It's become common over the past several months for Disney to announce new additions coming to Downtown Disney district. Ultimately the area is being renovated to update the look and feel of the promenade and prepare for the addition of the new eastern gateway project. Including some new announcements today, here is what has and will be changing in Downtown Disney in 2018 alone.

Downtown Disney is changing fast through 2018 and now the largest retail store in the Disneyland Resort, World of Disney, will become part of that change. Little has changed in the store since it first opened in 2000 but this reimagining will impact guests throughout most of the year. Be aware of what's happening so you won't be surprised when you visit.

Last week Disney released details about known changes opening soon at Pirates of the Caribbean in Disneyland Paris, but you may or may not have noticed that they used the same announcement to reveal that changes will also be coming to the attraction in Walt Disney World and Disneyland Park.  For the most part, guests seem split down the middle with this decision, but one way or the other it means a dramatic change to one of the most iconic scenes in all of Disney parks.

Guests have been eagerly awaiting any new updates regarding the addition of FastPasses to Toy Story Midway Mania and the Matterhorn Bobsleds since Disney announced their impending arrival in January along with the Disney MaxPass bombshell.  It was a quiet release, but Toy Story Midway Mania has begun to distribute traditional FastPasses today!  Plus we have a little more information as to what we can expect for FastPasses in the near future.

It's the nicest and priciest hotel option at the Disneyland Resort and it's finally getting an update!  The Grand Californian Hotel & Spa has been amazing guests with its beauty and charm since it opened in 2001 and soon nearly the entire hotel will get a fresh new look to bring it more into the 21st century while sticking with its Arts & Crafts roots.  Curious to see what will happen?

Yesterday the classic Autopia reopened in Tomorrowland breathing new life into the attraction and Tomorrowland itself!  The renovation ultimately came as a result of a new sponsorship that looks like it was sorely needed so now the Autopia fits better in the 21st century.  Expect slightly longer lines for the next couple of weeks as guests enjoy the change, but it looks like the Autopia isn't going anywhere anytime soon!