Disneyland Resort February Construction Update: Guardians Exterior, “Beauty and the Beast” Preview

With the end of the holidays, the Disneyland Resort goes into a period of refurbishment. Typically there is not a lot to update, but this year is an exception. Star Wars Land construction continues, of course. In addition, there is work on the Guardians of the Galaxy attraction at Disney California Adventure, the aforementioned refurbishments, and a major studio preview.

The conversion of the Hollywood Tower Hotel into the home of the Tivan Group (or the Tower of Terror into Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: BREAKOUT!, if you prefer) has been largely under wraps, literally. But in February a section of the wrapping was removed to reveal a first glimpse of the new exterior of the attraction.

This was done just in time for an unusually rainy spell in otherwise sunny Southern California. This was also the time that many locals who had stayed away during the holidays (either to avoid crowds or because of Annual Pass blackout dates) made their return to experience the new security procedures. In addition to the confusion of the new screening checkpoints at Mickey and Friends parking, there was the big change in the walking route to the park. In the past guests made their way to the east, crossing Disneyland Drive, following a landscaped sidewalk that paralleled the monorail beam, and arriving at the tram drop off area near the World of Disney store. Today the route is due south to the new security checkpoints at the entrance to Downtown Disney, then east through the shopping district and directly into the esplanade.

Heavy winter rains did not keep guests from visiting Disneyland

Refurbishments include Grizzly River Run, the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, the Matterhorn, and even the bathrooms in Adventureland. The major preview that arrived at the Sunset Showcase Theater is for Disney’s live-action Beauty and the Beast. Not only is there an exclusive film, but the lobby has a display with props and Belle’s costume used in the film.

Disney California Adventure Refurbishments:

Disneyland Park Refurbishments:

Beauty and the Beast Preview in Disney California Adventure:

That’s all for now, but we’ll have more updates from the Disneyland Resort next month.