We knew from Disney CEO Bob Iger that Disney is excited to get the new Star Wars franchise into the theme parks. In fact, groundbreaking was expected to take place in 2016. We know have an idea of how soon that will be and what it means for Disneyland while construction is going on.
Effective at the end of the operating day on January 10th, all attractions related to the Rivers of America and the Disneyland Railroad will close for a period of months (no exact date has been given for their return).
- Attractions along the Rivers of America that are temporarily closing are:
- “Fantasmic!”
- Mark Twain Riverboat and Sailing Ship Columbia
- Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island
- Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes
Also closing, but not reopening, is the Big Thunder complex with the restaurant, petting zoo, and jamboree area.
The entrance to Star Wars Land will go right through the Big Thunder Ranch area, so that had to go. The closure of the other attractions probably has to do with work along the train track that will require draining the Rivers of America.
Change has to happen to make way for Star Wars Land. It won’t be easy, but the end result is worth it. Agree or disagree?
When reading that 6 attractions would be closing I got really worried but not so much after reading it. It’s a shame about the Railroad but right now they are running enough night shows that Fantasmic won’t be missed much for the few months. The only effect I would think it would have while the attractions are closed is a bit smaller park occupancy rate. Not by much though, I wouldn’t be surprised if they didn’t change it. I do have to wonder though, where are they going to put the pardoned turkey now now that Big Thunder Ranch isn’t a thing. Overall though, once the expansion is finished it will become a much better use of valuable land in the park.
Orange County Register is reporting the closures will be for a year: http://www.ocregister.com/articles/disneyland-684495-wars-officials.html
I don’t think Disneyland has had any pardoned turkeys for several years.
Well that’s about the time frame that the 60th celebration shows will be ending so a good time to bring back Fantasmic! .
It sucks, but ultimately I can’t wait for Star Wars Land. Totally worth the temporary closures.
Star Wars Land sounds cool. My problem is the hefty price we pay to enter the park/parks should be adjusted. Along with the 6 attractions closing for SW…are the regular closures that happen after the first of every year…Last year in February the railroad was closed, splash mountain, Peter Pan, Sleeping beauty’s castle and various stores and in California Adventure Grizzly Rapids, Soaring over California, The Muppets are gone, a Bug’s Life was closed as were many stores and restaurants…really cut into our fun times! And once again I will be going in February of ’16…call me disappointed…it’s just I can’t stand going any other time of the year because of the enormous crowds of people…TY Disneyland for once again screwing up my vacation!
hope a big sinkhole opens up and swallows the entire star wars “land”
One of Walt Disney saying that is a Favorite of mine is “Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.” So with that one can ONLY HOPE it will be AS GREAT as they ALL have been for 60 Years……
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