Disneyland Resort is continuing its post-pandemic comeback this year with an inventive mix of new experiences and beloved familiar fare for guests that includes the return of nighttime spectaculars, an expanded ‘Celebrate Gospel!’ event, and various themed events, many beginning this month.
Highlights at the park, which had been forced to close for 412 days because of the pandemic (re-opening April 30, 2021), include the return of the iconic “Main Street Electrical Parade,” which will light up Disneyland Park this spring for the parade’s 50th anniversary year, while guests will also be treated to the return of three nighttime spectaculars: “Fantasmic!”, “World of Color,” and the “Disneyland Forever” fireworks spectacular.
Throughout 2022, the Anaheim, Ca., theme park will also feature attractions like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance; limited-time festivals, such as the Lunar New Year celebration and Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival; and seasonal celebrations for Halloween and for the Christmas holidays.
At Disney California Adventure Park, Avengers Campus guests will continue to be able to come aid of Peter Parker on ‘WEB Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure,’ become warrior allies with the Dora Milaje, and experience heroic encounters with the likes of Loki, Black Panther, Black Widow, Ant Man and The Wasp.
In addition, guests will find plenty of Disneyland Resort hotels back in full swing, along with new shops and popular dining locations at the Downtown Disney District.
Here is a more detailed breakdown of what’s in store at the twin Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks:
Nighttime spectaculars
• When Disney’s classic “Main Street Electrical Parade” electrical parade makes its grand return to Disneyland Park, the spectacular pageant of nighttime magic and imagination will be led by the iconic train and drum unit featuring Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Goofy, proclaiming in lights: “Disneyland Presents – Main Street Electrical Parade.” The parade brings back many guest favourites, including Elliot the Dragon and floats from “Alice in Wonderland,” “Cinderella” and “Peter Pan.”
• “Fantasmic!” has been a “must-see” show at Disneyland for nearly 30 years. Disney’s longest-running nighttime spectacular is an emotional extravaganza of colourful Disney animated film images, choreographed to an exciting musical score and highlighted by the fire-breathing Maleficent Dragon. The waters of the Rivers of America come alive as Mickey Mouse’s power of imagination enables him to create fantastic events and images as seen in classic Disney films like “Fantasia,” “The Jungle Book,” “The Little Mermaid,” and more.
• “World of Color” is a unique combination of music, fire, fog, and laser effects, with Disney animation projected on an immense screen of water. The unforgettable kaleidoscope of colour at Disney California Adventure celebrates the magic and fun of Disney and Pixar – all set to a soaring soundtrack. Audiences are immersed in some favourite Disney stories with memorable sequences of animation and music, including scenes like WALL-E and Eve zipping through the cosmos and Pocahontas exploring just around the riverbend.
• “Disneyland Forever” is a sky-high fireworks celebration filled with sparkling pyrotechnics and immersive projections that envelop guests in a breathtaking journey with surprising special effects. Main Street, USA, and a few other spots in Disneyland become a magical canvas as guests are swept into a world of dreams, from flying above the London skyline with “Peter Pan” to a dance with King Louie in “The Jungle Book.” The inspiring closing song is “Kiss Goodnight.”
Entertainment
• Disneyland Resort will celebrate the soulful spirit of Gospel music with the return of “Celebrate Gospel!” For 2022, “Celebrate Gospel!” will expand and feature live choir performances, each sharing its own distinctive style and inspiration. This powerful event moves to the Fantasyland Theater at Disneyland Park where guests will experience uplifting choir performances on select days during the month of February. “Celebrate Gospel!” is offered as part of the Disneyland Park experience. The latest details will be shared on the Disney Parks Blog.
• The Fantasyland Theater at Disneyland soon will become home to “Tale of the Lion King,” an imaginative adaptation of Disney’s “The Lion King.” A hit with guests when it debuted in 2019, “Tale of the Lion King” is brought to life by the Storytellers of the Pride Lands, a troupe of travelling performers who present Simba’s beloved and timeless journey in a unique story-theatre style with live music and dance.
Lunar Festival
Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure is a celebration that commemorates traditions of Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese cultures. The festival is filled with multicultural performances, kid-friendly crafts, culinary delights, beautiful décor, celebratory merchandise, and live musical entertainment, from Jan. 21 through Feb. 13.
It’s the Year of the Tiger in 2022 and Tigger will join in on the fun, along with Disney characters including Mulan and Mushu, Mickey and Minnie, and the Three Little Pigs – all donning their festive attire. Lunar New Year traditions include the Lucky Wishes Wall and “Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession,” a performance that honours family, friendship, and the potential for a fortune-filled new year.
Additionally, Raya from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ film “Raya and the Last Dragon” will make her first appearance at Disneyland Resort during the celebration. Guests are invited to welcome Raya and catch a glimpse of the glistening dragon gem among the blooming Kumandran flowers, nestled deep in the heart of the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail.
Food & Wine Festival
Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival returns in 2022 with its unique “tour” of California regions and neighbourhoods, from March 4 to April 26. The festival is a showcase for delicious fare, vibrant entertainment, festival merchandise and even time with Chef Goofy.
A dozen festival marketplaces will offer bites and beverages for every palate. Complimentary culinary demonstrations with visiting, local, celebrity and Disney chefs will return on Saturdays and Sundays during the festival. And to further enhance the festival experience, guests may book and purchase signature events such as the Carthay Circle Winemaker Receptions, and the Wine, Beer and Mixology Education & Tasting Seminars.
Additional details about the upcoming Lunar New Year celebration and Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival will be shared on Disneyland.com.
Cars Land turns 10
2022 marks the 10th anniversary of a major expansion at Disney California Adventure. On June 15, 2012, the first guests strolled along the new Buena Vista Street, with shops, architecture and theming reminiscent of Los Angeles in the late 1920s/early 1930s. Guests also discovered Cars Land, where “car” residents like Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater cruise along Route 66 in Radiator Springs. The grand new attraction in the land, Radiator Springs Racers, has become as popular as the blockbuster “Cars” films from Disney and Pixar.
Disneyland After Dark
Disneyland After Dark events return with more “Nites” of after-hours fun on select nights in 2022. Sweethearts’ Nite will be presented on five evenings in February at Disneyland, Villains Nite on two evenings in March at Disney California Adventure, and Star Wars Nite on three evenings in May at Disneyland, including the eve of May 4. That’s more nights than ever before for these limited-time events that have unique themes, character experiences, special nighttime entertainment and more. Tickets are limited and will be available at Disneyland.com/ DisneylandAfterDark.
Downtown Disney
• Specialty retailers Pelé Soccer and Lovepop will soon be opening shops in Downtown Disney District. Pelé Soccer is a stadium-themed store offering soccer gear from renowned global sports brands and national team jerseys from around the world at a shop named after Pelé, the legendary Brazilian superstar. Lovepop offers eye-catching, 3D pop-up cards and gifts that take paper art to new heights. Created by two ship designers, Lovepop combines engineering and modern technology with the ancient art form of kirigami, a variation of origami that intricately cuts paper rather than folding.
• Post 21 is a new Black-owned, woman-owned retailer offering curated modern and design-forward merchandise from Black-owned businesses, including products for family, home, gifting and more. Guests will find this specialty kiosk between the World of Disney and Starbucks.
• A multi-year project begins this month with plans to transform the former AMC Theatres building and adjacent area into a stunning new lifestyle space. Drawing inspiration from Southern California mid-century modern architecture, the area will be a beautiful blend of vibrant colour palettes, multi-cultural design elements and patterns, an open lawn for relaxation and future events, and an even broader collection of dining and shopping.
Mickey’s Toontown
At Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland Park, imagineers are working to reimagine the land with some all-new experiences for families and young children that will feature new play experiences, as well as open, grassy spaces. Those are expected to open in 2023, along with Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway.
Disneyland Resort
The Disneyland Resort features theme parks – Disneyland (the original Disney theme park) and Disney California Adventure Park – plus three hotels and the Downtown Disney District, comprising dining, entertainment, and shopping experiences.
Hotels include the 948-room Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, which also features 50 two-bedroom equivalent Disney Vacation Club units; the 973-room Disneyland Hotel – both AAA Four Diamond properties; and the 481-room Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel with its “day-at-the-beach” theme.
Guests are encouraged to visit Disneyland.com/updates for important information to know before visiting the Disneyland Resort, including updates on required face coverings and having a reservation for each park ticket. To enter a theme park, guests (ages three and older) will need a valid ticket and a theme park reservation for the same day and same park they want to visit.