As the Disney Holidays continue on at the Happiest Place on Earth, a hub-bub of activity also continues to be the norm as construction and refurbishment projects continue day to day.
Today we’ve got a huge update with a look at ongoing work at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the new Mary Poppins Returns exhibit at the Disney Gallery, a taste of the newly reopened Napolini restaurant with its new fast-fire concept, and Salt & Straw December flavors of ice cream.
We’ll also check in on the Downtown Disney and the new restaurant experiences coming soon (Wetzel’s Pretzels will likely open this month), Tropical Hideaway (confirmed to open before the year’s end), and the Red Rose Taverne which seems to be in chrysalis as temporary details are replaced with more lasting ones seeming permanently evicting Pinocchio and the former Village Haus theme.
There’s going to be a look at the three Disney hotels and their holiday decor, Mickey’s Toontown and its holiday regalia, and Storybook Land Canal Boats with its underrated seasonal layover. Plus, we’ll stop in at the Blue Bayou Restaurant for dinner, and have a nice meaty merch run for you at the end. All of this and much much more in our latest park pictorial. ENJOY!
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
The new Star Wars themed land draws ever closer with tons of work still left to do before its grand debut Summer 2019. Some estimates have suggested waits of 10 hours or more to experience the magic inside. How willing are you to wait to visit a galaxy far, far away?
Here's a recent look inside the #StarWarsGalaxysEdge land and the new Millennium Falcon attraction pic.twitter.com/atpvf8ByKM
— MouseInfo (@MouseInfo) December 9, 2018
Disney Gallery: The Art of Mary Poppins
The Disney Gallery has finally updated its exhibit and it’s in celebration of the upcoming Mary Poppins Returns featuring costumes, props and concept artwork.
This particular concept art for the film is very reminiscent of Peter Ellenshaw painting. Great tribute to his work in the first Mary Poppins film.
Napolini Reopens in Downtown Disney
The popular and much-needed low price point eatery has returned to Downtown Disney and it’s updated its dining concept to be a fast-fire pizza stop. There’s still grab-and-go salads and other items available. Price points are still relatively decent considering the location. Are you excited to have Napolini back?
Not much added in the way of much-needed seating but the area is a little more clearly defined than it was before and the planter barrier was created with additional seating space.
Pizza box trashcans.
Salt & Straw December Flavors
Every month since it’s opened, Salt & Straw has featured new Limited Edition flavors and December is no different with Peppermint Bark Cocoa, Cinnamon Coconut Eggnog (and it’s vegan!), and Gingerbread Cookie Dough. Of all the limited edition flavors released thus far, these are perhaps the least interesting but all three are sure to be palate pleasers. We opted for a single split scoop of the first two flavors.
Around Disneyland
Flags at half staff in memory of President George H. W. Bush.
The planters have Mickey ears now. Maybe a little cheesy but it’s cute!
California Cuties sponsor the Market Street Fruit cart.
Disneyland has been very aggressively pushing the use of the Disneyland App. They’ve stopped updating the info board in the hub and they no longer hand out Times Guides at the entrance — they’re still available you just have to ask for them.
These are probably the right steps to take but for Disney to essentially force a digital service that relies on having data service on a mobile phone it’s a very poor customer service mistake to NOT have WiFi available throughout the entire park. Especially when you consider international folks who might not have data plans during their vacations (as we saw with some friends visiting from Australia recently) then it becomes a very bad look very quickly.
Maurice’s Specialty Sandwich ($7.49) is a croissant sandwich with turkey, tomato, pepper-jack cheese, and a mayo sauce.
The walls are finally done in-between Jolly Holiday and Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room. The Main Street side isn’t so bad but the bamboo on the Adventureland side just seems slightly off.
The Enchanted Tiki Room features two companion restrooms.
Tropical Hideaway was confirmed to open in December!
MORE INFO: Disney confirms ‘Rosita’ debuting at Disneyland’s new TROPICAL HIDEAWAY
Finishing details are appearing at the Tropical Hideaway. Disney confirmed it will open this month. pic.twitter.com/W1KIIoiWuC
— MouseInfo (@MouseInfo) December 6, 2018
Some work going on at Peter Pan’s Flight. FastPass extended queue perhaps?
Looks like permanent touches are being added to the former Village Haus which would not be a good indication that the location’s previous Pinocchio theme will be returning. Red Rose Taverne seems to be a new permanent addition.
The other side of the sign still has the temporary covering.
A permanent sign has been added to the entrance, as well.
The curtains have been removed at the entrance. The windows are not new but the Pinocchio wood-work that sat in front of them has been removed.
Not all details have been stripped away as yet and are still covered by black curtains.
Poutine.
Although it’s never advertised, the Storybook Land Canal boats also get a holiday layover each year. Tiny garlands, wreaths, and decorations populate the miniature houses and buildings in the attraction.
The back of the new queue at Dumbo looks SO BAD from the Storybook Land Canal boats. I hope they have a long term solution planned for this very unattractive end result.
There’s a special magic, at Christmastime each year. Hearts are gay and merry and full of yuletide cheer! A Christmas Fantasy Parade is such a classic but would you want to see Disney give their holiday parade a whole fresh new take?
The Toontown characters are rocking new Christmas outfits this year but only in Toontown. They still have their tired green sweaters and red hats on Main Street.
One of these washers is not like the others.
Still don’t know who he’s talking to.
Baby foxes are still gone. I hope they didn’t get ated. But in reality, I suspect they were burgled.
Walls are down near the Mattehorn where rockwork has been removed to widen the walkway ever so slightly.
Christmas in the future.
Have you dined at the Blue Bayou Restaurant?
Mint Juleps.
Bread service and a beet salad.
Lamb and Surf & Turf.
Dessert.
Around Disney California Adventure
World of Color may make a Christmas miracle yet.
Bing Bong debuted in Pixar Pier as a static figure with lights and occasional vocal cues although his mouth doesn’t move.
Jessie’s Critter Carousel is underway for a debut next year in Pixar Pier.
INSIDE OUT Emotional Whirlwind is also scheduled to open next year.
Flik’s Flyers has been removed. Bulldozers are slowly peeling away all traces of “a bug’s land” to make way for the upcoming Marvel themed land.
Ever since World of Disney reopened with a navigable layout and easily wheelchair accessible walkways, we’ve noticed shops all around the resort also taking that cue. It makes the shopping experience a little easier, especially when the parks are packed this month.
The time is always right to take in Viva Navidad during the Disney Holidays. Can’t stop, won’t stop loving this unexpected winner of a holiday offering.
Did you know snow falls nightly in the Grizzly Peak area? Every 20 minutes after sunset!
Around the Resort
At Disneyland Hotel
Disneyland Hotel is no longer rocking the giant gingerbread castle.
Other decorations from previous years is back though and lovely as ever.
Tangaroa Terrace renovation is still under way. The entire facade is being redone.
At the Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
The real gingerbread hotel at the Grand Californian is back once again with all its sugary smells and hidden Mickeys.
At Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel
Old concept art for Paradise Pier is still on display in the lobby.
At Downtown Disney
Wetzel’s Pretzels might be reopening before year’s end. Ballast Point and Black Craft seem not quite as far along.
Ralph is now wrecking The Void.
The random Honda van has been skinned for the holidays and moved somewhere else. It still has zero context and is parked quite randomly. Very, very strange.
Some reconfiguration on the walkways in front of the Monorail station.
The shuttered Downtown Disney locations are redecorated for the holidays.
The lot that formerly housed the Carousel Inn is still sitting unused.
At Mickey and Friends Parking Structure
Merch Run
Mary Poppins Returns
Wreck it Ralph
#Mickey90
Snack Purses
Hotel Merchandise
Disneyland Hotel has some specific merchandise featuring Mickey and crew.
More in Store
What kind of photos does Ariel like? Shellfies.
Holiday Flavor
The 2018 Festival of Holidays are here and we got our chance to get our first taste of what the booth has to offer. The flavors span the continent bringing salty, sweet, and spicy combinations to tempt the palate!
MORE INFO: FIRST TASTE: 2018 ‘Festival of Holidays’ bring celebration of flavors
The holidays are a time of joy, merriment… and FOOD. We hit the Disneyland Resort to get our first taste of the new offerings at the Merriest Place on Earth!
MORE INFO: FIRST TASTE: New food options make things tasty and bright for the 2018 Disney Holidays!
Holidazed?
The Disney Holidays take place now through January 06, 2019.
MORE INFO: Find more news and info about the 2018 Disney Holidays.
Disneyland After Dark
Disneyland After Dark is back again and it brings with it a LOVELY option and a RETRO option!
MORE INFO: DISNEYLAND AFTER DARK 2019 events invite you to meet favorite 90s characters and/or feel the love
Tee Time!
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Find more designs at our store: mouseinfo.com/tees.
THE END!
