As a seasoned park-goer with over a decade of memories at Disney California Adventure (DCA), this news about the Red Car Trolley closing has left me feeling like I’ve been served a lemon drop taffy without the sweetness. This little vehicle is more than just transportation; it’s an essential ingredient in the charm and character that makes DCA unique, much like how ketchup complements my french fries.
It’s true that when Disney Parks announce closures, my attention often gravitates towards the upcoming attractions rather than the departing ones. Although nostalgia plays a significant role in making Disneyland and Walt Disney World special for many, I tend to focus more on what’s next because novelty holds an allure. However, as I currently find myself expressing concern about the future, it’s ironic that I am the one expressing worry. The transformation of Disney California Adventure, my beloved quirky Disney park, appears to be quite drastic, and these changes could potentially alter its very essence. What’s concerning is that these transformations might begin sooner than anticipated.
At D23 this month, Disney Experiences unveiled numerous upcoming attractions at global parks, meaning that some existing attractions will have to make way for these new ones. Specifically, Disney California Adventure park is in line for several new additions over the coming years, and the Red Car Trolley has been identified as the initial attraction to close, with its shutdown scheduled for early next year.
The Red Car Trolley Is Closing At Disney California Adventure
Disney California Adventure is unique among parks, and that’s what makes it special to me. When it first opened, it was a theme park focusing on California right within California itself. Imagine visiting the themed representation of California by actually going to California! Over time, the park has definitely evolved, but its California essence remains, albeit with a distinct Disney touch throughout.
I’m particularly fond of Buena Vista Street and its nostalgic ambiance from a time I never lived in. It’s an ideal spot to visit on Dapper Day or any day at the parks, truly. The Red Car Trolley significantly contributes to the lively atmosphere, given that it’s a genuine moving prop. Regrettably, it won’t be operating for much longer.
It’s been confirmed that Scott Gustin reports the barn housing the trolley at DCA must be demolished for the new Avengers Campus attractions construction to start. This means the trolley service will likely end early next year, and no specific date has been set yet. When inquired about the trolley’s return, Disney was unclear, which isn’t a promising sign.
Even though the enchantment of the Red Car Trolley seems to have waned a bit since the Suitcase and a Dream concert concluded, I still get a kick out of hopping on it whenever possible, and just catching a glimpse of it brings a smile to my face. Although Disney hasn’t entirely ruled out the trolley making another appearance, I don’t expect it to happen anytime soon because a major transformation in DCA isn’t far off, which would likely have also necessitated the closure of the Red Car Trolley.
The New Avatar Land Could Change Everything About California Adventure
It’s worth noting that another upcoming expansion at Disney California Adventure will be a new area themed around the Avatar series. Although the specific location within the park hasn’t been definitively decided, Hollywood Land, situated next to Buena Vista Street and serviced by the Red Car Trolley, is a strong candidate. However, construction on this land is expected to start much later, making it unlikely that the trolley will pass through Pandora during the ride.
Moving forward, incorporating Avatar into Disney California Adventure will significantly alter the park’s character, regardless of its eventual location. For instance, you could rename Paradise Pier as Pixar Pier while keeping its overall atmosphere intact. However, placing San Fransokyo in lieu of San Francisco is possible, but constructing an alien terrain adjacent to a reconstruction of the theater where Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs debuted is a unique challenge. Although it might be concealed, such a change cannot be completely overlooked.
If the Avatar land isn’t relocated, it’s probable that the Red Car won’t open, as the cost and trouble of rebuilding its barn to restart operation for just a few years during Avatar land construction seems unnecessary for everyone involved.
I’m really crossing my fingers that I’m not correct, but let’s hope that the new Avatar area is part of the DisneylandForward expansion. Ideally, it should be situated far enough from the current park so that it doesn’t feel like a drastic change in theme. Additionally, I’d love for the Red Car Trolley to be moved, not removed. However, given that Magic Kingdom’s Rivers of America can be replaced, it’s hard to assume anything extraordinary is happening here.
To be clear, even if this total transformation I’m afraid of happens, it will be years before it’s done, but this feels like the first step on a long road. I’ll still love Disney California Adventure if the name even remains when all the work is done. I expect it will still be a fun park full of lots of great attractions and some of the best food at Disneyland Resort. But it won’t be the same, and if this is the first step toward that change, I guess it’s time for me to start saying goodbye.
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2024-08-27 22:07