10 Quiet Changes Disneyland Was Hoping You Wouldn’t Notice

Disneyland has made some changes that normal Disney fans won’t notice. But we’re not normal Disney fans…

Whether it’s changing up rides subtly or quietly taking away perks or conveniences, Disneyland is always in motion. While the theme park resort has no issues with advertising some of its big, positive changes, it also likes to keep quiet about some adjustments that it’s not as proud of.

During our visits to Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure picked up on, we’ve picked up on 10 changes Disneyland probably doesn’t want you to notice.

1. Blocked Path In Disney California Adventure

Avengers Campus expansion is underway, and the land will double in size while adding two new attractions over in Disney California Adventure.

As expected, that has created some construction effects that have come at the expense of guests.

While work is being done, the pathway that conveniently connects Avengers Campus and Cars Land is CLOSED, so you’ll have to go the long way to get between the lands.

2. Possible Esplanade Controversy

Disneyland announced a new transportation hub project that will indeed make life easier for guests. However, the project also notes changes coming to the Disneyland esplanade.

A new esplanade experience has been teased, and the details surrounding that remain murky, at best.

The esplanade is packed with tiles that were bought by folks over the years (although the program has been discontinued), featuring their names, a date, and a design. These sponsorships end after a decade, and with no new bricks being placed, Disney is within its rights to remove them. This new project could see that change happen.

3. No More Costco Disneyland Vacation Packages

In years past, Costco and Disneyland partnered to provide special packages on hotels and tickets, but that big package promotion seems to have stopped for the time being.

As of May 2025, Costco’s website reads, “Costco Travel is not accepting new reservations to the Disneyland Resort.” Guests with existing packages through 2025 can still modify their reservations. However, Disneyland ticket deals ARE still available! Right now, Costco is offering a three-ticket bundle for $449.99 that includes three Disneyland Park days with a Park Hopper included for all three days, $30 Disney Dining Card, AND Lightning Lane Multi-Pass!

Packages are still available for Adventures by Disney, Aulani, the Disney Cruise Line, and Disney World.

4. Autopia Driver’s Licenses Increase Price

In Tomorrowland, Autopia has a couple of photo booths where you can buy a driver’s license souvenir. This cute little souvenir is especially fun if you’re young and can’t get a real driver’s license yet. In 2024, they were $8, but right now they’ve gone up to $10.

The price increase coincides with Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Celebration, and the current license reflects that theming. However, back in the day, Disneyland used to give these licenses away for free — albeit they were of cheaper quality and not as personalized.

5. Rise of the Resistance B-Mode

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is a FANTASTIC ride — one of the best in the world. But it hardly works 100% as intended.

Often, Disneyland has to put this ride into B-mode, with some features not working properly. We FINALLY got moving canons again recently, but you still never know if Kylo Ren’s lightsaber will pierce through the roof of the lift, or if one of his animatronics will function properly.

The ride is really cool regardless, but once you see it in all its glory, it’s hard to ignore when you’re not getting the best version.

6. Not Much To See In Tiana’s Bayou Adventure From The Train

In the past, the Disneyland Railroad took you through Splash Mountain, and you got a clear look (and clear audio) of the final showroom where all the characters sing “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah”.

Splash Mountain, of course, is now Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, but unlike its predecessor, the view into the final showroom isn’t as clear.

You can still sort of see into the party and hear the music, but much of the old view is blocked, and you’re really only getting peaks now instead of the massive view you got inside the mountain before.

7. No More Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah

Speaking of Splash Mountain, you won’t really hear “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah” played around the resort in background music or parades anymore.

This change happened years ago, and Disney probably wishes it was quieter than it turned out to be, considering the company wants to totally remove itself from its Song of the South history. Whether you agree with the decision to move away from the popular tune or are still angry about it, what’s done is done, and “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah” won’t be returning to Disneyland anytime soon.

8. Where Are Deadpool And Wolverine

2024’s Deadpool & Wolverine was a box office hit and prompted a storytime show at Disney California Adventure that even got a Christmas version for the holidays!

The show wrapped after the holidays, and we haven’t seen either character wandering California Adventure since, sadly. With their MCU usage up in the air, we get it, but their inclusion in the park was an objective success.

9. Fantasmic! Problems

When Disneyland’s Fantasmic! returned in 2024 after a long hiatus due to the show reworking itself following the spectacular dragon catching fire, it did so to a bunch of fanfare. However, things haven’t been great.

The dragon no longer makes a grand appearance — or an appearance at all — and replacement effects don’t always work. So if you consider this new show a B-mode, you might be in for C, D, or E-mode on any given night if a piece of tech isn’t working.

What can we say — we miss the dragon.

10. The Rainforest Cafe Building Is A Waste Of Space

Years ago, Disneyland was going to build a new hotel in Downtown Disney, but those plans quickly fell through. Not before the company cleared out the ESPN Zone and Rainforest Cafe buildings, though.

While the ESPN Zone building is currently being transformed with new shopping options, the Rainforest Cafe building has been home to Star Wars Trading Post for a few years now. This Star Wars-themed store is fine, but it pretty much only uses the lobby/store area of the restaurant and the front outdoor area. This restaurant was really big with two stories, and Disney isn’t doing anything exciting with those portions, even though the infrastructure is still there. It’s just kind of a waste of a really cool-looking building.

We visit Disneyland every week and notice a lot of changes. When they happen, we make it a point to let you know.

Have you noticed these changes? Let us know and continue to follow us here at AllEars for all the latest Disneyland updates!

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What are some of your favorite (and least favorite) Disneyland changes over the years? Let us know in the comments!

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