Wednesday, June 12, 2019

Summer 2019 at Disneyland!




Summer is here! If you're lucky enough to be heading to the Disneyland resort, or just wishing you were, we've got all of the latest updates for the summer.

In a Galaxy Far Far Away.....

Reservations/Virtual Queue

Starting June 24th, you'll no longer need a reservation to visit Galaxy's Edge. So far the crowds haven't been insane, but we're guessing that will change once people don't have to wait for their reserved time. Disneyland announced that "as needed" they'll use a virtual queue system through the Disneyland App to allow people into Galaxy's Edge (if crowds become unmanageable). If needed, you'll get a "boarding pass" through the app, and then you'll get a push notification when its your time. (You'll be able to check on wait times and your progress in the queue through the app, so bring those portable chargers! The Disneyland app is a total battery drainer.) If you're not a big fan of the app, there will also be a physical system in place at certain, yet unannounced, locations.

Photo Credit: Insider
Visiting the Cantina

Whether you have a reservation over the next couple of weeks or you're visiting later in the summer, you'll want to head to Oga's Cantina when you first enter the land to get your place in the virtual queue. They'll text you when it's your time to come back and then you'll have about a 15 minute wait in person.
**Keep in mind** no matter how long your wait was, there's still a 45 minute time limit and 2 drink maximum. But the drinks look incredible. Check this out!

If you don't want to spend all day waiting for the Cantina, no worries! There are plenty of other stands and quick service options.

Building a Lightsaber!

Starting at $200, you can build your own lightsaber with metal hilt, choose your kyber crystal, and you get a kind of mini show where they talk about the force and lightsabers. If you are VERY into Star Wars, we hear its an amazing experience. If you're not a big collector or you kid just wants a lightsaber, we recommend building one in the store at the Star Tours exit. $30-$60 for a plastic lightsaber that's still pretty fun to build (My 8 year old did that in April and had a blast!).

Droid Depot

Just as fun as building a lightsaber, slightly less expensive, and without too bad of a wait! You pick your droid parts (including a personality chip!!) from a "lazy river" of parts. Totally customizable and super cute.

Photo Credit: Disney Tourist Blog
Smuggler's Run

People have been so intense about the Cantina and the lightsabers that there's been a minimal wait for the only ride in the land so far. People are riding it multiple times in their four hour window. On the ride, you're really controlling the Millenium Falcon, whether as the pilot, gunner, or engineer and how well you do actually affects the outcome of your ride. So it'll truly be a different experience depending on what position you have and who the other 5 people riding with you are. It sounds intense and I'm LOVING it.

Photo Credit: Disney Tourist Blog
Tale of the Lion King

Lion King lovers, this is for you! To celebrate the new "live action" Lion King this July, head on over to the Paradise Gardens Park area of California Adventure (in front of The Little Mermaid ride). The Storytellers of the Pride Lands will be retelling the Lion King through story and song. This show is only running for the summer, so act fast.

Special Summer Merch!

There's always something new to buy at Disneyland, and this sumer is no exception. Check out these new mini fans designed to look like Disney Snacks! Obviously, we'll be needing the Dole Whip one stat. They're available at Clothier's in Disneyland Park and at Elias & Co in California Adventure.

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

And, since summer is the best time to prep for winter, Disney snack ORNAMENTS are now available as well. Guess which is our favorite? Hint: We're not called A Mickey Waffle A Day. 
(Photos from Chip & Co.)


Soarin' Over....CALIFORNIA!

The original Soarin' is BACK for an extremely limited time. Check the views of California through June 30. I miss that orange smell!!!

 New(ish) Rides at California Adventure

Jessie's Critter Carousel 

Thiswas first to open in April and it's adorable. A giant Jessie welcomes you to the ride and it's a great spot to hang out while you wait for your Toy Story Midway Mania fastpasses or to take little ones while the bigger kids go on Incredicoaster.

Mickey's Philharmagic

Ok, this has been open for a little while as well, but has gotten basically no press and no love. Taking up residence in the old Muppet theater, Mickey's Philharmagic is a super cute 3D show where Donald has taken Mickey's sorcerer hat and leads you on an adventure through all your favorite Disney Music. It's air conditioned, it's fun to listen to, and it needs your visits if you don't want that to be an abandoned building again!

Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind

Technically a new ride, even though it was built on the bones of the old Flik's Fliers (RIP Bug's Land), Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind is the newest "little kid friendly" attraction over at Pixar Pier. And from the looks of it, they're already testing the ride vehicles. Stay tuned for an official opening date.

Photo Credit: WDW News Today

Fireworks!

Photo Credit: Disney

Disneyland Forever, the 60th anniversary show, is back for the summer with classic Disney music (if the dance mix during Mickey's Mix Magic wasn't your thing, this'll be right up your alley) and projection show



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