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Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure Park has long been a topic of debate among Disney fans. Once a cornerstone of the park’s original California-themed concept, the area is now facing criticism and speculation about its future, with some guests estimating it may close within the next decade.
Initially launched in 2001 as Hollywood Pictures Backlot, the land was home to attractions like Superstar Limo, MuppetVision 3*D, the Disney Animation complex, and the live show “Steps in Time.” However, from its inception, the area was met with a lukewarm reception, with critics citing budget constraints and lackluster execution.
Credit: Ken Lund, Flickr
Not long after the park’s debut, “Steps in Time” and the Hollywood & Dine food court closed due to poor reviews and low attendance, while Superstar Limo (which remains infamous in Disney park lore for being one of the company’s worst rides ever) became the park’s first permanent attraction closure.
Hollywood Land Today
Despite its rocky start, Hollywood Land has evolved significantly over the past two decades. Today, guests can enjoy attractions such as Animation Academy, Turtle Talk with Crush, and Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
The Hyperion Theater, though currently vacant, most recently hosted the well-received “Rogers: The Musical,” a limited-run show inspired by the Hawkeye Disney+ series (for which we’re still manifesting a surprise return one day).
Credit: Disney+
Despite big changes to the park, the land remains underutilized compared to other areas of California Adventure. Combined with the forthcoming removal of the Red Car Trolley, scheduled for February 2025 to accommodate Avengers Campus’ expansion, conversations have recently reignited over Hollywood Land’s future – and it’s not looking good.
A Changing Identity
California Adventure’s identity has undeniably shifted away from its California roots in recent years, with upcoming expansions focusing on Disney IP such as Coco, Avatar, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Credit: Disneyland
Considering its proximity to the Avengers Campus, the latter is particularly concerning for Hollywood Land.
Fans have expressed mixed feelings about these changes. One Reddit user noted, “Sorcerer’s Workshop has been slowly shutting down its rooms one by one, the cable cars are being removed in February, and it’s all right next to the way-too-small Avengers Campus… I feel like Hollywood Land is very close to being finished.”
Others predict the land has “5-10” years left before significant redevelopment occurs.
Concerns also extend to the Hyperion Theater and unused spaces within Hollywood Land. As another user pointed out, “There’s zero way that part of the park is profitable. It’ll either be Avatar or more Marvel. Both options of which I hate, but at least the space will be used more efficiently than it is now.”
Credit: Ken Lund, Flickr
Is Hollywood Land’s End Inevitable?
Some fans believe the removal of Hollywood Land aligns with the broader trend of IP-focused expansions and diminishing California theming in the park. As one user observed, “Eventually, all that will be left of the ‘California’ in [Disney California Adventure] will be [Buena Vista Street] and everything else will be ‘themed away.’”
Others argue that Hollywood Land’s concept was flawed from the start. “Hollywood Land has always been a terribly reductive idea when you can literally drive to Hollywood from Disneyland for an afternoon and see the real thing,” wrote one commenter.
Credit: Disney
For some, the area feels redundant and lacks the immersive appeal of Disney’s more recent additions.
What do you think about the potential closure of Hollywood Land?
