Disneyland Summer 2017 - What Changes to Expect

By Jennifer Stuart

There are lots of changes and updates  coming to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure for Summer 2017.  Know what to expect to help you plan your visit.

This post was updated to reflect new dates announced June 15, 2017.

MaxPass

New MaxPass Terminals (covered) at Grizzly River Run

MaxPass, or digital FastPass, has been rumoured to be on it's way for quite some time. An exact time-frame has not yet been announced but apparatus has now been installed at the entrances to all current FastPass attractions (covered with brown bags in this picture).  A launch time and more details are yet to be announced pending trials of in- park wifi.  Information on FastPasses will be stored in the bar code of your park ticket or annual pass or on your smartphone via the official Disneyland App. (Look for updates to this post as more information becomes available).
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Wifi

Disneyland is finally introducing park wifi to support the introduction of MaxPass and the increased use of the official Disneyland App. This has been available at Disney World for a considerable time but had not yet made it to the west coast (except at Paradise Pier only for Fun Wheel Challenge and at the resort hotels). Disneyland is expected to start quietly testing wifi park wide April 24.  This will be a HUGE data use savings for those using the app-- or anything else in the parks. Read our post Why You Should Download the Disneyland App Before You Go.
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Expanded FastPass Options

​As of April 6 FastPass is now available for Toy Story Midway Mania.  Look for FastPass to also be added to Matterhorn Bobsleds and Peter Pan's Flight in the near future.  All of these rides have traditionally had very long lines and the option of being able to fastpass them will be welcomed by visitors who don't want to wait in those lines.  

Guardians of the Galaxy Mission Breakout

The all new Guardians of the Galaxy Mission Breakout ride has been constructed in the old Tower of Terror in Disney California Adventure.  This opened  May 27.  Expect characters and music from the movies and big drops.  Lines will most likely be long as this is a new attraction and one of the main thrill rides in this park. (Our advice is to fastpass it if possible-- expect FastPasses to sell out early in the day). 

Summer of Heroes

Disney is promoting its "Summer of Heroes" to tie in with the new Guardians of the Galaxy ride and to showcase more of their Marvel franchise in the parks.  Running from May 27 to Sept 10 in Disney California Adventure there will be many opportunities to interact with Marvel characters.  Expect to find Spiderman, Captain America, Black Widow, Hawkeye, Star-Lord, Gamora and Groot.  Centered in Hollywood Land there will be several Marvel activities you can participate in this summer.  

These are the descriptions as listed on the Disneyland website. (More information to follow as they start to become available). 

Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Dance Off! 
Bust a move to the thundering sounds of classic rock as Star-Lord, Gamora and Groot head up the hottest dance party this side of the sun!
Black Widow Heroic Encounter 
Catch the Black Widow’s dynamic arrival in Hollywood Land—join her team of new recruits, strike a high-powered pose and capture the moment with pics!
Avengers Training Initiative 
Summon your courage! Prepare to enter an elite circle as Black Widow and Hawkeye show Super Hero trainees what it takes to save the world!
Hero Action Center 
Enlist in the ranks of the finest crime fighters and learn how to embody your own personal heroics to help family, friends and the community.

Fantasmic

​Fantastic returns to the Rivers of America this summer.  So far we know that there will be new scenes added including Aladdin, Tangled, Lion King and Pirates of the Carribbean.  Disney has said that Mickey will be featured more prominently.  Rumours suggest that they are going to have some cutting-edge new special effects, including projection mapping, and they have taken advantage of the closure of the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer's Island to install new equipment.   Just announced: Fantastic will re-open July 17 for the 62nd Anniversary.
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Railroad and Rivers of America

Disneyland Railroad and attractions on Rivers of America  are expected to re-open July 29 after a long closure due to the construction of Star Wars Land.    This re-opening should include Disneyland Railroad, Mark Twain Riverboat, Sailing Ship Columbia, Davy Crocket Canoes.

Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer's Island will re-open to guests June 16.

​Fireworks

The fireworks show that is being offered for most of the summer is Remember… Dreams Come True.  This is a great show that features the flight of Tinkerbell over the castle.  The exception to this should be the special 4th of July fireworks..

​Main Street Electrical Parade

This Disneyland Classic has returned for a limited time run and is supposed to be retired afterwards. Originally only being offered until June this nostalgic fan favourite has been extended until August 20.  Expect 2 shows a night for most nights (check the entertainment schedule for times).

​Classic Space Mountain Returns

Look for the classic Space Mountain to return June 1 after a long overlay of Hyperspace Mountain.  This should last until the change to the Ghost Galaxy overlay for Halloweentime in September.
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All Photos by Jennifer Stuart

Thoughts? Questions?  Is there something you are looking forward to this summer? We would love to hear from you?