Disneyland Breaks Ground on the First Phase of Vacation-Changing Theme Park Expansion
The first shovels have hit the ground on a project that will fundamentally change the way countless guests start their trip to Disneyland Resort, with construction officially underway as of August 24.
Disneyland Marks the Occasion With a Groundbreaking Ceremony
Disneyland Resort shared photos Monday from the official groundbreaking of its new parking structure and transportation hub. Theme park journalist Scott Gustin posted the images on X (formerly known as Twitter), along with concept art and a statement from Disneyland Resort President Jill Estorino, writing:
Disneyland shared photos from today’s groundbreaking of the resort’s new parking structure and transportation hub.
Disneyland Resort President Jill Estorino called the project “an exciting step forward for Disneyland Resort and the City of Anaheim.”
Disneyland shared photos from today’s groundbreaking of the resort’s new parking structure and transportation hub.
Disneyland Resort President Jill Estorino called the project “an exciting step forward for Disneyland Resort and the City of Anaheim." pic.twitter.com/D5L2g18HJJ
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) August 24, 2026
Disney didn’t formally announce this week’s groundbreaking in advance. Still, the groundwork had been visible for days — literally. Just last week, demolition began on four ticket booths along the esplanade between Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, making room for a pedestrian bridge that will eventually feed into the new parking and transportation hub.
Inside the New Parking and Transportation Hub
Rising along Disney Way, the eight-story structure will provide 6,000 parking spaces and 302 EV charging stations, as well as a security headquarters and dedicated drop-off zones for rideshares and shuttles. The project is replacing the Manchester Parking Lot, a space previously reserved for Disney cast members only.
Disneyland Resort first revealed the parking structure last year as the opening move in its larger DisneylandForward expansion. The Walt Disney Company has pledged significant investment into the Southern California theme parks under that plan, including a Coco (2017)-inspired ride and an Avatar (2009) experience headed to Disney California Adventure Park. The new hub is meant to support the added visitor traffic that those future attractions will bring.
No opening date has been announced for either the parking structure or the pedestrian bridge. Disney says construction will continue over the next several years, running in tandem with new attraction development across both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park.
What do you think about Disneyland Resort’s parking area expansion plans? Disney Dining would love to hear from you in the comments!
