The First Domino of DisneylandForward Falls
It’s official: the long-awaited expansion of the Disneyland Resort is moving from blueprints into the real world. For years, we’ve heard about the ambitious DisneylandForward project, and now we have a concrete date for one of the biggest infrastructure shifts in the resort’s history. The Manchester Cast parking lot is scheduled to close its gates on June 28, 2026.
While Disneyland hasn’t released a public statement yet, the news comes directly from Workers United Local 50, the union representing a huge portion of the resort’s dedicated Cast Members. This isn’t just a minor shuffle of employee cars; it is the starting gun for a massive construction project that will eventually change how every guest arrives at the Happiest Place on Earth.
What’s Replacing the Manchester Lot?
The closure makes way for a colossal new parking structure and transportation hub. If you’ve followed Disney history, this might sound familiar. This project is essentially a evolved version of the “Eastern Gateway” plan that was proposed years ago. According to recent permits, we’re looking at an 8-level, 3.2 million square foot parking garage located at 1585 S Manchester Ave.
This new structure isn’t just big—it’s transformative. Here is what’s coming to the east side of the resort:
- 6,000 New Parking Spaces: This will significantly increase the resort’s capacity, making it easier for guests to find a spot on busy days.
- A New Pedestrian Bridge: Perhaps the most exciting feature is a bridge crossing over Harbor Boulevard. This will allow guests to walk directly from the garage into a new esplanade arrival experience, bypassing the traffic and crowded crosswalks below.
- Dedicated Transportation Hub: The site will include specific zones for shuttles and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, with direct traffic access off Disney Way.
The End of Team Disney Anaheim East
To make room for this massive footprint, Disney is also clearing some existing structures. Permits filed earlier this year confirm the demolition of the Team Disney Anaheim East office building. This 70,000 square foot satellite office has long served the administrative and operations teams at the resort. While it’s a major loss of office space, it’s a necessary sacrifice to build the infrastructure required for the upcoming Avatar destination and Coco attraction coming to Disney California Adventure.
Where Do Cast Members Go Now?
If you’re a Cast Member who currently uses the Manchester lot, you won’t be left without a spot. The union has noted that commuters can transition to other locations, including the Katella Cast Member Lot (KCML), the Harbor Cast Member Lot (HCML), and the Ball Cast Member Lot (BMCL). Disney is also encouraging employees to utilize the resources at disneycommuterassistance.com to find the best routes during this transition.
Our Take: Why This Matters for Your Next Trip
While a parking lot closure might seem like