Credit: DisneyOn August 24, Disneyland Resort broke ground on a historic expansion that will change how thousands of guests begin their Southern California theme park vacations. Here’s everything we know about the project.
Groundbreaking For Disneyland Resort Expansion
On Monday, Disneyland Resort shared several photos from the official groundbreaking ceremony for a new parking structure and transportation hub. Theme park journalist Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) posted the photos, as well as concept art and a statement from Disneyland Resort President Jill Estorino, on X (formerly known as Twitter):
Disneyland shared photos from today’s groundbreaking of the resort’s new parking structure and transportation hub.
Disneyland Resort President Jill Estorino called the project “an exciting step forward for Disneyland Resort and the City of Anaheim.”
Disneyland shared photos from today’s groundbreaking of the resort’s new parking structure and transportation hub.
Disneyland Resort President Jill Estorino called the project “an exciting step forward for Disneyland Resort and the City of Anaheim." pic.twitter.com/D5L2g18HJJ
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) August 24, 2026
Disneyland Resort did not previously announce plans to break ground on the project this week. However, last week, the Southern California Disney vacation destination began demolishing four ticket booths in the esplanade between Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park to make way for a pedestrian bridge connecting to the new parking structure and transportation hub.
A New Parking Structure in Southern California
The new parking structure off of Disney Way will feature 6,000 parking spaces, 302 electric vehicle chargers, a security headquarters, and a dedicated drop-off and pickup point for rideshares and shuttles. The eight-story building replaces what was once known as the Manchester Parking Lot, which was used exclusively by Disney cast members.
Disneyland Resort unveiled the new parking structure last year, and it’s the opening act in the larger DisneylandForward expansion plan. The Walt Disney Company has pledged to invest millions in the Southern California Disney parks, including the construction of a Coco (2017) ride and an Avatar (2009) experience at Disney California Adventure Park. This new parking and transportation hub will support those theme park developments.
Disney has not said when the parking lot and pedestrian bridge will open. Construction is expected to continue over the next several years, alongside the development of new and refreshed attractions and experiences at Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park.
Have you noticed any other construction at Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park? Share your story with Inside the Magic in the comments!
