Bright suns, Bruce!
Thanks so much for stopping by planDisney with your question. It looks like you are making the journey from the most Magical Place on Earth to the Happiest Place on Earth next month! As a fellow East Coaster, I have made this journey myself a time or two. While the Disneyland Resort may feel familiar, you'll love discovering what makes it truly unique. For me, it's the nostalgia and charm of knowing that Walt himself strolled down Main Street, U.S.A. with his big dreams and ideas!
I know you must be eager to put the finishing touches on your planning! I took a look at the
Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo Nighttime Gathering, and you are correct that it is slated to be closed from August 25 - 28 this year. I'm sorry, I know you had your heart set on it! I expect that this is tied to whether or not
Fire of the Rising Moons and
Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga is scheduled for those evenings. This may be the week when the Disneyland Resort moves into its fall entertainment schedule. During the summer months, most nighttime spectaculars take place every night of the week. They then usually transition to a Friday-to-Sunday schedule for the fall and winter months, with the exception of holidays. The
Entertainment Schedule is released about six weeks ahead of time, so we are currently only able to see through August 20th. In a few days, we will be able to view dates and times for your visit, and will be able to see if Fire of the Rising Moons and Shadows of Memory are scheduled for your dates. Either way, it's unlikely that the dates for the Cargo Nighttime Gathering will reopen, seeing as it is closed and not just unavailable for reservations, but it doesn't hurt to keep checking!
If you are looking for nighttime entertainment, you may want to consider the
World of Color Dessert Party over at California Adventure. I can see from the calendar that this offering is available on August 25 and 27, with reservations still open as of this moment! You will get to take in the new World of Color Happiness! show while you dine on some sweet and savory treats. I have done this with some planDisney pals, and I love that you get prime viewing along with a seat while you enjoy this classic Disneyland nighttime spectacular.
Bruce, I know this was likely not what you were hoping to hear, but I do hope it's been helpful! The good news is that you will be in the parks just as they have turned over for
Halloweentime, so you will get to enjoy your magic with a side of happy haunts! This is honestly my favorite time of year to be at Disneyland with the festive fall decor, characters in costume, and special Halloween overlays on some favorite attractions, like Haunted Mansion Holiday and Mater's Graveyard JamBOOree.
If you have any more questions, we are always happy to help here at
planDisney!
Magic awaits!
Tara