Disneyland Grand Openings, Renovations Around The Park

ANAHEIM, CA — What's new at Disneyland Resort in 2019? In the middle of January, a construction wall has erected around Sleeping Beauty's Castle, and in Downtown Disney a new restaurant has opened its doors.

Sleeping Beauty's Castle is getting a major refurbishment, as the park plans on spending over $300,000 for a new roof, "replacing fiber-reinforced plastic" on the 70-foot tall turrets, the Orange County Register reported.

The refurbishment project will go on until spring, a Disneyland Resort spokesperson said.

Don't worry, special fabric will cover the scaffolding, keeping the castle picture-worthy during the work, they said. The Diamond Celebration decorations deteriorated the roof, leading the park to seek the renovation.

Other spring projects around the park include the new $100 million parking garage, the remodeling of the Disney Grand Californian Hotel, and the new full size replica of the Millennium Falcon.

Ride Rehab:

Attractions getting their annual mid-winter rehab include:

• Sleeping Beauty's Castle walk-through (Jan. 17)
• Haunted Mansion (Jan. 7-17)
• It's a Small World (Jan. 22-31)
• Astro Orbiter (Jan. 7)
• Splash Mountain (Feb. 4)

In Downtown Disney, Ballast Point has opened its doors for the "soft open" of the Brewery and Kitchen. The popular pub-style restaurant opened on Jan. 12, and will be perfecting its wait-staff and kitchen Monday and Tuesday before closing for a private event in the afternoon, a restaurant spokesperson said.

New Eats:

"Ballast Point will offer more than 50 styles of its adventurous beers across 100 taps and is creating specialty brews which will be exclusive to the Downtown Disney District," a Disney spokesperson said.

The family friendly menu will entice the entire family with a mix of Southern California favorites such as Baja-style fish tacos, “Black Marlin” BBQ flatbread, the California “Kolsch” steak burrito, a variety of burgers, gluten-free options, vegetarian dishes, desserts and a kid-friendly menu.

"Each location has its own individual flair," executive chef Colin Maclaggan said. The theme is nautical in nature, representing the bow of a ship. Look for Ballast Point to be open regularly, with 4,000 square feet of bar and restaurant dining in what is the first microbrewery in Downtown Disney.

Coming soon is Black Tap Craft Burgers and Beer, next door.

Also open is Naples Ristorante e Bar and Napolini Pizzeria! This grand reopening was much awaited for fans of the delicious Italian style pizzeria. The restaurant underwent an "extensive renovation," with a new menu and lighting as well as expanded patio dining.

Mickey's Mouse Party:

If you're ready to get your ears on, it's time for Mickey & Minnie's Celebration. A tribute to the iconic pair started in January and will last throughout 2019, as they share their 90-year legacy with fans through menus, merchandise and more.

Some of the popular food items served in their honor include:

• A Celebration Sipper & Straw for your fave drinks
• Mickey and Minnie chocolate caramel apples
• Mickey macarons
• Mickey popcorn buckets
• Mickey pretzels and waffles
• Seasonal offerings
• Specialty desserts
• Themed novelties

And, then there is this. Purple Potion Paraphernalia. From ears to shirts to bags, forget rose gold. It's all about purple in 2019.

Photo, courtesy Disneyland Resort