Changes are taking place in preparation for the redevelopment of Downtown Disney’s west end. The initial stage of this reimagining, scheduled to begin this month, includes demolishing the old AMC Theatre building and its surrounding businesses. The monorail’s refurbishment schedule has been changed to accommodate the building’s demolition as well.

Downtown Disney redevelopment, Disneyland News: Monorail & Downtown Disney Shops Prepare to Close in Advance Renovation
This is the approximate area of the current AMC building. Note the mod style mid-century structures at bottom left and top right.

The west end of Downtown Disney is soon to begin a transformation which will add a mid-century look, a mixed use shopping/entertainment building, and some unannounced surprises. 

Downtown Disney Stores Closing

The affected stores are Earl of Sandwich, Sugar Boo & Co., and Starbucks (the smaller of the two locations in Downtown Disney).

Of the three businesses, Earl of Sandwich is likely the one guests are most eager to learn the fate of. Fortunately, we have heard from staff at the eatery that they hope to operate a temporary location nearby until the new building is constructed (but not officially confirmed). They expect to be a part of the new project when it opens. At present, Earl of Sandwich is still serving lunch and dinner, but anticipate closing on January 22.

Downtown Disney redevelopment, Disneyland News: Monorail & Downtown Disney Shops Prepare to Close in Advance Renovation

Sugar Boo & Co. posted that their last day of operation will be January 16. They currently have limited store hours, from 10am to 6pm.

Downtown Disney redevelopment, Disneyland News: Monorail & Downtown Disney Shops Prepare to Close in Advance Renovation

Downtown Disney redevelopment, Disneyland News: Monorail & Downtown Disney Shops Prepare to Close in Advance Renovation
Sugar Boo & Co. posted this sign at the front of their store.

The adjacent Starbucks has already closed but you can still grab your morning cup of joe at the location near World of Disney.

Downtown Disney redevelopment, Disneyland News: Monorail & Downtown Disney Shops Prepare to Close in Advance Renovation

The Monorail’s Refurbishment Schedule

Initially planned to start on January 31, the dates for the Monorail’s refurbishment changed this morning. The timing has now been changed to February 14 through March 6. By working around the destruction of the AMC building, this rescheduling will allow the work on the West end of Downtown Disney to begin.

Downtown Disney redevelopment, Disneyland News: Monorail & Downtown Disney Shops Prepare to Close in Advance Renovation

Downtown Disney redevelopment, Disneyland News: Monorail & Downtown Disney Shops Prepare to Close in Advance Renovation
The Monorail Station in Downtown Disney, near the AMC building

For more on the new Downtown Disney project, please visit our previous coverage:

BIG DISNEYLAND NEWS: Fantasmic, Magic Bands, Downtown Disney Redevelopment and More!


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Let’s Hear from You

Are you ready for some big changes to the long-dead west end of Downtown Disney? Are you pulling for Earl of Sandwich to stay? Let us know in the comments below, and we’d like to hear what mix of shops and entertainment you’d like to see in Downtown Disney as they work on redevelopment!

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Natalie Kipper
Merchandise Editor for MiceChat. A native of Southern California, Natalie’s first visit to Disneyland was on her second birthday. She has been returning regularly ever since. With a love of toys and collectibles, she is constantly scouring the shops to see what is new and fun. When she isn’t in a store, you can usually spot her in line for The Haunted Mansion. Follow Natalie on Instagram @Kipperbun and @TravelswithToys.