Home » Theme Parks » Disney Parks » Disneyland Resort

The Path to Star Wars Land – Disneyland reopens Big Thunder Trail as construction continues on park’s huge new expansion

in Disneyland Resort, Entertainment, Star Wars, The Walt Disney Company, Theme Parks

Posted on by Mike Celestino 2 Comments
Guests explore the iconic red rock formations and winding pathways of Big Thunder Trail at Disneyland, surrounded by themed trees and vintage-style lamps that evoke the immersive frontier atmosphere of the park.

With Disneyland‘s (and Walt Disney World’s) tremendous new Star Wars expansion still two years away, it’s always exciting to get any major updates on construction at the park. And it’s even more thrilling when guests can see progress on the land up close for themselves.

Today Disneyland re-opened its Big Thunder Trail path between Fantasyland and Frontierland– which has been closed to guest traffic since Big Thunder Ranch was shuttered in January 2016– and finally unveiled the amazing new rock formations and a closer look at the soon-to-relaunch Disneyland Railroad track, not to mention two (count ’em, two) entrances to the still-unnamed Star Wars Land along the trail.

WATCH VIDEO:

Walking through the area today for the first time in a year and a half, I couldn’t help but get the chills. This is a big step in the process of transforming the northwest side of the park, and it gets us that much closer to entering the Star Wars expansion itself.

The new theming and landscaping on display along the trail is very impressive, and blends in perfectly with the parts that Imagineers thankfully chose to leave in place– most notably the tunnel and other remnants from the former Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland attraction.

It’s great to be able to walk this route again, not to mention the fact that it will alleviate some of the congestion problems Disneyland faces on busier days. I’m definitely looking forward to more areas of the park, including the Rivers of America and the Disneyland Railroad, opening later this summer.

PHOTOS:

Disney fans sporting character shirts and classic mouse ears stroll along the scenic, tree-lined Big Thunder Trail in Disneyland, making their way toward the immersive Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Waste Please“ trash can positioned along a scenic path with trees and a river, capturing the atmosphere of Big Thunder Trail in Disneyland’s Frontierland. A tranquil pond framed by lush greenery and a dramatic rocky cave sets the stage along Big Thunder Trail, just steps from the excitement of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland. Guests explore the rugged landscape of Big Thunder Trail at Disneyland, some with strollers in tow, as they head toward Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge; lush trees provide shade along the scenic pathway. A bright yellow crane lifts building materials at the construction zone near Disneyland’s Big Thunder Trail, where progress on the highly anticipated Star Wars Land is underway, with trees and a black fence marking the edge of this exciting new addition to the park. A guest zips by on a scooter along Big Thunder Trail, passing construction fences and towering cranes as the future Star Wars Land takes shape behind them, with trees framing the overcast scene—capturing that transformative moment in Disneyland’s history. Construction activity is underway on the Big Thunder Trail at Disneyland, with a crew member in a bright orange safety vest working atop scaffolding amid massive red rock formations and lush trees. Big Thunder Trail at Disneyland features wooden benches shaded by trees, leading guests past a fenced-off construction zone equipped with cranes and green barriers—offering theme park fans an exciting sneak peek at the future Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge land in development. Guests stroll and relax near a rustic wooden platform with a construction crane and iconic “Waste Village” trash can along the picturesque Big Thunder Trail, on the exciting path leading toward Disneyland’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Barrels, coiled rope, lanterns, and classic red fuel cans create an immersive Old West scene along Disneyland’s Big Thunder Trail, right next to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

View Comments (2)