Disneyland Project Tracker

[MasterGracey]

This thread is frequently updated when new information is available!

Based off official information and rumors, here's a timeline/project tracker for current and future projects taking place at Disneyland Park as well as the greater Disneyland Resort area.

Because of the size and scope of its own expansion and remodel project, Disney's California Adventure has its own Project Tracker thread, which can be found here: Disney's California Adventure Project Tracker

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Information sources:

Disneyland Resort Press Releases, MiceAge.com, Blue Sky Disney, and special contributors.
If you have any new information, please reply and provide your source. Thanks.

MAIN STREET, U.S.A.

The Disneyland Story featuring "Great Moment with Mr. Lincoln" at the Main Street Opera House

Details: On February 25, Disney officially announced the long-promised return of "Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln" in a press release. The new show will combine the historical Disneyland exhibits from the "Disneyland: First 50 Magical Years" show with a new theater presentation of "Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln." The rumored Barack Obama or George Washington additions will not happen.
Project Status: "Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years" closed March 16.
Open Date: Delayed from September 26, 2009. Opens December 17, 2009

Worlds of Wonder parade

Details: A new parade in time for the 55th Anniversary celebration.
Project Status: Unknown
Open Date: 2010

Main Street Magic Shop - New vendor

Details: Originally expected to close until a new vendor was found, the Main Street Magic Shop remained open without magic merchandise since the end of June 2009. The shop is now expected to be taken over by a third-party vendor, and current Disneyland Cast Members working the shop will be relocated to other area shops.
Project Status: Opened October 28, 2009. Disneyland ceased control of the shop beginning Saturday, October 3 when Houdini's Magic Shop began its lease on the space. The shop reopened October 28.

The Disney Gallery

Details: A new Disney Gallery will replace the Bank of Main Street, as announced in a February 25 press release.
Project Status: In progress. Began early July, 2009.
Open Date: Delayed from September 26, 2009 and now scheduled to open October 2.

Halloween Screams - Fireworks Spectacular

Details: Al Lutz reported in his 7/7 MiceAge.com column that a new Halloween-themed fireworks show would debut as part of the 2009 Disney's HalloweenTime offerings.
Project Status: Show ran for 2009 Halloween Time season.
Debuted: September 25, 2009.

Magical - A Fireworks Spectacular.

Details: "Magical," the summer replacement for the "Remember... Dreams Come True" fireworks spectacular will reduce the impact that the nightly fireworks presentations have on park operations, allowing for more Fantasyland attractions and the Disneyland Monorail to remain open during fireworks. The show includes an all-new flight from Dumbo the Elephant, new 10K searchlights, and special vocals from Broadway's Eden Espinosa.
Project Status: "Remember..." will have its final performances Spring 2009, but return in the fall.
Open Date: Began previews June 3, 2009. Officially debuted June 12, 2009.

Main Street, U.S.A. repaving

Details: The 53-year-old Main Street asphalt will be replaced in a large-scale project that will put parades on hiatus. Main Street Vehicles will also not be operating during this time.
Project Status: First phase completed.
Open Date: March 2009.

Celebrate! A Street Party

Details: The new "street party" entertainment offering for the "What will you celebrate?" promotion -- Balloons and streamers fill the air on Main Street, U.S.A., while crazy conga lines, swing dancers and Disney Characters take to the street to celebrate with you!
Open Date: Opened March 27, 2009.

New Century Timepieces conversion to "Fortuosity Shoppe"

Details: Watch/clock shop to be re-themed and re-stocked with merchandise similar to the offerings at Disney Vault 28 in Downtown Disney.
Project Status: Completed.
Open Date: Now open. Opened October 3, 2008

ADVENTURELAND

Aladdin's Oasis theatre

Details: Theatre went dark following conclusion of Indiana Jones Summer of Hidden Mysteries show.
Project Status: Theatre closed September 2, 2008.
Open Date: Summer 2009.

NEW ORLEANS SQUARE

Haunted Mansion enhancements

Details: Rumors have circulated about the return of the legendary Hat Box Ghost in the Haunted Mansion's attic for years, and in early 2009 Disney began dropping hints that the long-rumored return could happen for the attraction's 40th Anniversary in August 2009. Al Lutz reported on 8/25/09 that the Hat Box Ghost would return following the 2009 Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay. Additional enhancements could include lighting, audio, and general show upgrades as well as possible show scene upgrades in the Portrait Gallery, Limbo (loading platform), further attic enhancements, and interactive Hitchhiking Ghosts.
Project Status: In development.
Open Date: Hat Box Ghost to return early 2010.

Tiana's Showboat Jubilee! - Entertainment offering

Details: Initially reported by MiceAge's Al Lutz in May 2009, "Tiana's Showboat Jubilee" will be a jazzy Mardi Gras cavalcade that will take place in New Orleans Square and aboard the Mark Twain Riverboat featuring characters from Disney's upcoming animated film, "The Princess and the Frog." The Los Angeles Times Funland blog confirmed the show in an August 6 article.
Project Status: In progress. Casting calls for the new show are set for August 22 and 26.
Open Date: Show debuts November 6.

The Harbour Galley - New menu

Details: Dining location closes to remove McDonald's theming and to receive new menu.
Project Status: After long delay, a new menu consisting of soup bread bowls and salads has replaced the McDonald's French Fry menu, in time for the 2009 summer season.
Open Date: Now open.

French Market guest flow

Details: French Market buffeteria service counter will be changed to improve guest flow.
Project Status: Completed.
Open Date: Now open.

Court des Anges store conversion

Details: Court of Angels to be converted into canopied outdoor merchandise location.
Project Status: Conversion completed quickly. Opened October 9, 2008. The merchandise location was removed following the 2008 holiday season.
Open Date: Completed.

New Orleans Square repaving

Details: Slurry in New Orleans Square extending from New Orleans Square Train Station to Haunted Mansion gates will be removed and replaced with themed paving. Project to be completed in several phases.
Project Status: Completed.
Completion Date: Haunted Mansion area - Now open
New Orleans Square Train Station area - Now open

FRONTIERLAND & CRITTER COUNTRY

Major Rivers of America refurbishment and enhancements

Details: Major Rivers of America refurb, resulting in a hiatus for Fantasmic! and a closed Tom Sawyer Island, Sailing Ship Columbia, and Mark Twain Riverboat. The River refurbishment would also include the reinstatement of many Audio-Animatronic wildlife and other scenic elements that have been missing from the River for years, according to Al Lutz's 8/25/09 column
Project Status: Drained and closed during winter and spring 2010.
Open Date: May 2010

Frontierland fruit cart

Details: A new fruit stand will be installed in the former location of the Conestoga Fries wagon.
Project Status: Unknown.
Open Date: Previously said to open when 2009 Big Thunder Trail repaving was completed, however, the new fruit cart has still not appeared.

Tom Sawyer Island / Fort Wilderness Graveyard

Details: The graveyard behind Fort Wilderness on Tom Sawyer Island will be returned after being gone for an extended period due to the Pirate's Lair re-theme.
Project Status: Now open. Previously rumored for a late 2008 opening, the Graveyard was delayed until finally reopening October 2009.
Open Date: Opened October 2009

Fantasmic! upgrades

Phase 1
Details: High-definition projector upgrades, enhanced lighting.
Project Status: In progress. Began September 2.
Open Date: November 7

Phase 2
Details: A new dragon, new Flotsam and Jetsam eels, new Croc, and other enhanced effects.
Project Status: In progress. Due to technical issues, the new dragon has been repeatedly postponed. The dragon was finally supposed to publicly debut Monday, August 31 following an early-morning media preview, but the media preview was canceled and the dragon was yet again delayed. Disney finally announced an official dragon debut on Tuesday, September 1, 2009, and finally, the dragon made its public debut.
Open Date: An after-hours media preview was held on June 11. The full show, except the dragon, opened publicly on June 12, 2009. The dragon finally debuted Tuesday, September 1 after nearly three months of delays.

Celebration Roundup and Barbeque at Big Thunder Ranch

Details: Big Thunder Ranch will re-open as a barbeque dining location with special parties as part of the "What will you celebrate?" promotion. The Festival Arena will be closed and re-open in conjunction with the new dining location.
Project Status: Completed
Open Date: Now open - Opened April 2

Conestoga Fries - Removal

Details: Initially believed to be closing to receive new menu, the dining location has since completely been completely removed.
Project Status: Completed. Conestoga Fries is now part of Yesterland.

FANTASYLAND & MICKEY'S TOON TOWN

Tinker Bell dark ride

Details: Al Lutz reported in his 8/25/09 column that a Tinker Bell and Her Fairy Friends dark ride would utilize the long-unused Motorboat Cruise area "early in the next decade."
Project Status: In development.
Open Date: After 2010.

Geppetto's Holiday Workshop reopening as Wishing Star Magic Crystals, then closing again.

Details: The long-closed Gepetto's Holiday Workshop merchandise location re-opened as Wishing Star Magic Crystals on August 30, 2008, but closed in January 2009 when the Magic Crystals vendor left the Disneyland Resort. There has been no official information regarding a possible replacement for the store location, or if it will just close and become storage space as it had previously been prior to opening as a crystal store.
Project Status: Store closed.
Open Date: Unknown.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

Details: "Once Upon a Time ... The Disney Princess Shoppe" will close to be converted into Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique where Fairy-Godmothers-in-Training will transform girls into princesses in this hair-makeup-and-costume salon.
Project Status: Began January 5, 2009
Open Date: Retail portion opened April 4, salon portion opened April 17, 2009.

Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough

Details: The classic Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough will re-open after seven years of abandonment. The revived attraction will be brought back in the original Eyvind Earle style. The project also includes the conversion of The Three Fairies Magic Crystal shop into an alternate experience room for guests unable to access the Walk-Through attraction.
Project Status: Completed. Now open.
Open Date: Wednesday, November 26, 2008 around 5:30 p.m.

Pixie Hollow (Ariel's Grotto re-theme)

Details: Ariel's Grotto and Triton Gardens on the border of Fantasyland and Tomorrowland being re-themed to Pixie Hollow with Tinkerbell and friends
Project Status: Now open
Soft-Open Date: Friday, October 24.
Open Date: Tuesday, October 28.

"it's a small world" refurbishment and enhancement

Details: The attraction underwent a major refurbishment during 2008 and was completed prior to the 2008 holiday season. New boats, refreshed show scenes, and a relocated Papua New Guinea show scene welcomed guests for the holidays when it soft opened on November 19, 2008 and officially opened on Nov. 21. Controversial new Disney character additions and a USA show scene will greet guests in February 2009 when the attraction re-opens in its traditional version following the removal of the holiday overlay.
Project Status: Major refurbishment completed. Addition of controversial new show elements in progress.
Open Date: Now open. Attraction re-opened with controversial enhancements February 6, 2009. A special Annual Passholder Preview was held February 5, 10am-8pm

TOMORROWLAND

Captain EO returns

Details: Captain EO is rumored to return to Tomorrowland's Magic Eye Theater for a limited HalloweenTime engagement.
Project Status: Rumored for a late September 2009 opening, the project is now said to be delayed until January 2010.
Open Date: January 2010

Mark VII Monorail

Details: New Mark VII Monorails slowly being phased in.
Project Status: Mark VII Red - Under refurbishment
Mark VII Blue - Open
Mark VII Orange - Open

Tomorrowland repaving

Details: Areas in front of Star Tours and Buzz Lightyear Astro Blaster will be walled off for repaving. Alternate entrances for attractions will be provided.
Project Status: In progress. Began September 2. Most major areas of the main Tomorrowland walkway have been repaved, but additional areas are continuing to be repaved at various times.
Completion Date: Unknown when full project will be complete.

Star Tours 2

Details: Long-rumored, and long-delayed update of Star Tours attraction.
Project Status: In development.
Open Date: Previously said to open by 2010, then later said to be delayed until summer 2011. Al Lutz reported in his 7/7 column that Star Tours 2 would debut May 2011

Peoplemover 2

Details: Long-rumored revival of classic Tomorrowland attraction.
Project Status: Unknown.
Open Date: Unknown

Honey, I Shrunk the Audience replacement

Details: Unknown.
Project Status: Unknown. Previously rumored to close fall 2008, the attraction remains open.
Open Date: Unknown

Cosmic Waves

Details: Fountain/marble water sphere undergoing "reconstruction."
Project Status: Completed. Began April 20. Area reopened June 26
Open Date: June 26, 2009

Astro Orbitor - Major refurbishment

Details: The Astro Orbitor is scheduled for a major refurbishment March-June 2009, which will include repainting the attraction in a blue-and-silver color scheme and maintenance on the broken spinning planets. David "Darkbeer" Michael reported on 2/6 that the attraction may be too costly to repair and Disney is now considering its permanent removal, but Al Lutz later reported that Disney is not removing the attraction at this time.
Project Status: Now open. Began April 20, 2009.
Completion Date: June 12, 2009

HOTELS, DOWNTOWN DISNEY AND MISCELLANEOUS

New Disneyland Resort Stroller Rental Center

Details: A new, centrally-located stroller rental shop in the Main Entrance Plaza will replace the current stroller-rental locations in the theme parks. Both in-park stroller rental locations will remain open during construction, but will eventually close upon completion of the new main location. The California Adventure location will be re-purposed for other uses when that park's Sunshine Plaza area is made over into Buena Vista Street.
Project Status: In progress. Began August 11, 2009.
Completion Date: February 2010

Disneyland Hotel Renovation

Details: Long-anticipated renovation of the Disneyland Hotel will include a tower-by-tower, multi-phase renovation in which each hotel tower will be completely gutted and remodeled. New rooms will feature fiber-optic Sleeping Beauty Castle headboards, wireless internet, flatscreen TVs, and multiple energy-efficient upgrades. For more information, click here.
Project Status: In progress. Remodeling began on the Dreams tower August 24, 2009
Completion Date: 2012

Strawberry Field Parking Lot

Details: A new 2,570-space parking lot is planned for the former strawberry field on Harbor Blvd., the place Disney previously had set aside for a third Disneyland Resort theme park. The lot would be in use for a minimum of six years, with the option of an extension to 10 years, according to The Orange County Register.
Project Status: The parking lot proposal will go before the Anaheim Planning Commission on Monday, August 17, 2009. If the plan is approved, construction would begin within the next six months.
Completion Date: Likely 2010.

Two new Disney Hotels at the Anaheim Garden Walk

Details: Two new Disney-managed Hotels will be built at the Anaheim Garden Walk. From David "Darkbeer" Michael's 3/27 MiceAge column: Owned by Prospera Hotels, the two hotels will be managed and operated by Disney, and will feature Disney names, and use Disney employees. A 4-Star/upscale Hotel will be at the corner of Disney Way and Clementine, and a more "family" hotel will be on the south lot, next to the Cheesecake Factory.
Project Status: Unknown
Open Date: Unknown.

Illuminations replacement

Details: Illuminations will close permanently April 30. A replacement for the retail location has not been announced.
Project Status: Store closes April 30.
Open Date: Unknown.

New Resort parking structure

Details: A new guest parking structure to be located on the current Pumbaa lot across the street from the Anaheim Garden Walk.
Project Status: Construction rumored to begin in 2009.
Completion Date: 2011/2012.

Grand Californian Hotel Disney Vacation Club Villas

Details: New Disney Vacation Club timeshare units are under construction as part of a large expansion of the Disney's Grand Californian Hotel.
Project Status: Completed.
Completion Date: Opened September 23, 2009.

LittleMissMatched retail store (Department 56 replacement)

Details: Replacement for the out-of-business Department 56 retail location in Downtown Disney. Some rumors say a temporary "Disney at Home" store will move in until a permanent tenant is secured.
Project Status: Now open. A portion of the former Department 56 store temporarily opened on May 18 as the LittleMissMatched. LittleMissMatched permanently moved into a larger portion of Department 56 in October 2009.
Completion Date: October 2009.

Kitson Kids retail store (Starabillias replacement)

Details: Replacement for the out-of-business Starbillias retail location in Downtown Disney.
Project Status: Now open.
Disney announced Kitson Kids would take over the shuttered Starabillias location on June 3, 2009. The store will open in July.
Open Date: July 2009

Studio Disney 365 (Club Libby Lu replacement)

Details: Club Libby Lu will be converted into a similar Disney-branded offering, with "celebrity" makeovers available. Hair styling, make-up, and costumes and accessories will be some of the offerings at this boutique targeting tween girls. (LINK)
Project Status: In progress. Casting opportunities for store operations CMs are available.
Open Date: Delayed from May 2009. Scheduled to officially open June 26.

[MasterGracey]

The OC Register recently confirmed the rumored "Pixie Hollow" meet-and-greet area that is taking over Ariel's Grotto between Sleeping Beauty Castle and Tomorrowland:

Three big changes planned for the Disneyland Resort
http://ocresort.freedomblogging.com/...eyland-resort/

[ . . . ]

TINKERBELL: A change is also planned for Disneyland, the Imagineering official said tonight. The current Little Mermaid meet and greet next to the Tomorrowland entrance is planned to be replaced by a fairy and Tinkerbell meet and greet. The area, as currently planned, will make guests feel like they’ve shrunk down to fairy-size and the path will be filled with pixie dust.

No date is given for these three planned attractions. [ . . . ] As far as the fairy and Tinkerbell area, the only relevant date is that Tinkerbell will star in her own DVD-movie set for an Oct. 28 release.

The article also includes information regarding two attraction re-themes taking place at Disney's California Adventure as part of the park's $1.1 billion makeover.

[mrfantasmic]

The open date for Fantasmic! is scheduled for November 7.

[MasterGracey]

Originally Posted by mrfantasmic

The open date for Fantasmic! is scheduled for November 7.

Thanks for the info, mrfantasmic. The OP has been updated.

[HMF]

Originally Posted by MasterGracey

"it's a small world"

Details: The attraction is undergoing a deep refurbishment and a new flume is being installed. New boats and controversial additions to the show will greet guests when the attraction re-opens.
Project Status: In progress.
Open Date: November 29, 2008

Will It's a small world reopen as the Holiday version or the original?

[Luke Manning]

Originally Posted by MasterGracey

Ariel's Grotto/Pixie Hollow re-theme

Details: Ariel's Grotto and Triton Gardens on the border of Fantasyland and Tomorrowland being re-themed to Pixie Hollow with Tinkerbell and friends
Project Status: Begins October 5.
Open Date: Late 2008.

I thought it was going to start in September?

Originally Posted by HMF

Will It's a small world reopen as the Holiday version or the original?

I think the Holiday version.

[Jungle Skipper]

Yes Small World will reopen with the holiday theme. It will also have new things within the ride.

[Coheteboy]

Awesome thread, MasterGracey! I was thinking about whether or not we should have one for Disneyland proper as well. Glad you jumped on it!

And i LOVE the banners!

[MasterGracey]

Originally Posted by Luke Manning

I thought it was going to start in September?

Well, we have two conflicting dates that were reported very close to eachother.

Al recently noted in his 8/5 column that:

MiceAge: Mickey, Can You Hear Me?
http://miceage.micechat.com/allutz/al080508f.htm

Think Tink
After Ed Grier clumsily told the Orange County Register that a "new Tinker Bell attraction" would be opening at Disneyland, we went ahead and filled you in on the Pixie Hollow meet n' greet area where Ariel's Grotto is now behind the Matterhorn.

The work there will get underway in September, and the rather uninspired shrubbery on that mound of earth will be replaced with a faux meadow made up of five foot tall blades of grass and wildflowers. Visitors to Pixie Hollow will walk along the path through this meadow as they meet each of the new fairies that make up this latest Disney franchise.

At the end of the path you'll finally get to have your picture taken with Tinker Bell, before you exit towards the Disney Fairies merchandise cart, of course.

And only a few days earlier on 8/i David Koenig at MousePlanet reported:

MousePlanet: Broken Bridges
http://www.mouseplanet.com/articles.php?art=mt080801dk

Shops on the Move
Other dates to remember: October 5, slated to be the final day for Triton's Gardens, before it begins its conversion to Pixie Hollow, and September, when the Fortuosity shop, inspired by the eclectic Vault 28, is supposed to open in the former New Century Timepieces space. Let’s see how they theme hip and trendy with Main Street.

So, dates are a little fuzzy. David Koenig must've been pretty sure about his info report a specific date -- but it is also important to note that Ed Grier let slip that the "attraction" would open in October.

I suppose only time will tell, unless someone has some more solid information.

Originally Posted by Coheteboy

Awesome thread, MasterGracey! I was thinking about whether or not we should have one for Disneyland proper as well. Glad you jumped on it!

And i LOVE the banners!

Thanks, Coheteboy

[Ghostbuster626]

I think we will soon have to make a "Tomorrowland Project Tracker" because rumors point to a pretty bold retooling of the land.

[Coheteboy]

MasterG, I just wanted to point out a misspelling in the New Orleans section. You have Court Des Anges.

LOL, it makes me think it's gonna be a steak corner. Court Des Angus!

[Club 33 Mike]

Farewell Fntasmic, see you in November!

[MasterGracey]

Originally Posted by Coheteboy

MasterG, I just wanted to point out a misspelling in the New Orleans section. You have Court Des Anges.

LOL, it makes me think it's gonna be a steak corner. Court Des Angus!

No misspelling there -- that's the name of the place!

Originally Posted by Ghostbuster626

I think we will soon have to make a "Tomorrowland Project Tracker" because rumors point to a pretty bold retooling of the land.

Hopefully there is a big retooling of the land, but I think I can squeeze in everything in this thread

[Coheteboy]

Originally Posted by MasterGracey

No misspelling there -- that's the name of the place!

HAHA, my mistake! I guess i never actually stopped to read every letter!

[Luke Manning]

Originally Posted by MasterGracey

No misspelling there -- that's the name of the place!

You did call in Court des Angels in the description however.