The rides and shows are paused for now at Disneyland Resort, but there are still some great things happening at the Anaheim theme parks.
Recently, for instance, Disneyland joined its sister parks around the world in thanking healthcare workers. In Anaheim they did it through a few of their famous floral displays, spelling out “Thank You” and “Gracias,” at the Storytellers’ statue, just off Main Street USA, and at Paradise Gardens Park in Disney California Adventure.
Plus, of course, there are all sorts of ways you can participate in some Disneyland magic. The parks’ #DisneyMagicMoments website keeps adding to its deep inventory of cool virtual experiences, activities, and star-studded performances. Here are a few to check out now:
Take a spin on the Incredicoaster
On this virtual ride, you’ll actually feel a few of those rollercoaster-generated stomach-butterflies, but also learn some fun facts, like how many times Jack-Jack appears on the ride, and the Incredibles’ real-life connection to Walt Disney.
Check out the sunrise from Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
The blog has posted pics of how the early morning sun looks streaming over the Millennium Falcon and the spiky landscape of the planet Batuu. After you greet the day, watch the cool video of Anthony Daniels, aka C3PO, talking about the challenges of wearing his costume while filming.
Listen to the Dapper Dans
The iconic barbershop quartet singers recently gathered over Zoom to perform “When You Wish Upon a Star” and are taking requests for future numbers. Watching the performers in their home settings, it’s clear that some of those handlebar moustaches are quite legit.
Watch the Magic Happens parade
The new parade had recently debuted on Disneyland Park from Main Street, USA, and now you can watch it up close. The nine new floats feature characters from Sleeping Beauty, The Princess and the Frog, Coco, and Frozen. You can also download the playlist to keep the songs on a loop.
Cook up some theme park treats
The #DisneyMagicMoments site and the My Disney Experience app have been gradually releasing recipes, such as the famous Dole Whip, churro bites, Walt Disney’s own chili recipe, or this Monte Cristo sandwich, an original menu item from the park’s Blue Bayou.
Peek behind the scenes of the Imagineers
Learn about the origins of the brain-trust studio under Walt Disney, with features on the Sculpture Studio—filled with works by Disney’s legendary sculptor and animator Blaine Gibson—and the Digital Image Showroom, a virtual-reality space that helps the Disney pros design and engineer future attractions.
Download a Zoom background
Choose from various Disney parks or Pixar-themed backgrounds—like settings from Incredibles 2, Inside Out, and Toy Story.
Watch movies and performances
Through May 1, Disney Friday Night Movies will feature different films across various Disney platforms (including Freeform, ESPN, and FX) with limited commercials. Or, check out a 20-minute version of Disney Cruise Line’s Beauty and the Beast.
Listen to celebrity storytimes
Choose from more than two dozen celebrities reading Disney storybooks. Some are Disney notables—like Daisy Ridley from the Star Wars series, or Ming-Na Wen, the voice of Mulan—and others are just notable, such as Jeff Goldblum, The Office’s Angela Kinsey, and Courtney B. Vance.
Learn how to draw from animators
The How to Draw with Disney Animation series features pros such as the veteran animator who drew Ariel in The Little Mermaid, along with animators giving step-by-step lessons on Rapunzel, Frozen’s Anna, and a caricature of Uncle Walt. Also, check out the How to Draw the Child (aka Baby Yoda) video or the Draw with Pixar videos that include Cars’ Lightning McQueen.
See what Olaf is up to at home
The Frozen character stars in a new series of 11 very short films (also made from the creators’ homes) that feature him on his own, trying musical instruments, celebrating a birthday, taking a nap, and, of course, laughing a lot.