Hello, Disney fans!

✨ Zenfinity Disney Resort Update

Week of May 11–18, 2026

Summer is knocking on the castle gates, the Falcon is getting a legendary upgrade, and a spinning lit-up popcorn bucket is about to become the must-have item of the season. Let's go! 🏰

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 🎉 THE BIG PICTURE THIS WEEK

If last week was the grand finale of Star Wars season, this week is the deep breath before the summer sprint begins. Star Wars Nite has wrapped. The Food & Wine Festival is a beautiful memory. And the resort is settling into that sweet transitional groove where the next big thing is just days away and the parks feel both familiar and full of anticipation. The Mandalorian and Grogu are ten days away from taking over the Millennium Falcon. Show times are shifting. And Magic Key holders are about to get one of the most charming exclusive gifts the program has offered all year. This is a great week to be a Disneyland fan.

🚀 THE BIGGEST STORY THIS MONTH — MILLENNIUM FALCON GETS A LEGENDARY NEW STORYLINE

Mark your calendars in the boldest ink you have: on May 22, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Disney California Adventure receives one of the most significant storyline overhauls in the attraction's history. The Mandalorian and Grogu are taking over the cockpit, and the adventure that awaits is genuinely one of the most exciting things coming to the Disneyland Resort in years.

Three Brand New Destinations — Your Crew Chooses the Adventure

The new storyline launches from Batuu and immediately heads to Tatooine — and then something completely new happens. Your crew gets to vote on where the Falcon goes next, choosing from three entirely new destinations:

·       Endor — flying through the wreckage of the second Death Star in a sequence that sounds visually breathtaking and emotionally loaded for original trilogy fans

·       Coruscant — the galaxy's glittering city-planet, a destination that has never appeared in a Disney Parks ride and is going to feel utterly cinematic

·       Bespin — home of Cloud City, floating above gas giants in the amber atmosphere that made The Empire Strikes Back one of the most visually stunning films in cinema history

Every single one of those destinations sounds like a reason to ride multiple times in the same day. The fact that your crew's vote determines where you go means that Smugglers Run is now a genuinely different experience on every visit depending on who you're flying with. That is brilliant game design and brilliant storytelling wrapped into one attraction.

The Timing Could Not Be More Perfect

The Mandalorian & Grogu theatrical film hits theaters on the exact same day — May 22. Disney has timed this with the kind of precision that makes you genuinely appreciate the scale of their storytelling coordination. If you are seeing the film opening weekend and visiting the parks that same week, the immersion between screen and park is going to be unlike anything Disneyland has offered before. Start planning that trip now.

🎢 ATTRACTIONS — SHOW TIMES SHIFT, SUMMER HOURS ARRIVE & CLOSURES TO KNOW

Nighttime Show Times Are Shifting — Starting May 8

Here is a practical heads-up that will genuinely affect how you plan your park evenings starting this week. Several of Disneyland's beloved nighttime shows have shifted their start times as of May 8 — part of Disney's seasonal programming adjustment heading into summer. Here is the updated lineup:

·       Paint the Night Parade — shifted back 15 minutes from previous schedule

·       Fantasmic! — shifted back 5 minutes from previous schedule

·       Wondrous Journeys — shifted back 5 minutes from previous schedule

·       Tapestry of Happiness — shifted to later in the evening overall

·       Shadows of Memory — first showing shifted back 15 minutes

Check the Disneyland app on the day of your visit for exact current show times, as these can shift further based on crowd levels and operational needs. The good news is that summer hours are also expanding — Disneyland Park is now running until midnight on select dates in late May, giving you significantly more time to experience everything the park has to offer after dark.

Extended Summer Hours — Late May Preview

Starting in late May, Disneyland Park's closing time on select dates extends to midnight, up from the previous 11 PM. Disney California Adventure follows suit with extended closings on peak dates as well. This is genuinely great news for guests planning late May trips, as longer park hours mean more rides, more shows, and more of that magical after-dark energy that makes Disneyland feel like a completely different place once the sun goes down.

Current Closure Snapshot — Your Pre-Visit Checklist

Here is the current refurbishment picture heading into this week:

·       Pirates of the Caribbean — Closed since May 4, anticipated return approximately late June

·       Blue Bayou Restaurant — Closed since May 4, reopens May 21 with modified dining experience

·       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

Indiana Jones, Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain, Matterhorn, Galaxy's Edge, Radiator Springs Racers, Incredicoaster, Jungle Cruise, Toy Story Midway Mania, Grizzly River Run, the Monorail, Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin, and the Matterhorn are all open and running beautifully. The parks are full of magic — just check the app before you map your day.

🗝️ MAGIC KEY HOLDERS — YOUR EXCLUSIVE PERKS THIS WEEK

NEW: King Arthur Carrousel Popcorn Bucket — Available May 14! 🎠

Magic Key holders, this one is for you and it is extraordinary. Beginning May 14, a brand-new King Arthur Carrousel popcorn bucket — designed exclusively for Magic Key holders by Disney artist Ashley Taylor — becomes available at select popcorn carts throughout Disneyland Park. Here is why this one is special: it spins. It lights up. And it plays music. This is not just a popcorn bucket — this is a hand-crafted, artist-designed, light-up musical collectible inspired by one of the most beautiful and historic attractions in Disneyland history. Limited to one per Magic Key holder per transaction, available while supplies last. No discounts apply. Present your valid Magic Key pass to purchase. Get there on May 14 — this one will move fast.

 Magic Key Medallion Machine — Magic Key Terrace

Did you know there is a medallion machine exclusively for Magic Key holders at Magic Key Terrace? Featuring medallion designs created specifically for passholders, it is available during regular operating hours while dining at the lounge. It is one of those quiet little perks that makes having a Magic Key feel genuinely special on a regular park day. Designs rotate and are subject to availability.

Summer Hotel Discount — Book Before August 25

Magic Key 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. The booking window is open now through August 25. This is a meaningful discount on what are already the most conveniently located hotel rooms in the entire Disneyland area — if a summer overnight stay is on your radar at all, this is the right window to lock it in.

Aulani Discount — Up to 30% Off for Magic Key Holders

Planning a Hawaii trip this summer? Magic Key holders can save up to 30% on select rooms and Villas at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa for stays of five nights or longer. That is a genuinely impressive discount on one of the most beautiful resort properties Disney operates anywhere in the world. Check the Magic Key benefits page on the Disneyland app or website for full details and booking instructions.

Your Everyday Magic Key Perks — A Quick Reminder

For any newer Magic Key holders in our readership, here is a quick reminder of the ongoing perks available every single visit:

·       Up to 20% off merchandise at select Disneyland Resort stores — present your pass before checkout

·       Up to 15% off dining at select restaurants throughout the resort, including Downtown Disney

·       25% off Lightning Lane Multi Pass when using your Magic Key for park admission

·       Unlimited Disney PhotoPass digital downloads for Inspire Key and Believe Key holders

·       Complimentary standard parking at the Toy Story Parking Lot for applicable pass tiers

·       Access to the Magic Key Terrace lounge — a genuinely lovely quiet retreat inside the parks

One important note: Magic Key discounts cannot be combined with other offers or promotions, are for personal use only, and do not apply to certain specialty items including Savi's Workshop lightsabers, Droid Depot packages, original art, and select limited-edition collectibles. Always confirm eligibility at the register before finalizing any purchase.

New Magic Key Tier — The Explore Key

If you have been on the fence about purchasing or renewing a Magic Key, here is a key update: the new Explore Key tier is now available, replacing the former Enchant Key. The Explore Key offers similar benefits to the Enchant Key with one significant upgrade — it includes weekdays in June and July, adding 39 more days of summer validity compared to what the Enchant Key offered. For families who want to visit during summer break, this is the most accessible pass tier that actually works during the season. Current Enchant Key holders can continue using their pass until expiration, at which point they can transition to the Explore Key or another tier.

🍽️ DISNEY CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE — POST-FESTIVAL DINING SPOTLIGHT

With the Food & Wine Festival behind us, this is a great moment to celebrate the year-round dining gems at DCA that deserve attention every season — not just during festival time.

Lamplight Lounge — Two New Items Worth a Reservation

Lamplight Lounge at Pixar Pier continues to be one of the most creative dining experiences in either park, and two new additions to the menu this week make it even more worth booking. The Lemon Blueberry Cobbler Donuts — dipped in cream cheese frosting and topped with lemon-blueberry compote and streusel — are the kind of dessert that starts conversations at the table. And the new Lamplight Old Fashioned cocktail — Maker's Mark Bourbon, Licor 43, Maraschino Liqueur, Angostura bitters, Luxardo juice, and a Luxardo cherry — is a beautifully composed drink that belongs on every cocktail lover's Disneyland list. Reservations for Lamplight fill up fast, especially on weekends.

Pym Test Kitchen — The Philly Cheesesteak Grilled Cheese

The new Philly Cheesesteak Grilled Cheese at Pym Test Kitchen in Avengers Campus has been earning consistent praise from guests since it landed — a pepper and onion cheesesteak topped with cheese sauce and crunchy manipulated particles, served with potato bites. It is hearty, it is unexpectedly creative, and it is the kind of lunch that makes an Avengers Campus visit feel complete. Mobile order ahead on busy days.

🏰 DOWNTOWN DISNEY — MOTHER'S DAY DINING, THROWBACK PARTY & NEW OPENINGS

Downtown Disney is a genuinely excellent Mother's Day destination for anyone not heading into the parks. Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio is warm, festive, and full of that open-air Southern California energy that makes any meal feel like a celebration. Salt & Straw's seasonal menu is always worth a stop for dessert. And Beignets Expressed at Jazz Kitchen remains one of the greatest casual snack experiences anywhere near a theme park.

The Disney+ Throwback Dance Party rolls on every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through June 7 at the Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage — Noon through 3 PM, completely free, no ticket required. If you have not yet experienced the DJ spinning High School Musical and Hannah Montana hits under the open sky of Downtown Disney, Mother's Day weekend is a perfect time to make it happen.

Lululemon continues to settle into its new home in the former ESPN Zone building, and the broader transformation of Downtown Disney is very much still in motion. Earl of Sandwich's permanent two-story flagship and Arthur & Sons Steak and Bourbon are both progressing toward their 2026 openings — the District is building toward something really special.

🛍️ MERCHANDISE — STAR WARS WRAPS, SUMMER DROPS & 70TH FINDS

Star Wars Season Merchandise — Still Available While Supplies Last

With Star Wars Nite now fully wrapped, the May the 4th Logo Collection — the Mandalorian & Grogu zip hoodie, adult and youth tees, Mando tote bag, baseball cap, MagicBand+, and Ahsoka Tano pin — is still available at World of Disney and select resort shops while supplies last. Star Wars merchandise moves quickly in the weeks after May 4, so if there's a piece you have been meaning to pick up, sooner is smarter than later.

Salvaged Protocol Droid Bucket — Still Available

The Salvaged Protocol Droid novelty bucket, which debuted April 28 alongside the Galaxy's Edge timeline expansion, is still available at select locations throughout Disneyland Park. This one has been a popular collectible throughout Star Wars season and quantities are dwindling. If it is on your list, do not wait.

Disneyland 70th Celebration — Your Summer Window is Open

The Disneyland 70th Anniversary Celebration runs through August 9, 2026, and summer is genuinely the last meaningful shopping window for the full collection. World of Disney and The D-Lander Shop in Downtown Disney carry the broadest selection. Some items have been selling through steadily — if something has caught your eye throughout the year, this is the season to act.

📅 ZENFINITY QUICK GLANCE — WHAT'S AHEAD

Until next week — grab that glowing carrousel popcorn bucket on Thursday, always hug your mom physically or spiritually, and start counting down the days until Mando and Grogu take the Falcon's wheel. May 22 cannot come soon enough. 🐾✨

✨🏰 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