Disneyland clearning the way for 'Star Wars'....

 To make way for construction of a 14-acre "Star Wars" themed land, Disneyland resort officials announced Thursday several popular attractions will close for a year at Disneyland, including the railroad, Fantasmic! and most everything around Rivers of America.


 And Big Thunder Ranch, which houses a barbecue restaurant, petting zoo and the Jamboree stage, will close permanently January 10, 2016.


On the same day, all four train stations along the Disneyland Railroad, the nightly Fantasmic! show, the Mark Twain Riverboat, the Sailing Ship Columbia, the Davey Crockett Explorer Canoes and the Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island will close temporarily.


The river will be partially drained and diverted to the Orange County Water district's Groundwater Replenishment system, where it will be treated and stored. When the time comes to refill the rivers, Disney will replenish from the same system.


 Work will take about a year and no dates have been given on the re-opening of affected attractions.


Disneyland's expansion is part of a $1 billion investment agreement made with the city of Anaheim in July in exchange for a continued ban on a gate tax. Disneyland will also build a 5,000 spot parking structure nearby.


As part of the deal, construction must begin no later than 2017, and additions be completed by December 2024.


Disneyland officials have said the "Star wars" land at Disneyland will be built in the northern part of Frontierland and will encompass Big thunder Ranch, some backstage areas and the Circle D ranch, where horses used at the resort are stabled. The ranch and horses will be moved to a nearby off property site.


The "Star Wars" area will be the largest single-themed land expansion at Disneyland and will be the most "immersive." It will feature two signature attractions: One will put Guests at the controls of the Millennium Falcon spaceship, and the other will drop Guests into a battle between the First Order and the Resistance.


Guests will also be able to dine at a cantina similar to the Mos Eisley Cantina from the films.


Disneyland announced a new seasonal event, Seasons of the Force, which opens November 16th and features a "Star Wars" overlay of Tomorrowland.




can't wait....Dr Lee