BACKSTORY (Feb. 8, 2001 —Present): Downtown Disney was built on the location of the original Disneyland parking lot and Disneyland Hotel, and includes a bridge over Disneyland Drive. It is smaller than the Florida version. Designed to attract “locals” and encourage extended stays at the Disneyland Resort. The Disneyland Monorail System has a station in Downtown Disney, one of two stations along the line. Built as part of the Monorail's 1961 extension, the station was known as the Disneyland Hotel Monorail Station from 1961-2000. It underwent a major renovation and re-theming as part of the 1998-2001 Disneyland Resort expansion, and was re-designated the Downtown Disney Monorail Station in 2001. Admission to Disneyland Park is required to ride the Monorail.
