The forces of the Empire and Rebellion are still working on “Star Wars” land at Disneyland as a variety of retaining walls and other concrete foundations began appearing in the construction zone.
Meanwhile, Disney announced the formal start of construction for the new parking structure that will be built east of Harbor Boulevard, near the Santa Ana Freeway. It will also occupy portions of the current Pumba parking lot. When complete, some time in 2018, the structure will hold more than 6,000 cars.
It will connect to the Disneyland Resort via a new Eastern gateway, that will also serve as a new transportation hub for buses and shuttle buses and taxis. Eventually, there will be an access way built through to the Disneyland Resort on the land currently occupied by the Carousel Inn, which Disney now owns. The Inn will be closed in October, those with reservations past that month will be relocated to other area hotels, according to Disney officials.
Inside Disneyland, refurbishment work started on some of the structures on Tom Sawyer Island in Frontierland, while the island is closed related to the construction of “Star Wars” land.
Downtown Disney has seen some changes in the past few weeks. The Quiksilver shop closed its doors last month, the company filed for bankruptcy protection in 2015.
Nearby, the second Starbucks opened its doors near the AMC Theaters. There is no indoor seating at this facility, just order a latte and go.
Disney formally announced that the Rivers of America will reopen to boat traffic, along with the Disneyland Railroad and the return of “Fantasmic!” in 2017. However, a specific date was not given in the announcement.
No date for the opening of “Star Wars” land has been released at this time.
Get more details from our Rebel spies by clicking through the slideshow.
Contact the writer: meades@ocregister.com