Disneyland fans, get ready for some major, epic changes to the park. On January 11th, Disney will be shutting down Big Thunder Ranch (which includes the BBQ, Petting Farm and Jamboree) forever to make room for Star Wars Land. Also shutting down (albeit temporarily) will be Rivers of America, the Mark Twain Riverboat, Sailing Ship Columbia, Pirates Lair on Tom Sawyer Island, Davey Crocket Explorer Canoes, the Disneyland Train, and the show ‘Fantasmic!’ all to help clear the way for construction equipment and supplies to work on the new Star Wars Land.
While fans of the park might be disappointed to see so many favorites closed down (even though most are just temporary, it is still about 14% of the park’s attractions), they should still be excited for the massive expansion to the park, being 14 acres by current estimates, which would make ‘Star Wars’ land the largest single themed land expansion in park history. Disney execs are also very excited for the move, as evidenced by Bob Iger when he announced the project at the D23 Expo earlier this year:
“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.”
According to sources, the new park will feature two major attractions, one that supposedly offers a “thrilling battle experience” and another that lets guests control (and fly?) the Millenium Falcon, Han Solo’s signature ship from the original trilogy.
What are your thoughts about all the new attractions for Disneyland? Is this the end of an era for the park? Will it still have the same old-time magic with such a themed land in its midst? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Source: KTLA
