Hello, Disney fans!

✨ Zenfinity Disney Resort Update

Week of May 18–24, 2026

The Falcon gets its biggest upgrade ever in four days, the 70th Celebration drops its most dazzling collection yet, Blue Bayou comes back, and summer at Disneyland is officially wide open. What a week. 🏰

— — —

🎉 THE BIG PICTURE THIS WEEK

We are not going to bury the lead: this is one of the most genuinely exciting weeks at the Disneyland Resort all year. In the span of seven days, the Millennium Falcon gets its most significant storyline overhaul since the attraction opened, Blue Bayou Restaurant reopens after a month of refurbishment, the 70th Anniversary Finale Collection drops today with Swarovski crystal ears and purple sparkle energy, and Memorial Day weekend brings extended park hours and wall-to-wall summer magic. Summer at the Disneyland Resort is not coming. Summer is here. Right now. This week. Let's get into it.

🚀 IT'S FINALLY HERE — MILLENNIUM FALCON DEBUTS THE MANDALORIAN & GROGU STORYLINE THIS FRIDAY!

Four years of waiting, months of anticipation, and the countdown is officially down to days. On Friday, May 22, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Disney California Adventure launches its brand-new Mandalorian and Grogu storyline — and everything about it sounds absolutely extraordinary.

Three New Destinations — Your Crew Decides Where You Go

The new mission launches from Batuu and heads immediately to Tatooine before your crew votes on the next destination — and this is where the experience becomes genuinely unlike anything Smugglers Run has offered before. Three entirely new locations are available depending on your crew's vote:

·       Endor — flying through the wreckage of the second Death Star, with visual storytelling that original trilogy fans will find deeply moving

·       Coruscant — the galaxy's glittering city-planet making its very first appearance in any Disney Parks attraction ever

·       Bespin — Cloud City floating above the amber gas giants, one of the most visually iconic settings in all of Star Wars

Every destination is a reason to ride multiple times. With three possible routes your crew can take, Smugglers Run is now a different adventure on every single visit depending on who you're flying with. That crew vote mechanic is brilliant, and the fan community is already planning repeat rides to hit all three. This is how you make a four-year-old attraction feel completely brand new.

And the Film Opens the Same Day

The Mandalorian & Grogu theatrical film opens in theaters this same Friday, May 22 — making this one of the most perfectly coordinated Disney storytelling moments in recent memory. If you are seeing the film opening weekend AND visiting the parks, the immersion between screen and experience is going to be something special. This is the kind of week where being a Disney fan feels like the best thing in the world.

Crowd Reality Check — Memorial Day Weekend Warning

Full transparency: this Friday through Memorial Day Monday is going to be one of the busiest stretches at the Disneyland Resort all year. The Mandalorian debut, the film opening, Memorial Day weekend, and the final days of the California Resident ticket offer all converging at once means significant crowds across both parks. Get to Galaxy's Edge and Smugglers Run early. Use Lightning Lane. Mobile order everything. Rope drop is your best friend this weekend.

⚓ BLUE BAYOU RESTAURANT RETURNS — THURSDAY, MAY 21!

One of the most beloved dining experiences in any theme park anywhere in the world is coming back this Thursday. Blue Bayou Restaurant reopens on May 21 after closing alongside Pirates of the Caribbean on May 4 for refurbishment — and while the experience will be slightly modified while Pirates remains under refurbishment, the candlelit tables, the warm amber glow, the Spanish moss, and the unmistakable magic of dining on the bayou are all back.

The important thing to know: without the Pirates boats floating past, the full bayou immersion is somewhat reduced — views into the ride will be obstructed during the ongoing refurbishment. But the food, the atmosphere, the character of the space, and the romance of eating inside a Disneyland attraction is absolutely still there. Reservations are going to be snapped up quickly now that the restaurant is back. Book through the Disneyland app as soon as possible.

✨ 70TH ANNIVERSARY FINALE COLLECTION — DROPS TODAY AND IT SPARKLES

Today — Monday, May 18 — marks the arrival of the Disneyland 70th Anniversary Finale Collection, and Disney saved some of their most dazzling work for this final merchandise push before the celebration wraps on August 9.

The Look: Deep Purple, Swarovski Crystals & Pure Celebration Energy

The Finale Collection leans into deep purple with glitter and sparkle details woven throughout, giving the whole line a more dressed-up, celebratory feel than earlier 70th releases. The standout items are the new ear hat and ear headband — both covered in Swarovski crystals that catch light from every direction. These are the kind of park accessories that stop people in their tracks, and they are going to sell fast.

On the apparel side, there is a Spirit Jersey and a women's tee both built around the iconic Disneyland marquee design in those rich purple and sparkle tones. Beautiful, wearable, and clearly tied to one of the most significant anniversary celebrations in Disneyland's 71-year history. The collection is available starting today at Elias & Co. at Disney California Adventure, World of Disney in Downtown Disney, and select shops across the resort.

This is the Last Big Merchandise Push — Act Accordingly

The 70th Celebration ends August 9, and this Finale Collection is Disney's final major merchandise drop tied to it. If you have been waiting all year for the right moment to bring home a piece of this historic celebration — this is that moment. These items will not be restocked once they sell through.

🎢 ATTRACTIONS — CLOSURES, CROWDS & WHAT'S RUNNING BEAUTIFULLY

Current Closure Update

Here is the full picture of what is closed heading into this week. Check the Disneyland app the morning of your visit for the most current status:

·       Pirates of the Caribbean — Still closed, no official return date announced yet

·       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

Everything else is running — Indiana Jones, Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain, Matterhorn, Galaxy's Edge, all of Toontown, Radiator Springs Racers, Incredicoaster, Toy Story Midway Mania, Grizzly River Run, Jungle Cruise, the Monorail, and Roger Rabbit. The parks are in great shape overall and the major headliners are all go.

Extended Summer Park Hours — Starting This Weekend

The extended summer hours are now officially in effect. On select dates beginning this week, Disneyland Park stays open until midnight — a full extra hour compared to the previous 11 PM closing. On May 24, Disney California Adventure runs until 10 PM as well. Longer hours mean more time on attractions after the afternoon crowd thins out, and more time to catch nighttime entertainment without feeling rushed. The Disneyland app will show updated daily closing times — check it the morning of your visit.

Grad Nite — Ongoing Through June 12

Grad Nite events continue on select evenings through June 12, causing Disney California Adventure to close early at 9 PM on those specific nights. On most Grad Nite evenings this is the park's normal closing time anyway, but on certain weekend nights it represents an early closure. Disneyland Park is not affected by Grad Nite closures. Check the resort calendar in the Disneyland app for the full list of affected dates so there are no surprises on your visit.

Edelweiss Lodge — Coming to Fantasyland

Here is a fun construction update worth keeping an eye on: Disneyland recently filed a permit for a new location called Edelweiss Lodge, an expansion of the beloved Edelweiss Snacks in Fantasyland. Known for turkey legs, bratwursts, and the fan-favorite cheesy pretzel bread, this expanded venue is actively under construction right now. No formal details or opening date have been announced yet, but more seating and potentially an expanded menu are very much on the horizon for that corner of Fantasyland.

🔮 LOOKING AHEAD — THE FUTURE OF DISNEYLAND RESORT IS GENUINELY EXCITING

Coco Ride — Construction Begins Fall 2026

Disney has officially confirmed that a brand-new Coco boat ride is coming to Disney California Adventure, with construction beginning in fall 2026. The attraction will be located between Paradise Gardens Park and Pixar Pier, and the Imagineers have described it as drawing inspiration from Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean — featuring original Audio-Animatronic characters built with the latest technology. CEO Josh D'Amaro teased these figures will appear in ways guests will have to see to believe. Follow Miguel to the Land of the Dead. We are so ready for this.

Nine New Downtown Disney Restaurants — A Complete District Transformation

The Downtown Disney transformation is bigger than most guests realize, and the full picture of what is coming is genuinely impressive. Here is the lineup of new dining currently in various stages of development:

·       Earl of Sandwich — Permanent two-story flagship location, very close to opening

·       Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby — A 1960s-themed British gastropub on the second floor of the Earl of Sandwich building; hiring was underway in March 2026, suggesting an opening is near

·       Arthur & Sons Steak and Bourbon — Full-service steakhouse from Michelin-starred Chef Joe Isidori, in the former Tortilla Joe's space

·       Pearl's Roadside BBQ — Quick-service pulled pork, beef brisket, and smoked wings

·       Bopo Go! — Boba tea and bubble tea concept opening in the former Jamba location; Jamba's final day is July 5, 2026

·       Porto's Bakery — Construction is underway, though still in early stages

·       lululemon — Already open in the former ESPN Zone building

Downtown Disney is in the middle of one of the most significant overhauls in its history and the finished product is going to be one of the best free entertainment and dining districts in Southern California. It already is. It is just going to get even better.

🍽️ FOOD & DINING — SUMMER TREATS, NEW DESSERTS & RESORT BITES WORTH KNOWING

New Summer Desserts Have Arrived

Disney's culinary team has been busy rolling out new summer treats across the resort and several of the new arrivals are worth a dedicated detour. The Orange Cream Cheesecake at Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe — orange cheesecake topped with vanilla Chantilly cream and orange crunch — is exactly the kind of bright, citrusy dessert that was made for a warm Disneyland afternoon. The Lemon Blueberry Cobbler Donuts at Lamplight Lounge — dipped in cream cheese frosting and topped with lemon-blueberry compote and streusel — continue to earn strong praise from guests. And the Strawberry Minnie Cake at Plaza Inn, the beautiful bundt cake with fresh strawberries, white chocolate mousse, and Minnie ears, is still making people stop and point on Main Street every single day.

ABC7 Ticket Giveaway — Enter Now Through May 29!

Here is a fun opportunity for Southern California readers: Disney fans in select Southern California counties can enter to win a four-pack of Disneyland tickets through ABC7 Eyewitness News, running from today through May 29. A new code word is posted at 6 AM every weekday Monday through Friday on the ABC7 contest page. Check your eligibility through the official rules on ABC7's website. Free tickets to the Happiest Place on Earth — worth knowing about and sharing with your local Disney fan community.

🗝️ MAGIC KEY HOLDERS — PERKS, DISCOUNTS & SUMMER SAVINGS

Summer Hotel Discount — Now Live!

The Magic Key summer hotel discount is officially active as of May 22. Eligible holders can save up to 20% on select hotel stays Sunday through Thursday nights from May 22 through September 7, 2026 at the Disneyland Hotel, Grand Californian, Pixar Place Hotel, and the Villas. Book through the Magic Key portal in the Disneyland app or at Disneyland.com. The booking window runs through August 25, so there is time — but popular dates fill quickly.

General Summer Hotel Offer — Non-Magic Key Guests Too

Even without a Magic Key, guests can save up to 15% off select stays at the Disneyland Hotel and Grand Californian, and up to 10% off at Pixar Place Hotel for summer visits. If an on-site stay has been on your radar, now is genuinely the right time to price it out and book.

Downtown Disney Magic Key Discounts

A reminder that Magic Key discounts extend beyond the parks into Downtown Disney as well. Current active discounts include 10% off at Curl Surf and California Sole, and 20% off at Wetzel's Pretzels. Always present your Magic Key pass before checkout at participating locations to ensure the discount is applied.

Guided Tour Discount — 15% Off for Magic Key Holders

Magic Key holders receive 15% off select Disneyland Resort Guided Tours, including the Walt's Main Street Story Tour and the seasonally available Disney's Happiest Haunts Tour and Holiday Time at Disneyland Tour. If a guided tour has been on your Disneyland bucket list, this discount makes it a genuinely excellent value — and these experiences offer a depth of Disney history and storytelling that is simply not available anywhere else at the resort.

 🏰 DOWNTOWN DISNEY — WHERE THE DISTRICT IS RIGHT NOW

With summer crowds building and the parks busier than they have been since spring break, Downtown Disney is once again earning its place as the Disneyland Resort's most underrated destination. The Monorail station makes it effortlessly connected to the park, Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio is the perfect open-air dinner before or after a park day, and Salt & Straw's seasonal summer menu is already turning heads.

The Disney+ Throwback Dance Party runs its final three weekends at the Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage through June 7, with free DJ sets at Noon, 1 PM, 2 PM, and 3 PM every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. If you have not made it out to this one yet, the next few weekends are your last chance before it wraps for the season.

🎪 ON THE HORIZON — BIG EVENTS COMING THIS SUMMER

Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite — June 16 & 18

Tickets are still available for both Pride Nite events on June 16 and 18 — but availability is shrinking. These separately ticketed after-hours events have historically sold out well in advance of the actual dates. If Pride Nite is on your summer plans, now is the time to lock in your tickets on the Disneyland website.

D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event — August 14-16

D23 is back and it is coming to Anaheim on August 14, 15, and 16, 2026. This is the ultimate gathering for Disney fans of every kind — three days of panels, announcements, previews, celebrity appearances, exclusive merchandise, and the kind of Disney energy that is unlike anything else on the calendar. Ticket pricing tiers and availability are still being managed through the D23 website. If you are even considering attending, check availability now — D23 events fill up fast and the announcements that come out of them tend to be genuinely historic.

Oogie Boogie Bash 2026 — Dates Are Set

HalloweenTime at Disneyland begins August 21 and runs through October 31, 2026. Within that window, Oogie Boogie Bash — the beloved separately ticketed Halloween party at Disney California Adventure — runs on August 18, 20, 23, 25, 27, and 30, then continues through September and October on select dates, wrapping on October 31. The Magic Key pre-sale opens June 16. Public sale dates have not yet been announced. These events sell out. Having your calendar ready on June 16 is not an overreaction.

📅 ZENFINITY QUICK GLANCE — WHAT'S AHEAD

Until next week — grab those crystal ears before they sell out, get to Galaxy's Edge early on Friday, and welcome to summer at the Happiest Place on Earth. We have been waiting for this. 🐾✨

✨🏰 See you in the next adventure…

✨ Keep your ears up, your snacks ready, and your magic glowing!

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

— The Zenfinity Disney Team