Greetings, Dateline Disneylanders! Dateline Disneyland is taking a vacation break this week, so in lieu of a regular park update, we’re bringing you a classic MiceChat feature. Back during the height of Disney California Adventure’s re-imagining and expansion, I started a popular series of threads on the MiceChat forums that tracked the latest goings-on and construction in both parks. Those threads eventually became a single thread—the Disneyland Resort Project Tracker—that tracked the latest news and projects underway in both theme parks, Downtown Disney, and at the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort. It’s been a long two years since I last updated the Disneyland Resort Project Tracker on the MiceChat Forums but as Disneyland gears up to begin work on a major new Star Wars expansion and other projects, it seemed the perfect time to relaunch the Project Tracker. The Disneyland Resort Project Tracker will live permanently on the MiceChat forums, with this blog post acting as a jumping off point for the Project Tracker’s big relaunch. Be sure to bookmark the forum post and check back from time-to-time for the latest news, updates, and discussion!

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Disneyland, Relaunching the Disneyland Resort Project Tracker

Disneyland Resort Project Tracker

Disneyland

Main Street, U.S.A.

    Disneyland Railroad to close for over a year
    DETAILS: The Disneyland Railroad 15 months starting January 11, 2016. The closure will put the entire railroad route out of commission while a large section of the route in Frontierland is permanently re-routed to accommodate Disneyland’s upcoming Star Wars-themed expansion.
    PROJECT STATUS: CONFIRMED.
    Disney confirmed the closure in a September 2015 blog post.
    COMPLETION DATE: 2017.
    MyMagic+ coming to Disneyland
    DETAILS: A version of Walt Disney World’s RFID-based MyMagic+ and FASTPASS+ systems is rumored to make its way to Disneyland. The high-tech system is expected to receive significant changes to accommodate differences in demographics and operations at the Disneyland Resort. Major features of the project include:
    • New RFID-based admission media (tickets and Annual Passports) in lieu of MagicBands.
    • Central Fastpass+ reservation centers in both theme parks.
    • Interactive queue enhancements for select E-Ticket attractions.

    PROJECT STATUS: RUMORED.
    The implementation of MyMagic+ has been long-rumored for Disneyland and has gone through multiple changes.
    COMPLETION DATE: 2016.

Adventureland

    Tahitian Terrace revival
    DETAILS: With Frontierlnad’s Big Thunder Barbecue restaurant closing to make way for Star Wars, Disneyland is rumored to be considering a permanent revival of the Tahitian Terrace restaurant in Adventureland. The much smaller facility would ditch its long-unused Aladdin theme and once again host table service Polynesian-themed dinner shows.
    PROJECT STATUS: RUMORED.
    OPEN DATE: Unknown.

Frontierland

    Rivers of America closure and changes
    DETAILS: Disneyland’s iconic Rivers of America will close for over a year to be reduced in size and “rerouted” to make way for the new Star Wars expansion coming to northern Disneyland. The project will result in long-term temporary closures for the following attractions, all of which are expected to return following construction.
    • Mark Twain Riverboat
    • Sailing Ship Columbia
    • Rafts to Tom Sawyer Island
    • Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island
    • Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes
    • Fantasmic!

    PROJECT STATUS: CONFIRMED.
    Rivers of America is expected to close at the end of the operating day on January 10, 2016 to begin work that will take approximately 15 months to complete.
    COMPLETION DATE: Spring 2017.

    Big Thunder Ranch to permanently close
    DETAILS: Frontierland’s Big Thunder Ranch area will permanently close in early 2016 to make room for Disneyland’s upcoming Star Wars expansion. The following attractions and facilities will be :
    • Big Thunder Ranch (Petting Zoo)
    • Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree / Festival Arena
    • Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue

    PROJECT STATUS: CONFIRMED.
    Big Thunder Ranch and related attractions and facilities are expected to close at the end of the operating day on January 10, 2016 to begin work.
    COMPLETION DATE: Spring 2017.

    Fantasmic! to close over over a year and reopen with enhancements
    DETAILS: The popular Fantasmic! show will close for over a year starting January 11, 2016 while the Rivers of America is reduced in order to accommodate Star Wars. Due to the closure and River changes, the show is rumored to reopen in 2017 with enhancements and some necessary re-staging.
    PROJECT STATUS: SEMI-CONFIRMED.
    Disney has confirmed Fantasmic! will go dark as part of the Rivers of America changes but has not confirmed any enhancements to the show.
    COMPLETION DATE: As late as July 2017.

New Orleans Square

    No current projects.

Critter Country

    Critter Country path to Star Wars expansion
    DETAILS: With the Rivers of America being reduced to accommodate the upcoming Star Wars expansion, space could be carved out to build a permanent guest pathway connecting Critter Country to the Star Wars-themed area.
    PROJECT STATUS: RUMORED.
    OPEN DATE: When the Star Wars expansion opens.

Star Wars Expansion

    New 14-acre Star Wars-themed expansion.
    DETAILS: The long-rumored Star Wars-themed land was officially announced at the 2015 D23 Expo. The land will occupy space currently occupied by Big Thunder Ranch, parts of the Rivers of America, and backstage areas. The new land is expected to include two currently-unnamed major E-Ticket attractions in addition to dining and shopping.

    PROJECT STATUS: CONFIRMED.
    Disney CEO Bob Iger announced the 14-acre expansion at the 2015 D23 Expo. Construction begins January 11, 2016 with the closure of Big Thunder Ranch and major changes to the Rivers of America and Disneyland Railroad route. Backstage facilities will also close and be relocated accordingly.
    COMPLETION DATE: Unknown. Disney has announced the Star Wars expansion but not an opening date.

Fantasyland

    Skyway Chalet removal
    DETAILS: Fantasyland’s long-shutted Skyway Chalet building behind the Village Haus Restaurant has been rumored for removal for some time. The building is now rumored to be removed as part of the larger Star Wars expansion, which will absorb the Big Thunder Ranch land immediately next to the structure.

    PROJECT STATUS: RUMORED.
    Disney has not officially announced if the Skyway Chalet will be removed, however, rumors indicate that it will be removed during the course of Star Wars construction.
    COMPLETION DATE: Unknown, but before Star Wars land is opens.

    Fantasyland Theatre removal
    DETAILS: Due to the Star Wars expansion’s re-routing of the Disneyland Railroad, the Fantasyland Theatre will need to be removed to accommodate the train’s new route.

    PROJECT STATUS: RUMORED.
    MiceAge reported Disney plans to remove the Fantasyland Theatre to accommodate the re-routed Disneyland Railroad as part of the larger Star Wars expansion. Disney’s official @DisneylandToday Twitter account has told fans that Disney currently has no announcements for the Fantasyland Theater, but that is neither a confirmation or denial of plans for the facility.
    COMPLETION DATE: Unknown, but before Star Wars land is opens.

    Future Fantasyland expansion
    DETAILS: The removal of the Fantasyland Theatre is expected to allow for a modest amount of space for a future Fantasyland expansion.

    PROJECT STATUS: RUMORED.
    MiceAge reported Disney plans to remove the Fantasyland Theatre to accommodate the re-routed Disneyland Railroad as part of the larger Star Wars expansion. While the removal of the Theatre is primarily to accommodate the new Railroad route, leftover space from its removal is rumored to used for future Fantasyland expansion.
    COMPLETION DATE: Unknown.

Mickey's Toontown

    Mickey’s Toon Town to be reduced or removed
    DETAILS: Rumors that Disneyland’s major Star Wars expansion would be built where Mickey’s Toon Town is currently located were quashed once Disney officially announced Star Wars would be built north of Frontierland. The current rumors for Toon Town suggest that the area is still at risk for reduction or even complete removal to accommodate necessary backstage facilities for the Star Wars expansion.
    PROJECT STATUS: RUMORED.
    COMPLETION DATE: Unknown.

Tomorrowland

    Star Wars Season of the Force to take over Tomorrowland
    DETAILS: A Star Wars-themed seasonal offering will take over several Tomorrowland attractions starting in November 2015.

    PROJECT STATUS: CONFIRMED.
    Disney confirmed the “Star Wars Season of the Force” promotion will take place at Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios at the 2015 D23 Expo. The promotion will include:

    • Hyperspace Mountain: An overlay of Space Mountain featuring a battle with the Millennium Falcon.
    • Star Tours: New scenes based on Star Wars: The Force Awakens will be featured in the attraction.
    • Tomorrowland Theater: A new video presentation featuring fan-favorite scenes from the Star Wars films will be presented.
    • Star Wars Launch Bay: A new interactive exhibit and character meet-and-greet space taking over the bottom level of the former Innoventions building.
    • Jedi Training Academy: A new version of the popular show inspired by the Disney XD series.

    OPEN DATE: November 16.

    MARVEL Superhero HQ in Tomorrowland
    DETAILS: The popular MARVEL character meet-and-greets and exhibits are being reimagined and upgraded on the upper level of the former Innoventions building.

    PROJECT STATUS: CONFIRMED.
    Disney confirmed the reimagined Super Hero HQ at the 2015 D23 Expo.
    OPEN DATE: Fall 2015.

    New attraction for Tomorrowland Theater
    DETAILS: While Captain EO has likely left the Tomorrowland Theater for the last time, a permanent new attraction for the space is still rumored to come eventually. In the meantime, a Star Wars clip show will entertain guests in the theater.

    PROJECT STATUS: RUMORED.
    OPEN DATE: Unknown.

Disney California Adventure
Buena Vista Street

    No current projects.

Hollywood Land

    “Frozen” show in the Hyperion Theatre
    DETAILS: Disney announced a new “Frozen” musical stage show will replace the long-running “Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular” in the Hyperion Theater.
    PROJECT STATUS: CONFIRMED.
    “Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular” closes January 10, 2016.
    OPEN DATE: Summer 2016.
    The future of Muppet*Vision 3D
    DETAILS: With a major new “Frozen” stage show moving into the nearby Hyperion Theatre, fans have speculated the “Frozen” sing-along show will close. Disney has not announced if Muppet*Vision will eventually return, if a new attraction will move into the space, or if the venue will be closed and used as flex space on an as-needed basis.
    PROJECT STATUS: UNKNOWN.
    OPEN DATE: Unknown.
    Monstropolis in the Hollywood Studios
    DETAILS: The long-rumored Monsters, Inc.-themed remodel of the “Hollywood Studios” portion of Hollywood Land featuring a Monsters Inc. door coaster has been an on-again, off-again rumor for years. The Hollywood Studios area of the backlot is ripe for redevelopment, but current rumors on what may eventually become of the space are scarce and Disney has yet to make any sort of announcement for the area.
    PROJECT STATUS: UNKNOWN.
    OPEN DATE: Unknown.
    MARVEL-themed expansion for Hollywood Land
    DETAILS: Rumors for a MARVEL-themed mini land have been circulated by MiceAge for some time, with the expansion taking shape in current backstage space behind the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. The mini-land is rumored to feature elaborate meet-and-greet areas in addition to a MARVEL-themed E-Ticket rollercoaster attraction. If the Marvel-themed expansion is approved and built, plans for the Monsters Inc. re-theme of the Hollywood Studios areas will likely be canceled.
    PROJECT STATUS: UNKNOWN.
    Disney has yet to confirm any plans for MARVEL in Disney California Adventure, but rumors suggest this project could open in two phases: the first just after the 60th Anniversary Celebration ends in late 2016.
    OPEN DATE: Unknown.

a bug's land

    Removal of Tuck and Roll’s Drive ‘Em Buggies
    DETAILS: If the MARVEL-themed expansion is built, Tuck and Roll’s Drive ‘Em Buggies at the back edge of A Bug’s Land could be removed to accommodate the addition of a larger guest path to the MARVEL-themed area.
    PROJECT STATUS: RUMORED.
    COMPLETION DATE: Unknown.

Cars Land

    Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters
    DETAILS: A replacement attraction for the troubled Luigi’s Flying Tires is currently under construction on top of the Flying Tires attraction. The new ride will utilize a trackless ride vehicle system. Disney announced that the attraction will open in early 2016.
    PROJECT STATUS: IN PROGRESS.
    OPEN DATE: Early 2016.

Pacific Wharf

    No current projects.

Paradise Pier

    No current projects.

Grizzly Peak

    Soarin’ Around the World
    DETAILS: Announced at the 2015 D23 Expo, the popular Soarin’ Over California attraction will be updated with new technology and a new film that will take guests beyond the Golden State and to famous landmarks and locations around the world.
    PROJECT STATUS: CONFIRMED.
    Disney has confirmed “Soarin’ Around the World” will open in 2016 but has not specified when “Soarin’ Over California” will close.
    OPEN DATE: 2016.

Downtown Disney | Hotels | Resort

    New 5,000-space parking structure
    DETAILS: A new 5,000-space parking structure is rumored to include the addition of a new skybridge over Harbor Boulevard.
    PROJECT STATUS: SEMI-CONFIRMED.
    Disney promised the parking structure as part of the $1+ billion investment plan with Anaheim. There has been no official groundbreaking or construction timeline announced but the deal with the City of Anaheim requires construction to begin no later than the end of 2017.
    COMPLETION DATE: Rumored to open in 2018.
    Main Entrance Plaza enhancements
    DETAILS: Enhancements including new pavement, trees, and a water feature have been rumored for the Main Entrance Plaza between Disneyland and Disney California Adventure.
    PROJECT STATUS: UNKNOWN.
    Additional trees are expected to be installed soon but there is no word on if or when repaving or water features would be installed.
    COMPLETION DATE: Unknown.
    House of Blues Anaheim to move out of Downtown Disney
    DETAILS: The popular House of Blues restaurant and concert venue is planning to move from Downtown Disney to a new home at the nearby Anaheim GardenWalk. There have been no official announcements for a replacement, although rumors suggest The Edison could move into the space. The addition of The Edison to Anaheim’s Downtown Disney would follow the footsteps of the popular Los Angeles-based restaurant opening a location in Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs.
    PROJECT STATUS: CONFIRMED.
    OPEN DATE: The House of Blues’ lease in Downtown Disney ends in early 2016. House of Blues is planning on opening at the Anaheim GardenWalk by Summer 2016.
    Second Starbucks Coffee location in Downtown Disney
    DETAILS: A second kiosk location for Starbucks was announced to open in Downtown Disney but was delayed following rumors that Disney requested Starbucks open a second full-fledged store instead of a kiosk. The second store is rumored to fill some of the space previously occupied by the Apricot Lane Boutique near the AMC Theatres.
    PROJECT STATUS: SEMI-CONFIRMED.
    A second Starbucks location is confirmed and delayed. The rumor of a second full store has not been confirmed.
    OPEN DATE: The second location was expected to open by early 2015 but has yet to open.

To join the discussion and stay up-to-date on the latest projects, visit the Project Tracker at its permanent home on the MiceChat Forums!
Disneyland, Relaunching the Disneyland Resort Project Tracker

Disneyland, Relaunching the Disneyland Resort Project Tracker
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A short walk from the park, HoJo Anaheim is conveniently located next to Matterhorn Mountain at Disneyland with nearby dining, freeway access, FREE parking and FREE Wi-Fi. For more information on HoJo Anaheim, room rates, or to book your stay today, visit HoJoAnaheim.com/MiceChat

Save with MiceChat & Passholder Discounts Every Day!
The HoJo Anaheim is now offering daily discounts for MiceChat members and even DEEPER discounts for Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders! For more information visit the HoJo Anaheim Innsider Boards which features an up-to-date listing of available nights, or call (714) 776-6120 and ask for In-House Reservations to book. If your date isn’t listed, the HoJo Anaheim still offers rooms for 20% off their best available rate if you call (714) 776-6120.
Disneyland, Relaunching the Disneyland Resort Project Tracker
Weekly News & Information Round-Up
Weekly Theme Park Hours
October 12-18, 2015
[B]Disneyland Park[/B] [B]California Adventure[/B]
Monday: 8 am – 6 pm
Tuesday: 9 am – 11 pm
Wednesday: 8 am – 6 pm
Thursday: 8 am – 12 am
Friday: 8 am – 7 pm
Saturday: 8 am – 12 am
Sunday: 8 am – 12 am
Monday: 8 am – 10 pm
Tuesday: 9 am – 9 pm
Wednesday: 8 am – 8 pm
Thursday: 8 am – 9 pm
Friday: 8 am – 12 am
Sat.-Sun.: 8 am – 10 pm
[CENTER]For a complete listing of theme park hours,
visit the Disneyland.com Theme Park Calendar
[/CENTER]
[center]Closure and Refurbishment Schedule[/center]
[b][center]Disneyland Park[/center][/b]
  • “it’s a small world”: Closed October 19- November 5 to install holiday overlay.
  • Jungle Cruise: Closed November 2-12 to install holiday overlay.
  • Space Mountain: Closed November 2-13 to remove Ghost Galaxy overlay and install Hyperspace Mountain overlay.
  • Innoventions: Expected to reopen Fall 2015 with new Star Wars Launch Bay and Super Hero HQ.
  • Starcade: Closed indefintely.
  • Tomorrowland Theatre: Closed indefintely.
[b][center]Disney California Adventure[/center][/b]
  • Turtle Talk with Crush: Closed October 12-29 for refurbishment.
  • Luigi’s Flying Tires: Closed for re-Imagineering into new attraction. Reopening expected in early 2016.
  • [B]Blue Sky Cellar:[/B] Closed indefinitely.
[b][center]Downtown Disney and Disneyland Resort Hotels[/center][/b]
    None.
Tomorrowplan Crowd Estimates for Disneyland Resort from Mouseaddict

October 12-18

Mon
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Tue
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Wed
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Thu
Disneyland, Relaunching the Disneyland Resort Project Tracker
Fri
Disneyland, Relaunching the Disneyland Resort Project Tracker
Sat
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Sun
Disneyland, Relaunching the Disneyland Resort Project Tracker

  • It’s gonna be hot early this week. Tap “Cool Zones” in Mouseaddict’s “Search” to find spots to chill out.
  • During Halloweentime, the queues can be frightful! Use our premium Wait Watcher feature and be notified when the crowds dematerialize.
  • We take a long look at the past to predict the future. Activate the Tomorrowplan feature in the Mouseaddict app and get two months of Disneyland crowd projections.

The free Mouseaddict app for iPhone and iPad features more than five dozen categories of searchable resort information, weather forecasts, park and show schedules, the latest news and articles from MiceChat, and more. Download free on the App Store or at mouseaddict.com.

Disneyland, Relaunching the Disneyland Resort Project Tracker

[center]Headline Roundup
A quick look at noteworthy Disney theme park headlines from around the web.[/center]
  • Disney is considering variable pricing for its theme parks. (LA Times)
  • Opinion: Did Disneyland and Disney World go too far with its latest round of price increases? (The Motley Fool)
  • Opinion: Disney’s theme park price increases are disastrous from a brand management perspective. (Frommer’s)
  • Disneyland fans blast annual-pass price hike as ‘greedy’ (LA Times)
  • Disneyland fans react to price increases: ‘It’s a slap in the face’ (OC Register)
  • Disney Imagineers worked with CAL FIRE officers to create authentic story for Grizzly Peak Airfield. (Disney Parks Blog)
Alright, that wraps up our newly-relaunched Disneyland Resort Project Tracker. Be sure to follow the Tracker to its permanent home on the MiceChat forums where we’ll continually be updating it with the latest news and progress and where you can join the discussion on the latest goings-on at Disneyland!

We’ll be back next week with a regular Disneyland update.

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For more Disneyland news, be sure to read MiceChat’s weekly In the Parks blog. And be sure to check out our sister blog, Dateline Disney World – a fantastic weekly photo blog covering Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida!

Thanks for reading. See you at Disneyland!
[B]- Andy[/B]

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Andy Castro
Andy is a Southern California native and a life-long fan of Disney theme parks and animation. From 2007-2016, Andy wrote the weekly Dateline Disneyland photo, news and opinion blog here on MiceChat. Today, Andy continues to produce occasional Dateline Disneyland articles and additional special guest content for MiceChat.