Disneyland Resort February Construction Update: Guardians Exterior, "Beauty and the Beast" Preview

With the end of the holidays, the Disneyland Resort goes into a period of refurbishment. Typically there is not a lot to update, but this year is an exception. Star Wars Land construction continues, of course. In addition, there is work on the Guardians of the Galaxy attraction at Disney California Adventure, the aforementioned refurbishments, and a major studio preview.

Multiple cranes dot Star Wars Land in this January view

Work continued on excavations

Rockwork profiles along the railroad right-of-way are clearly visible

By mid-month work had progressed on the perimeter access road

This will be the connection to the tram route at the former Winston gate

The conversion of the Hollywood Tower Hotel into the home of the Tivan Group (or the Tower of Terror into Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: BREAKOUT!, if you prefer) has been largely under wraps, literally. But in February a section of the wrapping was removed to reveal a first glimpse of the new exterior of the attraction.

During the holidays the Tower of Terror was wrapped in scaffolding and canvas

A construction fence blocked the entrance

Looks like Rocket Raccoon has left his handiwork on the construction fence

A section of the new façade was revealed in early February

The new look is very colorful

This was done just in time for an unusually rainy spell in otherwise sunny Southern California. This was also the time that many locals who had stayed away during the holidays (either to avoid crowds or because of Annual Pass blackout dates) made their return to experience the new security procedures. In addition to the confusion of the new screening checkpoints at Mickey and Friends parking, there was the big change in the walking route to the park. In the past guests made their way to the east, crossing Disneyland Drive, following a landscaped sidewalk that paralleled the monorail beam, and arriving at the tram drop off area near the World of Disney store. Today the route is due south to the new security checkpoints at the entrance to Downtown Disney, then east through the shopping district and directly into the esplanade.

Heavy winter rains did not keep guests from visiting Disneyland

Preferred Parking remains as an option for Disneyland Resort guests (Note: This image was taken before the price rose to $20 for standard parking)

Many local visitors experienced the new security stations in January

This is the new, nondescript entrance to the walkway to the theme parks

This sign is inside the parking structure

Permanent and temporary signs direct guests to the new walkway

Refurbishments include Grizzly River Run, the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, the Matterhorn, and even the bathrooms in Adventureland. The major preview that arrived at the Sunset Showcase Theater is for Disney’s live-action Beauty and the Beast. Not only is there an exclusive film, but the lobby has a display with props and Belle’s costume used in the film.

Disney California Adventure Refurbishments: