Galaxy’s Edge just changed forever (and other things you need to know)
All the Disneyland news you should care about this week.
It’s a massive week for Star Wars fans, a rough one for New Orleans Square, and a quietly significant one for the future of what you’ll be able to buy at the parks.
Let’s get into it.
🌌 Galaxy’s Edge finally lets everyone in — Vader, Han, Leia, Luke, all of it
Look, I’m one of the people who has loved Galaxy’s Edge since it opened. I haven’t had any problem with the Resistance Era theming. There’s been plenty to bite into as an Elder Millenial, lifelong Star Wars fan.
That said, I ain’t exactly mad at what’s happening there recently…
As of April 29, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland has officially expanded its timeline to include the original trilogy era, and it’s kind of a big deal. For the first time, Darth Vader, Han Solo, Leia Organa, and Luke Skywalker are roaming Batuu as permanent residents — not seasonal, not event-exclusive, just there.
Vader patrols near the TIE Echelon with Imperial stormtroopers. Han and Leia are near the Millennium Falcon. Luke wanders the outpost with a focus on Jedi artifacts and kyber crystals.
The sequel era isn’t going anywhere either — Rey, Ahsoka, Mando, and Grogu all remain. You now have characters from across multiple eras sharing the same space, which is either a storytelling compromise or the best version of Galaxy’s Edge depending on how you feel about canon.
The background music has also been completely overhauled with John Williams’ original trilogy scores — “Main Title” at the land entrances, “Cantina Band” near Oga’s, and classic themes throughout.
Again, I had no hate for how things were up until now — I loved the subtle change as you walked into Galaxy’s Edge and how it’s immersive without hitting you over the head. But I’m sure I’ll also love the original score blasting into my face.
📿 Disneyland is done selling MagicBand+ on property
Confirmed this week: once the current inventory sells out, you won’t be able to buy a MagicBand+ anywhere at the Disneyland Resort. Disney quietly confirmed it to multiple outlets. The bands will still work — park entry, Lightning Lane, Batuu Bounty Hunters — they’ll just no longer be for sale in the parks or Downtown Disney.
I guess I was the one person who somehow missed this was where things were headed? I was still under the impression that Disneyland would eventually adopt the MagicBand+ directive, and hell, I was ready to get it implanted like an age detector from Logan’s Run.
But, apparently for everyone else this isn’t the least bit surprising. MagicBand never had the same utility at Disneyland as it does at Disney World, where it’s your hotel key, your payment method, and half your vacation. At Disneyland it was mostly a more expensive way to do what your phone already does — partly, it seems, because they never really invested in it there.
If you want one, grab it at DisneyStore.com before your trip. If you already have one, nothing changes for you. And you can still grab one at Walt Disney World and bring it with you to DLR and enjoy fun lights during parades and whatnot.
🏴☠️ Pirates of the Caribbean is closed — and nobody knows for how long
As of May 4, Pirates of the Caribbean went dark for what Disney is calling a “refurbishment.” In fairness, that’s probably what is, BUT filed permits from earlier this year point to a pretty involved project: rock work, projectors, speakers, and structural updates across multiple scenes. The kind of stuff you don’t do over a long weekend.
Disney hasn’t announced a reopening date, which is itself a signal. Blue Bayou, which sits inside the attraction, briefly closed with it and now has a confirmed reopening date of May 21 — though the famous bayou atmosphere that makes Blue Bayou Blue Bayou will still be at least partially blocked by construction. Worth knowing before you make a reservation.
Best current estimate, based on event fine print and some detective work by Disney Tourist Blog, is that Pirates could be closed through mid-to-late June at the earliest. Plan accordingly.
Rumor Check: Is Avatar land getting replaced by Zootopia?
Likelihood: Real conversation, unclear outcome. 50/50.
This one has been circulating for a few weeks now and it’s worth actually breaking down. The Wrap reported that Disney may be reconsidering its plans to build an Avatar-themed land at Disney California Adventure, with a Zootopia land as a potential alternative. A former Imagineer, Jim Shull, was cited as the primary voice making the case — pointing to Avatar: Fire and Ash’s middling cultural impact, the operational complexity of Avatar’s planned boat ride (which would require its own water treatment facility), and the massive overperformance of Zootopia 2.
The clues that have people paying attention: Monsters, Inc.’s closure got delayed from 2026 to 2027, and Disney filed nine confidential demolition permits for the Hollywood Land area in April. Confidential permits mean Disney isn’t ready to show its cards yet. That’s either normal project sequencing or a sign that the plan is still in flux.
Disney hasn’t confirmed any change. The Avatar land was officially announced. Demolition permits were filed. But the delay of the Monsters, Inc. closure and the hush-hush nature of those permits is keeping this rumor alive. Zootopia: Hot Pursuit at Shanghai Disneyland is apparently the highest-rated attraction in that park, so the case for it isn’t crazy.
I for one vote for something besides Avatar — sure, it would be cool, but there’s already a Pandora at WDW. And if we’re going to bring something from WDW to Disneyland, let’s at least make it Tron.
Quick Hits
Hyperspace Mountain runs through June 1. The Star Wars overlay on Space Mountain — TIE fighters, Imperial Star Destroyers, John Williams cranked up — is back through the end of May. If you haven’t done it, this is the window. It flips back to regular Space Mountain on June 2, overnight, no downtime.
Mandalorian & Grogu mission on Smugglers Run launches May 22, timed with the film’s theatrical release. New planets (Bespin, Coruscant, Endor), new mission objectives, full rework — this is a permanent change, not a limited overlay. I’m here for it, and whatever else they add to this underrated attraction.
Star Wars food available through May 31 during regular park hours — no event ticket needed. The Chosen One Cooler and Sith Lord Libation (both with or without alcohol, lightsaber swizzle stick included) are at multiple locations around the park. The Jabba’s Sail Barge popcorn bucket also launched May 4 if that’s your thing.
Bluey’s Best Day Ever is running at Fantasyland Theatre — daily, included with park admission, no extra ticket needed. It’s been going since March 22 and has no announced end date. If you have kids under 8 in your life, this is currently one of the better reasons to visit. Live music, Bluey and Bingo on stage, interactive games, themed food at Troubadour Tavern.
Fantasmic! is running on a limited schedule through May 21, then returns to daily performances starting May 22. Check the app before you plan your evening around it.
Pride Nite tickets are on sale now — June 16 and 18, $169/person. Fireworks, cavalcade, dance parties, rare character appearances, after-hours access from 6 p.m. These events sell out, so grab your tix soon.
Also currently closed with no return date announced: Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters (dark since April 13, calendar shows it out through at least June), Silly Symphony Swings (closed April 27, also showing June on the calendar), and Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind at DCA (closed since January). None have official reopening dates.
A food item from the DCA Food & Wine Festival stuck around after the festival ended: a chocolate-dipped frozen banana with caramel toppings, available now at a regular park location. Apparently genuinely huge and shareable.
Kids Summer Ticket pricing kicks in May 22 — ages 3–9 can visit for as low as $50/day through September 7. And the 70th Anniversary celebration runs through August 9 — if you’ve been procrastinating on a trip, the clock is actually ticking now.
What’d I miss? Hit reply and let me know.