Disneyland News & Updates

New Park Perk for Hotel Guests

Guests staying at the Hotels of the Disneyland® Resort (the Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Paradise Pier® Hotel and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa) already enjoy an exclusive entrance into Disney California Adventure™ Park through a special gate at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

Now, this exclusive Disney California Adventure Park gate opens at 9:00 a.m. each day, allowing Guests staying at the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort to get in line for Disney’s FASTPASS® tickets to each evening’s performances of “World of Color.”‬ The main entrance of Disney California Adventure Park will continue to open as scheduled at 9:30 a.m. for all other day Guests.

Theme Park hours may vary, so please be sure to check for the most up-to-date schedule. Early access for Guests of a Hotel of the Disneyland Resort is only being offered at the Disney California Adventure Park gate at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, and is scheduled for 30 minutes earlier than the opening listed for the main entrance.

Guests staying at other hotels will still have access to Disney’s FASTPASS tickets for “World of Color,” but this early access is another great benefit available to Guests who stay at the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort.

“World of Color” Debuted June 11

Lights, water, music, fire and animation came together like never before on June 11, 2010, when “World of Color” made its dazzling debut at Disney’s California Adventure® Park. The newest and most-anticipated Disney nighttime spectacular, the show is choreographed with revolutionary technology that creates a playful, nighttime spectacular and a new way for Disneyland Guests to experience Disney stories.

Presented on Paradise Bay in Disney’s California Adventure Park, “World of Color” is a major milestone in the multi-year expansion of the Disneyland® Resort. The show combines nearly 1,200 powerful fountains, popular Disney music and an all-new kaleidoscope of audio and visual effects, including both classic and new animation projected on massive screens of water. “World of Color” floods the senses and brings Guests on an imaginative, emotional journey into the colorful worlds of Disney classics such as “The Lion King” and “The Little Mermaid,” and of Disney/Pixar films including “Toy Story” and “WALL-E.”

“World of Color” takes water-infused entertainment to a new level of artistry. Disney’s newest production features an unprecedented infrastructure of water effects, larger-than-life projections, lasers, fire, fog, surround sound, and moving fountains that can shoot water 30 to 200 feet into the air. Technical wizardry integrates all show components with one of the largest show-control systems ever created; more than 18,000 active points of control are precisely managed by a single system.

For over a year, Walt Disney Imagineering and Creative Entertainment have worked to install a massive infrastructure using innovative technology that will create the stage for this extraordinary blend of music, animation and stunning water effects. Teams of Disney workers have built nearly an acre of superstructure to support the complex “World of Color” production. In addition, a newly designed viewing area will provide Guests the best-possible view of this exciting nighttime extravaganza. The show lasts approximately 25 minutes.

“World of Color” debuts this year as part of “Summer Nightastic!” – a lineup of exciting, after-dark entertainment that will illuminate the night at the Disneyland Resort. “Summer Nightastic!” will run June 11 through Aug. 29, 2010, while “World of Color” will continue to entertain Guests year-round at Paradise Bay.

“Captain EO” Starring Michael Jackson

Enjoy the music of Michael Jackson, combined with the visual effects magic of some of Hollywood’s best, as “Captain EO” returns to Disneyland® Park.

The 17-minute interactive film stars Michael Jackson as “Captain EO” on his quest to change the world. With show-stopping musical numbers written by Michael Jackson, and stunning effects orchestrated by executive producer George Lucas and director Francis Ford Coppola, “Captain EO” is a sight and sound spectacular with an enduring message.

Screening in the same Tomorrowland® theater in which it debuted, “Captain EO” now features a new 70mm print and improved sound, thanks to acoustical enhancements made to the theater in recent years. A dazzling blend of music and images, “Captain EO” will take a new generation of Guests on a journey to the stars.

A Re-Mastered Return

Guests now can celebrate the return of the most patriotic attraction at Disneyland® Park.  Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, a beloved attraction for nearly 45 years and a historic landmark in the development of Audio-Animatronics® technology, has reopened in the Main Street Opera House.  With a new, stunningly lifelike Abraham Lincoln figure and an enriched presentation, the refreshed attraction combines the best elements of the original Disneyland Park 1965 show and the most advanced technical enhancements.  (The show first opened at the 1964 New York World’s Fair.)  

The new Lincoln figure represents several major milestones.  The fully electric head – a first for human Disney Audio-Animatronics figures, which are traditionally hydraulically operated – is based on an all-new sculpt that is more lifelike than in previous versions of the show.  Thanks to Imagineers, Lincoln is more realistic than ever before as he rises from his chair and speaks.  

Upon entering the Main Street Opera House, Guests encounter a redesigned lobby, including a separate presentation of items relating to Abraham Lincoln’s life and work.  In the auditorium, Guests will first view an onscreen program about Lincoln and the Civil War that features digitally enhanced versions of pictures and sound created for past versions of the show along with fresh material.  Next, the state-of-the-art figure of the 16th President of the United States will take the stage to deliver a speech composed of highlights from speeches made by Lincoln during his lifetime.  When the 15-minute show concludes, Guests exit through a gallery depicting notable Americans who have followed in Lincoln’s footsteps and continue to inspire others.  

Some of the latest enhancements to the show include:  

• New Audio-Animatronics technology gives Abraham Lincoln more emotion and vitality during his speech.
• New, specially commissioned artwork by animator John Pomeroy of “Pocahontas” is on display.
• Audiences hear the original audio voice narration that has been preserved and made sharper using digital technology.
• The narration includes passages never heard in past Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln presentations.

Utilizing advanced technology to present Lincoln’s words for a more innovative and inspirational journey, this re-opening provides a fresh take on the nostalgic presentation.  

A New Stage Spectacular

“Toy Story – The Musical” will take over Hyperion Theatre in Disney’s California Adventure® Park in early 2011.  The characters and playful plot from the original Disney-Pixar film, “Toy Story,” will come to life in this dazzling, musical stage spectacular where Guests will be treated to a unique “toys’ eye view” of life in Andy’s room.  

The stage show will feature larger-than-life set design, new songs, vivid projected backgrounds and elaborate costumes.  The journey follows Buzz Lightyear and Woody as they transform from jealous adversaries to best friends with an unbreakable bond.  The 50-minute musical preserves the humor and heart of the original film.
To make way for this exciting addition, “Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular” will close on Aug. 15, 2010.  If you are visiting the Disneyland® Resort, you won’t want to miss the chance to catch this great show before its exit.

Midway Games Return to Paradise Pier

Guests visiting Disney’s California Adventure® Park now can enjoy timeless midway games of chance and skill with a Disney twist: The Games of the Boardwalk at Paradise Pier are back! These four game booths, each decorated in an early 20th Century style, are located along the Paradise Pier midway and give Guests the chance to try their luck and test their skills. Using pre-paid credits on one of four collectable “play cards,” Guests will experience all-new, exciting games, each featuring the theme and Characters of a Disney or Disney/Pixar film. Goofy About Fishin’ is a fun and unusual fishing experience based on Disney’s “A Goofy Movie” and was designed with younger Guests in mind. Fishing rods with magnetic “hooks” are dangled in a lake of rushing water filled with colorful toy fish. Once retrieved, each color on the fish corresponds to a small, medium or large prize, so everyone is a winner. Dumbo Bucket Brigade is inspired by the clown firefighters sequence from the 1941 Disney animated classic “Dumbo.” This game lets Guests control old-fashioned water cannons as they take aim at a red fire bucket mounted in front of the cannon. Spraying the water into a small hole in the center of the bucket moves a corresponding circus clown up a ladder, escaping the cartoon flames below. The Guest whose clown reaches the top of the ladder first is declared the winner and receives a prize. Casey at the Bat is a baseball-style pitching game, reflecting the “Casey at the Bat” segment from the 1946 Disney animated film, “Make Mine Music.” This game brings out the athletic side of Guests, who pitch baseballs at the opposing team’s catchers. If Guests throw a strike, they are awarded a prize. In Bullseye Stallion Stampede, eight stampeding stallions race to the Ol’ K Corral in this rolling ball race game. The design of the horses in this game is inspired by Bullseye, Sheriff Woody’s loyal companion in the Disney/Pixar animated feature, “Toy Story 2.” Guests sit at one end of a large table and race a corresponding mechanical horse by rolling small rubber balls into various holes at the other end of the table. Each horse advances based on the point value of the hole the ball drops into - the higher the point value, the faster and farther the horse advances. The stampede ends when the first horse crosses the finish line and the Guest controlling that horse wins a prize. In May, the changes to the Paradise Pier boardwalk continue with the opening of Mickey’s Fun Wheel (formerly the Sun Wheel), a 150-foot-diameter Ferris wheel inspired by Coney Island’s famous “Wonder Wheel.” Guests may choose to board either a standard gondola or an exciting “swinging” one, just as before; however, the refreshed gondolas now present colorful images of Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald and Pluto.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Open at Disneyland

This April, the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique will open for magical makeovers in Fantasyland® at Disneyland® Park. You may make reservations now by calling 714-781-STYLE (714-781-7895).You will feel like royalty as they step into this magical salon located in Sleeping Beauty Castle, where every girl’s dream of becoming a Disney Princess can come true. With the help of the Fairy Godmother and her Fairy Godmothers-in-training, girls will be transformed from head to toe, from hair and make-up to princess gowns and accessories. And families can make the royal treatment complete with professional photographs of this enchanting Disney Princess experience.Participants can choose one of three different hairstyles – Disney Diva, Pop Princess or Fairy Tale Princess – and each hairstyle is part of one of three makeover packages:The Coach Package Includes hairstyle, shimmering makeup, princess sash, princess cinch sac and body jewels. $44.95 USD (plus tax).The Crown Package Includes hairstyle, shimmering makeup, princess sash, princess cinch sac, body jewels and nail polish. $49.95 USD (plus tax).The Castle Package Includes hairstyle, shimmering makeup, princess sash, princess cinch sac, body jewels, nail polish, princess gown of choice, wand, shoes and a Disney’s PhotoPass® Service portrait package (including assorted prints in a themed folder). $195.85 to $205.85 USD (plus tax); price range determined by the choice of princess gown and shoes.Guests must be at least 3 years of age to participate in a makeover. Adult makeovers are welcome; however, costumes are available in children sizes only. Reservations are recommended and can be made up to 60 days prior to arrival. Please notify the Boutique of any cancellations at least 48 hours prior to an appointment. Children must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 years or older during the entire experience. All prices, packages and information are subject to change without notice. Merchandise available while supplies last. Separate Theme Park admission is required.

A New Party Hits the Streets

“Celebrate! A Street Party” is coming, and it will rock the heart of Disneyland® Park with the beat of some of the best party tunes of all time. Scheduled to debut in late March, this new street spectacular will bring the party to you as it journeys along the Disneyland Park parade route.Balloons and streamers will fill the air while crazy conga lines, swing dancers and some of your favorite Disney Characters take to the street to celebrate with you! Dancers will perform alongside traveling performance platforms that feature amazing special effects. DJs will be spinning several different styles of popular party music, including swing, Latin and rock.”Celebrate! A Street Party” will be a fun way for you to answer the question, “What will you celebrate?” Daily performances are scheduled to begin on March 27, 2009. Check the Entertainment Times Guide once you arrive at Disneyland Park for the latest information on performance times and locations.

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Classic Attraction Returns with New Magic

One of the most beloved attractions at the Disneyland® Resort, “it’s a small world” has reopened with exciting new enhancements. With the premiere of a new “Spirit of America” scene, new musical enhancements and a new look for some of the attraction’s familiar child dolls, “it’s a small world” will once again take Guests of all ages on “the happiest cruise that ever sailed.”This classic attraction has been renovated and enhanced while retaining the world-renowned charm that holds such a special place in the hearts of Disneyland Resort guests. The “it’s a small world” journey continues to celebrate children of the world and their message of harmony and friendship. And now, for the first time, Guests will be able to find some of the child dolls dressed as their favorite Disney Characters, in the countries where their stories take place. For example, dolls dressed in Aladdin and Jasmine costumes play in the Middle East scene, and a doll dressed as Alice from “Alice in Wonderland” appears in the Great Britain scene.You will enjoy riding “it’s a small world” again and again as you search for the 29 Disney and Disney•Pixar Characters now represented in the attraction. Some appear as child dolls and some are playful-looking toys, such as the White Rabbit who accompanies Alice. The new doll costumes and toys are fashioned in the same artistic style that has made “it’s a small world” an icon around the globe. That style was created by art director, color stylist and Disney Legend Mary Blair, whose sense of design shaped “it’s a small world” from the very beginning.Additional fresh touches can be heard in the augmented “it’s a small world” soundtrack. The renowned “it’s a small world” song, written by Academy Award®-winning composers Richard M. and Robert S. Sherman, will still play throughout the attraction. Now, however, some subtle film music is woven into the song as counterpart melodies, fitting the characters and scenes.You will love these exciting new enhancements to the classic attraction when they experience it themselves on “the happiest cruise that ever sailed!”

Disneyland Park Opens Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough

The interior of Sleeping Beauty Castle at the Disneyland® Resort is now open – just in time for the December holiday season! This beautiful walkthrough offers your Clients a “reawakened” version of its classic presentation kissed with vibrant scenes of Aurora, her charming prince, the evil Maleficent and other characters from the beloved film.Next year marks the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney’s “Sleeping Beauty,” and the excitement generated by the anniversary of the motion picture spurred interest in the return of the Disneyland Resort attraction.The “show” will differ from the dioramas of the 1980s and ‘90s, returning to the unique style of the original 1957 show and motion picture. Enhanced with new scenes and special effects magic, this re-Imagineered attraction employs technology not available in the 1950s to represent scenes from the story of “Sleeping Beauty,” including the magic of good fairies Flora, Fauna and Merryweather, and the more sinister spells of the evil Maleficent.For the first time, Guests who are unable to climb stairs or navigate the passageways of the Castle are be able to experience the walkthrough “virtually” in a special room on the ground floor of the Castle.