Happy November! And…happy official holiday season for many. Disneyland kicks off its official season on the 10th, but honestly…the decor is all up now. Let’s take a look back at the last of the fall happenings before we fully switch gears into winter wonderland mode.
DOWNTOWN DISNEY’S NEW EATS
This month, Disney announced a LOT of new dining spots arriving to the Downtown Disney District.
Source: Disney Parks Blog
We already knew about Din Tai Fung, Paseo, Centrico, and Porto’s Bakery and Cafe from previous announcements, but here are the new ones announced in October, with their official descriptions:
- GG’s Chicken Shop – a family-friendly menu of chicken sandwiches, salads, and classic dinner table sides
- Parkside Market – a new, curated collection of diverse culinary concepts brought to life by Levy, with all four offerings under one roof
- Seoul Sister – a fast-casual modern eatery that will serve a Korean-forward menu based on bibimbap (Korean rice bowls) with a California twist
- Sip & Sonder – a Black women-owned brand that has been recognized as one of the best cafés in L.A. by the Los Angeles Times, with signature lattes, as well as fresh treats, frozen drinks and Caribbean-inspired bites
- “Second Story Bar” (actual name TBD) – an al fresco spot offering great views to sip signature craft cocktails and mocktails from mixologists who infuse, muddle, stir, shake and swizzle the freshest mixes using local ingredients and artful garnishes
I’m genuinely not clear on where exactly these are going to go throughout the district (aside from “mostly the west side” where construction is centered)…I guess we’ll just have to wait and see concept art and/or some updated maps!
FREE ROAMING DROIDS
Visitors to Galaxy’s Edge last month saw a teaser of new things to come. Imagineers were busy testing a few free roaming droids throughout the land.
Source: Scott Gustin
Imagineers confirmed this was a test, with an official statement reading:
As we often do, our R&D Imagineers are testing one of their latest robotics characters, and today we are excited to be doing this with guests in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Park.
With these droids in development, it’s safe to assume Imagineers have a lot of exciting new things in store for the parks.
UPCOMING OPENING DATES
This month, we also got confirmation on two highly anticipated opening dates at the resort. First, the Pixar Pier Hotel will officially open to guests on January 30.
Source: Disney Parks Blog
This hotel replaces the Paradise Pier Hotel, and will include a new Finding Nemo themed pool area, a Wall-E inspired shop, and a refresh with Pixar characters featured throughout rooms and common spaces alike.
Source: Disney Parks Blog
And in Disneyland, the Adventureland Treehouse will officially open on November 10.
Source: Disney Parks Blog
The new design deviates from its previous Tarzan theming and instead broadens its theming to a more general magical celebration of music, nature, and art.
Source: Disney Parks Blog
Magic Key holders will get access to an early preview of the Treehouse on November 9. There’s no early registration required; just check in at the Rivers of America near the Golden Horseshoe (you’ll see a check-in area) to verify your Magic Key and get a wristband.
OTHER UPDATES
Fantasyland‘s current live show, Tale of the Lion King, will show its final performance on January 7. No announcement yet on its replacement, but catch this awesome entertainment while you can.
This year’s holiday season foodie guide just dropped on the Disney Parks Blog! Strangely, Disneyland Park is completely missing from it (just California Adventure + Downtown Disney), so I expect new additions will keep rolling in over the next week.
We now have runDisney’s official race dates for 2024 and 2025. To see the full calendar of events, check out the Disney Parks Blog post here.
And finally, I wanted to share a special moment this month featuring one of my favorite Disney legends. Mary Poppins star Dick Van Dyke recently visited Disneyland, and the Dapper Dans treated him to a special performance. Check it out here:
That video of the Dapper Dans singing Jolly Holiday to Dick Van Dyke absolutely made my day!!! Thank you for sharing and putting some joy in my day!!!
It made mine too! I just wish it was a longer clip 🙂
Oh dear. It must be my age. I keep thinking of my favourite Downtown Disney eateries that are no more. I know we must move with the times, but I really feel the loss of some of the appeal I enjoyed when I visited the resort in 2010 – the first time after decades long break.
The treehouse looks great, however. I guess I’ll always think of it as the Swiss Family Robinson treehouse, which it still was when I first climbed up there in 1975 (year of my very first visit!)