Disneyland Resort is about to make this holiday season one of its most talked-about yet. The fan-favorite Story Time with Deadpool Holiday Special is officially returning to Disney California Adventure Park for the 2025 holidays, marking the comeback of one of the park’s most controversial live shows.
The news doesn’t end there. Disneyland confirmed that “at select performances, Wolverine may also stop by,” hinting at a Marvel crossover that could make the show one of the most highly anticipated — and unpredictable — events of the season.
Deadpool’s Return to Disney California Adventure
The irreverent Story Time with Deadpool Holiday Special is set to run during Disneyland Resort’s holiday season, from November 14, 2025, through January 7, 2026, alongside beloved seasonal experiences like World of Color – Season of Light and Festival of Holidays.
First introduced several years ago as a limited-time offering, the show became a cult hit for its outrageous humor and self-aware storytelling. The performance featured Deadpool reading holiday tales in his signature style — sarcastic, sharp-tongued, and brimming with pop culture commentary. Fans loved it for its creative edge, but the show’s PG-13-to-R-rated tone quickly drew criticism, leading to its removal from the lineup.
Now, it’s back — and Disney is betting that the Merc with a Mouth’s chaotic charm will resonate with a new wave of parkgoers.
“At Select Performances, Wolverine May Also Stop By”
While Deadpool’s return alone would be headline-worthy, the addition of Wolverine takes things to a whole new level. Disneyland teased the team-up with a single line: “At select performances, Wolverine may also stop by.” The cameo marks a rare park appearance for the X-Men hero, whose presence at Disney properties has long been restricted due to character licensing agreements.
The inclusion of Wolverine also points to Disney’s growing confidence in merging its park entertainment with the current momentum of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Following the massive success of Deadpool & Wolverine in 2024, which became one of the highest-grossing Marvel films to date, the pairing feels like a natural extension of the duo’s newfound popularity.
Whether Wolverine’s appearance will involve live interaction, a stunt sequence, or a comedic skit remains to be seen. Still, the announcement alone has sent fans into a frenzy — and it solidifies this holiday show as a must-see for Marvel devotees.
Disneyland says "At select performances, Wolverine may also stop by."
The holidays at Disneyland Resort run Nov. 14 through Jan. 7. pic.twitter.com/pw7bZWcWXd
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) October 30, 2025
Disney’s “Most Inappropriate” Holiday Show
When it debuted, Story Time with Deadpool stood out as one of the boldest entertainment choices Disney Parks had ever made. Described by guests as one of the “most inappropriate and controversial” holiday offerings in the company’s history, the show dared to poke fun at both Disney traditions and Christmas clichés.
The experience blended irreverent storytelling, sharp wit, and Deadpool’s trademark fourth-wall-breaking humor — a far cry from the sentimental fare of A Christmas Fantasy Parade or It’s a Small World Holiday. While some guests were caught off guard by the show’s adult-oriented jokes, others applauded its originality and willingness to take creative risks.
Its sudden disappearance from the park’s entertainment schedule left fans wondering if it would ever return. But its reintroduction this year suggests that Disney is becoming more comfortable experimenting with tone — offering content that appeals not only to families but also to adults who grew up with Marvel’s more offbeat heroes.
Marvel Energy Meets Holiday Magic
Disney California Adventure has steadily evolved into the more daring side of the Disneyland Resort. Home to Avengers Campus, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!, and seasonal Marvel meet-and-greets, the park has become the experimental space for integrating superhero storytelling into live entertainment.
Deadpool’s return fits neatly into that vision — expanding Marvel’s footprint in the parks while bringing a fresh, comedic twist to the holiday lineup.
While the show’s humor may lean into PG-13 territory, it’s unlikely to cross the R-rated threshold that defines the character’s film identity. Instead, fans can expect plenty of witty quips, satirical holiday jokes, and self-referential humor that playfully acknowledges Deadpool’s role as the most self-aware superhero in the Marvel canon.
And with Wolverine joining in, the show could easily take on the energy of a live-action Marvel short, complete with banter, attitude, and holiday mischief.
The Evolution of Disneyland’s Holiday Lineup
The holidays at Disneyland Resort have long been defined by timeless cheer — from Haunted Mansion Holiday to Believe… in Holiday Magic fireworks. Yet, in recent years, Disney California Adventure has taken bold steps to diversify its offerings, appealing to younger and more varied audiences.
Marvel’s growing presence has played a key role in that transformation. Guests can already encounter Doctor Strange in the Sanctum, cheer on Spider-Man’s acrobatics above Avengers Campus, or help the Guardians save Christmas in Mission: BREAKOUT!’s “Monsters After Dark” overlay.
Adding Deadpool to the lineup marks an even bigger step toward modernizing holiday entertainment. It’s a reminder that Disney is no longer afraid to embrace the unconventional — as long as it fits within the playful, story-driven world of its parks.
What Guests Can Expect
While Disneyland hasn’t yet shared exact performance times or staging details, the show will likely take place within or adjacent to Avengers Campus, the natural home for Marvel entertainment at Disney California Adventure. The setting provides the perfect backdrop for Deadpool’s brand of chaos — immersive, energetic, and just irreverent enough to keep guests guessing.
The Story Time with Deadpool Holiday Special will run throughout the entire resort’s holiday season, with Wolverine’s appearances limited to select dates. Fans planning to catch the duo in action will need to keep an eye on official Disney schedules as opening day approaches.
A Holiday Season Unlike Any Other
Between its comedic tone, Marvel tie-ins, and the unpredictable antics of its lead character, Story Time with Deadpool promises to bring a new kind of energy to Disneyland’s holiday lineup. For older parkgoers, it’s a rare chance to enjoy an adult-skewing show that still captures the festive spirit — just with a little more chaos and a lot more red spandex.
For Deadpool, it’s business as usual. As he might say, “’Tis the season to break the fourth wall.”
The Story Time with Deadpool Holiday Special runs at Disney California Adventure Park from November 14, 2025, through January 7, 2026, and yes — Wolverine might just crash the party.
