Disneyland has begun the slow process of removing the colorful rocks that have decorated the entrance to Tomorrowland for more than two decades, according to Disney officials.

Visitors began noticing construction walls up around the area Thursday morning, Aug. 15, and speculating about the removal, which has been planned as part of a general campaign to widen walkways and improve pedestrian access around the park. It will also include cutting down the curb to make it easier for strollers and scooters.

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“The Tomorrowland rocks are starting to be removed nearest Disneyland’s Central Hub,” the MiceChat.com blog posted on social media, citing members of the construction crew. “The marquee has already been removed. The other side won’t be started for awhile, so the whole process could take months to complete.”

Construction walls up around the entrance to Tomorrowland, photographed by UC Irvine student Gregory Conley on Aug. 14, 2019. This is part of a project to improve walkways and remove the so-called “French fry” rocks. (Photo courtesy of Gregory Conley)

As seen in 2018, The entrance to Tomorrowland at Disneyland on Monday, Sep 17, 2018. The rocks were being removed as of August 2019. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

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The Astro Orbiters sit at the entrance to Tomorrowland at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA, on Monday, Sep 17, 2018, near rocks that were being removed beginning in Aug. 2019. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

The Tomorrowland marquee has now been removed from the entrance, no longer as depicted in this 2018 photo at Disneyland. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

As seen in 2018, the entrance to Tomorrowland at Disneyland. The rocks were being removed as of August 2019. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)



The manufactured rocks, which some wags have dubbed the “french fry rocks,” were added during the 1998 remodel of Tomorrowland, according to Todd Regan, who runs MiceChat.com under the pen name of Dusty Sage.

While decorative, many visitors complained that they limited walk space during peak periods such as during and after fireworks shows. The removal is part of a larger “Project Stardust” effort to widen walkways throughout the park.

“Hoping that this project is for the removal of the Eisner-era ‘98 disaster of a Tomorrowland entrance rocks!” UC Irvine student and annual passholder Gregory Conley posted on Facebook, along with a photo of the construction walls.

Disney officials confirmed that the rocks are in the process of being removed along the north side of the Tomorrowland entrance, and the marquee sign that says “Tomorrowland” has already been removed. The remainder of the rocks will be taken out in a slow process over the coming months, officials said.