Avengers Campus – Disney California Adventure
Now that Galaxy’s Edge is all set up, Disney is turning its attention to its other multibillion-dollar franchise, unleashing a whole horde of superheroes, intergalactic thunder gods, Wakandan warriors, and genius billionaire philanthropist playboys with the Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure. Sprawling out from the current Guardians of the Galaxy ride (formerly the Tower of Terror), the hugely ambitious, fully interactive Marvel-themed section of the park will include chances to get up close and personal with superheroes, see what would happen if Ant-Man’s technology was used to shrink or enlarge food at the Pym-Test Kitchen, and fire web-shooters at spider-bots on a Spider-Man ride. No word yet on whether there will be an app to snap half the lines outside those rides out of existence, but hey, if anyone could pull it off, it’s Disney.
Rise of the Resistance – Disneyland
Disney finally opened its long-awaited second ride within Galaxy’s Edge: Rise of the Resistance this January — the attraction debuted in December in Orlando but finally came to that galaxy far, far away known as Southern California on January 17. While you can pilot the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, on the Rise of the Resistance, you’ll be dropped into a Star Destroyer to witness a fierce battle between the First Order and the Resistance, complete with droids, stormtroopers, Imperial walkers, and the emo brooding of Kylo Ren. It’s one of the longest (nearly 20 minutes) and most technologically advanced rides Disney has ever created. Predictably, the waits for this ride will belong. A few tips: Download the Disney app to get into the virtual queue, get there early, and purchase a Millennium Falcon fry bucket before you leave.
Asian Street Eats – Disneyland
Disney’s known for releasing themed specialty treats throughout the year, but so far the only new kid on the dining block is Asian Street Eats in Downtown Disney from Chef Hung Huynh, the winner of Top Chef Season three. True to its name, Asian Street Eats is a quick-service joint in a converted food truck, serving up scallion pancake wraps, potstickers, and a selection of mixed bowls — a far cry from the Mickey-shaped pretzels, corn dogs, and turkey legs of yore.
The Magic Happens Parade – Disneyland
One of the highlights of visiting Disneyland is the daily parade, which sees visitors abandon ride queues to line up on the streets of Downtown Disney and catch a procession of acrobats, musicians, and characters. The most magical place on Earth will show off a spanking new daytime parade beginning February 28, complete with a new musical score and song featuring your au courant Disney characters like Moana, Miguel from Coco (swoon), and the cast of Frozen 2. (Samantha?) Of course, Mickey and his OGs will be involved too.
New Snow White ride – Disneyland
One of Disney’s original attractions when it first opened in 1955, Snow White’s Scary Adventures has closed to undergo some major upgrades, including laser projections and a new animation system. No word on when it will reopen this year or what else it will entail.
Disneyland’s 65th Anniversary Celebration – Disneyland
Disneyland first opened on July 17, 1955, and while no special party has been announced, expect lots of 65th-anniversary merch throughout the parks. This also means that the original opening day attractions — Autopia, Jungle Cruise, King Arthur Carousel, Mad Tea Party, Toad’s Wild Ride, Peter Pan’s Flight, and Snow White’s Scary Adventures — will get some extra attention in 2020.