Information sources:
Disneyland Resort Press Releases | MiceAge.com | Disney Parks Blog | Blue Sky Disney
Los Angeles Times Funland Blog | Orange County Register Around Disney Blog | and special contributors
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Buena Vista Street | Paradise Pier | Carsland | Micellaneous
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Buena Vista StreetOverall Project: Retheming of Sunshine Plaza into Buena Vista Street (originally planned to be called Walt Disney Plaza). New park icon, the Carthay Circle Theatre, Red Car Trolley transportation system, and various shops and restaurants.
Project Status: This project has gone through several false starts and re-schedulings including an early 2009, September 2011, and late 2010 start dates. The project finally began September 9 when removal of the Sunshine Plaza sun icon began, followed by the the start of the tile mural demolition on September 13. Construction will last for 18 months.
Open Date: April/Spring 2012
Temporary Park EntranceDetails: A temporary park entrance has been long-rumored while heavy construction on Buena Vista Street renders the park's main entrance inaccessible to park guests. The entrance was previously rumored to utilize Stage 12 in the Hollywood Pictures Backlot and then later rumored to use the utility gate between Condor Flats and Grizzly Peak Recreation Area. It was later confirmed by the
OC Register's Around Disney blog that guests would enter through the park's new Pan-Pacific turnstiles, make a hard right turn and pass through a backstage corridor behind Soarin' Over California and enter the park near the Condor Flats/Grizzly Peak utility gate.
Project Status: Temporary entrance rerouting expected to start in August with the only solid date being August 29, 2011,
as reported in a December 2010 article.
Open Date: August 29, 2011.
Performance Corridor closure & Pixar Play Parade hiatusDetails: Due to construction, DCA's performance corridor will be closed in varying degrees throughout 2011, beginning in January 2011 with the complete closure of a section in the Paradise Pier area. An even larger section of the thoroughfare will be completely closed starting June 2011. Due to this, the Pixar Play Parade will be on hiatus for much of the year. Smaller "pop-up" shows will be used to offer entertainment during the parade's hiatus.
Project Status: Starting January 4, construction walls in Sunshine Plaza will be extended further, resulting in a tighter walkway through the park's entrance plaza. The Pixar Play Parade will go on hiatus January 4, which is expected to last until November. During this time, smaller "Pixar Pop-Up" shows will entertain guests elsewhere in the park in lieu of a full parade.
Carthay Circle TheatreDetails: The Carthay Circle Theatre will be built, but without the Walt Disney Story attraction. With the Walt Disney Story attraction canceled, and other rumored plans including an expanded Resort Preview Center not happening, the current plans for the space include a Club 33-style club on the top level and a signature dining location and a bar/lounge for park guests on the ground level.
Project Status: As of January 2011, the removal of the Sunshine Fountain plaza was completed and work to clear the area is underway. Construction on the theater is currently on-going.
Open Date: By spring/summer 2012
Red Car Trolley transportation systemDetails: Reviving the gone-but-not-forgotten Pacific Electric Railway, the new Red Car Trolley system will offer trolley transportation from the entrance of California Adventure, through Carthay Circle Plaza and down Hollywood Boulevard, ending at the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.
Project Status: Track construction completed in Hollywoodland. Track installation has yet to begin on Buena Vista Street. Trolley cars are reportedly under construction off-property.
Open Date: May 2012
Buena Vista Street shops and diningDetails: A new Main Street-esque street will house new shops and dining, replacing the tile murals, restrooms, lockers, and Guest Services buildings. The new shop facades will feature nods to Walt Disney's rich life history on shop windows, including "Elias & Co. Dept. Store" and "Oswald’s Gas & Oil." For more information,
see this post.
Project Status: The shops and dining on the west side of Sunshine Plaza (
Bur-r-r Bank Ice Cream, Baker's Field Bakery and Engine Ears Toys) will be the first to
be closed and re-themed starting July 31, 2011. It is still unclear when the east side shops will close.
Open Date: By spring/summer 2012
West side shops and dining Mortimer's MarketDetails: Ads on Buena Vista Street construction walls note Mortimer's Market as having the "freshest fruit in town," implying that the location will be a snack location serving fresh fruits and other healthy snacks.
Open Date: Spring/summer 2012
Julius Katz & Sons Appliances and MoreDetails: A new retail location.
Open Date: Spring/summer 2012
Julius Katz Shoe and Watch RepairDetails: A new retail shop, located next to Julius Katz's appliance store.
Open Date: Spring/summer 2012
Big Top ToysDetails: The entrance to this new toy shop will be immediately under the Monorail bridge. This retail location was previously called Carolwood Trains, Craft and Hobby,
as reported by the LA Times Funland blog in November 2007.
Open Date: Spring/summer 2012
Clarabelle's Ice Cream ParlorDetails: A likely re-naming and re-theming of the Bur-r-r Bank Ice Cream shop.
Open Date: Spring/summer 2012
Fiddler Fifer and Practical CafeDetails: Advertised as having the "most comfortable booths in town!" on Buena Vista Street construction walls.
Open Date: Spring/summer 2012
Horace's Pawn ShopDetails: This shop is not featured on Buena Vista Street construction wall ads, but
was previously reported as the name of a shop by the LA Times Funland Blog in November 2007.
Open Date: Spring/summer 2012
East side shops and dining Oswald's Filling StationDetails: A new shop and thematic addition themed as a 1920s gas station, Oswald's Filling Station is named after Walt Disney's first cartoon star - Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. The Filling Station will be located on your left hand side immediately after entering Disney California Adventure.
Open Date: Spring/summer 2012
Los Feliz Five and DimeDetails: A new retail location which will occupy a portion of the Greetings from California store's northern space, the Five and Dime was previously illustrated as Sewards Five and Dime in concept art.
Open Date: Spring/summer 2012
Elias and Company Department StoreDetails: A complete re-theming of the Greetings from California store, this will likely be the primary souvenir shop of Buena Vista Street, on-par with Disneyland's Emporium.
Open Date: Spring/summer 2012
Kingswell Camera ShopDetails: Ads for the camera shop say its located in the Elysian Arcade, suggesting the camera shop (a PhotoPass location) will stay in its current location inside Greetings from California, but the space will be carved out to appear more as a separate shop within the larger Elias and Company Department Store.
Open Date: Spring/summer 2012
Atwater Ink and Paint Art SupplyDetails: It isn't noted as being located in the Elysian Arcade, but a small specialty store like this may be located within the space.
Open Date: Spring/summer 2012
Trolley TreatsDetails: Trolley Treats will offer "mountains of candy" and "rivers of fudge," among other sweet treats, according to its ad on Buena Vista Street construction wall. This shop will likely be a re-theming of the current candy shop located between Elias and Company Department Store and the entrance to Hollywoodland.
Open Date: Spring/summer 2012
Doc Sherwood ApothecaryDetails: This shop is not featured on Buena Vista Street construction wall ads, but
was previously reported as the name of a shop by the LA Times Funland Blog in November 2007.
Open Date: Spring/summer 2012
Pan Pacific Auditorium main entrance gatesDetails: The CALIFORNIA letters have been removed and the current main entry turnstiles have started to be removed, in phases. New turnstiles/gate styled after Los Angeles' Pan Pacific Auditorium will be constructed in the former location of the CALIFORNIA letters.
Project Status: Completed. Began second week of January, 2011. Construction walls went up, the CALIFORNIA letters were removed and several of the center turnstiles were demolished. Work began on prepping the land to begin work on the new entrance construction.
Open Date: Originally reported to open August 29, 2011, the Pan-Pacific turnstiles publicly opened July 15, 2011.
HollywoodlandOverall Project: Various re-theming and enhancement projects, including the addition of the Red Car Trolley route, will transform Hollywood Boulevard into a 1930s-era portrait of Hollywood. The Hollywood Pictures Backlot will be renamed Hollywoodland.
Project Status: Red Cars are in progress, but most other Hollywoodland remodeling will begin in Phase 2.
Open Date: Various
Hollywood Boulevard placemakingDetails: Signage and facade enhancements will help make Hollywood Blvd. fit a 1930s Hollywood theme.
Project Status: Unknown.
Completion Date: Unknown
Hyperion Theatre placemakingDetails: A new facade and indoor lobby for the Hyperion Theatre has been a long-rumored project.
Project Status: Unknown.
Completion Date: Unknown
Muppet*Vision 3D replacementDetails: Various ideas have been considered for this venue ranging from Mickey's PhilharMagic from WDW, a "flex-theatre," and a Chronicles of Narnia special effects show. Currently, Muppet*Vision will remain, and it is unknown what will eventually replace the show.
Project Status: Unknown.
Open Date: Unknown.
Disney Junior — Live on StageDetails: Playhouse Disney — Live on Stage will close and be re-named and re-themed as Disney Junior – Live on Stage with new shows based on the re-branded children's network shows.
Project Status: Completed. Playhouse Disney closed January 23, 20011.
Open Date: Disney Junior opened officially March 25. 2011
Red Car Trolley track constructionDetails: Installation, in phases, of trolley tracks for upcoming Red Car Trolley ride system.
Project Status: Completed. Work began January 5, 2010 on the installation of Trolley tracks. By June 11, 2011 the Red Car Trolley track installation in Hollywood Land had been completed.
Completion Date: Major installation was completed fall 2010, with the remainder finished in June 2011.
Paradise PierOverall Project: Retheming of Paradise Pier to Victorian-style seaside amusement zone includes the addition of Toy Story Midway Mania attraction and the retheming of Games of the Boardwalk, Mullholland Madness, Sun Wheel, Orange Stinger, and dining locations. Also included is the removal of Maliboomer and Golden Dreams with the addition of Paradise Park and The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel's Undersea Adventure.
Project Status: In Progress
Project Completion/Soft Open: First phase concluded with the opening of Toy Story Midway Mania! and the surrounding area's re-theming with soft-openings in April 2008 and a official opening in July 2008. Additional phases of this project are on-going.
California Screamin' queue and eastern Paradise PierDetails: Work would remove the tacky aesthetic of Paradise Pier from California Screamin' to King Triton's Carousel and would re-theme the area to match the 1920s seaside amusement zone theme of Toy Story Midway Mania and the Games of the Boardwalk.
Project Status: Delayed indefinitely.
Open Date: Unknown
Paradise Pier shopsDetails: Point Mugu Tattoo, Man Hat N Beach, and Sideshow Shirts will close and be re-themed inside and out, including new facades.
Project Status: Previously expected begin Fall 2009, the project has yet to begin. Rumored to be indefinitely delayed. Al Lutz noted in
his 11/9/10 column that the project was canceled, but that the shops and Maliboomer area may become the entrance/queue space of a future attraction.
Open Date: Unknown
Jumpin' Jellyfish removalProject Status: Jumpin' Jellyfish was originally slated to be removed before the spring 2010 premiere of World of Color, but it will remain in place for the indefinite future.
Completion Date: Unknown.
Princess Palace RestaurantDetails: Ariel's Grotto will be re-themed and renamed Princess Palace, a character dining location with a focus on Disney princesses.
Project Status: Unknown.
Open Date:
Unknown.
Paradise Garden dining courtyardDetails: Covering the area encompassing Pizza Oom Mow Mow, Burger Invasion, and the S. S.
rustworthy; the new Paradise Garden dining area will re-purpose the existing dining facilities and reuse the area that was previously occupied by the S.S.
rustworthy play area for an expanded dining courtyard with Victorian-style theming in a lush garden setting.
Open Date: Previously expected to open May 2010, the project was postponed and was expected to officially open May 24, 2011, but construction delays pushed construction back and the area officially opened
July 1, 2011.
Paradise Garden GrillProject Status: Completed. The former McDonald's Burger Invasion dining location closed September 2, 2008. Construction walls went up in late June 2010 to begin construction.
Open Date: Previously expected to open May 2010, the project was postponed and later expected to open May 24, 2011. After construction delays, the new eatery finally opened officially
officially set to open July 1, 2011.
Boardwalk Pizza and PastaDetails: The existing Pizza Oom Mow Mow dining facility will receive an improved menu featuring pizza and pastas, and will be re-dressed and enhanced with a new Victorian-style theme.
Project Status: In progress. Previously expected to begin fall 2009, construction walls went up in the area September 7, 2010, followed by heavy demolition and building modification work throughout the fall.
Open Date: Previously expected to open May 2010, the project was postponed and later scheduled to open May 24, 2011. After numerous construction delays, the dining location officially opened
officially set to open July 1, 2011.
Goofy's Sky SchoolDetails: Re-theming of Mullholland Madness roller coaster and adding a new theme inspired by the 1940 cartoon short, "Goofy’s Glider." Roller coaster theme will become a flying academy that follows Goofy’s attempts to teach novice pilots how to fly.
Project Status: In progress after being delayed numerous times. Originally expected to start January 2010 was put on hold. On March 30, 2010,
Al Lutz reported the project was scheduled to begin in October 2010 for a seven-month transformation. On August 6, the
DisneyParks Blog confirmed the attraction would close October 12, 2010 (last day for guests October 11).
Open Date: Delayed from its May 2011 reopening due to construction setbacks, the attraction officially opened July 1, 2011 after soft-openings starting June 25, 2011.
The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel's Undersea AdventureProject Status: Officially opened to the public June 3, 2011 following an official opening ceremony on June 2, 2011. Golden Dreams closed to the public September 7, 2008 with the attraction open to school groups only through Spring 2009. Construction walls went up around Golden Dreams May 27, 2009. Originally expected to be demolished July 6, the Golden Dreams Theater demolition was delayed to July 15. The theater has since been completely removed and construction on the new attraction is in progress. As of January 2011, Disney
released behind-the-scenes video showing interior work on the attraction is progressing nicely and work continues on the attraction's outdoor facade. On February 25, 2011, the
Disney officially announced the attraction would officially open on June 3, 2011. Official Cast Member previews began May 19, 2011.
Open Date: Officially opened June 3, 2011, following Cast Previews, soft openings and Annual Passholder previews in mid/late May.
Corn Dog CastleDetails: The quick service dining location was expected to undergo a Victorian-style re-theming in order to match the surrounding area's new theme. As of January 2011, no changes have been made to the dining facility as it sits closed behind construction walls. The food location is, however, expected to reopen in spring 2011, whether it is rethemed or not.
Project Status: Dining location went behind construction walls June 1, 2009. Soft opened May 19. Officially opened July 1.
Open Date: Cast Member publications long listed the location it as returning May 26, 2011, but on May 5, 2011
Disney announced the food location would reopen July 1, 2011. The dining location soft opened to the public May 19 when walls came down around the area due to Little Mermaid Cast Previews
Seaside SouvenirsDetails: The souvenir stand was originally expected to be undergoing a Victorian-style re-theming to match the theme of its surrounding area. As of January 2011, no changes have been made to the souvenir stand while it sits closed behind construction walls. Disney has, however, displayed concept art for a new marquee in the Blue Sky Cellar. It is unclear if any other thematic or aesthetic changes will be made.
Project Status: Shopping location went behind construction walls June 1, 2009. Opened May 19, 2011.
Open Date: Cast Member publications currently list it as returning May 26, 2011, but that date may be in flux and can change. This retail location will likely be open by June 3 to co-incide with the opening of The Little Mermaid attraction. The retail location opened May 19 when walls came down around the area for Little Mermaid Cast Previews
Maliboomer ParkDetails: A Victorian-style park area with lush shade trees and character meet-and-greet opportunities will replace the area formerly occupied by the Maliboomer. After delays, the Maliboomer closed permanently September 7, 2010 and was completely dismantled by mid-October.
Project Status: In progress. As of January 2011, removal of much of the attraction infrastructure, queue and shade structures has been completed, and new trees have been moved onto the former Maliboomer platform.
Project Completion: Summer 2011.
Golden StateGhirardelli Chocolate Factory Tour and Soda FountainDetails: The Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory would take guests through a small chocolate factory exhibit and empty into an accompanying soda fountain and chocolate shop in the space formerly occupied by the Mission Tortilla Factory. Al Lutz had details on the expanded exhibit and soda fountain in
his April 30 column.
Project Status: In progress. On May 30 the Mission Tortilla Factory officially closed and the windows at the attraction were covered in black cloth, hiding all views into the space.
Open Date: 2012, likely in time for the summer opening of Cars Land.
Condor Flats rethemeDetails: The desert airstrip theme will be removed and the area will be re-themed to match the Grizzly Peak Recreation Area's state parks theme.
Project Status: Unknown
Open Date: Unknown
Soarin' Over the WorldDetails: The California theme of the attraction will be removed and a new on-ride film will take guests on an aerial tour of the world.
Project Status: Unknown
Open Date: 2013 (Rumored)
Walt Disney Imagineering Blue Sky Cellar — Updated exhibits
Details: Blue Sky Cellar preview center will close to change exhibits with a more in-depth preview of the upcoming Little Mermaid attraction.
Project Status: In progress.
Open Date: Reopens January 28, 2011.
Cars LandOverall Project: Utilizing 12 acres of the former Timon Parking Lot, this is new land will feature three new attractions including the major new Radiator Springs Racers "E"-Ticket attraction, as well as new shopping and dining experiences themed to Disney-Pixar's
Cars Project Status: In progress. Walt Disney Imagineering officially broke ground on the Cars Land project July 8, 2009, according to the
July 9 MiceAge.com Editor's Note by Al Lutz. On October 13, 2010, Al Lutz
offered detailed information on the shops and restaurants coming to Cars Land in 2012 in the MiceChat Round-Up.
Open Date: June 2012
Radiator Springs RacersDetails: A brand new E-Ticket attraction, utilizing Epcot's Test Track ride system technology in conjunction with state-of-the-art Audio Animatronics and special effects, Radiator Springs Racers will bring the story of Cars to life in a new an exciting way. The attraction will conclude with a high-speed race through Radiator Springs.
Project Status: In progress. Heavy construction continues on the attraction, from the ride experience to the themed mountain peaks.
Open Date: 2012
The CourthouseDetails: The Radiator Springs court house, located at the end of the land's main street, will act as the entrance of the Radiator Springs Racers attraction.
Open Date: Will open 2012 as part of Radiator Springs Racers attraction
Ramone's House of Body ArtDetails: This merchandise location will serve as the exit gift shop for the Radiator Springs Racers attraction.
Open Date: Will open 2012 as part of Radiator Springs Racers attraction
Mater's Junkyard JamboreeDetails: The Bountiful Valley Farm area of A Bug's Land was closed September 7, 2010. The area will become home to the main entrance of Cars Land as well as one of the land's new rides, Mater's Junkyard Jamboree.
Project Status: As of January 2011, the land has been cleared awaiting construction.
Open Date: 2012
Luigi's Roamin' TiresDetails: Utilizing a new version of Disneyland's old Flying Saucers ride system, Luigi's Roamin' Tires will offer a unique ride on floating bumper cars themed as giant tires.
Project Status: In progress.
Open Date: 2012
Fillmore's Taste-InDetails: Located in a geodesic dome near the entrance to Cars Land, Fillmore's Taste-In will be a snack bar themed to the hippy VW minibus from the Cars film. The Taste-In will serve fruit themed smoothies and healthy snacks.
Project Status: Construction not yet underway.
Open Date: 2012
Cozy Cone MotelDetails: A faithful recreation of the five-cone motel from the film, the Cozy Cone Motel will serve as a food court serving snacks, light meals and drinks. Food offerings will playfully include the word "cone" in their name, such as "Chili Cone Carne," "Popcone," or "Cone on the Cob"
Project Status: In progress.
Open Date: 2012
Flo's V8 CafeDetails: Flo's V8 Cafe will be Cars Land's largest and most prominent foodservice location and will serve traditional American fast-food fare including hamburgers, milkshakes and root beer floats. Service will be counter-service, much like Disneyland's Tomorrowland Terrace and dining space will be on a sprawling outdoor patio. The dining location may also include a stage for live music.
Project Status: In progress.
Open Date: 2012
Radiator Springs CuriosDetails: Serving as the primary merchandise location in Cars Land, Radiator Springs Curios is expected to offer unique merchandise items themed to roadside Americana and the Cars films.
Project Status: In progress.
Open Date: 2012
Sarge's Surplus HutDetails: Themed to the Sarge character in Cars, the Surplus Hut is set to be another merchandise location, but will not open with the rest of Cars Land in 2012. The shop may open at a later date which will be decided based on guest demand.
Project Status: Construction not yet underway.
Open Date: Building will be visible to guests entering Cars Land in 2012, but it is unknown when it will open to guests.
Cars Land Drive-In RestaurantDetails: A full-service dining location, the Drive-In Theater-themed restaurant would bring a fourth foodservice location to the Cars Land area. Plans for the locations were put on hold and the restaurant may be built at a later date, depending on guest demand.
Project Status: On indefinite hold. Possibly to be built in Phase 2 expansion.
Open Date: Unknown
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Disney California Adventure Project Tracker XI 
Can't believe we're at number 11 already.
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