Credit: Carlos (armadillo444), FlickrDisneyland has big plans for visitors this summer.
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While Walt Disney World is larger and attracts the most guests, the original Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, holds a special place in the hearts of many thanks to its can’t-miss rides and attractions. From classic dark rides like Haunted Mansion and Alice in Wonderland to exclusive thrill rides like Incredicoaster and Mission: Breakout, there’s a treasure trove of fun and magical experiences waiting for guests at “The Happiest Place on Earth.”
However, not even the Disney theme parks are immune from temporary closures, with Disneyland recently closing several popular attractions. However, the resort plans to get seven different attractions back up and running ahead of the busy summer season, with five already coming back online.
Disneyland reopened five attractions recently and plans to bring back two more before the resort’s 70th-anniversary celebration this summer. The following rides and attractions have reopened:
- Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout
- Grizzly River Run
- Disneyland Railroad
- Disneyland Monorail
- Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
Related: Fans Claim Disney World Has “Ruined” Classic Resort Location With New Renovation
Two of Disneyland’s heaviest hitters, “it’s a small world” and Indiana Jones Adventure, are both closed but scheduled to reopen on April 25. This is all being done as Disneyland prepares for its 70th anniversary celebration event, which kicks off on May 16. Much like Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary, the event is set to last an entire year, giving guests a fair chance to explore all of the limited-time experiences the resort will have to offer.
However, five more attractions are scheduled to close for refurbishment on April 28, including classics like Enchanted Tiki Room and Matterhorn Bobsleds. Other rides set to close are Soarin’ Around the World, Sorceror’s Workshop, and Anna & Elsa’s Royal Welcome.
Aside from ride closures and refurbishments, Disneyland is set to debut a one-of-a-kind experience this summer with Walt Disney – A Magical Life. This show will be hosted by an animatronic version of Walt Disney himself, which Disney has advertised as being one of the company’s most realistic and impressive creations yet.
The show will play in rotation with Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, which is currently closed. The new Walt Disney show opens on July 17, adding to Disneyland’s already impressive roster of rides, attractions, and other experiences.
While several attractions are set to reopen, brand-new experiences are also in the works for the Disneyland Resort. As confirmed last year, Disneyland is in the early stages of building its own version of Pandora – The World of Avatar. The immersive theme park land based on James Cameron’s Avatar franchise first opened at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 2017 and has been a huge hit ever since, making it a no-brainer for Disneyland.
However, there’s been some controversy regarding the decision to bring Avatar to the West Coast, with some fans being very vocal about the brand not fitting with the classic California theme park.
Disneyland is also working on two new Marvel-themed rides for its Avengers Campus land at Disney California Adventure.
Will you be visiting Disneyland this summer?