The summer heat is just starting to pick up and so are the crowds at the happiest place on Earth! It’s the Fourth of July weekend and many folks are planning on traveling to arguably the best place for some patriotic fireworks displays. There’s a lot going on this weekend, check out what you’ll want to know if you’ll be Celebrating Independence Day at the Disneyland Resort.

Meanwhile, construction on the Star Wars themed land is well under way, now with vertical construction visible across the current expanse of hilly mounds of dirt. Plus, over on Tom Sawyer Island, there’s new scaffolding and tarp setups on various landmarks as they prepare for some touch-ups in anticipation of guests once again exploring its mysteries.

Meanwhile, over at Disney California Adventure, the new “Frozen — Live at the Hyperion” pre-show packages have begun and Elliott has swung into the Sunset Showcase Theater offering a peek at the upcoming PETE’S DRAGON. As Disney begins easing up on cost-saving restrictions (#ThanksShanghai), we find that the Paradise Garden Grill is once again open offering its fan-favorite grilled skewers.

We’ll also take a look at tons of new merchandise all around the resort including an impressive array of goodies for ELENA OF AVALOR and lots of great patriotic gear in celebration of the Fourth of July weekend! This and more in our latest pictorial!

Enjoy!

Star Wars Themed Land

A look across the lay of the land.

Closer Look at a Galaxy Far, Far Away

Pirate’s Lair at Tom Sawyer Island

Looks like a good bit of work going on all around the island!

Pretty crazy how you can see out of Critter Country now!

At Disneyland

Off and on, we spotted security sending every single guest into Secondary Screening (metal detectors) then going back to random selection.

Red, white and bloom! Patriotic assortments of flowers can be seen all around the park.

She always makes that face when I tell her a joke. Still, the Main Street Cinema is a great place to cool down if the summer heat becomes unbearable!

Love the flowers on Center Street.

Winged folk trying to stay cool in the summer heat.

These bumblin’ folks are the Laughing Stock of Frontierland.

A lovely summer afternoon!

So crazy not having giant trees looming behind Big Thunder Mountain anymore.

Make it pink!

Clarabelle’s in Mickey’s ToonTown is now selling Frozen Yogurt in addition to the regular frozen novelties previously available.

You can pay $.99 to add chocolate chips or sprinkles to your froyo.

Here’s a look at the full menu.

Pete’s Dragon lands at DCA

Come experience a sneak peek preview of Disney’s upcoming live-action PETE’S DRAGON, in theaters August 12.

It seems the Sunset Showcase Theater has yet to thaw its interiors from its former Frozen tenants.

Free posters available inside.

The side panels of the theaters feature forest trees.

The theatre’s 4D effects are put into use during the short preview.

Soarin’.

PETE’S DRAGON merchandise on the ready.

At Disney California Adventure

Stage 17 is playing host to the new Frozen — Live at the Hyperion Pre-Show experience. Inside, guests are treated to shaved ice treats, a complimentary beverage station, photo-ops and more.

Packages range from $49-$299 per person. Check the official website to book online or call Disney Dining at (714) 781-DINE (3463).

FastPasses were still available for Frozen — Live at the Hyperion at close to 1pm.

Paradise Garden Grill is open once again, serving the same signature assortment of Mediterranean fare.

Over at Award Wieners, there’s no movie tie-ins but there’s still a special featured dog. The Nacho Ordinary Chili Dog features an all-beef hotdog smothered with chili, pepperjack cheese, nacho chips, and jalapeños and is served on a soft hoagie roll.

Traffic jam!

At Downtown Disney

Kettle Kingdom carts in Downtown Disney have their own refillable popcorn bucket offer. Get a bucket for $8 and have it refilled for $2!

There’s two Kettle Kingdom carts in Downtown Disney one on the connector bridge near the LEGO Store and another just outside the eastern entrance to World of Disney.