15 big things coming, happening to Disneyland Resort in 2022
The Disneyland Resort is celebrating 2022 with the return of new shows, wearable tech, a major anniversary and major changes.
In spring 2022, the “Main Street Electrical Parade” will light up Disneyland Park for the iconic parade’s 50th anniversary year, and guests will be treated to the return of “Fantasmic!”, “World of Color” and the “Disneyland Forever” fireworks spectacular.
The year will bring back a number of limited-time festivals, entertainment and seasonal celebrations. There are also changes coming to Downtown Disney District.
Here’s a look at what’s coming:
1. Main Street Electrical Parade – Spring
When Disney’s classic electrical parade makes its grand return to Disneyland Park, this spectacular pageant of nighttime magic and imagination will be led by the iconic train and drum unit featuring Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Goofy, proclaiming in lights: “Disneyland Presents – Main Street Electrical Parade.” The parade brings back many guest favorites including Elliot the Dragon and floats from “Alice in Wonderland,” “Cinderella” and “Peter Pan.” The parade originally debuted on June 17, 1972.
2. “Fantasmic!” – Spring
Disney’s longest-running nighttime spectacular returns to Fantasmic! with its colorful Disney animated film images, choreographed to an exciting musical score and highlighted by the fire-breathing Maleficent Dragon. The waters of the Rivers of America come alive as Mickey Mouse’s power of imagination enables him to create fantastic events and images as seen in classic Disney films like “Fantasia,” “The Jungle Book,” “The Little Mermaid”and more.
3. “World of Color” – Spring
This nighttime show at Disney California Adventure Park is a unique combination of music, fire, fog and laser effects, with Disney animation projected on an immense screen of water. This unforgettable kaleidoscope of color at Disney California Adventure celebrates the magic and fun of Disney and Pixar – all set to a soaring soundtrack. Audiences are immersed in some favorite Disney stories with memorable sequences of animation and music, including scenes like WALL-E and Eve zipping through the cosmos and Pocahontas exploring just around the riverbend.
4. “Disneyland Forever” fireworks spectacular – Spring
This fireworks show at Disneyland Park has pyrotechnics and immersive projections that envelop guests in a breathtaking journey with surprising special effects. Main Street, U.S.A., and a few other spots in Disneyland become a magical canvas as guests are swept into a world of dreams, from flying above the London skyline with “Peter Pan” to a dance with King Louie in “The Jungle Book.” The inspiring closing song is “Kiss Goodnight.”
5. “Celebrate Gospel!” – February
The “Celebrate Gospel!” will expand and feature live choir performances, each sharing its own distinctive style and inspiration. This event moves to the Fantasyland Theater at Disneyland Park where guests will be able to enjoy uplifting choir performances on select days during the month of February.
6. “Tale of the Lion King” – No date announced
The Fantasyland Theater at Disneyland soon will become home to “Tale of the Lion King,” an imaginative adaptation of Disney’s “The Lion King.” The “Tale of the Lion King” is brought to life by the Storytellers of the Pride Lands, a troupe of traveling performers who present Simba’s beloved and timeless journey in a unique story-theater style with live music and dance.
7. Lunar New Year – Jan. 21-Feb. 13
The Lunar New Year event at Disney California Adventure is a celebration that commemorates traditions of Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese cultures. The festival is filled with multicultural performances, kid-friendly crafts, culinary delights, beautiful décor, celebratory merchandise and live musical entertainment, from Jan. 21 through Feb. 13, 2022. It’s the Year of the Tiger in 2022 and Tigger will join in on the fun, along with beloved Disney characters including Mulan and Mushu, Mickey and Minnie, and the Three Little Pigs – all donning their festive attire.
Lunar New Year traditions include the Lucky Wishes Wall and “Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession,” a performance that honors family, friendship, and the potential for a fortune-filled new year. Adding to the excitement, Raya from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ film “Raya and the Last Dragon” will make her first appearance at Disneyland Resort during the celebration. Guests are invited to welcome Raya and catch a glimpse of the glistening dragon gem among the blooming Kumandran flowers, nestled deep in the heart of the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail. The Sip and Savor Pass will be available for select food and non-alcoholic beverages at participating Lunar New Year marketplaces, all featuring delicious Asian cuisine.
8. Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival – March 4-April 26
Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival returns in 2022 with its unique “tour” of California regions and neighborhoods, from March 4-April 26, 2022. A dozen festival marketplaces will offer bites and beverages. Complimentary culinary demonstrations with visiting, local, celebrity and Disney chefs will return for park guests on Saturdays and Sundays during the festival.
Guests may book and purchase signature events such as the Carthay Circle Winemaker Receptions, and the Wine, Beer and Mixology Education & Tasting Seminars. Guests may purchase a Sip and Savor Pass for the festival’s marketplace offerings.
9. Cars Land turns 10
On June 15, 2012, the first guests strolled along the new Buena Vista Street with shops, architecture and theming reminiscent of Los Angeles in the late 1920s/early 1930s at Cars Land debuted at Disney California Adventure Park. Guests also discovered Cars Land, where “car” residents like Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater cruise along Route 66 in Radiator Springs. The Radiator Springs Racers attraction has become as popular as the blockbuster “Cars” films from Disney and Pixar.
10. Disneyland After Dark returns
Various after-hours events will be returning in 2022 as part of Disneyland After Dark events. Sweethearts’ Nite will be presented on five evenings in February at Disneyland, Villains Nite on two evenings in March at Disney California Adventure, and Star Wars Nite on three evenings in May at Disneyland, including the eve of May the 4th.
11. Mickey’s Toontown reimagining
Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland Park will shut down in March 2022 for a major overhaul. The area will feature new play experiences, as well as open, grassy play spaces for everyone to unplug so families and young children can have more opportunities to play together inside Disneyland park. One of the new areas coming to Mickey’s Toontown will be CenTOONial Park, the first space guests will see when they enter. This natural space will be anchored by two interactive play experiences. Those are expected to open in 2023, along with Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway.
12. Disneyland Hotel work
The Disneyland Hotel will get a whole host of updates in 2022. Imagineers are working on bringing more elements of Disney storytelling to the new resort property, inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios’ classic movies. In addition, Disneyland Hotel will get a new pool and recreation area and more room options to make it the ideal base for any visitor to Disneyland in 2022 and beyond.
13. Downtown Disney transformation
A multi-year transformation project forn Downtown Disney will begin in January 2022 with plans to transform the former AMC Theatres building and adjacent area into a stunning new lifestyle space. Drawing inspiration from Southern California mid-century modern architecture, the area will be a blend of vibrant color palettes, multi-cultural design elements and patterns, an open lawn for relaxation and future events, and an even broader collection of dining and shopping.
14. MagicBand+ and Hey Disney are coming
The wearable MagicBand+, which has been at Walt Disney World for eight years, will finally be coming to Disneyland in 2022. In addition, Disneyland Resort Hotels will also have available the “Hey Disney!” virtual assistant. It will work with Alexa on Amazon Echo devices and will roll out to guest rooms at Disneyland Resort Hotels.
15. Disneyland Parking Lot Trams Return – Early 2022
As part of the phased reopening, guests visting the Disneyland Resort will once again be able to use the Disneyland Parking Lot trams. No specific dates have yet been announced
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