The 19 big things coming to Disneyland Resort in 2019

The biggest celebration of Mickey and Minnie in Disneyland history, the largest land expansion in Disneyland’s history and more new attractions are just some of the things planned for the Disneyland Resort in 2019.

Here’s your look at the 19 big things coming to Disneyland and California Adventure in 2019.

1. “Mickey’s Mix Magic” – This new high-energy projections show debuts Jan. 18. The nightly event creates a family-fun dance party throughout the park, with “DJ” Mickey spinning the new celebration song “It’s a Good Time” along with fun new takes on favorite Disney songs. State-of-the-art projections, lighting and lasers transform Main Street, U.S.A., the water screens on the Rivers of America and the façade of “it’s a small world” into a colorful, dazzling display of lights and sounds to celebrate Mickey Mouse. On select nights, “Mickey’s Mix Magic” will go sky high when the show is enhanced with the addition of fireworks.

2. Mickey’s Soundsational Parade – This fan-favorite parade returns Jan. 25 with a new opening to kick things off. Mickey leads the way in a new, larger-than-life opening inspired by classic and nostalgic Mickey pull toys. Next, Chip ‘n’ Dale arrive with a giant celebration cake, as Mickey and his drum corps kick off a procession of Disney characters.

3. The month of love – From Jan. 22 through Feb. 18, Disneyland Resort will celebrate the love of Minnie and Mickey for Valentine’s month. Guests will find a new Mickey Mouse flower “portrait” and festive Valentine’s décor all along Main Street, U.S.A. Guests may also choose to partake in Minnie’s Valentine Surprise, a special scavenger hunt experience in Disneyland. After purchasing a commemorative map and stickers at select merchandise locations, they may search for the hidden valentines that Minnie has left for Mickey around the park. Upon completion, maps can be returned to a designated location to redeem for a special Valentine’s surprise.

4. Lunar New Year celebration – Disneyland rings in the Year of the Pig at California Adventure, from Jan. 25 through Feb. 17. The Lunar New Year celebration commemorates the tradition with beloved Disney characters. Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession is a parade hosted by Mulan and her faithful dragon, Mushu. As a special treat for the Year of the Pig, the Three Little Pigs will join the procession. Delicious Asian food and kid-friendly crafts and activities will be available as well.

5. Vampirina joins Disney Junior Dance Party! – Starting Feb. 1, Vampirina from the Disney Channel and Disney Junior show joins the Disney Junior Dance Party! in Hollywood Land at California Adventure.

6. Captain Marvel meets guests – In early 2019 Captain Marvel will join an already-epic lineup of heroes meeting guests at California Adventure park, including Black Panther and the Dora Milaje, Spider-Man and Captain America.

7. Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival – This special festival returns March 1 through April 23. The eight-week celebration of California-inspired cuisines includes more than a dozen delicious Festival Marketplaces, featuring small plates, specialty wines and craft beers. There are celebrity chef appearances and cooking demonstrations. In addition, children can participate in Junior Chef, a fun, hands-on “cooking” experience specially designed for young chefs.

8. Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite – On Feb. 7 only, guests can join a special ticketed nighttime event that include romantic dancing and a “Royal Ball” experience. There will also be couples characters available to meet.

9. Disneyland After Dark: 90s – This March 7 special ticketed evening event will have special ’90s food, music and character appearances. 

10. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens – This is the big one. Sometime in the summer — no specific dates have been announced — this 14-acre land, the largest single-land expansion ever at Disneyland opens. You will enter the Black Spire Outpost on the planet of Batuu, the home to those who prefer to stay out of the mainstream, including smugglers, rogue traders and exotic creatures traveling between the frontier and uncharted space. The land will feature two rides, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, where you take the controls of the fastest ship in the galaxy on a smuggling mission; and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, where you join a battle between the First Order and the Resistance – including a face-off with Kylo Ren. These two new experiences will be paired with the land’s interactive components and optional integration with the Play Disney Parks app. In addition to these two long-awaited attractions, guests may try blue milk, well-known to Star Wars fans, and pop into the local Cantina for libations. While walking the winding alleyways and merchant stalls, you might see familiar Star Wars faces, including Chewbacca and stormtroopers. 

11. Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind – Inside Out Headquarters is scheduled to open sometime in 2019, on the western end of Pixar Pier at California Adventure. The new area will feature the Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind, inspired by “Inside Out.”

12. Jessie’s Critter Carousel – Opening in 2019, the old King Triton’s Carousel in California Adventure is being rethemed as part of Pixar Pier. The ride is inspired by “Woody’s Roundup” television show from “Toy Story 2.”  The carousel will have 56 critters to choose from, including a turtle, snake, buzzard, armadillo, bunny, deer, raccoon, ram, skunk and two cozy logs inhabited by a family of owls.

13. Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes – This restaurant known for its award-winning burgers and signature CrazyShake™ milkshakes will open at Downtown Disney District in early 2019.

14. Ballast Point – This San-Diego based brewer will open in the Downtown Disney District in early 2019. The 7,000-square-foot, family-friendly eatery will include Downtown Disney District’s first-ever on-site brewery, tasting room, kitchen and outdoor beer garden. 

15. D23 Expo 2019 – While this event does not actually take place on the grounds of the Disneyland Resort, It’s happening right around the corner from Aug. 23-25. The theme parks are sure to be visited by the thousands who attend the massive gathering of Disney fans.

16. Tangaroa Terrace – The South Seas hideaway at the Disneyland Hotel will reopen in early 2019 as Tangaroa Terrace, Tropical Bar and Grill. The restaurant’s ‘50s Tiki-inspired design will remain with new light fixtures made of colorful fishing floats and netting. There will also be a new outdoor bar and refreshed patio, serving island cocktails and Asian-inspired fare.

17. New pool bar at Grand Californian Hotel & Spa – Expected to open in spring 2019, the new pool bar area will keep the hotel’s signature Arts and Crafts design with natural boulder stonework and bricks. A new trellis structure will provide shade and a perfect respite to enjoy sipping beverages and snacking on appetizers. A variety of new lounge and table seating will also be available.

18. Haunted Mansion anniversary – This is a big round number. The Haunted Mansion will celebrate its 50th anniversary at Disneyland on Aug. 9, 2019. We would be foolish mortals if we didn’t think Disneyland wasn’t planning on something special.

19. World of Color returns – The 22-minute nighttime show has been out of operation since April when some of the elements were damaged during maintenance. No date has been announced for the reopening, but Disneyland is hopeful the show will return in early 2019.