It's become common over the past several months for Disney to announce new additions coming to Downtown Disney district. Ultimately the area is being renovated to update the look and feel of the promenade and prepare for the addition of the new eastern gateway project. Including some new announcements today, here is what has and will be changing in Downtown Disney in 2018 alone.

Downtown Disney is changing fast through 2018 and now the largest retail store in the Disneyland Resort, World of Disney, will become part of that change. Little has changed in the store since it first opened in 2000 but this reimagining will impact guests throughout most of the year. Be aware of what's happening so you won't be surprised when you visit.

As part of the Pixar Fest in the spring, the Pixar Play Parade will be moving next door to Disneyland Park to take over as the daytime parade replacing Mickey's SoundSational Parade. The move coincides with additional floats and parade elements added to the show which Disney has just made public. The new floats are a mixed bag and while some seem pretty awesome others . . . well, let's just get to them.

The holiday season is going strong and is only going to get bigger as December rolls out in Downtown Disney. Decorations are everywhere, festive souvenirs line every window, new entertainment is springing up and soon even more magic will be available at select restaurants and retail spots throughout the shopping district. They will only be available for a limited time so if your travels take you to California at the right time make sure you don't miss them!

The Lunar New Year Festival at Disney California Adventure has been growing year after year. Now it's become a major 4-week event celebrating the Lunar New Year (Chinese New Year) and East Asian culture. They've just announced all the fun and food that will be part of 2018's festivities so if you're planning a trip early next year there's a lot to be excited about!

Next year is going to be quite an exciting year for the Downtown Disney district at the Disneyland Resort. Since late 2016 Disney has slowly announced a slew of new dining and entertainment venues coming to the often neglected shopping area and most will be finished by summer 2018! In case you missed some of these announcements, here's a recap so you have reason to get a little excited for new night life!

Disney announced at D23 this past summer that celebrations of Pixar will be coming next year to Disneyland to coincide with the opening of Pixar Pier. Details of those celebrations, coined Pixar Fest, as well as information about the returning parades in both parks have finally been announced so we can start getting excited for next spring! Come celebrate friendship with Pixar pals in 2018!