DISNEYLAND UPDATE: Bats Over Buena Vista St., Farewell to 70 & D23 Descends!

We’ve been gearing up for D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event for months, and it’s finally here. Disney will spend August 14-16 at the Anaheim Convention Center sharing news about the parks, cruise ships, movies, TV shows, merch, and more. But the celebration starts a day early, because Disneyland Park hosts D23 Day this Thursday, August 13, and the park is going to be a hot spot.

Unlike the event at the convention center, no D23 membership is required to party in the parks on D23 Day. All you need is valid park admission, and everyone gets a free Mickey ear hat (while supplies last, of course).

But before we get into all the D23 news, we need to bid a fond farewell to Disneyland’s 70th Celebration, which kicked off way back on May 16, 2025…

So Long 70th

After 450 days, Disneyland’s extended 70th birthday celebration officially wrapped yesterday, and while the birthday celebration may have stretched out a little longer than necessary (Haunted Mansion Holiday style), we will miss the charming Celebrate Happy Cavalcade and its snappy Jonas Brothers theme song.

What will be sticking around a bit longer is Paint the Night and Wondrous Journeys, which are both continuing through August 20. And after that, Halloween Time takes over on August 21, but more on that in a bit.

The Calm Before the D23 Storm

The parks have been relatively quiet the last few weeks, resulting in low wait times and empty walkways… seriously, when’s the last time you saw Main Street and the hub like this mid-day in the summer?

But we expect that to turn around a bit this week as D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event kicks off three full days of panels, presentations, performances, immersive experiences, and shopportunities at the Anaheim Convention Center from August 14-16 (plus special presentations each day at the Honda Center). Many of those guests will visit the parks before and/or after their visits to the convention. And some visit during the convention as well.

The following three ticket types are still available:

• Sunday Honda Center + Anaheim Convention Center (price depends on seat selected; limited seating options available) – includes access to the Anaheim Convention Center and a seat for the Disney Legends presentation at the Honda Center on Sunday afternoon.
• Sunday D23 Fan Pass ($110.25) – includes access to the Anaheim Convention Center ONLY.
• Sunday Afternoon-Only D23 Fan Pass ($60.25) – includes access to the Anaheim Convention Center ONLY after 4 p.m.

NOTE: You must be a member of D23 to purchase tickets, but it’s free to join.

Find MiceChat in Hall D at Booth C4

Hall D is where you’ll want to be, because that’s where you’ll find MiceChat at Booth C4. This year we’re presenting “A Walk in Walt’s Footsteps,” tracing Walt from his humble Chicago birthplace, to the Los Feliz bungalow where he and his brother Roy launched the Disney Studios, to the Hollywood Hills storybook mansion where he raised his family and made his first full-length features.

We’re in the heart of Walt Disney history, right next to the Walt Disney Archives experience, The Walt Disney Family Museum booth, and the Disney Legends photo op… and we’ll have a few legends of our own on hand, 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.

And, whether you are staying home or attending the show, you can enter our D23 Expo giveaway from our incredible sponsors. We have prizes such as a 2 night stay in HoJo Anaheim’s House of the Future Suite (inspired by Disneyland’s original House of the Future in Tomorrowland), a 3 night stay at the Anaheim Hotel with one hour of Topgolf play and a $100 gift card to the Pizza Press, an Amazon Ring home security system, hotel and restaurant gift certificates, books, experiences, and a chance to tour Walt Disney’s historic homes.  Enter below ⬇️

And, there are a number of other D23 events, discounts and activities taking place across Anaheim this week…

D23 Events in Anaheim

• August 10 – D23 Night at Bottle Logic Brewing (find info HERE)
• August 11 – D23 Night at Anaheim Packing District (find info HERE)
• August 12 – D23 Night at Angel Stadium (buy tickets HERE)
• August 13 – D23 Day at Disneyland, with special entertainment, a Disney Legends cavalcade, and even a princess concert. You just need a ticket to the park to experience all the added D23 activities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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D23 in Downtown Disney

Select locations at the Downtown Disney District have special menu items for all guests. There are also special discounts for guests who present their D23 Event badge or D23 Gold Membership Card. All are available through August 16.

Specialty food & beverages for all guests:

• Family Gold Ube Cheesecake from Parkside Market
• Berry Bliss & Choco Crunch Duo from Beignets Expressed
• Specialty drinks are also available at Ballast Point Brewing Co., Céntrico, Vista, Parkside Market, and Paseo

Locations with discounts or special offers for D23 Members or D23 attendees:

• Beignets Expressed
• Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs
• California Churro
• Céntrico (food and non-alcoholic beverages only)
• Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio (dine-in guests only)
• Kawaii Slime Co.
• Lovepop
• Naples Ristorante e Bar (food and non-alcoholic beverages only)
• PANDORA
• Parkside Market (excludes alcohol)
• Paseo (food and non-alcoholic beverages only)
• Salt & Straw
• Sunglass Hut
• Splitsville Luxury Lanes
• The LEGO Store
• Wetzel’s Pretzels

RELATED READING:

• D23 Expo 2026: Everything You Need to Know!
• D23 Day at Disneyland 2026: Free Ear Hats, Princess Concert, Hatbox Ghost Popcorn Bucket & More
• D23 2026 Merchandise: What to Buy & How to Buy it!

Halloween Time Creeps In

While there was still no sign of the spooky season in Disneyland Park when we took these photos, Oogie Boogie is already decorating California Adventure for his big Halloween bash, which kicks off on August 18, three days before Halloween Time officially begins resort-wide on August 21.

Buena Vista Street has gotten its annual batty makeover… while the red, white, and blue bunting still fly.  

… and the grassy knoll on Buena Vista Street is ready for the Headless Horseman to make his annual appearance.

This is what this spot looked like last year… and it may already be transformed by the time you read this.

The villainous Oogie Boogie Bash treat trails are being assembled. So far, we don’t have an official line-up, but we know Ernesto de la Cruz from “Coco” will be performing on this stage in the Hyperion Courtyard.

And there’s no doubt that the old Hollywood and Dine soundstage in Hollywood Land is where Judge Doom from “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” will be holding court.

We also spotted this mysterious structure just off the parade route for a new villain.

And the lights that give California Adventure its eerie purple glow during Halloween Time are already in the trees.

The residents of Radiator Springs always go all out for “Haul-O-Ween,” but they hadn’t started decorating when we cruised through last Thursday. An additional set of wooden poles will be installed on the right side of the street so they can string webs made of chains, lug wrenches, and spiders made of car parts.

Halloween Time Eats & Treats

The menu for Halloween Time 2026 is literally a monster, with more than 150 items available across both parks, all three hotels, and the Downtown Disney District.

There are also eight seasonal popcorn buckets and sippers, including a Headless Horseman bucket that’s trapped behind the Oogie Boogie Bash paywall, so if this is a must-have for you, party tickets are still available.

There’s also a new Coco Lantern Sipper available starting September 3 at Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante and Ship to Shore Marketplace in Disneyland Park and at Paradise Garden Grill in California Adventure Park (while supplies last). Limit 2 per person, per transaction, and no discounts apply.

Eager to start planning your Halloween Time dining (and popcorn bucket shopping)? See the complete list here:

Disneyland Halloween Foodie Guide – 150 Bites, 8 Buckets, and One Very Exclusive Headless Horseman

RELATED READING:

• Ultimate Guide to Disneyland Halloween Time 2026: New Leota Street Party, Oogie Boogie Bash & More
• Disney Halloween Merchandise 2026: 85+ New Photos of Hocus Pocus, Disney Fall, Cats & Dogs, and More
• Southern California Theme Park Halloween Events – From Mild to Wild!

Cast Member Concerns

The ongoing contract negotiations between Disney and 1,700 Cast Members in the Characters and Parades departments, who are represented by the Actors’ Equity Association, the U.S. labor union that represents professional actors and stage managers, continue.

While some agreements have been reached on health and safety issues, discussions continue on issues related to shift scheduling, wages, holidays, and leave, as Disney still won’t provide a wage increase in the contract’s first year and seeks to eliminate paid leave for new parents, cut the number of paid holidays, and reduce the size of 401(k) contributions.

“When you propose to take away paid parental leave from those who work day in and day out to give other families great experiences, that’s not family friendly,” Actors’ Equity Executive Director Al Vincent Jr. said in a Los Angeles Times article.

Cast Members are asking Disneyland guests to show support for those who work as characters, character hosts, and other roles supporting Disneyland’s parades, shows, and character operations by signing a petition to Disney.

Disney Events & Exhibits

August 20, 2026: Swashbuckling Under the Stars

The Pirates of the Caribbean are coming ashore on August 20, 2026, for a swashbuckling experience by the sea—and under the stars. Disney’s “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” in Concert Live to Film sails into the brand new F&M Bank Amphitheater in Long Beach as the Long Beach Symphony’s inaugural SoundWaves series concert.

This is a unique opportunity to experience the first Pirates of the Caribbean live-action film like never before, as the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Susie Benchasil Seiter, performs the iconic Klaus Badelt and Hans Zimmer score live while the movie is presented on a massive screen.

Win Tickets

MiceChat readers have an opportunity to win tickets to the concert (two tickets per week).

All you have to do to enter is click HERE and select the code MC26 from the drop-down menu for Offer Code at the bottom of the entry form. Tickets will be mailed directly to the winners.

Know Before You Go

The F&M Bank Amphitheater in Long Beach is an outdoor concert venue. The performance begins at 8 p.m., but doors open at 6 p.m. for pre-concert festival-style entertainment and activities, including a hands-on Instrument Petting Zoo.

Ticket prices start at $38.45 (includes all fees). Order HERE.

Kids 14 and under can get in FREE with accompanying adult tickets of $20, thanks to a sponsorship by the Port of Long Beach and the RuMBa Foundation of Long Beach. This selection of tickets is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. ORDER HERE.

MUZEO Disney Animation Exhibition – Through November 1, 2026: 

Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center in Anaheim has debuted “Capturing Life, Creating Character: The Art of Live-Action Reference,” an exhibition created and assembled by the Walt Disney Archives.

Running through November 1, 2026, the exhibition brings the artistry of The Walt Disney Company to Disneyland’s home town.

“As an Anaheim institution, there is something profoundly meaningful about welcoming a Walt Disney Archives exhibition to the city that Walt Disney himself chose as the home of Disneyland,” said Muzeo Executive Director Kelly Chidester.

The exhibition explores character animation through a collection of rarely seen photographs of live performers and their animated counterparts. In addition to those archival photographs, the exhibition also includes materials and interactives assembled by the Walt Disney Archives, providing a glimpse into the creative process behind Disney’s animated films.

D23 Members will enjoy exclusive benefits, including discounted admission and access to specially curated programs and events accompanying the exhibition.

Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center is open Wednesday – Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Mondays and Tuesdays). Find more information HERE.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Forest Lawn Walt Disney Exhibit – Sept. 19, 2026 – Feb. 7, 2027 

California Visionaries: The Lives and Legacies of Walt Disney and Hubert Eaton explores the personal and creative relationship between Walt Disney and Forest Lawn Memorial-Parks founder Hubert Eaton, highlighting the parallels between the parks they created.

Disney and Eaton traveled similar paths from Missouri to California and met in the 1930s, forming a lasting relationship and inspiring one another throughout their careers. The exhibit will feature icons from beloved Disneyland attractions, original sheet music from the Walt Disney Music Legacy Library, newly discovered photos from the Forest Lawn Museum archive, concept art, and more.

A free opening reception will take place at Forest Lawn Museum on September 19 from 5-7:30 p.m., including complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres, live music, and remarks from the curators. Email [email protected] or call 323-340-4782 to RSVP by September 14.

The Forest Lawn Museum is open Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; admission and parking are always free. Find information HERE.

Constructionland

We noticed a mystery construction wall at the entrance to the Disneyland Hotel.

Downtown Disney

The Porto’s site is quiet, but we saw a similar long lull happen at the Arthur and Sons/Pearl’s BBQ site while that project made its way through the tedious permitting process, so we expect work to kick back into gear once that’s complete… but how long it will take at this point is anyone’s guess.

Disneyland

It’s time… The Haunted Mansion gates have been closed and Jack Skellington is once again busy decking the halls for the Halloween remakes Christmas version of Haunted Mansion. 

Haunted Mansion Holiday will remain open to guests for the entirety of the Halloween AND Christmas seasons ahead. 

The tan refurbishment scrims have migrated into Adventureland… where the Adventureland Bazaar is starting some exterior work. The store is still wide open. 

And fancy printed scrims are now up in Frontierland as the long Shooting Exposition refurbishment also continues. 

California Adventure

We see changes every time we check in on the Avengers Campus construction as the massive show building gets closer and closer to being complete. The back walls are now mostly enclosed… and then Imagineers can start working on the attractions inside! We’re hoping we’ll find out the opening date later this week at D23.

Walls are also up at The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure.

This is also an exterior refurbishment, so the ride remains open.

And Silly Symphony Swings has been under a long refurbishment that saw the ride completely dismantled. But the canopy is back up, which is a good sign that they are nearing completion.

Disneyland Blues

Last week we shared the sad state of the compass in the esplanade, but we took a closer look at the whole esplanade this week, which looks worse than ever. We can only hope this gets fixed as part of the new park gateway project finally underway.

The new Harbor gateway project includes a major new guest parking structure, at least one bridge across Harbor Blvd, and new security and a reworked arrival experience. Construction of the structure has recently begun… so perhaps we won’t have to wait too much longer for the esplanade between the two parks to be rethought as well.

Disneyland Refurbishment Calendar 

Haunted Mansion has started its annual transformation into Haunted Mansion Holiday, and the Main Street Cinema closes today to remove the charming film about “it’s a small world’s” last verse. New to the list are Mad Tea Party and Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island, both of which close on September 14.

Currently Under Refurbishment

• Silly Symphony Swings: April 27 – TBA
• Frontierland Shootin’ Exposition: July 6 – September 10
• Chiller at Paradise Park: July 26 – TBA
• Haunted Mansion – Holiday Install: August 8 – 20
• Main Street Cinema: August 10 – 22

Upcoming Refurbishments

• Indiana Jones Adventure: September 8 – TBA
• Mark Twain Riverboat: September 8 – 11
• Mad Tea Party: September 14 – TBA
• Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island: September 14 – 16

This & That

And there’s just a bit more fun for us to share with you this week.

Gumball Rally Rumors

The rumor on the street is that a big announcement about MiceChat’s 2027 2-Day Gumball Rally is coming in time for D23… and hearing the news first will save you money, because registration opens with early bird pricing.

If you’re a fan of the parks and you want to find out whether you have what it takes to ride the most attractions at Disneyland AND California Adventure in just two days, this is the fan event you’ll want to be part of.

Add your email to the notification list below and we’ll send you a message as soon as the news is released, while the early bird rate is still good.

Live @ Five

Dusty and friends took us along on the Disneyland Railroad to check out the sticker-sauruses that are temporarily residing in the dioramas while they’re under refurbishment. They also take a look at the latest projects in the park, wander through Tomorrowland to talk about the challenges park leaders face with the future of the land, take one last look at the Sherman Brothers tribute on Main Street, and make their way all the way to DCA to see the first signs of Halloween Time! This is an EPIC video that every Disneyland fan really needs to watch. 

New Lamp Posts

New Tinker Bell-themed lamp posts have appeared in Disneyland’s hub. They don’t appear to be finished… but they do have some magical pixie dust.

Heinz Dispensers

New self-serve Heinz condiment dispensers have appeared at quick-service dining locations as part of the new partnership between Disney and Kraft Heinz. We’re also expecting to see more Kraft Heinz products creeping into menus across the parks, including Philadelphia cream cheese and Kraft Mac & Cheese.

Oogie Boogie Ticket Tracker

With Oogie Boogie Bash just around the corner, we’ve seen a rush on ticket sales… no doubt tied to the announcement of the new Headless Horseman popcorn bucket that can only be purchased by party guests.

As of Sunday, 16 of the 33 parties are sold out. Among the available dates is one general-admission Sunday night (August 30), plus five dates priced at $139 per person, the lowest-priced ticket for this year: August 18 (opening night), August 20, August 25, August 27, and September 1.

Tickets for the special D23 night on Sunday, September 27 are also still available at $169 per person. D23 membership is required to purchase tickets, but it’s free to join. Guests of ticket purchasers do not have to be D23 Members.

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 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: Our partners at Get Away Today are running Adults at Kids’ Prices on all 3-day and longer Disneyland Resort tickets, which means the grown-ups in your party pay the child rate.

Halloween Time starts August 21, so if you’ve been reading this Update and plotting a fall trip, now is the moment. Bundle your hotel with your tickets and you can stack exclusive rates and perks at Anaheim-area hotels on top of the ticket savings, including extra nights free, free breakfast, and free parking at select properties.

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

Get Away Today also has current deals for Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Disney Cruise Line.

(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!)

MORE MiceChat Special Offers

Staying in Anaheim for D23 week, Halloween Time, or anything after that? Two of our partners have set aside real MiceChat rates, and both put you within walking distance of the parks. There’s a parking deal in here too, and that one has a deadline.

SAVE UP TO 20% AT HOWARD JOHNSON ANAHEIM HOTEL

The HoJo sits right across Harbor from the Disneyland Resort, with a water playground that will wear the kids out and retro modern vibes and great service for everyone else. Book through the MiceChat link below and the rate applies automatically.

• ➡️ BOOK HOJO ANAHEIM WITH THE MICECHAT RATE HERE

SAVE 20% AT THE ANAHEIM HOTEL WITH PROMO CODE MICECHAT

Roll out of bed and into the parks. The Anaheim Hotel is steps from the Disneyland Resort and a short stroll to the convention center, so you can catch a D23 panel, hop over to Disneyland, and still make it back for a swim in the largest pool in Anaheim. The 20% holds even for this weekend, so a late D23 decision doesn’t cost you the discount. Add Topgolf Swing Suites, The Pizza Press downstairs, and mid-century styling so groovy you’ll swear you time-traveled to opening day.

• ➡️ BOOK THE ANAHEIM HOTEL – HERE
• ⚠️ You’ll need to use “Special Code” MICECHAT to get the discount
• ➡️ Or call (714) 772-5900 and ask for the MiceChat Rate

PARK FOR $35 A DAY, BUT ONLY THROUGH SEPTEMBER 1

Disney charges $40 a day to park at Mickey and Friends, and then you still have to wait for a tram. Through September 1, MiceChat readers can park at The Anaheim Hotel for $35 when space is available, and walk across the street to Disneyland. Stop by the front desk and ask whether the MiceChat Parking Rate is open for the day. Three weeks left on this one.

Let’s Hear From You!

What are you hoping Disney will announce this week at D23? Will you be at the convention center, in the park for D23 Day on Thursday, or both? And now that the 70th has finally taken its bow after 450 days, are you sad to see it go, or are you ready for Halloween Time?

Let us know in the comments below!