'Sup?! Tad here, the resident family thrill-seeker and videographer. I always have my green finger on the pulse of what’s hoppening in the parks, so I am toadally excited for the upcoming events, rides and new lands coming to Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park, Universal Studios Hollywood and more. For those of you looking for what opened last year and even what opened the year before that, we've got you covered! Let’s hop to it and explore what's coming to Disneyland Resort and Universal in 2024 and beyond! Also, don't froget to bookmark this page so you can come back and see what's opened as you get closer to your trip!
What’s Coming to Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood in 2024 and Beyond
Many events and entertainment options are coming in 2024 and beyond. You'll want to keep hopping back for updates!
Disneyland Resort
Pixar Place Hotel — now open — Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel has a new theme as of Jan. 30, 2024! Pixar Place Hotel weaves Pixar touches all throughout the property. Check out the new room designs with touches from Pixar films! Headboards, bedding and pillows are themed after Pixar and the films.
The hotel has a new "Finding Nemo" splash pad for the tadpoles and fun themed fire pits. The fire comes out of the hot-headed characters' heads such as Jack-Jack and Anger!
The new and expanded fitness center offers new treadmills, free weights and more for hotel guests. Go for a run next to a mural of Mike and Sulley running on a treadmill.
Guests can enjoy a dedicated walkway straight into Disney California Adventure Park. It's located across the street, to the right of Disney's Grand Californian Hotel. You need a room key to access it.
Genie+ and Lightning Lane Name Changes — July 24, 2024 — Ribbiting news! Disney Genie+ service has a new name as of July 24, 2024. Genie+ becomes Lightning Lane Multi Pass. And individual Lightning Lane becomes Lightning Lane Single Pass. Keep an eye out for the new names this summer, but don't worry! Nothing about the services' use nor purchasing process changes at Disneyland. Plus, any Genie+ tickets you buy before the change remain valid post-change. (Bigger changes with these services are hoppening over at Disney World!)
"Hey, Disney!" — TBD 2024 — The "Hey, Disney!" voice assistant will work with Alexa on Amazon Echo devices, including those in Disneyland Resort hotel rooms.
runDisney Events return — Sept. 5-8, 2024, and Jan. 30 to Feb. 2, 2025 — Take your mark! We've missed runDisney races on the West Coast! Good news: They returned in 2024 with the Disneyland Half Marathon and new Halloween Half Marathon races.
Disneyland Park
Return of "Fantasmic!" — May 24, 2024 — The nighttime spectacular once again illuminates the Rivers of America in Disneyland Park, with new special effects, an original battle scene between Sorcerer Mickey and Maleficent, and an iconic "Peter Pan" scene. Dining packages are back for this show.
Disney is updating the plaza between Haunted Mansion and Tiana's Palace, with construction starting in 2024. The new elegant park-like setting will be a place to relax and enjoy live entertainment under the shade of new and historic trees. And speaking of the neighboring Haunted Mansion, it is also getting some enhancements in 2024.
Haunted Mansion Grounds Expansion and New Shop — TBD 2024 — The Haunted Mansion grounds and outdoor queue is expanding to build on the story of the attraction. The expanded queue will include new gardens inspired by Master Gracey, Madame Leota and the one-eyed cat. The pet cemetery and horse-drawn funeral hearse will remain. New gardens and elements will be added. Guests can enjoy unique elements such as a water fountain, gazebo, themed statuary and landscaping. A new greenhouse where the groundskeepers grow their plants will materialize.
When you exit the ride, you will pass an all-new retail shop. Madame Leota felt it was time to continue her presence beyond the walls of the Mansion in her carriage house full of goods she predicts you'll be "dying" to add to your collection.
Guests with disabilities will be able to use a new elevator to exit the attraction. Construction began for these updates in January 2024.
The ride reopened ahead of Halloween Time 2024 as Haunted Mansion Holiday (with its Halloween Nightmare Before Christmas layover). While the outdoor queue is still under construction, the ride operates with just a virtual queue.
Tiana's Bayou Adventure — Nov. 15, 2024 — Splash Mountain at both Disneyland and Disney World is undergoing a major re-theming with a new storyline, starring Princess Tiana. Guests will be "goin' down the bayou" with Princess Tiana, Prince Naveen, Louis, Ray, Mama Odie, Eudora, Charlotte, "Big Daddy," the King and Queen of Maldonia, Prince Ralphie and other favorites from the film "Princess and the Frog" to continue the adventure post-kiss and join the hoppin' Mardi Gras celebration. To quote Tiana, these frogs think it'll be "the bee's knees!"
The ride will feature new, original characters, as well as familiar faces from the film! Keep an eye out for dozens of entirely new Audio-Animatronics figures. What's the storyline? Tiana is hosting a party and needs to head into the Bayou to find the special ingredient. We'll embark on a journey with her and Louis. We can expect music and an aura of Bayou magic. There is some incredible nighttime lighting coming to the nighttime facade of Tiana's Bayou Adventure too!
Do you love beignets as much as we do? You can enjoy the yummy scent of beignets being prepared for the party while in the ride's queue!
Moving from scents to sounds, guests will be drawn in by original zydeco music —a special blend of rhythm and blues that originated in Louisiana — inspired by songs in the film. Louis will explain where this music is coming from. The band members sing and play instruments made from natural items found in the bayou. Tiana makes new friends, including an otter, a rabbit, a raccoon, a beaver, a turtle and more. Imagineers describe this attraction as a love letter to New Orleans.
Splash Mountain closed May 31, 2023. One thing we can rely on come November 2024 is the heart-pounding drop. Gonna take you down, gonna take you down, gonna take you all the way down ...
Bayou Country replaces Critter Country — 2024 — The land that contains Tiana's Bayou Adventure, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes, the upcoming Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree and a handful of shops will reopen with a new name.
New "Princess and the Frog" themed gift shops — Nov. 15, 2024 — Two new retail locations are coming to Bayou Country later this year, alongside the opening of Tiana's Bayou Adventure. Ray's Berets (currently The Briar Patch) will be the hop spot to get headwear, apparel, accessories, toys and more. Louis' Critter Club (currently the left-hand side of Pooh Corner) will also feature some favorite critters and Princess Tiana. The treat side of Pooh Corner will remain for Hundred Acre Wood merch and treats. (Don't worry — the Tigger tails aren't going anywhere!). Critter Country closed May 1 to make way for these new shops.
Hungry Bear Barbeque Jamboree — Later in 2024 — The Hungry Bear Restaurant is getting a new theme. Yes, the Country Bears are reclaiming the former Critter Country at Disneyland! Guests can sample regional barbecue dishes the Country Bears discovered while on tour, all while humming along to the Country Bears greatest hits! More menu details and an opening date are coming soon. No characters will be present at this dining location.
We have an early look at the menus. Build up your appetite with burgers, loaded fries, chicken tenders and new dishes such as the following:
- Smoked Barbecue Combo Platter: A selection of house-smoked meats, served with baked beans, house slaw, white bread and pickles with a choice of two of the following: Pork Spareribs, Pulled Pork, Sausage Link or Beef Brisket
- Barbecue Pulled Pork Sandwich: Tangy BBQ sauce, house slaw, bread and butter and pickles served with beer-battered fries
- Smoked Beef Brisket Sandwich with tangy BBQ sauce, pickled red onions and pickled jalapeños served with beer-battered fries
- Smoked Angus Beef Burger and Pulled Pork with American cheese, golden aïoli, pickled red onions, bread and butter pickles and crispy onions served with beer-battered fries
- Banana Pudding
- Funnel Cake Fries
- Flavored lemonades and lemonade-iced-tea
New Star Tours Adventures — April 5, 2024 — As of April 5, 2024, you can journey to new places with new stories and characters. Look for adventures with Ahsoka Tano, Cassian Andor, and The Mandalorian and Grogu starting April 5 on Star Tours at Disneyland. This is also hoppening at Star Tours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida and Disneyland Paris in France.
You can now embark on new adventures aboard Star Tours — The Adventures Continue, and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will present a new take on the fireworks above Disneyland Park using galactic music.
New Mission on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run — 2026 — The Mandolorian and Grogu have a new movie — “The Mandalorian and Grogu” — coming in 2026. That brings a brand-new story to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. The Lucasfilm team uses Epic’s Unreal Engine to create some of the virtual sets for “The Mandalorian” and the ride. Soon you’ll be able to fly with Mando and Grogu on thrilling and dangerous missions! This is the way!
New Disneyland Entrance Gates — Construction from early October 2024 into 2025 — Disneyland turnstiles are getting an update. Disneyland is getting 38 new automatic entry gates and Disney California Adventure is getting 24. The new entrance lanes make the gates more stroller-friendly and ADA-compliant. The new automatic gates are said to open after a cast member scans and validates theme park admission. Construction is occurring in phases so that it will not be as disruptive to guests.
Walt Disney Audio-Animatronics Figure — 2025 — Have you always wished you could see and hear Walt Disney in person? Disneyland is getting the next best thing. The very first Walt Disney audio-animatronics figure and “Walt Disney – A Magical Life" is coming to the Main Street Opera House. After its initial run, the attraction will rotate between “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.” Walt Disney first introduced the groundbreaking technology of audio-animatronics about 60 years ago. Now guests can see him with this same technology!
Disney California Adventure Park
A limited-run "Encanto" Show — TBD — The Orange County Register announced an "Encanto" show coming to Disney California Adventure. The new musical production stars Mirabel and her sisters singing along to the soundtrack by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Disney Auditions posted roles for this new "entertainment offering. The posting seeks a Mirabel look-alike vocalist and actress, as well as Isabela and Luisa look-alike characters to perform on stage. Disney will share more details at a later date. In the meantime, you can meet Luisa, Isabella and Mirabel in Disneyland Park in Frontierland.
Avengers: Infinity Defense — TBD (construction begins in 2025) — The iconic Avengers Headquarters building opened when Avengers Campus opened, but the ride it hides comes at a later date. A brand-new “E-Ticket” attraction that will put you right in the middle of the Multiverse goes in behind Avengers headquarters. Guests can see the Avengers face off against a multiverse variant of Thanos named King Thanos, who won in another timeline.
The concept is that Global technology that allows the Avengers to jump between worlds has gone missing. King Thanos is using it to wreak havoc across multiple worlds. Expect to follow the heroes to places such Asgard, Wakanda and New York City in this "multi-world adventure experience."
Stark Flight Lab — TBD — a fourth Avengers Campus attraction (and "E-Ticket" ride) was announced at the 2024 D23. Stark Flight Lab takes riders on a simulated flight in Tony Stark's robotics lab. At Stark Flight Lab, Tony Stark is testing different simulations. You are invited to be a test subject. You'll sit in a two-person pod, which deploys to a test station. A robot arm grabs the pods and starts whirling you around in a simulated flight. The ride offers multiple “test flights,” which may encourage you to want to ride again and again for a new or different experience. Robert Downey Jr. is featured as Iron Man in both new rides. The new attractions double the size of the current Avengers Campus.
"Avatar" Land — TBD — An "Avatar" land is coming to Disney California Adventure as one of the first new lands and attractions as part of DisneylandForward. This new experience is inspired by “Avatar: The Way of Water” as well as upcoming Avatar films. It brings bring Pandora to life in a brand-new way.
The new attraction is a boat ride, which takes guests on the adventure of a lifetime. Embark into the wide-open seas of Pandora. Experience the natural beauty — and danger — that come along with the journey. This ride includes all the action and excitement of Avatar. It's a dynamic, intense and emotional experience.
First-ever "Coco" Ride — TBD — Pixar's “Coco” is coming to Disney California Adventure. Construction begins in 2026. The new boat ride will be filled with familiar characters and music! Follow Miguel to the land of the dead. The Imagineers are drawing inspiration for the attraction from beloved attractions, such as Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean. “We’re bringing our skeletal cast of characters to life in a big way through the latest Audio-Animatronics technology,” Josh D'Amaro announced to the D23 crowd. “These figures will appear in ways you’ll have to see to believe.”
Downtown Disney
Downtown Disney Expansion — began in January 2022, continuing through 2024 — A multi-year project to expand this shopping, dining and entertainment space began in early 2022. Construction is hoppening now.
A number of new restaurants are making their way to the Downtown Disney District during this expansion (and some new ones have already opened):
- Earl of Sandwich is moving to a pop-up location near Star Wars Trading Post. Its location near the theme parks closes to make way for the construction of a SoCal favorite spot — Porto's Bakery & Cafe.
- The world-renowned restaurant Din Tai Fung opened July 1, 2024. It offers guests its soup dumplings (handcrafted right on site) and family-style dishes.
- As of May, Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytan brought his inclusive vision of Mexican cuisine to the locations formerly occupied by Catal & Uva Bar. Paseo houses the main dining room and bar area with dishes such as Mama's cochinita pibil (roasted marinated pork), lamb barbacoa and mejillones (mussels). Céntrico, the courtyard bar and restaurant, serves upscale Mexican cuisine and tequila-based cocktails. Tiendita provides street food staples, such as esquites, fish tacos and breakfast burritos, on the go with a self-service kiosk.
- The refurbished Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio incorporates vibrant California energy and a fresh approach to the menu while staying true to the heart of New Orleans.
- Tortilla Jo's closed April 1, 2024, to make way for two new restaurants — a steakhouse and an adjacent barbecue eatery. More details to be shared later!
- Marceline's Confectionery is getting a makeover! Its expansion will soon be in progress, but during its transformation, a Marceline's Cart will be available (no fear, you can still get your caramel apples in Downtown Disney!) and the Disney Dress Shop will move temporarily to the WonderGround Gallery location. The WonderGround Gallery temporarily moved near Naples.
The new Parkside Market expansion (which has a lawn and park-like feel) opens later in 2024 (the park and new stage are already open):
- Seoul Sister — A casual quick-service eatery offering a Korean-forward menu with a California twist.
- Sip & Sonder — A new Black women-owned café serving up signature lattes, fresh treats, frozen drinks and Caribbean-inspired bites.
- GG’s Chicken Shop — This new eatery serves a family-friendly menu of chicken sandwiches.
- Second Story Bar — Sip on a variety of signature cocktails and mocktails, including frozen lemonades, frozés, espresso martinis and spirit-free drinks in this outside spot.
The changes will introduce more innovative shopping, dining and entertainment experiences. The refurbishment draws inspiration from Southern California's mid-century modern architecture. The west-end area has a beautiful blend of vibrant color palettes, design elements and patterns influenced by the region. The new open lawn is open for relaxation with a new stage. Downtown Disney has a new entrance for hotel and day guests.
The Distant Future at Disneyland Resort
It's another step forward for DisneylandForward. Disneyland Resort got its final approval from the City of Anaheim, the city in which it is located, to expand the resort in multiple areas. On May 7, 2024, the city fully approved DisneylandForward. Disneyland hosted community coffees and town halls (May through October 2023) at Anaheim city parks to answer questions and share a long-term plan that may take place over the next few decades. The theme park, retail, hotel, dining, entertainment and parking options all get expanded, utilizing space around the resort. Disneyland will be developing the eastern and western edges of the Disneyland Resort.
The Immersive Theme Park west side expansion includes a theme park expansion on the land that currently surrounds the Disneyland Hotel, parts of Downtown Disney, Disney's Pixar Place Hotel and some surrounding parking lots. The streets that surround this area include Katella Avenue, Walnut Street and Magic Way.
The other major area involved in the east-side expansion is the current Toy Story lot near the Anaheim Convention Center. The Disney Entertainment Destination expansion includes hotels, retail, dining, entertainment and theme park experiences.
A parking lot off Disney Way with a pedestrian bridge across Harbor Boulevard could create a new access point to Disneyland. The bridge would upgrade accessibility for hotels and businesses located along Harbor Boulevard. Disney is not asking for any public funding to complete this project.
As mentioned earlier, Disney confirmed that "Avatar" and "Coco" attractions are already in the works!
There are eight more potential projects themed around "Frozen," "Tangled," "Peter Pan," "Zootopia," "Toy Story" "Black Panther," "Encanto" and "Tron." That could include new lands and attractions.
Construction will take place over the next 40 years! But it's toadally exciting to see what's coming to the Disneyland Resort!
Universal Studios Hollywood
"Wicked" Food and Merchandise
As of late October, Universal Studios Hollywood transforms the Feature Presentation store within the theme park, and the UNIVRS store at CityWalk into Wicked experiences. Feature Presentations showcases props from the film. Plus, an exciting photo op debuts within the theme park. As the film opens (Nov. 22, 2024), you can see costumes displayed within the Universal Cinema at Universal CityWalk.
Taste over-the-rainbow treats inspired by the world of "Wicked" with themed dining in the theme park, as well as Voodoo Doughnuts and The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen in Universal CityWalk.
You can shop for merchandise to show off as you're "dancing through life," such as elevated apparel, home goods, accessories, toys and more along with these exclusive products:
- The Shiz University collection, inspired by the school where Glinda and Elphaba meet. It features back-to-school must-haves such as a spirit jersey, duffle bag, tumbler, hat, journal and more.
- Wicked-inspired graphics and prints on apparel, accessories, home goods and confections, as well as stationery. (Designed by the legendary Studio MinaLima.)
- Items with the "Wicked" logo, such as hats, totes, notebooks and mugs. You can also buy beautiful fashion dolls from Mattel, Funko Pops! of fan-favorite characters, LEGO sets featuring the Land of Oz and Loungefly bags.
- Cosplay and prop replicas from The Noble Collection.
Universal Fan Fest Nights
Are you super fans ready for this? Universal Studios Hollywood announced fan nights for Spring 2025.
From the creators of Halloween Horror Nights, Fan Fest Nights will be an interactive and immersive after-hours ticketed event that brings fans of Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Gaming and Anime together for an ultimate night of special experiences. The inaugural event kicks off in spring 2025.
There will be at least four experiences inspired by "Star Trek," "Back to the Future," "The Wizarding world of Harry Potter" and "Dungeons & Dragons." Fan Fest Nights include a lineup of special fan experiences and celebratory moments, which may include live entertainment to cosplay. Fans can expect themed food and drink menus, as well as exclusive merchandise. Learn more at our Univeral Fan Fest Nights post.
Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe and Sanrio Smile Shop
As of early September 2024, Universal has the newest and cutest walk-up cafe in CityWalk. The menu contains whimsical desserts and beverages.
Just next door is the new Sanrio Smile Shop, where you can embrace the cheerful spirit of Hello Kitty and her closest friends. You can shop for themed collectibles, backpacks with Hello Kitty’s iconic bow, a stylish Spirit Jersey, embellished hats, specialty cups and mugs, collectible pins, t-shirts, plush toys, keychains, jewelry, phone cases, lanyards and more.
Inside the park, guests can meet Hello Kitty in a new soft pastel pink flowy dress, which commemorates her 50th anniversary.
Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour 60th Anniversary Celebration — April 26 through Aug. 11, 2024 — The Studio Tour's 60th-anniversary celebration treats guests to the unique opportunity to step off the tram and onto a legendary movie set to enjoy photo ops. An original, fully restored 1964 vintage Glamor Tram awaits. In addition, guests can experience the refurbished "Earthquake—The Big One” attraction, see old props, visit Courthouse Square and more on the tour. The park sells anniversary merchandise —including the Glamor Tram popcorn bucket — food and beverages.
Universal Fan Fest Nights — Spring 2025 — The creators of Halloween Horror Nights invite fandoms from sci-fi, fantasy, gaming and anime to step into immersive worlds from their favorite genres at this separately ticketed after hours event. The event will feature immersive experiences, in-park activations, specialty food and beverages and more. Three properties were just announced: Star Trek, Back to the Future and Dungeons and Dragons.
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift — 2026 — Universal Studios Hollywood has shared more details about its first-ever, high-speed outdoor roller coaster themed after the "Fast & Furious" franchise. The "state-of-the-art" ride system will feature a 360-degree rotation of individual ride vehicles and sound reduction technology that will create a sensation of drifting cars.
What's Coming to Other Southern California Theme Parks in 2024 and Beyond
SeaWorld San Diego
Jewels of the Sea: The Jellyfish Experience — 2024 — An all-new immersive aquarium exhibit opens at SeaWorld San Diego in 2024! Jewels of the Sea is a jellyfish habitat. It features one of the largest jelly-holding cylinders in the country. It has an iconic walk-through arch and a giant viewing wall.
Knott's Berry Farm
Renovated Knott's Berry Farm Hotel — February 2024 — Just before the start of the 2024 Boysenberry Festival, the reimagined Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel unveiled its newest renovations and we are so hoppy about it! After undergoing a multimillion-dollar transformation, the hotel offers plenty of frogciting new features. They include a redesigned guest registration area that leads to the lobby, a spacious outdoor courtyard, an expanded gift shop and a new coffee bar, The Pantry. Each of the hotel’s 322 rooms and suites has also been renovated in an upscale, farmhouse chic fashion.
The renovated hotel boasts a new full-service restaurant — Thirty Acres Kitchen — which offers farm-inspired dishes, classic American cuisine and an outdoor dining veranda. Guests will even be able to try special, seasonal offerings that complement theme park festivities for a truly well-rounded experience! The hotel will also be equipped with a brand-new wrap-around bar, which we adult frogs will definitely be visiting!
Reimagined Camp Snoopy — June 27, 2024 — A reimagined version of Camp Snoopy opened to the public this summer! Some of the renovations are still ongoing. The children’s land unveils six acres of fun. Updates include a renovated Barrel Bridge and Waterfall area (TBD), a brand-new Snoopy’s Tenderpaw Twister Coaster, Sally’s Swing Along ride (TBD) and a large Camp Snoopy Theater (which will open at a later date), amongst other new additions. The space mainly serves as a way to immerse guests in an authentic PEANUTS crew camping experience.
MonteZOOMa: The Forbidden Fortress — 2025 — As mentioned, the beloved Montezooma's Revenge is being re-themed. Construction is "reZOOMing" after a delay, and the ride should open in 2025. Many treasure hunters have searched for the legendary Montezuma's gold. They have dredged Mexican rivers and plunged into the Pacific in search of riches. But a handful of the clever scavengers have found themselves in the true resting place of the infamous gold — just outside a small village in California, Fiesta Village. Will new adventurers succeed in extracting the gold and breaking the curse that has fallen upon many who have tried and failed? The way forward might not always be as expected. A new twist on this classic coaster experience may alter your ability to escape with the treasure once and for all!
The coaster will have a new randomized launch sequence. Will you shoot forward or backward? You'll only know once it's hoppening!
If you're as excited about what’s coming to Disneyland and Universal in 2024 and beyond as I am, then you might be planning your next visit. If you are looking for discount theme park tickets, rental cars, transportation or hotels near Disneyland or Universal Studios you can score some hoppin’ good deals through Undercover Tourist. Choose “Los Angeles” and then you can narrow down your search.
Related: Best Times to Visit Disneyland Resort in 2024
Stay cool!
