Hello, Disney fans!

✨ Zenfinity Disney Resort Update

Week of April 26 – May 3, 2026

Star Wars Nite has arrived, two beloved rides are BACK, pirates are going on vacation, and May the 4th is right around the corner. The galaxy has never felt closer. ⭐

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🎉 THE BIG PICTURE THIS WEEK

Buckle up, Disney fans, because this is one of the most action-packed weeks of the entire year at the Disneyland Resort. Star Wars Nite officially kicks off Tuesday night. The Food & Wine Festival takes its final bow on Sunday. Two beloved attractions have made triumphant comebacks. And one of the most legendary rides in Disneyland history is heading into a well-deserved refurbishment just days from now. Plus — May the 4th is this Monday. Yes, it is all happening at once. Pull up the Disneyland app, check your calendar, and let's get into it.

⭐ DISNEYLAND AFTER DARK: STAR WARS NITE — THE GALAXY TAKES OVER

The event that Star Wars fans have been counting down to all spring is officially here. Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite runs April 28, April 30, May 4, and May 6, from 9 PM to 1 AM — with ticket holders getting a three-hour head start inside the park beginning at 6 PM. No theme park reservation required. All four dates are sold out, which tells you everything you need to know about the demand for this one.

The Characters — A Lineup for the Ages

This year's character roster is genuinely extraordinary, and the timing could not be more perfect with the Galaxy's Edge timeline expansion now live. On Batuu, Darth Vader and Imperial Stormtroopers are patrolling the outpost, Luke Skywalker is seeking knowledge of the Force near Savi's Workshop, and Leia Organa is spotted near the Millennium Falcon. Han Solo is, predictably, tempted by the cantina. Out in the broader park, Darth Maul has claimed Tomorrowland Terrace in the name of the Sith — dramatically, of course — while Emperor Palpatine holds court with his Imperial Guards. Queen Amidala reigns in regal Naboo splendor. C-3PO, R2-D2, Boba Fett, Fennec Shand, Hera Syndulla, Chopper, the Mandalorian, Grogu, a whole delegation of Jawas, and a delightful squad of Ewoks round out a cast of characters you simply cannot assemble on any regular park day.

The Entertainment — Because Walking Around is Not Enough

The entertainment lineup at Star Wars Nite is one of the most carefully curated of any Disneyland After Dark event all year, and 2026 delivers on every front:

·       The March of the First Order — Captain Phasma leads her Stormtroopers through Tomorrowland in an intimidating, theatrical procession that never gets old. Even if you have seen it before, seeing it live stops you in your tracks every time.

·       Figrin D'an and the Modal Nodes — The Cantina Band performs live on the Rivers of America in one of the most iconic and genuinely delightful entertainment moments at any Disneyland event. The ambience of that waterfront setting with those unforgettable horns playing into the night is pure magic.

·       Lightsaber Instructional at Fantasyland Theatre — Elite instructors teach guests how to properly wield a lightsaber. You become twelve years old again instantly. There is no shame in this. Embrace it fully.

·       Fleet of Fandom Costume Cavalcade — Guests dressed in Star Wars costumes march down Main Street U.S.A. in a fan-led celebration of galactic fashion. The creativity on display every year is genuinely impressive. Light side, dark side, or chaotic neutral — all allegiances welcome.

·       Galactic DJ Party Zone on Main Street U.S.A. — Because dancing to Star Wars remixes under the glow of Sleeping Beauty Castle is a perfectly reasonable thing to do at midnight.

The Food — A Culinary Side Quest Worth Every Credit

The Star Wars Nite exclusive food menu is one of the best parts of the entire event, and 2026 brings some genuinely exciting new additions alongside beloved returning favorites. Here is your essential snack strategy:

·       Pizza Five Blossom Bread at Oga's Cantina — A warm, shareable, pizza-inspired bread that sounds completely unexpected in a Star Wars cantina and is absolutely worth tracking down.

·       Galactic Bundt Cake at Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe and Galactic Grill — Colorful, festive, and perfectly photo-ready. It is a Bundt cake. In space. We are here for it.

·       Banth-gogi at Edelweiss Snacks and Maurice's Treats — A savory Korean-style beef option that reviewers are already calling one of the standout new items of the event. If you love a bold, well-seasoned meat dish, this is your first stop.

·       Twin Saber Funnel Cake Fries at Stage Door Cafe and Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree — Two lightsaber-shaped funnel cake fries dusted and drizzled for the occasion. Adorable and delicious in equal measure.

·       Sorgan Cooler with Rechargeable Darth Vader or Luke Skywalker Lightsaber Swizzle Stick — Available at Galactic Grill, Stage Door Cafe, Hungry Bear, and Harbour Galley. A light-up swizzle stick souvenir built right into your drink. Only at Star Wars Nite.

·       Dewback Chili Noodles at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo — A warming, hearty bowl that hits differently after midnight on a cool Anaheim evening.

·       Sour Blue Raspberry Churro — The churro cart at its most galactic. Sweet, sour, and electric blue. The photos write themselves.

The Exclusive Merchandise

Star Wars Nite comes with its own exclusive merchandise collection that you cannot purchase anywhere else — not online, not at the parks on a regular day, only at the event. The 2026 collection includes a zip-up hoodie, a T-shirt, a hat, a Grogu tumbler, and a commemorative pin. These items move fast, especially on opening night. If merchandise is on your priority list, head to the shops early in your 6 PM mix-in window before the main event crowd arrives.

Photo Opportunities — The Most Epic Backdrops of the Year

Special themed photo opportunities are set up throughout the park during Star Wars Nite, and several are genuinely jaw-dropping. Guests can pose on Speeder Bikes flying through the forest of Endor, sit on the thrones of Boba Fett and Bo-Katan, and stand in front of iconic emblems representing both the light and dark sides of the Force. The Mythosaur Skull near Frontierland is also one of the most popular photo spots of the night. Download the guide map from the Disneyland app a few days before your event date — photo location hours are listed and planning ahead will save you significant time on the night.

🎢 ATTRACTIONS — TWO BIG RETURNS AND ONE HEARTBREAKING FAREWELL

Jungle Cruise is BACK! Welcome Home, Skippers 🌿

After more than two months of silence — the Jungle Cruise reopened on April 24, and the skippers are back to delivering the puns the world desperately missed. Closed since February 17 for what turned out to be an extensive maintenance project, the beloved Adventureland classic is up and running again just in time for the resort's busiest weeks of spring. If Jungle Cruise is a non-negotiable on your Disneyland checklist — and honestly, it should be — now is your moment. The hippos are ready. The elephants are bathing. The backside of water awaits.

Toy Story Midway Mania Returns to Pixar Pier! 🎯

Great news for Pixar Pier fans: Toy Story Midway Mania also reopened on April 24, returning from its shorter refurbishment with the 70th Celebration digital graphics and updated targets still in place. Fun fact — this reopening is also perfectly timed ahead of Toy Story 5 hitting theaters on June 19, 2026, which means Midway Mania is about to become one of the most popular rides on property all over again as fans of Woody, Buzz, and the crew gear up for the new film. Get your practice rounds in now before the summer crowds arrive.

Pirates of the Caribbean — Last Ride Before May 4

Here is the big news that every Disneyland fan needs to know this week: Pirates of the Caribbean closes for refurbishment on May 4, and you have until May 3 to get your last voyage in before it goes dark. This is a significant closure — building permits filed with the city outline improvements across multiple scenes of the attraction, suggesting a thorough and meaningful refresh is underway. The good news is that the refurbishment is expected to last approximately one month, with Pirates anticipated back sometime in late June or early summer. But no official date has been announced, so plan accordingly.

The closure also affects Blue Bayou Restaurant, which closes May 4 through May 20 for its own refurbishment, reopening May 21. Here is the important fine print for Blue Bayou diners: when the restaurant reopens on May 21, it will offer a modified dining experience while Pirates is still under refurbishment — meaning views into the bayou will be obstructed and construction noise may be audible. The iconic ambiance that makes Blue Bayou one of the most atmospheric dining experiences in any theme park in the world will be temporarily diminished. If you have a Blue Bayou reservation between now and May 3, consider yourself lucky — and enjoy every moment of that bayou view.

Full Closure Snapshot — Check the App Before You Go

Here is the current state of refurbishments across the resort as of this week:

·       Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin — Closed since March 30, no return date announced

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

·       Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters — Closed since April 13, no return date announced

·       Silly Symphony Swings (DCA) — Closed since April 27, no return date announced

·       Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind (DCA) — Still unexpectedly closed, no visibility on return

·       Pirates of the Caribbean — Closes May 4, anticipated return late June or early summer

·       Blue Bayou Restaurant — Closes May 4, reopens May 21 with modified experience

The major headliners — Indiana Jones, Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain, Matterhorn, Galaxy's Edge, Radiator Springs Racers, Incredicoaster, Jungle Cruise, and Toy Story Midway Mania — are all open and ready for your visit. Check the Disneyland app before every park day for the most current information.

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

The Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival closes forever on, April 27 — which means this weekend is absolutely, positively, no-more-extensions, the last chance to experience everything the 2026 festival has to offer. If the Ramen Mac & Cheese, the Ube Latte with Matcha Foam, the Pandan Milk Tea with coconut cold foam, the Chicharron Nachos, or the Junior LA Street Dog are still on your bucket list — you have this weekend and this weekend only.

The festival merchandise — the tie-dye spirit jersey, the Chip 'n' Dale "Here for the Snacks" tee, the Chef Goofy navy tee, and the festival ear headband — also disappears on April 27. It is all gone until the 2027 festival season. No rain checks. No online store to fall back on. Just the memories and whatever you were wise enough to bring home.

Saturday and Sunday this weekend also mark the FINAL Beverage Education Seminars at Sonoma Terrace for the season. These 30-40 minute guided tasting experiences with expert winemakers and Disney mixologists are an underrated highlight of the whole festival and this is your last shot. $30 per person, available on the Disneyland website.

🌟 MAY THE 4TH BE WITH YOU — STAR WARS DAY IS THIS MONDAY!

May the 4th falls on this Monday — also a Star Wars Nite event night — which makes it one of the most immersive Star Wars Days the resort has ever hosted. The Mandalorian & Grogu May the 4th Logo Collection is now available in person at Disneyland Resort stores including World of Disney in Downtown Disney. The collection features the zip hoodie, the all-cotton adult and youth tees, the Mando-themed tote bag, baseball cap, MagicBand+, and the Ahsoka Tano collector pin. This collection has been one of the most anticipated merchandise drops of the spring season — shop early for the best selection.

Also arriving this week on DisneyStore.com: the final Friday Star Wars countdown drop. The Podracing Collection lands Friday, May 1 at 8 AM Pacific, the last weekly collection before Star Wars Day itself. The full countdown brought us Endor, Stormtroopers, Jerseys, and now Podracing. It has been a beautiful four weeks to be a Star Wars merchandise fan. May the Force — and your bank account — be with you.

🚀 GALAXY'S EDGE — EARLY REPORTS FROM THE NEW TIMELINE

Guests who attended Star Wars Nite on April 28 became the first people in the world to experience the expanded Galaxy's Edge timeline, one day before it officially opened to the general public on April 29. Early reports from both event attendees and regular park guests are enthusiastically positive across the board.

Darth Vader's presence near the TIE Echelon is being called one of the most powerful character moments in recent Disneyland history — a genuinely imposing, cinematic encounter that feels nothing like a typical theme park meet-and-greet. Luke Skywalker near Savi's Workshop, Leia near the Millennium Falcon, and Han Solo lingering by his prized ship are all drawing emotional reactions from guests who grew up with the original trilogy. The John Williams scores playing throughout the land are being praised as a game-changer for the overall atmosphere. Oga's Cantina has been updated with new props supporting the original trilogy era, and First Order Cargo has officially become Black Spire Surplus. The transformation is real, it is detailed, and it is wonderful.

🏨 RESORT HOTELS — SPRING DINING, SEASONAL PERKS & A BOOKING REMINDER

Goofy's Kitchen — Last Weeks of Spring Garden Buffet

The spring seasonal character dining experience at Goofy's Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel is still running and still absolutely charming. If you have been meaning to bring the family for a character meal this spring but have not yet locked in a reservation, this is the week to do it before the menu transitions into summer programming. Goofy and his pals in their garden outfits are one of those simple, joyful Disneyland Resort experiences that makes everyone — little ones especially — completely light up.

Blue Bayou — Dine Before May 3!

We said it in the attractions section and we will say it again here because it bears repeating: Blue Bayou Restaurant closes May 4. The final day to dine in that legendary bayou atmosphere — with the Pirates boats gliding past, the warm amber glow of lanterns overhead, and the unmistakable humidity of the New Orleans bayou wrapping around you — is Sunday, May 3. If a Blue Bayou dinner has been on your Disneyland bucket list, there is no more "I'll do it next trip." Now is the trip. Make that reservation.

Hotel Discount — Book By May 7!

A final urgent reminder: the Disneyland Resort hotel savings 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. The booking deadline is May 7. That is less than two weeks away. If a spring on-site stay has been in your plans at all, act this week.

🏰 DOWNTOWN DISNEY — YOUR STAR WARS NITE HEADQUARTERS

With Star Wars Nite causing early park closures for non-ticketed guests on April 28 and April 30, Downtown Disney becomes the natural pre-party and post-event gathering place for the galactic faithful. And honestly, the District plays the role beautifully.

World of Disney is stocking the full May the 4th Logo Collection this week, making it the best in-person shopping destination for Star Wars Day merchandise. Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio is a great dinner option before heading over to Disneyland for your 6 PM mix-in entry on Star Wars Nite nights — lively, delicious, and only a short walk from the park gates. And Beignets Expressed remains one of the greatest pre-park snacks in all of Southern California, full stop.

The Disney+ Throwback Dance Party continues every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through June 7 at the Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage, with sets at Noon, 1 PM, 2 PM, and 3 PM. It is completely free and the nostalgic DJ energy has not faded one bit. Show up, dance, feel the 2000s wash over you like a warm Disney Channel wave.

Also: lululemon is now open in the former ESPN Zone building at Downtown Disney — the first of the new retail concepts to open in that building as it is divided into multiple storefronts. Earl of Sandwich's permanent two-story location and Arthur & Sons Steak and Bourbon are still making progress toward their own openings later in 2026.

🛍️ MERCHANDISE — MAY THE 4TH DROPS, FESTIVAL FINAL CALL & MORE

Star Wars May the 4th Logo Collection — In Parks Now

The Mandalorian & Grogu May the 4th Logo Collection arrived at Disneyland Resort stores on April 27 and is available now at World of Disney and select park retail locations. The zip hoodie, adult and youth tees, Mando tote bag, baseball cap, MagicBand+, and Ahsoka Tano pin are all in stock. These are popular items and tend to move quickly around May 4 — early in the week is your best bet for full selection.

Star Wars Friday Drop: Podracing Collection — May 1

The final weekly Star Wars countdown drop lands this Friday, May 1 at 8 AM Pacific on DisneyStore.com: the Podracing Collection. Previous drops in the Endor, Stormtroopers, and Jerseys collections all sold through quickly, so set that alarm and have your cart ready. After this Friday, the next major Star Wars Day on DisneyStore.com is May 4 itself.

Star Wars Nite Exclusive Merch — Event Only

The Star Wars Nite 2026 exclusive merchandise — the zip-up hoodie, T-shirt, hat, Grogu tumbler, and commemorative pin — is available only at the event. No online sale, no park store availability after the nights end. If you have a ticket for any of the four Star Wars Nite dates and exclusive merchandise is on your list, arrive at 6 PM during the mix-in window and go straight to the merchandise locations before the main party crowd arrives.

📅 ZENFINITY QUICK GLANCE — WHAT'S AHEAD

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Until next week — eat those last festival bites, ride Pirates before May 3, and may your lightsaber skills be sharper than your puns. May the 4th be with you, always. 🐾✨

— The Zenfinity Disney Team

✨🏰 And until the next adventure…

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

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— The Zenfinity Disney Team