Hello, Disney fans!

✨ Zenfinity Disney Resort Update

Week of April 20–26, 2026

Last call on the festival, a galaxy far, far away just got a LOT more interesting, and the Happiest Place on Earth is building toward something truly epic. Buckle up!

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🎉 THE BIG PICTURE THIS WEEK

Here's the honest truth about this week at Disneyland Resort: it might feel like a quiet stretch between events on paper, but do not let that fool you for a single second. The Food & Wine Festival is serving its final flavors. Galaxy's Edge is in the middle of the most exciting transformation it has seen since the land opened in 2019. Star Wars Nite is days away and already mostly sold out. And Space Mountain is returning next Tuesday. This is transition week energy — and transition week energy at Disneyland Resort hits different.

⭐ THE BIGGEST STORY THIS WEEK — GALAXY'S EDGE IS CHANGING FOREVER

We need to talk about what is happening at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge — because it is genuinely one of the most significant changes to any Disneyland attraction land since Galaxy's Edge itself opened in 2019. Starting April 29, Black Spire Outpost on Batuu is no longer locked into the sequel trilogy timeline. The whole saga is coming to town, and we mean ALL of it.

Darth Vader is Coming to Batuu. For Real. Permanently.

Starting April 29, Darth Vader will roam Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland alongside Imperial Stormtroopers, actively searching for Luke Skywalker among the rocky spires of Black Spire Outpost. This is not a limited-time event. This is not a Star Wars Nite exclusive. This is permanent. The Dark Lord of the Sith, the most iconic villain in cinema history, will be a regular presence on Batuu going forward. Let that sink in for a moment.

He is not alone. Luke Skywalker becomes a permanent resident of Batuu, roaming the outpost seeking knowledge of the Force, kyber crystals, and lightsaber lore. Leia Organa will be spotted near the Millennium Falcon recruiting travelers to keep Luke safe. Han Solo will be lingering around his prized ship — naturally tempted by the cantina nearby. And Chewbacca will be right there with the crew. The gang is fully back together, and they are all on Batuu.

The Land Itself is Getting Updated

This is not just a character swap — the physical land is changing too. Props, signage, and paint throughout the outpost are being updated to support the original trilogy backstory. The store formerly known as First Order Cargo is being renamed Black Spire Surplus, because the First Order simply does not exist yet in Vader's era. Superfans are going to have an absolute field day hunting for all the era-specific details Imagineers are weaving throughout the land. The John Williams Star Wars film scores will also begin playing throughout Galaxy's Edge — a change that longtime fans have wanted for years and that will make walking through Batuu feel more cinematic than ever.

A Marvel Comic Series is Setting the Stage

Disney and Lucasfilm are backing this expansion with a five-issue Marvel comic series called Echoes of the Empire, launching April 22 — Earth Day — and running through the expansion's debut. The series follows Luke, Leia, and Chewbacca traveling to Batuu on a mission that uncovers a dangerous secret, directly explaining why these original trilogy icons are suddenly present on Black Spire Outpost. It is official Star Wars canon. The storytelling here is layered, deliberate, and genuinely exciting for fans who want the full picture.

You Can Experience It First at Star Wars Nite on April 28

Guests attending Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite on April 28 — the night before the official public debut — will be among the very first people on Earth to experience the expanded Galaxy's Edge timeline. If you have a ticket for April 28, you just got one of the most historically significant Star Wars park experiences in recent memory. The remaining Star Wars Nite dates on April 30, May 4, and May 6 are all sold out. Only April 28 still had availability as of early April — so if you have been on the fence, this is your final chance and your best reason.

🎢 DISNEYLAND PARK — WHAT'S OPEN, WHAT'S NOT & WHAT'S COMING

Hyperspace Mountain Returns Tuesday, April 28!

Just in time for Star Wars week, Hyperspace Mountain — the beloved seasonal Star Wars overlay of Space Mountain — returns to Disneyland this Tuesday. The ride puts you right in the cockpit of an X-wing, flying through a full-on space battle while TIE fighters swarm and a Star Destroyer looms overhead. It is one of the best seasonal overlays the park runs all year, and it lands the same night as Star Wars Nite. The force — and the fun — is very strong this week.

Ride Closures — Check the App Before You Go

Spring refurbishment season continues to shape the daily experience at Disneyland Park this week. The current closures to know about:

·       Jungle Cruise — Still closed since February 17 with no announced return. The hippos remain peacefully submerged.

·       Disneyland Monorail — Closed since March 30 for infrastructure work with no return date announced.

·       Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters — Closed since April 13 with no reopening timeline.

·       Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind (DCA) — Still unexpectedly closed at Pixar Pier with no visibility on return.

·       Toy Story Midway Mania (DCA) — Closed since April 6 with no return date.

All the major headliners — Indiana Jones, Haunted Mansion, Matterhorn, Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, Galaxy's Edge, Incredicoaster, and Radiator Springs Racers — are open and operating. The magic is absolutely still there. Check the Disneyland app before you map your day and you'll be just fine.

Earth Day — April 22

Earth Day falls on Wednesday this week, and Disney's resort-wide Step Into Wonder Earth Month initiative continues through April 30. The National Geographic-themed pop-ups are still active at all three Disneyland Resort hotels, WALL-E continues his Wednesday appearances at Pixar Place Hotel, and the Zero Waste Art Challenge display under Silly Symphony Swings at DCA is still up for viewing and voting through the Disneyland app. If you haven't voted for your favorite Cast Member creation yet — this is your week.

🍷 DCA FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL — FINAL WEEK. THIS IS IT.

We have reached the final countdown. The Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival closes permanently on Sunday, April 27, and this is genuinely the last week to experience everything it has to offer. No extensions. No second chances. When the booths close on the 27th, these flavors are gone until next year.

If you still have a food bucket list from the festival, it is time to stop procrastinating and go. The Ramen Mac & Cheese at Peppers Cali-ente with furikake crumble and chile crunch. The Ube Latte with Matcha Foam. The Pandan Milk Tea from Lucky Fortune Cookery with coconut cold foam. The Chicharron Nachos from California Craft Brews. The Junior LA Street Dog. The Strawberry Horchata. All of it. Every bite of it.

Weekend Beverage Education Seminars at Sonoma Terrace run their final sessions this Saturday and Sunday, April 25 and 26 at $30 per person. These are the last two chances to sit down with expert winemakers and Disney mixologists for a 30-40 minute guided tasting experience. After April 26, they are done until 2027. Book now on the Disneyland website.

Live entertainment continues at the Palisades Stage on Saturday and Sunday through the festival's final weekend. Check the Disneyland app for the performer lineup so you can time your snack runs accordingly.

🏨 RESORT HOTELS — SPRING DINING, SEASONAL MENUS & HIDDEN GEMS

Goofy's Kitchen Spring Garden Buffet — Disneyland Hotel

Goofy and his pals are still dressed in their best garden-inspired spring outfits for the seasonal character dining experience at Goofy's Kitchen. Breakfast, brunch, and dinner buffet options are available, and it remains one of the most reliably delightful character dining experiences on the entire resort. Kids absolutely adore it. If you have little ones visiting this week, make that reservation — you won't regret it.

GCH Craftsman Bar — Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

For the adults in the group who want a more relaxed evening, the GCH Craftsman Bar at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is serving seasonal cocktails and small bites in one of the most architecturally stunning settings at the entire resort. The Grand Californian's Arts and Crafts interior is genuinely beautiful, and sitting at the Craftsman Bar with a seasonal drink is one of those quintessential Disneyland Resort experiences that doesn't get enough credit. Walk-in or reservation — either way, treat yourself.

Sketch Pad Cafe & Small Bytes — Pixar Place Hotel

Pixar Place Hotel's quick-service options at Sketch Pad Cafe and Small Bytes are ideal for hotel guests looking for a low-key breakfast or grab-and-go snack before heading into the parks. The Pixar-themed energy throughout the hotel makes even a casual coffee run feel like part of the experience. And if you have not checked out the Art of Pixar Gallery featuring Hoppers on the second floor atrium while you're there — it is a completely free, walk-in experience that is absolutely worth a lap through.

Hotel Discount Reminder — Book Before May 7!

A very important reminder for anyone still planning a spring or early summer trip: the Disneyland Resort hotel discount offer — up to 25% off select stays of three or more nights at the Grand Californian, Disneyland Hotel, Pixar Place Hotel, or the Villas — is valid for stays through May 21, 2026. You must book by May 7 to lock in the savings. That deadline is getting close. If an on-site stay is on your radar at all, act on it this week.

🏰 DOWNTOWN DISNEY — YOUR PERFECT BACKUP PLAN ALL WEEK LONG

With Star Wars Nite event nights closing Disneyland Park early on April 28 and 30, Downtown Disney becomes the natural gathering place for guests who are not attending the after-hours events. And honestly, that is not a bad thing at all — the District is genuinely one of the most enjoyable free experiences around the resort.

Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio is the move for a lively dinner with that festive open-air Southern California energy. Beignets Expressed at Jazz Kitchen continues to be one of the most underrated quick snack stops in the entire resort. Salt & Straw brings creative seasonal ice cream flavors that are genuinely worth making a special trip for. And World of Disney remains the best single-stop shopping experience for any fan looking to bring home a piece of the 70th Celebration magic.

The Disney+ Throwback Dance Party rolls on every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through June 7 at the Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage — completely free, Noon through 3 PM hourly. If you haven't experienced an evening of High School Musical and Hannah Montana hits while sharing a beignet under the open sky, please add that to your Disneyland Resort bucket list immediately.

🌌 MERCHANDISE — STAR WARS FRIDAY DROPS, FESTIVAL FINAL CALL & 70TH FINDS

Star Wars Friday Drop: Jerseys Collection — April 24

The third weekly Star Wars countdown drop lands on DisneyStore.com this Friday, April 24: the Jerseys Collection. The Endor and Stormtroopers drops both sold through quickly, so if galactic jersey energy is your thing — set that 8 AM Pacific alarm right now. The final Friday drop before May 4 is the Podracing Collection landing May 1, followed by the full Star Wars Day celebration on May 4.

May the 4th Logo Collection Arrives in Parks — April 27

This Sunday — the same day the Food & Wine Festival ends — the Mandalorian & Grogu May the 4th Logo Collection arrives in person at Disneyland Resort stores. The full collection includes the zip hoodie, the all-cotton tee in adult and youth sizes, the Mando-themed tote bag, baseball cap, MagicBand+, and the Ahsoka Tano collector pin. If you want to shop it in person before Star Wars Day itself, Sunday April 27 is when it lands at World of Disney and select resort shops.

Food & Wine Festival Merch — Final Days to Shop

The exclusive Food & Wine Festival merchandise — the tie-dye spirit jersey, the "Here for the Snacks" Chip 'n' Dale tee, the Chef Goofy navy tee, and the festival ear headband — will all be gone when the booths close on April 27. If there's a piece you've been circling back to, this week is genuinely your last chance. After Sunday, it is all gone until next year's festival.

Disneyland 70th Celebration — Still Available Through August 9

With summer approaching, the 70th Celebration merchandise at World of Disney and The D-Lander Shop in Downtown Disney continues to be a meaningful shopping stop. The celebration runs through August 9, 2026, but certain items have been selling through — so if something has caught your eye, do not assume it will still be there in July.

📅 ZENFINITY DISNEY QUICK GLANCE — WHAT'S AHEAD

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Remember-eat that last churro at Food & Wine, vote for your favorite Zero Waste art piece, and get ready because Darth Vader is officially coming to Batuu. We are not emotionally prepared and we are absolutely here for it. 🐾✨

✨🏰Until the next adventure…

✨ Keep your ears up, your snacks ready, and your magic glowing —
Zenfinity Disney

📬 Spread the pixie dust by sharing this newsletter with another Disney fan!

— The Zenfinity Disney Team