Disneyland is undergoing a big expansion that will introduce several major rides and additions to the resort in the years ahead. While some of these are well underway, others are part of a multi-step process that first requires shifting the layout of the resort.
We just got an update on the first step towards this expansion, which is arriving at two major milestones this week. Keep reading for everything you need to know and the impact on your next visit. Mickey Visit brings you the latest Disney news and planning resources, including Disney World’s Hallmark pop-up shop opening timeframe announced and Disney making big news on Lion King land coming soon.
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Step in Disneyland Expansion Reaching Milestone
In 2024, the city of Anaheim approved a rezoning initiative called DisneylandForward, which allowed for updating Disneyland Resort’s existing development approvals. This approval has allowed Disney to move forward with the reallocation of Disney-owned property for theme park, hotel, or shopping district use, paving the way for the resort’s expansion over the course of the next 30 to 40 years.
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The first major theme park project unlocked by DisneylandForward is the Avatar land coming to Disney California Adventure. This new land will occupy space that currently belongs to Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!, the Hollywood Lounge snack location, and the Disneyland Resort transportation hub.
The first step that needs to happen before the Avatar expansion is the relocation of the transportation hub, and this project will include the reimagining of the esplanade arrival experience.
The new parking structure and transportation hub will be located on the east side of Disneyland Resort on a portion of what was formerly the Manchester cast member parking lot, an administrative building, and a plot that was formerly home to the Carousel Inn. This area will have around 6,000 parking spaces, shuttle and rideshare areas, security screening, and dedicated access for traffic off of Disney Way. The parking structure will be 3,257,394 square feet with 8 levels. There will also be a pedestrian bridge over Harbor Boulevard that takes guests to a new esplanade arrival experience.
This takes us to what’s happening today. After the closure of the South Manchester Avenue cast member parking lot in late June and work prepping the site, Disney shared with Mickey Visit that the groundbreaking of the parking structure will take place next week.
They decided not to announced this in the big D23 Expo presentation this week and share it with us directly instead. While the news isn’t as flashy as some of the other details, we are particularly excited about this.
This week, closer to the parks, work to enable construction will begin in the esplanade this week, starting with the eastern ticket booths. DAS has already moved across to the western side of the esplanade, and the eastern side booths will be closed off and demolition work will begin starting this week.
Disneyland officials shared directly with Mickey Visit that as soon as today work is beginning to move this project forward.
When we asked Disney about what will happen to the pavers in the Esplanade, they shared that they are not expecting any impact at this time. We are unsure if that will remain the case as construction goes on.
For years, guests were able to purchase commemorative bricks in the Esplanade before this offering was retired in 2011. Each paver could be personalized with a name, hometown, and a special date. We’re interested in seeing if Disney reopens the option for personalized pavers during this construction process or if they are completely taken out.
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These two steps indicate that work on the transportation hub is getting started in earnest, which lays the groundwork necessary for future growth and new additions.
As we mentioned, the first theme park expansion project that is unlocked by this project is the Avatar land. This new experience, inspired by Avatar: The Way of Water and future films, will include a massive new boat ride through the natural wonders of Pandora. At D23, we recently got a look at a new rockwork model and ride vehicle model for the land. We also got confirmation from Disney that the Avatar land is being delayed as they prioritize a surprise new land overhaul and work continues on the transportation hub.
You can see all 7 of the new huge Disneyland ride reveals made in our separate article here.
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