New Announcements for Disneyland from Destination D23!

 

Just this morning, Disney Parks Chair Josh D'Amaro made a LOT of announcements about changes and new experiences coming to parks around the world. To be very honest, there's not much that's Disneyland in California specific (which is what we do here), but we'd never miss an opportunity to share updates with you all, so here we go....

A smidge more information on the long awaited Multiverse ride at Avengers Campus

You might remember way back when that there was going to be another ride in Avengers Campus. All we ever knew is that would be a Quinjet themed ride with a "phase two" opening, and the land would start out with WEB Slingers and Mission Breakout. This announcement came way back in 2019!

Here's what we know today...

It's looking like rather than boarding the Quinjet, we'll be boarding a "world jumping vehicle" (seen in the concept art above) that combines "elements of Tony Stark's time suits with Xandarian jump points and Wakandan technology." So there you go! The ride will still be happening, for those of you who had given up hope. And I'm guessing the Avengers Store moving from Stage 12 in Hollywoodland into the future ride building in Avengers Campus is a good sign that we'll be exiting the ride into a shop, one of personal favorite things. 

Next up is a little Star Tours update. Starting in Spring of 2024, they'll be adding new scenes to Star Tours to include Ahsoka, so be sure to watch her new show on Disney+ so you know what's happening!

Lastly is a new character Meet and Greet. Asha, the main character from the new movie "Wish," coming out in November, will be out and about in Disneyland. They didn't give an official date, but it should coincide with the movie's release. 

That's really it! Thoughts? I'm still waiting for the day they announce a complete overhaul for Tomorrowland...but maybe that's just me! For full details and info about other parks, check out the official info here.

First Look at the Menu for Aunt Cass Cafe in San Fransokyo Square!

 

San Fransokyo Square officially opens tomorrow (although there was a soft opening today) and we're so excited to show you the first look at the fantastic looking menu for the brand new Aunt Cass Cafe. Aunt Cass never disappoints!

In case you didn't know, San Fransokyo Square is the Big Hero 6 retheming of the Pacific Wharf area. The Lucky Fortune Cookery and Cocina Cucamonga Grill will still be there, along with the Ghirardelli ice cream shop. But Aunt Cass Cafe will take over where the Pacific Wharf Cafe used to be. 

Let's go through the menu and see what looks best!

For starters we have the Cafe Specialties:

• Curry Beef - $12.49
• Creamy Mac & Cheese (in a sourdough bread bowl) - $12.49
• San Fransokyo Clam Chowder (also in a bread bowl) - $12.49
• Turkey Pesto Club sandwich (served with chips) - $13.29
• Shrimp Katsu Sandwich (served with *garlic* chips) - $14.99
• Chilled Shrimp Soba Noodle Salad - $19.99

There's an entire plant based section of the menu, but don't let that fool you...it's mostly bread! Sourdough Mickey, Sourdough Baguette, Sourdough Baymax, Sourdough Round, and Sourdough Loaf. But if you're looking for ACTUAL plant based meal options, you get:

• Soba Noodle Salad - $13.99

There are two options for kids meals:

• Turkey Sandwich (served with a mandarin orange, apple sauce, and a drink) - $7.99
• Mac & Cheese (same sides) - $7.99

We've also got some desserts to try:

• Japanese-style Fluffy Cheesecake - $6.99
• Sugar Cookie or Chocolate Chip Cookie - $4.49

And don't forget the drinks!!!

• Peach Soju Citrus Cocktail - $16.00
• Firestone Walker Brewing Company, 805 - $12.00

Of course, there are non-alcoholic drinks as well. Aside from the standard sodas, fruit punch, milk, and chocolate milk, you can also grab:

• Caramel Cream Cold Brew - $6.79
• Honey-Lemon Ade (with yuzu puree and passion fruit and strawberry popping spheres!) - $6.99

In addition, there are also extensive options to modify the menu for egg, milk, seafood, nut, soy, and sesame allergies!

What do you think? Will you be trying it? While its a bummer to have a new place open with only one vegetarian option, it does sound delicious! Personally, I'm interested in the Shrimp Katsu Sandwich. We're just over 2 weeks until our trip, so we'll update you on anything we try!

Haunted Mansion Expansion coming 2024!

 

We've got some changes coming to the Haunted Mansion area in 2024! While the ride itself will stay the same, there will be updates to the queue area, theming, and exit. Let's take a closer look.

The queue area will be expanding, adding in new story elements for the background of the owners and caretakers of the manion. There will be gardens with fountains, gazebos and statues. There'll even be a greenhouse showing how the caretakers of the mansion still "faithfully maintain the happy haunting grounds." 

It looks like all of this will take place in the current queue area, and most likely the area right next to the mansion where the fountain currently is where the queue overflows into on especially crowded areas. 

At the exit of the ride (where Disney will be working to improve the experience for guests in wheelchairs and with other mobility issues by adding in an elevator exit), they'll be adding Madame Leota's carriage house...aka a new Haunted Mansion themed shop!

Construction for these updates will begin in January, after the Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay is done for the season. No word yet on a timeline for completion but we'll let you know as soon as more details are available. 

New Menu for Tiana's Palace Restaurant Announced!

 

It may be another two weeks before Tiana's Palace restaurant in New Orleans Square opens in Disneyland on September 7, but we've got the first look at the new menu items. It looks GOOD! 

Let's start with the beignets, because we know thats the real reason you're here. And don't worry, the classic Mickey beignets will be coming back to the Mint Julep bar. But if you want to try something different, go for the House-filled Beignet. It has a lemon icebox pie filling with a lemon glaze on top! And if you're feeling like you need more souvenirs, you can order it on this adorable Lily Pad and Lotus Cup Ceramic Set (limit 2 per person). 

Ok, now on to the real food...

There are TWO (and a half) gumbos to try! The7 Greens Gumbo is the plant-based option, with white beans, okra, yams, and heirloom rice. If you're in the mood for all of the veggies but need a bit more, you can also order it with the chicken and andouille sausage. There's also a classic House Gumbo. This one is filled with braised chicken, andouille sausage, and heirloom rice. The Cajun Spice Half Chicken is for you if you're looking for something a little spicy! The chicken is in a house made chicory barbecue sauce and is served with mac and cheese and cole slay on the side.

None of those your style? No worries! There's more options! Let's try Gulf Shrimp and Grits. The grilled shrimp are cooked in a creole sauce and put on top of cheesy grits. I've never had grits before and am super excited to try them!

Now on to the sandwiches! There are two pretty good looking options here: The Muffaletta Sandwich and the Beef Po-boy.  The Muffaletta has mortadella, salami, rosemary ham, cheddar, provolone, and olive relish on toasted sesame seed bread. The Po-boy has slow cooked beef in gravy with shredded lettuce and tomato on french bread. 

Got kids? Let's check out the kids menu. There's a Roasted Chicken Drumstick in barbecue sauce with rice, a Toasted Ham and Cheese Sandwich, and a Baked Mac and Cheese. 

As far as drinks go, I'm ready to give the Joffrey's Coffee Chicory Cold Brew a try! It comes topped with sweet cream and an optional Ray Firefly Glow Cube. 

We'll be there on September 15 to give this a try - we'll be sure to fill you on and give reviews!

Pluto's Pumpkin Pursuit is coming to Downtown Disney!

We've got a new game coming just in time for Halloween at the Disneyland Resort - Pluto's Pumpkin Pursuit!

For anyone who's played the Egg-stravaganza in the spring, this will sound very familiar to you but with a cute pumpkin twist. 

Starting September 8 (because Halloween is a two month season, right?) and going through November 1, you can play this scavenger hunt style game for a prize in Downtown Disney. Pick up a map and sticker sheet for $9.99 then mark off on your map each pumpkin you find with the corresponding sticker. Return your completed map to get an adorable prize!

Here's where you can pick up your maps (LOTS of options):

• Disney's Home
• Disney's Pin Traders
• The Disney Dress Shop
• WonderGround Gallery
• Acorns Gifts & Goods (at the Grand Californian)
• Disney's Fantasia Shop (at the Disneyland Hotel)

There are only TWO locations for you to turn in your map for a prize:

• Disney's Pin Traders
• World of Disney

World of Disney is enormous and I, personally, get lost and separated from my group every single time I'm there, so I'm hoping there's some good signage to figure out where to go in there. Or even better, I hope its a table outside of the entrances - that would be so easy!

You might have some questions if you're interested in playing Pluto's Pumpkin Pursuit:

1. $10 is way too much for this!

If this is how you're feeling, that's totally valid! It's steep for a game with a small prize at the end. The good news is that if you don't want to pay, you can still find all of the pumpkins. No one is stopping you! That's usually how my family does the Egg-Stravaganza when we go over Spring Break. It's just find to look around and find the hidden decorations. 

2. What if I don't find everything? I really want that cute little pumpkin!

There are no Pumpkin Pursuit Police. You're welcome to just return that map and get your prize no matter what. 

3. I don't really hang out in Downtown Disney. Why isn't this game in the parks?

I have no clue. But if I had to guess, I'd say it's either a way to get people to spend more time (and money) in Downtown Disney or its just that the parks are so heavily decorated this time of year, it would be really difficult. 

So what do you think? Will you play? I know I will when I visit the parks in September!

Big Changes for Disneyland Just Announced!

 

There's always change with a new year, and 2023 is proving to be no different. These changes were just announced today! What do you all think?

Park Hopping Time Changed

No more waiting until 1:00 pm to change parks. Starting February 4, you can switch parks starting at 11:00 am!

More Low Price Days   

Disney has promised to increase the amount of lowest tier tickets by "nearly two months worth." That's almost 60 days that have been changed from the higher priced days to the $104 (lowest cost) days. I love more chances to go to Disneyland for less money!

Photo Pass Included

Beginning February 4, all ride photos will be complimentary with any ticket! No Genie+ required! This will be available at least through the Disney 100 celebration. (Keep in mind, this is ride Photo Pass photos, not character photos or anything like that)

Promise for More Magic Keys

While we don't have specific timeframes or dates, Disney has promised that there will be many more opportunities to purchase Magic Keys "as they become available." I know people have been frustrated at how often no Magic Keys are up for purchase, so its great to hear that there will be more chances if you're in the market. 

All of this, plus more!

These are just the surprise announcements for today. Also coming to Disneyland this year that we already knew about:

• Mickey's Runaway Railway opens January 27
• Lunar New Year Celebration January 20 - February 15
• Food and Wine Festival returns March 3 - April 25
• Magic Happens parade returns February 24
• Wondrous Journeys fireworks show and World of Color: One begin January 27
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

The Treehouse Reopens with a New Theme 2023!

 

We finally have the official word on the Tarzan's Treehouse revamp/retheme and its so good! 

(Side note: I hate to say I told you so, so I'll just link to the time I told you so and move on...)

Its not staying Tarzan, it's not Encanto, its not coming down for a new store or upcharge. It's a reimagining of the original Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse! I'm so stoked! Like literally so excited that isn't not just being themed to the newest movie. 

The Adventureland Treehouse (maybe we'll come back to that bland name later, but whatever) will have rooms built by each member of the family that built the tree. Up high in the treehouse we'll have mom's music den, the son's nature room, and the daughter's astronomy loft. On the ground level will be dad's art studio, kitchen, and dining room. All of the rooms will be made of found objects and natural resources, as if it were really built in the middle of the jungle. 

We only have a very vague "2023" opening date, but we'll give updates as soon as we have them. Anyone else hoping the Mind Thy Head sign will still be around?