All the Disneyland News You Should Care About This Week
One billion guests, a couple of ticket deals, and a milestone birthday coming up. Not a bad week to be Disneyland.
OK, it’s not just me obsessively staring at wait times on the app — outside of a bonkers first week of June, Disneyland’s wait times have been remarkably low this summer.
Touring Plans hasn’t rated wait times above a 3 once yet in July, and since early June it’s only reached above a 5 twice.
Is it the World Cup? Recession indicator? An effect of park hopping rules going away? A mirage? Whatever the case, I can rest assured that as soon as I book another trip, so will everyone else.
While you all enjoy my dream scenario at the parks, here’s the rest of the recent Disneyland news to care about.
🎉 Disneyland Just Hit One Billion Guests
On July 3, Disneyland officially welcomed its one billionth guest. Which makes one wonder just how many churros that comes out to.
In very Disney fashion, it turned out to be an 8-year-old kid celebrating his birthday. Andres Robles from Arizona showed up with his parents expecting a normal park day and left having participated in a ceremony on the Main Street train station platform, where the family unveiled a new park sign that now reads “Population 1,000,000,000.”
Man that’s so cool. And I’m so freaking jealous.
The milestone landed just two weeks before Disneyland’s 71st birthday (on July 17), and just a few days into the 70th Celebration’s final stretch. The Robles family also scored a VIP tour guide for the day, a walk through Walt’s private apartment, and a ride on the newly opened Soarin’ Across America. Not a bad birthday haul.
One billion guests across 71 years is a legitimately staggering number. And somehow the billionth one was an 8-year-old from Arizona who had no idea it was coming. That’s what Disneyland is all about.
🎟️ The $59 Evening Ticket Is Gone (But There’s Still a Deal for Anaheim Locals)
Earlier this week, Disney quietly introduced a $59 evening ticket for Disneyland for one of the rare times in its history. It’s valid Sundays through Wednesdays from July 12 through August 5, with entry at 7 p.m. at Disneyland or 5 p.m. at DCA.
It was a genuinely great deal for a summer evening in the parks. It also sold out in less than a week. As of Monday it’s listed as “currently unavailable,” and based on how these things have gone in the past, don’t hold your breath for more availability to appear.
This was largely great news for locals, or maybe if you were in town for a conference or something.
If you missed it but live in Anaheim specifically, there’s a separate deal worth knowing about: a new Anaheim Resident Ticket offer goes on sale July 16, priced at $71 per day for anyone 10 and up (or $50 for kids ages 3–9). It’s valid July 20 through October 8, which conveniently covers both the final weeks of the 70th Celebration and the start of Halloween Time. You’ll need a government-issued ID with an Anaheim ZIP code, and your payment method needs to match. Not the widest net, but if you qualify it’s a solid deal.
🔍 Rumor Check: The D23 Drop
Is a D23 Day surprise announcement coming on August 13?
D23 Day at Disneyland is confirmed for August 13, and Disney has been uncharacteristically quiet about what’s actually planned for it beyond some vague promises of “dazzling surprises.”
Given that the 70th Celebration wraps on August 9 and Halloween season kicks off August 21, Disney has a natural window to drop something big — a new attraction announcement, a land reveal, something for the next era of the resort.
Pure speculation at this point, but the setup is there.
Likelihood: 5/10 — Disney loves a moment, and August 13 has “moment” written all over it.
⚡ Quick Hits
Security dog retires after six years: If you’re like me, it’s always very hard not to pet that very good boy or girl checking for bombs and stuff as you enter the esplanade. Benny was one of those hard workers, and he’s getting retirement after an impressive career.
Disneyland turns 71 on July 17 — No word yet on special in-park programming, but keep an eye on the entertainment calendar as it gets closer.
70th Celebration ends August 9 — Paint the Night and Wondrous Journeys have been extended through August 20, but the main celebration wraps in just over a month. Last chance to grab any 70th snacks or special items.
Halloween Time starts August 21 — Oogie Boogie Bash kicks off August 18. Tickets are on sale now. Some dates are already selling out.
King Arthur Carrousel returns July 17 — Brief closure ends just in time for the park’s birthday.
Matterhorn closing July 20 — Back July 24, routine maintenance.
Soarin’ Across America is officially open — Debuted July 2.