On the evening of Saturday, February 8, 2025, Disney California Adventure bid farewell to a beloved attraction—the Red Car Trolley—marking its final journey from Buena Vista Street to the Hyperion Theater.
The trolley’s last trip came after months of speculation and fanfare, as the iconic vehicle made its final round for guests one last time before it would be retired. After its departure from Buena Vista Street, the Red Car Trolley paused briefly to drop off Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, who waved goodbye before making their way back to the park for their own adventures. From there, the trolley completed its final journey backstage.
As word spread of the final ride, throngs of fans poured into the park to experience the Red Car Trolley one last time. Throughout the day, the line for a ride remained long, with guests eager to get their turn on the historic attraction. As night fell, the excitement intensified, and the last ride departed from Buena Vista Street shortly after 9:30 PM. The final return trip brought the last guests back to the iconic street, as a sense of nostalgia filled the air.
However, the true emotional farewell occurred with the very last ride—reserved for Mickey and Minnie Mouse, as well as a few select cast members. Fans crowded around the Red Car Trolley, soaking in the moment as the trolley made its way around the route for the final time. A large group of fans followed the trolley as it rolled through the park, passing the Hyperion Theater and heading backstage through Avengers Campus. It was here that the trolley would make its ultimate departure. The crowd erupted into cheers and some tears, waving and singing songs as they said goodbye to a piece of Disney history.
Drew Smith took to X to share, “That’s a wrap on Red Car Trolley at Disney California Adventure Park! Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse were the final riders alongside Cast Members. 🥲
Here is the video, courtesy of Koda Bear the Explorer on YouTube.”
That’s a wrap on Red Car Trolley at Disney California Adventure Park! Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse were the final riders alongside Cast Members. 🥲
Here is the video, courtesy of Koda Bear the Explorer on YouTube.
(Source: https://t.co/ESVP1ULyZ9) pic.twitter.com/TWUAvkZJeO
— Drew Smith (@DrewDisneyDude) February 9, 2025
Once the big doors to the backstage area closed behind the trolley, the crowd stood in silence for a moment, paying their respects to the attraction that had been a part of Disney California Adventure since its opening in 2012. After a brief pause, guests slowly dispersed, heading off into the night, leaving behind the echo of one last ride.
The Red Car Trolley, which had been in operation for nearly 13 years, was inspired by the Pacific Electric Railway “Red Cars” of the 1920s, and it became a fixture of Buena Vista Street. The attraction featured two trolleys: Car 623 and Car 717. Car 623, with its paint scheme resembling the Hollywood Red Cars of the era, had a number referencing the year Walt Disney first arrived in California in 1923. Car 717, styled after the Pacific Electric’s Art Deco “wings” design, carried a number referencing Disneyland’s opening year of 1955.
Though the trolley is no longer operating as an attraction, one of the trolleys will remain on Buena Vista Street as a photo opportunity for visitors. As of now, the long-term fate of the two trolleys is unknown. During their time in the park, they brought a sense of movement and energy that added something special to the atmosphere of Disney California Adventure.
The Red Car Trolley’s removal comes on the heels of Disney’s announcement that Avengers Campus will undergo significant expansion. The land, currently home to the Avengers-themed attractions, will double in size with the addition of two new rides: Stark Flight Lab, where guests can enter Iron Man’s workshop, and Avengers Infinity Defense, where they’ll team up with the Avengers to battle Thanos.
While the Red Car Trolley is now gone, the legacy of its role in the park’s dynamic atmosphere will not be forgotten. Its passing leaves behind a void in Disney California Adventure’s landscape—one that will be felt by fans and park-goers for years to come. The trolley’s departure, while part of the larger transformation of the park, marks the end of an era, leaving behind cherished memories for those who had the chance to hop aboard one of the last rides.
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