It’s a busy week at the Disneyland Resort as we digest the news that Josh D’Amaro has been named Disney’s next CEO and celebrate both the opening of the reimagined Napa Rose and kickoff of California Adventure’s 25th-anniversary celebration last Friday.
We’ve also got news to share about MiceChat’s 2026 Gumball Rally event, the return of Savannah Bananas Day, and a bit of spooky news from the Haunted Mansion. This is a packed but fun update you’ll want to read all the way through…
Josh Snags Disney’s Top Job
Last week, we told you to expect an imminent announcement of a new Disney CEO. Just one day later, Disney announced that Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro will succeed Bob Iger as the company’s CEO, and that Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Dana Walden was appointed President and Chief Creative Officer (CCO). They’ll officially assume their new responsibilities on March 18, 2026.
Both Josh and Dana had been candidates for the top spot, but in the end, the board voted unanimously to promote the parks chief to CEO and create the new CCO position for Dana. The dual roles put someone from parks and someone from the studios in the top two positions. But, the transition to their new roles is quite a leap, with much to learn about the half of the company they have yet to work in.
There’s also something to be said about their ages. At 55 and 60, respectively (and with kids in their teens/early twenties), Josh and Dana sit squarely in the “Disney parents” lane, which gives them a different perspective than 74-year-old Bob.
Bob will remain with the company in an advisory capacity until his contract expires at the end of 2026, at which time he will leave the company and resign from the board.
Bob and Josh spent time together at the resort over the weekend, when Napa Rose has just reopened (more on that below).
Is Disney’s new leadership team a good thing for the company? You can find all the details (and our thoughts) here:
Disney’s Succession Gamble: Is Josh D’Amaro Ready to Lead After Iger?
Napa Rose Blooms
Disneyland’s signature Napa Rose restaurant reopened on Friday at the Grand Californian Hotel after an extensive renovation of the Napa Valley-inspired dining room, the expansion of the outdoor terrace (with new custom-designed fireplaces), and a reimagined seasonal prix fixe menu that will change every few weeks (there are no a la carte options in the main dining room).
We were invited to the reimagined restaurant last week to preview the new menu, and we were very impressed. In fact, we think the elegant dining experience might just win Disneyland its first Michelin Star.
We love how modern the dining room feels while still maintaining the hotel’s California Craftsman style, but we predict the lounge’s outdoor patio will quickly become a favorite spot at the resort for those in the know.
Napa Rose has also added a new Chef’s Counter experience, where up to 18 diners can enjoy a customized multi-course dinner with front-row seats to watch the chefs in action. Guests dining at the Chef’s Counter can also sample dishes not available on the main menu.
Reservations are highly recommended for the dining room at Napa Rose; however, the new bar and lounge area serves an à la carte menu of small bites… and the best news is that no reservations are required on this side of the restaurant.
You can read Dusty’s full review here:
DCA 25th
California Adventure officially kicked off its 25th-anniversary celebration on Friday, including the return of the fan-favorite opening day attraction, Soarin’ Over California.
While we always expect the OG version to return every year for the Food & Wine Festival, this year, we’re getting it for an extended run until July 1 (the all-new Soarin’ Across America will debut July 2).
Mickey and Minnie also debuted their special anniversary outfits inspired by DCA’s original design.
Exclusive Magic Key Event
The Magic Key DCA 25 event takes place daily in the Hyperion Theater Courtyard from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on February 5-15 (there’s no event on February 9).
The event features a giant original DCA park map backdrop, along with a photo op that’s a “mash-up” of original park elements and DCA 2.0.
Mickey and Minnie are also appearing in their cute Sunshine Plaza outfits.
Magic Key holders must join a Virtual Queue at 12 p.m. to attend on that day. You’ll receive a push notification when your boarding group is called with the designated return window for you to check in at the Hyperion Theater courtyard.
Pixar Pal-Around Popcorn Bucket
The highlight of the anniversary event is the Pixar Pal-A-Round Popcorn Bucket, available at Fairfax Market, Mortimer’s Market, and select popcorn and outdoor vending carts in California Adventure (while supplies last).
The first-of-its-kind bucket features embedded “Magic Inside” technology that reacts to select locations in both theme parks, with changing color and lighting patterns. Similar to MagicBand+, the lighting effects also enhance select nighttime spectaculars.
The new bucket is priced at $55 at the Grizzly Peak Airfield popcorn cart, but it’s priced lower at locations where you can choose chips instead of popcorn.
DCA 25 Merch
A silver anniversary merch collection is now available in California Adventure.
There are also exclusive Magic Key designs.
And, as always, there are treats!
Guests who visited California Adventure on the park’s actual 25th anniversary – Feb. 8, 2026 – received a special commemorative map.
Check out our guide to the anniversary celebration here:
Disney California Adventure Turns 25: Soarin’ Over California Returns, New Merch & Events
MiceChat Gumball Rally 2026
Gumball Rally 2026 is officially in the books, after another successful event on Feb. 7th. Throngs of MiceChatters took to the streets of Disneyland in teams of 2, 3, or 4 in a Disney villains-themed scavenger hunt-style race to see who could ride the most attractions in a single day.
Congratulations to all the teams! We’ll have results and photos posted soon to MiceChat.
This year, the Gumball Rally trophy was kept at Walt Disney’s Storybook Mansion before the event, adding a touch of extra Disney magic and a reminder that our love of Disney starts with Walt himself.
Want to join us next year? You can find out all about MiceChat Gumball Rally here: MiceChat Gumball Rally
Savannah Banana Day 2026
The Bananas are Back! Following their Disneyland debut last year, the Savannah Bananas will be back at Disneyland for Savannah Banana Day on March 26, 2026, along with one of the newest Banana Ball Championship League teams, the Indianapolis Clowns.
Who Are the Savannah Bananas?
The Savannah Bananas are one of the teams in the Banana Ball Championship League that play a unique form of baseball featuring choreographed in-game dancing, epic scoring celebrations, and hilarious antics (think the Harlem Globetrotters, but for baseball).
In addition to the Savannah Bananas, Banana Ball Championship League teams are the Party Animals, Firefighters, Texas Tailgaters, Loco Beach Coconuts, and Indianapolis Clowns.
New for Savannah Bananas Day 2026
This year, the Bananas will take over both theme parks, with select players from both teams appearing at Disneyland and California Adventure.
In Disneyland, catch the Savannah Bananas Cavalcade and a special performance at Sleeping Beauty Castle. In California Adventure, don’t miss a high-energy performance at the “World of Color” viewing area in Paradise Gardens Park.
Banana Eats and Treats
Savannah Banana Day is the perfect time to sample banana-flavored bites and sips at dining locations and carts around Disneyland Resort.
- Banana Pudding at Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree in Bayou Country (Mobile order available): Bananas, whipped cream, crushed wafer cookies, dulce de leche, and toffee
- Banana Cold Foam can be added to any drink for an additional fee at the Cappuccino Cart at San Fransokyo Square (Mobile order available)
At Wine Country Trattoria (Reservations highly recommended)
- Banana Brûlée Tart: Vanilla tart with brûléed bananas topped with banana-coconut whipped cream
- Frozen Banana Mudslide Cocktail: Vanilla vodka, Kahlua, Baileys Irish Cream, banana liqueur, and half & half
Plus, frozen bananas dipped in chocolate are available at select outdoor vending carts and whole bananas are available at Fruit Carts.
Savannah Bananas at Disneyland Sweepstakes
You can enter for your chance to win a three-night vacation to Disneyland Resort for yourself and up to three guests to experience Savannah Bananas Day at Disneyland Resort on March 26, 2026. The winner will also receive up to four tickets to the Savannah Bananas vs. Indianapolis Clowns game at Angel Stadium on March 27, 2026.
The sweepstakes is open now through 12 p.m. ET on February 27, 2026. Check out the Savannah Bananas Instagram or Facebook post for instructions on how to enter.
Constructionland
With the rainy weather behind us (but more potentially on the way this week), construction crews have been working around the clock across the resort.
Downtown Disney
The large palm trees have been removed from the Porto construction site (formerly the Earl of Sandwich, near the Esplanade).
At the other end of Downtown Disney, a few sections of removed scrim indicate that the new Earl of Sandwich is progressing well, with wood siding currently being installed.
The garden in front of the Grand Californian’s entrance, which was scraped clean a few weeks ago, has been refilled and replanted, including a new tree.
And while half of the Lego Store has emerged from behind construction walls, revealing a new Sleeping Beauty-themed Lego sculpture (and welcoming kids back to play), the astronaut sculpture on the other side of the store’s entrance is still undergoing a facelift.
Disneyland
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance began its first-ever scheduled refurbishment on January 20, but no reopening date has been announced. Though we hope it will be reopened in time for the reinvention of Galaxy’s Edge on April 29th, when original trilogy characters and iconic John Williams music will be added to the land.
Oga’s Cantina also continues its refurbishment, which now has an end date of March 13th.
it’s a small world re-opened this week following the removal of its holiday overlay.
The clock tower has been experiencing issues for several months now. The clock face has frequently been turned off or was rotating incorrectly (resulting in the “tick-tock” sound being triggered at improper intervals or the face being completely sideways), but it is now moving smoothly. Unfortunately, the time is still not showing after the clock parade.
Galactic Grill is still open during its refurbishment. Currently, only the middle seating and some of the pickup windows are closed.
California Adventure
Grizzly River Run is in the middle of its annual refurbishment. Work is being conducted in and around the attraction. And while this is generally a cold time of year and the best time to close the attraction, Disneyland reached the mid-80s yesterday.
Both sides of the mountain are getting a facelift this year.
Grizzly construction is even visible to guests of the Lunar New Year booths.
We also noticed some work on a far path at Redwood Creek.
While no opening date has been announced for the Avengers Campus expansion, Disneyland Cast Members participated in a construction milestone last week: A steel beam signing for the show building housing the land’s two new attractions.
An aerial shot from the Pixar Pal-A-Round reveals the massive show building for the new attractions. Which you can see are fully enclosed with their roofs and even some HVAC already on top. This was a fast build.
Disneyland Refurbishment Calendar
Oga’s Cantina and the Golden Zephyr have posted their completion dates, and new to the list is Space Mountain.
Currently Under Refurbishment
- Grizzly River Run: January 5 – TBA
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance: January 20 – TBA
- Oga’s Cantina: January 20 – March 13
- Jat Kaa’s Coolers: J1-KC at Resistance Clearing: January 20 – February 12
Upcoming Refurbishments
- Jungle Cruise: February 17 – TBA
- Jumpin’ Jellyfish: February 23 – March 5
- Space Mountain: February 23 – 26
- Golden Zephyr: March 9 – 17
This & That
There’s still more news to share!
Live @ 5
Dusty and Suzanne play a game of “DCA Then vs. Now” and discuss what has changed over the last 25 years.
Super Bowl Celebration
Disneyland will celebrate Super Bowl LX champs Seattle Seahawks with a special cavalcade this afternoon (Super Bowl cavalcades usually take place around 1:30 p.m.)
Super Bowl LX MVP Kenneth Walker III and Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold will celebrate their team’s victory with their families.
The tradition of the Super Bowl MVP (and sometimes other players) visiting a Disney park the day after the game began in 1987, but whether they go to Disneyland or Walt Disney World depends on where the game is played. This year, the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots faced off in Santa Clara, California, so that’s why today’s celebration is in Anaheim.
DCA 25th Anniversary Magic Keyholder Photo Opportunity
The special 25th-anniversary event for Magic Key Holders features a photo op in front of a retro-style California Adventure map with Minnie OR Mickey Mouse and very long waits to see them. Since Dusty arrived during a half-hour break between the mice, he was able to snap some close-up shots of the map by itself.
How many opening day attractions can you spot? And does it make you nostalgic or sad for DCA 1.0?
DCA 25 Medallions
New California Adventure 25th-anniversary medallions are now available in park vending machines.
The four colorful designs feature the park’s Grizzly Peak logo and Carthay Circle Theater, plus Minnie and Mickey in their anniversary outfits.
Humphrey the Bear
As part of the DCA anniversary, Humphrey the Bear made his Disney Parks debut last Friday at the Donald’s Tales of Adventure dinner buffet at Storytellers Cafe in Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa.
Donald seems happy about Humphrey’s arrival.
The restaurant has also debuted new logo dinner plates with an orange grove design around the border.
Supernatural Nuptials
Haunted Mansion fans can get married (or renew their vows) in the Haunted Mansion Courtyard, which will hopefully work out better for them than it did for Constance’s husbands.
Beginning in July 2026, Haunted Mansion Courtyard will be added to the collection of Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings and Honeymoons wedding venues at Disneyland Resort. Haunted Mansion Courtyard is available for early-morning ceremonies (before Disneyland Park opens). The courtyard can accommodate up to 25 guests, and the package includes a dedicated officiant, light décor, photography, and transportation to and from a Disneyland Resort hotel.
Disneyland After Dark Ticket Tracker
Tickets for Disneyland After Dark: Disney Channel Nite and Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite went on sale last week.
Disney Channel Nite takes place on April 12, 14, and 16. Tickets are $169 per person for the Sunday date and $159 per person for weeknights. As of yesterday morning, all three dates were still available.
Tickets for Star Wars Nite were available at $174 per person for April 28, April 30, and May 6. The event is sold out for May 4 (AKA Star Wars Day).
Tickets were still available for Disneyland After Dark: 70 Years of Favorites on March 3 and 5, priced at $159 per person on both dates.
Tickets for Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite as well as Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party will go on sale at a later date.
New Sipper
We spotted a super cute new Little Green Men Jetpack Sipper for $32 (no discounts apply).
Beignets & Blissful Sips
The 2nd annual beignets tasting event returns to Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio in Downtown Disney at 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays from March 7th until April 26th.
Guests will be able to sample three signature beignet flavors, each paired with a perfectly matched alcoholic drink:
- Lemon Cream Pie Glazed Beignet paired with Avissi Prosecco
- Churro Glazed Beignet paired with Cinnabon Cocktail
- Strawberry Shortcake Glazed Beignet paired with Cockburn’s Special Reserve Ruby Port
The price is $45.74 per person. Tickets are available HERE.
Celebrate Soulfully in Tomorrowland
A display for Celebrate Soulfully appeared next to the Star Tours extended queue, featuring the first Black astronaut, Guion S. Bluford Jr.
Disneyland Ducks
And… our beloved Disneyland ducks are finally getting the respect they deserve…
They now have their own merch!
Disneyland Minute
Each week, Dusty recaps all the biggest headlines from the Monday Disneyland Update in a quick-hit Disneyland Minute video. It’s an easy way to stay caught up if you don’t have time to read the full update… or if you just want the highlights straight from Dusty. This week, he tackles the big news of Disney’s CEO struggle, transport troubles, DCA’s 25th anniversary, and more…
Be sure to subscribe to MiceChat’s YouTube channel and TikTok so you don’t miss it!
MiceShots
The great pinking of Disneyland’s trees has begun! 
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Let’s Hear From You!
Spring has definitely sprung at the Disneyland Resort! Are you planning to celebrate California Adventure’s silver anniversary? And is $55 too much for a popcorn bucket (even one that lights up)? Will you party with the Savannah Bananas (and with MiceChat at our 2027 Gumball Rally)?
But what we most want to know is how you think Josh D’Amaro’s ascent to CEO will impact the parks and the company as a whole. Will the man who brought you park reservations and Lightning Lane be good for the company as a whole? Let us know in the comments below!
