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Disney Parks

5/1/2025

Disneyland 70th Foodie Guide!

Earlier today the Disney Parks Blog shared a long list of food items that will be available during Disneyland's 70th Anniversary Celebration beginning May 16th. 

Lots of food to enjoy at both parks, Downtown Disney and the Disneyland Hotels. Let's check it out! 
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For some added (and tasty) fun, you’ll want to check out the various bookable experiences for the celebration. For some sweet selections with a view in Disney California Adventure Park, there’s the World of Color Happiness! Dessert Party or the Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! Parade Dessert Party. Over at Disneyland Park, the Paint the Night Dining Package at Plaza Inn serves up a delicious lunch and reserved viewing after the sun goes down for “Paint the Night.” 
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I can’t wait to see what’s in store. Be sure to stay tuned on Disney Eats for even more tasty updates coming soon. It’s time to “celebrate happy” with the Foodie Guide to the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration at Disneyland Resort!  

Disneyland Park 70th Celebration Menus 

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Alien Pizza Planet (Mobile order available)  
  • BBQ Chicken & Pineapple Pizza Slice: BBQ-marinated chicken, spiced BBQ sauce, mozzarella, roasted corn, pineapple, and red onions garnished with cilantro​ (New)  
  • 70th Celebration Macaroooon filled with birthday cake buttercream and confetti cake center, finished with a chocolate birthday hat (New)  
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Bengal Barbecue (Mobile order available) 
  •  Grilled Tahitian Ribs served with white rice and pineapple slaw (New) ​
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Blue Bayou Restaurant (Reservations recommended)  
  • Ribeye Steak and Prawns with western butter, loaded baked potato, and asparagus (New)  
  • Vegetable Hearts Salad: Baby greens, artichoke hearts, hearts of palm, heirloom tomatoes, cucumbers, croutons, and lemon herb ranch (New)  
  • Chocolate Chip Mousse: Chocolate chip mousse with a cocoa sponge and red glitter glaze covered with vanilla bean pavlova (New)  
  • Blueberry Cocktail: Seaborn Blueberry cocktail with popping spheres (New)  
  • Karl Strauss Brewing Company 70th Anniversary IPA: A single-hopped American IPA with grapefruit aromas, citrus, and tropical fruit flavors (New)  
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Café Daisy (Mobile order available)  
  • Chicken Bacon Ranch Flop-Over: Ranch, bacon bits, diced chicken, mozzarella, and provolone (New)  
  • The Miss Daisy: Minute Maid Light Lemonade and blue cotton candy syrup topped with blue raspberry gummy rings (Non-alcoholic) (New)  
  • Specialty Cold Brrr-ew: Joffrey’s Cold Brew and vanilla crème syrup topped with whipped cream, chocolate medallions, and confetti sprinkles (Non-alcoholic) (New)  
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Carnation Café (Reservations recommended) 
  • Beef Stroganoff: Braised beef, bacon, onions, and mushrooms over egg noodles (New)  
  • Tropical Rum Cocktail: Bacardi Superior Rum, Myers’s Rum Original Dark, pineapple, orange, and lime juices, and grenadine (New)  
  • Karl Strauss Brewing Company 70th Anniversary IPA: A single-hopped American IPA with grapefruit aromas, citrus, and tropical fruit flavors (New)  
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Churros near Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Haunted Mansion, and Town Square 
  • 70th Celebration Churro: Classic churro rolled in ube sugar and topped with marbled blue raspberry icing drizzle and sprinkles (New)  
Galactic Grill (Mobile order available)  
  •  Space Place Cottage Fries tossed in Parmesan butter and parsley and served with house-made ranch ​(New)  
Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor (Mobile order available)  
  •  Banana Split: Vanilla, chocolate and strawberry ice creams topped with strawberries, pineapple, hot fudge, fresh banana, chopped nuts, whipped cream, and a cherry (New)
The Golden Horseshoe (Mobile order available)  
  •  Cowboy Fries: Fries, nacho cheese, sautéed ground beef, burger sauce, and butter pickles (New) ​
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Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree (Mobile order available)  
  • Peach Cobbler Funnel Cake Fries: Cinnamon sugar, peach topping, vanilla ice cream, and streusel (New)  
  • Honey Cold Brew: Honey-sweetened cold brew with cream topper, honey drizzle, and honey cereal (Non-alcoholic) (New)  
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Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe (Mobile order available)  
  • Celebration Matterhorn Macaroon: Coconut macaroon dipped in white chocolate and sprinkles (New)  
  • 70th Celebration Macaron: Vanilla bean buttercream, strawberry jam, and fresh strawberry with strawberry whipped topping and strawberry crunch (New)  
  •  Mickey Hat Cookie: Cookie dipped in chocolate with a chocolate decoration (New) ​
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Market House  
  •  Mickey Hat Cookie: Cookie dipped in chocolate with a chocolate decoration (New) 
Plaza Inn  
  • 70th Celebration Cake: Layers of pound cake, cherry compote, confetti cake, vanilla bean white chocolate mousse, and lemon curd pastry cream covered with a white chocolate ganache buttercream (New) (Available May 16 through June 1 and again starting July 1)  
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Pretzels near Star Tours – The Adventures Continue 
  •  Lemon Chiffon Pretzel: Cream cheese-filled pretzel dipped in lemon-flavored icing, topped with crushed vanilla wafers (New)  
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Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante  
  • Fried Tamale Walking Taco: Fried beef tamale with chili, corn chips, and diced onions with cilantro, shredded cheese, and sour cream (New)  
  •  Mocha Cream Puff filled with cinnamon-mocha pastry cream and topped with chocolate-covered corn chips (New)  
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Red Rose Taverne (Mobile order available)  
  • Hook’s Galley Tuna Melt: Fresh tuna salad topped with Muenster and herb-marinated tomatoes served with house chips (New)   
  • 70th Stuff: Shortbread cookie with a cookies and cream cake, fresh raspberry, and raspberry jam surrounded with white chocolate mousse and topped with colored sprinkles (New)  
  • Sparkling Peach Punch: Sprite and peach syrup with assorted popping spheres (Non-alcoholic) (New) (Also available with a glow cube)  
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Refreshment Corner (Mobile order available)  
  • Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese in a Bread Bowl: Mac and cheese topped with pineapple-BBQ pulled pork in a sourdough bread bowl (New)  
  • Fun Punch: Fanta Orange, pineapple, orange, and lime juices, and grenadine (Non-alcoholic) (New)  
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River Belle Terrace (Reservations recommended) 
  • Strawberry Pancakes: Strawberry sauce, streusel, and cream cheese chantilly  served with choice of bacon or sausage (Available for breakfast only) (New)  
  • Blueberry Pancakes: Blueberry compote, streusel, and vanilla chantilly cream served with choice of bacon or sausage (Available for breakfast only) (New) 
  •  Apple Pancake Rolls: Apple pie topping, walnut streusel, and cinnamon chantilly cream served with choice of bacon or sausage (Available for breakfast only) (New) 
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Tiana’s Palace (Mobile order available)  
  • House-filled Celebration Beignet: Filled with raspberry mousse, buttercream glaze, edible candle, and sprinkles (New)  
The Tropical Hideaway  
  • Pineapple Upside Down Sundae: DOLE Whip Pineapple, caramel drizzle, and pineapple upside-down cake topped with a maraschino cherry (New)  
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Troubadour Tavern (Mobile order available)  
  • W.E.D. Chili Cheese Baked Potato topped with beef and bean chili, cheese, sour cream, diced onions, and cornbread (New)  
  • Chicken Pot Pie Baked Potato: Chicken pot pie filling with pie crust crumble (New) 
  •  Dancing Shimmering Lights: Sweet berry lemonade with blackberry topper and colorful sanding sugar (Non-alcoholic) (New) 
  • Tiramisu Cold Brew: Dark chocolate cold brew with tiramisu topper and ladyfinger cookie (Non-alcoholic) (New) 

Disney California Adventure 70th Anniversary Menus 

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Churros near Goofy’s Sky School  
  • Banana Split Churro: Classic churro rolled in chocolate sugar with banana sauce and vanilla sauce with a cherry on top (New)  
Corn Dog Castle (Mobile order available)  
  •  Chili Cheese Corn Dog: Corn dog topped with chili, shredded cheddar and corn chips (New)  
Hollywood Lounge (Mobile order available)  
  • Celebration Cocktail: Tequila, rum, vodka, and glittery blue raspberry lemonade topped with Sprite and garnished with a cherry 
Outdoor Vending Locations  
  • Cotton Candy Mango Chile: Orange mango chile cotton candy in a celebration bag (New)  
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Schmoozies! (Mobile order available)  
  • Mickey-shaped Celebration Waffles with strawberry cream filling and topped with sprinkles and powdered sugar (New)  
Willie’s Churros at Buena Vista Street  
  • 70th Celebration Churro: Classic churro rolled in ube sugar and topped with marbled blue raspberry icing drizzle and sprinkles (New)  
Try the Karl Strauss Brewing Company 70th Anniversary IPA 
To create this beverage, the Disneyland Resort team worked directly with Karl Strauss Brewing Company to create an entirely new brew for the celebration!  
  • Karl Strauss Brewing Company 70th Anniversary IPA: A single-hopped American IPA with grapefruit aromas, citrus, and tropical fruit flavors (New)  
    • Carthay Circle Restaurant 
    • Lamplight Lounge 
    • Paradise Garden Grill 
    • Port of San Fransokyo Cervecería 
    • Wine Country Trattoria 
    • Select Outdoor Vending Locations

70th Anniversary Buckets, Sippers and More at Disneyland Resort 

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Disneyland 70th Celebration Light Up Mickey Balloon Bucket (Available starting May 8) (New) 
  • Disneyland Park: Select popcorn carts throughout the park 
  • Disney California Adventure Park: Select popcorn carts throughout the park 
  • Disneyland Hotel: The Coffee House  
  • Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa: Grand Californian Great Hall Cart 
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Disneyland 70th Celebration Mickey Mouse Bucket 
(Available starting May 16) (New) 
  • Disneyland Park: Alien Pizza Planet, Galactic Grill’s Seasonal Novelty Release, Harbour Galley, Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree Seasonal Novelty Release, Refreshment Corner, Troubadour Tavern Seasonal Novelty Store, and select popcorn carts throughout the park 
  • Disney California Adventure Park: Hollywood Land Seasonal Novelty Release, Paradise Gardens Park Seasonal Novelty Release, and Popcorn at Grizzly Peak Airfield 
  • Disneyland Hotel: The Coffee House 
  • Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa: GCH Craftsman Grill and Grand Californian Great Hall Cart 
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Disneyland 70th Celebration Abominable Snowman Sipper (Available starting May 16) (New)  
  • Disneyland Park: Alien Pizza Planet, Bayou Country Fruit Cart, Churros at small world Promenade, Galactic Grill Seasonal Novelty Release, Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe, Little Red Wagon, Red Rose Taverne, Refreshment Corner, Tomorrowland Fruit Cart, and Troubadour Tavern 
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Disneyland 70th Celebration Popcorn Bucket (Available starting May 16) (New) 
  • Disneyland Park: Select popcorn carts throughout the park 
  • Disney California Adventure Park: Select popcorn carts throughout the park 
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Disneyland 70th Celebration Sipper (Available starting May 16) (New) 
  • Disneyland Park: Alien Pizza Planet, Bayou Country Fruit Cart, Churros & Lemonade in Bayou Country, Galactic Grill, Harbour Galley, Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree, Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe, Lemonade at small world Promenade, Lemonade near Tomorrowland Expo Center, Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante, Red Rose Taverne, Refreshment Corner, Ship to Shore Marketplace, Stage Door Café, Troubadour Tavern 
  • Disney California Adventure Park: Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta, Chiller at Paradise Gardens Park, Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream, Corn Dog Castle, Paradise Garden Grill 
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Disneyland 70th Celebration Stainless Steel Tumbler (Available starting May 16) (New) 
  • Disneyland Park: Alien Pizza Planet, Galactic Grill’s Seasonal Novelty Release, The Golden Horseshoe, Harbour Galley, Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree, Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe, Lemonade at small world Promenade, Lemonade near Tomorrowland Expo Center, Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante, Red Rose Taverne, Refreshment Corner, Ship to Shore Marketplace, Troubadour Tavern 
  • Disney California Adventure Park: Award Wieners, Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta, Chiller at Paradise Gardens Park, Corn Dog Castle, Paradise Garden Grill, Smokejumpers Grill, select outdoor vending locations 
  • Disneyland Hotel: The Coffee House 
  • Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa: GCH Craftsman Grill  
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70th Celebration Disneyland Marquee Bottle Topper (Available starting May 16) (New)  
  • Disneyland Park: Alien Pizza Planet, Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor, Little Red Wagon, Ship to Shore Marketplace, Troubadour Tavern, and various Pretzel Carts, Lemonade Carts, Churro Carts, and Fruit Carts throughout the park  
  • Disney California Adventure Park: Mortimers Market, Churro Carts, and select outdoor vending carts throughout the park 
  • Disneyland Hotel: The Coffee House  
Disneyland 70th Celebration Acrylic Flute (Available starting May 16) (New) 
  • Disneyland Park: Carnation Café 
  • Disney California Adventure Park: Hollywood Lounge and Outdoor Vending Locations 
  • Disneyland Hotel: Goofy’s Kitchen, Palm Breeze Bar 
  • Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa: Storytellers Cafe  
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Disneyland 70th Celebration Tinker Bell Straw Clip (Available starting May 16) (New) 
  • Disneyland Park: Alien Pizza Planet, Churros near Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Churros near Haunted Mansion, Galactic Grill, Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor, The Golden Horseshoe, Harbour Galley, Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe, Lemonade at small world Promenade, Popcorn near Haunted Mansion, Pretzels near Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante, Refreshment Corner, Royal Street Veranda, Stage Door Café, Troubadour Tavern, and Lemonade near Tomorrowland Expo Center 
  • Disney California Adventure Park: Chiller at Paradise Gardens Park, Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream, Corn Dog Castle, Mortimers Market, Schmoozies!, Smokejumpers Grill, select outdoor vending locations  
  • Disneyland Hotel: Tangaroa Terrace Tropical Island Grill 
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Disneyland 70th Celebration D Glow Cube (Available starting May 16) (New) 
  • Disneyland Park: Galactic Grill, The Golden Horseshoe, Harbour Galley, Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree, Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe, Little Red Wagon, Mint Julep Bar, Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante, Red Rose Taverne, Refreshment Corner, Stage Door Café, and Troubadour Tavern 
  • Disney California Adventure Park: Bayside Brews, Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream, Hollywood Lounge, Paradise Garden Grill, and Smokejumpers Grill 
  • Disneyland Hotel: Broken Spell Lounge, Palm Breeze Bar  
  • Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa: GCH Craftsman Bar, Hearthstone Lounge 
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Disneyland 70th Celebration Travel Tumbler (Available starting May 16) (New) 
  • Disneyland Park: Alien Pizza Planet, Galactic Grill, The Golden Horseshoe, Harbour Galley, Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree, Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe, Mint Julep Bar, Plaza Inn, Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante, Red Rose Taverne, Refreshment Corner, Royal Street Veranda, Stage Door Café, and Troubadour Tavern 
  • Disney California Adventure Park: Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta, Chiller at Paradise Gardens Park, Corn Dog Castle, Paradise Garden Grill, and Smokejumpers Grill  
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Disneyland 70th Celebration Tomorrowland Skyline Terrace Cup (Available starting May 16) (New) 
  • Disneyland Park: Tomorrowland Skyline Terrace  

Disneyland Hotel 70th Celebration Menus 

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Broken Spell Lounge and Palm Breeze Bar 
  • 70th Celebration Specialty Beverage: Grapefruit sherbet, watermelon, pineapple and lemon juices, simple syrup, and tonic water (Non-alcoholic) (New) 
  • Apricot Vodka Cocktail: Grilled Apricot Infused Golden Eagle Vodka, orange and lemon juices, coconut water, and vanilla mint simple syrup (New) 
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Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar  
  • Little Lagoon: Lemonade, blueberry syrup, and blueberries garnished with a glow cube (Non-alcoholic) (New) 
  • Blue Flower Lagoon: Blueberry Smirnoff Vodka, Bols Blue Curaçao, St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, lemon juice, and cane sugar syrup (New)  

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa 70th Celebration Menus 

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GCH Craftsman Bar and Hearthstone Lounge  
  • Honey Gintini: Hendrick’s Gin, pineapple and lemon juices, honey, and orange marmalade (New)  
  • 70th Celebration Cocktail: Michter’s American Whiskey, Domaine Canton Ginger Liqueur, lemon juice, honey syrup, ginger ale, and bitters (New)  
  • Karl Strauss Brewing Company 70th Anniversary IPA: A single-hopped American IPA with grapefruit aromas, citrus, and tropical fruit flavors (New)  
Grand Californian Great Hall Cart  
  • 70th Celebration Sugar Cookie  

Pixar Place Hotel 70th Celebration Menus 

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The Sketch Pad Café 
  • Giant 70th Celebration Cupcake 

Candy 70th Celebration Menu 

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Candy Palace and Candy Kitchen, Pooh Corner, Trolley Treats, Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff, and Disney Wonderful World of Sweets 
  • 70th Minnie Caramel Apple: Granny Smith apple with marshmallow ears dipped in caramel and milk chocolate and decorated with a lavendar sugar dress, teal M&M’S Milk Chocolate Candies, and a 70th Celebration Minnie chocolate bow (New)  
  • 70th Milk Marshmallow Wand: Marshmallows on a stick dipped in caramel and milk chocolate, drizzled with blue-colored white chocolate, and decorated with a celebration sprinkle mix (New)  
  • 70th Mickey Donut Cereal Treat: Mickey-shaped cereal treat dipped in peanut butter white chocolate, decorated with blue raspberry-flavored, blue-colored white chocolate, and topped with a celebration sprinkle mix 
  • Balloon Mickey Marshmallow Pop: Mickey marshmallow pop dipped in blue-colored white chocolate and decorated with dark chocolate and white chocolate accents 
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  • 70th Minnie Cake Pop: Chocolate cake pop with chocolate ears dipped in milk chocolate and decorated with a 70th Celebration Minnie bow 
  • 70th Mickey Cake Pop: Vanilla cake pop with chocolate ears dipped in milk chocolate and decorated with lavender sugar and yellow M&M’S Minis Milk Chocolate Candies 

Downtown Disney District 70th Celebration Food and Drink 

Beignets Expressed  
  • Joyful Blueberry Cobbler Beignet: Blueberry cobbler beignet topped with blueberry crumbs 
Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes 
  • Cotton Candy Crazyshake: Strawberry shake and vanilla frosted rim with sprinkles topped with a pink lollipop, purple and pink rock candy, whipped cream, and cotton candy 
Céntrico and Paseo 
  • Cacao: Dark chocolate sorbet, spice sponge cake, orange zest puree, cinnamon foam, cacao nibs (Available at Paseo only)  
  • Pavlova: Classic Mexican meringue, guava sorbet, and fresh horchata-orange foam (Available at Céntrico only)  
  • Just Peachy: Lemonade, peach, hibiscus tea glitter floater, and soda water (Non-alcoholic)  
  • Magic Elixir: Tequila, Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto sour mix, and pea flower glitter syrup  
  • Peach Sonrisa: Tequila, peach, lime juice, hibiscus tea glitter floater, and chili-lime seasoning rim 
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Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio 
  • French “70”: Gin, prosecco, lemon juice, and lavender simple syrup 
Kayla’s Cake 
  • Celebration Macaron Pop: French strawberry chocolate chip buttercream with a gooey marshmallow center 
Salt & Straw  
  • Celebration Vanilla: Vanilla topped with rainbow sprinkles  
Wetzel’s Pretzels  
  • Incredi-Bitz: Choco Churro Bitz, Bacon Ranch Bitz, or S’mores Bitz  

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Alien Pizza Planet  
  • 70th Celebration Macaroooon filled with birthday cake buttercream and confetti cake center, finished with a chocolate birthday hat (New) 
Café Daisy  
  • The Miss Daisy: Minute Maid Light Lemonade and blue cotton candy syrup topped with blue raspberry gummy rings (Non-alcoholic) (New) 
The Golden Horseshoe  
  • Cowboy Fries: Fries, nacho cheese, sautéed ground beef, burger sauce, and butter pickles (New) 
Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe and Market House  
  • Mickey Hat Cookie: Cookie dipped in chocolate with a chocolate decoration (New) 
Tiana’s Palace  
  • House-filled Celebration Beignet: Filled with raspberry mousse, buttercream glaze, edible candle, and sprinkles (New) 
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To bring home a taste of the celebration, starting May 16, you can purchase the Joffrey’s Disneyland Resort 70th Anniversary Blend made with 100% Arabica beans from select farms in Central and South America. Part of the Disney Specialty Coffee Collection, this dark roast features a comforting and rich aroma with chocolatey notes and a subtle sweet finish. 

You can also gift the celebration with a special Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration Disney Gift Card and eGift, featuring Mickey Mouse and other pals dressed in their best for the special occasion. Available by mail or email, these gift cards will be available to purchase online starting May 16 at DisneyStore.com starting from $25 up to $500.  
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If you’re planning a visit, Disneyland Resort always offers a range of ticket, dining and hotel options, as well as promotional offers throughout the year. As you get ready for your trip during the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration, check out Disneyland.com/offers for a list of available ticket and hotel offers that could help you save money. 

Related Videos
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Related Updates
​

  • ​Dopey Challenge 2025 - One And Done But Still Having FOMO!
  • Farewell and Tribute to It's Tough To Be a Bug
  • HalloweenTime 2023 at the Disneyland Resort - September 13, 2023
  • Preview of Journey of Water Inspired by Moana at Epcot - September 6, 2023
  • Foodie Guide to Halloween at Disneyland Resort 2023 - August 17, 2023

​​If you enjoyed this update please share with your friends and make sure you "like" us on Facebook and "follow" us on BlueSky, Instagram, Threads and YouTube

3/19/2025

Dopey Challenge 2025 - One And Done But Still Having FOMO!

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Hey everybody and welcome to my long in-process blog from the Dopey Challenge 2025 at Walt Disney World. I know I've been sharing Vlogs about my Dopey Challenge Journey and I'll be linking them into this update as well. 

But I'm old school. I like being able to write down my thoughts about something so monumental that I was able to do in my life. Not only for myself personally, but also the ability to give something back through donations to the American Cancer Society. Something that is very meaningful to me. 

And while I'm still clinging to the Dopey being "one and done" for me, I will be back with Team Determination most likely in 2026 for the Wine and Dine Half Marathon. So stay tuned. 

Let's get on with it and move back to January 7, 2025. Over 2 months ago (and maybe close to 3 by the time I actually get this posted). As I made my way from Southern California to Orlando to begin my challenge. 

Day Zero - Travel Day

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Seeing these signs made it more real
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If you didn't take a picture of the MCO carpet, did you even go to Orlando?
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Oddly enough, my first stop on my Dopey Challenge journey would not be at Disney World, but at Universal Orlando. I booked Aventura on my arrival night in hopes that I could head over to Islands of Adventure and get a nighttime ride on my favorite coaster.
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I made it!
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My first ever nighttime ride on my favorite coaster. It did not disappoint. And my first coaster of 2025. The year I also turn 50. So it was a good one to start with.
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A few pics of the room at Aventura. I'll be honest, this was the 4th hotel we've stayed at on Universal Property, and it's 3rd out of the 4 for me. I much prefer Cabana Bay for a similarly priced hotel.
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Only Dockside comes in below Aventura for me TBH.

Day One - Expo Day

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Expo Day is here, but I've got some time to kill before my room at All Star Movies is ready, so after a quick boat ride I found myself back at Islands of Adventure.
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Early entry is the best. 2 rides on Hagrid's and 3 on Velocicoaster before the park even opened!
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And of course a quick trip to the Studios for a visit with my buddy E.T..
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On my way to Disney World, had to make a stop for supplies. I think this makes me an honorary Floridian or something.
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We'll get back to a tour of All Star Movies soon, but I absolutely love the decorations people had in their windows.
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This was when it got REALLY real
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I was wholly unprepared for how large the expo was, or what a party it is.
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Merch Haul!
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After the expo I decided to head over to Disney's Animal Kingdom for a last (could have also been my first) ride on TriceraTop Spin.
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And of course a ride on Everest. Below you'll see my training wrap-up and my day at the Marathon Weekend/Dopey Challenge Expo!

Day Two - Walt Disney World 5k

​I have to be honest, on the mornings before my wife arrived my biggest concern was actually waking up.

​5k Day, good start! ​Although it was so early, my phone still thought I was on CA time (11:33pm)
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The first of 4 VERY early mornings at Epcot
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Customary morning picture in front of Spaceship Earth
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Absolutely loved that they put a display of what characters would be out before the race.
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A full hour after the race started I finally began my Dopey Journey!
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Since the 5k wasn't timed, I was in no rush at all.
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It was then off to Disney's Hollywood Studios for some after race fun and pics.
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It's one of the tips in our "10 Dopey Tips" video, but seriously, spring for the PhotoPass package. It's so worth it.
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After a quiet morning at the park experiencing some of my favorite attractions and some gross pizza, I called it a day at about 1:00pm and headed back to the hotel.
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Seriously, people are going to miss this?
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This is what's going to be missed
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After nap time and since I didn't think we'd ever be staying at the All Stars again, I decided to take a little tour around the hotel.
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Nothing against the hotel, it's great for families. But our kids are grown. Maybe someday if/when we have grandkids we'll be back. Although we really do love the Moderates.
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It was great for me for my first 2 nights of the Dopey as I was literally just in the room to sleep. Which did prove hard due to the thin walls.
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If you'd like to see more of the All Star Movies resort, you can view the slideshow below.
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After a quiet dinner in the room it was "put on a movie you've seen a lot and fall asleep early" time. 10k morning would be here before we know it!

Day Three - 10k Day

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10k Day is here! It's another cold one, but some running would actually be taking place today!
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Customary morning picture in front of Spaceship Earth
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Since I had to wait so long to start the 5k I made a point to get near the front of my corral so I could start a bit earlier for the 10k
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Cold morning but ready to go!
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I see you balloon ladies ...
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Loved seeing the World Showcase Cast Members out for pictures!
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On the boardwalk. I see you hotel we'll be checking into in just a few hours!
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10k day was eventful, but also not photo worthy. Had a fantastic brunch with our American Cancer Society team, got to talk about my sister a bit. Checked into the Beach Club and then had to pick up my wife at MCO. We ended our night with a nice quiet dinner at Epcot before turning in early.

Day Four - Walt Disney World Half Marathon 

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Now at the Beach Club, I actually had somebody to take my picture before heading to the bus!
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Customary morning picture in front of Spaceship Earth
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This mornings photo opportunities
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I needed a re-do with Dopey.
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It was Poncho day/back-up running shoes day (another one of our upcoming tips)
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For the first day we ventured outside of the Epcot area
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Blurry selfie with our amazing American Cancer Society Development Manager Ashley!
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Running down Main Street is so awesome
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OMG, Derkwerng Derck! =)
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3 down ...
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1 to go!
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After a nice shower it was off to the Magic Kingdom for a day of fun!
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I of course had to visit my buddy Donald and show off my medal. He was quite impressed.
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Best time for Castle pics is when there is a cavalcade passing by.
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Also went on the Liberty Belle for the first (and likely last) time
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After a nice and chill few hours at Magic Kingdom, it was time for a monorail hop over to Epcot and a late lunch/early dinner at Le Cellier. Our first (definitely not last) time here.
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As honorary Canadians we love our Poutine, but this was some fancy stuff.
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We of course had to get the Cheddar Cheese Soup (Choup)
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We had a lot of good meals during our trip, but this was probably the best one. The rest of the day was pretty much spent chilling at the hotel and we were in bed by 8:00pm. A very long day is coming up!

Day Five - Walt Disney World Marathon Day

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Here we go! The last early morning and the culmination of everything!
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Customary morning picture in front of Spaceship Earth
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It was COLD and also the day of many hats! You'll see ...
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I had thought about ditching my beanie before the start, then figured I'd just wear it until it got too sweaty and toss it. That was the right call!
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About mile 8 I switched to my sport beanie ...
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Flexing with Luisa
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Just got this picture this week. At the TTC I got a fist bump from Ashley our American Cancer Society rock star! This is the kind of support that is priceless!
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So many people warned me about the stretch between Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom, but TBH I didn't think it was bad. The loops around the MK parking lot were the worst IMO.
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I've said this multiple times, but seriously, find you a spouse/partner/whoever who's gonna grab you a beer at mile 18 of a marathon!
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Getting close to the end and now onto hat #3! We got a whole 1/4 mile in Hollywood Studios!
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Almost there, I don't even care about the gut!
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Wave to the camera, you did it!
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Seriously, there is no better feeling of accomplishment. Look at all those smiles. We all know it's over!
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And of course a celebratory ride on Guardians of the Galaxy to cap off the Dopey Challenge! Yes, we did this right after I ran a marathon!
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Amazing dinner at 'Ohana. Lots of other fellow Dopey's there that night!

Day Six to Ten - The Runcation!

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Shockingly enough, the next morning we found ourselves at Disney's Animal Kingdom to start our Runcation. We ended up spending 4 additional days in Florida and honestly, I was mostly okay for the duration.
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In fact, the only day I went back to take a nap at the hotel was the day after the Marathon. Of course, most of our days were VERY chill.
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Lots of fabulous meals, lots of medal pics in all of the parks and just a nice chill time.
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We even got to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Space Mountain and Carousel of Progress (at Magic Kingdom)
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Customary morning picture in front of Spaceship Earth. Well, last night in Florida Spaceship Earth picture.

Dopey Tips!

I want to share our Dopey Tips video below, be sure you check it out if you are planning on taking on this challenge. I did a LOT of research for the Dopey, so I've incorporated some of that into this video. Surprisingly, I didn't find a lot of tips on spectating for the Dopey and most likely other WDW Race Weekends. So I've also included tips for spectators. 

​I wanted to list them here in addition to sharing the video. 
Spectator Tips: 
  • Tip 1: If you can, stay at a Monorail Resort. This is the easiest way for you to cheer your runner (and all runners) on Main Street USA. If that's not really important to you, see Step 3. =) 
  • Tip 2: Take the last runDisney bus in the morning. Spectators can take the same runDisney bus as their athlete. But if you don't want to get up as early, check the schedule and take the last bus to the start line. From there you can cheer at the start line or hop the Monorail over to Magic Kingdom to cheer on Main Street and/or the Ticket and Transportation Center (dependent on speed of your runner/monorails)
  • Tip 3: Cheer at Disney's Animal Kingdom (Marathon Only). My wife loved cheering here. It was easy to get to from our hotel (Beach Club) and she was able to get back to the finish line to see me there too. This tip does require a park ticket unlike Magic Kingdom cheering. 
  • Tip 4: See your runner at the finish. Marathon finish lines are just amazing, and the festival area is super fun. 
Runner Tips: 
  • Tip 5: Celebrate Your Accomplishment! Don't just run off to the airport to fly home or drive home if you are in Florida. Stay for the day, enjoy the parks. Or if you can't, have lunch at one of the resorts or at Disney Springs. For us it was a ride on Guardians, lunch at Epcot, a beer and a walk around World Showcase before showers/naps. 
  • Tip 6: Spring for the PhotoPass Package! It's so worth it. I am so glad we did it. Join some runDisney groups before race weekend (likely applies to all race weekends) and you'll find people putting a group together to share the cost of the package. It'll be harder to find your pictures, but you'll be glad you did it. 
  • Tip 7: Get Recovery Sandals. I was honestly shocked these worked. I put them on after the Marathon and didn't put shoes on the rest of the week. 
  • Tip 8: Have a "Runcation". If you can, spend a few days in the parks. You'll want to get pictures in the parks with your medals anyway. You don't have to rush through the parks, just take it chill and have a nice few days of celebration. 
  • Tip 9: Pack, Pack, Pack and OVERPACK! It was very cold this year for the Dopey. Which meant lots of throwaway clothes. I went to my local goodwill a few weeks before and got some hoodies/sweaters that I could just toss at the start, or during the race. 
    • Bonus Tip: Take backup shoes! It's Florida. It's going to rain at least one day. You don't want to run in wet shoes. 
    • Bonus Tip: Do not check your running clothes and ESPECIALLY shoes if you are flying. You don't want to risk them being lost. You can replace pretty much everything else, but not your broken in shoes. 
  • Tip 10: Have fun! This is a Disney race. We run them to have fun. See the characters. Don't worry about setting a Personal Record for all 4 races (unless that's your version of fun). Take it all in. 

Thank you all for checking out our Dopey Challenge video series and reading all of this if you made it that far. 

I also want to give a shout out to my amazing wife and family for support through this entire thing. 

And most importantly, thank you to everybody who took the time out to donate to the American Cancer Society and all of the other charitable organizations. It's truly amazing to see the generosity of others, during a time when we can really use it. 

That last bit is kind of an extra bonus tip!

If you want to do any runDisney race, and don't want to worry about registration issues, find one of the many charities that are offering bibs for any of the races (it's not just for Dopey). I promise you the satisfaction you will get from fundraising for an amazing charity will be just as amazing as the rewards at the finish line! 

Related Videos

Related Updates 
  • A Farewell and Tribute to It's Tough To Be a Bug
  • HalloweenTime 2023 at the Disneyland Resort - September 13, 2023
  • Preview of Journey of Water Inspired by Moana at Epcot - September 6, 2023
  • Foodie Guide to Halloween at Disneyland Resort 2023 - August 17, 2023
  • Accessing and Ranking All Single-Rider Lines at the Disneyland Resort - June 7, 2023


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3/10/2025

A Farewell and Tribute to It's Tough To Be a Bug

Yesterday marked the closure of one of the original attractions at Disney's Animal Kingdom, It's Tough To Be a Bug. 

I first experienced this attraction at Disney's California Adventure during the Annual Pass preview days and was a big fan of it from our first to last viewing this past January at Disney's Animal Kingdom. 

Since A Bugs Life is my favorite Pixar film (yes, I'm one of those), this attraction has always been a must-do at both Disney's California Adventure and at Disney's Animal Kingdom. 

We wanted to mark the closure of this attraction with some thoughts and pictures of the attraction at both Disney's Animal Kingdom and Disney's California Adventure. 

​Join us for one last journey with our friend Flik. 
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Let's start off with the original at Disney's Animal Kingdom and a walk into the Tree of Life.
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Signs in the queue show off what you're going to see in the show. But give very little warning as to the intensity of the show (that parents would ignore anyway).
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Now playing ...
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Remember, magnifying glasses are for looking at little things, not for burning them.
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One last look at the Bugs Life theater at Walt Disney World. We will forever miss you and the screams of children that will echo through this theater forever. =)

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Since It's Tough To Be a Bug was the last attraction based on A Bugs Life to close, let's take a look back at some other Buggy Attractions.
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The entrance to It's Tough To Be a Bug at Disney's California Adventure.
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Flik's Fun Fair opened about 18 months after Disney's California Adventure opened to give kids something to do at the park.
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The only attraction inside Flik's Fun Fair that people actually miss.
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It's too bad they didn't make a full dark ride out of this and put it in Pixar Pier.
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Sorry for the Bluriness. Old camera and all.
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During the Disneyland 50th there was even a Flik mural.
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And lots of A Bugs Life representation in various parades including Block Party Bash.
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DCA 1.0 ...
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Flik gives it a thumbs up
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Poor Heimlich ...
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And in the Animation building, lots of Bugs here too.
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We'll leave you with a few night pics
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Bye Dot.

Related Videos

Related Updates 
  • HalloweenTime 2023 at the Disneyland Resort - September 13, 2023
  • Preview of Journey of Water Inspired by Moana at Epcot - September 6, 2023
  • Foodie Guide to Halloween at Disneyland Resort 2023 - August 17, 2023
  • Accessing and Ranking All Single-Rider Lines at the Disneyland Resort - June 7, 2023
  • Epcot 40th and International Food and Wine Festival 2022 - November 2, 2022


​​If you enjoyed this update please share with your friends and make sure you "like" us on Facebook and "follow" us on BlueSky, Instagram, Threads and YouTube
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