What’s New at Disneyland this Summer

There are so many exciting new things happening at Disneyland this summer I thought I would share them all with you. Unless you have been living under a rock, I’m sure most everyone has heard that Star Wars Land: Galaxy’s Edge opened already, but there are lots of other reasons to visit the resort this summer. Here are a few of those reasons…

(I was recently hosted by Disneyland to come and enjoy the park, but all my opinions are my own)

NEW AT CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE PARK>>>

The Tale of the Lion King Show at California Adventure. I had the chance to see the show on opening day and it’s so fun. It is a complete re-telling of the traditional Lion King story with a little twist. It is a cast of 18 singers, dancers and drummers who bring all our favorite songs to life right in front of the Ferris wheel a few times a day. I would suggest to grab a cold drink/snack and pick a seat about 10-15 minutes before the how starts to get the best view point.

Fancy Nancy made her debut at California Adventure and we had the opportunity to meet her. You can find her in Hollywood Land near the Disney Junior Dance Party, which is a great place to go and cool off from the heat!;)

Soarin over California is making a LIMITED TIME come back at California Adventure. Now through June 30th enjoy this ride in it’s original form before it goes back to Soarin over the World.

Enjoy brunch at Lamplight Lounge, now on the weekends. Located on Pixar Pier at California Adventure, it used to be the old Ariel’s Grotto, but made the change last summer to Lamplight Lounge. I was pleasantly surprised at the menu, especially being gluten free, there were lots of options. I HIGHLY suggest eating here for brunch and here are a few things I think you should order…

The Lamplight Chilaquiles were super tasty and gluten free as well as the Potato Flautas, which were vegan and gluten free (but a little spicy for me).

I also snuck a taste of the New York Avocado Toast with steak and egg, it was delicious. If you don’t eat the bread I think it would be gluten free and the potatoes that come with this dish might have been my favorite thing!!!

Both the adult French toast and the children’s French toast looked super tasty, but were definitely not Gluten Free, so I didn’t try them. But they all got rave reviews from the other people in my group.

There were also lots of fun drinks to enjoy with the brunch including a mimosa flight, a Beermosa and a Cinnamon Toast Cocktail.

Mickey’s PhilharMagic Show at California Adventure. We first saw this 3D show at Disney World in Florida and the kids loved it! Located in Hollywood Land backlot at the Sunset Showcase Theater. Another great place to cool off on a hot day!

Jessie’s Critter Carousel opened this spring and is a fun addition to the Pixar Pier at California Adventure. The giant toy carousel is inspired by the Toy Story films and is located in between Mid-Way Mania and the Incredible-coaster.

Opening early this summer (no exact date yet) is the Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind. Inspired by the movie “Inside Out” guests will board one of eight Memory Movers on a spin around recollections of Riley’s emotions. Located on Pixar Pier at California Adventure near the Boardwalk games.

Also headed to California Adventure is Little Bo Peep from Toy Story. Stay tuned for the date of her appearance.

World of Color returns this summer to the waters at California Adventure. This nighttime show includes 1,200 fountains spraying 19,000 square feet of water with fire, light and music weaved together to create a story. And NOW you can actually reserve a fast pass for the show through MAX PASS.

Make sure to visit all of the new superhero’s on the Hollywood Backlot like Captain Marvel, Captain America, Spider-Man and Black Panther.

NEW AT DISNEYLAND>>>

The newly improved Sleeping Beauty Castle. For months we waited and now the walls are down around the gorgeous, vibrant castle. Don’t miss the opportunity to see her beauty in person.

Hyperspace mountain is back in Tomorrowland. If you don’t happen to get the opportunity to visit Star Wars Land, don’t worry, you can still get your fix by going on this high-speed adventure in outer space.

Mickey’s Soundsational Parade is floating down Main Street at Disneyland. Don’t miss the fun music, colorful floats and great dancing. My favorite place to watch the parade is near Small World, on Main Street or around Town Square.

“Disneyland Forever” Fireworks Show returns to Disneyland this summer. Don’t miss this celebration which includes projections on the castle and Main Street as well as the amazing pyrotechnics. Best seats for this are on Main Street or right in front of the castle.

And of course, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge makes its grand debut. Get on board the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run for an interactive ride to outerspace with your own crew of pilots, gunners and engineers. You can also build a droid or lightsaber, eat/drink outerspace food and interact with all of your favorite Star Wars characters. After June 23rd the resort will use a virtual queueing system, as needed, to allow guests to enjoy the rest of Disneyland until it is their turn to enter Star Wars Land.

You can check out how we made our own droids at the Droid Depot in this fun video…

And don’t forget, if your passes are blocked out this summer there is still lots of fun to be had at Downtown Disney. If you haven’t checked out the new Disney Pop Up yet, check out this blog post for all the info! There are also a few new places to eat including Black Tap Craft Burgers and Shakes, Ballast Point Brewing Co and Salt & Straw. 

Will you be planning a trip this summer? When was the last time you visited the resort?