Trip Booked: What’s new or changed since my last visit a year ago?

[ThreeMountains]

I’ve just confirmed I’ll be visiting DL for three park hopper days on January 25th, 26th, and 27th! I was there around the same time last year and am curious if there’s anything new or changed in the past year. So far, it looks like Rise and Incredicoaster will both be down the entire trip, which is a bummer for two of the biggest rides in the parks. Small World will also be closed the second and third days, so as long as I get to ride it the first day I’ll be happy (one of my favorites at DL).

Another bummer is that the first and third nights are BOTH Sweetheart nights, meaning the park closes early. Such a shame they put two of those so close to each other meaning people on trips around that time are affected on multiple days. My favorite time to stroll DLP and Magic Kingdom are at night, so I’m mildly disappointed. I guess I’ll have to make sure I rope drop at least a couple days to make up for it, and I’ll plan on the middle day being a late night at DLP.

The good news is that I’ve now visited Disneyland enough to not feel like I need to rush as a solo traveler. I’ve done pretty much everything I enjoy several times over, so I can take my time and soak in the ambience rather than worrying about checking anything off a list. It should be both fun and relaxing, which can’t often be said about any Disney trip. My hotel is walking distance, as well, so afternoon breaks shouldn’t be an issue.

Aside from that, I haven’t been in the Disneyland news loop since my last trip, so I’m curious if there’s anything else to be aware of in terms of rides, food/restaurants, other attractions or noteworthy changes, etc.

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

I’ve just confirmed I’ll be visiting DL for three park hopper days on January 25th, 26th, and 27th! I was there around the same time last year and am curious if there’s anything new or changed in the past year. So far, it looks like Rise and Incredicoaster will both be down the entire trip, which is a bummer for two of the biggest rides in the parks. Small World will also be closed the second and third days, so as long as I get to ride it the first day I’ll be happy (one of my favorites at DL).

Another bummer is that the first and third nights are BOTH Sweetheart nights, meaning the park closes early. Such a shame they put two of those so close to each other meaning people on trips around that time are affected on multiple days. My favorite time to stroll DLP and Magic Kingdom are at night, so I’m mildly disappointed. I guess I’ll have to make sure I rope drop at least a couple days to make up for it, and I’ll plan on the middle day being a late night at DLP.

The good news is that I’ve now visited Disneyland enough to not feel like I need to rush as a solo traveler. I’ve done pretty much everything I enjoy several times over, so I can take my time and soak in the ambience rather than worrying about checking anything off a list. It should be both fun and relaxing, which can’t often be said about any Disney trip. My hotel is walking distance, as well, so afternoon breaks shouldn’t be an issue.

Aside from that, I haven’t been in the Disneyland news loop since my last trip, so I’m curious if there’s anything else to be aware of in terms of rides, food/restaurants, other attractions or noteworthy changes, etc.

The Lunar New Year celebration will have just begun. Check out Disney's page on that for what to expect:
https://disneyland.disney.go.com/events-tours/lunar-new-year/

 

[disneychrista]

The 70th Anniversary started in May 2025. As part of the celebration there is the Paint the Night nighttime parade, Wondrous Journey's fireworks and a new World of Color show at DCA. In addition there is the new Walt animatronic in the Opera House and the final verse in Small World (ride it on the 25th because it closes for refurb on the 26th). If you have a MB the are several touch points through the park that either dispense souvenir "tickets' or have sound / animation when you tap the touch point.

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

As part of the celebration there is the Paint the Night nighttime parade,

I think I read that Paint the Night doesn't return until January 30, and I don't see it appear until that date on the official schedule on Disney's website.

 

[disneychrista]

I think I read that Paint the Night doesn't return until January 30, and I don't see it appear until that date on the official schedule on Disney's website.

You might be right about that.

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

Will you have park hoppers so you can hop to DCA when DL closes early those two nights?

 

[ThreeMountains]

The Lunar New Year celebration will have just begun. Check out Disney's page on that for what to expect:
https://disneyland.disney.go.com/events-tours/lunar-new-year/

Ah yes, I’ve been lucky to see this most years I’ve visited DL because I typically go this time of year. It’s a fun festival and I use my year of the snake travel mug from last year every day now!

 

[ThreeMountains]

The 70th Anniversary started in May 2025. As part of the celebration there is the Paint the Night nighttime parade, Wondrous Journey's fireworks and a new World of Color show at DCA. In addition there is the new Walt animatronic in the Opera House and the final verse in Small World (ride it on the 25th because it closes for refurb on the 26th). If you have a MB the are several touch points through the park that either dispense souvenir "tickets' or have sound / animation when you tap the touch point.

Unfortunately, Paint the Night starts a few days after I leave, but thanks for the reminder of the Walt animatronic and the final verse on Small World! I definitely plan to ride Small World the first day, maybe twice since I won’t be able to the next two days.

I also always bring my Magic Band since DL started letting us use them. It was funny the first year or two because almost no one had them or even knew you could do anything with them at DL, which is strange if you’ve always gone to WDW where everyone wears them. They definitely add magic just having and wearing them! I’ll definitely watch for the souvenir tickets!

 

[ThreeMountains]

Will you have park hoppers so you can hop to DCA when DL closes early those two nights?

I will! DCA only closes an hour later, but it can still be worth going there at the end of the night just to wander after DLP closes since it’s so easy to hop over.