Wandering Zen: Coming to the Disneyland Resort in 2019

  

2019, will arguably,  be the one of the most pivotal years in Disneyland’s history.  With attendance already through the roof, the resort is preparing to launch one of the biggest, most immersive, and complex themed lands in its history.  Star Wars: Galxay’s Edge will premier this summer at Disneyland Park and the folks at Team Disney Anaheim have been doing what they can to be prepared as the calendar runs up to this stellar event.  They’ve been adding events and experiences over at the California Adventure in an attempt to spread the crowds, reworked walkways in Walt’s original Magic Kingdom to create every possible square foot of space to accomodate what will no doubt be massive attendance.  Annual Pass blackout dates have been altered to help with this and earlier this week the prices hit hyperspace all toward the effort to avoid the nightmare that could be on the horizon.  On the other hand, Disney typically finds a way to make it work, maybe not on day one, but shortly there after.  I say if you go into 2019 with the right expectations, you will be greatly rewarded with what lies ahead.  There is a ton more going on at the resort this year so plan your trips wisely and get the most for your Disney dollars!  Here are some of the dates to watch in 2019:

 

Get Your Ears On!

90 year of Mickey and Minnie magic will be celebrated all year long.  Their legacy will be honored with a magical, musical celebration featuring entertainment, meet & greets, themed menu selections, merchandise and more.

The food around the resort has really been kicked up a notch over the past few years so one can only presume that we are in for a few treats here too.  Their website offered up this short list of items, but no doubt there will be other items that you’ll be able to search out, including some delicious churro options!

• A Celebration Sipper & Straw for your fave drinks
• Mickey and Minnie chocolate caramel apples
• Mickey macarons
• Mickey popcorn buckets
• Mickey pretzels and waffles
• Seasonal offerings
• Specialty desserts
• Themed novelties

Mickey’s Mix Magic

Beginning January 18th Disneyland kicks off a nighttime celebration for the 90th birthday of Mickey Mouse. It will include projections on Main Street, Rivers of America and the facade of “It’s a Small World”.  Although there will be fireworks on select nights, the show is being billed as a colorful and energetic family dance party.

The Love of Mickey and Minnie

January 22 – February 18: Valentine month premieres, including special decorations along Main Street and Minnie’s Valentine Surprise — a scavenger hunt that involves purchasing a special map and stickers. People can search for hidden valentines around the park and return completed maps for a surprise.  Leave it to Disney to stretch Valentine’s Day into a month.  Boy, those guys over at Hallmark must be green with envy!

Mickey’s Soundsational Parade

January 25: Mickey’s Soundsational Parade returns at Disneyland with Mickey heading his new float, a giant celebration cake accompanied by Chip ‘n’ Dale!

Lunar New Year

January 25 – February 17: Celebrate the Year of the Pig in Disney California Adventure. Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession is returning with her sidekick dragon, Mushu, and look for the Three Little Pigs to join the party. Delicious Asian-inspired food will be available at the Paradise Garden Grill and Food Locations in the Paradise Park area during this event. I didn’t see the wishing wall and other entertainment listed but they’re sure to be returning.

Disneyland After Dark ~ Sweethearts Night

February 7:  This specially ticketed event will include romantic dancing and a “Royal Ball” experience. There will also be couples characters on hand, special food, merchandise and more. Cost is $99 and tickets are now on sale

Food & Wine Festival

March 1 – April 23: The Food & Wine Festival seems to get bigger and better each year and has become a real hit at the California Adventure. There will be plenty of tastings, specialty wines, craft beers, visits by celebrity chefs, cooking demonstrations and more. 

Disneyland After Dark ~ 90’s Night

March 7: 90s Nite is another new special ticketed after-hours event that runs from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. and costs $99. Special food, music, and appearances. disneyland.disney.go.com/events-tours/after-dark-90s-nite

Pixar Pier is Complete

Although there are no official opening dates as of this publication,  Jessie’s Critter Carrousel and the In & Out inspired Emotional Whirlwind will make their Pixar Pier debuts and round out the retheming that began last summer.

Star Wars | Galaxy’s Edge

Bob Iger recently said that people will be able to journey to the planet Batuu in June when Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens. Guest will be able to pilot the Millennium Falcon spaceship, join a battle between the First Order and the Resistance, have rumors abound about being able to grab a cocktail at Oga’s Cantina.   For those that are used to the use the Play Disney Parks app, there will be unique experiences that will make you a character in the fun.

 

The Subs turn 60

June 6: This may the biggest anniversary stretch ever!  Although the attraction did indeed open 60 years ago, it did take a little 9-year hiatus from 1998 to 2007, when it resurfaced as the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage.  It is still worth a nod to the original attraction, one of my childhood favorites!

The Matterhorn and the Disneyland Monorail also Celebrate their Diamond Anniversary

June 14: As a part of the same major renovation the Matterhorn and the Monorail also turn 60.  Both are Disney icons and are looking pretty great for their age!

Splash Mountain turns 30

July 17:  This has always been a big day in Disneyland history and even though they’ll be celebrating the 30th anniversary of Splash Mountain, it is, more importantly, the 64th anniversary of the opening of Disneyland.

Haunted Mansion is Golden

August 9: Out of all of the attraction anniversaries this year, the 50th anniversary of the Haunted Mansion will probably be the one that gets the most attention.  

Big Thunder Mountain hits 40

September 2: The wildest ride in the wilderness turns 40.  Happy Birthday, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad 

HalloweenTime Return

Early September: No official date has been released, however, if the resort holds to tradition you’ll see Jack Skellington decking the halls of the mansion and pumpkins popping up all over the parks as soon as the summer crowds go back to school ushering in the 4 months of holiday frenzy in Anaheim.

The Holidays are Back

In early November,  they’ll be snow on the castle and it will fall nightly on Main Street and Grizzly Peak (if you missed the Grizzly Peak snowfall this past season, you missed a gem!).  The holidays will be more interesting than ever with Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge adding a few thousand people to the mix!

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