Now that we’ve passed Memorial Day weekend, it really does feel like summertime. This month, Disneyland made huge progress on some construction projects, hosted after-hours parties, and launched a new mobile ordering system for quick service restaurants. Let’s take a look back at a busy month inside the Disneyland Resort.
STAR WARS NITE
To celebrate May the 4th (Star Wars Day), Disneyland hosted a special ticketed event: Star Wars Nite. This special party included specialty entertainment, rare character meet and greets, exclusive merchandise and photo ops, and classic attractions.
In fact, the event proved so popular, Disneyland added a second night!
For more information about the Disneyland After Dark event series, check out the official page here.
LAST MONTH OF PIXAR PIER PREPARATION
With less than a month to go before the grand opening of Pixar Pier, Imagineers are busy with last minute preparations in California Adventure. More and more details emerge each day, including character detailing along the walkways, fresh coats of paint, and larger construction near the promenade.
We also have a few new details about the upcoming attractions. A Bing-Bong (Inside Out) themed confectionary will be a key dining spot in the Pier, and on the other side, visitors can buy cookies right by the exit of the Incredicoaster.
Pixar Pier officially opens to the public on June 23 (minus the carousel and a TBA Inside Out attraction), but visitors can attend a preview event. The catch? This event has one of the most ridiculous upcharges I’ve ever seen at a Disney park. For the chance to visit this new land overlay, you’ll have to spend $300. That’s almost double a park hopper ticket! If the price tag doesn’t startle you as much as it did me, you can purchase a ticket here.
WALLS COME DOWN…AND GO UP
Downtown Disney got a whole lot prettier this month when the huge walls around Naples finally came down. The restaurant now has a brand new water feature, and outdoor bar, and a completely re-done outdoor patio. It turned out gorgeous!
Over in Adventureland, the official construction walls went up around Aladdin’s Oasis. This space is transforming into the Tropical Hideaway, a refreshment and rest area. I wouldn’t be surprised if this became the new home of Dole Whip, to alleviate the long line at Adventureland’s entryway.
OTHER UPDATES
Disneyland finally launched mobile ordering! The app allows visitors to cut the lines and pick up food when it’s ready, at over a dozen locations across the resort.
Have you noticed the overwhelming crowds in California Adventure some evenings? Grad Nite season is in full swing. These evening events for local students will run through June 9.
And finally, we learned a little more about Star Wars Land this month. The land, officially named Galaxy’s Edge, is set on the planet Batuu. The actual village guests explore is called Black Spire Outpost. And those tall rock formations? They’re ancient petrified trees, massive versions of the gift Walt gave to Lillian in the 50s.
