Contributing photographer Jason of disneygeek.com sends us these photos from his trip to the parks on Friday, May 13, 2016.
Since Laura covered the re-opened and new attractions I will use this post to check in on the projects around the resort. This trip marked my 13th trip of the year, appropriately enough on Friday the 13th.
Let us start off with a check of the Star Wars construction. They have removed more backstage buildings since my last visit and it appears they have now done the initial demo work on all the buildings and the fence line/perimeter of the project is set. Here you can see the far end of it stretches all the way to the Winnie the Pooh show building.
A short video overview of the site taken from the Mickey and Friends parking structure.
Looking toward where the Big Thunder Ranch used to be. In the distance you can see the old Fantasyland Skyway building.
There were several large earth movers cruising the site adding to the large mound of dirt on the former Circle D site.
Another video clip of the site.
A large mound of dirt has been created on the former ranch site using the old berm and river banks dirt.
Working on clearing the plants and other debris from the berm near Critter Country.
A second Starbucks is slated to open this summer, it is being painted now.
The Monorail is closed for renovation.
The House of Blues closes the end of the month.
LittleMissMatched is gone and Chapel Hats has moved in.
The closure list for today.
Pirates is closed and rumor is FastPass is returning.
From the bridge near Splash Mountain. In the distance you can see the parking structure where I took the earlier pictures.
Looking through the fence.
From the Hungry Bear.
A video clip of the Star Wars work from the Hungry Bear.
Star Wars work from the Big Thunder Trail.
A video clip from the Big Thunder Trail of the Star Wars work.
Big Thunder this afternoon.
The Super Hero HQ sign has been removed.
The Paradise Garden Grill closed several weeks ago, internet reporting is due to budget cutbacks around the resort.
The swings are closed for renovation.
Grizzly River Run is closed for renovation too. No signs of work going on, though.
The Rambler had the tailgate open today.
There was audio coming from the car too. Here is a video clip so you can hear the music playing.
Gone Hollywood has become a Star Wars and Marvel store.
A look around. On the right when you enter is Marvel.
On the left Star Wars
The Pixar Play Parade rolling by
The Studio Store in Hollywood Land now features some Alice & Dory merchandise.
Zootopia has been removed from the Animation Building.
The animation building was busy this afternoon.
Soarin’ will receive a new film on June 17th featuring global sights. In preparation for this the signage now sports the new logo and many California references have been removed over the past several months.
Walked through Elias and Company. A lot of Finding Dory merchandise is available now.
Back to Disneyland. The restrooms at the Space Mountain exit are closed for renovation.
Watched Paint the Night from Main Street.
Found a spot for Disneyland Forever
Showtime
Hope you enjoyed this highlight tour of the Disneyland Resort. For additional photos and details from this trip you can check out the full Disneyland Update I posted on my site, https://disneygeek.com Also be sure to follow me on twitter @disneygeekcom for pictures from the parks.
Nice as always Jason!
You mentioned the House of Blues is closing. What is planned to go in it’s place?
Doug
***** Jason Reply ******
Doug – Disney has not released any details on what is coming to the space yet.
Thanks for this informative message! I am hoping to visit January 2017 & don’t mind that the Star Wars area won’t be completed. Talked with some cast members yesterday regarding the use of the Disneyland Railroad. Any thoughts on the use of that attraction by then?
***** Jason Reply ******
Karen -> Disney has not released an official date for the re-opening of the railroad. Internet speculation is pointing toward a spring opening, many saying April.