Disneyland‘s spring season is quickly coming to an end as the big Memorial Day Weekend looms closer, set to officially kick off the summer travel season next weekend. Disneyland won’t host a 24-hour party this year but guests can expect new summer magic with an all-new Frozen musical opening May 27. Meanwhile, Disneyland’s massive 14-acre Star Wars expansion continues to take shape with a new path for the Rivers of America being carved out and plenty of land moving backstage.

Don’t miss your weekly Disneyland Resort crowd forecast — provided by our friends at Mouseaddict — in the Weekly News and Information Roundup at the end of today’s update!

Get a closer look! Don’t forget that you can always click on any photo in Dateline Disneyland for a closer look with a larger, higher resolution version of the image!

There’s plenty to see this week but we’ve got a big announcement before we get started!

We’re Glowing Away!

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer
Before we get started on this week’s update, we have some big news to share! After more than eight years as a weekly blog, Dateline Disneyland will glow away forever at the end of next month, June 2016. This is a hugely bittersweet moment for me, as Dateline Disneyland has become a big part of my life over the last eight years. Alas, after lengthy consideration, I’ve decided to scratch the itch to pursue other opportunities and interests. Don’t worry, though! MiceChat will still be here with a team of folks ready to continue bringing you the best weekly coverage of the parks on the Internet. And you never know, I may pop up here from time to time as well!

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Because the last eight years simply wouldn’t have been possible without your dedicated readership and support, we’ll be spending Dateline Disneyland’s last month giving back to you, the readers! The Dateline Disneyland Farewell Season Giveaway will run throughout June with some pretty spectacular prizes from our friends at the Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel & Water Playground, Courtyard Marriot Anaheim Hotel & Water Park, Progress City Press, POP! Comics & Culture Emporium, and TouringPlans.com! We’ll have full details on this big glowing away celebration in next week’s blog so be sure to check back! Now, let’s get on with the update!

Welcome to Disneyland!

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer




Winter is Coming

Guests arriving at the Mickey and Friends Parking Structure are now greeted with billboards advertising Disney California Adventure’s new Frozen musical, which is set to debut later this week.
Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Inside DCA, walls are down around the Hyperion as it prepares to reopen with the new show…
Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Nearby, some walls up near Hollywood Land restrooms across from the Marvel meet and greet.
Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

The Frontier Awakens

Disneyland’s new Star Wars project will be unprecedented in terms of scale for the park, dedicating 14 acres to a single property with massive new facades, rock work, and massive E-Ticket attractions that dwarf even Pirates of the Caribbean and Indiana Jones Adventure. Below, a map showing how the new land is expected to impact Disneyland’s landscape once completed in late 2018.
[beforeafter]StarWarsExpansion-BeforeStarWarsExpansion-After[/beforeafter]

[ View Map Large ]

Building a Galaxy Far, Far Away

Work continues moving earth to make way for the new structures and attractions coming to the 14-acre Star Wars expansion.
Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Rivers of America

Views of the Rivers of America rerouting project from Critter Country…
Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

You can see the new route of the River starting to be carved out…
Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

The River’s new route will go around a shortened back end of Tom Sawyer Island.
Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Don’t expect any major changes on the rest of the island…
Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Big Thunder Trail

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

On the Fantasyland side of Big Thunder Trail, the Skyway Chalet was still in place this weekend, awaiting its removal.
Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

This & That

At Disneyland, Tarzan’s Treehouse is closed for refurbishment.
Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

In Disney California Adventure, characters from Pixar’s upcoming Finding Dory film now make appearances at the end of the Turtle Talk with Crush show in Disney Animation.
Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Finding Dory characters are on the poster here now
Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Meanwhile, you can grab your Dory swag in the gift shops
Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Nearby, the old Mad T Party setup is currently being used for Grad Night entertainment with rumors that a new “Disney Jammin’ on the Backlot” dance party will come soon.
Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Over in Off the Page, the last decade of the Disneyland 60th merchandise is available now.
Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Off the Page has a couple of the great park-exclusive Disney Vinyl Vault releases worth checking out.
Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

The controversial PBS documentary on Walt Disney is available on DVD
Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

And a lot of the really great recent books are available here as well. Definitely some titles worth checking out
Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer
Enjoy retro fun just steps away from Disneyland at
Howard Johnson Hotel & Water Playground

A short walk from the park, HoJo Anaheim is conveniently located next to Matterhorn Mountain at Disneyland with nearby dining, freeway access, FREE parking and FREE Wi-Fi. For more information on HoJo Anaheim, room rates, or to book your stay today, visit HoJoAnaheim.com/MiceChat

Save with MiceChat & Passholder Discounts Every Day!
The HoJo Anaheim is now offering daily discounts for MiceChat members and even DEEPER discounts for Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders! For more information visit the HoJo Anaheim Innsider Boards which features an up-to-date listing of available nights, or call (714) 776-6120 and ask for In-House Reservations to book. If your date isn’t listed, the HoJo Anaheim still offers rooms for 20% off their best available rate if you call (714) 776-6120.
Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer
Weekly News & Information Round-Up
Weekly Theme Park Hours
May 23-30, 2016
Disneyland Park California Adventure
Mon.-Thu.: 9 am – 11 pm
Friday: 8 am – 11 pm
Saturday: 8 am – 12 am
Sunday: 8 am – 11 pm
Monday (Holiday): 8 am – 11 pm
Mon.-Thu.: 9 am – 9 pm
Fri.-Mon.: 8 am – 9 pm
For a complete listing of theme park hours,
visit the Disneyland.com Theme Park Calendar
Closure and Refurbishment Schedule
Disneyland Park
  • Disneyland Railroad: Closed for over a year starting January 11 while the Railroad path is rerouted for Star Wars Land.
  • Rivers of America: All River traffic and attractions are closed for over a year starting on January 11 while Star Wars Land construction reduces and reroutes the northern portion of the River. The extended closure includes:
    • Mark Twain Riverboat
    • Sailing Ship Columbia
    • Rafts to Tom Sawyer Island
    • Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island
    • Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes
    • Fantasmic!
Disney California Adventure
  • Silly Symphony Swings: Closed through June 9 for refurbishment.
  • Frozen — Live in the Hyperion: New stage musical show opens May 27.
Downtown Disney and Disneyland Resort Hotels
    None.
Tomorrowplan Crowd Estimates for Disneyland Resort from Mouseaddict

May 23-29

Mon
Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer
Tue
Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer
Wed
Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer
Thu
Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer
Fri
Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer
Sat
Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer
Sun
Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

  • Keep track of your Disneyland addiction with the all new Pins feature in Mouseaddict, and search the entire resort directly from your home screen with Universal Search. Update now and start your pin collection!
  • Haven’t had enough Frozen yet? Well, you’re in luck – the new “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion” stage show opens on Friday just in time for Memorial Day crowds. Naturally, it’ll be a peak pricing weekend with AP blockouts. There’s a slight chance of rain all week, though.
  • And as summer approaches, the end of Dateline Disneyland looms near. We’d like to take a moment to thank our friend Andy Castro for his incredible in-depth reports and gorgeous photography – some of which grace the Mouseaddict app. In the coming weeks we’ll clue you in on where you can find future Tomorrowplan projections on MiceChat.

The free Mouseaddict app for iPhone and iPad features more than five dozen categories of searchable resort information, weather forecasts, park and show schedules, the latest news and articles from MiceChat, and more. Download free on the App Store or at mouseaddict.com.

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

Headline Roundup

A quick look at noteworthy Disney theme park headlines from around the web.
  • Last chance to experience the original Soarin’ Over California at Disney California Adventure through June 15. (Disney Parks Blog)
  • Disneyland Resort donates $500,000 to Anaheim Community Foundation. (Disney Parks Blog)
  • Pre-order the new Maps of Disney Parks book, due out October 18. (Amazon)
  • Rretrospective of Disney Legend Eyvind Earl’s work on view at Forest Lawn Museum in Glendale. (San Gabriel Valley Trivune)
OK! That’s it for this week’s edition of Dateline Disneyland! Are you excited for the new Frozen musical? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!

Special thanks to our Dateline Disneylanders!
A very special thank you to all of our Patreon supporters for their monthly support keeping Dateline Disneyland alive, especially our special top-tier supporters:

    Kendra H., Brian A., Dusty Sage,
    Mark D., Bruno, Casey, Hastin Z.!

To help support Dateline Disneyland and get some fun swag in return, visit our Patreon page now!

Don’t miss our sister blog, Dateline Disney World – a fantastic weekly photo blog covering Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida!

Thanks for reading. See you at Disneyland!
– Andy

Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer
Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer
Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer
Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

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Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer

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Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer Star Wars expansion, Star Wars expansion continues to take shape as Disneyland prepares for summer
FTC-Mandated Disclosure: Promotional consideration for this edition of Dateline Disneyland was provided by the Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel & Water Playground.
Andy Castro
Andy is a Southern California native and a life-long fan of Disney theme parks and animation. From 2007-2016, Andy wrote the weekly Dateline Disneyland photo, news and opinion blog here on MiceChat. Today, Andy continues to produce occasional Dateline Disneyland articles and additional special guest content for MiceChat.