Red Car Trolley Closing (Probably Permanently)
Disney has announced the closure of Red Car Trolleys in preparation for construction of the Avengers Campus expansion at Disneyland Resort. Although not confirmed officially, this is all but certain to mean the attraction will close permanently, heading to the extinct ride graveyard in the sky. Here’s what we know along with our commentary. (Updated December 6, 2024.)
For starters, this news is the latest ‘shoe to drop’ following the 2024 D23 Expo. A lot of news came from that, including ‘shovels in the ground’ construction dates for most major projects on the horizon at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Few parks are going to see as many changes in the next 5 years as Disney California Adventure as a result of those announcements.
One of the major projects confirmed to be coming to DCA is the long-delayed Avengers E-Ticket Multiverse ride. The new ride now has a name, Avengers Infinity Defense, and will be the flagship attraction that anchors Avengers Campus. In addition to that came the surprise news that the Marvel land is getting another attraction, Stark Flight Lab, that will feature Robert Downey Jr. returning as Iron Man. Sadly but unsurprisingly, the Red Car Trolley is collateral damage to the construction of these two new Marvel attractions in Avengers Campus.
Disneyland Resort representatives have shared that construction on the expansion of Avengers Campus will be starting in early 2025, requiring the demolition of the Red Car Trolley barn. As a result, Disney will discontinue operations of the Red Car Trolley attraction in early 2025.
Disney has further declined to address whether this is a permanent closure. Again, more information will be shared in the future. We would advise fans to say their goodbyes.
December 6, 2024 Update: When releasing the Full 2025 Disneyland Calendar, the company shared this tidbit: “In 2025, construction will begin on the expansion of Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure. To make way for new experiences, the last date for guests to ride Red Car Trolley will be Feb. 8, 2025.”
Based on the wording of this announcement (“to make way for new experiences”) and the lack of any indication about it returning in the future, this only reinforces our strong suspicion that the Red Car Trolley will permanently close after February 8, 2025. If you want to ride it, you should do so by that date.
Our other strong recommendation would be to do so sooner rather than later. Once February rolls around, or even late January 2025 for that matter, there will be a steady stream of Disneyland diehards wanting to say their goodbyes. Since the Red Car Trolley is a low-capacity transportation ride without a properly organized queue, you should expect long and chaotic lines those last couple of weeks.
What follows is our original commentary about why this is almost certainly a permanent closure of the Red Car Trolley. And also, why that’s unfortunate–and arguably a mistake on Disneyland’s part…
For one thing, backstage space is limited in this area of Disney California Adventure.
It’s likely that Imagineering is going to use most of it for the massive show building that’ll be required of the Avengers Multiverse E-Ticket, which is almost certain to be similar in size and scale to Peter Pan’s Never Land Adventure at Tokyo DisneySea (which has a huge building).
And on top of that (not literally–although that wouldn’t be a bad idea!), they’re building this new flight simulator thing, and will have to find space for that attraction and queue. Imagineering is going to have to get creative for this Avengers Campus expansion, and bringing back the Red Car Trolley may not be an option even if they want it to be one.
Second, it’s hard to believe that the Disney of 2025 would spend the money to rebuild infrastructure for a slow-paced transportation attraction that has relatively low capacity and is not at all marketable at this point. I’m sure Imagineering wants to, but whether the people controlling the purse strings have any such desire is highly doubtful.
Finally, the odds-on favorite for the location of Pandora – World of Avatar at Disney California Adventure is in the Hollywood Backlot. Even though this land wouldn’t necessarily preclude the Red Car Trolley from continuing to exist, it makes it less likely. (My guess is that the Hollywood facades will remain and the entrance to Pandora will be nestled by what’s currently the Hyperion Theater.)
If it goes there, Pandora will likely be another exercise in Imagineering maximizing every square foot of space to make that parcel work–and that’s even after eating into the bus loop. On top of that, there will be a massive increase in crowds on this side of the park, making the Red Car Trolleys more of a logistical nightmare. The bottom line is that I just don’t see it happening.
For those unfamiliar with it, the Red Car Trolley are modeled after the Pacific Electric Railway trolleys that crisscrossed the Los Angeles area from 1887 until 1961, with more than 1,000 miles of active track. The red car trolleys were controversially removed from L.A. in the middle of the last century, as famously retold in the Disney documentary, Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
Currently, Red Car Trolleys run continuously at DCA between the following locations:
- Buena Vista Street near the DCA Main Entrance
- Carthay Circle across from Carthay Circle Restaurant
- Hollywood Boulevard near the Disney Animation building
- Sunset Boulevard near the Hyperion Theater
The Red Car Trolleys opened in 2012, as part of the overhaul of Disney California Adventure. The attraction immediately became a fan-favorite, thanks in part to its leisurely atmosphere (the closest thing Disneyland fans have to a PeopleMover) and because of how they transformed DCA.
Arguably more than anything, the Red Car Trolley was symbolic. It signaled an end of Disney California Adventure 1.0, a park that failed the basic test of being an Imagineered Disney theme park with a sense of place. Gone was the tacky entrance with big box stores and soulless expanses of concrete.
In its place, the lived-in world of Walt Disney’s Los Angeles. The fully-themed Buena Vista Street may not have had the drawing power of Cars Land, but it offered attention to detail, kinetic energy, and was a complete 180 from what was there before. It was an admission by Disney that the original DCA had not been up to the company’s standards, and the replacement offered a compelling counterpart to Main Street at Disneyland.
Turning to commentary, my first thought is: “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” ~Walt Disney (possibly)
Due to the faux cables (they’re purely for show), it was once feared that the Red Car Trolley would be retired in order for Paint the Night Parade to run at Disney California Adventure. Or at the very least, that the overhead catenary lines would be removed. Instead, the parade was altered to fit the DCA parade route.
Not long after that, Avengers Campus was announced. Fans once again worried that Disney would use construction and the new land being tonally at odds with the Red Car Trolleys (versus the thematically-apt Hollywood Tower Hotel) would offer a convenient excuse to kill off the Red Car Trolleys. While the attraction was down for much longer than expected, part of that was due to the pandemic. (To that point, if you’ve never noticed the Red Car Trolleys and last visited between 2018 and 2021, there’s a good chance you didn’t see them–they didn’t run for several years due to construction.)
In the end, the Red Car Trolley did return. Neither Avengers Campus nor the COVID closure could bring about the demise of the Red Car Trolley. Even though it’s only been around for a little over a decade, it’s honestly remarkable the attraction has lasted so long given the circumstances. It was an against all odds attraction from the outset, and it’s amazing it’s lasted so long.
My second thought: “An era can be said to end when its basic illusions are exhausted.” ~Walt Disney (possibly)
Walt Disney World fans still haven’t recovered from the bombshell announcement that Cars land is replacing the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island. It might seem like hyperbole, but this Red Car Trolley closure is of a similar nature. Much of the commentary in defense of the Rivers of America applies here. Not nearly as emphatically, but the Red Cars are an asset to the atmosphere of Disney California Adventure, enjoyed by everyone–not just their riders.
If you asked me to name one ride that defines Disney California Adventure, it’d be the Red Car Trolley. It’s obviously not as popular as Radiator Springs Racers, Soarin, Mission Breakout, or just about any ride in DCA. But that wasn’t the question. It’s what defines the park.
At this point, DCA has only the most tenuous of thematic connections to California. It’s basically a theme park in California, which obviously isn’t the same thing. If it were, every park in the state would be California-themed. The Red Car Trolley was symbolic in the park’s transformation for the reasons noted above.
The Red Car Trolley has also been a stalwart of thematic integrity. Even as fans could point to other lands and attractions as “proof” that Disney was abandoning the California theme, the Red Car Trolley offered a compelling counterpoint that it had not. That, yes, maybe the theme had been relaxed or broadened, but the California in DCA still had some semblance of existence.
With almost every change in the last several years, this position has been less and less defensible. Pandora – World of Avatar will probably be the final nail in its coffin unless some really clever narrative framework is concocted. Both story-wise and as a portal into that portion of the park.
(I’d bet against a name change for DCA, if only because they won’t want to fan the flames on narratives of the park having an identity crisis. And also, they aren’t exactly good at new names–see “Disney Adventure World.”)
Nevertheless, I’ll end this on a positive note, which is that I’m somewhat convinced that the Red Car Trolley has advocates in high places. Back during the original DCA relaunch cycle, CEO Bob Iger and Pixar’s John Lasseter both seemed particularly proud of and partial towards it. (If it was solely the latter who loved it, uh oh–his opinion is worth less than nothing to Disney now!)
Even in the years since, it feels like Disney has had every excuse or opportunity to kill the Red Car Trolley…but hasn’t. It’s exactly the type of attraction that Bob Chapek would’ve salivated at the prospect of killing, but he didn’t. (Couldn’t?) It’s a love letter to a bygone era of California, and there are few things Californians love more than that.
Likewise, it’s the type of attraction–transportation rides–that Imagineers themselves appreciate. I dunno. Every rational bone in my body says that the Red Car Trolley is going to be gone for good…but I’ve also thought that before. Given the other recent announcements from Iger, D’Amaro, and co., there’s absolutely no reason to give the benefit of the doubt here. Maybe I just want to believe that the Red Car Trolley has a chance at returning, but I’m not ready to completely count it out just yet.
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YOUR THOUGHTS
Thoughts on the Red Car Trolley closing in 2025 for Avengers Campus construction? Think Disneyland will work to reopen this ride down the road, or is it likely gone for good? Are you disappointed by this news, or did you consider it inevitable? Do you agree or disagree with our assessment? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
“as famously retold in the Disney documentary, Who Framed Roger Rabbit?”
haha!
I’m glad that I had a chance ride the Trolley cars, they are marvelous and add so much character and atmosphere to the park. Though, personally, I don’t think I’d put them on the level of the dececration they have planned for the Magic Kingdom. They aren’t as iconic or crucial as the rivers at MK. I am going to miss them, but, as folks here have said, they were frequently not running for guests. As a former long-time pass holder (pre-pandemic), there were many times they were just statically “parked” and only available for photos and/or exploring. (I think that was partly because of the crowd flow issues in that area). DCA has had an identity crisis since the beginning, but I also don’t want to lose the areas they actually got right. Also, even though I am furious at the current upper management and their horrible plans, I caution commentors from giving too much credit to Eisner either. In addition to severe neglect of park maintenance (to a dangerous degree) due to penny pinching, Mr. Eisner was responsible for destroying some irreplaceable beloved attractions. He scuttled the opening day 20,000 Leagues ride in the Magic Kingdom, ripped out Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride in MK and removed the Great Movie Ride! He was also to blame for the idea behind and greenlighting one of the WORST attractions in Disney history: Alien Encounter. As many say “he saved…and almost destroyed” the company. So maybe we need to take off the rose-colored glasses and not undeservedly “knight” Mr. Eisner any time soon.
It’s not like the Trolley is an E-ticket or anything, but I was looking forward to riding it OUT of the park at the end of the night, after walking 25,000 steps. Too bad!
Seems like it shouldn’t be THAT difficult to just build a new backstage garage WHEREVER Sunset Boulevard eventually terminates. It’s not a very big building, and it’s not guest-facing. I don’t know what these things cost, but they can probably build a SHED for less than $100 million…
maybe one can remain on static display like what they did to the TOontown Trolley
I’ll miss it, but I would have preferred that it was actual part transportation. Like if it went all the way to the pier.
So weird, I have been to Hollywood Studios more than 10x and never seen the trolleys running once. I’m n not sure why? Been there all different times of the year and different times of the day but nothing. I think they are a thing of the past if they are never working.
The trolley car runs in DCA, in Anaheim, not in Hollywood Studios in Orlando.
D23 feels a bit sour now – they promised so much but they concealed the key details they knew would be controversial with fans (end of Rivers, end of the trolley car, and possibly the end of Muppets…).
I think probably in DCA it’s true that there’s no space, and I also think it confirms Pandora will be here an entry portal via backlot (see bottom right concept art) but it’s another whittling down of that magic that no other theme park has.
I find the argument ‘well I didn’t use it so goodbye’ a bit tiring- nice things are nice because other people get joy from them. Theme parks are for grandparents riding something with their toddler grandchild as much as they’re for adults looking for a thrill ride and it’s sad we’re losing all these opportunities.
“I find the argument ‘well I didn’t use it so goodbye’ a bit tiring- nice things are nice because other people get joy from them. Theme parks are for grandparents riding something with their toddler grandchild as much as they’re for adults looking for a thrill ride and it’s sad we’re losing all these opportunities.”
This is really well said and I totally agree with you !
I wonder if there is any chance the Red Car Trolleys could fine a new life at DHS….
I’ve never ridden the Trolley nor I am looking forward to… To be completely honest, I don’t think I am going to miss it at all. And in the other hand I’m very excited for Pandora and the AC expansion. I get that this brings kinetic energy and theming, but for me, it is not on par at all of the energy and feeling/vibe that Main Street brings.
I’m glad I got to ride the trolleys last year. It was fun and relaxing, and felt very “Disneyland” in a park that really needed some of that feeling.
I honestly don’t understand the “let’s make Disney parks into Universal-style random collections of IPs” attitude, given that even friggin Epcot still outperforms Universal in attendance. “Let’s aggressively model our parks after an inferior brand.” If the “theme” in your theme parks is just an obstacle to marketing, and your longtime fans are adversaries to be spited, you may be in the wrong business lol
Well put. Theme is the main reason I go to any disney park – followed by nostalgia. Thrill is way down on the list.
Please say this louder for the people in the back !
“Disney parks used to be about the details, the little things that made them not Six Flags or Unversal, and it couldn’t be more obvious that the movers and shakers have lost sight of that. It’s really disappointing.” This comment resonated with me. I’ve only been to Disneyland/DCA once (in 2021) (I’m from east coast so historically have gone to WDW), but I really enjoyed the atmosphere and aesthetic of the Hollywood area. Weirdly (?) we kind of liked spending time in DCA more than even Disneyland. I also loved Disney MGM (studios 1.0) and think the sort of fantasy-retro of old movie era is a wonderful theme, so I’m sad to see it go. I’m sure for locals it doesn’t seem like it, but the current theming seems more unique and a draw to me than more “Marvel-land.” For what it’s worth I also liked the time I’ve briefly had to see bits of L.A., SF, Pasadena, and Santa Cruz areas and I love seeing the “authentic” most of all, but it’s really fun to step back into an imagined past environment like at DCA that is more complete and whole. I love that so many people and kids are excited about the Marvel attractions, since that’s what’s coming, but for me it just doesn’t really fit well into what I think Disney excels at or did. It’s more of a “flat ride” of a theme to me…
“Sunset Boulevard near the Hyperion Theater”
I wonder the end of the Red Car has less to do with Marvel expansion and more to do with Pandora potentially replacing most (if not all) of Hollywood Land. I may not miss the Red Car as much as I’m going to miss the Hyperion if it goes, but it does represent one of the DCA 2,0 additions that was an entirely new addition, rather than the major improvements over the old. (I didn’t remember that so little of the track is on Buena Vista Street and that most of it goes down Hollywood Blvd, which is why it can’t become a BV Street Vehicle and run two hours a day.)
I want so badly to believe that the Hyperion survives all of this. But I have to assume it’s been sitting dark for so long because they didn’t see the point in investing in productions when it was just going to get torn down. I hope I’m wrong.
Along the same idea as David Z, I am also worried about Disneyland Tom Sawyer Island. There are so many little things that are not working. Interactive features are not working, Dead Mans Grotto is closed, you can’t go through the tunnels, and there is not any water in the stream/creek where the boat is! Is Disney just letting that fall into disrepair so they can tear it down and do something else?? It seems like when Disney does not keep up on an attraction or keeps something closed like the Hyperion, it’s because they have plans to demolish the attraction. Just look how long Splash Mountain needed repairs. I hope they kept the Hyperion. I always enjoyed the shows. But I am concerned. They had a new show last year and it only lasted maybe 3 months. Why spend all that money on a new production for only 3 months?
Yes, you are right. They absolutely define DCA in a way the RR or castle define DL or the RoA de… nevermind.
Unfortunately, Tom, you don’t then place the blame where it belongs: Bob Iger, Josh D’Amaro and Bruce Vaughn. Instead, you cheerlead for them. That’s some disconnect. They are the reason Disney theme parks are dead and constantly dumbed down. They are the reason that Brand IP parks have replaced, or are replacing them. It’s why you’ll never see things like Mystic Manor, Expedition Everest or even Test Track again. It’s all about what they think is the current hot IP or sells the most merch. And it’s ripping the heart and soul out of the parks. And, no, it doesn’t have to be this way. It’s a conscious choice and one made by the trio of men you wish to sell to the flock as ‘getting it’ … the only thing they are getting is filthy rich (or richer).
Well said!!!
That trio have got to be the worst leadership the parks have EVER had!
Do any of them even have children?
I ask because, it genuinely seems as though there is a complete disconnect from what the fan base cherishes!
Visiting the parks with their families, as Michael Eisner would (and Walt and Roy) is what we need the current management to do!
But that’s never gonna happen. Sigh.
It’s official, the promise DCA 2.0 seemed to make is officially dead.
It just seems like it would be so easy for them to keep this ride or modify it if they cared at all. This has thrown into stark relief that they don’t.
Maybe this is a bit hyperbolic, because I myself have never ridden it, but as said, it contributed immeasurably to the atmosphere. It will be a big blow to BVS and Hollywoodland alike. Disney parks used to be about the details, the little things that made them not Six Flags or Unversal, and it couldn’t be more obvious that the movers and shakers have lost sight of that. It’s really disappointing.
I agree with you. FWIW I just sent DLR the following email; I hope it helps:
“As a long time lover of Disneyland, I am very concerned to hear that Red Car Trolley at DCA will likely close permanently.
This may not be an E-ticket attraction, but it adds kinetic energy to the park, fits into DCA thematically, and is a tribute to California during Walt Disney’s time there. To remove it from the park for yet another thematically disruptive Marvel addition feels incredibly disrespectful.
Not everything needs to be a blockbuster E-ticket. Smaller attractions that add more for guests to do, add atmosphere, and are fun even for people just observing them go by are irreplaceable parts of Disney parks. Please reconsider this decision. These smaller attractions, touches and theming are what separates Disneyland from a Six Flags park.
Thank you.“
I just wanted to congratulate you on the pun “stark relief” since we’re getting a Robert Downey Jr led ride instead of this.
California girl, former DL cast member, most of my family were cast members, go to Disneyland monthly, and I don’t remember the Red Trolley cars at all. Hahahaha. I guess I vaguely remember seeing them occasionally, but I really don’t think they are ingrained in the hearts of DL loving Californians. DCA has always been an odd theme idea for a park anyway. To me, Soarin is the quintessential DCA ride. That’s the nostalgia ride. Especially when they bring back Soarin Over California annually.
Enjoy your commentaries and reviews, but we will have to disagree on this one.
This bums me out so much. And for marvel??? Ugh. Do you think there is any chance the trolleys can be saved or is it too late ?
God Marvel sucks.
I agree with your thoughts on most topics, but not this one. We’ve been to DL/DCA 3 times over the years and I did not even know you could ride the Red Trolley Cars. I remember seeing a Newsies-based show with Mickey and other performers on one of the cars, but that’s it. I don’t really recall them being in the park otherwise, so they are not a fixture for me; certainly not like the Rivers of America. My wife is in the same boat – she didn’t recall the trolley cars either. Perhaps they just weren’t running any of the times we were there?
I agree!!!!