Construction at a popular Disney park is about to become MORE extensive!
Disneyland has enjoyed quite a few new additions to the park including a rethemed land, a new festival, and even more entertainment. And while we’re swooning over the latest overhaul of the recently opened Pixar Place Hotel, the hard reality of all of these new things is that sometimes there’s an ugly inconvenience that happens before we get to the good party. We’re here to warn you about huge changes happening soon that could affect how you choose to spend your day at the park if you’re not careful!
You’d think by now we’d be used to changes and construction around Disney parks, but when there are several projects, it can add up to be a LOT! While it’s not ideal to encounter ongoing construction, refurbishments, and closures during your visit, sometimes they’re just unavoidable.
Disneyland recently announced that multiple closures will be happening soon around New Orleans Square and Critter Country that could significantly affect your park plans and how you strategize your day. These changes are set to start on July 8th, 2024. Let’s take a look at what you can expect to be closed in each land!
New Orleans Square
For starters, Disney has announced that the bridge connecting New Orleans Square with Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will be temporarily unavailable during this time. If you’re looking to access Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, you’ll need to do so from the Frontierland entrance.
Additionally, the Haunted Mansion will remain closed as Disney continues to work on the ride’s queue area to bring us even more interactive experiences!
As we’ve previously reported, this proposed expansion to the queue will bring visitors through new gardens inspired by Master Gracey, Madame Leota, and the one-eyed cat. Once it’s complete, visitors will also get a chance to walk through a new greenhouse where the groundskeepers grow their plants near the pet cemetery and horse-drawn funeral horse that are already staples within the ride’s existing queue.
You won’t have seen the last of Madame Leota though when you think you’re out of the ride! She’s getting her own merch store inspired by the iconic character that Disney has said they will be announcing more details on in the future.
The stop to board the Disneyland Railroad at New Orleans Square Station will also continue to be unavailable during this time.
This is due to the ongoing construction happening between Tiana’s Palace and the Haunted Mansion as Disney works to bring enhancements to the plaza. This refurbished area has been regarded as one that will hold “memories and history, and a new, elegant park-like setting”.
However, the rest of the track for the train will continue to operate. This means that you’ll be able to board the train at any of the other stations while those who may require an accessible entrance, are encouraged to use either station in Mickey’s Toontown and/or Tomorrowland.
Also, if you’re looking for some of the snack kiosks and popcorn carts you can typically find through New Orleans Square, Disney’s also making us aware that those will be temporarily relocated through the rest of the park while the land experiences so many closures.
Critter Country
Critter Country’s upcoming closures on July 8th you need to know about will affect three locations with its land.
The Hungry Bear Restaurant (as well as its nearby bathrooms) will be closing down temporarily to make way for kitchen refurbishments.
If this is super disappointing news to hear, you can find similar food and drink options still available at nearby restaurants like Stage Door Café and Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante. If you find yourself searching for the closest bathroom during this closure, the nearest ones are located at Black Spire Outpost in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Since there will be adjacent construction around, Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes will also be temporarily closing on July 8th.
And last, but not least the Critter Country Fruit Cart will also be closing for a bit due to its location. But don’t sweat it, other fruit carts around the park will still be open and you’ll be able to stop and pick up your snacks there in the meantime!
While it’s annoying and inconvenient to have to plan your next vacation around so much upheaval, we’re hoping that all of these changes will be worth it in the end.
We’ll continue to keep an eye on all of the changes and refurbishments happening around Disneyland so you don’t have to! Be sure to check back in with us soon to stay updated on all the latest!
How to Dine in Pirates of the Caribbean in Disneyland
Will this announced closure affect your Disneyland trip? Tell us in the comments below!
I’m glad I took my family to Disneyland in 2023. So many changes. I won’t ever be back.