The arrival of the 14 acre Galaxy’s Edge to both Disneyland and Disney World Resort next year means tweaks and changes to other elements of the park in order to accommodate these massive expansions and allow smooth access into the new area.
As a consequence, seated areas on the edges of other park areas are being removed to gain valuable space. The Mercury News delve further into the matter.
Disneyland has been quietly removing fixed seating and planters to make room for massive crowds expected when the new Star Wars:Galaxy’s Edge opens next summer, leaving some fans missing their favorite spots to rest their weary feet.
Eventually, Disneyland officials said, all of the removed seating will be replaced in other ways. For example, the Bengal BBQ restaurant in Adventureland expanded from 36 outdoor seats to 100 indoor, air-conditioned seats, and more seating will be available when the Tropical Hideaway dining spot opens next to the Jungle Cruise.
Even without the addition of Star Wars land, the 85-acre Disneyland has become increasingly crowded over the last 20 years, pleasing Disney corporate shareholders but creating logistical problems and complaints. It’s the No. 2 most visited resort in the world, according to figures compiled by the Themed Entertainment Association.
The most urgent reason for the changes is that Disneyland is moving ahead rapidly with plans to open its new, immersive Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge land in summer 2019. Planners are determining how to control the eager crowds expected to pour into the new attraction, located in an area that includes part of Frontierland, newly purchased property and also the former Circle D stables where the park’s horses were kept.
The problem, from a planning point of view, is that the new land is located in the rear of the park, and people will have to walk through much of the existing lands to get there.
