Resort Updates – December 2025

And just like that, December is winding down and we’re looking ahead to 2026! The Disneyland Resort celebrated in style this month, with beautiful decor, the ever-popular candlelight processional, and a few updates alongside gradual construction progress in Downtown Disney (not much to report there aside from…it’s still going). Let’s take a quick look back at December across the happiest place on earth.

BENJAMIN BRATT HOSTS THE CANDLELIGHT PROCESSIONAL

Each December, Disneyland and Disney World in Florida both host a fan-favorite holiday event: the Candlelight Processional. Disneyland’s event is extra exclusive, being only two nights, and features live musicians, light projections, and a reading of the story of Christmas at the train station. And per tradition, the reading is done by a special guest narrator. This year’s Disneyland narrator was Benjamin Bratt, the voice of Ernesto de la Cruz in Coco.

 Source: Disney Parks

Caroling of some kind has been a staple event at Disneyland since 1955, with the show gradually growing and evolving until Walt’s involvement in some of the 1960 olympic entertainment inspired him to create a larger production. For more information about the event’s backstory, check out my more detailed post here.

 Source: Disney Parks

MAGIC KEY PROGRAM UPDATES

In about 2 weeks, Disneyland will be shaking up the Magic Key program once again, sunsetting one key and introducing another. Here’s what you need to know:

• The Enchant key will no longer be available to purchase or renew starting January 13
• The new Explore Key will replace Enchant, with the major difference being expanded summer availability (and an additional $25 in cost)
• Inspire and Believe Keys have no change in availability

Additionally, if you’d like to upgrade your Magic Key, you no longer have to visit Guest Relations at the park. You can now do it online or in the Disneyland app.

 Source: Disneyland Resort

OTHER UPDATES

We’re days away from Disneyland’s annual refurbishment season. For the latest closure dates, check out my post that I will regularly be updating here.

As a reminder, “Magic Morning” or “Extra Magic Hours” (depending on how far back your Disneyland nomenclature goes!) officially come to an end for resort hotel guests in January. Instead, hotel guests will receive one Lightning Lane MultiPass per guest, per stay. Note: these cannot be used for Rise of the Resistance or Radiator Springs Racers.

And finally, I just wanted to share that I’ll be taking my usual January break from posting. I hope you all have a wonderful start to 2026, and I’ll see you in February!