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It’s Official: This Massive Disney Park Expansion Is Opening LATER Than We Thought

5 September 2026 at 11:00

One thing remains constant: Disney likes to take its sweet time with its theme park projects.

©Disney

We’ve been visiting the Disneyland Resort each week and tracking the progress of the expansion happening over at Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure! This project will double the size of the land and will introduce two NEW rides — and construction has been well underway all year. While progress has been apparent, it seems there’s still A TON of work to be done.

Expansion plans were initially announced at 2024’s D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, and the land was once again talked about two years later at this year’s D23 expo in Anaheim.

Avengers Campus ©Disney

During the Disney Experiences Showcase, it was revealed that the expansion will be completed in 2028 — FOUR YEARS after its initial reveal. That has us scratching our heads a little…

Avengers Campus

The land itself opened in 2021, and construction on the expansion project really began in early 2025. Over a year later, the work being done has been obvious, and it’s already looking fairly far along.

That got us thinking that — ideally — the land might be ready by late 2027. HOWEVER, the reveal of a 2028 opening date (only the year was announced, and not an official date or seasonal timeline) tells us that we were being overly optimistic. While it seems that progress is moving at a good pace, it’s not nearly close to being done.

Construction

So far, we know the land will have two new attractions — the bigger being Avengers Infinity Defense. This new ride will take you on an adventure through the multiverse as you join the Avengers to take on King Thanos (a version of Thanos that won). According to Disney, “Technology that allows the Avengers to jump between worlds has gone missing, and King Thanos is using it to wreak havoc everywhere. Recruits will travel to iconic locations like Asgard, Wakanda, and New York City alongside the likes of big and small heroes… You also just might find yourself face-to-face with King Thanos, too.”

Avengers Infinity Defense ©Disney

Disney teased the use of both massive practical set pieces and screen-based mechanics, as well as the ride vehicles — giving us the idea that this ride will function similarly to the Transformers and Spider-Man rides at the Universal theme parks.

We can’t wait

We also know the ride will feature several known Avengers and their movie actors — including Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man.

©Disney

This is supposed to be the big e-ticket attraction the land has promised since it opened back in 2021. So far, that title is still held by Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission BREAKOUT.

Avengers Infinity Defense

Adjacent to the ride will be Stark Flight Lab. This ride will take you on a simulated flight journey so you can feel what it’s like to be Iron Man.

Stark Flight Lab

You’ll be seated in a two-person “gyro-kinetic pod” that will roll along a track and then connect to a robot arm that will sling you around.

Again, this will feature Downey Jr. as Iron Man — as well as other cameos, like Brie Larson as Captain Marvel and Anthony Mackie as the Falcon!

©Disney

This will be a ride that isn’t so friendly for folks prone to motion sickness, so you’ll want to keep that in mind.

©Disney

We’re disappointed that the wait for these new rides is longer than expected, but you can trust us to bring you all the latest developments over the coming years! Follow us at the Disney Food Blog for more!

CONFIRMED: Disney Drops 19 Park Expansion Announcements

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Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.

Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!

Do you think this expansion will be worth the wait? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

After a 4 Month Closure, This Disney Ride Is Finally Reopening!

26 August 2026 at 08:51

Disneyland and Disney California Adventure have seen dozens of ride closures and refurbishments this year, including Pirates of the Caribbean, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, and Toy Story Mania.

Disney California Adventure

A popular Disney California Adventure ride closed back in April with no reopening date, and Disney just announced that the ride will open this week!

The Silly Symphony Swings at Disney California Adventure closed on April 27th, with no official reopening date. After a four-month-long closure, the Silly Symphony Swings will finally open soon! Disney just announced that the ride will reopen on Friday, August 28th, 2026.

Silly Symphony Swings

In Silly Symphony Swings, you’ll experience the thrill of flying as this classic ride carries you aloft for breathtaking views of Disney California Adventure’s excitement below. As music swells and the colourful canopy rotates, your swing lifts, tilts, then twirls you round and round, higher and higher into the air as you wheel above it all in graceful, soaring circles.

Silly Symphony Swings

If you’re headed to the ride for the first time, it’s a little hidden. Go to Paradise Gardens Park and walk to the back, past Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta, all the way to the end of the land by the back entrance to Pixar Pier.

Silly Symphony Swings

For younger riders, the Silly Symphony Swings has a height requirement of 40 inches (102 centimeters) or taller. Riders must be at least 4 feet 5 inches tall to join in on the symphony!

Silly Symphony Swings

We’ll be sure to keep you updated on more Disneyland ride closures, refurbishments, and reopenings. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more Disneyland news!

Disney Is Opening New Rides in 2027. Here’s the Full List.

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WE KNOW DISNEY.
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Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.

Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!

Are you going to ride the Silly Symphony Swings once the ride reopens? Comment below! 

Changes Hit Disney’s Haunted Mansion

21 August 2026 at 15:31

It’s officially Halloween season at Disneyland Resort, and that comes with quite a bit of excitement!

Haunted Mansion Holiday

There are new snacks, new merchandise, and lots of exclusive entertainment options. But of course, one of the highlights of the season is a major ride overlay at Disneyland Park.

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It’s official, folks — Haunted Mansion Holiday is BACK at Disneyland Park, and we are hyped! This ride overlay happens each year throughout the fall and winter, mainly the Halloween and Christmas seasons. Why so long? Because it’s themed to The Nightmare Before Christmas!

Haunted Mansion Holiday

This ride gets incredibly popular during the overlay season, and the Lightning Lanes book up quickly. You may be looking at a long wait if you want to check it out. Of course, the overlay starts on the outside, so you’ll have some awesome decor to take in while you wait!

So many pumpkins!

Throughout the ride, you‘ll spot characters from the film, including Jack Skellington, Sally, Zero, and Oogie Boogie. Wave hello to your friends!

It’s Jack and Zero!

They’ve also updated some of the ride gags and scenes to fit with the Nightmare Before Christmas motif. In terms of holiday ride overlays, this one is particularly impressive.

It’s Madame Leota in her Christmas outfit!

Of course, one of the most iconic parts of this overlay is the gingerbread display in the ballroom scene. Each year, there’s a new gingerbread creation, and they are MASSIVE. Check out this year’s version!

The new gingerbread house!

This overlay typically runs through early January before the ride closes to be turned back into the regular Haunted Mansion. If you want to check it out, you have a few months to stop by!

So cute!

It’s important to note, too, that this isn’t the only Halloween ride overlay at Disneyland Resort. At Disney California Adventure, Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree and Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween come to life in Cars Land, and in the afternoons and evenings each day, you can ride Guardians of the Galaxy — Monsters After Dark.

Tow Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree

We’ll keep you in the loop with any more Halloween and seasonal fun at Disneyland, so subscribe to our newsletter for the latest.

Here’s Your Guide to Halloween at Disneyland!

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WE KNOW DISNEY.
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Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.

Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!

Are you going to check out this ride in 2026? Tell us in the comments!

Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Disneyland Resort to attend their media preview of Halloweentime offerings. Note that when we attend events as media we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ

NEW LOOK: You Won’t Believe What’s Coming to Disney’s ‘Coco’ Ride

15 August 2026 at 22:43

Coco fans have been having a GREAT weekend so far, all thanks to D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event!

©Disney

We’re live from the event all weekend, bringing you all the latest news that Disney announces. Last night, Disney gave us news about Coco 2 in the works, and now, they’ve just revealed more about the new Coco ride coming to Disneyland Resort!

Planning guide for the ultimate Disney vacation

First, Disney told us a little more about the ride and about how it will show how music connects us all, as well as about how the love of family spans generations. We also know that the timeline of the ride will take us to about a year after the first Coco movie.

©Disney

Miguel will be thinking back about the incredible journey he took in that film. You will enter the ride from a museum dedicated to the music of Miguel’s great-great grandfather, Héctor Rivera. You’ll then get into a boat where you will travel through Miguel’s memories of his time in the land of the dead. We also learned that the ride will not have a height requirement, so EVERYONE can ride.

©Disney

This ride will have you stepping into the vibrant world of Coco, where you will spot characters like Miguel, Dante, Héctor, and more. The ride will highlight everything we love about Coco, the music, the Mexican culture, and family.

©Disney

Disney has said that the new ride will “be filled with the characters – – and music! – – you know and love from the beloved movie. We also know the ride will take inspiration from classics like Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean, and that the skeletal cast of characters will come to life in a big way, thanks to Audio-Animatronics technology. The new ride will be near Paradise Gardens Park and Pixar Pier in areas that are predominantly backstage at this time. Construction is already well underway on the ride.

Our familia is counting on us to remember them 🎸 The cuento of the Coco-themed attraction coming to Disney California Adventure ✨ pic.twitter.com/kjQ9PnRaU3

— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) August 16, 2026

Previously at D23, in the Imagineering: Horizons pavilion, we got a chance to see a statue of Hector that will be seen in the upcoming attraction.

Statue of Hector!

We’re so excited for this new ride and can’t wait to hear more about Disney’s plans for this new ride, as well as other announcements from D23, so be sure to stay tuned to DFB!

BREAKING: Pixar Just Revealed the Plot for ‘Coco 2’

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WE KNOW DISNEY.
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Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.

Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!

Are you looking forward to this new ride? Tell us in the comments!

Disney Just Dropped BIG News for Its Avengers Campus Expansion

13 August 2026 at 20:46

Who’s ready for some massive Avengers Campus news?

New look at Avengers Campus expansion!

So, we’ve been super excited ever since Disney promised a huge expansion to Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure that will bring two NEW rides to the land that sound pretty amazing. Well, we’ve learned a little more about that expansion, and now we have brand new details to share!

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We’re LIVE at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, where we’re learning a LOT more about all the new lands and expansions coming to Disney Parks. Well, we just got some huge updates about the Avengers Campus expansion over in Disneyland, so let’s get into all the details of what we’ve learned. Thanks to a sneak peek we just got at the Imagineering: Horizons exhibit, we now have a model of the new expansion to look at!

New look at Avengers Campus expansion!

From the model, we can see what a MASSIVE expansion this really is, especially because we really are getting our own Avengers Tower! The largest part of this expansion will be for Avengers Infinity Defense, one of the two new attractions on its way. This is a ride that will take you on an adventure through the multiverse to go up against King Thanos (yep, he’s King of everything in an alternate universe, and that’s a very bad thing). Here’s the plot: “Technology that allows the Avengers to jump between worlds has gone missing, and King Thanos is using it to wreak havoc everywhere. Recruits will travel to iconic locations like Asgard, Wakanda, and New York City alongside the likes of big and small heroes… You also just might find yourself face-to-face with King Thanos, too.”

Infinity Defense!

The second ride being added to the land is Stark Flight Lab, which will take you on a tour through Tony Stark’s lab so you can literally ride on a simulator that makes it seem like you’re flying in one of Iron Man’s suits. This new model also gives us a look at what the part of the attraction will look like.

Stark Flight Lab

You’ll be seated in a two-person “gyro-kinetic pod” that will roll along a track and then connect to a robot arm that will sling you around like you’re flying. Needless to say, this ride might NOT be for everyone, but it looks SO cool. Check out the look we got at the ride vehicle/seats below — they look pretty epic!

Ride Vehicle!

We’ll be covering all the big news coming out of D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, so stay tuned to DFB for more.

Everything You Need To Know About D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event!

DON'T DO IT ALONE!


Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise.

Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!)

So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you 🙂

What do you think of this expansion so far? Let us know in the comments!

Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Disney to attend their media preview of the Imagineering: Horizons Pavilion at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. Note that when we attend events as media we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ

5 Huge Disneyland Announcements Could Be Coming This Week

12 August 2026 at 10:11

Disney has some major announcements up their sleeve that they’re saving for D23: the Ultimate Disney Fan Event, a biannual expo where they release some major news about the Disney theme parks.

Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland

Disneyland has some major expansions coming soon that Disney hasn’t updated us on since the last D23 expo in 2024. Disney could make many HUGE Disneyland announcements at D23, but here are five MAJOR announcements that might be revealed this weekend!

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Avengers Campus

Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure will soon double in size with two new rides. Avengers: Infinity Defense will have riders join the Avengers in their epic battle against Thanos! The ride will jump between worlds with settings including Wakanda, Asgard, and New York. Plus, you’ll see familiar faces like Hulk, Ant-Man, and Iron Man voiced by Robert Downey Jr. himself!

Avengers Infinity Defense ©Disney

Another sneak peek we’re hoping for soon is Stark Flight Lab. In this new ride, you’ll fly like an Avenger with Iron Man! Imagineers are creating a brand new technology where a robotic arm attaches to your vehicle for a more dynamic simulated flight. But even with all of these fun ride details, Disney hasn’t yet announced an opening day for them!

©Disney

Pandora: The World of Avatar

An all-new Avatar land is coming to Disney California Adventure! This new destination will bring Pandora to life in a brand-new way inspired by Avatar: The Way of Water, Avatar: Fire and Ash, and upcoming Avatar 4 and Avatar 5.

©Disney

In June 2025, Disney confirmed the new Avatar land will take over a portion of the current Hollywood Backlot area, and Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! will close in 2027. That’s all we have in terms of a timeline for Pandora, so we’ll likely get more news at D23.

Coco ride

Back in August 2024, Disney shared that a brand-new Coco ride would be coming to Disney California Adventure. The brand-new Coco ride will be located near Paradise Gardens Park and Pixar Pier, and construction is currently underway.

©Disney

The new attraction will be a boat ride, and we’ll see music play a large role. Disney hasn’t announced an opening date or timeline yet, but since it’s currently under construction, we might get an update this weekend!

New park!?!

Rumors of a new Disneyland theme park have been circulating for years, but Disney has never confirmed anything.

©Disney

With the $2 BILLION development upgrade to Disneyland’s parking and resorts finally taking shape, Disney will soon have the infrastructure to support a third theme park if it’s truly in the works behind the scenes.

The Disneyland Expansion Is Just Getting Started. Here’s What Might Come Next…

We’ll be sure to keep you updated on Disneyland news from D23 this weekend. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more Disneyland news!

Celebrate Day Of The Dead With NEW ‘Coco’ Eats And Souvenirs

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Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.

Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!

What new Disneyland addition are you most excited for? Comment below! 

One of Disney’s Most Popular Rides Closes THIS Week, But Don’t Worry: It’s For The Better

5 August 2026 at 09:28

When it comes to iconic rides and classic attractions, Haunted Mansion could be at the top of almost every Disney fan’s list. The ride could be one of the most unique in the world, known for both its spooky vibe, as well as its dark humor. That makes it a must-ride when you visit Disneyland.

haunted mansion with tall white columns and stone fountain in front

The Haunted Mansion in Disneyland

Well, if you’ve been looking forward to hopping on a Doom Buggy for an adventure through the Haunted Mansion next week, you might be surprised — the ride is scheduled to close soon.

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That’s right, Haunted Mansion is closing on Saturday, August 8th. It won’t be closed for long and will reopen on August 21st, but it will be different. That’s because the closure is an annual one, when Disney puts The Nightmare Before Christmas overlay on the ride so that it becomes Haunted Mansion Holiday through the Halloween and holiday season. So same ride…but also, different!

Haunted Mansion Holiday

However, if you’re looking to ride the classic version of Haunted Mansion, you only have a few days left to do so. After that, Haunted Mansion Holiday will stick around through January. Of course, Haunted Mansion Holiday is also worthy of a ride as it’s one of the best themed overlays we’ve seen on a Disney attraction. Somehow, Disney pulled off merging the concept of Haunted Mansion with The Nightmare Before Christmas, and it works beautifully.

Haunted Mansion Holiday Overlay

Because Haunted Mansion Holiday is only available during certain parts of the year, though, that does mean the ride is super popular. Expect long lines to get inside. We recommend taking advantage of Lightning Lane Multi Pass to bypass the long standby line. Note that purchasing Lightning Lane Multi Pass in Disneyland also gets you free access to all your digital PhotoPass downloads, so for that alone, it’s generally worth it.

It’s Halloween and it’s Christmas!

We’ll keep an eye out for more ride closures, so stay tuned to DFB for more.

10 Weeks When Disneyland Will Be Empty in 2027

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Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise.

Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!)

So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you 🙂

What do you think about Haunted Mansion Holiday? Let us know in the comments!

Well, Even MORE Disney Ride Closures Are Coming Soon

4 August 2026 at 13:46

It’s a pretty annoying problem when you get to the parks and your favorite ride is closed, whether that be for a ride refurbishment or something else. But it happens, which is why we always tell everyone to check park calendars before they visit a Disney Park.

Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland

Well, in Disneyland, there are several upcoming ride closures in August and September, but we just confirmed two more ride closures that are coming up soon. So we’re going to warn you about those so you can plan accordingly.

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One of the rides that will be closing soon is the Mad Tea Party, a popular ride in Fantasyland (at least for those people who like to spin around in circles until they get dizzy). According to the Disneyland calendar, Mad Tea Party will close on September 14th. Disney has not yet revealed a reopening date for the ride.

Mad Tea Party

Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island will also be closing soon, on September 14th. This is a walkthrough attraction with pirate caves, treasure scenes, and interactive features themed around Pirates of the Caribbean. Disney has also not confirmed a reopening date for this attraction.

Pirate’s Lair

We also want to remind you of previously announced closures coming up soon. Haunted Mansion will close on August 8th to become Haunted Mansion Holiday with a Nightmare Before Christmas overlay. The ride with the overlay will reopen on August 20th.

Haunted Mansion Holiday

Main Street Cinema will close on August 10th and reopen on August 27th. Indiana Jones Adventure will close on September 8th. Disney has not confirmed a reopening date for that ride. The Mark Twain Riverboat will close on September 8th and reopen on September 11th.

Mark Twain Riverboat

We’ll be keeping an eye out for more closures, as well as reopening dates, so stay tuned to DFB for more.

10 Weeks When Disneyland Will Be Empty in 2027

DON'T DO IT ALONE!


Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise.

Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!)

So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you 🙂

What do you think about these closures? Let us know in the comments!

The NEW Soarin’ Across America Is NOW OPEN at Disneyland

2 July 2026 at 13:52

Disneyland has a brand-new version of Soarin‘ – and we just got to ride it early!

Soarin’ Across America

Soarin’ Across America celebrates the 250th birthday of the U.S. by soaring riders across both coasts of the U.S., highlighting some of the country’s iconic landscapes and cityscapes. Think sweeping natural beauty, recognizable skylines, and a heavy dose of Americana!

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We rode Soarin’ Across America at Disney California Adventure, and we’re bringing you all of our thoughts! Soarin’ Across America celebrates the 250th Anniversary of the U.S.! This brand-new version of Soarin’ takes riders across both coasts of the U.S., highlighting some of the country’s iconic landscapes and cityscapes. There’s a new sign out front to celebrate the updated ride as well.

New Soarin’ Across America sign

Inside the queue, you’ll find patriotic bunting celebrating the Fourth of July and America’s 250th birthday.

Inside the queue

The pre-show is primarily the same, with some new jokes thrown in by the now Captain Patrick Warburton before the original spiel plays.

Pre-show

Soarin’ Across America features scenes from New York Harbor…

Soarin’ Across America

…the New England coastline…

New England

…the Grand Canyon West, and more.

Grand Canyon

Plus, you spot some gorgeous views of Mount Rushmore, too.

Mount Rushmore

We even flew over the Hollywood sign!

Hollywood

And in typical Soarin’ fashion, immersive scents were throughout the ride. The Louisiana Bayou, the Great Plains, and the Hawaiian Islands are now officially the best-smelling places in the U.S.!

Hawai’i

We had so much fun riding Soarin’ Across America! The ride is now officially open at Disney California Adventure for a limited time. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more Disneyland news!

Why August 27th Will Be A HUGE Day For Disney Fans

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Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.

Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!

What do you think of Soarin’ Across America? Comment below! 

Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Disney to attend their media preview of Soarin’ Across America. Note that when we attend events as media, we are 1) not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ

A Classic Disney Ride Just Reopened with HUGE Animatronics CHANGES

26 June 2026 at 11:37

Pirates of the Caribbean. Is there any more beloved classic Disney ride? It’s become so popular that it even launched a series of highly successful movies, and we’re not going to get tired of it any time soon.

Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean

As most folks believe, the Disneyland version of Pirates of the Caribbean is far superior because it’s longer and has more scenes, but the ride recently reopened in Disneyland with some changes that could prove…dare we say…controversial? So let’s talk about it.

Planning guide for the ultimate Disney vacation

Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean closed back in May for a lengthy refurbishment. Well, the ride reopened today, but with some HUGE changes. Those changes concern the animatronics tech. Walt Disney Imagineering recently posted a video about these changes, calling it the “next level” of animatronics.

©Disney

Disney calls this a “hybridized technology,” and it combines…wait for it…mixing animatronic movement with…projected faces. Now, we know what projected faces look like on animatronic figures because of Disney World’s previous version of Frozen Ever After. Many Disney fans did not like the look of those faces, and Disney eventually replaced them with full animatronics.

Old Frozen Ever After animatronics with projections

But at least one character in Pirates of the Caribbean is getting this updated look, although it’s combined with a partially articulated animatronic face underneath it that can also move. The video talks about how this allows the characters to cry and emote in ways they haven’t been able to before.

©Disney

It seems Disney only used this new tech on one character in the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, and it’s the static skull character you see sitting on top of all the pirate loot. He’s generally seen as a static skeleton.

©Disney

Now, though, this skeleton comes alive and tells his story of how he touched the cursed gold, which turned him into a skeleton. He also drops the coin, which turns him back into a human.

©Disney

You can watch the whole video below explaining the process.

If you want to see this technology for yourself, Pirates of the Caribbean has reopened in Disneyland with this new animatronic. At around 9:15 A.M., the wait time was only about 20 minutes, too, so now is a good opportunity to ride this classic attraction and decide for yourself if this new technology works for it.

We’ll keep an eye out for more Disney ride updates, so stay tuned to DFB for more.

What Makes Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland Paris Special? You’d Be Surprised!

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Popular Disney Ride Sets Permanent Closure Timeline

11 June 2026 at 10:00

One of Disney California Adventure’s most beloved dark rides is officially on borrowed time.

Monsters, Inc. Mike and Sulley to the Rescue!

While the attraction isn’t closing tomorrow, Disney fans now have a clearer picture of when they’ll need to plan a final ride. For guests who love visiting Monstropolis alongside Mike, Sulley, and Boo, the countdown is officially underway as Disneyland Resort continues its massive expansion efforts. Here’s what you need to know about the permanent closure timeline for Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! and what it means for the future of Disney California Adventure.

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Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! Will Close in 2027

Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! will be permanently closing in 2027. The good news is that the timeline actually got extended. The ride was originally scheduled to close in early 2026, but Disney pushed the closure back to give guests more time with the attraction before it’s gone for good. Disney has not yet announced a specific closing date within 2027, so there’s no hard deadline to race against just yet, but the clock is definitely ticking.

Mike in Disney California Adventure (he doesn’t move)

The ride has been a fixture at DCA since 2006, and it’s a fan favorite, especially for families with younger kids. It’s the kind of attraction that sneaks up on you as a highlight of the day, so it’s worth making sure it’s on your list if you’re heading to the park before the end of next year.

Why Is the Ride Closing?

The closure is tied directly to the massive DisneylandForward expansion project, which is reshaping Disney California Adventure in a big way. The space where the Monsters, Inc. ride currently sits will eventually become a brand-new Avatar land, which Disney has confirmed will be inspired by the sequel films rather than replicating the existing Pandora at Animal Kingdom.

©Disney

The new Avatar area is expected to include at least one unique ride, described as an adventure boat ride, and is not anticipated to open for several more years (we’re still waiting on an exact timeline from Disney). So even after the Monsters, Inc. ride closes, guests will have a bit of a wait before the replacement land is up and running.

The Disneyland Expansion Is Just Getting Started. Here’s What Might Come Next…

The Extended Timeline Is a Win for Disneyland Guests

Here’s the thing: Disney didn’t just push back this closure randomly. Disneyland’s project management team found a way to sequence construction of the new Avengers Campus attractions, a new Coco boat ride, and the Avatar land without requiring the Monsters, Inc. ride to close on the original schedule or impacting the timeline for those new additions. That’s actually a pretty smart move, because it means fewer closures and more to do for guests visiting DCA during this heavy construction period.

Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!

The focus on keeping the ride open a little longer also reflects Disney’s ongoing push to offer more for younger guests, since the Monsters, Inc. attraction has always been a strong draw for families with little ones.

What You Should Do Before It Closes

If you’ve got a trip on the horizon, this ride should be on your must-do list. The closure is still a ways out, but 2027 will arrive before you know it. Whether it’s your first time stepping into Monstropolis or your hundredth, this is one worth savoring before it’s gone.

Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!

Disney is keeping a lot of plates spinning at Disneyland Resort right now, and changes are happening fast. Keep it locked right here to DFB for the latest updates on the Monsters, Inc. closure, the new Avatar land, and everything else going on at DCA.

All the NEW Rides and Attractions at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure in 2026 and Beyond

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Will you be making a special trip to ride Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! before it closes in 2027? Let us know in the comments!

NEWS: Disneyland Announces ANOTHER Ride Closure for This Summer

9 June 2026 at 09:27

There is nothing worse than finding out your favorite attraction is closed for refurbishment just as you walk up to ride it. We always want you to be aware of any upcoming ride closures. So, if you’re planning a trip to Disneyland this summer, you’ve got to heed this warning!

Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland

Several popular attractions are closing (or have already closed) for refurbishment. We always let you know when a ride is set to close, but it also helps to check the online refurbishment calendar before your trip. However, we’re here to warn you about another new ride closure that has been added to the list!

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Disneyland has updated its online calendar to note that a refurbishment starts for the Matterhorn Bobsleds on July 20th. Currently, the Disneyland calendar only goes through July 21st, so it’s not clear when the refurbishment will end. There’s no additional information listed on the website at this time.

Matterhorn Bobsleds

On that same day, there are also refurbishments ongoing for Frontierland Shootin’ Exposition and Pirates of the Caribbean. Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters is currently closed in the park, but will reopen on June 12th. King Arthur Carrousel will also have a short closure this summer.

©Disney

Closures and refurbishments can be added to the Disneyland calendar at any time, though they usually show up at least a few weeks out. It’s a good idea to check the calendar a couple of times leading up to your trip to see if any planned closures could affect you. You’ll need to go to the “Day View” section of the calendar and scroll down until you see “Closed for Refurbishment.” Don’t forget to check both parks, Downtown Disney, and the hotels!

Small World!

Knowing which rides, attractions, or restaurants will be closed can help eliminate that last-minute disappointment when you arrive in the parks. It also might give you the flexibility to reschedule your trip to go at a time when your favorite offering will have reopened. Most of the time, these closures are just for planned maintenance, but occasionally, Disneyland will update rides or change them for the season. Haunted Mansion typically closes in late summer to become Haunted Mansion Holiday, an incredible The Nightmare Before Christmas overlay.

Haunted Mansion Holiday

Then, recently, we saw a brief closure at Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, where it was updated to include new missions themed to The Mandalorian and Grogu. The ride now has new scenes, missions, and planets available, featuring beloved Star Wars characters from the new movie and hit Disney+ series.

Mando and Grogu on Smugglers Run

We’ll keep you in the loop with any other ride closures and refurbishments, so stay tuned to DFB. You can get the latest news by subscribing to our newsletter!

Closures and Construction at Disneyland Resort

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WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.


Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.

Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!

What do you think of this closure news? Tell us in the comments!

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