Disney California Adventure (DCA) is stirring up drama just days before the 2025 Food & Wine Festival kicks off on February 28—and it’s not the good kind of enchanted chaos!
As a Disneyland annual passholder who’s roamed these paths more times than I’ve eaten churros, I’m here to spill the pixie dust on the latest shake-ups rocking DCA. From the Red Car Trolley turning into a photo prop to Avengers Campus slashing its marquee shows, the park’s undergoing a transformation that’s left fans—and me—reeling. What’s happening, and why now, with the 70th anniversary (starting May 16) on the horizon?
This enchanted insider report, hot off a Monday morning stroll on February 27, 2025, dives into the closures, queue quirks, and new eats shaking up DCA. With Monsters Inc. down, Avengers shows fading, and festival kiosks shrinking, is DCA losing its charm—or prepping for something bigger? Here’s everything you need to know to navigate this magical mess, plus passholder hacks to keep your trip enchanted!
Red Car Trolley Returns… as a Relic?
Location: Buena Vista Street
What’s Happening: The Red Car Trolley’s back on Buena Vista Street—but don’t get too excited. It’s parked, offline, and windowless, a mere shell of its former self. Once a whimsical ride whisking guests to Avengers Campus, it’s now just a photo op.
What’s Happening: The Red Car Trolley’s back on Buena Vista Street—but don’t get too excited. It’s parked, offline, and windowless, a mere shell of its former self. Once a whimsical ride whisking guests to Avengers Campus, it’s now just a photo op.
Why It Hurts: This trolley was DCA’s heartbeat—ding-ding-ing its way through the park’s story. Now, it feels like a museum piece, per X chatter (@DLNT, February 20). Passholders like me miss timing shots with its cheerful clatter.
Insider Take: It’s a nostalgic sting, but the scaffolding at Carthay Circle hints at a 70th anniversary refresh—could the trolley roll again by May 16? For now, snap a pic—it’s all it’s good for.
Avengers Campus Cancels the Magic: Shows Slashed
Location: Avengers Campus
The Big Cut: Avengers Campus is losing its soul—three marquee shows are either gone or gutted:
The Big Cut: Avengers Campus is losing its soul—three marquee shows are either gone or gutted:
-
Avengers Assemble: Once a hyped spectacle, it’s been halved in frequency and is slated for a permanent axe soon—X whispers confirm it’s a cost-cutting move.
-
Doctor Strange’s Magic Show: The Sanctum’s now just a Captain Marvel meet-and-greet—no more mystical flair.
-
Spider-Man Stunt Show: Parkour and wall-scaling? Cut. It’s now a quick chat and launch—half the thrill.
Why It’s Shocking: These shows were DCA’s draw when Avengers Campus opened—no big new rides, just character vibes and stunts. Now, with only Mission: Breakout and Web Slingers left, it’s a shell of its promise. Passholders lament the lost energy—where’s the 500-million-dollar expansion cash going if not here?
Insider Hack: Catch Avengers Assemble before it’s gone—check times early, as schedules are shrinking fast.
Insider Hack: Catch Avengers Assemble before it’s gone—check times early, as schedules are shrinking fast.
Monsters Inc. Joins the Closure Club
Location: Hollywood Land
What’s Down: Monsters Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue is closed—rare for this reliable dark ride. No reopening date yet, but X speculation ties it to 70th prep.
Why It Matters: Hollywood Land feels empty without it—passholders miss its quirky charm amidst Avengers woes.
Insider Tip: Skip the backlot for now—head to Cars Land or Pixar Pier instead.
What’s Down: Monsters Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue is closed—rare for this reliable dark ride. No reopening date yet, but X speculation ties it to 70th prep.
Why It Matters: Hollywood Land feels empty without it—passholders miss its quirky charm amidst Avengers woes.
Insider Tip: Skip the backlot for now—head to Cars Land or Pixar Pier instead.
Food & Wine Festival 2025: Fewer Kiosks, New Eats
When: Starts February 28, 2025
What’s New: The Food & Wine Festival’s menu dazzles—think Red Rage Wings ($10-$12, Pym Test Kitchen) and a Pepperoni Pizza Pocket ($10.99, Shawarma Palace)—but kiosks are down. Hollywood Land’s missing its usual two, and spots near Golden Dreams are empty—four to five total gone, per my count.
Standouts:
What’s New: The Food & Wine Festival’s menu dazzles—think Red Rage Wings ($10-$12, Pym Test Kitchen) and a Pepperoni Pizza Pocket ($10.99, Shawarma Palace)—but kiosks are down. Hollywood Land’s missing its usual two, and spots near Golden Dreams are empty—four to five total gone, per my count.
Standouts:
-
Pizza Pocket: Flaky empanada dough, melty pepperoni—beats a Hot Pocket, hands down.
-
La Style Booth: Western BBQ Burger and Mini Street Dog—future must-tries.
-
Flo’s V8 Cafe: Tokyo Mater Burger (teriyaki-glazed beef)—a passholder fave.
Why It’s Odd: Fewer kiosks mean less variety—easiest year yet to eat everything, but is DCA skimping? Passholders wonder if budget cuts (Avengers, anyone?) are to blame.
Insider Hack: Hit Shawarma Palace early—$10.99 for the pocket’s a steal vs. $15+ elsewhere.
Insider Hack: Hit Shawarma Palace early—$10.99 for the pocket’s a steal vs. $15+ elsewhere.
Queue Chaos: What’s Up with Wait Times?
DCA’s queues are a mixed bag—here’s the enchanted scoop from February 27:
-
Web Slingers: Posted 35 minutes, but the line spilled into the street—closer to 60. Cast flexed the “blue bullpen” after 2+ minutes, dropping it to 25. Passholder tip: Eye Lightning Lane—empty means faster standby.
-
Radiator Springs Racers: 65 minutes, deep single rider (30-40 minutes)—Lightning Lane’s breezy, worth $20/kid for families.
-
Incredicoaster: 20 minutes turned 30—queue stretched past bonus section. Multiple trains keep it flowing—passholders ride at dusk for vibes.
-
Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters: 20 minutes (22 actual)—broke down mid-ride. Third fail in a row—cursed?
Why It’s Wild: Posted times flip-flop—35 to 45 to 25 at Web Slingers in minutes. Passholders know: trust your eyes, not the app.
Insider Hack: Mark queue backs—3 minutes watching gantries or load cycles predicts real waits.
Insider Hack: Mark queue backs—3 minutes watching gantries or load cycles predicts real waits.
Navigate DCA’s Chaos Like an Insider
Don’t let closures dim your magic—here’s how:
-
Skip Avengers: Focus on Pym’s eats—Red Rage Wings beat a half-show.
-
Cars Land: 20-minute Mater or 65-minute Racers—both enchant.
-
Lightning Lane: $20-$25/day for Racers or Web Slingers—skip the mess.
-
Chill Spot: Redwood Creek—passholders unwind here post-laps.
FAQs About DCA in 2025
Why are Avengers Campus shows closing?
Cost cuts—passholders suspect budget shifts to a $500M ride, not entertainment.
Is the Red Car Trolley gone forever?
It’s a relic now—70th upgrades might revive it by May 16.
What’s new at Food & Wine 2025?
Pizza Pockets, Red Rage Wings—fewer kiosks, tastier bites.