I can’t believe it’s already May! Springtime is always chaotic at the Disneyland Resort, so time just seems to fly by so fast. With refurbishment season officially over, Disney typically launches a bunch of events, announces summer schedules and activities, and teases D23 announcements (the annual Disney convention held in July). Let’s take a look back at April at the Disneyland Resort.
SPRINGTIME FUN
I guest-blogged over on Theme Park Trader this month, sharing all the exciting springtime & Easter activities happening at the Disneyland Resort: Egg-stravaganza, special springtime desserts, and limited-time dining experiences! Check it out here.
EARTH MONTH
In celebration of Earth Month, the Disneyland Resort hosted 3 events throughout the parks and Downtown Disney:
- Earth Day Party– On Earth Day (April 22), Downtown Disney visitors had the opportunity to join in activity and game stations, visit a real working beehive, and learn more about the process of creating Born in China, the newest DisneyNature film.
- Connect With Nature– The Redwood Creek Challenge Trail hosted a nature celebration inside California Adventure. Like the Earth Day Party, this event featured game and activity stations, but this time the activities were more targeted to little ones.
- Environmentality Art Challenge– Cast members entered into an art contest, with all creations made from recycled materials found in their section of the park. The finished pieces went on display in the Opera House on Main Street, including the contest winner…a Mickey made from Golden Vine Winery corks.
IN STAR WARS LAND…YOUR FATE IS IN YOUR HANDS
This month, we got a little more info about Star Wars Land, and it has Disneyland fans everywhere incredibly excited.
Star Wars Land will be unlike any existing land in a Disney park. It will be completely immersive, to the point that the choices you make both on and off the attractions will impact how you are treated…and where your loyalty lies.
Without many specific details, we now know that both the Resistance and the First Order will be lurking in Star Wars Land, and sometimes it will be hard to tell who is allied to what side. And as a visitor to the land, you are part of the story. You may stumble across a chase scene or stunt in the middle of the square, as opposed to on a stage. And if you damage your ship aboard an attraction (which you will have some control over), you may have to answer to some angry crew members.
How will Disney know what choices you make? That has yet to be announced. It seems the most likely answer would be the Magic Band system used in Disney World. Expect to hear more during the D23 Convention this summer!
THE RUMOR MILL
If you pay any attention to Disneyland news, rumors, social media…there’s been tons of news and speculation flying around over the last month. Trouble with the “Eastern Gateway” project, delayed refurbishment projects, and rumored reopening dates for closed attractions. It’s a lot to digest, and complicated to explain. MiceChat has a fantastic article breaking down Disneyland news (and rumors), which also includes a little info about the D23 Convention this summer.
OTHER UPDATES
It’s official…the Main Street Electrical Parade’s run has been extended! The show will now operate in Disneyland until August.
Fantasyland has a brand new year-round Christmas shop. Formerly the Heraldry Shoppe, this space sells ornaments and Christmas decorations all year long.
Toy Story Midway Mania! and the Matterhorn Bobsleds both now offer fast pass. Fast pass kiosks for Midway Mania can be found across the walkway by the California Screamin’ track, and Matterhorn kiosks can be found in the side courtyard near Autopia.
For the next month, Hollywood Land visitors can check out a sneak peak of the upcoming Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales. Don’t forget to stop in the lobby for a moment; the costumes on display are real wardrobe pieces from the film!
HyperSpace Mountain will send its last missions out at the end of May, with classic Space Mountain returning June 1st.
If you’ve been in the park over the last few weeks, you may have noticed spotty WiFi available. Disneyland is FINALLY testing WiFi in both parks (ahead of launching MaxPass), but coverage is not consistent yet, thus the lack of announcement.
And finally, Sunday April 23 was Disneyland’s most popular unofficial event: Dapper Day! Visitors dressed in their Sunday best to celebrate classic Disneyland. I think my favorite outfits went to Jason (@SasakiTime) and Kristen for their dapper Carl and Ellie!
