As of the end of business day on January 10, 2016, the Disneyland Resort ended quite a bit of fan favorite attractions and entertainment options. We took a trip to the parks this weekend for a last look at several of the elements that will be affected by upcoming changes.

In the name of progress, Disney announced plans for a new Star Wars themed land for the park. It’s position at the back of northwestern end of the park meant that several existing areas and facilities would need to be relocated or completely removed.

As part of the expansion, the entire Big Thunder Ranch will be removed including the Big Thunder Barbecue, petting zoo, and the Jamboree area which constantly cycled through seasonal entertainment options.

One of the more visually noticeable changes to Disneyland guests will be the draining of the Rivers of America which takes with it Fantasmic!, the Mark Twain paddleboat, the Sailing Ship Columbia, Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes and Pirates Lair on Tom Sawyer Island. While the waters are drained, Disney will be making Tom Sawyer Island smaller to shorten the length of the Rivers of America and create more room for the Star Wars land. The Disneyland Railroad is expected to also be modified as part of the re-accommodation of the space.

At Disney California Adventure, Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular ended its just a few days short of the 13 year anniversary if its January 16, 2003 debut.

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Decided to take a final spin on the JINGLE CRUISE. This attraction is also going down for a several month refurbishment.

Greetings from Rivers of the World!

Although we couldn’t visit for the final weekend, we do want to send a special salute and thank you to the cast and crew of the Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular for the years of entertainment.

MouseInfo staffer Andrew Clemmons attended the final show.

It was a tear-filled final curtain.

MouseInfo Twitter follow @minkus shared full video of the entire final performance.

No cruises right at park opening.

But we want to board now!

Final departures at 5:45 pm.

A test run around the river before accepting guests.

Princess Tiana takes a few final spins around the Rivers of America.

A few pics around the paddleboat which dates back to Disneyland’s opening day in 1955.



VIDEO COMING SOON!

Off to Pirates Lair on Tom Sawyer Island

River wildlife, for the win!

Oogie Boogie’s had a long long season. I’m sure he’s looking forward to some rest.

A last spin on Haunted Mansion Holiday.

Safety spiel for HYPERSPACE MOUNTAIN, why not?

And now we hop aboard the Disneyland Railroad.

Let’s enjoy a final GRAND CIRCLE TOUR of the Disneyland Railroad before its path is altered!

A stop for lunch at the Golden Horseshoe.

We took a look at the final weekend for the RUNNING OF THE GOATS for its final weekend before it goes away forever.

It sprinkled briefly on Saturday causing the Dapper Dans to head indoors to entertain guests.

We opted for Reserved Viewing for Fantasmic! so we did an Advanced Dining Reservation at the River Belle Terrace.

Dinner was $41.99 for adults, $21.99 for children for a 3-course prix-fixe menu.

Creamy Corn Chowder with Bacon and Chives.

Slow-roasted New York Strip and Casjun Shrimp Skewer with Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables and Red Wine Reduction.

River Belle’s Chocolate Mousse Cake with Raspberry Sauce.

Caramel Aple Pie with Streusel.

Reserved viewing for Fantasmic!

Some imagination, huh? No word on how or IF the show will be modified when it returns in 18+ months.

Enjoyed the the fireworks from the Reserved Viewing area.

Small World Holiday for a few weeks more.

What are you going to miss most? Let us know in the comments below!

THE END!