The Disneyland Resort will commemorate 2022 with the return of new shows, wearable technology, a landmark milestone, and significant improvements.
For the 50th anniversary of the famous parade, on April 22, 2022, the “Main Street Electrical Parade,” an all-new grand finale float, will debut. Using the iconic art style of legendary Walt Disney Imagineer Mary Blair, this seven-segment float will stretch 118 feet and be filled with characters from recent films such as “Encanto,” “Coco,” “Frozen” and many more. The other event is the “Disneyland Forever” fireworks spectacular, which will return to Disneyland Park. Last but not least, “Fantasmic!” is preparing for its return to Disneyland on May 28, 2022.
Disney fans are so excited that a handful of limited-time events, concerts, and seasonal celebrations will return this year. Changes are also on the way to the Downtown Disney District.
Here’s a preview of what’s to come:
#1 Main Street Electrical Parade – Spring
Source: Disneyland Resort
When Disney’s traditional electric parade returns to Disneyland, it will be led by the iconic train and drum crew, featuring Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Goofy, with the words “Disney Presents-Main Street Electrical Parade” flashing in the background. Many guest favorites return, including Dragon Elliot and Floats from Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella, and Peter Pan. The parade was first held on June 17, 1972.
#2 “Fantasmic!” – Spring
Source: Disneyland Resort
Featuring stunning imagery from Disney’s animated film, accompanied by exciting musical accompaniment and accented by fire-breathing dragons, Disney’s longest-running nighttime extravaganza returns to Fantasmic! America’s rivers come to life as Mickey Mouse uses his creativity to create wonderful events and images, as seen in classic Disney movies like Fantasia, The Jungle Book, The Little Mermaid, and more.
#3 “World of Color” – Spring
Source: Disneyland Resort
This nightly performance at Disney California Adventure Park is a one-of-a-kind mix of music, fire, fog, and laser effects, as well as Disney cartoons displayed on a massive water-screen. At Disney California Adventure, this breathtaking kaleidoscope of color celebrates the wonder and joy of Disney and Pixar – all set to soaring music.
#4 “Disneyland Forever” fireworks spectacular – Spring
Source: Disneyland Resort
This Disneyland Park fireworks spectacular features pyrotechnics and interactive projections that immerse viewers in a magnificent voyage filled with unexpected special effects. From flying over the London skyline with “Peter Pan” to dancing with King Louie in “The Jungle Book“ the canvas transforms into a beautiful canvas as guests are taken into a world of fantasy.
#5 “Celebrate Gospel!” – February
Source: Disneyland Resort
“Celebrate Gospel!” will grow and include live choir performances, each with its own unique style and inspiration. This event relocates to Disneyland Park’s Fantasyland Theater, where guests may enjoy uplifting choir performances on various days during the month of February.
#6 “Tale of the Lion King” – No date announced
Source: Disneyland Resort
Disneyland’s Fantasyland Theater will soon be host to “Tale of the Lion King,” a creative interpretation of Disney’s “The Lion King.” The Storytellers of the Pride Lands, a band of traveling artists that convey Simba’s beloved and timeless adventure in a unique story-theater manner with live song and dance, bring the “Tale of the Lion King” to life.
#7 Lunar New Year – Jan. 21-Feb. 13
Source: Disneyland Resort
The Lunar New Year festival at Disney California Adventure honors customs from the Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese cultures. From January 21 to February 13, 2022, the festival will feature multicultural performances, kid-friendly crafts, gourmet delights, gorgeous décor, festive goods, and live musical entertainment.
#8 Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival – March 4-April 26
Source: Disneyland Resort
From March 4 to April 26, 2022, the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival returns with its unique “tour” of California regions and communities. A dozen festival stalls will sell snacks and drinks. On Saturdays and Sundays throughout the festival, park guests will be treated to free culinary demonstrations by visiting, local, celebrity, and Disney chefs.
#9 Cars Land turns 10
Source: Disneyland Resort
The first guests strolled through the new Buena Vista Street featuring shops, architecture, and theming reminiscent of Los Angeles in the late 1920s/early 1930s on June 15, 2012, when Cars Land launched at Disney California Adventure Park. Guests were also introduced to Cars Land, where “car” citizens such as Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater travel around Route 66 in Radiator Springs. The Radiator Springs Racers attraction has grown as famous as Disney and Pixar’s blockbuster “Cars” flicks.
#10 Disneyland After Dark returns
Source: Disneyland Resort
As part of the Disneyland After Dark activities, many after-hours events will return in 2022. Sweethearts’ Nite will be presented at Disneyland on five evenings in February, Villains Nite on two evenings in March at Disney California Adventure, and Star Wars Nite on three evenings in May at Disneyland, including May 4th eve.
#11 Mickey’s Toontown reimagining
Source: Disneyland Resort
Mickey’s Toontown in Disneyland Park will close in March 2022 for an extensive renovation. The area will include new play experiences as well as open, grassy play places for everyone to disconnect, providing additional possibilities for families and young children to play together inside Disneyland Park.
#12 Disneyland Hotel work
Source: Disneyland Resort
In 2022, the Disneyland Hotel will undergo a slew of renovations. Imagineers are attempting to include additional Disney storytelling themes into the new resort complex, which is inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios’ legendary films. In addition, the Disneyland Hotel will acquire a new pool and entertainment space, as well as more accommodation options, making it the ideal location for every Disneyland tourist in 2022 and beyond.
#13 Downtown Disney transformation
Source: Disneyland Resort
The former AMC Theaters building and nearby area will be transformed into a spectacular new living space as part of a multi-year makeover project for Downtown Disney, which will begin in January 2022.
#14 MagicBand+ and Hey Disney are coming
Source: Disneyland Resort
The wearable MagicBand+, which has been available at Walt Disney World for eight years, will be available at Disneyland in 2022. In addition, the “Hey Disney!” virtual assistant will be offered in Disneyland Resort Hotels.
#15 Disneyland Parking Lot Trams Return – Early 2022
Source: Disneyland Resort
Guests visiting the Disneyland Resort will be able to utilize the Disneyland Parking Lot trams again as part of the gradual reopening. No particular dates have been disclosed as of yet.
