Tweet
Welcome to the Disneyland Resort Project tracker. Here, you'll find information about upcoming rides, shows, shops, restaurants and other projects in the works for Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, Downtown Disney, the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort as well as the rest of the Disneyland Resort area.
We've done our best to identify projects as confirmed or rumor and will continually update this post as additional information becomes available.
Starbucks added to expanded Market House
Details: Starbucks will open its Disneyland Park location, following up on its partnership deal with Disney to open coffee shops in all six of Disney's domestic theme parks. In December 2012, the OC Register confirmed the Disneyland Park location was planned to open in Main Street's Market House, which would replace the existing Market House coffee shop and kitchen wares store. On March 19, 2013 Disney announced via the Disney Parks Blog that the Disneyana art store would close to become part of the remodeled Market House with Starbucks.
Project Status: In progress. The Market House and Disneyana's final day of operation was April 14. On June 18, Disney quietly announced Disneyland's Starbucks location would open in September. On September 4, Disney announced the new Market House location will open September 25.
Open Date: September 25 2013.
Project Status: In progress. The Market House and Disneyana's final day of operation was April 14. On June 18, Disney quietly announced Disneyland's Starbucks location would open in September. On September 4, Disney announced the new Market House location will open September 25.
Open Date: September 25 2013.
Main Street Arcade
Details: Inside sources report a new themed arcade is being considered for the east side of Main Street, USA. The themed indoor throughfare would help ease crowd flow when overflow crowds are exiting the park during peak seasons and following fireworks and parade performances. On September 18, 2012 Al Lutz reported that the Main Street Arcade idea is moving forward, with a planned opening by mid-2015. Instead of an arcade-theme, however, the walkway will be themed as a Victorian-era back alley behind Main Street, USA. The project will include the addition of new themed facades for the back of the Main Street buildings as well as the relocation of the Main Street Cone Shop and Locket facilities.
Project Status: Current rumors say construction should begin in 2014.
Open Date: Mid-2015.
Project Status: Current rumors say construction should begin in 2014.
Open Date: Mid-2015.
Aladdin's Oasis theatre / The Tahitian Terrace
Details: Theatre went dark following conclusion of Indiana Jones Summer of Hidden Mysteries show. On August 19, 2011 at the D23 Expo, Disneyland Resort President George Kalogridis announced that the Tahitian Terrace would return as part of special offerings for guests seeking Club 33-style exclusive experiences. The announcement was unclear if the actual Adventureland restaurant would return or if the experience would be created and offered differently.
Project Status: Details on the project are unclear at this time.
Open Date: Unknown.
Project Status: Details on the project are unclear at this time.
Open Date: Unknown.
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. The Hat Box Ghost, however, has yet to return despite an Al Lutz report from 8/25/09 that he would return following the 2009 Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay. Current sources indicate that the Hat Box Ghost Audio-Animatronics figure is completed and awaiting installation for a special event or to help supply a needed media boost for Disneyland.
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. As of summer 2011, no changes have been made to the attraction. Rumors are currently circulating that the animated/interactive Hitch Hiking Ghosts recently added to the Walt Disney World Haunted Mansion will soon be added to the Disneyland attraction.
Project Status: Completed and awaiting installation.
Open Date: Unknown.
One-of-a-Kind ShopAdditional 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. As of summer 2011, no changes have been made to the attraction. Rumors are currently circulating that the animated/interactive Hitch Hiking Ghosts recently added to the Walt Disney World Haunted Mansion will soon be added to the Disneyland attraction.
Project Status: Completed and awaiting installation.
Open Date: Unknown.
Details: Inside sources say that a new version of New Orleans Square's One-of-a-Kind Shop is under consideration.
Project Status: Unknown.
Open Date: Unknon.
Project Status: Unknown.
Open Date: Unknon.
Extensive Big Thunder Mountain Railroad refurbishmentDetails: An extensive multi-month refurbishment of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will run from January through fall 2013 including the addition of new ride vehicles, a repaint of the mountain, show enhancements and a complete rebuild of the Rainbow Ridge mining town facades. Disney confirmed the extended closure on December 12 via the Disney Parks Blog.
Project Status: In progress. Work began January 7, 2013.
Completion Date: October 2013.
Project Status: In progress. Work began January 7, 2013.
Completion Date: October 2013.
Fantasmic! enhancements
Details: Signifiant enhancements for Fantasmic!, including new scenes, were reportedly under consideration to help the show compete with the new "World of Color" show at Disney's California Adventure.
Project Status: Unknown.
Open Date: Unknown.
Project Status: Unknown.
Open Date: Unknown.
River Belle Terrace replacement/expansion
Details: Long-rumored River Belle Terrace expansion would provide two-level dining and upstairs priority seating for Fantasmic! performances.
Project Status: Unknown
Open Date: Unknown
Project Status: Unknown
Open Date: Unknown
New Frontierland E-Ticket attractions
Details: Plans to add new E-Ticket attractions include using the space currently occupied by the Festival Arena and backstage's Circle D Ranch, according to Al Lutz's 1/5 column. Current rumors point toward an Oz-themed mini-land and attraction based on Disney's upcoming film "Oz: The Great and Powerful."
Project Status: John Lasseter took a tour of potential expansion sites prior to the 2009 holiday season. No timetable is yet known on the opening of the new attractions if plans are approved.
Open Date: Unknown
Project Status: John Lasseter took a tour of potential expansion sites prior to the 2009 holiday season. No timetable is yet known on the opening of the new attractions if plans are approved.
Open Date: Unknown
Fantasyland dark ride enhancements for Disneyland's 60th Anniversary
Details: According to the June 4 MiceAge Update, Disneyland will close its Fantasyland dark rides in phases through 2014 and early 2015 to install "upgraded animatronics, lighting and audio, plus all-new digital special effects." The dark ride overhauls will be marketed as new offerings for Disneyland's 60th Anniversary celebration in 2015.
Project Status: Expected to begin with Alice in Wonderland in January 2014.
Completion Date: All Fantasyland dark ride enhancements expected to be complete by early 2015.
Project Status: Expected to begin with Alice in Wonderland in January 2014.
Completion Date: All Fantasyland dark ride enhancements expected to be complete by early 2015.
Alice in Wonderland "vine" replacement
Details: According to the June 4 MiceAge Update, the on-again, off-again Alice in Wonderland outdoor track replacement to bring it up-to-code with current fall safety standards is now expected to begin January 2014. The closure to accommodate the replacement of the track will also include various enhancements inside the dark ride as part of the larger Fantasyland dark ride enhancements project.
Project Status: Expected to begin January 2014.
Completion Date: Late May 2014.
Project Status: Expected to begin January 2014.
Completion Date: Late May 2014.
TRON-themed Tomorrowland with TRON attraction utilizing Peoplemover track
Details: On April 9, 2013, a MiceAge.com update from Al Lutz reported that Disney was interested in re-theming Tomorrowland with a more cohesive theme inspired by the TRON films, including repurposing much of the existing Peoplemover track with a new TRON Lightcycle thrill ride. This rumor conflicts with other existing rumors that Disneyland wanted to remove the Peoplemover track as it could no longer be utilized for attractions due to ADA compliance issues.
Project Status: Construction could begin in 2016, following Disneyland's 60th Anniversary celebration in 2015.
Open Date: Unknown.
Project Status: Construction could begin in 2016, following Disneyland's 60th Anniversary celebration in 2015.
Open Date: Unknown.
America the Beautiful in CircleVision 360
Details: On August 19, 2011 at the D23 Expo, Disneyland Resort President George Kalogridis announced that "America the Beautiful" in CircleVision would return as part of special offerings for guests seeking Club 33-style exclusive experiences. The announcement was unclear if the actual Tomorrowland attraction would return in some form in a new Tomorrowland venue, or if the experience would be created and offered differently.
Project Status: Details on the project are unclear at this time.
Open Date: Unknown.
Project Status: Details on the project are unclear at this time.
Open Date: Unknown.
New Iron Man-themed E-Ticket attraction replacing Innoventions
Details: Plans to add a new E-Ticket attraction include reutilizing the Carousel Theater, currently occupied by Innoventions and space currently used for backstage purposes, according to Al Lutz's 1/5 column. More recent rumors suggest the Carousel Theater will be completely demolished to make way for a yet-unannounced Tomorrowland E-Ticket. In his October 16 column, Al Lutz reported that a new Iron Man-themed E-Ticket attraction would be built on the current site of Innoventions. Demolition of the Carousel Theater is expected to begin February 2013. Disney has yet to officially announce the attraction.
Project Status: Demolition of current Carousel Theater/Innoventions facility expected to begin 2013.
Open Date: Later this decade
Project Status: Demolition of current Carousel Theater/Innoventions facility expected to begin 2013.
Open Date: Later this decade
Peoplemover track removal
Details: Rumors suggest the long-dormant Peoplemover track above Tomorrowland will be removed completely instead of reviving the classic attraction due to overly restrictive ADA compliance issues.
Project Status: Unknown.
Open Date: Unknown
New show for Magic Eye TheaterProject Status: Unknown.
Open Date: Unknown
Details: "Honey, I Shrunk the Audience!" is now closed while Captain EO returns for a limited engagement. It is unknown if Honey will return following Captain EO's run.
Project Status: Unknown.
Open Date: Unknown
Project Status: Unknown.
Open Date: Unknown
No projects at this time
Monsters Inc. door coaster attraction and re-theming of "Hollywood Studios"
Details: In March 2013, Al Lutz reported that a Monsters Inc. door coaster would replace the existing Muppet*Vision 3D Theater and the existing Stage 17 building used for special events. The project would include retheming the current "Hollywood Studios" area of Hollywood Land as a Monsters Inc.-themed mini-land and the former Hollywood & Dine soundstage building would become a new flex-use space for special events.
Project Status: Rumored to be going through approval stages at Disney, with construction starting as early as late 2013 by at least by 2015.
Completion Date: Disney is rumored to be interested in completing the project by 2016.
Project Status: Rumored to be going through approval stages at Disney, with construction starting as early as late 2013 by at least by 2015.
Completion Date: Disney is rumored to be interested in completing the project by 2016.
Hyperion Theatre placemaking
Details: A new facade and indoor lobby for the Hyperion Theatre has been a long-rumored project.
Project Status: Unknown.
Completion Date: Unknown
Project Status: Unknown.
Completion Date: Unknown
Soarin' The World and Condor Flats re-theme
Details: The new "Soarin' The World" film would take guests over some of the most iconic locations in the world, ending with a picturesque nighttime view of the Disneyland Resort. The popular attraction and the surrounding Condor Flats area would be re-themed to match the period-specific Grizzly Peak area instead of re-theming the area to match Disney's upcoming "Planes" movies.
Project Status: Filming of Disneyland finale scene to take place March 12, 2014.
Open Date: To open as part of Disneyland's 60th Anniversary celebration in 2015.
Project Status: Filming of Disneyland finale scene to take place March 12, 2014.
Open Date: To open as part of Disneyland's 60th Anniversary celebration in 2015.
No projects at this time
No projects at this time
California Screamin' queue and eastern Paradise Pier
Details: 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
Project Status: Delayed indefinitely.
Open Date: Unknown
New attraction(s) replacing Midway Shops and Maliboomer Park
Details: The Midway Shops on Paradise Pier received a minor facade re-theming in early 2012 instead of undergoing a complete inside-and-out remodel as previously planned. The facade redressing acts as a temporary fix to the thematic issues the shops posed to the overhauled Paradise Pier theme. The shops and facades are earmarked for eventual removal to make way for a yet unannounced attraction for Paradise Pier. The nearby Maliboomer Park area is also earmarked for eventual removal for future attraction space.
Project Status: Unknown
Project Status: Unknown
Jumpin' Jellyfish removal
Project Status: Jumpin' Jellyfish was originally slated to be removed before the spring 2010 premiere of World of Color, but will remain in place for the indefinite future.
Completion Date: Unknown.
Completion Date: Unknown.
Princess Palace Restaurant
Details: 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.
Project Status: Unknown.
Open Date: Unknown.
Cars Land Drive-In Restaurant
Details: 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
Project Status: On indefinite hold. Possibly to be built in Phase 2 expansion.
Open Date: Unknown
Two new Starbucks Coffee locations in Downtown Disney
Details: Two new Starbucks Coffee locations will open in Downtown Disney this winter, one a full store in the former BLINK by Wet Seal store and another being a new kiosk location.
Project Status: Construction is currently underway on the new store location.
Completion Date: Winter 2013/2014.
Project Status: Construction is currently underway on the new store location.
Completion Date: Winter 2013/2014.
Two new hotels at the Anaheim Garden Walk
Details: Two new Disney-managed Hotels were planned to open at the Anaheim GardenWalk, but have long been stalled and undergone numerous changes. By January 2012, Disney was no longer tied to the projects, but non-Disney developers had optained a $158 million tax incentive from the City of Anaheim to proceed with the project. The tax incentive became a matter of dispute between the City of Anaheim and city taxpayers. In his July 31, 2012 column, Al Lutz reported that the two hotel project was currently dormant due to the still-fragic economic climate. Despite this, MiceChat sources indicate Disney remains interested in eventually purchasing the Anaheim GardenWalk shopping mall and utilizing it as a bridge between the planned third theme park and a new parking structure.
Project Status: Stalled.
Open Date: Unknown.
Project Status: Stalled.
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 was originally rumored to begin in 2009, but has yet to begin.
Completion Date: Unknown. The new parking structure will have to be built and operational by the time a third theme park begins construction on the current Toy Story Parking Lot.
Project Status: Construction was originally rumored to begin in 2009, but has yet to begin.
Completion Date: Unknown. The new parking structure will have to be built and operational by the time a third theme park begins construction on the current Toy Story Parking Lot.
New Disney hotel and arrival complex
Details: A new Disney-operated hotel and a remodeled "arrival complex" on the site of the current Harbor Blvd. transportation hub will be added prior to the construction of a third theme park, according to Al Lutz.
Project Status: Planned but not yet green-lit.
Completion Date: Unknown.
Project Status: Planned but not yet green-lit.
Completion Date: Unknown.
New Disney Vacation Club tower at the Disneyland Hotel
Details: A fourth hotel with Disney Vacation Club tower is planned for the Disneyland Hotel.
Project Status: Planned but not yet green-lit.
Completion Date: Unknown.
Project Status: Planned but not yet green-lit.
Completion Date: Unknown.
Marvel-themed third theme park on Toy Story Parking Lot
Details: In response to Universal Studios Hollywood adding Wizarding World of Harry Potter, sources indicate that Disney is speeding up plans for a 3rd park in the Anaheim resort area. The new park would take over the area currently occupied by the Toy Story and Cast Member parking lots South/East of Harbor Blvd and Katella Ave., and would be themed to the Marvel universe.
Project Status: Under development
Completion Date: Unknown.
Project Status: Under development
Completion Date: Unknown.
__________________________________________________ _______________________
Are we missing anything? Do you have additional projects you think should make the list? Please let us know: [email protected]
Follow us on
Information sources:
Your Assistance:
We look forward to hearing your thoughts and information below. Please help us keep the comments in this discussion friendly and free from hostility. Please be advised that we will be removing off topic, hostile, or other comments which break the rules of the site. We are counting on you not to engage others in conversation which diminishes this discussion and advise you to use the Report Post button to alert the Moderators of any issues. We appreciate your help in keeping this discussion helpful, friendly and on topic. Much thanks!
It's been a long, crazy road to the new DCA, so it's weird to see another new tracker...for the entire resort. lol
Comment