The Disneyland Resort first opened with one park in 1955. They added California Adventure in 2001 and the parks have evolved so much since then. These are some of the ways Disneyland has changed in the last ten years. Some guests really miss the way the parks used to be, while others love a lot of the changes.
FastPass Changes
Disneyland had paper FastPasses for many years, then in 2014 they switched to a digital system FastPass+, then Genie+, and now they have Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Passes. It is a paid service that you do from your phone instead of paper passes.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is a whole Star Wars themed land that opened on May 31, 2019. It took over the area that used to have Big Thunder Ranch, Big Thunder Ranch Petting Zoo, Big Thunder Ranch Barbeque, and Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree.
Splash Mountain Closed
The iconic attraction Splash Mountain closed on May 31, 2023. The ride was redone and the theme changed. It is now called Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, which is The Princess and the Frog themed. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opened on November 15, 2024.
Everything Is On Your Phone
Disneyland vacations are hardly a way to unplug these days. You’ll use your phone with the Disneyland app nonstop to book Lightning Lanes, mobile order your food, use PhotoPass, and more.
Avengers Campus
Avengers Campus didn’t exist 10 years ago at the Disneyland Resort. It’s located in California Adventure park and replaced the area that used to be A Bugs Land. It has two attractions, restaurants, shows, and more.
Tower Of Terror Is Gone
Tower of Terror was a spooky attraction that opened in California Adventure in 2004. It closed in 2017 and the ride was redone. It reopened a few months later as Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT.
Mobile Ordering
A lot of quick service restaurants give the option to do mobile ordering, which is where you order food on your phone in the Disneyland app. This is nice because you don’t have to wait in line when you do this.
No More Paper Tickets
Disneyland used to give you a paper ticket that you would scan each day when you entered the park. Now your tickets are in the Disneyland app and you scan your ticket from there.
Increase In Prices
The cost of going to Disneyland has increased drastically over the last 10 years. A one day park ticket in 2015 cost $99 for adults and $93 for kids. Now tickets start at $104 per day, but most days are much more expensive, up to $206.
Increased Crowds
The amount of people at Disneyland and California Adventure every day is much higher than it used to be. There are very few days that do not have high crowds.
Pixar Pier
The pier in California Adventure used to be called Paradise Pier. It was redone in 2018 to have a Pixar theme and is now called Pixar Pier. Some of the rides changed to have Pixar themes. California Screamin’ is now Incredicoaster and Mickey’s Fun Wheel is now Pixar Pal-A-Round.
Toontown Got A Refresh
Toontown closed in March 2022 to get some major updates. It reopened on March 19, 2023 during the Disney 100 celebration. The biggest update was that they added a new ride called Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway.
San Fransokyo Square
Pacific Wharf in California Adventure park has been transformed into San Fransokyo Square from the Disney movie Big Hero 6. You can meet Baymax and Hiro and eat at Aunt Cass Cafe.
Oogie Boogie Bash
Oogie Boogie Bash is a Halloween party you can get tickets for in California Adventure park. This after-dark event started in 2019. Before that Disneyland had Mickey’s Halloween Party in Disneyland, then in California Adventure.