Here’s what’s new at Disneyland in 2020
While Disneyland depended on a galaxy far, far away in 2019, 2020 will be the year of the superhero at the park.
But Star Wars still will play a starring role at the start of the new year.
Star Wars takes center stage Jan. 17 with the opening of Rise of the Resistance, the company’s most ambitious and technically advanced attraction in its history. The 15-minute experience takes guests aboard an Imperial Star Destroyer, where they undergo a daring rescue through a hail of laser fire.
The ride has been packed since since it opened at Disney World on Dec. 5, drawing huge crowds to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Guests must join a virtual queue and all boarding slots typically are snapped up within the first 30 minutes.
Disneyland: Rise of the Resistance
Officials expect a similar reception when Rise of the Resistance opens inside Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland, and will implement a virtual queue resembling, if not identical to, the one at Walt Disney World.
Via the Disneyland app, guests entering the park will be able to register for one of the dozens of boarding groups available each day.
As quickly as spots have been snapped up at Disney World, officials there have started a virtual standby line, offering guests a time to visit should any slots be open. Those in the virtual standby lines are not guaranteed to get on the attraction.
Disneyland officials have not revealed whether a standby queue will be used for its Rise of the Resistance.
The attraction is expected to significantly boost crowds at Galaxy’s Edge, which drew disappointing numbers when it opened May 31, 2019.
California Adventure: Avengers Campus
Even as the Star Wars galaxy broadens, the Marvel universe prepares for its entrance in summer of 2020. Work progresses on Avengers Campus, rising on the former site of A Bug’s Land at California Adventure.
The centerpiece will be a Spider-Man attraction in which riders are granted web-slinging powers to trap hundreds of escaped Spider-Bots. It’s a blending of dark ride and game, likely resembling Toy Story Midway Mania in which riders shuffle among 3D screens featuring carnival games.
Also opening will be Pym Test Kitchen, a restaurant based on the Ant-Man comic and movies. Diners will eat meals that have either been shrunk or supersized (not in ways that involve the addition of fries).
The most anticipated ride — an attraction in which guests join Avengers in a battle to save Earth — is part of second phase of construction. Park officials have yet to announce opening dates for the campus or the Avenger ride.
‘Magic Happens’ parade
While not on par with the opening of new lands or attractions, Disneyland reveals a new daytime parade Feb. 28 featuring such recent animated films as “Frozen 2,” “Coco” and “Moana.” The “Magic Happens” parade also will feature Mickey Mouse and friends.
What’s closing in 2020
Three Disneyland attractions will undergo months-long refurbishments, and two have among the highest ride capacities in the park.
Haunted Mansion closes Jan. 21 for an extensive redo. Workers are expected to paint, tighten and overall tune the attraction to clear out the cobwebs (save those that are part of the experience). No word on how long the mansion will be closed to the living, but likely until the spring.
Park officials have yet to announce work on the Indiana Jones ride as it approaches its 25th anniversary, but reports say it will undergo a months-long renovation in 2020.
Snow White’s Scary Adventures shuts down Jan. 7 for an extended remodeling that will include new effects, lighting and animation systems. Imagineers are adding a happily ever after final scene, for those unsure if, ever after, things ended happily. If all goes well, it could reopen just in time for summer.
Is a price hike coming?
One thing not to look forward to in 2020 — the annual increase in annual ticket prices.
Anyone planning a trip in the year to come may want to buy tickets soon, before Disney announces price hikes (typically in early January). Tickets purchased now are good through 2020.