When you think of Disneyland Resort, you likely think of strolling down the same Main Street, U.S.A. where Walt Disney once walked, eating some iconic snacks and dining at classic restaurants, and exploring new lands like Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland. But let’s see… what am I forgetting?

Oh, yeah… RIDES! And how about those Disneyland Resort hotels? And all of the other magical aspects that make up The Happiest Place on Earth! But there’s something that may NOT come to mind, and that’s the potential for CLOSURES of popular attractions during your trip, or construction on major projects for your future enjoyment.

Whether a classic ride is undergoing some seasonal TLC (otherwise known as refurbishment), or a HUGE project is in the works (like the transformation of an entire land!), you’ll want to be aware of any work that may affect your trip.

We’re keeping an eye on all of those projects for you — both current and upcoming — in hopes that you’ll avoid disappointment on your trip… or simply so you can stay in the know. Here we go!

Attraction and Restaurant Closures

The current rides, restaurants, and experiences closed to Disneyland Resort guests include the following:

Disneyland Park — Current Closures

• Fantasmic! Nighttime Spectacular — Anticipated Reopening Date: May 24, 2024; Guests can enjoy a NEW show in the meantime: The Heartbeat of New Orleans — A Living Mural. 
• Mark Twain Riverboat –– Closed on September 17th; Anticipated Reopening Date: Not yet known
• Astro Orbitor — Closed November 27th; Anticipated Reopening Date: Not yet known
• Indiana Jones Adventure — Closed November 27th; Anticipated Reopening Date: December 1st

 

Disney California Adventure — Current Closures

• Incredicoaster — Closed November 27th; Anticipated Reopening Date: December 2nd

Disney California Adventure — Upcoming Closures

• World of Color — Closing January 8th; Anticipated Reopening Date: March 1st

2023 Permanent Closures

• Splash Mountain officially closed in Disneyland on May 31st, 2023 to begin the attraction’s transformation into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. 
• Catal Restaurant and its outdoor bar Uva Bar & Cafe both had their last day of service on April 14th “to make way for an exciting new addition to the Downtown Disney District” in Disneyland.
• Cupcake lovers (like us!) should be aware that, in April, Sprinkles Cupcakes permanently closed in Downtown Disney.
• French Market Restaurant closed permanently on February 17th to make way for the NEW Tiana’s Palace restaurant, which is NOW OPEN!

Major Construction and Transformations

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Disneyland

Splash Mountain closed permanently on May 31st to be transformed into a Princess and the Frog-themed attraction.

Get ready for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure to open in late 2024!

Disney has shared that the reimagined attraction will pick up the story of The Princess and the Frog “after the final kiss, and join Princess Tiana and Louis on a musical adventure – featuring some of the powerful music from the film – as they prepare for their first-ever Mardi Gras performance.” 

Read all about the Tiana’s Bayou Adventure HERE!

New Orleans Square in Disneyland

Disney has announced that the grounds of the Haunted Mansion in Disneyland will be EXPANDING in 2024. According to Disney, these additions will “build on the story and lore of the Haunted Mansion.”

There will also be a NEW retail shop next to the ride’s exit. Disney shares, “This carriage house of the mansion, belonging to Leota, will be a standalone shop that we are just ‘dying’ to tell you more about in the future.”

You can read more about the upcoming changes HERE. 

Additionally, the plaza area next to Tiana’s Palace in New Orleans Square will be enhanced, as well.

“This area is one that holds a lot of memories and history,” Disney said. “A new, elegant, park-like setting will be a place to relax and enjoy the ambiance and live entertainment under the shade of new and historic trees.”

Construction on both the Haunted Mansion expansion and the plaza enhancements next to Tiana’s Palace will begin in January 2024 .

Expansion of the Downtown Disney District

At the November 2021 Destination D23 event, Disney announced that they will be working on a multi-year expansion of Disneyland’s Downtown Disney District, adding MORE dining, shopping, and an open green area!

We have a video HERE of the announcement where you can see more.

Since the initial announcement, Disney has announced a few more new and updated dining experiences on the way to the west side of Downtown Disney. These include the new additions of Potro’s Bakery and Cafe, Din Tai Fung and Paseo and Centrico, and an updated look and menu coming to Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen.

Disney also shared that they’re working on introducing “more innovative shopping, dining and entertainment experiences,” which will draw inspiration from “Southern California mid-century modern architecture.”

Included in the area will be “an open lawn for relaxation and future events, and an even broader and diverse collection of dining and shopping.”

Click HERE to learn more — and check out a VIDEO — about the expansion of Downtown Disney!

Reimagining of Paradise Pier Hotel to PIXAR PLACE HOTEL — Complete on January 30, 2024

Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel is being reimagined with a Pixar theme! Disney says the new Pixar Place Hotel will “weave the artistry of Pixar into its comfortable, contemporary setting,” and the transformation will be complete by January 30, 2024!

Guests will gain a new perspective on Pixar world and characters through curated artwork and decor that reveals the creative journey of the artists who brought these stories to life!

There will be whimsical character moments, like the Pixar Lamp balancing on top of its ball in the lobby as seen in the concept art shared by Disney above.

Click HERE to learn about the reimagining of Paradise Pier Hotel! And if you currently have a reservation booked at Paradise Pier hotel, find out everything you need to know here!

We’ll continue to keep you posted on all the latest news and information when it comes to changes at Disneyland Resort, so stay tuned!