June Gloom has burned off, and Southern California’s summer heat has arrived. But unlike in years past, the crowds haven’t followed.
July is traditionally one of Disneyland’s busiest months, yet attendance has remained noticeably light so far. Budget-busting prices may be part of the reason. That could also explain why Disneyland’s limited $59 Evening Ticket sold out so quickly, and why another deeply discounted ticket offer is arriving this week.
We also have news about what’s sticking around for Disneyland’s 71st birthday, new tenants arriving in Downtown Disney, and, as always, plenty of construction walls.
Breaking: Gordon Ramsay’s The Carnaby Opens Today
The wait is over. Gordon Ramsay’s The Carnaby, the celebrity chef’s first Disneyland Resort restaurant, officially opens today in Downtown Disney. Perched above the new Earl of Sandwich, the British-inspired gastropub features three distinct dining environments, including a stylish outdoor terrace and a lively bar, all wrapped in plush, Carnaby Street-inspired interiors.
On the menu: Chef Ramsay’s signature Beef Wellington, sticky toffee pudding, and the fish and chips a lucky friend of ours has already declared a must-order.
Given the buzz surrounding Downtown Disney’s biggest restaurant debut yet, walk-up availability is likely to be scarce. Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made via OpenTable — we’d suggest booking now if you’re hoping to try the Wellington anytime soon.
Friends were able to preview the new establishment the other day and enjoyed the ambiance and the must-try Beef Wellington. But the sleeper hit with them was the Fish and Chips.
Here’s the full menu:
Disneyland’s 71st
This Friday, July 17, is Disneyland’s 71st birthday, and while it’s certainly a less momentous milestone than last year, the resort-wide 70th celebration is actually continuing for another three weeks when it will finally wrap up on August 9. But the 70th-anniversary entertainment is not going away altogether… at least not yet. And a returning spectacular is joining the chat.
The Paint the Night parade and Wondrous Journeys nighttime spectacular will continue until August 20. Plus, World of Color – ONE from Disney’s 100th celebration will return to California Adventure for a limited time from August 10 through Halloween Time, which ends on October 31.
Tourist Trouble
For decades, July meant one thing at Disneyland: crowds. Schools were out, family vacations were in full swing, and the resort typically rolled out its biggest entertainment lineup of the year while postponing most major refurbishments until the slower months.
This summer feels different.
Disneyland has plenty working in its favor. The 70th Anniversary celebration continues, operating hours are long, there’s more entertainment, and families are on summer vacation. Under normal circumstances, those ingredients would produce packed walkways and long waits. Instead, attendance has remained noticeably lighter than many longtime visitors would expect for the middle of July.
Disney appears to be responding.
Little more than a week ago, the resort quickly introduced a limited-time $59 Evening Ticket, and guests snapped them up almost immediately. The first discounted evening took place on Sunday, bringing a welcome bump in attendance after 5 p.m. at Disney California Adventure and after 7 p.m. at Disneyland. Even then, the parks never felt especially crowded, and daytime attendance remained light.
So what’s changed?
In the years following the pandemic, Disneyland deliberately reshaped its business model. The Magic Key program reduced passholder availability during many peak periods, single-day ticket prices climbed dramatically, and optional upcharges such as Lightning Lane became a larger part of the guest experience. The strategy initially worked, creating less crowded parks while increasing revenue per guest.
But that balance appears to be shifting. Higher prices, economic uncertainty, softer international tourism, and changing travel habits have combined to put pressure on summer attendance. The encouraging news for Disney is that interest doesn’t appear to have vanished. The almost immediate sellout of the $59 Evening Ticket suggests guests are still eager to visit when the price feels right.
That may explain why another discounted ticket offer is arriving this week. Anaheim residents will soon have access to one of the lowest-priced Disneyland tickets we’ve seen in years. It will be interesting to see whether this targeted approach is enough to bring more guests through the gates as summer continues.
Anaheim Resident Ticket Offer
If you blinked and missed Disneyland’s $59 Evening Ticket, and you live in Anaheim, there’s another low-priced summer ticket headed your way.
The offer arrives as Disneyland works to boost softer-than-expected summer attendance and prepares for years of major construction around the resort. Whether it is also intended as a gesture of goodwill toward nearby residents, Anaheim locals will soon have access to some of the lowest Disneyland ticket prices offered in years.
The limited-time 1-Day ticket will be available for purchase online beginning July 16, 2026, for visits from July 20 through October 8, 2026. Park reservations are required.
Special Anaheim Resident Ticket Pricing
Adult Tickets (Ages 10+)
- 1-Day, 1-Park Ticket: $71
- 1-Day Park Hopper Ticket: $104
Kids Tickets (Ages 3 to 9)
- 1-Day, 1-Park Ticket: $50
- 1-Day Park Hopper Ticket: $50 (the same price!)
Lightning Lane Multi Pass may be added for an additional cost.
Know Before You Go:
- The offer is available only to Anaheim residents living within ZIP codes 92801 through 92809, 92812, 92814 through 92817, 92825, 92850, and 92899. Proof of eligible residency is required.
- Tickets are valid for visits beginning July 20, 2026, and expire October 8, 2026.
- Theme park reservations are required and are subject to availability.
The offer comes as construction activity around the resort continues to grow. Work is already underway on the Avengers Campus expansion and the new Coco-themed attraction, while additional projects connected to DisneylandForward are expected to begin soon.
Those projects include a new parking structure, transportation hub, entrance plaza, and the all-new Avatar-themed land planned for Disney California Adventure.
Downtown Disney Boom
Downtown Disney’s transformation continues at a rapid pace, and the district’s biggest restaurant debut yet appears to be just around the corner. While construction crews remain busy across the shopping and dining district, new restaurants, specialty food concepts, and entertainment continue to arrive at an impressive pace.
More New Additions
Gordon Ramsay (featured at top) isn’t the only new flavor arriving in Downtown Disney.
Big Boi Lumpia is now serving sweet and savory Filipino lumpia. During last week’s MiceChat Live, we sampled the chicken, pork, and seasonal apple pie varieties, and we’d happily order all three again.
Happy Ice has also joined the district, serving Philadelphia-style Italian ice made with real fruit, pure cane sugar, and premium ingredients. Everything is dairy free.
We tried the Rainbow Rocket, Happy Ice’s signature treat that combines every flavor on the menu into one colorful cup. It’s a refreshing option for a hot summer afternoon.
Jamba Out, Bopo Go! In
After 23 years in Downtown Disney, Jamba (formerly Jamba Juice) has permanently closed.
Its replacement reflects the district’s continuing evolution. Bopo Go!, a brand-new concept created by the team behind Bopomofo Café specifically for Downtown Disney, will bring an Asian convenience store-inspired experience to the resort.
According to Disney, Bopo Go! will serve authentic boba and bubble tea made with real fruit, vegetables, lactose-free milk, oat milk, cane or brown sugar, and no artificial ingredients.
Bubble Fun
As if bubble wands weren’t already taking over Disneyland, Downtown Disney is adding even more bubbles through August 16 with the Bubbles Experience, featuring scheduled bubble moments and DJ entertainment throughout the day and evening.
- Daytime Bubble Moments: 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m., 5 p.m.
- Nighttime Bubble Moments: 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 9:30 p.m., 10:20 p.m.
Nearby, you’ll also find a Sofia the First: Royal Magic photo opportunity.
Constructionland
We can see [walls] for miles and miles and miles and miles and miles…
Downtown Disney
As Dusty headed into Downtown Disney during last Thursday’s MiceChat Live, we could see how truly massive the Porto’s construction wall is, stretching all the way from World of Disney to the California Adventure gates.
Behind the walls, crews are working on the new dining location, which will include Porto’s very first table-service restaurant.
We’re also finally starting to see active work behind the other expanse of wall on what will eventually become Arthur and Son’s Steakhouse and Pearl’s Roadside BBQ.
Disneyland
The Frontierland Shootin’ Exposition is down for refurbishment. This time around, the standard tan canvas scrims actually match the theme of the surrounding area.
California Adventure
The changes at the Avengers Campus expansion work site are incremental, but plenty of work is being done behind the scenes.
And, next to the future attractions, a new bathroom facility is going up.
We also checked in on the Coco construction, which is still in the early stages on the far west side of DCA.
At some point, that road you see at center will need to go away or be rerouted.
When it’s complete, the new boat ride (the first attraction themed to Coco) will take guests into the land of the dead with Miguel.
Disneyland Refurbishment Calendar (updated 7/10/26)
Currently Under Refurbishment
- Silly Symphony Swings: April 27 – TBA
- King Arthur Carrousel: July 6 – 16
- Frontierland Shootin’ Exposition: July 6 – TBA
Upcoming Refurbishments
- Matterhorn Bobsleds: July 20 – 23
- Chiller at Paradise Park: July 26 – TBA
- Haunted Mansion – Holiday Install: August 8 – 20
- Main Street Cinema: August 10 – TBA
Character Collection
We’ve been spotting a lot of characters out and about the last few weeks. Roaming characters is one of the things we love most about Disneyland (as opposed to Walt Disney World where guests often have to wait in long queues to meet them).
We also spotted our furry friend, Dug from “Up,” at Pixar Place Hotel.
And in case you’ve been wondering what happened to Bug’s Land…
Ant-Man is keeping it in a jar… and some of the elements inside actually move!
Look close and you might just spot the 4-leaf clover!
This & That
Live @ Five
Dusty, Jeffrey, Ando, Eric and friends had quite the journey this week. They start high above Tomorrowland and work their way the new Carnaby Tavern in Downtown Disney. You’ll want to join them for news, conversation, thoughts, arguments, and a whole lot of Disney fun.
Port Royal Returns
The Port Royal shop in New Orleans Square has reverted back to a shop, and this time, it’s filled to the purple-painted rafters with Halloween merch… and adult costumes!
Check out our fully updated guide for all the spooky 2026 Halloween shopping:
Disney Halloween Merchandise 2026 Rolls In: Villains, Nightmare Before Christmas, Mansion & More!
Did You Know?
For a limited time, kids (and kids at heart) can attend a complimentary lightsaber-building experience at Savi’s Workshop in Galaxy’s Edge?!
During the Youngling Saber Building Expo – A Loth-Cat Crew Experience, guests can construct a lightsaber and become the newest members of the Loth-Cat Crew.
This offering is an interactive experience only; a lightsaber is not included, but participants have the option to purchase one at the end of the experience.
- The complimentary Youngling Saber Building Expo has walk-up availability daily from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (subject to capacity).
- The reservable paid experience for Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers is available daily from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Magic Key License Plate Frame
From July 16 through July 26), Magic Key holders can stop into Star Wars Launch Bay from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. and pick up a special Magic Key License Plate Frame inspired by Magic Key Road Trip Year, a celebration of park-filled adventures (while supplies last).
Magic Key holders, with a Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park reservation, will have the opportunity to join the virtual queue at noon for that day. You’ll receive a push notification when your boarding group is called with the designated return window time for you to check in at Star Wars Launch Bay.
And speaking of license plates…
The state of California has started a waiting list for a special Disneyland-themed license plate benefiting the state’s Children’s Hospitals program. You can join the interest list HERE.
Disney & Formula 1 Support Make-A-Wish
Disney and Formula 1 have partnered with Make-A-Wish by creating two custom racing helmets designed by Bret Iwan (the official voice of Mickey Mouse), with creative direction from Bobby Kim , Global Creative Director, Disney Consumer Products.
Each helmet features a matte black base with high-gloss graphic elements, red and yellow accents, Mickey Mouse artwork, and Formula 1 branding. A Make-A-Wish star also appears as a trailing sparkle just behind Mickey’s shoe. Each helmet is paired with a custom presentation box, featuring a plexiglass case and a certificate of authenticity signed by both Iwan and Kim.
The first helmet was signed by more than 20 Formula 1 drivers during the 2026 Formula 1 British Grand Prix weekend at Silverstone, and will be auctioned via F1 Authentics. Auction sign-up began on July 7, with bidding live from July 11-18. Net proceeds from the auction will benefit Make-A-Wish International.
You can bid on the one-of-a-kind helmet HERE.
The second helmet will be showcased at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, taking place August 14-16, 2026, in Anaheim.
You can read more about the partnership between Disney and Formula 1 here:
Disney Teams with Formula 1 Racing to “Fuel the Magic” in Las Vegas
Disneyland Ticket Tracker
As we mentioned, the new Disneyland 1-Park $59 Evening Ticket has completely sold out. We don’t know yet if additional dates (or additional availability on existing dates) will be added, so be sure to keep an eye out if you’re hoping to snag one of these reduced-price tickets.
Oogie Boogie Bash tickets have slowed, with only 6 of the 33 party dates sold out: August 23, September 6, October 4, October 11, October 18, and of course, October 31. 🎃 Tickets range in price from $139 to to $189 per person.
Tickets are also still available for D23 Night at Oogie Boogie Bash on September 27 for $169 per person. You must be a D23 member to purchase tickets, but it’s free to join.
DVC Club Closure
Starting July 27, the DVC Star View Station member lounge in Tomorrowland will temporarily close for routine maintenance. The lounge is scheduled to reopen in fall 2026.
Members can visit a temporary lounge space inside Starcade (near the exit of Space Mountain) for comfortable seating, complimentary beverages, and snacks. The temporary lounge will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (subject to change).
Wondering if DVC is right for you? Check out our guide here:
Born For The Job
Meet new Disneyland horse, Houston. If you look closely, you can see Houston has a tiny white Disneyland “D” on his flank.
Be sure to say hello when you see Houston on Main Street U.S.A.
Furry Farewell
You may have seen Benny at his post, where he’s worked as a security cast member for the last six years, but now it’s time for retirement… Did we mention that Benny’s a dog?
Benny worked on Disneyland’s team of 28 security dogs—and just like human cast members, they get a name tag and ID badge. But not every dog can be a Disneyland security dog, and pups go through rigorous training at an off-site facility before reporting for duty at The Happiest Place on Earth.
Next MiceChat Adventure: Pacific Coast & Alaska Back-to-Back
If you’ve been waiting for an excuse to finally visit 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… 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.
If you’ve never cruised Alaska, it’s difficult to appreciate just how dramatic the scenery is until you’re there. Towering glaciers, wildlife, and charming port towns make it one of Disney Cruise Line’s most memorable itineraries.
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.
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!
MiceShots
Follow MiceChat on social: MiceChat Facebook Page, MiceChat Facebook Group, MiceChat Instagram, MiceChat Threads, MiceChat X, MiceChat YouTube
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Let’s Hear From You!
Are you willing to brave the heat if it means lower crowds? And what do you think about Disneyland offering such limited-availability for the Evening Ticket? Should they add more dates (or more availability on the dates they already offered)? Or should an Evening Ticket be offered throughout the hot summer months?
And will you be visiting the Resort this Friday to wish Disneyland a happy 71st birthday? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
First?
Gordon Ramsay’s / Downtown Disney .. where the outside is California Stucco and the inside is very very Faux British (and so is the food) aka that’s not the Carnaby Street I remember 😆
Disneyland turns 71 … and Tomorrowland still looks incomplete – awful – underused – dying (sorry I can’t sugar coat the truth – it’s as bad as Knott’s trying to figuring out if MonteZOOMa is ready, or not!) 🙄
It’s too hot 🥵and you either have lots of shade (especially for queue lines), along with affordable means of keep hydrating (and bathroom breaks access), or it’s not worth the money in this economy (I’m going to credit Knott’s for that souvenir cup which I keep cheaply refilling + bathroom access – they still need to work on more shade, too).
How depressing to see all those Construction Scrims, no Shooting Gallery in Frontierland and I still don’t see enough in Disney California Adventure that screams “pay for admission” (not until they finish all that ‘new rides and attractions’ business) As a Yearly Passholder for Knott’s? Each year I offer constructive criticism there from ‘are we giving up on that Native American experience?’ to ‘isn’t it time for a multi level parking structure with tram?’ (lots of growth at Knott’s but in order to meet the demand? parking must be improved).
I do feel that a flume ride for CoCo is the BEST choice 🪅
I’m grateful for the ‘roaming Cast Members in Character’ (in Calico at Knott’s? they win over Disneyland and I truly feel that Team Disney Anaheim needs to take a look and see where they can duplicate this experience aka try harder with the live entertainment you cheapskates – but make sure they get several breaks during the day!)
F1 is such as negative experience on us folks in Southern Nevada that the less you say it (and endorse it) the better – just saying!
As always, the pictures and videos are wonderful, I owe one more trip to Disneyland when I turn 60 … and then close the door (unless we can agree upon a very deep Senior Discount for Out of Towners who only want to go between 6 p.m. – 12 a.m. and will be fine doing 8 rides / attractions that won’t mess with your neuropathy!)
now I know why there is no discussion here, logging in has become a P.I.T.A.