Hello, Disney fans!

✨ Zenfinity Disney Resort Update

Week of April 27 – May 3, 2026

The Monorail is back, the Toontown spinner is spinning again, 16 brand-new menu items just landed, and Pirates is taking its final bow. What a week to love Disneyland. 🏰— — —

🎉 THE BIG PICTURE THIS WEEK

There is a wonderful balance to this week at the Disneyland Resort — and honestly, it feels like the park taking a deep breath before summer officially kicks into full gear. Two beloved classics are back. A brand-new wave of food has quietly landed across both parks. Star Wars Nite is in the middle of its run. And one of the most storied attractions in Disneyland history is closing its doors for a refurbishment that has been a long time coming. Whether you are heading to the parks this week or planning your next trip, there is a lot to be excited about — and a few things you absolutely need to know before May 4 arrives.

🎢 ATTRACTIONS — TWO BIG RETURNS, ONE FAREWELL & EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN

The Disneyland Monorail is BACK — Welcome Home! 🚝

After more than a month of silence on the beam — the Disneyland Monorail officially reopened on Friday, May 1, and the collective exhale from Disney fans across Southern California was practically audible. Closed since March 30 for infrastructure and electrical work, the Monorail is not just a transportation option. It is one of Walt Disney's original futuristic concepts, a living piece of American theme park history, and for many guests the moment the Monorail glides overhead is when a Disneyland day truly begins. No major changes are expected from this refurbishment — this was preservation, not reinvention, and that is exactly what this iconic attraction deserves.

Both the Tomorrowland station inside the park and the Downtown Disney District station are back in operation, meaning the Monorail is once again the most scenic and relaxing way to travel between the park and the District. Ride it at dusk. Ride it after dark. Ride it just because it makes the resort feel complete again.

Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin is Back in Toontown! 🐰

Reopening alongside the Monorail on May 1, Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin is back in Mickey's Toontown and ready to spin you into cartoon chaos. Closed since March 30 for routine maintenance, the beloved dark ride — starring the lovably framed Roger Rabbit and the sharp-as-a-tack private detective Jessica Rabbit — is one of those quintessentially Toontown experiences that makes the land feel complete. No major changes to the storyline or layout were made during this refurbishment, which means you can step right back into the wackiest corner of Mickey's Toontown exactly as you left it. Families with little ones, this one is calling your name.

Pirates of the Caribbean — Last Call Before May 4 🏴‍☠️

This is the closure story of the season and we need to say it one more time with feeling: Pirates of the Caribbean closes for refurbishment on Sunday, May 4. Saturday, May 3 is your final day to sail through the bayou, drift past the moonlit ships, and experience one of the most atmospheric, beloved attractions in all of Disneyland history before it goes dark for what is expected to be approximately one month. Building permits filed for this project outline improvements across multiple scenes of the ride — so when it comes back, it should be better than ever. But right now, right this moment, you have until Saturday night. Plan accordingly.

Blue Bayou Restaurant closes alongside Pirates on May 4, reopening May 21 with a modified dining experience while the ride remains under refurbishment. If a candlelit bayou dinner is on your Disneyland bucket list, Saturday, May 3 is your absolute last chance for the full, unobstructed, lantern-lit, boat-gliding-past experience. Make. That. Reservation.

Space Mountain — Running Strong Through June 1

The Star Wars overlay of Space Mountain continues to be one of the most popular rides in the park right now, and with good reason. Space Mountain puts you in the middle of a full-on space battle complete with TIE fighters, a looming Star Destroyer, and enough Star Wars energy to make every single trip through the dark feel like a completely new adventure. The overlay runs through June 1, so there is still plenty of time — but with summer crowds building, earlier in May is a smarter play than later.

Current Closure Snapshot — Your Pre-Trip Checklist

Here is the full picture of what is closed heading into this week:

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

·       Pirates of the Caribbean — Closes May 4, anticipated return approximately one month later

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

·       Silly Symphony Swings (DCA) — Closed since April 27, closed at least through end of May

·       Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind (DCA) — Still closed, no return date, closed through at least end of May

Everything else — Indiana Jones, Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain/Space Mountain, Matterhorn, Galaxy's Edge, Radiator Springs Racers, Incredicoaster, Jungle Cruise, Toy Story Midway Mania, Grizzly River Run, the Monorail, and Roger Rabbit — is open and ready for your visit.

🍽️ FOOD — 16 BRAND NEW MENU ITEMS AND WE ARE NOT CALM ABOUT IT

Disneyland quietly dropped one of the biggest single-week menu updates of the year on April 28, and "quietly" is doing a lot of heavy lifting in that sentence because sixteen new items across both parks is anything but small. Timed to coincide with Star Wars Nite and the Galaxy's Edge timeline expansion, the new additions span Star Wars-themed creations, park-wide spring items, Magic Key exclusives, and some genuinely creative new flavors that have nothing to do with lightsabers at all. Let's eat.

The Star Wars Items — Galaxy's Edge Just Got Tastier

Galactic Cargo Fries in a Star Wars Souvenir Bucket at Galactic Grill are exactly as fun as they sound — seasoned fries in a collectible galactic-themed container that doubles as a souvenir you actually want to keep. The Spicy Chicken Tip-Yip Waffle Cone at Stage Door Cafe, Edelweiss Snacks, and Maurice's Treats is a waffle cone packed with fries and buffalo ranch-tossed chicken tenders, topped with crushed red and blue corn tortilla chips. It is messy, it is bold, and it is absolutely the kind of food that was invented to be eaten while wandering through Batuu.

The Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is a cinnamon cheesecake finished with cream cheese frosting that sounds like a dessert someone dreamed up at 2 AM and then somehow made real. The Jabba the Hutt Sail Barge Popcorn Bucket arrives May 4 — a sculpted collectible bucket complete with breadsticks at time of purchase, limited to two per person per transaction. Collectors, set your alarms.

The New Non-Star Wars Items Worth Knowing About

The Mickey-shaped Celebration Waffles at Schmoozies are arriving with strawberry filling, sprinkles, and powdered sugar and look exactly as delightful as they sound. The Philly Cheesesteak Grilled Cheese at Pym Test Kitchen — pepper and onion cheesesteak topped with cheese sauce and crunchy manipulated particles — is the kind of unexpected mashup that consistently surprises people and earns immediate repeat orders. And at the Plaza Inn on Main Street, the new Strawberry Minnie Cake is a strawberry bundt cake filled with strawberry jam and fresh strawberries, finished with a sweetened condensed milk glaze, white chocolate mousse, a Minnie bow, and chocolate ears. It is beautiful, it is seasonal, and it is going to be all over everyone's social feed by the end of the week.

New Drinks Worth a Dedicated Stop

The Cinnamon Apple Cold Brew — caramel cold brew with apple cinnamon foam and apple cereal dust — is one of those drinks that sounds like autumn and somehow tastes even better than it sounds. The Cool as a Cucumber Cocktail (21+) is a cucumber-chia lime agua fresca with tequila that is everything you want in a warm Southern California afternoon drink. And the non-alcoholic Cucumber-Chia Agua Fresca version means everyone at the table gets something refreshing and interesting. The Esquites Loaded Chips — chile-lime chips topped with corn kernels, cotija cheese, and chile-lime crema — are not a drink but deserve a special mention because they sound absolutely magnificent.

Magic Key Holders — Your Sampler Box Has Arrived 🗝️

Magic Key holders have a new perk worth knowing about: the Magic Key Sampler Box is now available at Stage Door Cafe for $17.99. It comes with two servings of tenders with your choice of sauce, mini corn dogs, and fries — a genuinely solid value for a shareable snack that covers multiple people. It is the kind of low-key Magic Key perk that makes the annual pass feel a little extra special on a regular park day.

⭐ STAR WARS NITE — NIGHTS 1 AND 2 HAVE HAPPENED AND THE REVIEWS ARE IN

The first two Star Wars Nite events of 2026 — April 28 and April 30 — have wrapped, and the early verdict from attendees is overwhelmingly positive. The Galaxy's Edge timeline expansion debut on April 28 added a layer of historic significance to the first night that even seasoned event-goers found genuinely moving. Darth Vader's presence near the TIE Echelon is being described as one of the most powerful character moments in recent Disneyland history — cinematic, imposing, and completely unlike a regular park character encounter.

The Banth-gogi at Edelweiss Snacks and Maurice's Treats is already emerging as the runaway fan-favorite food of the event, with the Korean-style beef winning over even guests who came in skeptical. The Twin Saber Funnel Cake Fries and the Sorgan Cooler with the rechargeable lightsaber swizzle stick are the social media darlings of the event, and the Galactic Bundt Cake is earning consistent praise for actually tasting as good as it looks.

Still remaining: Star Wars Nite Night 3 falls on May 4 — Star Wars Day itself — and Night 4 wraps things up on May 6. All four nights are officially sold out. If you have a ticket, you are holding something very special. Arrive at 6 PM for your mix-in, head to merchandise first, then plot your character and entertainment route using the Disneyland app guide map.

🎓 GRAD NITE IS COMING — PARENTS AND PLANNERS, HEADS UP

Grad Nite season kicks off May 8 and runs through June 12, with select nights throughout May and June dedicated to graduating high school seniors from across California and beyond. Grad Nite events are separate-ticket, after-hours events that run until 3 AM — meaning Disneyland Park closes to the general public early on those evenings.

The Grad Nite dates for 2026 are May 8, 12, 13, 15, 17, 20, 21, 28, 29, 31 and June 3, 5, 7, 10, and 12. If any of those dates overlap with your planned park visit, account for the early park closure in your day planning. For families and non-grad visitors, Disney California Adventure remains open on Grad Nite evenings with no early closure, making DCA the go-to park for those specific nights.

🏨 RESORT HOTELS — SPRING DINING, SUMMER PREVIEWS & ONE IMPORTANT UPDATE

Kids' Summer Ticket Deal — On Sale Now

This is a genuinely excellent deal worth sharing with every family in your readership: kids ages 3 to 9 can visit Disneyland and Disney California Adventure for as low as $50 per day for stays between May 22 and September 7, 2026. Two-day and three-day versions of this ticket are also available, and you can add Lightning Lane Multi Pass. Theme park reservations are required, and availability for this ticket type is limited each day — so booking sooner rather than later is the right call. Tickets are available now on Disneyland.com.

Broken Spell Lounge — Disneyland Hotel's New Lobby Bar

Here is a hotel update that deserves a spotlight: Steakhouse 55, the longtime fine dining anchor of the Disneyland Hotel, has permanently closed — and in its place, the Broken Spell Lounge has opened in the lobby bar space. The name alone has us intrigued, and the enchanted, storybook-meets-cocktail-bar concept is already earning positive early buzz from hotel guests. If you are staying at the Disneyland Hotel this week or planning a future visit, the Broken Spell Lounge is absolutely worth a stop for a pre-park or post-park drink.

Goofy's Kitchen — Seasonal Spring Dining Still Running

The spring garden character dining experience at Goofy's Kitchen continues at the Disneyland Hotel, with Goofy and friends in their seasonal outfits welcoming families for breakfast, brunch, and dinner. This is consistently one of the most warmly received character dining experiences on the entire resort, and it is worth a reservation if you have not yet experienced it this spring season.

🏰 DOWNTOWN DISNEY — MONORAIL IS BACK AND THE DISTRICT IS BUZZING

The reopening of the Disneyland Monorail is genuinely great news for Downtown Disney too. The Downtown Disney station is once again a fully operational entry and exit point for Disneyland Park, meaning the District is even more naturally connected to the park experience than it has been for the past month. Stop at World of Disney on your way in, grab a beignet from Beignets Expressed before you board, and let the Monorail do the rest.

The Disney+ Throwback Dance Party continues every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through June 7 at the Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage with free DJ sets at Noon, 1 PM, 2 PM, and 3 PM. The energy on these weekend sessions has been consistently fantastic — High School Musical, Hannah Montana, Cheetah Girls, Camp Rock, all of it. Show up, sing along, let the nostalgia win.

Lululemon is open in the former ESPN Zone building and the broader Downtown Disney transformation continues to roll forward. Earl of Sandwich's permanent two-story location and Arthur & Sons Steak and Bourbon are both still in progress — the Downtown Disney dining evolution is very much underway and 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for the District.

🛍️ MERCHANDISE — STAR WARS DAY DROPS, 70TH FINDS & WHAT TO WATCH THIS WEEK

It's Star Wars Day — May the 4th Be With You! 🌟

May 4th is here and the resort is fully leaned in. The Mandalorian & Grogu May the 4th Logo Collection — the zip hoodie, adult and youth tees, Mando tote bag, baseball cap, MagicBand+, and Ahsoka Tano pin — is available now at World of Disney in Downtown Disney and select park retail locations. These are popular items and early availability in the week is your best strategy for full selection.

Jabba the Hutt Sail Barge Popcorn Bucket — Arrives May 4

The collectible popcorn bucket of the season lands on Star Wars Day itself: the Jabba the Hutt Sail Barge Bucket arrives May 4 with breadsticks included at time of purchase. Limit two per person per transaction, available at popcorn cart locations near Galaxy's Edge. These will sell out quickly — plan to pick one up early in the day.

Star Wars Nite Exclusive Merch — Final Two Nights

The Star Wars Nite 2026 exclusive collection — the zip hoodie, T-shirt, hat, Grogu tumbler, and commemorative pin — is available only at the event and only on the remaining two nights: May 4 and May 6. If you have a ticket for either remaining night and the exclusive merchandise is on your list, arrive during the 6 PM mix-in window and head to merchandise locations before the main crowd arrives. After May 6, these items are gone permanently.

70th Celebration Merchandise — Summer is Your Last Window

The Disneyland 70th Anniversary Celebration runs through August 9, 2026, which means summer is your final window to shop the full collection. World of Disney and The D-Lander Shop in Downtown Disney carry the broadest selection. Select items have been steadily selling through — if something has caught your eye across the season, do not wait until July to act on it.

📅 ZENFINITY QUICK GLANCE — WHAT'S AHEAD

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Until the next adventure — ride Pirates before Saturday, grab that Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake, and may the Force be with you on Star Wars Day and every day after. 🐾✨

✨🏰 See you real soon…

✨ 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