Disneyland Update! Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Ride Testing, CONSTRUCTION, New Holiday Merchandise, and More

This week at Disneyland, construction continues as new additions in Critter Country and the Haunted Mansion work makes progress, some new holiday merchandise has arrived, and the Halloween celebration continues at the resort.

Last week in our update, we shared a look at the Downtown Disney construction, Disneyland Railroad refurbishment, and work happening in Pixar Pier. Our Mickey Visit team is in the parks weekly to share the latest news and updates with you.

Keep reading for a photo update on what is happening at Disneyland! We have a look at Tiana's Bayou Adventure ride testing, Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree, and more this week.

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Disneyland Park Updates

Even though a lot of rides were down or closed during our visit this week, the crowds still felt fairly light. The Halloween celebration will continue through the end of the month with special entertainment, foods, decor, and more.

There is a special Halloween character cavalcade that takes place a couple of times per day in the afternoon featuring the characters in their Halloween outfits!

During the cavalcade, you'll see several classic characters in their cute Halloween outfits or holding Halloween accessories!

Halloween characters

Here is a look at Genie walking by with a trick-or-treat pail!

Genie Halloween character cavalcade

Nearing the central hub of the park, construction walls are currently up around Pixie Hollow as the area is under refurbishment.

Pixie Hollow refurbishment construction walls

In Adventureland, Jungle Cruise is currently undergoing a refurbishment. The ride is scheduled to reopen on October 4. You can keep up with all of the current Disneyland ride refurbishments here.

Jungle Cruise closure signs

Outside of the main entrance, you can spot the differences between the 1955 Jungle Cruise poster and the 2021 poster.

Jungle Cruise closed for refurbishment

Construction continues on the west side of Disneyland Park as work continues on Critter Country and the Haunted Mansion. Lines look a bit longer than they are due to all of the construction happening in the area, specifically for Pirates of the Caribbean.

The area between Pirates of the Caribbean and Winnie the Pooh is a bit chaotic right now between the constant loud construction noise, the Virtual Queue line for Haunted Mansion, and lines from the churro/popcorn stands.

One particularly notable area of progress for the Haunted Mansion queue is that the structure housing the elevator exit from the attraction is taking shape.

We've seen over our last few updates that some of the walls in the queue are taking shape and are just visible behind the construction walls.

The new Haunted Mansion retail shop continues to make visible progress as the roof takes shape.

Haunted Mansion retail shop construction

Tiana's Bayou Adventure is also making great progress! When we visited, water was running through the flume.

Tiana's Bayou Adventure construction update

We also saw the ride vehicles in testing!

ride vehicles testing Tiana's Bayou Adventure

Here is one of the ride vehicles about to plunge down the big drop. We're so excited for this to open at Disneyland!

Here is a look at the main entrance of the building behind the construction walls. It looks like these buildings are reaching their final stages of work.

Tiana's Bayou Adventure construction update

Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree looks like it's completed from the outside. We would not be surprised if this restaurant opened before November 15.

Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree sign

When announcing the Tiana's Bayou Adventure opening date, Disney had mentioned that “some areas may open earlier” than the land's official rechristening as Bayou Country when Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens on November 15. This may have meant the part of Critter Country that is open now, but it's also possible the restaurant could be opening sooner.

Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree construction update

There haven't been any very dramatic changes to the restaurant, but you can see some new artwork featuring Ursus H. Bear below.

There is also a fun new water fountain in Critter Country themed to Winnie the Pooh! This is too cute.

new Winnie the Pooh water fountain

There was also recently an Alice in Wonderland-themed water fountain added to Fantasyland as well!

Alice in Wonderland water fountain

Some holiday merchandise is popping up in stores! See these cute matching Santa Minnie and Mickey shirts:

Minnie and Mickey Santa shirts

And this cute red Disneyland holiday shirt that reads “Happiest Holiday on Earth!”

new Disneyland holiday merchandise

Here is another holiday shirt featuring a string of festive Mickey-shaped lights:

Disneyland red holidays shirt

Disney California Adventure Updates

Disney California Adventure's crowds also have felt lighter for the past couple of days when we visited. This weekend, all of the Magic Key passes except the Inspire Key are blocked out. See all of the Magic Key blockout dates for 2024-2025 here.

Guests can enjoy live music at the Paradise Garden Bandstand as the Plaza de la Familia celebration continues at the park.

Plaza de la Familia Paradise Garden

Most of the left side of Redwood Creek is closed as Disney is preparing for Santa to arrive for the holiday season.

Redwood Creek construction walls

You can see more details about Santa's meeting locations at Disneyland and changes for the upcoming holiday season here.

Redwood Creek Challenge trail closure sign

Downtown Disney Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month Decor

Disneyland Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month

Disneyland is celebrating Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month through October 15 with special food, entertainment, and decor. See some of the vibrant decor that is currently in Downtown Disney!

This area of Downtown Disney features a beautiful floral display highlighting Isabela from Encanto.

Isabela floral display

Here is a closer look at the details of the Isabela floral display below!

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About Emily Midgley

As News Editor of Mickey Visit, Emily covers breaking news, updates planning tips based on her frequent Disneyland trips, and assists in coordinating social media content. She also helps develop resources for the site including the extremely popular crowd calendars and historical data studies. Studies she has led have been featured by the Wall Street Journal, CNN, Fox Business, Forbes, Fortune, OC Register, KTLA, and more.

Emily has been going to Disneyland since she was small and visits the parks regularly as a SoCal resident, including during all of the special events throughout the year. She is a huge Star Wars fan, and her favorite ride at Disneyland is Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission: Breakout!

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