DISNEYLAND UPDATE – Tomorrowland Troubles, The Vanishing Act, & A Parkwide Potty Panic

Despite the fact that most schools are still on summer break, there’s been a noticeable lull in attendance at the Disneyland Resort, most likely due to a combination of high temperatures and many Magic Key holders being blocked out. And a quiet park has a way of showing you things you’d otherwise walk right past in the crowd… closed carts, reduced offerings, and a Tomorrowland out of step with time.

That last one is our big story this week. Broken new neon, an abandoned construction project at the entry to the land, and a PeopleMover track that has been collecting leaves for decades. And those are just the little problems. With D23 just over a week away, we’re asking whether Disney is finally ready to do something about it, and digging into what could be lost in the bargain.

Don’t get used to those short lines, though. There’s only one more week to celebrate Disneyland’s 70th anniversary, D23 lands at the Anaheim Convention Center on August 14, and Halloween Time follows the week after that. If you’ve been enjoying the low waits, your window is closing fast.

In the meantime, Oogie Boogie Bash dessert party tickets go on sale this week, and Magic Key holders who are able to visit can take advantage of special popcorn pricing. We’ve also got exciting news to share about the MiceChat booth at D23.

But first, time is running out for those special 70th anniversary activations…

Disappearing Act

With Disneyland’s 70th anniversary celebration officially coming to an end after this weekend (August 9th is the last day), many of the things you’ve come to enjoy at the resort over the last year and a half will start to disappear. Some things, like the castle icon in the Esplanade, are already removed.

The icon sculptures will follow quickly behind as Disneyland prepares for the Halloween season ahead.

But there are a few things you might not be thinking about, such as the 70th anniversary plastic key activations… you know the ones… insert that big plastic key into the locks located around the resort and watch bubbles shoot out. Eventually, if you do it all right (or cheat by pressing a secret button), your key reveals a single pin. Those key spots will also start to disappear. The keys themselves were heavily discounted for months and then suddenly removed from store shelves overnight a few weeks ago. 

And the keys won’t be alone. MagicBand activations were also installed across the resort, many of which made a special sound, revealed some whimsical animation, or even spit out a souvenir ticket. Strangely, Disneyland decided to discontinue sales of MagicBands just months after installing all those special touchpoints. But we’re hearing that the resort has considered the pros and cons of maintaining these MagicBand touchpoints, and they’ll also likely be decommissioned in the months ahead.

There are special MagicBand activations in each of the park’s original lands, including on Tilly the ticket taker’s booth in front of Main Street Cinema. If you want to try them before they’re gone, note that Main Street Cinema is scheduled for refurbishment August 10–22.

Others are to the right of the Jungle Cruise entrance in Adventureland, along the wooden walkway between Pioneer Mercantile and the Golden Horseshoe in Frontierland (there are actually 3 here), and across from the Autopia entrance in Tomorrowland.

A post shared by MiceChat (@micechat)

The Fantasyland experience is along the path on the left side of the castle. You won’t get a ticket, but watch what happens!

A post shared by MiceChat (@micechat)

In a bit of good Disneyland 70th anniversary news, you can buy almost all of the remaining merchandise for 50% off, and if you’re a Magic Key holder, your discount still applies! 

A post shared by MiceMerch (@micemerch)

But not everything is disappearing after this coming weekend… the Paint the Night Parade and Wondrous Journeys Fireworks have been extended through August 20, with Halloween entertainment starting the next day. 

Tomorrowland Blues

Last Thursday, we noticed some of the neon tubing in Tomorrowland was already askew, just weeks after the building emerged from a lengthy refurbishment. It was a small problem, but also a fitting symbol for a land that has been neglected for far too long.

The new entrance to Tomorrowland from the hub remains only half-finished. Disney removed the infamous “French fry” rocks during the pandemic, but apparently that is where the project ended.

For those who have forgotten, this is what the old rockwork looked like. It was not exactly a timeless design, but at least it concealed the equipment that is now stuck behind a collection of ugly construction walls.

And this is the new entrance Disney originally planned and posted in the park:

Unfortunately, what guests have today is the forever wall, a daily reminder of a relatively modest project that Disney never completed.

It is time for Disney to either disguise these walls with substantial tall landscaping or finally finish the job. There are affordable, nostalgic ways to make this sad little garden presentable while everyone waits for a larger Tomorrowland project.

An homage to Disneyland’s original Clock of the World could be a hopeful and heartfelt way to improve the entrance while reconnecting the land with its earliest days.

Disney could also go bigger and create a proper entry icon, similar to the one at Hong Kong Disneyland’s Tomorrowland. It could serve as both a photo opportunity and a much more attractive barrier around the equipment currently hidden behind the forever wall.

But the most glaring reminder of Tomorrowland’s better days remains the abandoned PeopleMover tracks and loading platform, which have been left to decay for decades. The broken Orbitron sculpture sitting above it does not exactly improve the picture.

The PeopleMover tracks are still there, serving no purpose beyond collecting leaves and reminding longtime fans what the land once offered.

Rumors, Speculation, and a Tomorrowland Wish List

With D23 now just over a week away, this is the point where rumors begin flying faster than a PeopleMover once did.

So, let us be very clear before proceeding: Disney has not announced a Tomorrowland overhaul, and none of what follows should be treated as confirmed. What we have heard is a mixture of unsubstantiated industry chatter, informed speculation, and a healthy dose of our own hopes for the land. In other words, keep the salt shaker nearby.

We would love to hear Disney announce a major Tomorrowland project at D23. Some of the possibilities being discussed among fans and whispered about behind the scenes would be extremely popular, including the restoration of the original Mary Blair murals and, against all odds, some form of PeopleMover revival.

Other possibilities could be far more controversial.

We have heard unconfirmed chatter about sweeping changes to the back of the land, potentially involving the Submarine Lagoon and even the Matterhorn. Could Disney remove the lagoon? Could the Matterhorn be rebuilt or substantially altered? Those ideas may be under consideration, but there is no announced plan, timeline, or guarantee that either will happen.

Still, the fact that such dramatic possibilities are even plausible illustrates why a new Tomorrowland has taken so long to finalize. This is not a simple repainting project.

Space Mountain is an icon. Star Tours remains popular. But those attractions are surrounded by aging buildings with increasingly complicated maintenance needs.

The Carousel Theater building cannot last forever and will eventually require a major decision. Despite making one of the largest visual statements in the land, most guests cannot access it as an attraction. It now houses a Disney Vacation Club lounge and educational programs rather than a major public experience.

The Starcade is abandoned, currently serving only as a temporary home for the Disney Vacation Club lounge while its Carousel Building space is refurbished. The PeopleMover platform is empty. The land has become a patchwork of competing eras, abandoned infrastructure, temporary uses, and disconnected design ideas.

That is a dramatic contrast to the elegant and cohesive Tomorrowland that debuted in 1967.

Our greatest concern involves the Submarine Lagoon and Matterhorn.

There is a reason the Matterhorn requires frequent refurbishments and experiences so much downtime. The attraction is old, technically challenging, and difficult to maintain. At some point, Disney will need to make a major decision: rebuild it, as the company did with Space Mountain between 2003 and 2005, or replace it with something else.

Replacing it could also put the nearby Submarine Voyage at risk. Modern Disney attractions generally require enormous show buildings and generous backstage footprints. Imagineering rarely builds major attractions into tight, complicated spaces anymore, even though some of Disneyland’s most beloved rides, including the Matterhorn and Fantasyland dark rides, succeed precisely because they make clever use of limited space.

That is the difficult position Disney now faces. A genuine Tomorrowland overhaul would likely bring exciting new attractions and at least a little nostalgia to reassure longtime fans. It could also require sweeping changes to solve structural and operational problems that cannot be postponed indefinitely.

Not every fan will agree on what should stay, what should go, or what Tomorrowland ought to become. But nearly everyone can agree that the current condition of the land is not good enough. 

After years of delays, abandoned projects, temporary walls, and infrastructure left decaying in plain sight, Disney does not need to reveal every attraction or commit to every detail at this D23. But it would be encouraging to hear the company finally acknowledge that a new Tomorrowland is being developed.

Tomorrow has been put off long enough.

D23 News

The official map and directory for the D23 Show Floor at the Anaheim Convention Center have been released, with some of the largest spaces dedicated to shopping as well as the popular Imagineering pavilion in Hall C. Disney+ and Hulu are dominating the landscape in Hall A, though we predict the Bluey Movie booth will attract a lot of attention.

But Hall D will be the place to be, because that’s where MiceChat’s booth (C4 on the map) will be located. This year, MiceChat presents “A Walk in Walt’s Footsteps,” from his humble Chicago birthplace, to the Los Feliz bungalow where he launched the Disney Studios with his brother Roy, to his Hollywood Hills Storybook Mansion where he raised his family and made his first full-length feature films.

We will be located in the heart of Walt Disney’s history next to the Disney Archives experience, The Walt Disney Family Museum booth, and the Disney Legends photo op… and we’ll also have a few legends of our own, including:

• Walt Disney’s granddaughter Joanna and great-grandson Nicholas
• Disney Legends Floyd Norman, Tom Nabbe, and Bob Gurr
• Former head of Disney Imagineering Bob Weis, joined by Imagineers Eric Robison, Tom Morris, Matt McKim, and Tania Norris
• Film critic Leonard Maltin
• Wizard of Animatronics Garner Holt
• And more surprise guests, experiences, and opportunities

We’re just inside the doorway to Hall D, so please stop by and say hello. 

Heinz Flavor Ferry

Last week, we told you about the new partnership between Disney and Heinz, which will officially kick off next week during D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. Honestly, we’re not really sure why we are even sharing this with you other than we absolutely love the Mary Blair-inspired artwork. Smart move, Heinz!

The interactive Heinz “Flavor Ferry” experience on the show floor will feature the following highlights:

• Tasting & Sauces: Try custom flavors like Orange Mojo, Brauhaus Mustard, Blackberry Bourbon BBQ, and Maple Sweet Chili
• ReMIX Experience: Mix up a wild number of sauce combinations using the Heinz ReMIX technology
• The Tap & Photo ops: Enjoy classic options at the Heinz Tap alongside themed photo areas
• Exclusive Swag: The first 570 guests daily will receive a limited “it’s a flavorful world” pin (while supplies last)

The Heinz booth is just around the corner from the MiceChat booth.

Magic Key News

Disneyland must have a ton of Magic Key popcorn buckets still in inventory, because now through August 17, Magic Key holders can purchase the charming King Arthur Carrousel Popcorn Bucket — specially designed for Magic Key holders by Disney artist Ashley Taylor — and enjoy $2.25 popcorn refills at select popcorn carts throughout Disneyland Park (while supplies last; no discounts apply).

You can also bring your bucket back to Disneyland to take advantage of the special refill offer. Refills only apply to Magic Key King Arthur Carrousel popcorn buckets purchased between May 14 and August 17, 2026, and refilled between July 27 and August 17, 2026.

Important Info:

• Valid at participating popcorn carts only
• Limit one bucket refill per Magic Key holder per transaction
• One standard refill at a time per bucket
• Flavored popcorn not included in this offer

In other news, the “lunch” hours for the Magic Key Terrace in California Adventure are mind-boggling. Lunch starts at… 2PM and lasts for just an hour and 55 minutes. WHAT??? Dinner starts five minutes later, running from 4PM until 8PM. But both lunch and dinner have the same menu and pricing. Why even play this game? Just open at noon and stay open until 8PM?! 

Heads Up: Oogie Boogie Bash Dessert Party

Bookings for the Oogie Boogie Bash Dessert Party open on August 6. The party includes treats, beverages, a specialty pin, and reserved seating in a preferred viewing area in front of Sonoma Terrace for the new Madame Leota’s Swinging Wake – A Haunted Mansion Street Party. Note that the dessert party is an add-on: you still need a separate Oogie Boogie Bash party ticket for the same night.

Each guest will receive a signature Oogie Boogie-themed box of artisan charcuterie and cheeses along with Halloween-themed desserts, including triple chocolate cheesecake, candy-coated chocolate crisped rice treat, and Dubai chocolate-inspired filled bundt cake with pistachio crunch.

Also included are beer, wine, and an exclusive cocktail (for guests 21+) and unlimited soft drinks and bottled water, plus coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and a nonalcoholic specialty beverage.

The Dessert Party is $94 per guest (including tax and gratuity). Children ages 2 and under can attend free of charge, as long as they sit on an adult’s lap. 

Constructionland

Downtown Disney

The temporary Earl of Sandwich trailer, across from Lululemon, has finally disappeared.

Work is moving along at the future location of Arthur & Sons Steak and Bourbon and Pearl’s Roadside BBQ, which is making up for lost time during the arduous permitting process.

We also spotted a new fontacular sign at Disney Storyland Boutique, where the “S” and “D” have received a villainous look just in time for Halloween. 

And for the first time in forever, the seal is uncovered in the Esplanade.

Unfortunately, it’s not in the best shape. Major cracks, missing pieces, and a general shabby look make this small circle in the center of the Esplanade feel a bit sad. Perhaps it’s time for Disney to replace this spot with a garden, seating, shade, a fountain… really just about anything else. 

The same can be said about the nearby mosaic flower fountain at the entry to Downtown Disney. The last time we noticed missing tiles in a Downtown Disney fountain, it was removed afterward, so this beauty may suffer the same fate… It’s been left without water for months now. 

Disneyland

Walls are up at the New Orleans Square train station, which caught fire around Christmas of 2022, but is finally being rebuilt.

This is the fire-damaged building shortly after the incident. While most of the damage was contained to the interior, important railroad switching equipment was seriously damaged. We’re happy to see some progress here. 

It’s no secret how much we hated the dead sod roof on Ray’s Berets, but we may hate the Easter grass replacement roof even more. Not only does it look fake…

But the Imagineers gave it a terrible haircut. 

California Adventure

We spotted lighting being installed in preparation for Oogie Boogie Bash, which kicks off on August 18.

Villains Grove installation is also underway in the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail. We’ve already seen the candelabras, the Queen of Hearts’ roses on the wall, and some spooky trees in place. This time around, they’re doing the work at night so they don’t have to close the attraction as they’ve done in previous years.

Also, Mabel — the cute beaver from Hoppers — has been relocated to the pathway just outside her usual spot, since that area is currently being used as the staging ground for the Villains Grove install. She’s still there, just a few steps away.

And of course, the Avengers Campus expansion is moving right along. We’re hoping to get an opening date announcement at D23 next week.

But, they aren’t just building two new attractions here, there’s also a new restroom complex going up. And it looks like it might open well before the attractions do. The building has been painted and signage is now in place as well.

And, while we can’t wait to ride the upcoming Coco attraction, we’ll be waiting for quite some time. It still hasn’t gone vertical, although there is plenty of earth moving and equipment on site. 

Disneyland Refurbishment Calendar (updated 8/1/26)

New to the list this week are Indiana Jones Adventure and the Mark Twain, which will both start refurbs after Labor Day. Plus, the Frontierland Shootin’ Exposition will reopen on September 11.

Currently Under Refurbishment

• Silly Symphony Swings: April 27 – TBA
• Frontierland Shootin’ Exposition: July 6 – September 10
• Chiller at Paradise Park: July 26 – TBA

Upcoming Refurbishments

• Haunted Mansion – Holiday Install: August 8 – 20
• Main Street Cinema: August 10 – 22
• Indiana Jones Adventure: September 8 – TBA
• Mark Twain Riverboat: September 8 – September 11

This & That

Let’s have a little fun with a few more Disney items…

Live @ Five

Dusty and college professor Chris Tremblay discuss Walt’s Pilgrimage – a journey across the country visiting dozens of historic sites. Dusty is then joined by Suzanne, Gustavo and the MiceChat crew, who take a spin aboard the Casey Jr. Circus Train before diving into the news of the week. We look at the crowds, construction, and do our best to survive the heat. Join along for a fun journey from Disneyland to DCA. Note that our Facebook stream died about 6 minutes into the broadcast, so make sure you’re subscribed to our YouTube channel, which stayed strong throughout the broadcast. 

Pandora Returns

The swankified Pandora store has reopened in Downtown Disney. We’re told that in a month or two, they’ll be getting a large sparkly chandelier, which is coming from Denmark (where Pandora is made).

Unlike the boring Lululemon on the other end of Downtown Disney, Pandora went with a Disney theme. And it makes sense; one of the store associates told us this is among the company’s most successful locations in the world. Perhaps this new princess-forward design will help them jump to the top of the chain. 

There are some fun Halloween items in the store right now. 

DVC Lounge Change

The Star View Station – A Member Lounge is temporarily closed for routine maintenance until fall 2026, but DVC 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 is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT (subject to change).

It isn’t fancy… but for a temporary spot, there’s some really good air conditioning and free drinks and snacks… so we aren’t complaining. 

Closed Cart

Lower than normal attendance has led to weekday budget cuts on things like this merchandise cart in Avengers Campus, which has reduced its hours, but the fact that the corrugated sides are just plain white without a hint of theming makes us extra sad. How hard would it be to stencil some themed elements on those pull-down doors? 

A popcorn cart closed at 3pm during the summer season?! Another casualty of lower-than-expected attendance. 

Toilet Troubles

Last Tuesday, the entire city of Anaheim experienced a temporary water pressure issue, and unfortunately, it caused Disneyland to close all restrooms when the water pressure dropped. Luckily, the bathrooms were only closed for about an hour while the city worked to resolve the problem. But just imagine being in the park and NOT being able to find a working restroom in time! Hard to imagine Disneyland even staying open under such conditions. 

But the incident reminded us of our April Fool’s Day article from last year:

DISNEYLAND NEWS: Lightning Loo – Where The Magic Is Flushed Away!

Oogie Boogie Ticket Tracker

Oogie Boogie Bash ticket sales started slow, but they’re picking up as four more parties sold out this week. At this point, there are 10 sold-out dates: August 23, September 6, 13, 20, and 24, and October 4, 11, 18, 25, and 31.

That leaves just two Sunday nights: August 30 ($159 per person) and D23 Night on September 27 ($169 per person). There’s a catch on that second one — you have to be a D23 member to buy it — but there’s a free level of D23 membership, so you can still snag one of those tickets without spending a dime extra. Every other remaining date is a Tuesday or a Thursday, so if you want to party with Oogie Boogie on a weekend, now is the time to buy.

Not a D23 member yet? Signing up at the free level takes a couple of minutes at D23.com, and it’s the only thing standing between you and that September 27 party.

Next MiceChat Adventure: Pacific Coast & Alaska Back-to-Back Disney Wonder Cruise

If you’ve been waiting for an excuse to finally visit Alaska, this is it. MiceChat is sailing from San Diego to Vancouver on the Disney Wonder (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… many 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

Discount Disney Tickets and Travel

🚨 DEAL ALERT: Snag the latest Disney travel deals from our partners at Get Away Today!

Check out the latest offers for Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Disney Cruise Line, including new low hotel rates, extra days and nights for free, special perks, and limited-time opportunities…

• Book discount theme park tickets, hotels, and exclusive packages – HERE

(MiceChat works with Get Away Today to provide you with the best theme park travel deals. When you purchase from our travel partner, you not only get great rates and service, you also help support MiceChat. We sincerely thank you for your support!) 

Let’s Hear From You!

Let’s start with the big one: should Disney blow up Tomorrowland, or fix what’s already there? A total reimagining could finally solve the abandoned PeopleMover, the empty Carousel Theater, and the forever wall… but what if it also cost us the Matterhorn and the Submarine Lagoon? Would you make that trade?

We’re also curious about your summer. Has the heat (or a blockout) kept you away from the resort? If you have visited, were the crowds as light as we found them… and did you notice the closed carts and trimmed offerings?

One more: with the 70th ending Sunday, what’s the one thing you’ll miss most? The keys, the bands, the castle icon, the nighttime entertainment? Tell us in the comments below… 

Related Reading

Halloween is rapidly filling store shelves across the resort…

Disney Halloween Merchandise 2026 Creeps In: Everything We’ve Seen So Far!