Disney on the Yard Powerpack, snag a souvenir Disney on the Yard – 5 Years hand fan (which will definitely come in handy this summer), and challenge family and friends to giant yard games.
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Logo Mania
A colorful new Logo Mania merchandise collection features four jewel-toned groups, each showcasing a signature theme park element on headwear, accessories, plush, souvenirs, home items, jewelry, and wearables.
The Logo Mania Collection is available at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World.
Emerald Green Collection
The emerald green collection conjures images of Adventureland’s lush tropical landscape from the Jungle Cruise to the Enchanted Tiki Room.
The signature park element for the Tiki Tiki Tiki Room collection is (what else?) a Tiki bird:
Fantasyland Feels
The perfectly pink collection makes us feel as bubbly as a twirl in a teacup.
Park Hopper (Limited-Time Release)
The signature park element for the Park Hopper collection is an orange monorail:
The bright orange collection is just as bouncy as Tigger.
Last Day of Trip Blues
The signature park element for the Last Day of Trip Blues is a Disney balloon:
The cobalt blue collection finally validates that end of the trip blues are a very real thing.
The FOMO collection…
If you’re planning a visit to Walt Disney World, two additional limited-time colors are only available in Orlando: The yellow Popcorn on Main Street collection and the ebony Parks After Dark collection. Hey, Disney, what gives? Why can’t we have these two colors as well?
RELATED MERCHANDISE READING:
- Disney’s Moana x ALOHA Collection Makes a Splash
- Toy Story 5 Merchandise Highlights: Topps Chrome Cards, Disney Store, Lorcana, & More!
- Disney Store Japan Plushes Arrive in the US: Giant Donald Duck Leads New Releases
Constructionland
“Constructionland” is a permanent fixture in these updates because Disneyland is a continual work in progress. And with DisneylandForward finally heating up, we have decades of major construction still ahead of us.
Downtown Disney
We have a fun look at the Earl of Sandwich and the Carnaby Tavern today… which looks even closer to completion.
While there are a few final touches to be applied, this complex is all but done. The light fixtures, tables, chairs, and kitchens have all been installed… won’t be too much longer until we start seeing some testing and previews.
Speaking of all but done, the new sculptures on the exterior of the LEGO Store have been installed… but something is still holding up the full reveal… likely the glass fences and pavement around the new sculptures.
But not everything is moving fast. Portos is stuck in the empty lot stage…
As are the steakhouse and BBQ at the center of Downtown Disney.
Disneyland
While we’d love to see a big Tomorrowland project underway… it’s only smaller projects and refurbishments at Disneyland right now…
The Fantastic water screen and fountain refurb has taken a few weeks for just one of the three segments… which allows the show to still operate, with just one visual dead spot.
Pirates of the Caribbean is undergoing an extensive refurbishment. There could be a surprise or two when it opens.
And the seating expansion at the Hungry Bear has resulted in a tight walkway into Galaxy’s Edge.
Trees will provide the bulk of the shade in the new downstairs seating area.
And the Disneyland Railroad is refurbishing the Grand Canyon and Primeval World. And, while the windows are blacked out, they’ve got animal and dinosaur images posted on the windows to provide a little something to see in the long tunnel.
When the 206-foot diorama was opened in 1958, Disney claimed it was the longest in the world.
California Adventure
The real action is happening at DCA… where THREE new attractions are in the works… Including a new Coco attraction which is taking shape behind Paradise Gardens and the west parade gate.
The Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind is getting closer to reopening…
And two new attractions continue to assemble in Avengers Campus…
A new bathroom is going up between the new attractions and Cars Land. A bit of theme has already gone up on the Cars Land side of the concrete structure.
Disneyland Blues
We may sound like a broken record, but the increasingly dead roof on Ray’s Beret’s in Bayou Country is a real eyesore, especially compared to the rest of the green (and sometimes plastic) Bayou Country. When this was still Critter Country, the roof was covered in ferns… which were much more resilient and could handle rain and drought.
Disneyland Refurbishment Calendar (updated 6/13/26)
The Big news is Inside Out finally has a return date of June 18, and Buzz Lightyear has finally reopened.
Currently Under Refurbishment
- Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind: January 5 – June 17
- Silly Symphony Swings: April 27 – TBA
- Pirates of the Caribbean: May 4 – TBA
Upcoming Refurbishments
- King Arthur Carrousel: July 5 -16
- Frontierland Shootin’ Exposition: July 5 – TBA
- Matterhorn Bobsleds: July 20 – 23
REOPENED!
After a lengthy refurbishment, Buzz Lightyear has reopened… but, aside from a repainted exterior and refurbished ride vehicles, there’s not much else to note here. The exterior still has some scaffolding and scrims. One of our staff members commented that the solid white front of the building looks so boring that it must just be a primer coat until the details are painted in later… we hope that’s true.
This & That
There’s still a bit more for you… including some fun video…
MiceChat Live @ Five
We had some trouble with our Facebook stream this week, but not to worry, our Live was still posted to YouTube… and you won’t want to miss this one. Dusty was joined by actor and influencer @ItsGustavoAdventures, who shares stories with us about his latest travels and experiences in the parks. It’s a really fun show.
Follow MiceChat on Facebook & YouTube for lots of great news and videos.
Disneyland Ticket Tracker
Yes, friends, tickets are still available for Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite on June 16 and 18, but tickets also go on sale this week for Oogie Boogie Bash.
Here’s what you need to know about the Oogie Boogie Bash Ticket Sales:
- June 16 – Pre-sale for Inspire Key holders
- June 17 – Pre-sale for Believe, Explore, Enchant, and Imagine Key holders
- June 18 – Tickets on sale to the general public
The waiting room for sales opens at approximately 8:45 a.m. Pacific Time, with sales starting no earlier than 9 a.m. Pacific Time.
Tickets have been known to sell out fast (especially for Halloween night), so if you definitely want to go, be sure to log on as early as you can.
Just a few spots are still available for Trader Sam’s Mixology Seminars on the following dates and times (as of June 11):
- June 22 at 4 p.m. (only 1 spot left)
- July 20 at 9 p.m. (only 4 spots left)
- July 24 at 3 p.m., 5 p.m., and 10 p.m. (only 4 spots left for each time)
The 45-minute class costs $183 per adult age 21+ (plus tax and gratuity), and includes a 1.5-hour reception with appetizers and one cocktail (nonalcoholic option available on request). All participants will receive a Trader Sam’s 15th Anniversary mug to take home.
Magic Key Map Activity
Maps will be at Disneyana on Main Street U.S.A. during regular operating hours from June 26 through July 24 (while supplies last).
Important Information:
- Limit of one per Magic Key holder
- Magic Key holder must present a valid Magic Key pass to participate and must be present at the time of redemption
Mickey’s Park Rangers
If you’ve been looking for a way to get your kids off their screens and onto Tom Sawyer Island, Mickey’s Park Rangers may be your way to entice them. This free scavenger hunt booklet is part of this summer’s Kids Rule activities, and it’s really well done… and not too easy.
Grab the booklet near the raft docks (or at select retail locations on the west side of the park) and head out through Frontierland, Tom Sawyer Island, New Orleans Square, and Bayou Country, collecting up to five physical stamps from cast members along the way. Complete the booklet, find a Ranger Reward Spot, and walk away with a Master Ranger Badge keepsake sticker.
Worth knowing: this isn’t a quick activity. Completion times can take anywhere from two to four-plus hours, and some puzzles lean more logic-heavy than you’d expect. Younger kids will likely need some help. But it costs nothing, covers some of the most underappreciated real estate in Disneyland, and gives kids something to focus on besides the wait times. Well worth the raft ride!
Spooky Movie Nights
Halloween Movie Nights are returning to the Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage this fall, with free screenings on September 9, 16, 23 & 30 and October 7, 14, 21 & 28.
Movie titles have not been announced, but we won’t be surprised to see “Hocus Pocus” and “Nightmare Before Christmas” on the schedule.
Star Sighting
Tom Hanks (Woody) and Conan O’Brien (Smarty Pants) stopped by Pixar Pier last week to hang out with a few of their pals from “Toy Story 5,” which debuts in theaters this Friday.
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Guests can meet the characters in their new accessories at a new photo op for a limited time.
Next MiceChat Adventure: Pacific Coast & Alaska Back-to-Back
If you’ve been waiting for an excuse to finally do Alaska, this is it. MiceChat is sailing from San Diego to Vancouver (May 6-10, 2027), and for those who want more, the fun continues straight into Alaska (May 10-17, 2027). Do one leg, do both, and plenty of us are booking the same stateroom for the full run.
The Pacific Coast sailing hugs some genuinely beautiful coastline before depositing everyone in Vancouver, which is worth a few hours of wandering on its own. The Alaska leg hits Ketchikan, Skagway, and Juneau, plus a pass by the Stikine Icecap, the kind of scenery that makes you wonder why you’ve waited so long to make this journey.
Traveling with MiceChat means the people at your dinner table already share your Disney obsession, and shore excursions happen with a group that’s genuinely fun to be around. You’ll disembark with friendships you didn’t expect.
Bookings go through Teresa Cory at [email protected], and that’s the only way to get in on the group rates and MiceChat activities. Come join us!
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.
These tours are infrequent and very popular. Just a few spots remain for some of the tour times, with others already sold out. Act fast!
Tours are available on June 27, July 11, and July 25th.
🎟️ Book Walt Disney Storybook Mansion Tour Tickets HERE
You can now follow the Walt Disney Storybook Mansion on Instagram.
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Let’s Hear From You!
It’s been a bittersweet week. Margaret Kerry gave Tinker Bell her spark, and the world is a little dimmer without her. Autopia is running out of runway, and whatever replaces those gas-powered cars will say a lot about how seriously Disney takes Tomorrowland’s promise. Meanwhile, the resort itself is in the middle of a genuine transformation, with three new attractions taking shape at DCA, and DisneylandForward just beginning to reshape the resort in ways we’ll be talking about for years.
Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
