What a weekend for Disneyland . . . Mickey Mouse turned 90, there’s news of new and old nighttime spectaculars and the prospect of a lot less fireworks, the Star Wars attractions get lengthy names, a beloved attraction returns as painful as ever, Downtown Disney goes full Déjà vu, World of Color is testing, and lots of little projects progress throughout the resort. This is a long one folks, but you’ll want to read to the end for a little reward.

Happy 90th to Mickey Mouse

, Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns

When the boss turns 90, you throw a party. The entire Disney Company is participating in Mickey’s milestone. New merchandise is available everywhere. You’ll find fancy Mickey sunglasses, charms, clothes, and bags in Downtown Disney; shirts, pins, and artwork in the parks; and a really cute sipper cup that sold out in a flash. But it seems like Disneyland is getting the short end of the stick on this celebration. Disney World is getting a new Mickey Ride, Disneyland is getting a new nighttime “spectacular” that may end up being less spectacular than you’ve become accustomed to. . . .

Pandora has new charms. And Sunglass Icon has Mickey Ray Ban

, Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns

Disneyana had some pretty cool Mickey Art.

, Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns , Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns , Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns , Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns , Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns , Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns , Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns

These classic-style Mickey and Minnie dolls were adorable . . . but $90.

, Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns , Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns

Disney pooled the talents of some of their favorite artists to create a Mickey to suit nearly every sensibility:

, Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns , Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns , Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns , Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns

There are dozens of Mickey Mouse art prints available at Disneyana and various other locations in the resort. Do you have a favorite? Scroll through the slider below.



I almost hate to show you this shirt because it sold out so quickly.

, Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns , Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns , Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns , Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns

, Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns

The smash hit was the Mickey birthday sipper mug. Every location selling it had hundreds of people in line waiting to pick one up. The line for the Jolly Holiday Bakery went all the way down Main Street USA to the emporium. Was it worth the wait for some? What are your thoughts?

, Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns

, Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns
What’s this line in front of the Emporium near Town Square? It’s for the Jolly Holiday Bakery all the way on the other end of the street to buy a Mickey mug.

, Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns , Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns

Happy Birthday to the big cheese, there’s no doubt that Disney wouldn’t be what it is today without you.

, Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns

Here’s what Mickey’s 90th birthday looked and felt like at Disneyland. Needless to say that the parade route was packed beyond belief to see the main mouse for his Birthday Cavalcade at 11:45 am on Sunday:

Bye Bye Fireworks

Disneyland is also using Mickey’s birthday celebration to make changes to the fireworks schedule on most nights.

Here’s how we’ll be celebrating:

, Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns
Here’s an image from Disneyland Forever, which offered extensive projections. Now, imagine less fireworks and more dancing in the crowded streets.

“Mickey’s Mix Magic”: The night will light up at Disneyland park with a new high-energy projection show, celebrating Mickey Mouse and creating a family-fun dance party atmosphere throughout the park. State-of-the-art projections, lighting and lasers will transform Main Street, U.S.A., the water screens of the Rivers of America and the façade of “it’s a small world” into a colorful, dazzling array of sights and sounds, with “DJ” Mickey spinning dance-tastic twists on favorite Disney melodies. And on select nights, “Mickey’s Mix Magic” will go sky high when the show is enhanced with the addition of fireworks. “Mickey’s Mix Magic,” will debut on Jan. 18.

Let’s unpack that info a bit. The regular fireworks (which sometimes include projections) will become projections which sometimes include fireworks. But why? Because Star Wars land is located next to the fireworks launchers. And that means that in order to launch fireworks, Disney would need to close the new land for a period of time every night, as they currently do for ToonTown. That’s just not going to be an option in the early months of the new land when interest is at its highest. So Disney wants to get you accustomed to a different sort of nighttime show. One that doesn’t involve shutting down their billion dollar investment.

Of course, that’s not going to be quite enough to placate fans. Soooooo. . . Mickey’s Soundsational Parade will be returning as well. The popular parade will feature a new opening unit inspired by Mickey’s 90th. Disneyland describes the new unit as “a rockin’ new opening to kick off the party—Mickey Mouse will lead the way in a new larger-than-life opening, inspired by classic Mickey pull toys. Chip ‘n’ Dale will arrive with a giant celebration cake, as Mickey leads a whimsical musical procession of Disney characters.” The parade relaunches on January 25th.

AND, during Valentine’s month, Disneyland will be extending Mickey’s birthday celebration to include Minnie Mouse and LOVE of course.

Valentine’s Month: Celebrate the love of Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse during Valentine’s month! Disneyland park will feature lovely, festive Valentine’s décor, including a new Mickey Mouse flower “portrait” on Main Street, U.S.A. Guests may also choose to partake in Minnie’s Valentine Surprise, a special scavenger hunt experience in Disneyland park. Once guests have purchased a commemorative map and stickers at select merchandise locations, they may search for the hidden valentines that Minnie has left for Mickey around the park. Valentine’s Month at Disneyland park kicks off Jan. 22 through Feb. 18.

Special Mickey and Minnie food, beverage and merchandise will be available throughout the celebration.

Matterhorn Relaunched

The bobsled runs return as this iconic Matterhorn returns with a few changes. The area in front of the mountain now serves as a switchback queue. A new marquee arch separates standby, Fastpass, single rider, and special assistance. With lines now bunched in front of the mountain, it is no longer necessary to wrap the line around the mountain, which will free up the space between the mountain and the side of the Tomorrowland Terrace.

, Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns

It’s quite a different feel to the mountain as you approach. Opening weekend had epic waits, as you might expect.

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The old gardens have been scaled back and replanted.

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It’s all repainted and new looking.

, Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns

I pieced together a little video for you which shows the reworked area in front of the mountain, large new switchback queue, and a 4k ride through (with the long lift in the dark removed).

Tropical Hideaway Updates

You can now see the new bridges and open areas of the Tropical Hideaway.

, Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns , Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns

A little bit of the roof refurbishment can be seen from Main Street.

, Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns

Concrete has been poured on the patios. Bridges are going in now.

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Tangaroa Terrace Remodel

Another tiki project is taking place at the Disneyland Hotel, where the Tangaroa Terrace is gutted and reimagining itself as a bar with food service. When complete, alcohol will be allowed on the entire outdoor patio. Previously, drinks were only allowed on the portion of patio closest to Trader Sams. Food for Sam’s is currently being delivered from the hotel.

, Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns

, Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns

Star Wars Ride Names Announced

Bob Chapek spilled some beans on Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at this past weekend’s Destination D in Orlando.

The Millennium Falcon ride is going to be called Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.  Disney released the following video with the announcement. . .

The other big attraction in the land will be called Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. And here’s the teaser for that one. . .

I’m not sure what the deal is with Disney adding colons to all of their new attractions and lands. While it works fine for the odd attraction, they’ve now announced a land and two rides which all have colons, which makes talking and writing about them difficult. In this social media sharing world, how many Millennials are going to take the time to type out that they are enjoying a visit to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge’s new Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance?  So, let’s just agree to call the land Star Wars Land and the two rides the Millennium Falcon and Rise of the Resistance.

But here’s something really cool. John Williams recording music for the new land:

Let’s take a look at those drone shots in close up. Some of these shots appear to be from WDW, but the layout of the two lands is mostly the same.
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Starbucks Downtown Disney & Return of Theaters

We recently noted that the windows of the closed Starbucks in Downtown Disney had simple paper instead of the colorful wraps of the other shuttered establishments. Work is underway to return Starbucks to the location. But that’s not the only boomerang to return to the ghost town west side of the shopping area. Managers were discussing the return of AMC over the weekend and Landry’s has indicated that they would like to reclaim their lost Rainforest Cafe location as well. Everything old is new again. The sooner the better. Though we’d still like to see upgrades and updates.

, Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns , Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns , Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns

.

, Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns
These deflated lanterns are the perfect metaphor for this challenged area of the Disneyland Resort.

Spider-Man ride Concept Art

Orlando’s Destination D also revealed the concept art for the new Spiderman attraction coming to Disney California Adventure. This is the same location as the former Tough to be a Bug attraction.

, Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns

, Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns , Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns , Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns

World of Color Testing

You lucky guests in a World of Color facing room at the Grand Californian may get a late night treat. DCA’s nighttime spectacular has transitioned from repair mode to testing. If all goes well, you might just see the holiday version of the show return soon.  Disney will frequently run unannounced previews in situations such as this, so please share any photos or video with us that you catch of an unannounced shows this holiday season.

The Busy Busy Season

The holidays and Mickey’s birthday have resulted in big crowds for the Disneyland Resort. Both parks have been busy to packed on a daily basis. This pattern should keep up until Signature and below passes are blocked on December 22nd.

, Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns

This and That

, Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns

This Santa elephant mug is a seasonal special at Trader Sams. They still had some in stock on Friday.

, Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns

There are new Disneyland and DCA mugs at the theme park Starbucks locations.

, Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns , Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns , Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns

The Mickey Garland has been strung across Main Street just in time for Mickey’s big 90th birthday.

 

Adventureland Decor

While the Jingle Cruise did not return this year, there are some legacy elements which did make the leap The skippers are wearing their Jingle caps, a few of the holiday jokes have been approved for use, and the tree has returned to the top of the queue.

, Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns , Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns , Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns

One of my favorite tiny holiday details are the itty bitty decorations added to Storybook Land Canal Boats.

, Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns , Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns , Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns , Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns , Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns , Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns , Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns

And a bit of video from our Instagram of the holiday version of the attraction.

One of our readers suggested we take a look at the well-themed decorations in Frontierland. We wish they’d do something like this for Fantasyland and Tomorrowland.

, Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns , Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns , Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns

WAIT . . . THERE’S MORE

We have another full hour of Disney goodness for you on the latest MiceChat Podcast.

Join the chat:

, Disneyland Update – Mickey at 90, Less Fireworks, World of Color Testing, and Matterhorn Returns

Thank you for reading everyone! We have a special surprise for you. We’ve partnered with Get Away Today to provide you with discount Disneyland and other Southern California attraction tickets. Take a look and snag a deal.

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Dusty Sage
Dusty Sage
https://www.micechat.com
Dusty is the founder and CEO of MiceChat.com. When he's not visiting theme parks and writing, editing or speaking about Disney and theme parks worldwide, Dusty is involved in multiple Disney related projects and charities. He helped save and restore the charming Walt Disney Birthplace in Chicago, launched the Dick Van Dyke Foundation, and is the curator of Walt Disney's historic 1930's estate in Hollywood. If you've got news or photos to share with the MiceChat community, or would like to book Dusty for an upcoming event, please contact [email protected]
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