Work is already underway on the new Star Wars Land at Disneyland, so some big changes are coming to the Happiest Place on Earth—mostly in Frontierland.Disney unveiled its first look at the revamped Rivers of America waterfront, which will include a railroad trestle that will allow the Disneyland Railroad to give visitors a very photogenic ride along the waterfront and even over a waterfall. According to HuffPo, the river itself will be shortened and Tom Sawyer Island is going to shrink down a bit.
Closure of several Frontierland rides and attractions began over the weekend, reports the O.C. Register, including all the boat rides on the river, the Disneyland Rail and the nightly "Fantasmic!" fireworks and lights show. Don't worry, they'll be back in a year. Sadly, Big Thunder Ranch, which includes a petting zoo, barbecue restaurant and the Big Thunder Jamboree, is now permanently closed. Fear not, Thunder Mountain Railroad will remain open. Phew.
While the Disneyland Railroad remains shut down during the upgrades, guests will get a chance to get up close with two steam engines at the Main Street and New Orleans Square Stations. "We're working on a way to put two of the trains on display so our guests can get up close to them," John Scott, an operating engineer on the railroad, told the Register.
Star Wars Land, which is also coming to Florida's Walt Disney World, does not yet have an expected opening date.
