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Credit: DisneyOn the evening of February 8, 2025, Disney California Adventure witnessed the final ride of one of its most iconic attractions—the Red Car Trolley. For over a decade, this beloved vehicle had made its mark on Buena Vista Street, offering guests a chance to step back in time to the golden age of transportation.
But as the attraction made its last journey from Buena Vista Street to the Hyperion Theater, it was clear that the end of an era had arrived.
The Final Farewell
As the night unfolded, guests flocked to the park to experience the Red Car Trolley one last time. The excitement was palpable, with fans lining up for their final opportunity to ride the trolley.
The line remained long throughout the evening, even as the clock struck 9:30 PM and the final ride left Buena Vista Street. The last return trip brought the trolley back to its starting point, marking the end of its operation as a transportation feature within the park.
The true emotional moment came with the last trip of the night.
Special guests—Mickey and Minnie Mouse—were on board for the final ride, along with a few cast members. As the trolley made its way through the park, hundreds of fans followed in tow, waving goodbye and soaking in the last few moments of the attraction.
The trolley made its final stop backstage, where the park’s Avengers Campus now takes center stage. A mix of cheers, tears, and songs filled the air as the trolley slowly disappeared behind the backstage doors, signaling the end of a much-loved tradition.
Drew Smith took to X to share, “That’s a wrap on Red Car Trolley at Disney California Adventure Park! Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse were the final riders alongside Cast Members. 🥲
Here is the video, courtesy of Koda Bear the Explorer on YouTube.”
That’s a wrap on Red Car Trolley at Disney California Adventure Park! Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse were the final riders alongside Cast Members. 🥲
Here is the video, courtesy of Koda Bear the Explorer on YouTube.
(Source: https://t.co/ESVP1ULyZ9) pic.twitter.com/TWUAvkZJeO
— Drew Smith (@DrewDisneyDude) February 9, 2025
A Tribute to Classic California
The Red Car Trolley had been a fixture at Disney California Adventure since June 2012, inspired by the iconic Pacific Electric Railway “Red Cars” that once dotted California’s streets.
Guests could hop on and off two distinct trolleys—Car 623 and Car 717. Car 623 was a nod to the 600-series trolleys from the 1920s, with a design reminiscent of the Hollywood Red Cars. Meanwhile, Car 717 paid homage to the Pacific Electric’s Art Deco style and referenced Disneyland’s opening date of 1955.
The trolleys added a layer of kinetic energy to the park, enhancing the immersive experience for visitors. For many, the clanging of the trolley bells and the movement of the cars were as much a part of the park’s atmosphere as the attractions themselves. The nostalgia was undeniable, as guests often took photos beside the trolleys or boarded them for a relaxing trip through Buena Vista Street.
A New Era at Disney California Adventure
The Red Car Trolley’s closure comes just as Disney has announced major plans to expand Avengers Campus, which will eventually double its size. This expansion will include two new attractions: Stark Flight Lab, where visitors can step into Iron Man’s workshop, and Avengers Infinity Defense, a high-stakes adventure where guests team up with the Avengers to face off against Thanos.
Though the Red Car Trolley is now officially retired, one of the cars will remain at Buena Vista Street as part of a photo opportunity for guests. The future of the two trolleys is still unknown, but Disney has promised that they will continue to be cherished symbols of the park’s rich history.
As the park evolves, the Red Car Trolley’s absence will surely be felt by those who remember its contributions to the charm of Disney California Adventure. The trolley’s departure is a bittersweet reminder that change is inevitable—even in the happiest place on Earth.