Disneyland Closing Some Attractions to Build Star Wars Land

Major closures are just a couple of weeks away at Disneyland, some temporary and some permanent. [...]

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(Photo: Disney Parks and Resorts)

Major closures are just a couple of weeks away at Disneyland, some temporary and some permanent. As we first reported about three months ago, Disneyland will be closing certain restaurants, rides, and attractions to make room for Star Wars Land and its construction.

The closures will hit January 10 and 11, 2016. Everything "Big Thunder" related except, mercifully, for the actual Big Thunder Railroad rollercoaster, will be closing down permanently, as that area will now be part of the entrance for Star Wars Land. That means Big Thunder Ranch, Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue, Big Thunder Ranch Petting Zoo, and Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree are shutting down for good. Suddenly, I'm very happy I got some of that tasty BBQ back in August during D23 Expo.

The Rivers of America rides and attractions are going to be put on temporary hold, as they'd have to ride through the construction areas. That includes the Disneyland Railroad, Tom Sawyer Island, and the three boat rides: Mark Twain Riverboat, Sailing Ship Columbia, and Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes. The Fantasmic fireworks/light show on the river will also be temporarily closed during construction.

LATimes reports that Disney and theme park watchers don't anticipate any significant loss of attendance because of the closures. The addition of new and expanded Star Wars attractions already in Tomorrowland will help assuage any loss. An extension to the Paint the Night parade for the Diamond anniversary of the park, the standard Fireworks show, and the relatively recently revamped World of Color at California Adventure have already been taking away from Fantasmic's audience, as well.

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