Disneyland to close multiple attractions in January to build ‘Star Wars’ land

The 14-acre Star Wars themed project will be Disney’s largest single themed land expansion.  Starting January 11 at Disneyland, CA, Big Thunder Ranch: which includes Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue, Big Thunder Ranch Petting Farm and Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree will be permanently closed, according to Disney’s blog.

Other attractions along the Rivers of America will be temporarily closed starting January 11. These include the Mark Twain Riverboat and Sailing Ship Columbia, Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island, Davy Crocket Explorer Canoes and the show “Fantasmic!”  The Disneyland Railroad will also be shut down for an undetermined amount of time, as will all of its stations.

To go along with the December release of the newest installment of the popular franchise, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” Disneyland debuted all-new experiences related to the film.

The Season of the Force, which started November 16, includes:

• Star Wars Launch Bay – This new area will offer opportunities to visit with favorite Star Wars characters, special exhibits, peeks at the upcoming Star Wars: The Force Awakens and more.
• Star Tours – The Adventures Continue – This attraction will feature a new scene inspired by the film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
• Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple –Opened in December, a twist on the Jedi Training experience will introduce new characters and a new villain from the Disney XD series, Star Wars Rebels.
• Hyperspace Mountain – For a limited time, guests will join an X-wing starfighter battle in this reimagining version of Space Mountain.
• Other limited-time experiences include:
  • An opportunity to revisit favorite scenes from classic Star Wars films at Tomorrowland Theater.
  • Special themed food and beverage, merchandise and entertainment.

An end date has not been announced yet.