Halloween has arrived at Disneyland, and the holidays won’t be far behind. But with temperatures pushing into the 90s, the season feels more muggy than menacing. Still, Main Street, Buena Vista Street, and Route 66 in Cars Land are all decked out, the menus have gone full pumpkin, and ready or not, Halloween Time is officially underway.

Oogie Boogie moon projection glowing over Disney California Adventure during Halloween Time 2026

We’ve also got the 2026 class of Disney Legends (including the stars who turned out to honor them), updates on the new attractions and experiences headed to the Disneyland Resort over the next couple of years, construction, refurbishments and more.

And, as a special treat, we have photos of the Haunted Mansion’s hidden pet cemetery, including the crypt of the largest pet of them all. 

PLUS… some late-breaking news about a potentially scary incident on Pirates of the Caribbean on Sunday night.

So let’s get started, with plenty of treats and maybe a trick or two.

BREAKING: DisneylandForward Moves Forward

Disneyland has officially broken ground on a new parking structure and transportation hub, literally a concrete step forward for the DisneylandForward expansion project. 

The project will add more than 6,000 parking spaces as well as shuttle and ride share areas and dedicated access for traffic off Disney Way, all intended to improve parking and traffic flow. A new entrance to the theme parks is also planned for the east side of the resort, including a new pedestrian bridge over Harbor Boulevard.

, DISNEYLAND UPDATE – Melting Into Halloween, Iger Gets a Window, and Penny the Mastodon
All-new Eastern Gateway entry plaza and pedestrian bridge

What can we expect to see? Initially, probably not very much, although two ticket booths on the east side of the esplanade have been marked for demolition. 

, DISNEYLAND UPDATE – Melting Into Halloween, Iger Gets a Window, and Penny the Mastodon

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Jill Estorino (@disneylandresortpresident)

And now back to our regularly scheduled Monday update…

IN THIS UPDATE:

Halloween Time is Here!

Yes, it’s near 100 degrees in the shade, but it’s officially Halloween Time at the Not-So-Spookiest Place on Earth. The seasonal celebration kicked off last Friday, August 21, and runs through October 31, with more Halloween-themed eats and treats than ever and a bucketful of novelty buckets, sippers, and straw clips.

Disneyland main entrance decorated with Halloween Time 2026 banners and pumpkins

Disneyland Mickey floral replanted for Halloween 2026 with a jack-o-lantern mask

Mickey Mouse jack-o-lantern pumpkin on Main Street USA at Disneyland Halloween Time 2026

And while the season is largely a repeat of last year, there were some fun new surprises. This year, the Main Street pumpkins have hair!

Wide view of the Main Street USA Halloween pumpkin display at Disneyland in 2026

Disneyland Main Street Halloween pumpkin with a shaggy hairstyle in 2026

The vibe is silly and very sweet. We love it.

Grinning Disneyland Halloween pumpkin with curly hair on Main Street USA

Disneyland Halloween pumpkin with braided hair on the Main Street lamp posts

Close-up of a hairy Halloween pumpkin decoration on Main Street USA at Disneyland

Mickey and pals are dressed in retro harlequin-themed Halloween costumes, and the overall festivities have a vintage feel this year.

Mickey Mouse in a retro harlequin Halloween costume at Disneyland in 2026

Minnie Mouse in her 2026 harlequin Halloween costume at Disneyland

Goofy in a vintage-styled Halloween costume at Disneyland during Halloween Time 2026

Mickey and Minnie Mouse posing together in Halloween costumes at Disneyland

Dusty Sage of MiceChat meeting Goofy in his Halloween costume at Disneyland

Daisy Duck in a harlequin Halloween costume at Disneyland in 2026

Haunted Mansion Holiday is back for another Halloween/Christmas season, with a brand new gingerbread house in the ballroom. This one is a music box, with a skeleton ballerina popping out of the top.

Exterior of Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland decorated for the 2026 season

Madame Leota in the seance room during Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland

And, of course, the Nightmare Before Christmas gang’s back together for another year.

Jack Skellington on the Haunted Mansion Holiday facade at sunset in New Orleans Square

Haunted Mansion Holiday loading area decorated for the Nightmare Before Christmas overlay

Jack Skellington in the graveyard scene of Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland

Sally sewing in the graveyard scene of Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland

Oogie Boogie scene inside Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland

Did you know that there’s a hidden pet cemetery at the Haunted Mansion? It’s true! Thanks to a breakdown at the mansion on Friday, we got a close-up look as we were being escorted out a side door between the Mansion and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. It’s actually quite charming and well landscaped for something guests rarely get the chance to see.

The hidden pet cemetery beside the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland, rarely seen by guests

The highlight is the elephant crypt, with this inscription:

“Where pachyderms reside with worms within a tomb most elegant. You’ll find, long gone, our mastodon, beloved Penny, the elephant.”

The mastodon crypt for Penny the elephant in the hidden Haunted Mansion pet cemetery
You’ll also find a little mouse hidden away on the center of the pediment. Elephants are said to be afraid of them.

Halloween Food

We’re already working our way through this year’s Halloween menu items. This is what we’ve tried so far.

Disneyland Park

Stage Door Café (mobile order available)

  • Chili-Cheese Fries ($13.99) — chili, beef, shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onion (available through January 6)

The Golden Horseshoe

  • Chili-Cheese Fries ($13.99) (same as at Stage Door)
  • Apple Pie Sundae ($11.79) — a slice of apple pie under vanilla ice cream, salted caramel, cinnamon streusel, whipped cream, and a cherry (available through November 12)

Plaza Inn

  • Pumpkin Cake — pumpkin mousse filling, whipped frosting, chocolate stem (available through October 31)
  • Villainous Red Velvet Cake — raspberry jam, chocolate chips, black ganache frosting (available through November 12)

Harbour Galley (mobile order available)

The pumpkin cookies are the reason this window always has a line. They sell in packs of six or 13 while supplies last, and “while supplies last” has historically meant early afternoon on busy weekends.

  • Pumpkin Cookies — packs of six or 13 (available through November 12)

Pumpkin spice cookies from Harbour Galley at Disneyland for Halloween Time 2026

Breaking open a Harbour Galley pumpkin spice cookie at Disneyland

Tasting a pumpkin spice cookie from Harbour Galley during Disneyland Halloween Time

Disney California Adventure

Award Wieners (mobile order available)

  • Oktoberfest Dog — pork cheddar sausage, sauerkraut, caraway seeds, and cheesy beer mustard on a pretzel bun, with Cuties or fries (available through November 12). Messy… and devilishly delicious

Oktoberfest Dog on a pretzel bun from Award Wieners at Disney California Adventure

Hollywood Lounge (mobile order available for select items)

  • Beef and Cheese Tamale a la Plancha — salsa verde, lime crema, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo (available through November 12)

Beef and Cheese Tamale a la Plancha from Hollywood Lounge at Disney California Adventure

Pym Test Kitchen (mobile order available)

  • BBQ Pork Muenster Grilled Cheese — BBQ pork belly and Muenster on sourdough with crispy onions and jalapeño slaw, served with potato bites (available through November 12). Look at this monster of Muenster…

BBQ Pork Muenster Grilled Cheese from Pym Test Kitchen at Disney California Adventure

Smokejumpers Grill (mobile order available)

  • Villainous Wings — sweet and tangy gochujang sauce with ghost pepper ranch and chives (available through November 12)

Villainous Wings with ghost pepper ranch from Smokejumpers Grill at Disney California Adventure

Halloween 2026 Novelties

Many of the new popcorn buckets, sippers, and straw clips arrived on August 18. The Winnie the Pooh Hunny Bee Sipper will not be joining them (we’re told due to a problem with the straws leaking).

Vampire Mickey Mouse Bucket ($35.50)

Our favorite. He’s got his fangs in what remains of our hearts.

  • Limit two per person, per transaction — no discounts
  • Disneyland Park: Alien Pizza Planet, Galactic Grill, Harbour Galley, Refreshment Corner, and popcorn carts throughout the park, including Haunted Mansion and Central Plaza
  • Disney California Adventure: popcorn carts at Grizzly Peak Airfield, Pixar Pier, and near Carthay Circle, plus Hollywood Lounge and Smokejumpers Grill novelty releases
  • Hotels: The Coffee House and GCH Craftsman Grill

Vampire Mickey Mouse popcorn bucket for Disneyland Halloween Time 2026

Jack Skellington Gravestone Bucket & The Mayor Sipper

  • Sold bundled together or individually
  • Limit 10 per person, per transaction — no discounts
  • Disneyland Park: Harbour Galley, Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree, Stage Door Café, The Golden Horseshoe
  • Disney California Adventure: popcorn at Grizzly Peak Airfield
  • Grand Californian: Great Hall Cart

Jack Skellington gravestone popcorn bucket at Disneyland for Halloween Time 2026

Halloween Popcorn Bucket

  • Limit 10 per person, per transaction — no discounts
  • Mobile order available at select locations
  • Disneyland Park: Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe, Harbour Galley, Refreshment Corner, Plaza Inn, Stage Door Café, The Golden Horseshoe, and more
  • Disney California Adventure: Award Wieners, Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta, Corn Dog Castle, Paradise Garden Grill, and select outdoor vending

Halloween villains popcorn bucket available at the Disneyland Resort in 2026

Halloween Travel Tumbler ($14.99)

  • Limit 10 per person, per transaction. Discounts available at select locations, the only novelty on this list that discounts apply to
  • Same locations as the popcorn bucket, plus The Coffee House at the Disneyland Hotel

Mickey Mouse Halloween travel tumbler at the Disneyland Resort in 2026

Pain and Panic Straw Clip ($8.49)

  • Limit two per person, per transaction — no discounts
  • Disneyland Park: Alien Pizza Planet, Galactic Grill, Harbour Galley, Little Red Wagon, Royal Street Veranda, Ship to Shore Marketplace, Stage Door Café, The Golden Horseshoe, Troubadour Tavern, and most churro and pretzel carts
  • Disney California Adventure: churros at Hollywood Land, Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream, and select outdoor vending

Pain and Panic straw clip novelty from Hercules at the Disneyland Resort

The Headless Horseman Bucket that was initially available exclusively at Oogie Boogie Bash is now available for all guests. The Grand Californian lobby cart offers it with cookies.

Headless Horseman popcorn bucket from Oogie Boogie Bash now sold resort-wide

Check out our complete guide for all of this year’s sweet treats and spooky eats:

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

Halloween Merch

We’ve been updating our Halloween merchandise guide with all of this year’s collections, including the Hocus Pocus Collection featuring Minnie, Daisy, and Clarabelle cosplaying as the witchy Sanderson Sisters.

Hocus Pocus crewneck sweatshirt with Minnie, Daisy, and Clarabelle as the Sanderson Sisters

Hocus Pocus coin purse from the 2026 Disney Halloween merchandise collection

There’s also a fun shirt that features all the Haunted Mansion Holiday gingerbread houses from 2001 to 2025.

T-shirt showing every Haunted Mansion Holiday gingerbread house from 2001 to 2025

Read our complete guide for all the new Halloween merch, which is now available at the resort (while supplies last):

Disney Halloween Merchandise 2026: 85+ New Photos of Hocus Pocus, Disney Fall, Cats & Dogs, and More

What’s New at Oogie Boogie Bash?

Most of the offerings at the after-hours Halloween party are returning, but there are two notable additions this year. Yzma from The Emperor’s New Groove has joined the line-up of villainous treat trail hosts.

Yzma greeting guests on a villain treat trail at Oogie Boogie Bash 2026

A new Haunted Mansion-themed street party is also replacing the Frightfully Fun Parade, due to construction on the park’s new Coco attraction. Madame Leota’s Swinging Wake – A Haunted Mansion Street Party features a spirited séance and swinging wake filled with happy haunts and ghostly dancing.

Madame Leota's Swinging Wake street party performers at Oogie Boogie Bash 2026

Happy haunts dancing during Madame Leota's Swinging Wake at Disney California Adventure

It isn’t far off from the old parade, though not every unit made the move over, and there are show-stop moments along the route.

Ghostly dancers performing a show-stop during Madame Leota's Swinging Wake

Haunted Mansion street party unit rolling through Disney California Adventure

Costumed performers in Haunted Mansion attire at Oogie Boogie Bash 2026

Madame Leota float during the new Haunted Mansion street party at Oogie Boogie Bash

Dancers and haunts opening Madame Leota's Swinging Wake at Disney California Adventure

Tickets are still available for 8 party dates, including tomorrow (August 25) for $139 per person and Saturday (August 29) for $159 per person.

Read our 2026 Oogie Boogie Bash guide here:

Disney California Adventure: Oogie Boogie Bash 2026 Event Guide

Pirates Evacuated Sunday Night

One of our staffers walked into an unusual scene in New Orleans Square on Sunday night. A long line of cast members had blocked off the area near the exit to Pirates of the Caribbean, the attraction was down, and guests were being walked out.

What we heard while we were standing there, and we want to be clear that this part is not confirmed, is that a guest’s power bank had caught fire aboard the ride. We don’t have any information about injuries or what transpired. If you were on Pirates on Sunday night or watched the evacuation, we’d like to hear from you.

, DISNEYLAND UPDATE – Melting Into Halloween, Iger Gets a Window, and Penny the Mastodon

If it holds up, it would be the second portable charger fire on a Disney dark ride in under two months. On July 1, a guest’s charger ignited aboard “it’s a small world” at the Magic Kingdom, and that attraction was evacuated as well while cast members put out the flames.

Sitting in a boat in the dark while something burns a few rows away is about as bad as a theme park day gets. It also raises a fair question about what guests are carrying into the parks.

, DISNEYLAND UPDATE – Melting Into Halloween, Iger Gets a Window, and Penny the Mastodon

Aviation has taken the lead on this issue. New ICAO rules took effect on March 27 across all 193 member countries, capping passengers at two power banks, banning in-flight charging, and keeping chargers out of overhead bins and checked bags entirely. That followed a run of lithium battery fires, including one that destroyed an Air Busan aircraft in January 2025.

Theme parks have no equivalent rule. Power banks come through the turnstiles by the thousands every day. We’re not suggesting Disneyland start confiscating chargers at bag check, but two incidents in two months is likely to cause concern, and we’d guess somebody in Anaheim is looking at this a little more closely this morning.

Disneyland Project Tracker

If it feels like there are more construction projects than usual in the queue for Disneyland, that’s because there are!

“We put [guests] at the center of every decision we make and everything we do, and we’re doing a lot,” said Disney Experiences Chairman Thomas Mazloum during the Disney Experiences presentation at D23. “Right now, we’re working on more projects at the same time than at any point in our history.”

Mazloum was talking about projects across all Disney theme parks, but we’ve certainly got our fair share at the Disneyland Resort, including two new attractions in Avengers Campus (doubling the size of the land), a new Coco-themed attraction, and the best news of all, an updated Tomorrowland, which has pushed Avatar back in the Imagineering project queue (and we’re not mad about that). Be sure to check out Dusty’s live video below with more thoughts on the future of Tomorrowland and why some old favorites will likely have to go.

Concept art of the expanded Avengers Campus with Avengers Infinity Defense and Stark Flight Lab
Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure park will double in size with the addition of Avengers: Infinity Defense and a newly announced attraction, Stark Flight Lab.
On-ride concept art for the Coco attraction coming to Disney California Adventure
On-ride concept art for the Coco attraction
Teaser image for the new Tomorrowland announced at D23 2026
Teaser image released at D23 2026 to announce the new Tomorrowland.

Read our updated Disneyland Project Tracker here:

FULLY UPDATED — Disneyland Resort Project & Rumor Tracker!

RELATED READING:

Disney D23 Expo – Essential News, Photos, and Information

2026 Disney Legends

The 2026 Disney Legends were officially inducted on Sunday, August 16, 2026, and MiceChat was in the room where it happened! The class of 2026 included actors, filmmakers, musicians, an animator, and an Imagineer, and they were honored with a star-studded celebration.

Class of 2026:

Lin-Manuel Miranda – The Pulitzer Prize, Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award-winning songwriter, actor, producer, and director is best known as the creator and original star of Broadway’s Hamilton, but he also wrote songs for Moana (2016) and Encanto (2021), and starred in Mary Poppins Returns (2018). Auli’i Cravalho (the voice of Moana) presented Lin’s award.

Lin-Manuel Miranda and Auli'i Cravalho at the 2026 Disney Legends Awards Ceremony
Sunday, August 16, 2026. Lin-Manuel Miranda, Auli’i Cravalho at the 2026 Disney Legends Awards Ceremony as part of D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa in Anaheim, CA. (The Walt Disney Company/Image Group LA)

Alan Tudyk – Alan Tudyk has voiced more than 25 characters, including the Duke of Weselton in Frozen (and Duke Weaselton in Zootopia 1 and 2), Heihei in Moana 1 and 2, Valentino in Wish, and King Candy in Wreck-It Ralph. Ginnifer Goodwin (the voice of Judy Hopps) presented Alan’s award.

Alan Tudyk and Ginnifer Goodwin at the 2026 Disney Legends Awards Ceremony
Sunday, August 16, 2026. Alan Tudyk, Ginnifer Goodwin at the 2026 Disney Legends Awards Ceremony as part of D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa in Anaheim, CA. (The Walt Disney Company/Image Group LA)

Kim Irvine – Kim Irvine spent more than five decades with Walt Disney Imagineering, overseeing the concept design, color styling, exterior and interior design for most Disneyland projects. Disney Legend Ming-Na Wen (the voice of Mulan) presented Kim’s award.

Kim Irvine and Ming-Na Wen at the 2026 Disney Legends Awards Ceremony

The Jonas Brothers – One of the most successful groups of the 21st century, the Jonas Brothers first rose to fame as Disney Channel’s most prominent stars, with lead roles in Camp Rock (2007), Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam (2010), and Camp Rock 3 (2026). Vanessa Hudgens (Gabriella in the High School Musical movies) presented the Jonas Brothers’ award.

Kevin, Nick, and Joe Jonas with Vanessa Hudgens at the 2026 Disney Legends Awards Ceremony
Sunday, August 16, 2026. Kevin Jonas, Nick Jonas, Joe Jonas, Vanessa Hudgens at the 2026 Disney Legends Awards Ceremony as part of D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa in Anaheim, CA. (The Walt Disney Company/Image Group LA)

Susan Egan – Susan Egan holds a distinctive place in Disney history. She not only originated the role of Belle in Disney on Broadway’s Beauty and the Beast, earning a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress, but also voiced Megara in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ feature film Hercules (1997). Her award was presented alongside a performance tribute, with a cover by KATSEYE.

Susan Egan with KATSEYE at the 2026 Disney Legends Awards Ceremony
Sunday, August 16, 2026. Susan Egan, KATSEYE at the 2026 Disney Legends Awards Ceremony as part of D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa in Anaheim, CA. (The Walt Disney Company/Image Group LA)

Jerry Bruckheimer – The Academy Award-nominated filmmaker’s credits include the Pirates of the Caribbean, National Treasure (2004), Bad Boys (1995), and Beverly Hills Cop (1984) franchises, along with Top Gun (1986). His most recent blockbuster, F1, grossed over $631 million at the global box office, becoming the highest grossing sports movie of all time. Orlando Bloom (Will Turner in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies) presented Jerry’s award.

Jerry Bruckheimer and Orlando Bloom at the 2026 Disney Legends Awards Ceremony
Sunday, August 16, 2026. Jerry Bruckheimer, Orlando Bloom at the 2026 Disney Legends Awards Ceremony as part of D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa in Anaheim, CA. (The Walt Disney Company/Image Group LA)

Chris Berman – A celebrated and influential figure in the world of sports broadcasting, Berman has covered the World Series, the Super Bowl, and Monday Night Football for ESPN. NFL Hall-of-Fame quarterback Steve Young presented Chris’ award.

Chris Berman and Steve Young at the 2026 Disney Legends Awards Ceremony
Sunday, August 16, 2026. Chris Berman, Steve Young at the 2026 Disney Legends Awards Ceremony as part of D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa in Anaheim, CA. (The Walt Disney Company/Image Group LA)

Eric Goldberg – Eric Goldberg has brought some of Disney Animation’s most unforgettable characters to life, including the Genie in Aladdin (1992), Phil in Hercules (1997), and the lovable alligator, Louis, in The Princess and the Frog (2009). Disney Animation President and Chief Creative Officer Jared Bush presented Eric’s award.

Eric Goldberg and Jared Bush at the 2026 Disney Legends Awards Ceremony
Sunday, August 16, 2026. Jared Bush, Eric Goldberg at the 2026 Disney Legends Awards Ceremony as part of D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa in Anaheim, CA. (The Walt Disney Company/Image Group LA)

Anne Hathaway – Anne Hathaway’s Disney career began with her role as Mia Thermopolis in both The Princess Diaries (2001) and The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004). “The Devil Wears Prada” director David Frankel presented Anne’s award.

Anne Hathaway and David Frankel at the 2026 Disney Legends Awards Ceremony
Sunday, August 16, 2026. David Frankel, Anne Hathaway at the 2026 Disney Legends Awards Ceremony as part of D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa in Anaheim, CA. (The Walt Disney Company/Image Group LA)

Dwayne Johnson – Johnson is credited with jump-starting the Fast & Furious franchise in 2011 and rebooting Jumanji in 2017 with two sequels, but Disney fans know him as the voice of Maui in Moana and Moana 2, reprising the role for the live-action Moana. Emily Blunt (Jungle Cruise) presented Dwayne’s award.

Emily Blunt presenting at the 2026 Disney Legends Awards Ceremony
Sunday, August 16, 2026. Emily Blunt at the 2026 Disney Legends Awards Ceremony as part of D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa in Anaheim, CA. (The Walt Disney Company/Image Group LA)

Bob Iger – The former CEO of the Walt Disney Company, who handed the job to Josh D’Amaro back in March, Iger is credited with expanding Disney’s legacy of storytelling with the acquisitions of Pixar (2006), Marvel (2009), Lucasfilm (2012), and 21st Century Fox (2019). Al Michaels, Disney Legend Diane Sawyer, Disney Legend Ellen Pompeo, Disney Legend Robert Downey Jr., and Disney Legend Harrison Ford were all on hand to honor Bob.

Bob Iger with Robert Downey Jr., Diane Sawyer, Harrison Ford, Ellen Pompeo, and Al Michaels at the 2026 Disney Legends Awards
Sunday, August 16, 2026. Bob Iger, Robert Downey Jr., Diane Sawyer, Harrison Ford, Ellen Pompeo, Al Michaels at the 2026 Disney Legends Awards Ceremony as part of D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa in Anaheim, CA. (The Walt Disney Company/Image Group LA)

Bob was also honored during D23 weekend with a window on Main Street, U.S.A.

Bob Iger's new window on Main Street USA at Disneyland

Close-up of the Bob Iger Main Street USA window lettering at Disneyland

Read all about the Disney Legends ceremony here:

Disney Legends 2026: Celebrating This Year’s Honorees

Gumball Rally Returns – Feb 6 & 7, 2027

MiceChat’s first-ever 2-Day Gumball Rally was announced during D23 weekend.

MiceChat Gumball Rally games and challenges at the Disneyland Resort

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 Disney California Adventure in just two days, this is the fan event you’ll want to be part of.

MiceChat Gumball Rally 2026 team photo at the Disneyland Resort
Gumball Rally 2026

The 2027 event will start and finish at House of Blues Anaheim. Learn More About Gumball Rally 2027 and sign-up now – HERE

A post shared by MiceChat Gumball Rally (@mcgumballrally)

Constructionland

Downtown Disney

As construction on the new parking structure, pedestrian bridge, and reworked guest entry from Harbor Boulevard gets started, two more ticket booths are set for demolition on the east side of the Esplanade.

Ticket booths on the east side of the Disneyland Esplanade marked for demolition

Construction work underway around the Esplanade ticket booths at the Disneyland Resort

Disneyland Projects

The Frontierland Shootin’ Exposition remains behind construction walls and a printed scrim as an extensive refurbishment is underway. It’s due back on September 10.

Frontierland Shootin' Exposition behind construction walls and a printed scrim at Disneyland

The Adventureland Bazaar has also received a printed scrim.

Adventureland Bazaar wrapped in a printed construction scrim at Disneyland

Disney California Adventure

The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure remains open while the exterior of the show building gets some work done. It’s easy to miss this one, because the extensive walls make it look closed.

Construction walls around The Little Mermaid show building at Disney California Adventure

Exterior work underway on The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel's Undersea Adventure show building

Disneyland Refurbishment Calendar (updated 8/22/26)

New this week is a reopening date for Silly Symphony Swings, which we spotted testing last week. It returns on August 28.

Silly Symphony Swings testing ahead of its August 2026 reopening at Disney California Adventure

Currently Under Refurbishment

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

Main Street Cinema closed for refurbishment at Disneyland in August 2026

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
  • Sailing Ship Columbia: September 21 – 24

Sailing Ship Columbia docked on the Rivers of America at Disneyland during refurbishment

This & That

Live @ Five

Don’t miss this week’s LIVE from Disneyland. Dusty starts in Tomorrowland, where things are about to get very interesting, then we take a look at Halloween in both parks. This is a really fun and very geeky look at the parks.

Remain Seated

We’re not sure why park guests have suddenly decided it’s reasonable to get out of the ride vehicles on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, but Disneyland has had enough.

Tiana's Bayou Adventure in Bayou Country at Disneyland

New signs posted at the attraction now clearly state that guests who don’t stay seated will be removed from the park.

Downtown Disney News

The Carnaby in Downtown Disney is now serving lunch seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with two new dishes created just for lunchtime.

The lunch menu features several of the restaurant’s signature dishes, including Beef Wellington, Fish & Chips, Cottage Pie, Bangers & Mash, The Carnaby Wagyu Burger, and Sticky Toffee Pudding.

Two new dishes are available exclusively during lunch:

  • Idiot Sandwich (a nod to one of Chef Ramsay’s most iconic pop-culture moments) is a thrice-fried chicken breast, G.F.C. sauce, and dill pickle on a brioche bun, served with a choice of fries or salad

The Idiot Sandwich from The Carnaby lunch menu in Downtown Disney

  • Prawn Cocktail Roll layers poached prawns with Marie Rose sauce, avocado purée, American caviar, and malt vinegar crisps

Prawn Cocktail Roll from The Carnaby lunch menu in Downtown Disney

Play Disney Parks App Signs Off

The Play Disney Parks App will shut down on September 16, so if you want to get in your last games, trivia challenges, and in-park activations (including Batuu Bounty Hunters), you’ve only got a few weeks left. After that date the app stops working entirely, so any progress or achievements you’ve been hanging onto go with it.

Guests using the Play Disney Parks app in Star Wars Galaxy's Edge

Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit

Character-decorated pumpkins are hiding across the resort, which can only mean one thing: Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit is back!

All you have to do is purchase a map for $11.99, search for the character pumpkins, and claim your prize.

This year, the prize is a mini character bag, but it’s a “blind” item, so you can’t choose which one you’ll get. Hang around long enough and you might be able to trade with another guest.

Pluto's Pumpkin Pursuit prize bags at the Disneyland Resort for Halloween 2026

We spotted a few pumpkins last week, but keep in mind there are three different maps (one for Disneyland, one for Disney California Adventure, and one for Downtown Disney), so be sure you’re searching in the right area!

Lilo and Stitch decorated pumpkin hidden for Pluto's Pumpkin Pursuit at Disneyland

Character pumpkin tucked into a planter for Pluto's Pumpkin Pursuit at the Disneyland Resort

Another hidden character pumpkin from Pluto's Pumpkin Pursuit at the Disneyland Resort

Oogie Boogie Ticket Tracker

After a slow start, tickets are now available for just 8 Oogie Boogie Bash party dates, including tomorrow, August 25.

Oogie Boogie Bash entrance signage at Disney California Adventure

The History & Mystery of Walt Disney’s Storybook Mansion

Daytime History Tours

This is a rare chance to stand where Walt stood, in the rooms where he worked out what Disney would become.

Tucked away high in the Hollywood Hills, the estate is where Walt Disney lived during one of the most defining chapters of his life. Built in 1932, the storybook-style home is where Walt raised his daughters, hosted legendary parties, and dreamed up many of the films that would shape generations. The gates open to the public only on rare occasions.

Walt Disney's Storybook Mansion in the Hollywood Hills, open for guided history tours

On this approximately 90-minute guided tour, you’ll explore the interior and exterior of Walt’s private home, including his personal screening room, where he previewed classics-in-the-making, and the tiny Seven Dwarfs Cottage, a backyard playhouse Walt gifted his daughters in 1937.

You can secure your Storybook Mansion History Tour tickets HERE.

Seven Dwarfs Cottage playhouse in the garden of Walt Disney's Storybook Mansion

Storybook Mansion Ghost Tours

Want something a little darker? On select Saturday nights in September and October, Dusty hosts ghost tours of the Disney mansion. The tours are organized by Haunted OC, the nation’s largest and most awarded ghost tour operator. Find details and tickets here: Haunted OC Ghost Tours

Candlelight ghost tour inside Walt Disney's Storybook Mansion in the Hollywood Hills
Your spooky Sage leads a candlelight tour of Walt Disney’s real-life haunted mansion

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.

Donald Duck in Alaska on a Disney Cruise Line sailing

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

Downtown Disney decorated for Halloween Time 2026 at the Disneyland Resort

Pluto Halloween decoration beside a fountain at the Disneyland Resort

Halloween Time display at Disneyland in 2026

Chandelier inside the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland

Stretching room portrait during Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland

Storytellers statue at Disney California Adventure decorated for Halloween 2026

Halloween confection display at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel

Chocolate Halloween showpiece at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel

Detail of the Halloween pastry display at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel

Halloween sugar work on display at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel

The Headless Horseman riding through Frontierland at Disneyland

Close-up of the Headless Horseman during Halloween Time at Disneyland

Mater decorated for Haul-O-Ween on Route 66 in Cars Land

Miguel from Coco greeting guests during Plaza de la Familia at Disney California Adventure


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Let’s Hear From You!

Are you out there braving 95 degrees for pumpkin spice in August, or do you hold out until the cooler dates nearest Halloween?

And be honest about Oogie Boogie Bash. Are Yzma and Madame Leota’s Swinging Wake enough of a change to justify a separate ticket, or is too much of it the same party you already went to last year? Let us know in the comments below!

Halloween-decorated tree on Main Street USA at Disneyland

Samantha Davis-Friedman
Samantha was born and raised in Southern California. She spent ten years working in television production; however, her English degree from UCLA was finally put to good use in 2011 when she began writing about family travel and theme parks. She has enjoyed sharing her adventures with readers ever since.
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Jonathan

It’s summertime…. this is dumb.

They’ve ruined the Haunted Mansion for six months out of the year.

Harrison Bergeron

I like the overlay but it overstays its welcome. It should go up Nov 1, tear down in January. It’s a CHRISTMAS themed overlay, after all.

Burt Pegert

Absolutely ruins it. Kills the song, kills the voiceover (the holiday voice-over is abysmal), kills the vibe. And at Halloween, when the Haunted Mansion should be its most haunted.

CakvalaSC

Crazy how hot it is and it’s barely August, and we have Halloween everywhere.

Burt Pegert

It spoils it when they drag it out too long.

Mel Asher

Great update!

Burt Pegert

Oogie Boogie boils my blood. Hey, look at these decorations and ignore the fact that we’re robbing everyone out of five extremely expensive hours of park time! Shut up, family that travelled from another country, and get the heck out of the park you paid through the nose to visit!

On guests bringing in power banks, it’s Disney’s fault. You can’t do anything in the park without using your phone, so a single charge won’t last. I will, however, recommend the phone chargers Disney sells at various places around the resort–for $30 you get a battery that will charge your phone, and when it runs out you can replace it for new one without additional charge. We bought one of those batteries five years ago and continue to get free replacements each time we go back.

And gee thanks Disney, for insisting on putting dead animal in all your new dishes. We’ll be sure not to have any of those.

John Severinsen

I’ve actually seen several battery charger fires over the years at DCA and DL.
Sadly the parks are full of chargers because Disney forces you to have a working cell phone all day to access everything.

mkemows

Nice update, as always!

Halloween at Disneyland has gotten stale and runs on too long. It’s a money-maker for Disney, which is why they have extended it. Halloween runs longer than the Christmas season, which seems crazy!

When the Halloween Trick or Treat was at Disneyland, it was a much better event. Since Disney is going through memories, perhaps they can bring Mickey’s Trick or Treat back to the original park.

Burt Pegert

Problem is that it’s a lot easier to kick everyone out of DCA at 6pm than to kick them out of Disneyland, where there’s a LOT more to do, particularly for little kids.

Mike Clifford

Have to say, I’m a bit disappointed in the Iger window. Not that he got one, he does deserve it. Just the placement of it in such a prominent spot. So….all you need to do is buy other IPs instead of creating them to get a window??

CalmDownDusty

Not that Iger is some Disney god, but you highly undervalue and write off Igers tenure. First, I don’t think it’s absurd that a 20 year CEO that brought vast growth to the company is not going to be honored with a window. Second, “buy other IPs” is underselling what happened of not only buying the portfolio from other companies, but expanding like he did with Pixar. And even park specifically he oversaw the biggest land addition to Disneyland, he oversaw the overhaul of DCA, the addition and overhaul of multiple Disney parks, and much more.

Even if you want to stick to just IP:

Meet the Robinsons, Enchanted, Bolt, The Princess and the Frog, Tangled, revived Tron, revived the Muppets, Brave, Frankenweenie, Wreck-It Ralph, Frozen, Big Hero 6 (kinda), Tomorrowland, Zootopia, Moana, Raya, Encanto, Elemental, Elio, Hoppers.

And this is just movies, this skips any ABC/Disney Channel content and the fact that Disney+ is proving profitable while other traditional media streaming services are huge losses (Paramount plus is losing $1B a year, Peacock just turned a profit through it was heavily weighed by the Fifa World Cup).

Like hate the guy for representing corporations to Disney’s image, but he was a transformative CEO that took over the company at a time where it was about to be split off and sold and turned it into a juggernaut

Harrison Bergeron

Along with bringing Pixar back into the Disney fold, Iger was thoughtful enough to get back Oswald The Lucky Rabbit (not to mention acquiring two of the biggest IP golden geese in pop culture, Marvel and Lucasfilm). He also fast-tracked getting Space Mountain reopened in time for the park’s 50th anniversary after it had been sitting neglected and shuttered for years under the Pressler regime.

Iger’s first tenure made me very optimistic about the future of Disney. His encore performance, not so much.

CalmDownDusty

I forgot the to add Oswald! The fact that he worked on acquiring Walt’s original idea to bring him back home was great (and hopefully the show bring Oswald back to peoples lives).

But you hit the nail on the head with the fact that the IP he did get are cultural institutions (Lucas and Marvel) plus grabbing and nurturing Pixar.

And again, hitting the nail on the head of him actually being involved in parks.

But as you said his encore was not so great, but after 20 years as CEO and the weird Bob Vs Bob + pandemic, most CEOs would’ve fallen out of favor by now.

But still, he took over Disney when it was about to be left for the vultures and turned it into an empire – for better and worse.

Michael Alias

Love the new pumpkins on Main Street !

Jason

The new Tomorrowland could be amazing. But, I have a feeling that they will cheap out or screw it up. Just don’t get our hopes too high.

Deborah Kwan

Let’s celebrate Haunted Mansion at Halloween with this parade! Oh, you want to go see the classic attraction now? Too bad you’ll have to wait until January. So dumb.

MonoAutoRail

The new comments section . . . are comments being disallowed without warning? My comments of yesterday or the day before are nowhere to be found. ?