Disney California Adventure’s Hollywood Land has been a part of the park since it opened in 2001, but its future has recently come into question as fans voice their dissatisfaction. Once designed to evoke the glamour of 1930s Hollywood, many guests now argue that the land feels outdated and underwhelming compared to Disney’s other immersive areas.
Reddit users have fueled this debate, labeling Hollywood Land a “waste of space” while sharing their ideas for how to reimagine the area.
Related: End of an Era: Disney Reveals Final Day for Beloved Attraction
The Charm and Challenges of Hollywood Land
When Disney California Adventure first opened, Hollywood Land celebrated the glitz and glamour of classic Hollywood. Visitors could enjoy hot dogs and filmstrip fries at Award Wieners, peruse Disney-inspired artwork at Off The Page, or sip themed cocktails at the Hollywood Lounge. The land’s attractions include Monsters, Inc. Mike and Sulley to the Rescue!, a dark ride through Monstropolis, and Mickey’s PhilharMagic, a 4D musical experience hosted in the Sunset Showcase Theater.
However, the area has faced criticism for its lack of cohesion and innovation. Attractions like the Hyperion Theater, once home to Broadway-style productions such as Aladdin, now sit unused.
Related: New Way To Enter the Disney Park Leaves Guests Astonished
Reddit Reacts: “A Waste of Space”
Reddit user u/JJnod ignited a heated discussion by asking, “What’s something that could save Hollywood Land?” Responses varied widely, but a recurring theme was the need for an overhaul.
One user bluntly remarked,
“Massive waste now. I’d miss it, but I’d be okay if they got rid of Monsters Inc., and then combined the area of: whatever that huge-ish building is that used to have the small Flynn arcade; the area held now by Monsters Inc.; and the old Who Wants to Be a Millionaire building into one huge e-ticket or one medium e-ticket and a smaller attraction.”
What’s something that could save Hollywood land?
byu/JJnod inDisneyland
Another commenter called for a Muppet-themed transformation, referencing concept art for a Jim Henson-inspired area that was once planned for Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
“Bring back Muppet*Vision 3D and turn that entire corner into a 1/1 recreation of the Jim Henson Studio Lot in Hollywood and dust off the plans for the once-proposed The Great MUPPET Movie Ride”
Missed Opportunities
Disney should repurpose the Hyperion Theater and the unused airplane hangar nearby. By linking the two spaces, construction crews could create a new area for the roller coaster, seamlessly integrating it into the park.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Hollywood Land?
While Disney has not announced any immediate plans to overhaul Hollywood Land, the company’s recent announcements at the D23 Expo suggest that they are actively expanding California Adventure. A Coco-themed boat ride and two new Avengers attractions—Avengers Infinity Defense and Stark Flight Lab—are slated for the park’s future. However, these updates leave Hollywood Land’s fate uncertain.
Fans continue to propose ideas, from revitalizing the space with an entirely new theme to introducing a mix of e-ticket attractions and interactive experiences. Whether Disney opts for a Muppet-themed land, a Marvel expansion, or something entirely different, the potential to revitalize Hollywood Land is undeniable.
A Call for Change
Hollywood Land represents both nostalgia and untapped potential. For many guests, its current state is a reminder that even Disney’s magic can occasionally falter. As one Reddit user aptly put it, “Disney should give this space the love and attention it deserves.”
The question now is whether Disney will rise to the challenge. With the success of immersive areas like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Avengers Campus, Hollywood Land could become a crown jewel in Disney California Adventure’s lineup—if only it receives the care and creativity it desperately needs.
Do you think that Hollywood Land is a waste of space in DCA? Does it need a total overhaul? What should it become? Share your thoughts in the comments!
