Hello all – and welcome to 2025! I’m back from my usual January posting break to bring you a recap of everything that happened in the last month at the Disneyland Resort. This year is already busy – the Lunar New Year Celebration is in full swing, and Celebrate Gospel starts next week (full post on that coming Friday). Let’s take a look back at the year so far.
PARKSIDE MARKET OPENS
Downtown Disney’s latest culinary center, Parkside Market, had its official ribbon cutting this month.
Source: LuxeBeat Magazine
This building houses 4 new eateries in the district with a variety of cuisine types and dining experiences:
- GG’s Chicken Shop – the resort’s new favorite place for fried chicken
- Seoul Sister – a cute build-your-own Korean dish spot
- Sip & Sonder – a cafe with drinks, snacks, and breakfast bites
- Vista – the rooftop bar with views of the district
I’ll have posts on these new restaurants as soon as I get a chance to try them!
THE MANSION RETURNS…WITH A REFRESHED BRIDE
After a lengthy refurbishment and complete re-design of the gardens, the Haunted Mansion is once again fully operational. There were little refreshes throughout the attraction, but the one that drew the most attention was the ghostly bride’s makeover.
Source: LA Times
No more glistening axe – instead the focal point here is her eerily beating heart (a sound already predominantly featured in her attic scene before the change). I know fans have mixed opinions about her losing the axe (especially because her name is Constance Hatchaway), but I personally think the new design looks way creepier, which I think is ideal for the attraction.
PIXAR PLACE HOTEL TEASES NEW SUITES
Alongside the new lounges coming to the resort hotels, this month Pixar Place teased its two new signature suites (though no launch date came with the teaser). The first is themed after Coco. Here’s the description from the Disney Parks Blog:
The Coco Suite, with Oaxacan-style architecture, will feature terracotta tiling, Mexican artisan quilted and woven pieces, a fireplace, unique handcrafted wooden furniture, and thoughtful touches of hand-painted art. The Coco Suite is inspired by the film’s Rivera family hacienda with many family photos and mementos.
Source: Disney Parks Blog
The second new suite takes on an Incredibles theme, a home run for mid-century modern fans like myself:
The Incredibles Suite will have a mid-century design with a “spy-fi” twist. In “Incredibles 2,” DevTech businessman and Super fan Winston Deavor lends his striking home for the Parr family to live. Now he has designed the perfect getaway for the family! The suite includes a primary bedroom for the Parr parents, with a connecting room for Edna Mode designed by Edna herself. Beginning with a hand-scanning prop at the entryway, guests will encounter Super-inspired touches and special effects including a spy phone, hidden messages, a secret door and other surprises!
Source: Disney Parks Blog
To learn more about the hotel’s room offerings (and to eventually book once the suites are open!), check out the Pixar Place Hotel’s official website.
OTHER UPDATES
In addition to the Parkside Market additions, Downtown Disney also launched a new shop this month. Disney Storyland Boutique will offer rotating collections of treasures, all inspired by classic Disney stories.
Marceline’s Confectionary has concluded its makeover, and the candy store will now go by Disney Wonderful World of Sweets.
Good news for guests using disability services (DAS) – the pre-arrival conversation window has been extended from 30 days prior to your trip to 60-days prior, giving you double the time to make arrangements.
The Disneyland Resort has a new president. Thomas Mazloum, most recently president of Disney Signature Experiences (cruise line, vacation club, Aulani, etc.), will be stepping into the role as current president Ken Potrock transitions to president of The Walt Disney Company Major Events Integration.
And finally, this month the resort celebrated a local tradition: Anaheim Ducks Day. This celebration bring Ducks players into the park for a mini parade, and Daisy herself joined in on the fun this time on Buena Vista Street!
Source: Laughing Place