Even though they are the hottest months of the year, June, July, and August are typically some of the busiest months at both Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
It is the time when kids are out of school, and parents can manage to get some time off work, so they head to the parks to spend some time with Mickey Mouse and friends. They brave the heat and endure the cost so they can enjoy some of that Disney magic.
Taking a Disney vacation is now more expensive than ever; between the park tickets, hotels, Disney Genie+, merchandise, food, and airfare, the average family can spend thousands on just a few days.
Sadly, this summer, those tickets will actually get them less at the theme parks than they have in the past.
According to reports, Disney officials have decided to scale back on multiple shows and experiences at the Disneyland Resort this summer, despite their distinct popularity.
The shows being cut are not focused in one specific area, but they are in one specific theme park — Disney California Adventure. The Disneyland Resort calendar has revealed that both the Citizens of Buena Vista Street and the Warriors of Wakanda will be seen less this summer than they have in the past.
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While Disneyland guests might not know their names, they are most likely familiar with the Citizens of Buena Vista Street. And I’m not talking about Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy (although they are amazing). No, I am talking about Donna “The Dog Lady” Linn De Larria and her precious pup, Messenger twins Millie and Molly, Officer Calvin Blue, Officer Clyde Blue, and Phiphi Farouak “Phi Phi Francis the Photographer” Francis.
These fun characters can often be seen traveling around Buena Vista Street, having fun and memorable interactions with guests. However, this summer, instead of being out every day, the residents will not be out on Thursdays and Fridays throughout at least late July. At the time of publication, the Disneyland Resort calendar only went through July 24. So it is possible the cut in shows could extend further into the summer.
Another show being drastically cut down is Warriors of Wakanda: The Disciplines of the Dora Milaje on Avengers Campus. The popular show sees General Okoye and her trusted warriors teach guests some of their signature moves and exactly what it takes to be an elite fighter in Wakanda.
Related: Young Girl’s Interaction With Dora Milaje Goes Viral and It’s Pure Disney Magic
According to the Disneyland Resort calendar, the number of shows will be cut by more than 20%, with the Dora Milaje show NOT being offered on select Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays through July 24. Again, like the Citizens of Buena Vista Street, it is possible the show cancellations could extend into August.
Disneyland Budget Cuts Abound
The cutting of performances for the Citizens of Buena Vista Street and the Warriors of Wakanda are not the only cuts that have happened at The Happiest Place on Earth in recent weeks.
Just last week, Disney Dining shared that Doctor Strange: Mysteries of the Mystic Arts has been permanently closed in Avengers Campus. Like the Warriors of Wakanda, the Doctor Strange show was very popular with guests. Especially since the shows are some of the biggest draws in the new area, which opened in 2021.
There are only two rides in Avengers Campus — WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure and Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! There is also only one place to eat, so the interactions with some of the most popular Marvel superheroes were one of the largest selling points.
Disney did not share why it decided to permanently close the Doctor Strange show, but it is possible that it is looking to redirect funds into the massive expansion project it has planned for the resort. In early May, DisneylandForward was approved by the Anaheim City Council, which will allow Disney to expand California Adventure and build a third theme park.
Do you think Disney should be cutting shows at Avengers Campus? Let us know in the comments!