Disneyland Resort Update October 27, 2016: 'Tower'ing Scaffolding and the Carousel Closure

There is a lull in attendance at Disneyland that runs from the end of the summer season to the start of the holidays. In any year, there may be a series of projects wedged into this time. This year, there are two high-profile projects in the works as well as a number of refurbishments and enhancements.

At the Star Wars Land construction site, a couple of days of rain have not slowed the pace. Work crews have gotten noticeably larger, forms have been removed from concrete retaining walls, and major work has begun on the western edge of the property. Entrance tunnels are clearly defined as well.

A view of the Star Wars Land construction site taken in late September

The barrier separating Star Wars Land from the Rivers of America is very obvious in this view

The Hungry Bear Restaurant can still be seen from the construction site

Over at Disney California Adventure, the Tower of Terror is still open for business, even as the exterior of the building is being remodeled for its new tenant. Marvel’s Collector will start “moving in” after the final guests check out on January 2nd, 2017. Heavy promotion of the attraction has brought the wait time back up, even on generally less busy days.

Wait times have crept back up as guests enjoy a final check-in at the Hollywood Tower Hotel

Scaffold and canvas shield exterior work on the tower

Current work is reminiscent of the final stages of the work done on the tower’s original exterior

Two projects that will have a major impact in years to come are moving more slowly. The new security zone for the Mickey and Friends parking structure has not been officially announced, although the area where it will be built has been completely cleared in preparation. On the east side of Harbor Boulevard, the Carousel Inn and Suites was quietly closed; demolition should begin in the near future to make way for the announced Eastern Gateway project.

Work on the Mickey and Friends tram area has been completely cleaned up

The Carousel Inn and Suites on its final day of operation

A look at the Carousel Inn rooms on its final day

New landscape along the tram route connecting the Mickey and Friends parking structure to the Downtown Disney drop off is virtually finished. As predicted, there is much more hardscape and drought resistant plants.

The new landscape along the tram route is nearly finished

New plantings include drought tolerant succulents

Area under the Disneyland Drive overpass includes a dry creek bed

Another area that has been quietly altered is in the Hollywood Backlot—or rather Hollywood Land in Disney California Adventure. The outdoor staging areas that have served a series of outdoor special events ranging from Color Fest to this year’s Mad T Party have been removed. Of greatest interest is the reappearance of Stage 12. Originally housing Hollywood and Dine, Stage 12 had for the last few years been hidden behind walls and planters.

Construction fence marks the location of the Mad T Party stage

The view from the Hollywood Backlot Stage will soon be clear to both Stage 17 and

Stage 12 is again visible

Not every change involves closures. Not one but two movie previews recently opened in Disney California Adventure. Doctor Strange can be seen in the former Muppets 3D theater, recently rechristened the Sunset Showcase Theater. The showing features special effects, as well as a costume display in the lobby.

Banners along Hollywood Boulevard herald the Doctor Strange sneak peek in Disney California Adventure

The Sunset Showcase Theater is decorated for the preview

Signs warn about the in-theater effects

Publicity for Doctor Strange decorates the exterior waiting area

Over in a bug’s land, Moana has taken up residence in the underground theater that originally showed It’s Tough to be a Bug. Guests who enjoy the previews will find that Disney is thoughtfully offering a wide variety of merchandise in nearby shops.

Banners are also out to publicize the Moana sneak peek

Guests can take photos of Moana and Maui near the entrance to the premiere

Signs warn about the in-theater effects

The screening is in 3D with special effects

Halloween Time is in full swing (see last month’s update for full details). Over at the Grand Californian Hotel, they have joined in the celebration with a special lobby display.