As we head into the final week of Halloween Time, the resort is slowly starting its annual holiday makeover, with the castle and Small World facade already showing signs of the upcoming festivities. In other holiday news, Toontown is preparing to host Santa and Villains Grove will soon become a winter wonderland.
We’re also sharing details about a Society of Explorers and Adventurers mystery and hotel offers for November and December. Plus, we’ll show you what’s new (and what isn’t) inside Indiana Jones Adventure, fresh off its 6-week refurbishment.
But before we get into the news, let’s talk about the weather.
Following a multi-day rain storm, the skies were clear and blue last Thursday… but a surprise cloud burst on Friday resulted in wet weather after dark… flooding many of the pathways in the park, resulting in lots of soggy shoes.
Jump to a Section: Updated Indy | Christmas Creep | Society of Explorers and Adventurers | Constructionland | Disneyland Refurbishment Calendar | This & That | Walt Disney’s Storybook Mansion | Next MiceChat Adventure | MiceShots | Discount Disney Tickets | Let’s Hear From You
Updated Indy
Indiana Jones Adventure finally reopened on Friday after being closed since Sept 8, so of course, Dusty and Eric rushed to the park to take a ride.
While the ride looks brighter with improved lighting, a larger item pouch in the vehicles, and the pole has returned to the queue… there aren’t any big visible improvements to the attraction… And, by the time we rode around 5pm on Friday (the reopening day), several effects either weren’t working, or not working well. The pole in the queue, as well as the rope you pull to upset the man in the well, were both non-functional. And the boulder was spinning, but didn’t roll forward at the climax of the ride. Overall, the ride looks and sounds great… but the reliability does not seem to have been improved if anything was functioning poorly on opening day.
But what we were most disappointed to see was the continuation of the awkward digital effects just before the dart room. They were added in a previous refurb as a replacement for the rat projected on a mist screen. Unfortunately, the strange lightning bolts and collapsing tunnel effects look NOTHING like the rest of the ride and feel horribly out of place.
Take a look at our video from opening day and judge for yourself:
Christmas Creep
As Halloween winds down, the holidays are beginning to creep into the parks. And while most of the holiday cheer is in the stores, the snow-capped castle rooftops are a clear sign that Halloween Time is just about to end. On Thursday, we noticed some icicles had been added as well.
And, by Sunday, the frosty finials had also been installed.
Holiday lights have also been installed on the Small World facade, but they’re a bit harder to see unless you are really looking close. The ride closes October 30 for the installation of its annual festive overlay and returns on November 13 (the first day of the resort’s holiday celebration).
Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in California Adventure will also transition from Villains Grove (closing November 1) to Santa’s Holiday Visit (opening November 13).
And the elves are busy at work preparing the Trolley Barn in Toontown for the arrival of Santa. He won’t be meeting guests in his usual Fantasyland Theatre location due to the popularity of Bluey, so he’s moving nearby to Toontown.
Holiday Advent Calendar
It’s no surprise that the 2026 Arribas Brothers Advent Calendar has already gone viral. The exclusive holiday gift appeared on Main Street last week, featuring 25 special Disney-themed ornaments and gifts.
The price tag for all this Disney magic is a cool $399. And only 500 will be available across Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and Disneyland Paris.
This Just In!
Although Disneyland had been distributing postcards with the dates candy canes would be available, when we visited Candy Palace last Thursday, we were told that the previously announced candy cane distribution dates were incorrect and need to be adjusted. They did not have specific information on which date (or dates) was incorrect. Bookmark our Candy Cane Guide for updated information as soon as it becomes available.
Society of Explorers and Adventurers
During a panel about the Society of Explorers and Adventurers (S.E.A.) at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in August, Imagineers presented a crate… and a quest.
An artifact that was supposed to be inside the crate was missing, but the thief left riddles with clues to their name, all of which were connected to Disneyland.
The series of riddles revealed that the thief:
- Was rejected from the Society of Explorers and Adventurers
- Potentially stole the “Ridge Jewel” mentioned in a S.E.A. 1886 news clipping
- Somehow leaves clues across different time periods
You can follow the entire quest HERE. But if you do want to know who stole the Ridge Jewel, keep reading.
Warning… Spoilers Ahead!
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Meet Hazel Hightower
The final clue referred to the infamous Harrison Hightower III (the main character of Tokyo DisneySea’s Tower of Terror), who disappeared on New Year’s Eve in 1899 after acquiring the cursed idol, Shiriki Utundu. Those who solved the riddle discovered the time-traveling thief was Hazel Hightower, Harrison’s daughter.
In addition, a note from Hazel revealed that the Rainbow Ridge Jewel is at the Ticket Booth outside of Pioneer Mercantile in Frontierland.
For a limited time, guests can witness this rare artifact and use a MagicBand+ (or ask a cast member at Pioneer Mercantile) to receive a complimentary commemorative ticket from Hazel.
Hazel has also made her presence known at Tropical Hideaway in Adventureland, where her oar has been added next to those of other S.E.A. members.
When we visited on October 20, Hazel’s Timeskipper was open…
…but by October 22, it was sealed shut.
During Thursday’s Live at 5, we went on a hunt for other representations of S.E.A. at the Jungle Cruise (both Albert and Alberta Falls are members of S.E.A.) and the Adventureland Treehouse (a S.E.A. flag can be spotted in the center of the photo).
RELATED READING:
- The Beginners Guide to Disney’s Society of Explorers and Adventurers (S.E.A)
- MiceShots: Disneyland’s Adventureland Treehouse an Instant Classic!
- Disneyland Jungle Cruise Reopens with Big Changes
Constructionland
At the Disneyland Hotel, Broken Spell Lounge has returned from construction, but now the coffee shop is behind construction walls. There’s also work on the patios at Trader Sam’s and Tangaroa Terrace, where the tiki torches are being reworked.
We dined there on Friday evening and were glad to see the excellent beef dip still on the menu.
New Parking Structure
Ground work is well under way across the huge project.
A revised building permit filed October 23 confirms a downsizing. The structure is now described as 3,115,680 square feet across seven levels, down from the 3,257,394 square feet and eight levels in the original December 2025 filing. The revision also adds 18 shade canopies and 129 rooftop light poles, and bumps the EV chargers from 302 to 316. It is still in plan review, but it is the first separate revision on record for the Eastern Gateway garage.
The open area you see at the top center of the image below is where the bridge over Harbor will connect to the parking structure.
Downtown Disney
The new ride share area at the west end of Downtown Disney (near the old ESPN Zone) is open (as are the security tents between the former ESPN Zone and Star Wars Trading Post).
But things are much more confusing on the east side of the resort, where construction on a new security checkpoint has created a bottleneck as the old ticket booths are removed and the security tents are moved a bit closer to the parks to make way for upcoming bridge construction over Harbor.
Only two ticket booths have survived the ticket booth massacre of 2026, with one now serving as Accessibility Services.
New building permits have been filed for Bopo Go! (the old Jamba spot between Sephora and Pandora).
In other restaurant news, work is finally underway at the future location of the new Arthur & Sons steakhouse and quick-service Pearl’s Roadside BBQ.
Disneyland
We’ve been closely following the progress of the new patio and expanded seating for Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree. The lower patio is just about complete, and feature Winnie the Pooh details on the lighting. It’s not even open yet and already looks fantastic with rustic stone pavers and low walls, as well as wooden garden fences.
New copper gutters are shiny now but will oxidize and change.
And last week, we noticed bear-y cute Winnie the Pooh-style details on the light fixtures.
California Adventure
Thanks to recent windy weather, scrims were down from Ariel’s Under Sea Adventure, revealing the attractions ongoing makeover.
An additional construction cube is sitting across from the Palace of Fine Arts entry to the Little Mermaid.
The Avengers Campus expansion is on a steady course for an opening next year.
The other big DCA project (AKA the new Coco attraction) is still hidden behind construction walls, but we’re expecting it to go vertical soon.
The related bathroom expansion in Paradise Gardens is also still hidden behind walls.
Along the parade route, the new Bountiful Valley Brews kiosk located between Carthay Circle and the Cars Land entrance is still behind walls. It does look like the sign is already in place, so we’re expecting it to be open in time for Festival of Holidays, which kicks off on November 13.
Disneyland Refurbishment Calendar
No new additions to the calendar this week, with just the two annual holiday overlays starting next week.
Currently Under Refurbishment
- Chiller at Paradise Park: July 26-TBA
- Tomorrowland Skyline Terrace: September 8, 2026-Late January 2027
Upcoming Refurbishments
- it’s a small world ~ Holiday Installation: October 30-November 12
- Redwood Creek Challenge Trail ~ Holiday Switch Over: November 1-12
This & That
MiceChat Live @ Five
While Dusty was being fancy at 21 Royal charity dinner for Ryman Arts, the MiceChat crew did our best to fill in. During our walk and talk through Disneyland Park, we searched for the newest member of the Society of Explorers and Adventures and went on a hunt for signs of the upcoming holiday celebration.
You can see some of Dusty’s 21 Royal photos in our MiceShots section below.
Movie Night
Due to rainy weather last Wednesday, the free screening of “The Nightmare Before Christmas” on the Downtown Disney lawn was rescheduled for tonight at 7 p.m.
And speaking of Jack Skellington… A new $75 tiki mug at Trader Sam’s features the pumpkin king and other characters from the movie.
Pizza Planet Glow-up
Good news from Pizza Planet in Tomorrowland, where the horrible mobile order line of registers has been removed, allowing guests to once again self-serve from the salad, pasta, and pizza stations of the restaurant.
Mobile order is still available here, it’s simply picked up at a single window next to the pizza.
Unfortunately, due to the reduced selection of items, we decided to go elsewhere.
Napa Rose News
Following its reimagination in February, Napa Rose served a seasonal prix fixe tasting menu (priced at $188 per person) in the dining room and outdoor patio while a separate a la carte menu was available only in lounge area.
However, when the new fall menus were posted this week, the a la carte menu is now offered in the dining room as well.
You can read our full Napa Rose review here:
Say Cheese!
Shutterfly is now the official photo gift partner of Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, Disney Cruise Line, and Aulani, allowing Disney fans to turn their PhotoPass and Disney Cruise Line photos into personalized photo gifts and keepsakes.
Starting October 21, guests can opt to have the photos taken by Disney photographers automatically added to their Shutterfly account. Click HERE for details.
NOTE: We spoke to a PhotoPass photographer on October 22 who told us they had not been given instructions about Shutterfly at that point, so be patient as there may be a rolling out period.
Press Them If You Can Find Them
More Pressed Penny Machines are disappearing from Disneyland, so if you’re a collector, it’s difficult to scratch that itch.
It’s hard to miss the empty spot outside of the Pooh’s Corner shop in Bayou Country. Current image above and our archived image from last year below:
We did spot two “pressed coin” machines in Tomorrowland last Tuesday. They appear to be pressing blank slugs rather than actual pennies.
Seasonal Flavors
The fall flavor at Big Boi Lumpia Cart in Downtown Disney is (what else?) Pumpkin Spice, which is served with cinnamon icing dip.
In other spicy news, tickets are available for booking now for Jazz Kitchen’s annual Gingerbread House Workshops from 12-2 p.m. on December 6, 12, and 13.
Tickets are $38 per person + $58 per house (plus tax and fees), and include:
- Unlimited hot chocolate
- Assorted mini desserts
- A visit from Santa
- Candy and icing for decorating
- Limited edition Jazz Kitchen ornament
You can find information and buy tickets HERE.
MiceDeals
If you’re planning a visit for Halloween (now through November 1) or the holidays (November 13 through January 6), several hotels have offers that can help turn a single park day into a mini vacation.
Disneyland Resort Hotels: Save up to 20% on selected rooms when you stay 3 or more nights through December 18, 2026. Book by December 15, and travel must be completed by December 19. Park tickets are not included, and a separate park reservation is still required for park entry. Advance reservations required, subject to availability.
Good Neighbor hotels, tickets included: 2-night stays for a family of 3 with 2-day Disneyland Resort tickets (one park per day, park reservations required), starting at:
- Best Western Plus Stovall’s Inn from $1,299.03, November 1 – 12
- Delta Hotels by Marriott Anaheim Garden Grove from $1,435, select dates October 29 through December 24
- Hyatt Regency Orange County from $1,455, select nights through December 31
- SunCoast Park Hotel Anaheim, Tapestry Collection by Hilton from $1,494, November 1 – 30
- Fairfield by Marriott Anaheim Resort from $1,581, December 6 – 17
Be sure to bookmark our MiceDeals SoCal Guide for all the latest offers.
The History & Mystery of Walt Disney’s Storybook Mansion
If you’ve ever wondered what Walt Disney’s life looked like before Disneyland, MiceChat’s Dusty Sage offers you a rare opportunity to step inside one of the places where much of that story unfolded.
Daytime History Tours
High in the Hollywood Hills sits the storybook-style home Walt Disney built in 1932, during one of the most important periods of his life and career. Walt and Lillian raised their daughters here, entertained friends and colleagues, and watched the Disney studio grow from an ambitious little operation into something much bigger.
The house is privately owned and rarely open to the public, which makes these tours a particularly unusual chance to explore Walt’s world beyond the parks and studio.
The approximately 90-minute guided tour includes both the interior and exterior of Walt’s former home, including his private screening room and the tiny Seven Dwarfs Cottage, the backyard playhouse Walt gave his daughters in 1937.
It’s one thing to read about this chapter of Walt’s life. It’s another to stand in the rooms where some of it actually happened.
You can find dates and reserve Storybook Mansion History Tour tickets HERE
Next MiceChat Adventure: Pacific Coast & Alaska Back-to-Back
Ready for another MiceChat adventure? In May 2027, we’re heading north aboard the Disney Wonder for two cruises that can be booked separately or combined into one rather spectacular back-to-back trip.
The first leg sails from San Diego to Vancouver May 6 – 10, 2027. Then, without changing ships, the Wonder heads into Alaska from May 10 – 17, visiting the Stikine Icecap, Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan before returning to Vancouver.
Do one cruise or do both. Many of us are booking the same stateroom for the full 11-night journey, which means no packing up between sailings.
If you’ve never sailed Alaska, this is a very different Disney cruise experience. The scenery is the main attraction, with mountains, glaciers, wildlife, and historic port towns unfolding right outside the ship.
And traveling with MiceChat adds another layer to the trip. We’ll have our own group activities, plenty of familiar Disney fans to explore with, and a good chance that whoever ends up at your dinner table already understands why you have strong opinions about Pirates of the Caribbean.
Bookings for the MiceChat group are being handled by Teresa Cory at [email protected]. Booking through Teresa is required to receive the group rates and participate in the MiceChat activities.
Come sail to adventure with us!
MiceShots
Halloween Time is rapidly coming to an end. After this coming weekend, the resort will be in a mad dash to swap pumpkins for poinsettias.
As we mentioned, Dusty was invited to dine at 21 Royal on Thursday evening and has shared these images with us. His journey begins in the former Dream Suite, Walt’s planned apartment. 21 Royal is Disneyland’s private dining room above Pirates of the Caribbean, where a small group gathers for a multi-course dinner with wine pairings in a quiet corner of New Orleans Square. We were there for a Ryman Arts charity dinner, and it is the kind of room you could walk past a hundred times without knowing what’s going on inside.
The suite has two bedrooms, a living room, a beautiful patio, and a dining room.
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Let’s Hear From You!
Are you sad to see Halloween Time end or are you ready for the holidays? And what do you think about Santa moving from Fantasyland Theatre to the much smaller Trolley Barn? Do you think there will be gridlock in Toontown? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Thanks for the fantastic update, Samantha! The week doesn’t start til I read Monday’s Disneyland Update!
You sure you’re allowed to show 21 Royal pics? we were told it was “backstage” and couldn’t. You may want to verify…
Silence, peasant!
Indiana Jones is fixed and finally back open again!
Indiana Jones is already broken again!
Yay for the blank copper slugs! Pressed pennies have always been a must have for our crew. Glad to see the machines aren’t completely disappearing.
glad to see Broken Spell Lounge back — we didn’t get a chance to go on our trip last October and we were worried me missed our chance
Awesome pictures as always, thanks for the update.
Great article – but I have to say that using bulk politically correct language really shouldn’t justify saying something. That’s simply not true. THERE IS NO SUCH THING as a holiday “advent” calendar. These calendars always have the advent as Christmas.-I understand the the name of Christ and to make Christmas a small part of the “holiday“ season. But a calendar that ends on December 25 he is not a “advent“ for generic holidays. It is a “advent“ of the day we celebrate the birth of Christ.
And yet I just read an article in the NY Times that began: “Advent calendars began as a Christian tradition in the 19th century and have grown to be part of secular holiday fun as well.” See how that works? It’s not a matter of political correctness, whatever that means, it’s just a function of society progressing.
Any word on if they just broke one of the rooftop snowdrifts?… its gonna create a big hole when its not lit up at night. LOL
I enjoyed the Live at Five guest hosts this week. Thanks to Suzanne, Jeffrey and Samantha. The Live is the next best thing to being in the parks!
So, do we applause 👏🏻 the half arse rehabilitation of Indiana Jones, or will enough bring it to the attention of Team Disney Anaheim that, “it looks great but the job’s not finished!” 🚧
I will pass on the $400 Advent Calendar, that’s like purchasing 2 yearly passes for Knott’s Berry Farm (I also think the Walt Disney Company raising prices so high on certain things – such as $75 for a tiki mug that’s not worth $30, as well as certain experiences – want to pay extra for deluxe parking?, that it leaves a sour taste in ones mouth over their recently terminated 100 to 200 personnel from Walt Disney Imagineering to Corporate Support in Glendale – let that last bit sink in!) 😢
Slightly amused that for weeks in Anaheim and Buena Park it was hotter than Las Vegas 🥵 , but I wouldn’t wish flash floods upon you (not after what your coastlines have been through!) …. you got 🌧️ and good luck if a Theme Park stays open (very grateful that Knott’s Scary Farm went on without any problems this year!) 💀
I get a headache looking at all the construction walls, but I must say once the results are revealed? everything looks beautiful at Disneyland/DCA ❤️ (I never give up asking every year what Knott’s plans to do with the Mystery Lodge, because it’s been 7 years and not one statement – we ❤️ Knott’s but there’s room for constructive criticism). 🤔
Reduced selection of items at Pizza Planet (Tomorrowland), I agree but I also feel it just doesn’t have the same dining experience as the Galactic Grill and there’s no way anyone can tell me it’s worth paying extra for Tomorrowland Skyline Terrace! And now Disneyland is removing pressed penny machines? or has pressed penny machine that are not operating properly? (breaking 💔 here!)
I am always grateful for the wonderful pictures and videos, it’s nice to see those things around Disneyland and DCA that can deliver a 😊