The steady construction progress of “Star Wars” land at Disneyland is letting nothing stand in its way.
Wednesday, construction crews demolished the Skyway Chalet in Fantasyland, one of two stations for the long-closed attraction.
The Skyway featured open-air gondolas that traveled on a cable between Fantasyland and Tomorrowland, it went through the Matterhorn on its trip.
The attraction closed in 1994, and the Chalet has stood unused and empty for those 22 years. If there had been any new use for the building, it would have had to have been brought up to code, including compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
When it was reported that the park had applied for a permit to demolish the building, some hardcore fans protested — some even calling the city of Anaheim claiming the building was of “historic significance.”
But the permit was issued and the 5,100 square-foot building is now no more.
The Skyway was visible in many areas of the park from the day it opened in 1956. Many people would ride it to get a bird’s eye view of things. Some liked to ride it during the nightly fireworks shows during the summer.
During its 38-year run it carried an estimated 150 million passengers across the park. Employees frequently had to deal with riders in the gondolas dropping food, or spitting on people below.
When it closed, Disney cited a lack of popularity and the number of employees needed to staff the ride as reasons for the closure.
The Tomorrowland station platform for the Skyway still exists, but it has been walled off from view.
“Star Wars” land is planned for nearly 14 acres in the northwestern portion of the park. Earth-movers have been busy in the area since January, and crews have started to lay forms for some foundations. Disney has not released an opening date for the new land.
Originally posted by Mark Eades in the Orange County Register
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