This week, updates for an opening day attraction, Toy Story has taken over the resort, flick cards will be moving to yesterland, a Disney Legend to receive an Oscar, we talk about my recent trip to Tokyo and more!
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News:
Disneyland’s Autopia attraction is facing a strict state-mandated deadline to retire its gas-powered car fleet by February 1, 2027, or face being shut down. This comes after Honda discovered an administrative engine certification error in 2023, resulting in a 2024 environmental violation notice and a financial settlement for Disney. While the compliance plan doesn’t explicitly force electric vehicles, Disneyland officials have confirmed they are actively developing a fully electric car prototype to keep the 71-year-old ride running. – https://www.micechat.com/437247-disneyland-news-autopia-tinker-bell-construction/
To celebrate the release of Toy Story 5 this summer, Disney California Adventure is introducing rotating drawing lessons for characters like Woody, Buzz, and newcomer Lilypad at the Animation Academy. Additionally, starting in early July, Disneyland Resort hotel guests can exclusively enjoy the “Poolside Splash Bash,” featuring themed dance parties, trivia, and character appearances in new costumes. – http://laughingplace.com/disney-parks/celebrate-toy-story-5-new-lessons-disney-california-adventures-animation-academy/ https://www.laughingplace.com/disney-parks/disney-poolside-splash-bash-toy-story-5/
Disney Parks has officially retired FLIK, the wait-time tracking system that helped measure attraction queue times for more than 25 years. Introduced in 1999, FLIK relied on guests carrying red tracking cards through attraction lines, with the final installation recently removed from Goofy’s Sky School at Disney California Adventure. Disney now uses newer technologies, including MagicBand data and sensors, to monitor and post attraction wait times more accurately. – https://www.laughingplace.com/disney-parks/flik-ends-disney-parks/
Construction walls have recently come down around a new two-story Downtown Disney building, signaling that the ground-floor Earl of Sandwich and upstairs Gordon Ramsay restaurant, The Carnaby, are nearing completion. Meanwhile, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters has officially reopened following a refurbishment that updated its exterior with a retro 1967 Tomorrowland color scheme. Although official opening dates for the new dining spots haven’t been announced yet, both the restaurants and the refreshed ride represent major visual updates for the resort. – https://www.laughingplace.com/ https://www.laughingplace.com/disney-parks/astro-blasters-new-colors-disneyland/
Guest falls down Tiana’s Bayou Adventure – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2026/06/23/disney-guest-falls-down-50-foot-drop-on-tianas-bayou-adventure/
Disney Legend Floyd Norman will receive an Honorary Oscar at the 17th Annual Governors Awards on November 15, 2026. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is presenting him with the lifetime achievement award to honor his barrier-breaking, 65-year career as Disney’s first Black animator. He will be celebrated at the Hollywood ceremony alongside other industry icons, including director Ridley Scott and actress Glenn Close. – https://www.micechat.com/437707-disneyland-news-labor-trouble-oogie-boogie-toy-story-takeover/
SnackChat:
New in Downtown Disney – https://www.laughingplace.com/disney-parks/happy-ice-opens-at-downtown-disney/ https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2026/06/23/something-new-is-coming-to-downtown-disney/
Discussion Topic:
Tokyo Disneyland with Ryan
