Disneyland

Animated Australian sensation “Bluey” has arrived in Disneyland, and the titular anthropomorphic pastel-coated canine has come ready to play. And dance. And to race some “barky boats.”

The Walt Disney Co. first teased that the Blue Heeler puppy and her younger sister Bingo would be coming to the Anaheim theme park in 2024. Bluey is now the star of a performance-focused takeover of the park’s Fantasyland Theatre, which officially opened Sunday.

Two shows, games and spontaneous dance parties are hallmarks of the experience, as Disneyland’s live entertainment team sought to translate the show’s particular broadcast-based appeal to the real world.

“Bluey” works because it’s charmed children and grown-ups alike, emphasizing imaginative parenting skills as much as it does Bluey’s playful spirit. Though only about seven minutes, each core “Bluey” episode unfolds patiently, often centered on make-believe, wonder and childlike ingenuity. Subtle life lessons, such as cooperation, understanding one’s self-worth, overcoming a fear of the unknown and much more, dot seemingly simple scenarios.

In many episodes, Bluey’s mom (Chilli) and dad (Bandit) indulge in their daughters’ penchant to play pretend, so much so that a friend of mine with a young girl joked that she needed to watch the show to learn how to be a better mom.

I arrived at “Bluey’s Best Day Ever!” as a childless columnist, and yet I came away enchanted by what Disneyland’s live entertainment team, led by Susana Tubert, had concocted. It’s a little silly and corny, yes, but manages to vary the tempo and can even tug at one’s heartstrings by showing the bond between siblings.

Theme park fare, especially when aimed at a preschool set, tends to fall back on high-energy, photo-op-based treatments, and while there’s plenty of amped-up goofiness here, “Bluey’s Best Day Ever!” understands that’s not why the series was the most-streamed program in 2025, according to data from research firm Nielsen.

Two core shows are featured in the experience, and some “Bluey” regulars make an appearance. The overbearing, bratty hand-puppet Unicorse, for instance, plays key roles in launching each performance. Set to play continuously throughout the day, with breaks for Bluey and Bingo to appear on stage and dance or play with youngsters, each has a slightly different tone and feel.

One emphasizes an adventure story, its themes encouraging Bluey to flash some bravery and dispel stereotypes. The other takes a lighter touch, with some of the softer, almost ballad-like songs from the show, such as “Rain (Boldly in the Pretend),” highlighted, seeking to emphasize the bond between Bluey and Bingo. Here, I thought of Bluey’s more tender moments — those, for instance, that emphasize becoming comfortable with growing older and letting go.

“Bluey’s Best Day Ever!” features live music, puppets and dance breakouts.

(Mark Potts / Los Angeles Times)

“We try to hit the humor, the play — shared play — and some of the more profound experiences that these characters go through,” Tubert says. “At the end of the second show, you’ll see a moment that is really quite beautiful. It’s a tribute to sisterhood, and how these two characters of Bluey and Bingo connect with one another.”

While one can certainly sit in the Fantasyland Theatre’s stands and simply take in the two shows, there are plenty of moments geared at getting audiences moving. Dances, for instance, may mimic animal behaviors, or reference popular moments from the series, such as getting grannies to floss.

A nod to the attention-seeking fairies — here, less Tinker Bell and more a metaphor for being noticed — inspires a “Riverdance”-like breakout. The five-piece, brass-heavy band gets a workout when Bluey’s impossible-to-control toy Chattermax has a cameo. The squawking plaything can test even Bluey’s patience.

Throughout, performers walk a line between teaching the maneuvers to the crowd and getting lost in the moment themselves. The challenge for Disney choreographer Taylor Worden was to create dance moves that also doubled as audience encouragement.

Spin, for instance, like a flower in the wind, or lightly snap your fingers to recall the sound of rain. Bounce with your hands in front of you as if you’re driving a car down a rocky street, or put your hand above your head and try for an elegant, ballerina-inspired twirl.

“It actually was letting go of all of those technical things that I’ve learned and letting that inner child come out,” Worden says. “As imaginative as Bluey and Bingo are, I wanted to hone in on that. I want everybody to enjoy, have fun and play. Play is at the forefront of everything. It’s so easy to get set in our ways, and even as an adult, it’s so hard to actually play nowadays. This has been such an experience to get to a childlike state.”

“Bluey’s Best Day Ever!” references many show moments from the series, including one with nods to the fairies.

(Mark Potts / Los Angeles Times)

There’s more, however, to “Bluey’s Best Day Ever!” than the two performances. The Fantasyland Theatre has been outfitted with pop-up installations. Some are purely photo ops, such as an opportunity for little ones to take a class photo with Bluey and her pals, while others aim to inspire exploration, such as a mini gnome village or fairy garden.

Taken as a whole, the feel is something of a fair, like hanging out with Bluey and Bingo at a backyard barbecue. The theater’s walk-up food window is serving pizza-inspired baked potatoes, a colored chocolate pretzel meant to mimic an asparagus pretzel wand, and more.

There’s also a place to race some “barky boats.” In the show, barky boats is a game that takes place on a tiny stream with tree bark, but there’s no water here. Instead, look for a track in a nook above the seating area, where one can race wooden blocks affixed with wheels — think Pinewood Derby — down a track painted to mimic a waterway. Throughout the theater, the colors are springlike and muted, pastels that are lightly bright and storybook-inspired. Even the dance costumes adopt this soft, crayon-like color palette.

“Bluey’s Best Day Ever!” at the Disneyland Resort invites audience participation.

(Mark Potts / Los Angeles Times)

“The color palette works perfectly with the set,” says Trevor Rush, a manager with costume design and development. “Lots of pastel colors. ‘Bluey,’ that world, focuses very much in that primary world. You won’t see a lot of black represented.”

“Bluey’s Best Day Ever!” does not currently have an end date, but is expected to be a Disneyland staple throughout the spring and summer seasons, with showtimes currently set for the late morning and early afternoons. For Tubert, who has an extensive background in theater, “Bluey’s Best Day Ever!” is meant to highlight the theme park as a place of play, where one can be a bit silly, and maybe even a little vulnerable.

“There’s a nonjudgmental safe space that we’ve created in ‘Bluey’s Best Day Ever!’ that invites everyone to feel uninhibited and the joy of playfulness,” Tubert says.

Disneyland Paris is opening World of Frozen later this month and we got a first look at the brand new Frozen Ever After ride, as well as where you can meet the princesses and see Olaf

Disneyland Paris is set to open its huge new World of Frozen land later this month – and I was lucky to get a sneak peek beforehand.

When Anna and Elsa open up the gates on March 29 in Walt Disney Studios Park (which will rebrand as Disney Adventure World on the same day), visitors will be treated to a host of exciting offerings in Arendelle.

That includes brand new ride Frozen Ever After (you can read my verdict on this one below), as well as meet and greets with both Anna and Elsa, interactions with a very impressive Olaf animatronic, and plenty more fun including a chance to hang out with Oaken ahead of his Big Summer Blowout, and chatting to the villagers to hear various fun tales from around the land.

There’s also a new restaurant, shows and heaps of Easter eggs for all Frozen fans. Here’s a rundown of everything you need to know about the new land – including my review of the new ride, and tips on where to actually meet the characters…

The new Frozen themed ride

For the first time (in forever), Disneyland Paris has a Frozen themed ride. ‘Frozen Ever After’ is a gentle boat ride where you sail through the Kingdom of Arendelle and head towards Elsa’s ice castle.

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It’s definitely a family-friendly ride but be warned there are a few drops along the way that caught me off guard – including one particularly steep section which was a little more thrilling than I had expected! The ride has all of the makings of that Disney magic; beautiful sets, impressive animatronics, and all of the iconic songs that have become such a staple in most families’ households (whether parents like it or not).

I think overall it’s going to be a hit; it’s got enough of the original Frozen magic for the kids, but for parents it’s got a bit more thrill and fun to it as well. The queue itself also features plenty of little surprises and sets full of hidden gems that will no doubt keep kids entertained while they wait for their turn to board the boats.

Where to meet the characters

If you want to meet Anna and Elsa, you’re going to have to book in for the experience. I think the system could actually work out better for families; no need to spend hours in a queue, and you can actually plan your day around the meet and greet if it’s going to be very important for your kids to meet the Arendelle royals.

If you do manage to bag a slot, the overall experience is pretty intimate feeling. There’s a waiting hall adorned with paintings of Anna, Elsa and their parents, as well as a few paintings you might recognise from ‘For the First Time in Forever’. You wander along the halls of the royal palace before turning a corner into a private room where Anna and Elsa are ready and waiting to greet you. It’s a lovely experience overall, and as you’re the only ones in the room with the princesses and photographer, it means families will get some proper quality time with them all.

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If you don’t book a slot, there are plenty of other character interactions throughout the land. Oaken can be found wandering around the land – and a simple ‘Yoohoo!’ call grabs his attention – or you can keep an eye out for the adorable baby troll Mossie who’s more than willing to have a natter. The Arendelle villagers are also around to chat to kids and share their favourite tales from the kingdom.

Even though I knew he was an AI-powered animatronic, he looked absolutely real – it’s a real feat of engineering. kids around us were in complete awe. Although it’s not a traditional ‘meet and greet’ with photos, you can watch him interact with a villager and the crowd, so it makes for a fun show. He’ll make his appearances throughout the day, so keep your eyes peeled!

New show and general atmosphere

The overall atmosphere at World of Frozen is just a lot of fun. A Celebration in Arendelle is a fun new show that takes place on the waters of the land’s bay, featuring Anna, Elsa, Olaf and Kristoff – another chance to get a glimpse of your favourites – with plenty of music and enchantment.

I was pretty blown away by the design of World of Frozen too; from the moment you walk up, you feel like you’re instantly transported into the films. The Nordic-inspired buildings, food and the instrumental takes on the film’s iconic soundtrack all come with a dose of that Disney magic, not to mention there’s so much attention to detail.

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There are photo opps everywhere, but two main areas were a hit with the crowd when I was there; the first was the large ice-inspired fountain right by the entrance to the kingdom, and the second was in front of the entrance to ‘Frozen Ever After’, as you can get a picture with a mountainous backdrop that features Elsa’s ice castle too.

The food

World of Frozen has a brand new restaurant, the Nordic Crown Tavern. This quick service restaurant has a menu inspired by Scandinavian cuisine, featuring the likes of salmon, meatballs, quinoa and mashed potato.

Prices range from €12-€20 depending on what you choose, but the portions were pretty generous. I went for the vegan meatballs and mashed potato combination, and I was genuinely impressed at the quality – it left me feeling full up for most of the afternoon, but not so full that I couldn’t get a cheeky ice cream or two later!

The restaurant itself is full of charm, with portraits of the characters and paintings throughout, as well as hidden features (there’s a little cat that you can try and spot from the queue for the food), and it definitely felt like an extension of the rest of the land.

It’s only one part of Disney Adventure World

World of Frozen is undoubtedly the new land that’s got everyone excited, but it’s actually just one part of a much wider expansion for the theme park. Walt Disney Studios Park may be what Kristoff and friends would deem a ‘Fixer Upper’, but it’s being completed transformed into Disney Adventure World. That comes with heaps of fun new additions alongside the opening of World of Frozen.

This will include ‘Adventure Way’ where you’ll find another new ride; Raiponze Tangled Spin, a little bit like the teacups, inspired by the scene in Tangled where Flynn and Rapunzel sing ‘I See the Light’. There are also plenty of food stalls, fun interactions with the likes of Mickey, Peter Pan and Mary Poppins, and even a dance show featuring Rapunzel herself.

This is all laid out around a large lake which becomes the setting for the brand new ‘Cascade of Lights’ show at night. I won’t spoil too much, but let’s just say the drones, pyrotechnics and music were absolutely spectacular.

• Package prices start from £129pp per night, based on a Disney Hotel Cheyenne & Ticket package for 2 adults and 2 kids staying four nights/five days, between July 31-August 28. Subject to availability. You can find out more and book at disneylandparis.com.

WE ARE just a couple of weeks away from the new Disneyland Paris World of Frozen opening and fans are in for a real treat.

Officially opening on March 29, the World of Frozen at Disneyland Paris was first announced back in 2018 – and Sun Travel has been lucky enough to see it today, before the gates officially open.

The land features a life-sized 36-metre North Mountain with Elsa’s Ice Palace, a Frozen Ever After boat ride and A Celebration in Arendelle show on the water.

There is also a Nordic-themed restaurant, as well as themed shopping experiences and character meet and greets.

Upon entering the Kingdom of Arendelle, I’m greeted by towering Nordic-style houses and a magical Frozen soundtrack.

Am I actually in Arendelle? Because it sure feels like it.

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This weekend I got a sneak peek at the new land and let me tell you, there’s a lot to share.

The Frozen Ever After ride

The main attraction of the new land is the musical Frozen Ever After boat ride.

With no height restrictions, the family-friendly ride heads on a journey through well-known scenes from the Frozen franchise.

Starting at the Royal Docks, you head through the village and forest meeting Sven and Olaf on the way, then you glide past Troll Valley and up The North Mountain (and then down the other side!).

But don’t worry, the drop isn’t dramatic…yet.

The boat journey continues on past a magical moment with Anna and Kristoff, before being halted at the doors of Elsa’s Ice Palace.

Swiftly, the doors open to reveal Elsa singing from her balcony.

This is where the ride gets really special as you are propelled backwards through her glistening palace.

The air turns cold as fog emerges and the ice monster Marshmallow appears, with a blast of his icy breath you’re spun back around and plummet down the remainder of the mountain.

But don’t forget to smile, as this is the photo moment before parking back up at the Royal Docks.

Meeting Olaf

A few months back during the first peek at World of Frozen, videos circulated on social media of the interactive Olaf, quickly gaining millions of views.

Olaf is powered by AI but you wouldn’t know as he walks and talks just as you would expect him to if he had stepped out of the film.

He makes an appearance on the new boat show, but it’s not yet been confirmed where else he will appear around Arendelle.

A Celebration in Arendelle

Of course, World of Frozen wouldn’t be complete without its own show.

The land is set during the Snowflower Festival and as a result, the daily show features your favourite characters as they sing and dance and celebrate the festival together.

It’s a magical moment to sing your heart out to Let It Go.

You can expect a water display, snow and fireworks.

Royal Encounters

Head to the Royal Palace to meet Anna and Elsa who are welcoming guests for a private experience.

In a waiting area, there are several paintings that feature in the film including a reimagined version of Jean-Honoré Fragonard’s famous painting The Swing.

Then there is the room where you get your Royal Encounter, which features the royal orb and sceptre as well as the clock young Anna leans against in the song ‘Do You Want to Build a Snowman?’

You won’t get a moment where you are closer to the two sisters and can take a photo to remember your time in Arendelle.

You can meet other characters too of course, back in the Kingdom including Mossie the troll and Oaken (from the trading post and sauna).

Arendelle Boutique

Inside Arendelle Boutique, which is next to the Clock Tower, guests will discover the world of Bjorn and Thea who are a couple of toymakers whose wooden creations are loved by Elsa and Anna.

There’s even a wooden Arendelle Castle with Anna, Elsa and Olaf.

And for visitors who really want to feel as if they are one of the people who live in the Kingdom, they can grab Nordic-inspired dresses with floral patterns.

A great activity for little ones is sending a postcard from the village mailbox, which is next to the shop.

Fjord View Shop

Similar to the Arendelle Boutique, the Fjord View Shop sells exclusive merch, but one particularly special thing is the troll toys.

Inside this shop there is a real hidden gem too, you can adopt your very own Runa troll, who is interactive.

When you leave the shop with Runa, she also interacts with different parts of the World of Frozen.

Nordic Crowns Tavern

When it comes to having a bite to eat and a tipple, you can head to the Nordic Crowns Tavern, which is set just steps away from Arendelle’s harbour.

The outside of the Tavern is inspired by the UNESCO-listed Bryggen district in Bergen, Norway, which is known for its wooden buildings.

Two buildings meet at the entrance to the Tavern, one painted green for Anna and one painted blue and purple for Elsa.

Inside, visitors are greeted by cosy wooden paneling with nautical touches such as maritime charts and paintings of the rolling fjords.

And of course, there are two portraits of the princesses in the main hall.

The menu is inspired by Norwegian and more widely, Scandinavian cuisine with dishes featuring salmon and meatballs.

For dessert, I enjoyed my very own white chocolate and berry snowflake, but you can also opt for a swirl of tutti frutti ice cream in Frozen’s famous blue or vanilla ice cream sprinkled with snowflakes and edible flowers.

Disney Cascade of Lights

While not exclusive to just Frozen, the new Disney Cascade of Lights is Disneyland Paris‘ second night-time show.

Set over Adventure Bay, the show features fountains, lights, projections, pyrotechnics and drones.

The show features firm Disney favourites including Mulan, Moana, Hercules and the Zootopia police force.

In other theme park news, an English seaside theme park has scrapped entry fees and has a huge new ‘showstopper ride’.

Plus, there’s a European theme park you won’t have heard and it has revealed a huge £78million expansion plan.

Disneyland Resort President Thomas Mazloum has been named chairman of Walt Disney Co.’s experiences division, the company said Tuesday.

Mazloum succeeds soon-to-be Disney Chief Executive Josh D’Amaro as the head of the Mouse House’s vital parks portfolio, which has become the economic engine for the Burbank media and entertainment giant. His purview includes Disney’s theme parks, famed Imagineering division, merchandise, cruise line, as well as the Aulani Resort and Spa in Hawaii.

Jill Estorino will become the head of Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. She previously served as president and managing director of Disney Parks International and oversaw the company’s theme parks and resorts in Europe and Asia.

Estorino and Mazloum will assume their new roles on March 18, the same day as D’Amaro and incoming Disney President and Chief Creative Officer Dana Walden.

“Thomas Mazloum is an exceptional leader with a genuine appreciation for our cast members and a proven track record of delivering growth,” D’Amaro said in a statement. “His focus on service excellence, broad international leadership and strong connection to the creativity that brings our stories to life make him the right leader to guide Disney Experiences into its next chapter.”

Mazloum had been about a year into his tenure at Disneyland. Prior to that, he was head of Disney Signature Experiences, which includes the cruise line. He was trained in hospitality in Europe.

In his time at Disneyland, Mazloum oversaw the park’s 70th anniversary celebration and recently pledged to eliminate time limitations for park-hopping, which are designed to manage foot traffic at Disneyland and California Adventure.

Mazloum will now oversee a 10-year, $60-billion investment plan for Disney’s overall experiences business, which includes new themed lands in Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World. At Disneyland, that expansion could result in at least $1.9 billion of development.

The size of that investment indicates how important the parks are to Disney’s bottom line. Last year, the experiences business brought in nearly 57% of the company’s operating income. Maintaining that momentum, as well as fending off competitors such as Universal Studios, is key to Disney’s continued growth.

In his new role, Mazloum will have to keep an eye on “international visitation headwinds” at its U.S.-based parks, which the company has said will likely factor into its earnings for the fiscal second quarter. At Disneyland Resort, that dip was mitigated by the park’s high percentage of California-based visitors.

Times staff writer Todd Martens contributed to this report.