ANAHEIM, Calif. — Disneyland is set to close several of its attractions next month to make room for a 14-acre “Star Wars” area, according to a report by the Los Angeles Times.
“We are creating a jaw-dropping new world that represents our largest single themed land expansion ever. These new lands at Disneyland and Walt Disney World will transport guests to a whole new Star Wars planet, including an epic Star Wars adventure that puts you in the middle of a climactic battle between the First Order and the Resistance,” said The Walt Disney Company Chairman and CEO Bob Iger in an announcement earlier this year at the D23 Expo 2015.
A posting on the Disney Parks Blog revealed more information on the new “Star Wars” attractions. (Scroll to the bottom of this article for concept art.)
“These authentic lands will have two signature attractions, including the ability to take the controls of one of the most recognizable ships in the galaxy, the Millennium Falcon, on a customized secret mission, and an epic Star Wars adventure that puts guests in the middle of a climactic battle,” the blog posting said.
The LA Times report said the expansion is the largest in the theme park’s history, and the park will need to close the following attractions and restaurants to make room for it.
Permanent Closures:
- Big Thunder Ranch in Frontierland
- Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue
- Big Thunder Ranch Petting Zoo
- Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree
Temporary Closures:
- Fantasmic
- The Mark Twain Riverboat
- The Sailing Ship Columbia
- The Pirates Lair on Tom Sawyer Island
- The Disneyland Railroad
- The Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes
Approximately 14 percent of the park’s 85 acres will be affected by the park’s permanent and temporary closures, the report said, and a completion date for the “Star Wars” expansion has yet to be announced. A similar expansion is also planned for Disney World in Orlando, Fla.
