Jenna SaxtonDisneyland Resort as we know it could be a distant memory in the next 10+ years as Disney gears up for its largest expansion of the resort since it opened in 1955. This expansion plan is known as Disneyland Forward and brings more theme park experiences, shopping, dining, resort options, and even parking structures to the resort.
Disney hasn’t been too specific about what exact attractions, hotels, and more are coming, but we do know that this is in the works! The Anaheim City Council approved the plans in May 2024, so we expect more and more details to be revealed over the next few years. But, if you’re planning a trip soon, here are some of the big changes that are already in the works (or have already happened) in 2024 and beyond!
Disney Park Changes
Return of Fantasmic! (May 2024)
After a year-long hiatus due to a fire that damaged the Maleficent dragon used in the show, Fantasmic! is BACK in Disneyland Park!
The return of the show also brings with it some major changes. Disney has completely removed the Maleficent dragon from the show (though, the scene itself is nearly the same) and Peter Pan and Captain Hook’s battle has returned (this was previously a Pirates of the Caribbean-themed scene). Dining packages are also back. So, you can guarantee yourself a seat at the show and have a meal if you choose to make a reservation.
Haunted Mansion Expansion & Shop (2024)
Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion queue is expanding! The line will now feature a new garden area inspired by Master Gracey, Madame Leota, and the one-eyed cat. Expect to see a water fountain, gazebo, and themed statues and landscaping as you wait. It will also have a greenhouse “where the groundskeepers for the Haunted Mansion grow their plants.”
And, after you say hello to all the Happy Haunts, you can do some shopping at the new store inspired by Madame Leota. The store will be adjacent to the attraction and similar to the Haunted Mansion-themed store that already exists in Disney World.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (November 2024)
Splash Mountain permanently closed in Disneyland in 2023. However, it will reopen as a brand new ride on November 15th, 2024! Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will take guests through the Lousiana Bayou as they help Tiana on her latest adventure – Tiana’s Food. The ride is a continuation of Disney’s The Princess and the Frog and will feature many of the existing characters from the movie along with some new ones.
The grand opening of the attraction also marks the official rename of Critter Country to “Bayou Country.” In total, the renamed land will include The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes, Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree, Ray’s Berets, Louis’ Critter Club, and Pooh Corner.
Two New Princess and the Frog-Themed Stores (November 2024)
When Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens in Disneyland Park, TWO new stores will open as well! The Briar Patch will be replaced with a new store called Ray’s Berets (which is named after the firefly from Princess and the Frog). This is where you can find headwear, apparel, accessories, toys, and more. And, Pooh Corner will be downsized a bit with the new Louis’ Critter Club setting up shop on the right-hand side of the store. It will have apparel, accessories, and home decor featuring “some of your favorite critters” and Princess Tiana.
Critter Country temporarily closed on May 1st, 2024 to make way for the changes, and will open in November 2024.
First-Ever Walt Disney Animatronic Coming to Disneyland Park (2025)
The first-ever Walt Disney audio-animatronic is coming to Disneyland Park! It will debut as part of a new limited-time show, “Walt Disney – A Magical Life” inside the Main Street Opera House in 2025. Disney has shared that this will be their most advanced animatronic to date.
Following its initial run, the show will play in rotation with “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.”
New Mission Coming To Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run (2026)
The Mandalorian and Baby Yoda will officially appear in a new mission coming to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in both Disneyland and Disney World.
The mission will be added in 2026 when The Mandalorian and Grogu movie premieres in theaters.
Avengers Campus Expansion (TBD)
When Avengers Campus first opened in Disney California Adventure, one attraction was still in the works. And, it’s set to open soon…ish! Construction is slated to begin in 2025 on Avengers Infinity Defense. The new thrill ride will invite you into the iconic lands from the Marvel franchise as you team up with The Avengers to defeat King Thanos.
But, that’s not the only new attraction coming to Avengers Campus! Disney is also building a thrill ride inspired by Tony Stark called Stark Flight Lab. You’ll board a two-person pod for a simulated flight to help test Stark’s latest invention. Construction on this project begins in 2025. So, it will still be a few years before it’s completed.
Coco-Inspired Ride Announced for Disney California Adventure (TBD)
Fans of Pixar’s Coco will finally be able to step into the Land of the Dead on a new ride in Disney California Adventure! The boat ride-through attraction will feature music from The film along with Miguel and other characters.
An opening timeline has not been revealed, though Disney shared that construction begins in 2026.
Avatar Experience Coming to Disney California Adventure (TBD)
A new Avatar experience is currently in the works for Disneyland! The new area is inspired by Avatar: The Way of Water and other upcoming Avatar films. It will feature new and unique experiences that aren’t available in any other Disney Park.
Disney hasn’t revealed much about their plans. However, according to concept art, it looks like it may feature a new boat ride-through attraction. More details are to come including an opening timeline.
Dining Changes
Great Maple (January 2024)
Great Maple is a new restaurant located inside Pixar Place Hotel. You can stop by to try the all-day breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu including favorites like the Buttermilk Fried Chicken and Maple Bacon Donuts.
The Sketch Pad Cafe (January 2024)
The Sketch Pad Cafe is the best place to grab a coffee or snack before you head out for a full day in Disneyland! It is located just off the Pixar Place Hotel lobby. The menu features assorted pastries, sandwiches, grab-n-go items, and a full espresso bar.
Small Bytes (March 2024)
Small Bytes is another new eatery at the Pixar Place Hotel. It is located on the third-floor rooftop deck and features a small menu with pretzels and other snacks. It is right next to the Pixar Shorts Court where you can relax or play family-friendly games while you eat.
Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree (TBD)
Hungry Bear Restaurant in Disneyland Park is being replaced by Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree as the beloved bears from Country Bear Musical Jamboree in Disney World make their way to the West Coast.
An opening date has not yet been announced. But, you can check out the new barbecue menu coming to the restaurant here!
Downtown Disney Expansion (2024)
Downtown Disney is in the middle of a major expansion and renovation. Within the next year, there will be at least 6 new restaurants and 3 new bars/lounges opening. Plus, the project includes some updates to long-standing stores and restaurants like Eat or Sandwich (which is now a pop-up restaurant near Star Wars Trading Post), Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio (which was refurbished and has a new menu), and Marceline’s Confectionary (which is expanding).
And, to top it all off, the Parkside Market is expanding to include a new lawn area and stage AND there are two brand new shops opening including a spot to get all the Marvel merchandise you can want. Learn more about all the new locations and when they’ll open here!
Disneyland Hotel Changes
Pixar Place Hotel (January 2024)
The Paradise Pier Hotel officially got a Pixar-themed makeover and is now Pixar Place Hotel. This is the first fully Pixar-themed hotel in the U.S. and brings a bunch of your favorite characters to life. In fact, you can even meet some of the characters inside the hotel like Bing Bong from Inside Out and Joe from Soul.
The hotel features three new restaurants, a Finding Nemo-themed splash pad and pool, and Wall-E themed shop. Plus, there’s even a Monsters University-themed fitness center.
The room designs feature concept art from Pixar movies and the iconic Pixar Ball. And, up on the concierge level, guests can enjoy the new lounge, known as the Creators Club. This is where concierge guests can enjoy free snacks and drinks throughout the day. Plus, if you really want to go all-out on your vacation, Pixar Place Hotel has two new 2-bedroom suites. One is themed to Coco and the other is themed to The Incredibles.
Other Changes
Disney Genie+ is Now Lightning Lane Multi Pass (July 2024)
Beginning July 24th, Disney Genie+ was renamed to Lightning Lane Multi Pass, and Individual Lightning Lane Attractions were renamed to Lightning Lane Single Pass.
The paid skip-the-line system still functions similarly to its predecessor, Disney Genie+, in Disneyland. You can purchase Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Passes through the My Disney Experience app on the day of your visit once inside the park.
Comments
What changes to Disneyland are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments!
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