Starting January 11, 2016, Disneyland will temporarily close several iconic attractions in order to begin construction for its Star Wars-themed land and permanently close one of our favorite locations, Big Thunder Ranch. (Click here to read why you really should eat at Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue before it closes.) Yes, this also means that Big Thunder Ranch Petting Farm – home to Disneyland’s beloved goats – and Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree, as well.

The attractions that will temporary close include all stations of the Disneyland Railroad as well as the Rivers of America attractions Fantasmic!, Mark Twain Riverboat, Sailing Ship Columbia, Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island and Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes. These attractions will reopen in about a year. No definite date has been provided, but they WILL reopen.

The new Star Wars-themed land will be the largest single-land expansions ever, and will be a whopping 14-acres. I am so excited for the new Star Wars land. Walt Disney said that Disneyland would never be complete and adding this incredible new land will be continue his dream.

Am I disappointed about the closure of Big Thunder Ranch? In a word, YES! We love it there, and my family has more wonderful memories that took place in that part of the park than I can count. From petting the goats to photos with Santa to a light saber fight with some the Country Bears to pirate makeovers, we have had a lot of laughs and happy times in Big Thunder Ranch, and it’s closure has left me with a lump in my throat. I will also miss a year without our peaceful river trips and the joy of discovery over on the island. I guess I just have to have a bit of faith and trust that we will love the new magic and that we will create new family memories in the new land (and that Disney finds a new location for our beloved goats). #savethegoats

Stay tuned for more Star Wars land land news as it happens.

Click here to learn about Season of the Force–a new Star Wars-themed experience coming to Disneyland’s Tomorrowland now!