Now that April is here, we’re definitely in full spring mode in California. Spring break crowds have flooded into the Disneyland Resort, flowers are blooming, and the last of the season’s rainstorms are (hopefully!) passing through. March at the happiest place on earth was busy – and not just because of the crowds. Construction continues in Downtown Disney and on the western side of Disneyland, and we got a bunch of teasers of things to come. Let’s take a closer look at last month’s happenings.
TESTING NEW TURNSTILES
As teased last year, the Disneyland Resort is finally starting to test new entry turnstiles. A few weeks ago, the first test gates popped up at California Adventure.
Source: Scott Gustin
These turnstiles, already in use at Disneyland Paris, open automatically when scanning a ticket or MagicBand+. Cast members will still be present at each gate, so they aren’t people-free, but they are meant to simplify the entry process. Each gate will also be wider than the existing turnstiles, to accommodate wheelchairs, ECVs, and strollers.
The testing is expected to continue throughout the year, with installation slated for 2025.
NEW SHOPS COMING TO CRITTER COUNTRY
On the western side of Disneyland, construction continues at both the Haunted Mansion and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. And in March, Disney Parks Blog confirmed MORE construction is coming to Critter Country, bringing two “new” shops to the area. I say “new” because one is a redesign of an existing shop and the other is the splitting of an existing shop into two separate retail spaces.
First, the redesign. The Briar Patch will become “Ray’s Berets”, a little cabin selling hats, ears, and accessories.
Source: Disney Parks Blog
In the back corner of the land, Pooh Corner will split in half to make room for a new shop: the “Critter Club”. The confectionary side of Pooh Corner, closest to the attraction, will remain the same. But the other side will transform into a Princess and the Frog themed shop selling accessories, home goods, and clothing.
Source: Disney Parks Blog
While we don’t have an official opening date for either of these shops quite yet, Critter Country will temporarily close starting May 1 for the shop construction.
DISNEYLAND’S NEWEST RESIDENTS
In addition to the new shops, Disney teased the new residents of the bayou. The critters will be getting some cute merch, and you’ll find them all playing music and dancing within Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Let’s meet them!
Source: Disney Parks Blog
And their official bios:
- Byhalia the Beaver – Byhalia doesn’t just build dams; she helps build musical instruments using natural materials from the bayou. As a strong-willed percussionist, it’s safe to say Byhalia is the heartbeat of the band, as well as a natural designer and engineer.
- Gritty the Rabbit – Always willing to dig a little deeper to help others, Gritty plays the washboard (a found automobile license plate) with a high-energy flair. It’s the perfect instrument for someone who’s often overzealous and digs to relieve her nerves.
- Beau the Opossum – Seeing limitless possibilities, no one finds more wonder in the bayou and the sounds of zydeco music than Beau. All she knows is beauty, especially her own. You can find her plucking out the low notes with her upright gourd bass, which of course, involves some musical dexterity with her tail.
- Apollo the Raccoon – Apollo loves transforming abandoned objects into works of musical art – like his squeezebox. He’s full of energy and storytelling, especially about the objects he finds in the bayou. He’s particularly close with Rufus and appreciates Rufus’ calm demeanor.
- Rufus the Turtle – Rufus may be a turtle, but he’s quick to jump into rhythm with his harmonica. He’s also the first to join in on new adventures! He’s genuine and sincere but may come across as a little sarcastic at times with his habitual sighing. Rufus loves going on adventures with Apollo.
- Timoléon the Otter – He’s the eldest of the band, but Timoléon’s fiddle-playing is inspired by all the ‘kids’ he spends his time around while in the bayou. When he’s not sawing out a jig, he’s famous for telling stories of days long ago about his explorations of every corner of the bayou.
OTHER UPDATES
This month, Disney teased some of the upcoming offerings during the Pixar Fest celebration coming later this year. I’ll have a post soon with more details, but for now – expect some new shows and character encounters!
The Astro Orbitor has finally reopened, after a nearly 6-month long refurbishment. There doesn’t appear to be any major change to the attraction.
And finally, Soarin’ riders got an extra special treat when their chief flight attendant, Patrick Warburton, made a surprise appearance to clear them for takeoff. Check out the video from Disney below.