Shine Bright With This Purr-fect Marie Rhinestone Disney World Tee
If you’re a fan of “The Aristocats” and believe that ladies simply do not start fights (but they can finish them), then you need to head over to Magic Kingdom immediately. We just spotted the most adorable new Marie Rhinestone Disney World Tee, and it’s basically the definition of “sweet and sassy.”
This isn’t your average souvenir t-shirt. It comes in a gorgeous, soft light pink that’s perfect for a sunny day walking down Main Street, U.S.A. What really makes it stand out, though, is the sparkle. Marie herself is front and center, completely bedazzled with white and pink jewels that match the fabric perfectly. When the Florida sun hits those rhinestones, you’re going to be glowing.
Disney didn’t skimp on the design elements here. Above our favorite kitten, the “Walt Disney World” logo is printed in a clean, crisp white. One of the best features for us adults is the curved hem at the bottom. It gives the shirt a much more flattering, feminine silhouette than a standard boxy tee, making it super easy to tuck into a skirt or wear loose over some leggings.
If you’re ready to add some sparkle to your wardrobe, you can find this adult-sized tee at Magic Kingdom for $44.99. It’s the ultimate “treat yourself” item for any Marie fan who wants to show off their Disney style with a little extra flair.
Giddy up! Lunar New Year returns to Disney California Adventure Park at Disneyland Resort from January 23 through February 22, 2026, delivering an array of savory treats rooted in Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese traditions that will ignite your appetite.
To honor the Year of the Horse—representing spirit, vigor, and freedom—discover various fresh menu additions to gallop through your hunger, including Five-Spice Popcorn Chicken, Japchae Noodles, and a Spicy Pork Belly Grilled Cheese. Also, iconic classics invite you to double back for more, like the Quesabirria Eggroll, Phở Dip, and creamy Taro Vietnamese Cold Brew.
Since there are countless flavors to explore on your foodie journey, think about buying a Sip and Savor Pass for seamless snacking. This digital credential provides six individual coupons valid for specific food and nonalcoholic drinks at Lunar New Year booths and select dining spots throughout the event. Foods qualifying for Sip and Savor redemption are marked with a 🍽️ within this list. For extra Sip and Savor facts, view our full breakdown on the Disney Parks Blog.
Across Disney California Adventure park, immerse yourself in vibrant festivities and fun, featuring unique meet-and-greets with Disney characters in holiday outfits, “Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession,” and the “Hurry Home – A Lunar New Year Celebration” water show appearing before “World of Color – ONE.” Let’s trot right into this season’s Foodie Guide to uncover every delicious dish and drink arriving for Lunar New Year 2026!
Lunar New Year Festival Marketplaces
Bamboo Blessings
(Available Jan. 23 through Feb. 22)
Location: Peformance Corridor
Food Items:
🍽️Five-Spice Popcorn Chicken with sweet chile-garlic sauce (New)
🍽️Strawberry Milk Tea Macaron: Strawberry buttercream with a milk tea center
Beverages:
🍽️Guava Dragon Fruit Sparkler: Simply Lemonade, Topo Chico, and guava and dragon fruit syrups garnished with frozen dragon fruit (Non-alcoholic)(New)
🍽️Brown Sugar Milk Tea: Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Co. Ceylon Tea, oat milk, and brown sugar, maple and butter pecan syrups garnished with banana milk-inspired whipped cream (Non-alcoholic)
Guava Dragon Fruit Vodka Cocktail: Vodka, Simply Lemonade, Topo Chico, and guava and dragon fruit syrups garnished with a lemon wheel (New)
Longevity Noodle Co.
(Available Jan. 23 through Feb. 22)
Location: Peformance Corridor
Food Items:
🍽️Japchae Noodles with kalbi short rib (New)
🍽️Garlic Noodles: Long noodles tossed in zesty garlic butter with parmesan
Beverage:
Strawberry Lychee Cocktail: Bourbon, strawberry purée, lychee syrup, and lime juice garnished with a lime gummy wedge
Lucky 8 Lantern
(Available Jan. 23 through Feb. 22)
Location: Peformance Corridor
Food Items:
🍽️Phở Dip with rice noodles, sliced beef, shaved jalapeños, pickled onions, and phở broth
🍽️Chocolate Firecracker: Light chocolate mousse, chocolate ganache filling, chocolate almond dacquoise, and popping candy featuring DOVE Dark Chocolate
Beverages:
Red Envelope Margarita: Tequila, orange juice, sweet and sour, raspberry purée, blood orange syrup, and gold shimmer (New)
Yuja-Melon Cocktail: Gin, Lillet Blanc, yuja purée, and rock melon syrup garnished with a purple orchid (New)
Prosperity Bao & Buns
(Available Jan. 23 through Feb. 22)
Location: Peformance Corridor
Food Items:
🍽️Char Siu BBQ Pork Bao with pickled red onions and jalapeño
🍽️Kung Pao Bao with plant-based chicken, toasted peanuts, and scallions
Beverages:
Brewery X, Grapefruit Citrus Seltzer (New)
Coronado Brewing Co., Nado Premium Rice Lager (New)
Year of the Horse Beer Flight: Brewery X Grapefruit Citrus Seltzer, Coronado Brewing Co. Nado Premium Rice Lager, Unsung Brewery Company Photo Nuclear Orange Wheat Ale, and Harland Brewing Co. Lucky Horse West Coast IPA (New)
Red Dragon Spice Traders
(Available Jan. 23 through Feb. 22)
Location: Peformance Corridor
Food Items:
🍽️Spicy Chicken Wings with sesame seaweed crunch
🍽️Mandarin Orange Cream Puff filled with citrus cream and Mandarin compote
Beverages:
Green Apple Soju Cocktail: Soju, grapefruit liqueur, green apple syrup, and sweet and sour (New)
Honeydew Colada: Rum, melon liqueur, honeydew cream, coconut cream, and sweet and sour topped with a slushy made with DOLE Whip Pineapple (New)
Mango Soju Cocktail: Soju, Sprite, mango purée, and sweet and sour (New)
Peach Yogurt Soju Cocktail: Soju, Sprite, white peach syrup, and yogurt (New)
Soju Cocktail Flight: Peach Yogurt Soju Cocktail, Mango Soju Cocktail, and Green Apple Soju Cocktail (New)
Wrapped with Love
(Available Jan. 23 through Feb. 22)
Location: Peformance Corridor
Food Item:
🍽️Quesabirria Eggroll with guajillo pepper consomé
Cold Brew Cocktail: Bourbon, Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Co. Vietnamese-style Coffee, cocoa powder, and condensed milk garnished with taro chocolate sweet cream and a chocolate wafer stick (New)
Throughout Disney California Adventure Park
The fun doesn’t stop there! At participating dining locations all throughout Disney California Adventure, you’ll find a variety of must-try delights to savor, featuring everything from crave-worthy savory bites to indulgent sweets.
Please note that menu items redeemable with a Sip and Savor Pass in this section — designated with a 🍽️ — are served in tasting-size portions (not full entrees) and are not available through mobile order. Any item designated with a 🍽️ that is purchased through mobile order will be a full-sized portion and is not redeemable with the Sip and Savor Pass.
Carthay Circle Restaurant
(Available Jan. 23 through Feb. 22)
Location: Buena Vista Street
Beverage:
Golden Moonfire Cocktail: Pomegranate martini served with a strawberry-mint garnish (New)
Trolley Treats
(Available Jan. 23 through Feb. 16)
Location: Buena Vista Street
Food Item:
Firecracker Marshmallow Wand: Marshmallow on a stick dipped in caramel and red-colored white chocolate decorated with yellow sanding sugar, a piece of red licorice, yellow-colored white chocolate, and a gold and red flower chocolate piece
Award Wieners
(Available Jan. 23 through Feb. 22; mobile order available)
🍽️Feng Li Su Churro: Churro rolled in shortbread sugar topped with pineapple jelly and cherry-flavored popping pearls (New)
Hollywood Lounge
(Available Jan. 23 through Feb. 22; mobile order available for select items)
Location: Hollywood Land
Food Item:
🍽️Tteokbokki: Rice cakes with gochujang sauce topped with cheese, sesame seeds, and green onions (New)
Beverage:
Lychee Soju Cocktail: Soju with lychee syrup topped with grenadine and club soda (New)
Schmoozies!
(Available Jan. 23 through Feb. 22; mobile order available)
Location: Hollywood Land
Food Item:
Hotteok-Inspired Mickey-shaped Waffles: Red batter waffles with brown sugar and cinnamon custard, yellow whipped topping, and sprinkles (New)
Studio Catering Co.
(Available Jan. 23 through Feb. 22; mobile order available)
Location: Hollywood Land
Food Item:
🍽️Tteokbokki: Rice cakes with gochujang sauce topped with cheese, sesame seeds, and green onions (New)
Pym Test Kitchen
(Available Jan. 23 through Mar. 5; mobile order available)
Location: Avengers Campus
Food Item:
Spicy Pork Belly Grilled Cheese: Pork belly marinated in Korean spices with white American cheese, spicy aïoli, pickled onions, sourdough bread, and green onion crust served with potato bites (New)
Cozy Cone Motel 5 – Popcone
(Available Jan. 23 through Feb. 22; mobile order available)
Location: Cars Land
Food Item:
🍽️Crispy Chicken Bao: Fried chicken coated in sweet chile sauce with cucumbers, carrots, and sesame seeds served in a soft bao bun (New)
Aunt Cass Café
(Mobile order available)
Location: San Fransokyo Square
Food Items:
Year of the Horse Bread: Horse-shaped Boudin sourdough bread (Available Jan. 23 through Feb. 22)(Plant-based)(New)
🍽️Strawberry Green Tea Bread Pudding: Strawberry and green tea-layered bread pudding with green tea crème anglaise and whipped topping (Available Jan. 23 through Mar. 5; eligible for redemption with a Sip and Savor Pass through Feb. 22)(New)
Beverage:
🍽️Almond Cold Brew: Almond cold brew with orange cold foam (Available Jan. 23 through Mar. 5)(Non-alcoholic)(New)
Boudin Bread Cart
(Available Jan. 23 through Feb. 22)
Location: San Fransokyo Square
Food Item:
Year of the Horse Bread: Horse-shaped Boudin sourdough bread (Plant-based)(New)
Lucky Fortune Cookery
(Available Jan. 23 through Feb. 22; mobile order available)
Location: San Fransokyo Square
Beverage:
🍽️ Mango Milk Tea with brown sugar tapioca spheres topped with pineapple cold foam (Non-alcoholic) (New)
Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff
(Available Jan. 23 through Feb. 16)
Location: Pixar Pier
Food Item:
Firecracker Marshmallow Wand: Marshmallow on a stick dipped in caramel and red-colored white chocolate decorated with yellow sanding sugar, a piece of red licorice, yellow-colored white chocolate, and a gold and red flower chocolate piece
Lamplight Lounge
(Reservations highly recommended)
Location: Pixar Pier
Food Items:
Chef’s Special: Mongolian beef topped with green onions, sesame seeds, red Chile flakes, and crispy shallots served with noodles tossed with Chinese broccoli, cabbage, and carrots (Available Jan. 23 through Mar. 5)(New)
Coconut Pandan Donuts (Available Jan. 23 through Mar. 5)(New)
Beverage:
Lunar Cocktail: Baijiu, gin, mango purée, lychee syrup, and lemon juice (Available Jan. 23 through Feb. 22)
Lamplight Lounge – Boardwalk Dining
(Available Jan. 23 through Feb. 22; reservations highly recommended)
Location: Pixar Pier
Beverage:
Lunar Cocktail: Baijiu, gin, mango purée, lychee syrup, and lemon juice
Boardwalk Pizza &Pasta
(Mobile order available for select items)
Location: Paradise Gardens Park
Food Items:
Korean Pork Belly Pizza: Roasted soy-glazed pork belly with kimchi cucumber, mozzarella, yellow corn, sesame seeds, and kimchi marinara (Available Jan. 23 through Mar. 5)(Available by slice or whole pie)(New)
🍽️Pandan Cheesecake: Pandan-flavored cheesecake, brown butter graham crust, coconut whipped topping, and strawberry jam (Available Jan. 23 through Feb. 22)(New)
Paradise Garden Grill
(Mobile order available)
Location: Paradise Gardens Park
Food Items:
🍽️Lemongrass Pork Skewers: Grilled lemongrass-marinated pork belly skewers served with fried garlic rice, pickled carrots and daikon radish, and a side salad (Available Jan. 23 through Mar. 5)(New)
Vietnamese Coffee Roulade: Coffee sponge, Vietnamese coffee mousse, coffee cookie crumble, and sweetened condensed milk whipped cream (Available Jan. 23 through Mar. 5)(New)
Beverage:
Strawberry-Lychee Cocktail: Bourbon, strawberry purée, lychee syrup, and lime juice garnished with a skewered lime gummy (Available Jan. 23 through Feb. 22)
Smokejumpers Grill
(Available Jan. 23 through Feb. 22; mobile order available)
Location: Grizzly Peak
Food Item:
🍽️Bulgogi Fries: Fries with marinated bulgogi beef, kimchi cucumber, mozzarella cheese, and gochujang aïoli topped with sesame seeds and green onions (New)
Select Outdoor Vending Carts
(Available Jan. 23 through Feb. 22)
Location: Throughout Disney California Adventure Park
Food Items:
🍽️Mickey-Shaped Hot Dog Bun: Classic milk bread with hot dogs, hoisin glaze, parmesan, green onion, and sesame seeds
🍽️Blue Vanilla Cotton Candy: Blue vanilla cotton candy (New)
🍽️Watermelon Cotton Candy: Pink watermelon cotton candy in 70th anniversary bag (New)
Novelties Available Throughout Disneyland Resort
Lunar New Year Stainless Steel Tumbler
(Available starting Jan. 22 while supplies last)(Mobile order available at select locations; limit two per person, per transaction; no discounts apply)(New)
Disney California Adventure Park: Award Wieners, Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta, Chiller at Paradise Gardens Park, Corn Dog Castle, Paradise Garden Grill, Select Outdoor Vending Locations, and Smokejumpers Grill
Disneyland Hotel:The Coffee House
Lunar New Year Straw Clip
(Available starting Jan. 22 while supplies last) (Mobile order available at select locations; limit two per person, per transaction; no discounts apply)(New)
Disney California Adventure Park: Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats, Bamboo Blessings, Chiller at Paradise Gardens Park, Corn Dog Castle, Longevity Noodle Co., Lucky 8 Lantern, Paradise Garden Grill, Prosperity Bao & Buns, Red Dragon Spice Traders, Select Outdoor Vending Locations, and Wrapped with Love
*An event Sip and Savor Pass will expire on the stated date and will not be valid at any other event or at any other time. Passes are nonrefundable, subject to restrictions and exclusions, and not valid for Theme Park admission. Certain offerings may be tasting-size portions only, not full entrée sizes. Both valid theme park admission and park reservation required for park entry.
(Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.)
Disney Shares Behind the Scenes Moment for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Frontierland’s landscape is about to get a lot more thunderous. Ahead of the highly anticipated reopening of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad this spring, Walt Disney World has pulled back the curtain on a massive, multi-team effort to refresh and rebuild the beloved “Wildest Ride in the Wilderness.”
From Imagineers to technology experts, the project represents one of the most significant overhauls in the attraction’s history.
In a nod to American railroad history, Disney teams recently gathered to celebrate the completion of the new steel track with a symbolic “Golden Spike” ceremony. Rather than a traditional spike, teams installed golden bolts into the final piece of track, marking the end of a grueling installation phase and the beginning of the home stretch toward reopening.
The ceremony served as a bridge between the attraction’s storied past and its high-tech future. For many involved, the project is more than just construction—it’s stewardship. “This project represents what being a Cast Member is all about—protecting a legacy while preparing it for the future,” says Stephen Murphy, Senior Project Manager. “I take pride knowing our work will keep this tradition alive for generations to come.”
While fans may recognize the familiar red rock buttes of the flooded mining town of Tumbleweed, much of what lies beneath has been completely reimagined. The project included:
Total Track Replacement: A complete roller coaster track rebuild to ensure a smoother, more reliable experience.
Multidisciplinary Collaboration: A massive effort involving construction crews, Imagineers, engineers, and tech experts.
Fleet Refresh: The introduction of all-new ride vehicles, which are currently undergoing rigorous testing.
A Labor of Love
For the team members on the ground, seeing the “Golden Spike” set into place was the culmination of years of dreaming. For Nicholas Roedl, Staff Project Engineer, the project was the realization of a lifelong goal.
“Growing up, I always wanted to build roller coasters,” Roedl shared. “This was my first chance to do it—and it felt like fulfilling a childhood dream.”
Emily York, Associate Project Manager, echoed that sentiment, noting the emotional impact of seeing the mountain come back to life. “Watching the first vehicle roll onto the new track was surreal. This project has been a true labor of love.”
Looking Ahead to Spring
As Walt Disney World continues to expand with new lands and experiences, the refurbishment of Big Thunder Mountain highlights Disney’s commitment to keeping its “Classics” fresh. The goal is to ensure that when the gates swing open this spring, the attraction feels exactly as guests remember it—only better.
Wesley Kashula, Program Field Representative, summed up the team’s hopes for the reopening: “It takes an army to achieve something of this scale. My hope is that Guests feel the same excitement and joy they’ve always associated with Big Thunder—only elevated.”
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is scheduled to welcome guests back to Frontierland this Spring.
Go the Distance in Style With The Hercules and Megara Disney World Sweatshirt!
If you’ve been waiting for Disney to finally give some love to our favorite “Zero to Hero” couple, your prayers to Zeus have officially been answered! We just spotted the dreamiest new Hercules and Megara Disney World sweatshirt at Magic Kingdom, and it is basically the definition of “90s nostalgia meets cozy park style.”
The sweatshirt comes in a soft, light pink color that’s perfect for those slightly breezy Florida mornings or just lounging at the resort. The design on the chest is total relationship goals: it features Hercules and Megara holding hands, looking absolutely smitten, all framed inside a big purple heart. To top it all off, the word “Love” is written in bold red text across the top, with “Walt Disney World” mirrored in red at the bottom. It gives off major vintage Valentine vibes, but honestly, it’s a look you can rock all year round.
If you’re looking to add this to your collection, you can find it retailing for $49.99. It’s currently stocked at Magic Kingdom, so you’ll want to head over to the Emporium or Main Street Cinema to snag one before they fly off the shelves. Whether you’re a die-hard Herc fan or you just “won’t say you’re in love” (even though you totally are), this pullover is a must-have for your next Disney trip.
The New Rose Gold Minnie Mouse Balloon Ear Headband Has Arrived!
If you thought the rose gold trend was over, think again! Disney just dropped a brand-new accessory that is basically a shimmering dream for your head. The Rose Gold Minnie Mouse Balloon Ear Headband has officially landed at Walt Disney World, and it’s a total showstopper. These aren’t your average fabric ears; they’re designed to look exactly like those iconic Mickey-shaped balloons you see floating down Main Street, U.S.A., but with a high-fashion, metallic twist.
You can currently snag these beauties for $46.99. While they’ve been popping up in various spots, your best bet for finding them right now is at Disney Springs.
The first thing you’ll notice is that incredible rose gold metallic finish. Both the padded ears and the bow are crafted from sleek faux leather that catches the light beautifully. To really sell the “balloon” vibe, there are printed white accents that give the ears a reflective, glossy appearance, honestly, they look so much like the real thing you might expect them to float away! Adding to the classic Minnie style, the center bow is printed with crisp white polka dots that pop against the rose gold.
What makes these ears extra special is the attention to detail on the “balloons” themselves. Minnie’s sweet face is printed on both the front and the back, so you look great from every angle. Plus, in a meta design choice we love, the ears actually have their own tiny little ears, perfectly mimicking the shape of the Mickey balloons sold in the parks. The metallic rose gold pleather wraps all the way around the headband for a seamless, high-end look.
Because these are a Disney | Loungefly collaboration, you know the quality is top-tier. You’ll find the signature pink metal logo plate bolted onto the side of the headband. Disney also kept comfort in mind for those long park days; the inside of the headband is lined with a soft pink velour, which helps keep them from slipping while staying cozy behind your ears.
Finnegan’s Bar & Grill Closes for Extended Refurbishment at Universal Studios Florida
Time to cue the Irish goodbye because Finnegan’s Bar & Grill has officially closed for a lengthy refurbishment at Universal Studios Florida. The fan favorite Irish pub, tucked into the New York area of the park, shuttered this week and is expected to remain closed for much of 2026, with a reopening currently expected toward the end of 2026. Universal has not shared details on what the refurbishment will include, but the extended timeline suggests this will be more than just a fresh coat of paint.
Finnegan’s has long been a go-to spot for hearty comfort food, live music vibes, and a proper pour, especially among Annual Passholders looking to escape the Florida heat with shepherd’s pie and a pint. The pub was also a popular spot to kick off a night at Halloween Horror Nights, with guests grabbing a pint and a bite to eat before Stay and Scream kicks off.
There has been some chatter that Universal may introduce a temporary pop up bar elsewhere in the park to help fill the Finnegan’s shaped hole in guests’ hearts, though nothing has been officially confirmed. For now, guests visiting Universal Studios Florida will need to explore other dining and drinking options while Finnegan’s undergoes its refresh. We will be keeping an eye out for permits, concept art, or any hints of what is brewing behind those closed doors.
First After Hours Event of 2026 Sells Out at Magic Kingdom
Disney fans wasted no time turning the lights down low and the excitement way up as the first After Hours event of 2026 officially sold out at Magic Kingdom. The late night party, held tonight at Walt Disney World Resort, was also the lowest priced Magic Kingdom After Hours date of the year at $175, which likely helped it disappear faster than a churro at rope drop.
There are still 16 Magic Kingdom After Hours dates remaining in 2026, though prices climb as high as $199 later in the year. The next Magic Kingdom After Hours event takes place January 19 and is currently priced at $189. These late night parties are known for lighter crowds, complimentary snacks and drinks throughout the park, and at Magic Kingdom, an exclusive showing of the fireworks spectacular Disney Enchantment lighting up the sky well past bedtime.
Other parks are getting in on the After Hours fun too. Disney’s Hollywood Studios is offering 24 After Hours dates in 2026 with prices ranging from $155 to $189, while EPCOT has 18 dates priced between $155 and $179. Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members can score a $30 discount at EPCOT and Hollywood Studios events, though Magic Kingdom remains the one park where discounts do not apply. If tonight’s sell out is any clue, these parties may not stay available for long.
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Closure Extended to Five Days as Central Florida Cold Snap Continues
Winter decided to cannonball into Central Florida, and it brought Disney’s water parks along for the chilly ride. Walt Disney World has officially extended the closure of Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon through Friday, January 16, 2026 due to continued cold temperatures in the forecast, stretching what was originally a three-day closure into a full five-day splashless stretch. At this time, Typhoon Lagoon is scheduled to reopen on Saturday, January 17, from 10 am to 5 pm, assuming Florida decides to remember it is Florida again.
The extended closure comes as overnight lows continue to dip into uncomfortable territory for a water park, with temperatures ranging from the upper 40s earlier in the week to the mid-30s by Friday morning. Even with daytime highs reaching the upper 50s and low 60s, those cold mornings are enough to keep the wave pool calm and the slides silent. Disney frequently closes its water parks during colder weather for guest comfort and operational safety, and this week’s forecast clearly crossed that shiver line.
Adding to the situation, Disney’s Blizzard Beach remains closed for its annual refurbishment, meaning there will be no Disney water parks available through Friday. Guests planning winter visits may want to pivot toward heated resort pools, indoor attractions, or extra park hopping until warmer weather floats back in. As always, Disney will continue to monitor conditions, so sun seekers should keep an eye on official park hours before packing the flip flops.
Since its gates first swung open in 1955, Disneyland has served as a backdrop for countless memories. Now, seven decades into its storied history, the park has reached an incredible new peak: welcoming its 900 millionth guest into the magic.
Seven decades of magic have culminated in a historic moment for “The Happiest Place on Earth.” As revealed in the upcoming documentary Disneyland Handcrafted by Leslie Iwerks, Disneyland has reportedly welcomed its 900 millionth guest. This landmark figure highlights the park’s transition from Walt Disney’s “original” dream in 1955 to a world-class resort that continues to anchor the Southern California economy.
Despite the operational challenges of the past few years, Disney’s parks have seen a powerful resurgence in visitor demand. This growth reflects a broader rebound in global tourism, even as the park adapts to modern travel trends. It is worth noting, however, that since Disney has moved away from releasing official attendance updates, this milestone is calculated through expert third-party analysis and unofficial estimates.
Despite the lack of official data, the OC Register cites the latest estimates and insights from the Disneyland Handcrafted documentary, noting:
“Disneyland will hit the 1 billion visitor mark in late 2031 if the park maintains its current attendance rate over the next six years. Tracking attendance numbers used to be a Disneyland tradition, with the park proudly issuing annual tallies … Disneyland no longer publicly announces attendance figures.
Disneyland once regularly boasted about major attendance milestones — reaching 100 million visitors in 1971, 200 million in 1981, 300 million in 1989, 400 million in 1997 and 500 million in 2004. Disney California Adventure has welcomed 171.6 million visitors from the 2001 park opening through 2024, according to Amusement Business and TEA estimates.
The all-time combined attendance of Disneyland and Disney California Adventure likely surpassed 1 billion visitors in February 2025 based on estimates from publicly available attendance figures. Disneyland (alone) will hit the 1 billion visitor mark in late 2031 if the park maintains its current attendance rate.”
Downtown Disney Debuts Refreshed Logo for 25th Anniversary Celebration
The Downtown Disney District has debuted a refreshed logo in honor of its milestone anniversary. While the “new” look may seem familiar, it features subtle refinements to the modern branding originally introduced in 2024, polished up just in time for the district’s 25th-year celebrations.
Above is the old logo. Downtown Disney officially shared the update via an Instagram Story on Monday, giving followers a first look at the refreshed branding.
The previous branding, which debuted alongside the Downtown Disney Instagram page in May 2024, saw relatively little use before this latest update. The refreshed version cleans up the look significantly by removing the teal hexagon backdrop and the yellow pixie dust trail.
In this new iteration, “Downtown” has ditched its cursive font in favor of the same modern sans serif used for “isney.” To maintain that classic park heritage, the “D” remains in the iconic gothic Disneyland style, while the colorful blocks behind the lettering continue to draw inspiration from the beloved retro Disneyland marquee sign.
Avatar: Fire and Ash dominated the box office for the fourth consecutive weekend, raking in an estimated $21.3 million from Friday to Sunday. Disney’s momentum shows no signs of slowing down, as Zootopia 2 also remains a powerhouse, holding steady in the top five and pushing its massive global total toward the $1.66 billion mark.
James Cameron’s third entry into the Avatar franchise has maintained a vice-grip on the #1 spot, leading the box office for its fourth consecutive weekend. To date, the film has earned $342.6 million domestically and $1.23 billion worldwide. While it is the fourth film in Cameron’s career to surpass the $1 billion mark, it still has a long climb to reach the historic heights of its predecessors—Avatar ($2.92 billion) and The Way of Water ($2.33 billion)—which remain the first and third highest-grossing films of all time.
Meanwhile, Zootopia 2 is proving to be a historical outlier for animation. Despite dropping to fourth place in its seventh weekend, the film has amassed a staggering $1.65 billion globally ($378.8 million of that from North America). This performance has officially made it the highest-grossing film in the history of Walt Disney Animation Studios, overtaking Frozen II.
With Zootopia 2 generating such massive returns—particularly in China, where it has earned over $600 million—Disney has wasted no time. The studio has already confirmed that Zootopia 3 is in early development, promising fans a much shorter wait than the nine-year gap between the first two films.
Disneyland’s Evil Queen Steps Down After Nearly a Decade
The Evil Queen at Disneyland has long been a viral sensation, and you’ve likely seen Sabrina Von B. portraying her without even realizing it. Over the last few years, the actress and TikTok creator has captivated millions through her hilariously sharp interactions with guests while donning the crown of Snow White’s iconic villain.
“It was a dream getting to do my own spin on a character that really wasn’t popular or viral or well-known before videos of me really started going around,” the 27-year-old told PEOPLE. “I read a lot of comments about people saying they would’ve never loved this character, but now it is their favorite character.”
“That really was an honor to be able to bring a Disney villain to life, and also not be evil, but put a more comical spin on it and create joy for people and make people smile, all while being a villain, was very rewarding.”
Starting her journey at just 18 years old, Sabrina Von B. spent eight years bringing iconic villains to life at Disneyland. While her repertoire grew to include Maleficent, Agatha Harkness, and Lady Tremaine, she was most recognized for her nearly decade-long tenure as the Evil Queen.
“I don’t take it lightly that the experiences I created are stories people will carry for years,” she shared with PEOPLE, noting her goal was to help fans appreciate the charm of a villain rather than just fearing them. This connection was evident in the park, where guests often approached with phones already recording, eager to capture a moment with the Evil Queen.
Whether she was insisting her royal beauty was “all natural” or correcting a guest who called her La Bruja (the witch) with a sharp “La Reina” (the queen), her improvisational skills were unmatched. “Sometimes I would surprise myself with witty comebacks,” she recalled, explaining how she would add successful quips to her “arsenal.” Once she stepped on stage, she noted, “The Queen takes over.”
Embodying the Evil Queen was as much a physical feat as a mental one. Von B. tells PEOPLE that the role was far more demanding than guests realized, requiring intense preparation to handle the California heat while draped in heavy fabrics. Staying “royalty-ready” meant a strict regimen of hydration, skin care, and sufficient rest just to maintain the energy needed to “flip that cape day in and day out.”
The metamorphosis into the villain began with a specific ritual: facial exercises, practiced cackles, and meticulous makeup application. Once the costume was on, the final shift happened in the seconds before she stepped on stage. “I would let my face drop into the Evil Queen and just open the door,” she explains. “The character takes over.”
While her performances went viral in waves—first in 2019 and again in 2021—Von B. faced the unique challenge of balancing internet fame with Disney’s strict “protection of the magic.” Despite commenters constantly trying to unmask her, she remained anonymous to shield the character’s integrity. It wasn’t until after her departure from Disneyland that she finally confirmed her identity in a TikTok video that has since surpassed 6.5 million views.
Though her eight-year reign has ended, Von B. remains “honored” by the impact she made. From a fan who traveled all the way from Japan just to meet her, to a memorable encounter with a baby dressed as a “mini” Queen, these moments define her career. “I’m very grateful that those videos live on,” she reflects. “It was surreal then, it is surreal now, and I really will never live down that feeling.”
