Galaxy's Edge is located to the north of Frontierland, where Big Thunder Ranch and backstage areas were located. As a result of the expansion, Disney purchased nearby properties to relocate the office and warehouse space that was once on the land.[2]
On January 11, 2016, several attractions in Frontierland and Critter Country were closed. Big Thunder Ranch closed permanently, including the multifunction event space, barbecue restaurant, and petting zoo. Other attractions closed temporarily, including the Disneyland Railroad and Rivers of America. While the Rivers of America remain closed, Mark Twain Riverboat, Sailing Ship Columbia, Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes, Tom Sawyer Island, Fantasmic!, and the Disneyland Railroad were unavailable to park guests until July 2017, though a train was put on display at New Orleans Square station with various other displays, and the Mark Twain was moored at the loading dock and remained open to guests as a seating area.[3][4][5]
The construction of Galaxy's Edge resulted in a reconfigured route for the Disneyland Railroad and Rivers of America. A first look at how these changes would impact the park were revealed in January 2016, when concept art was released depicting the northern bank of the river after construction is completed.[6]
The east side of Galaxy's Edge occupies the land once earmarked for Discovery Bay.
