Disney is spending billions to add new attractions at its theme parks around the world over the next decade, including at the Disneyland Resort. The company has announced plans for new rides based on Avatar and Coco at Disney California Adventure. With DisneylandForward, the company now has legal approval to expand the footprint of its theme parks in Anaheim, as well.
But as Disney moves forward on new construction, I hope that it does something to fill in its current empty spaces as well. It’s time to reward fans by returning shows to the empty theaters of the Disneyland Resort.
One of those theaters will be coming back online this spring, as “Walt Disney: A Magical Life” debuts in the Main Street Opera House. The longtime home of “Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln” will welcome Disney’s first Audio Animatronic of the company’s founder in this new show that opens May 16. At some point, Lincoln will return to play in rotation with the new production.
More from Robert Niles
Universal Studios looks to connect with fans in new after-hours event
Disneyland needs an advocate in its new president
Disneyland has a Haunted Mansion problem; here’s how to fix it
It’s time for fans to help the people who make the magic
Disneyland, Universal focus on after-hours in 2025
Right now, Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room and Storytelling at Royal Theatre are the only sit-down theater shows playing at Disneyland. The park’s huge Fantasyland Theatre remains empty, save for special occasions such as this month’s Celebrate Soulfully event. There are no major productions in the Golden Horseshoe anymore. The old Carousel of Progress/America Sings space could use something fresher than Star Wars Launch Bay. It’s been years since anything played in the old Tomorrowland Theater, which many fans may have forgotten exists.
Over at Disney California Adventure, Hollywood Land offers several theater shows, including “Mickey’s PhilharMagic,” Animation Academy, Disney Jr. Dance Party and Turtle Talk With Crush. But that park’s Hyperion Theater has not hosted a regular production since “Rogers: The Musical” closed in late 2023.
Disneyland in the past has removed theaters to make way for new rides, including Winnie the Pooh evicting the Country Bears, The Little Mermaid replacing the old Golden Dreams show and Spider-Man taking over the old “It’s Tough to Be a Bug” space. Maybe that’s the plan for some of the resort’s now-empty theaters.
I hope not. A well-balanced theme park should include live theater, animatronic shows and short films among its thrill and family rides. Broadway is now part of Disney’s creative DNA, and theme park fans should have the opportunity to see live Disney theater productions in every one of the company’s theme parks.
Related Articles
Disneyland visitors planning return trips ‘sharply down,’ report says
5 ways to get kicked out of Disneyland’s Club 33
Disneyland drops strict Star Wars timeline in Galaxy’s Edge
Disneyland and Universal Studios offer free tickets for wildfire heroes
Walt Disney lecture series coming to Chapman University — and it’s free
Plus, it’s just nice to be able to sit down and watch a show in the middle of a day of walking and standing in lines for other attractions.
I wish that other parks would step up and produce more theater shows, too. Knott’s has great venues with the Walter Knott and Bird Cage theaters and the Calico Saloon, but they do not all host daily shows anymore. At least Knott’s is not tearing down its theaters like Six Flags Magic Mountain just did to make way for its next roller coaster. Universal also tore down two theaters for its new Fast and Furious coaster.
New rides help draw new visitors, but I hope that parks leaders have not forgotten that great new shows can do that, too.