We had a busy weekend and not much time for our usual frivolities at the happiest place on Earth but we did have a reservation to commemorate the first big closure at Downtown Disney as part of the upcoming demolition and construction that will bring a fourth hotel to the property… We’ll take you inside the ESPN ZONE for a final look at its interiors and menu.

We’ll also take a look at ongoing progress of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the new parking structure at Mickey and Friends, and ongoing work all around Downtown Disney. No Pixar Pier this week but we DO have a mini merch run for you too!

All of this and more in our latest park pictorial. ENJOY!

ESPN Zoned Out

As one of the few remaining original tenants from Downtown Disney’s grand opening in 2001, ESPN Zone is the first casualty of a series of closures coming this month at Downtown Disney for construction on a new four diamond hotel coming to the Disneyland Resort.

Broadcast Station

Unused for many years now, the space was at one point used to broadcast sports news and info!

Let’s Eat

A look at the bar in the screening room.

We ate in the screening room.

We didn’t get the mega lux reclining seats, just a regular table!

The Food

We had the dubious honor of being served the VERY LAST Warm Cookie Skillet Sundae at the ESPN ZONE!

The chairs in the restaurant — custom made for the ESPN ZONE — feature four decorative circles meant to represent the four major sports balls.

Sports Arena Gaming Zone and Bar

Another bar, along with a bunch of arcade games were available upstairs, most with a sports theme.

Yes, there were screens in the bathroom so you could watch the game while you used the facilities…

ESPN: The Store

More closures are soon to come to Downtown Disney…

More Downtown Disney Closures

Closures may be subject to change. An official list of closures has not been released.

  • Haagen Dazs ā€“ CLOSED May 31
  • ESPN Zone ā€“ CLOSED June 2
  • Rainforest Cafe ā€“ June 16 (reservation), June 24 (walk-ups)
  • Disney Vacation Club Sales Center / Disney Travel ā€“ June 24
  • Starbucks West ā€“ June 27
  • Alamo Rental Car ā€“ June 28 (relocating to Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel)
  • AMC Downtown Disney 12 ā€“ June
  • Earl of Sandwich ā€“ June

Disneyland’s New Four Diamond Hotel

The new Four Diamond hotel is currently set to open in 2021, transforming the west end of the Downtown Disney District and anchoring a new gateway into the Disneyland Resort. The stunning 700-room hotel will feature a sophisticated design with dynamic dining, entertainment and hotel experience for resort visitors and local residents. The ground level of the hotel will include shops and restaurants opening onto an expansive landscaped plaza complete with playful water features, creating a gathering place for guests and visitors.

MORE INFO: New concept art and details for Disneyland Resortā€™s fourth hotel

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

The Blackspire Outpost continues to shoot upwards and outwards in anticipation of its summer 2019 opening at Disneyland.

Around Disneyland

Tropical Hideaway continues to bring down Aladdin’s Oasis.

The front is now being covered by tarps.

The side building with a bathroom in it is now gone, you can see the top of the Cave of Wonders from the walkway.

A bunch of great Jungle Cruise concept art adorns the walls.

We tried the new menu items at the Golden Horseshoe last week but we went back to see if the Ice Cream Nachos were still served… they are not. šŸ™

We opted instead for the Dynamite Sundae which has poprocks on it. It’s served over a cookie and covered in… more cookies!

Missed this one last week, sounds delicious! Vegetarian Pepper Jack Mac has the same golden fried Peper Jack Mac and Cheese Bites that are topped with chili but the vegetarian verion includes Pasilla Cheese Sauce and Cowboy Caviar (corn, herbs, and spices) with shredded cheese, chives, and parsley. It sounds great!

Grad Nite season is almost over!!!

Around the Resort

Construction is finally happening on the new parking structure!

Blacktap and Ballast Point are still getting ready for their debut later this year.

Wetzels Pretzels survives… for now! We love the signature carb load but we’d be super excited to see some of the more exciting options at Disney Springs make their debut here instead.

Haagen Dazs closed on Thursday. Any signs of it are virtually gone.

First of all, kudos to my Samsung Galaxy S9 for its low-light mastery here. With that aside, we get a look at the on-going work to craft Naples’ new entrance.

Merch Run

Happy Pride Month!

Seeing Star (Wars)

Hyperspace Mountian is returning back to normal operation as just Space Mountain but it seems for now that Rey, Captain Phasma, and more Star Wars are still available in Tomorrowland at the Star Wars Launch Bay.

Pixar Fest

This summer itā€™s a full-blown Pixar Fest at the Disneyland Resort and every inch of the property is ready for the celebration. A whole bunch of new entertainment, food, shopping, decorations, and more have debuted and are ready to enjoy now though September 3! That means thereā€™s 91 days left to enjoy!

MORE INFO: PICTORIAL: PIXAR FEST launches at the Disneyland Resort bringing entertainment, food and fun

Halloween Time Returning

Seemingly earlier and earlier every year, Halloween Time is dawning soon at the Disneyland Resort bringing with it a host of spooktacular experiences from September 7 through October 31, 2018. The popular Mickeyā€™s Halloween Party will also be returning this year to Disneyland Park for 15 nights of after-hours chills and thrills.

MORE INFO: Details: HALLOWEEN TIME 2018 at the Disneyland Resort promises return of fan favorites, party

Tee Time!

If you are looking for a way to help support the site so we can continue to bring you more info about the mouse, feel free to browse our TeePublic Store! Aside from tees, you can also find coffee mugs, phone & laptop cases, and more!

Find more designs at our store: mouseinfo.com/tees.

 

THE END!

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