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Patricia
10-17-2007, 01:44 PM
Five-Year Revamp of Its Lagging California-Themed Park
Will Add 'Cars,' 'Toy Story' and Disneyland-Like Main Street
By MERISSA MARR
October 17, 2007;

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Since its 2001 debut, the "Walt Disney (http://www.intercot.com/quotes/main.html?type=djn&symbol=dis) Co. theme park Disney's California Adventure has floundered in the shadow of its legendary neighbor, Disneyland. To fix it, Disney is now planning a $1.1 billion overhaul -- the most extensive makeover the company has ever given to a theme park.
Disney's board recently approved the investment, which will be poured into California Adventure over roughly five years, according to people familiar with the plan. The sum is particularly significant, considering the theme park cost around $1 billion to build and Disney has already spent more than $100 million trying to improve it.
Originally aimed at luring visitors to spend more time and money at the Disneyland Resort, California Adventure has been criticized as lacking Disney's trademark creative spark. The California theme has fallen flat with visitors from the western U.S., who make up the bulk of attendance. Last year, the park drew just under six million visitors, compared with nearly 15 million at Disneyland and short of Disney's original forecast of seven million visitors a year for the new park.



Now Disney hopes to turn the park around by making it more like its successful neighbor, filled with references to company founder Walt Disney, say people familiar with the plan. A key project will be redesigning the entrance plaza, now a hodgepodge of California icons, and replacing it with something akin to Disneyland's signature Main Street.
Just as Main Street harks back to Walt Disney's hometown of Marceline, Mo., in the early 1900s, California Adventure's new entrance will trace the footsteps of Walt Disney from when he arrived in Los Angeles in the 1920s, these people say. Similar to Disneyland's iconic castle, the redesigned park will feature a replica of Hollywood's former Carthay Circle theater, where Walt Disney premiered the movie "Snow White" in 1937.
The new-look park also will be expanded by around 12 acres and will bulk up its attractions, with a heavy emphasis on animated movies created by Pixar, including "Cars" and "Toy Story."
Jay Rasulo, who inherited California Adventure when he became president of the parks in 2002, says the park has had some success in extending the time visitors spend at the resort as a whole and does have some popular rides. But he concedes: "Guests have told us that when they stand in California Adventure, they don't have an emotional connection to it." Mr. Rasulo declined to comment on the investment Disney is making.
Several of Disney's efforts in recent years have had teething problems that forced Disney to spend big money on efforts to fix them, raising questions about Disney's theme-park strategy. New Disney parks in Paris and Hong Kong -- seen as too small and lacking insight into the cultures they serve -- have needed big additional investments after initially drawing slim crowds.
When Walt Disney created Disneyland in 1955, and the company started the Disney World resort in Orlando, Fla., in 1971 with the first Magic Kingdom park, the parks were powerful brand builders. But it is unclear whether that is still the case in the 21st century, when kids are more interested in the Internet and Disney has more tools to play with, such as the relatively investment-light but popular Disney Channel.
Disney maintains its parks are a good return on investment. In fiscal 2006, they accounted for almost 30% of the company's total revenue of $34 billion and reported 30% growth in operating income. Mr. Rasulo says the parks are long-term undertakings and the company always anticipates having to invest in changes. Walt Disney himself said Disneyland was never finished.
Even so, California Adventure has had special problems. On a recent afternoon at the Disneyland Resort, 18-year-old season-pass holder Megan White made a standard complaint: "Disneyland is a magical place, but California Adventure is just a theme park you can get anywhere." Ms. White, of Valencia, Calif., adds she spends most of her visits at Disneyland, only entering California Adventure for one or two rides because it has "no imagination."
California Adventure was the result of a years-long attempt to build on Disneyland's success. In 1991, Disney originally announced it was working on a plan to build Westcot, a West Coast version of Disney's Florida park, Epcot, which had opened nearly a decade earlier.
According to people involved, Disney's then-chief executive, Michael Eisner, was eager to replicate the successful model of Walt Disney World in Florida, which had grown to include several theme parks, a fleet of hotels and a thriving retail and entertainment district. The expansions created a destination that families sometimes visit for a week.
But Westcot came with a price tag of as much as $3 billion and, according to these people, Mr. Eisner got cold feet after the new Disney park outside Paris became a financial and public-relations nightmare.
In 1995, Disney ditched Westcot. In the summer of that year, Mr. Eisner held a three-day retreat in Aspen, Colo., where about 30 executives came up with an idea for a California-themed park, say people at the meeting. Mr. Eisner chose Disneyland chief Paul Pressler to oversee a $1.4 billion project in Anaheim that included California Adventure, a retail district and hotels.
He positioned the new park as a contemporary alternative to Disneyland. It included three main areas: the Hollywood Pictures back lot; the Golden State wharf, which included offbeat, decidedly sedate features like a vegetable garden and tortilla factory; and the carnival-style Paradise Pier, anchored by a big, traditional roller coaster.
When the park opened in 2001, visitors complained it was light on rides and that the ones there lacked the imagination of Disneyland hits such as the indoor roller coaster Space Mountain. As a brigade of Web sites savaged the park, a perception set in that it was a dud.
Mr. Pressler, who left Disney in 2002, says the park suffered from comparisons to its successful neighbor, but he denies the budget was ever a problem. "What we missed the mark on was not having enough for young kids compared to the Magic Kingdom," he says. He quickly added new rides: The vegetable garden was replaced by A Bug's Land, based on the 1998 Pixar movie "A Bug's Life." Disney also later added a $100 million attraction called The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.
The Disneyland resort as a whole, especially the Downtown Disney retail district and hotels, succeeded in increasing visitors' average stay from one day to two. But attendance at California Adventure languished, while Disneyland was bursting at the seams.
Bob Iger, who took over as Disney chief executive in 2005, asked the company's legendary theme-park designers -- known as Imagineers -- to come up with a plan about a year ago, according to people involved in the planning. An initial idea was to combine Disneyland and California Adventure, creating a massive park that required one ticket. But the investment in infrastructure to transport visitors around that area was prohibitive, so they focused instead on creating a second Disneyland.
This summer, Disney hired theme-park consultant Bob Weis to oversee the new project. The remake is a complex undertaking, according to people familiar with the situation. Disney plans to keep California Adventure open during the five-year project, a plan that will require visitors to navigate construction zones and initially go in through a temporary entrance. Disney has no plans to discount ticket prices during that period, they say. Though prices vary, an adult ticket for a day at either park now costs $66, while a combined ticket is $91.
Mr. Weis will add a new area called Cars Land, which will re-create the fictional town of Radiator Springs from the 2006 Pixar movie "Cars," say people familiar with the plans. The centerpiece will be a cutting-edge attraction in the style of Disneyland's popular "Indiana Jones" ride.
Addressing criticism of Paradise Pier, Mr. Weis plans to add a flagship ride based on the 1989 animated movie "The Little Mermaid" and another on the 1995 feature "Toy Story," the people say. The Mulholland Madness ride, which re-creates a careening drive along a famous Los Angeles street, will be rethemed featuring Disney characters. Others, like the Maliboomer thrill ride, are likely to be axed.
It is still unclear what will happen to the name, as the company sees appeal in the words "Disney," "California" and "Adventure," these people say. But there is a big risk in leaving it the same. That said, some unusual relics will be left untouched for now, including the tortilla-making factory and a bread-baking demonstration. A person familiar with the plan says the Golden State area isn't considered as thematically out-of-place as others in the new plan and won't be changed in the near-term.

Ian
10-17-2007, 03:28 PM
More on the same subject:

Disney to Overhaul California Adventure

By GARY GENTILE, AP

LOS ANGELES — The Walt Disney Co. will overhaul its disappointing California Adventure theme park to add more attractions based on Pixar animated movies and draw closer ties to Walt Disney, the company said Wednesday.

Disney did not disclose the cost of the project. but it will exceed $1 billion, according to a person familiar with the plans who was not authorized to speak publicly about it.

The figure eclipses the original cost of California Adventure, which opened in 2001.

The overhaul is designed to bolster lagging attendance, which in some years has barely reached half the numbers of neighboring Disneyland.

In 2005, Disneyland drew 14.5 million visitors, an 8.5 percent increase over the previous year, while California Adventure drew only 5.8 million, a 3.6 percent increase. Figures for 2006 were not immediately available.

Poor attendance forced Disney to tweak California Adventure almost from the time it opened.

Tourists balked when Disney initially charged as much to attend California Adventure as it did for Disneyland, which had many times the number of rides and attractions.

Since then, California Adventure has largely failed its initial purpose of making the Anaheim parks a multi-day destination. Eventually, Disney had to offer discounted admission packages known as "park hopper" tickets.

A single day's adult admission to either park is now $66. A "park hopper" ticket that allows visits to both parks on the same day is $91.

As part of the overhaul, Disney will expand the park with a 12-acre section based on the Pixar film "Cars."

It will also replace some of the park's less popular sections with new attractions based on the Disney film "Little Mermaid" and the Pixar film "Toy Story," the company said.

The project will also include a new plaza greeting guests that more resembles the iconic "Main Street" at Disneyland, and a new interactive attraction will also tell the story of company founder Walt Disney.

The overhaul will take several years to complete.

The park was the brainchild of former Disney CEO Michael Eisner and includes sections dedicated to various California attractions.

The famous Disneyland monorail travels over a reproduction of San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge and other sections evoke the memory of 1940s Hollywood.

The park was originally designed to appeal more to adults and included a restaurant sponsored by a winery. None of the iconic Disney characters, including Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck, made appearances in the park at first.

The park was also built with economy in mind, importing several rides and attractions that had already debuted at Walt Disney World in Florida.

Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

mttafire
10-17-2007, 03:37 PM
We were at Disneyland last in '04. We had a GREAT time. However, California Adventure did seem...." Un Disney" Im glad its getting the attention it deserves. It was an ok park but not up to snuff theme wise or "Magic" wise.

GrumpyFan
10-17-2007, 03:46 PM
We owe Michael Eisner for the DCA mess, and the Billion dollar price tag to fix it. This is what happens when you try to build a major theme park on the cheap; it Flops, and you end up spending twice as much to fix it.

Ian
10-17-2007, 04:11 PM
Agreed.

It's always, always, ALWAYS cheaper to do things right the first time around. Fixing your mistakes later is far more costly.

That's something Eisner never got. This whole, "We'll build the park out over time." strategy won't work. People get a bad taste in their mouth from their first visit and the damage is irreparable.

I visited DCA before and maybe it's just because my expectations were so low, but I didn't think it was as bad as some people say. It certainly wasn't great, though. I definitely agree it wasn't really up to Disney's standards.

brownie
10-17-2007, 05:06 PM
We enjoyed the park when we visited this summer, although I'm glad they're investing some more money in it. I wonder what the return on capital investment will be, since $1 billion is an awful lot to invest to try to fix a theme park, even spread out over 5 years.

NotaGeek
10-17-2007, 05:25 PM
The Walt Disney Company today unveiled a significant multi-year expansion plan for the Disneyland® Resort that continues its growth as a multi-day, world-class tourist destination.

The expansion will bring new entertainment and major family-oriented attractions to Disney's California Adventure® Park, including an entirely new Cars Land inspired by the hit Disney•Pixar animated film “Cars.”

"The success of the Disneyland Resort over the past few years provides us with both the opportunity and the need to invest for growth, to enhance and expand the experience for our Guests and attract new visitors, while at the same time delivering attractive returns on the investment. This plan is a reflection of our belief in the bright future of the Disneyland Resort and our continuing commitment to grow the Anaheim Resort Area as a world class tourist destination," said Bob Iger, President and Chief Executive Officer The Walt Disney Company.

Disney Imagineers will be bringing more of Walt Disney into Disney's California Adventure Park, celebrating the hope and optimism of California that attracted Walt to this land of opportunity in the 1920s. Guests entering the new Plaza will be instantly immersed in the world that inspired Walt during his early days as an animation pioneer. The new, interactive Walt Disney Story attraction will set the stage for the unfolding story of Walt that will permeate the park.

The expansive program reaches throughout Disney's California Adventure Park, with an amazing Little Mermaid attraction, a groundbreaking, signature nighttime spectacular and new viewing area for 9,000, and the addition of the 12-acre Cars Land featuring the world of Radiator Springs with three new attractions. Extensive landscaping, new retail and dining will create an even richer environment throughout the park in ways that reinforce Guests' connection with Walt.

"Our Disneyland Guests have a deep emotional connection with Walt Disney, whose life story really captures the pioneering spirit of California in the 1920s," said Jay Rasulo, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts. "The creative evolution of Disney's California Adventure Park will connect Guests to Walt's own California adventure and reflect the place that he found when he first arrived with a cardboard suitcase in his hand and a head full of dreams."

The expansion is part of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts' overall growth strategy of continuing to invest in its core business of existing parks and resorts around the world, while exploring new opportunities to capture more of the growing family vacation market. This announcement follows Disney's ground-breaking last month for a 250-room expansion of Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, including 50 rooms dedicated to the West Coast debut of Disney Vacation Club, the company's growing time share business.

Coming to Disney’s California Adventure Over the Next Several Years

In addition to the new themeing and attractions, Disney’s California Adventure Park will receive new restaurant and retail innovations, landscaping to enrich the placemaking, facade and graphics enhancements, and an extensive menu of entertainment and events.

Disney’s California Adventure Park is already home to some of the Disneyland Resort’s highest-rated attractions and shows, including: Soarin’ Over California, California Screamin’, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and the Broadway-caliber show, Disney’s Aladdin - A Musical Spectacular.

Cars Land

The expansion will culminate with an entirely new, 12-acre addition: Cars Land, immersing guests into a world inspired by the hit Disney•Pixar movie, “Cars,” playing to America’s love affair with automobiles.

Radiator Springs Racers, a major “E-ticket” attraction, places guests right in the middle of the amazingly detailed, dimensional “Cars” world of Mater, Lightning McQueen, Doc and Sally. Guests get a quick race briefing from Doc and Lightning, and suddenly find themselves in the midst of a race around hairpin turns and steep banks.

Cars Land increases capacity to the park with two additional immersive family rides, featuring Luigi and Mater from the movie. Cars Land represents an unprecedented level of collaboration between Pixar Animation Studios and Disney Imagineering to create this extensive new area. The new land will substantially extend the total area of Disney’s California Adventure Park.

Paradise Pier

Paradise Pier will host major new attractions beginning next summer with the opening of Toy Story Mania!, a ride-through, interactive adventure where Guests ride into a high-energy 4-D carnival midway hosted by “Toy Story” characters. Woody, Jessie, Buzz, Hamm and the gang come to life in amazing ways, immersing guests in the rich stories of the Pixar blockbuster “Toy Story” films.

A major ride based on Disney’s classic “The Little Mermaid” comes to the park’s Paradise Pier with leading-edge animation and special effects. Guests will dive into the magnificent scenes and magical songs from the movie. A Mermaid Grotto area with a fountain and sand castle will offer new play experiences for children.

Unique Nighttime Spectacular

The dramatic and unique Disney’s World of Color will bring new nighttime excitement to Paradise Pier. This nightly panorama of spectacular water effects, colorful lighting and music will bring Disney animation to life with an entirely new creative and technical approach. The 9,000-person viewing area offers prime waterside viewing of the show – and provides a site for live entertainment, music festivals, and outdoor film premieres.

Entry Plaza and Gateway

The totally new gateway to Disney’s California Adventure Park welcomes guests into an immersive world of historic California streets as Walt experienced them as a young artist arriving with big dreams.

A new visual icon in the tradition of Los Angeles, California’s great entertainment palaces will draw guests into the heart of the attractions. This new facility, which was inspired by Los Angeles’ historic Carthay Circle Theatre that premiered “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” in 1937, will house a next generation Walt Disney Story featuring an interactive tribute to Walt’s California experiences, and his entertainment legacy that continues world-wide today. Red Car trolleys reminiscent of the old Pacific Electric Railway will travel up and down the main street. New dining and shopping experiences and a slate of unique, live entertainment will bring energy to the Walt Disney Plaza.

Hollywood Pictures Backlot

Hollywood Pictures Backlot will be a new home for a slate of special ticketed events and chances to hear first hand from innovative directors, writers and animators. An update of the popular family show “Playhouse Disney” will provide an experience for younger children.

Golden State

The “Golden State” area of the park will see the addition of numerous new dining opportunities tied to the incredible bounty of California’s farmland and its rich ethnically diverse food heritage. Food and wine festivals that celebrate the seasons, tastes and cultures of the dynamic communities of the Golden State will entertain guests, bringing unique one-of-a-kind experiences.

Preview Center

A Preview Center located on San Francisco Street in the Golden State region of the park will feature models, Imagineering concepts – giving park guests a sneak peek at the excitement that lies ahead. The Preview Center is scheduled to open in late 2008.

Ed
10-17-2007, 06:06 PM
We made our first "pilgrimage" to DL this past June, and, very honestly, we were not all that impressed with California Adventure. Beyond ToT, California Screamin', Soarin', and the Alladin show, it seemed to lack that certain Disney touch. Our room in Paradise Pier overlooked the park, and frankly it looked like just another amusement park.

We're anxiously looking forward to these improvements!

Melanie
10-17-2007, 06:37 PM
I love California Adventure just as it is. This expansion will certainly be interesting, and hopefully make it an even better thing.

What's the image, Michael? Front entrance?

NotaGeek
10-17-2007, 07:33 PM
What's the image, Michael? Front entrance?
That picture was in the announcement I got from the Travel Agent page. Not sure what it is, but it's cute. :mickey:

Melanie
10-17-2007, 07:49 PM
That picture was in the announcement I got from the Travel Agent page. Not sure what it is, but it's cute. :mickey:

It reminds me of Tokyo DisneySea for some reason.

2Epcot
10-17-2007, 07:55 PM
I've also liked CA Adventure, but did find it lacking just a little bit. I'm excited about the changes to come. Epecially the nighttime spectacular.

Melanie
10-17-2007, 08:02 PM
Epecially the nighttime spectacular.

Yes, that I wholeheartedly agree will be a most welcome addition. :thumbsup:

DoomBuggyDude
10-17-2007, 09:12 PM
Thanks, Michael!

Well, it's about time. LOL.

I hope they go with the "Test Track-like" Cars
attraction. That would really put DCA on the map.

Let's all wave goodbye to the Timone lot. :D
We may never see it again.

Figment!
10-17-2007, 09:17 PM
Full Press Release


Disney Announces Significant Expansion Plan
For The Disneyland Resort
Multi-Year Build-out Plan Includes Major Attractions and a
New "Cars Land" at Disney’s California Adventure






GLENDALE, Calif., October 17, 2007 -- The Walt Disney Company today unveiled a significant multi-year expansion plan for the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim that continues its growth as a multi-day, world-class tourist destination.


Announced by Disney President and Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger and Parks and Resorts Chairman Jay Rasulo at a press conference at Walt Disney Imagineering’s Glendale headquarters, the expansion will bring new entertainment and major family-oriented attractions to Disney’s California Adventure, including an entirely new Cars Land inspired by the hit Disney•Pixar animated film Cars.


"The success of the Disneyland Resort over the past few years provides us with both the opportunity and the need to invest for growth, to enhance and expand the experience for our guests and attract new visitors, while at the same time delivering attractive returns on the investment," said Iger. "This plan is a reflection of our belief in the bright future of the Disneyland Resort and our continuing commitment to grow the Anaheim Resort Area as a world class tourist destination."

Disney Imagineers will be bringing more of Walt Disney into Disney’s California Adventure, celebrating the hope and optimism of California that attracted Walt to this land of opportunity in the 1920s. Guests entering the new Plaza will be instantly immersed in the world that inspired Walt during his early days as an animation pioneer. The new, interactive Walt Disney Story attraction will set the stage for the unfolding story of Walt that will permeate the park.

The expansive program reaches throughout Disney’s California Adventure, with an amazing Little Mermaid attraction, a groundbreaking, signature nighttime spectacular and new viewing area for 9,000, and the addition of the 12-acre Cars Land featuring the world of Radiator Springs with three new attractions. Extensive landscaping, new retail and dining will create an even richer environment throughout the park in ways that reinforce Guests’ connection with Walt.


"Our Disneyland Guests have a deep emotional connection with Walt Disney, whose life story really captures the pioneering spirit of California in the 1920s," said Rasulo. "The creative evolution of Disney’s California Adventure will connect guests to Walt’s own California adventure and reflect the place that he found when he first arrived with a cardboard suitcase in his hand and a head full of dreams."

The expansion is part of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts’ overall growth strategy of continuing to invest in its core business of existing parks and resorts around the world, while exploring new opportunities to capture more of the growing family vacation market. This announcement follows Disney’s ground-breaking last month for a 250-room expansion of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, including 50 rooms dedicated to the West Coast debut of Disney Vacation Club, the company’s growing time share business.

Multi-day, World-Class Tourist Destination

Today’s announced expansion builds upon the transformation of the Disneyland park into a multi-day destination resort that began in 2001 with the creation of the Disneyland Resort and the opening of Disney’s California Adventure Park, Downtown Disney and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

Since then, the Disneyland Resort has continued to grow with the addition of popular attractions and shows, including: Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!, Block Party Bash, High School Musical 2: Schools Out!, Disney Princess Fantasy Faire, and Jedi Training Academy, along with the re-Imagineering of Space Mountain and enhancements to Pirates of the Caribbean.

"This expansion builds on a commitment we made more than a decade ago to create and grow the Anaheim Resort Area as a world-class tourist destination where guests would want to stay for more than one day," said Disneyland Resort President Ed Grier.

"That investment has become a success for Disney, the Anaheim community and for the economy of Southern California."

According to the Anaheim/Orange County Visitor and Convention Bureau, Anaheim is one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in the country, enjoying some of the highest hotel occupancy rates in the nation and attracting millions of visitors each year who spend billions of dollars.

Coming to Disney’s California Adventure Over the Next Several Years

In addition to the new themeing and attractions, Disney’s California Adventure will receive new restaurant and retail innovations, landscaping to enrich the placemaking, facade and graphics enhancements, and an extensive menu of entertainment and events.

Disney’s California Adventure is already home to some of the Disneyland Resort’s highest-rated attractions and shows, including: Soarin’ Over California, California Screamin’, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and the Broadway-caliber show, Disney’s Aladdin - A Musical Spectacular.

Cars Land

The expansion will culminate with an entirely new, 12-acre addition: Cars Land, immersing guests into a world inspired by the hit Disney/Pixar movie, Cars, playing to America’s love affair with automobiles.

Radiator Springs Racers, a major "E-ticket" attraction, places guests right in the middle of the amazingly detailed, dimensional Cars world of Mater, Lightning McQueen, Doc and Sally. Guests get a quick race briefing from Doc and Lightning, and suddenly find themselves in the midst of a race around hairpin turns and steep banks.


Cars Land increases capacity to the park with two additional immersive family rides, featuring Luigi and Mater from the movie. Cars Land represents an unprecedented level of collaboration between Pixar Animation Studios and Disney Imagineering to create this extensive new area. The new land will substantially extend the total area of Disney’s California Adventure park.

Figment!
10-17-2007, 09:18 PM
Paradise Pier

Paradise Pier will host major new attractions beginning next summer with the opening of Toy Story Mania!, a ride-through, interactive adventure where Guests ride into a high-energy 4-D carnival midway hosted by Toy Story characters. Woody, Jessie, Buzz, Hamm and the gang come to life in amazing ways, immersing guests in the rich stories of the Pixar blockbuster Toy Story films.

A major ride based on Disney’s classic The Little Mermaid comes to the park’s Paradise Pier with leading-edge animation and special effects. Guests will dive into the magnificent scenes and magical songs from the movie. A Mermaid Grotto area with a fountain and sand castle will offer new play experiences for children.

Unique Nighttime Spectacular

The dramatic and unique Disney’s World of Color will bring new nighttime excitement to Paradise Pier. This nightly panorama of spectacular water effects, colorful lighting and music will bring Disney animation to life with an entirely new creative and technical approach. The 9,000 person viewing area offers prime waterside viewing of the show – and provides a site for live entertainment, music festivals, and outdoor film premieres.

Entry Plaza and Gateway

The totally new gateway to Disney’s California Adventure welcomes guests into an immersive world of historic California streets as Walt experienced them as a young artist arriving with big dreams.
A new visual icon in the tradition of Los Angeles, California’s great entertainment palaces will draw guests into the heart of the attractions. This new facility, which was inspired by Los Angeles’ historic Carthay Circle Theatre that premiered Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in 1937, will house a next generation Walt Disney Story featuring an interactive tribute to Walt’s California experiences, and his entertainment legacy that continues world-wide today. Red Car trolleys reminiscent of the old Pacific Electric Railway will travel up and down the main street. New dining and shopping experiences and a slate of unique, live entertainment will bring energy to the Walt Disney Plaza.

Hollywood Pictures Backlot

Hollywood Pictures Backlot will be a new home for a slate of special ticketed events and chances to hear first hand from innovative directors, writers and animators. An update of the popular family show "Playhouse Disney" will provide an experience for younger children.

Golden State

The "Golden State" area of the park will see the addition of numerous new dining opportunities tied to the incredible bounty of California’s farmland and its rich ethnically diverse food heritage. Food and wine festivals that celebrate the seasons, tastes and cultures of the dynamic communities of the Golden State will entertain guests, bringing unique one-of-a-kind experiences.

Preview Center

A Preview Center located on San Francisco Street in the Golden State region of the park will feature models, Imagineering concepts – giving park guests a sneak peek at the excitement that lies ahead. The Preview Center is scheduled to open in late 2008.

About the Disneyland Resort:

Located on approximately 500 acres in Anaheim, Calif., the Disneyland Resort includes the Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure Parks, three hotels with approximately 2,200 rooms and the 310,000 square foot retail, restaurant and entertainment Downtown Disney District. With 20,000 employees, the Disneyland Resort is Orange County’s largest single-site employer and a $3.6 billion annual contributor to the local economy. In January 2004, the Resort welcomed its 500 millionth guest since opening on July 17, 1955.

tinkwest
10-17-2007, 09:19 PM
I am excited that DCA is growing. However I find the name "Cars Land" uninspiring. Why not call it Radiator Springs?

Figment!
10-17-2007, 09:44 PM
Little Mermaid Dark Ride

Figment!
10-17-2007, 10:02 PM
Cars Land

Figment!
10-17-2007, 10:04 PM
Carthay Circle Theatre Icon for Disney's California Adventure

Figment!
10-17-2007, 10:05 PM
Disney's World of Color

NotaGeek
10-17-2007, 10:09 PM
I think that Cars land is wierd too ... but I suppose it's better than changing the name of California Adventure to Pixarland. :mickey:

*tinker_belle*
10-17-2007, 11:05 PM
I LOVE California Adventure, it has started to really grow on me since i became an annual pass holder and i'm there so often. At first i thought it lacked the Disney feel but now i've come to love and accept it as a nice companion park to Disneyland.
Sure i've always thought the park could be a bit bigger with some better rides but i really like the California theme and i hope they stick with that still. I get excited walking through that park now and i have many happy memories there already.
I hope the changes are GOOD because if not, i know many people who will be dissapointed.

2Epcot
10-17-2007, 11:55 PM
The Disney owned ABC station in Los Angeles did a story this afternoon that featured more renderings (similar to what Jason posted) as well as some video of models. There are also some interviews there. The story is posted on their website under entertainment videos.

EPCOT84
10-18-2007, 12:23 AM
Thank you for all the news. It is downright crazy but the new management is admitting the problem. Euro Disney was a fiasco too so lots of tinkering was needed. So too California Adventure is in need of something. Hope these plans help...:fingers::unsure:

SusieMouse
10-18-2007, 11:48 AM
Although it's a long way off (five years), I have to say I am so excited about all the upcoming changes at DCA. I don't post a lot, but I am first and foremost a Disneyland fan. I enjoy WDW, but there's nothing like Disneyland to really juice up the magic. This will make DLR a several day destination and the crowds will come which may inspire them to build that very controversial third gate!

I have put my trust in John Lasseter to really make California Adventure (or whatever they eventually rename it) a destination unto itself. If he can't do it, no one can!

Let's go John!

ps, I'm also happy to see that many of the renderings that were in the 2007 Annual Report are directly related to DCA! So many speculated that it would be attractions for WDW.

dad2princess
10-18-2007, 08:43 PM
I wonder if the Little Mermaid ride will be similar to the rendering on the Little Mermaid DVD. I certainly hope so, as both of my kids loved the rendering and made me watch it more than a few times.

MegaDisney
10-19-2007, 12:16 AM
While I have always enjoyed DCA, I am excited about the upcoming changes.

I will be sad to see the Maliboomer go.

I think Carsland is the worst name ever.

I really don't see the need for a lot of the changes, just think of how many new rides we could have if the billion dollars was spent on new attractions only...

Lacy
10-20-2007, 11:31 AM
Having only been to DCA once in 2002, I'm not an expert on the park. But I really enjoyed the day I spent there. I disagree that it feels like a non-disney park. No, it doesn't have the same magic as Disneyland but it has the Disney upkeep and attention to detail. I like the California theming so I hope that doesn't change too much.

I agree Carsland is a bad name but some of the attractions sound good.

It is good to see the new regime investing so much in the parks!

Tinkerbellaella
10-25-2007, 01:43 AM
California Adventure has grown on me. I still think it is missing the Disney magic and I am very excited for the expansion. I hope they do bring Walt's history into the park.

One question... Where are they going to get the 12 acres they are talking about to do the expansion? All I can think of is the parking lot. They redid their parking to create the Calif Adventure Park originally and if they do use the parking lot, where are they going to park the cars???

BklynChick
10-26-2007, 10:55 PM
Count me as one of those people who really like DCA. I think it's a nice little park and gets a bad rap. I spent a very nice day there last week, rode Soarin' twice, enjoyed Monsters Inc and Crush for the first time, had a better-than-expected lunch at Ariel's Grotto, and had a great time at the Aladdin show.

That being said, while I will be sad to see the "CALIFORNIA" letters and the Golden Gate Bridge go, I can live without Golden Dreams and the Timon parking lot. And the thought of a Test-Track type ride has me drooling.

So I support the changes, especially if it means it will stop being the "red-headed stepchild" of DLR. After all, look what a few new additions over at AK have done to help that park lessen the "natazu" tag. Even so, I'm glad I had two trips to enjoy this "nice little park" and will have plenty of pics to remind me of the original setup.

Tigereyes
01-10-2008, 01:43 AM
I know I am knew to these boards, so this may seem incredible but I stumbled upon this board. I love Disney and plan to work there, like all of my other siblings have. I live in Southern California, and know many people that work in Disneyland.

I am curious what people on this forum think about the new plans for Disney's California Adventure. It will be a billion dollar project that will be used to just add a few Pixar themed rides...

...it seems they've lost the idea of how to really "theme" their theme parks. The baboons that designed DCA have been assigned to this task too, so what is the protect Disney from a repeat of a failed investment? I just don't understand the concept of throwing money at things.

Personally, I wish that the billion dollars paid for some bulldozers, and either it became an expansion of an existing Disneyland, or an entirely new theme park. The idea of Californians (which occupy the bulk of Disneyland's attendance) visiting a park to experience California has always made me chuckle, but the idea of a billion dollars to develop DCA into Pixar World makes me cry.

NotaGeek
01-10-2008, 01:21 PM
I know I am knew to these boards, so this may seem incredible but I stumbled upon this board. I love Disney and plan to work there, like all of my other siblings have. I live in Southern California, and know many people that work in Disneyland.

I am curious what people on this forum think about the new plans for Disney's California Adventure. It will be a billion dollar project that will be used to just add a few Pixar themed rides...

...it seems they've lost the idea of how to really "theme" their theme parks. The baboons that designed DCA have been assigned to this task too, so what is the protect Disney from a repeat of a failed investment? I just don't understand the concept of throwing money at things.

Personally, I wish that the billion dollars paid for some bulldozers, and either it became an expansion of an existing Disneyland, or an entirely new theme park. The idea of Californians (which occupy the bulk of Disneyland's attendance) visiting a park to experience California has always made me chuckle, but the idea of a billion dollars to develop DCA into Pixar World makes me cry.

:welcome: to INTERCOT!

I think that DCA gets the worst rap for being this horrible park ... and to be honest, I love it. I think that it's amazing that the Suits at Disney have admitted that the HUGE corners they cut to build DCA quick were the wrong thing to do, and the fact that they allotted billions to fix it is admirable.

I think that the bulk of people that visit DLR are NOT from California, and the point of the park was to pay homage to the State where all the Magic started. Just think about how many people from all over he world visit Disneyland Resort and NEVER venture further than Harbor Blvd. I think the point was to show them some of the history and beauty of California and to say "thanks" to the Sunshine State for housing Disneyland, WDI and all the fun for so many years. But, that's just my view.

AND ... why do I love DCA? On ANY busy day where you can't take ONE more stroller, bottle neck, or tour group bashing into you ... you just mosey across the Esplanade and you have TONS of room to walk (even when crowded!) and even though the theming isn't perfect, it's comfortable and FUN!

MegaDisney
01-10-2008, 03:27 PM
The bulk of the money is not being spent to "add a few pixar themed rides"

The bulk of the money is for all new facades and entrance, Little Mermaid ride, new facades on Paradise Pier, new themed vehicles for transportation around the park. The Wonderful World of Color show, new dining, retheming many existing rides and lands.

I too love DCA and feel the money could have been better spent on attractions only and not to retheme a park which I found enjoyable from the day it opened.

DCA is not meant to be Disneyland. It will never live up to the standards set by Disneyland (and neither has any other theme park since). People need to stop comparing it to Disneyland and enjoy it for what it is...

Aisling
01-12-2008, 01:03 PM
I love California Adventure too. I hope they don't take away the Orange Spinner (it's my son's favorite!) They already took out my beloved skee ball - yep, we love that boardwalk area with the games. DCA is just such a fun place, I'm excited for the changes but love it as it is.
As mentioned above, DCA is an homage to all things California - so much so that my son's school sends their entire 4th grade up there so they can 'study' what California has to offer. How cool is that!?!?

Tigereyes
01-16-2008, 02:12 AM
DCA is not meant to be Disneyland. It will never live up to the standards set by Disneyland (and neither has any other theme park since). People need to stop comparing it to Disneyland and enjoy it for what it is...
I disagree. Disneyland is not some precedent that cannot be matched, I believe Walt Disney World did so quite well with theme parks like Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, MGM, and especially Epcot.

The magic of Disneyland is in a particular meaning, as it was later inscribed into Disneyland's (and the Magic Kingdom's adaptation) Walt and Mick statue. Upon that statue which I regularly sit it says:

"I believe in our idea of a family park where parents and kids can have fun together" - Walt Disney.

That is the magic of Disneyland. All of the Disney theme parks MUST be held to that standard at all times. Although, in modern times Disneyland and its brother/sister parks have distanced themselves from that dream, it was that idea that was at the heart of Disney's dream for theme park building. Most places in Disneyland and the Walt Disney resort counterparts offer a family experience. Sure, there are polarizing attractions like Mission Space, arguably the World Showcase, and Rock Roller Coaster/Tower of Terror. However, it has always been theming which united these elements of the parks.

When California Adventure was built, these ideas that had always subconsciously built into the fabric of Disney theme parks was ignored. It is no wonder the park is a drain on finances and lags in attendance. I have a four year old niece, and its a drag to bring her over to DCA. She can't go on the fun rides, she's too small or doesn't get anything out of them. And Playhouse Disney is hardly a lunch hour well spent. (At Disneyland, she can ride the Matterhorn and
Big Thunder as well as classics like Pirates and Mansion).

Now then, I don't believe DCA is compared, at least not by me, for the timeless qualities of Disneyland and the magic of having been built by Walt himself. However, DCA lacks the quality of a "family" park. I don't know many Families that like it, and those that do have kids above the age of 10 and enjoy the park because its comparatively not crowded. I think expecting DCA to, like all other Disney theme parks, to comply with the ideals of a "family park" in the sense of a unifying experience is not a vast leap. DCA has no coherent theming, no unifying message. I've had this debate before, and Epcot was served as an example of a mismatched park. But Epcot is the MOST unified, because its message is very clear. Its message is one of education, about the future and progress as well as global culture. DCA projects no sort of consistency, that is why it not only pails in comparison to Disneyland but also all of the Florida resorts.



I think that the bulk of people that visit DLR are NOT from California, and the point of the park was to pay homage to the State where all the Magic started.

I am 100% positive that of annual pass holders, which constitute the major income for the park, the bulk (by a large majority I can't seem to remember at this time) are mainly of California residence. This is because Disneyland, unlike Florida, is located in probably the most highly concentrated area of population in the entire country. It is very clear in Disney dynamics that Disneyland caters to SoCal guests, and that Walt Disney World caters to resort guests. The average return of a guest to Disneyland is 3 months, the average return to Walt Disney World is 4 years. This illustrates the localization of Disneyland's market.

This is why they built DCA, to expose Californians to California culture, and no other reason. However, this reason is insane and did not gain support... hence large lags in both profit and attendance.

I hate to say this, but from a business perspective DCA is a money loss and therefore a failure. It needs to be fixed, but having the same people who broke it desperately try and fix it will not solve the problem.

The best illustration I can give of that was already mentioned. Naming a land "Car Land" is just ludicrous... why one wouldn't call it "Radiator Springs" to establish atmosphere is beyond me...

DCA is a failure. I can say its a failure because it isn't a family park, or because its theming doesn't not project a universal message. But the bottom line makes it a failure because its in the red. This is why its being replaced, and they're cashing in on Pixar's success (because Disney has failed to create a unique character in quite a few years) to generate some sort of net to save DCA. This is sad, and the point I was trying to make in my initial post which was merged into this thread.


As mentioned above, DCA is an homage to all things California - so much so that my son's school sends their entire 4th grade up there so they can 'study' what California has to offer. How cool is that!?!?
Really? I remember when that started, I was the first class to have a go at it. It was sort of like a dry run after it was designed (I knew the person involved, and I happen to be the target age). We (my friend and I, and a small focus group) got dragged all around the park. It was very interesting actually, as California history and history in general drives me wild. I don't think it sells tickets, but it was a great maneuvers to salvage DCA's attendance. Do they still do the walk around questions, because they tried 3 different "trials" on us, and two included a series of questions they asked throughout the tour.

The last was very odd, so I imagine they went with one of those adaptations. Although, honestly I did not know they had kept the program on board. I had heard it was scaled down recently, but had assumed that meant it was due to be eliminated... good to hear otherwise!

NotaGeek
01-16-2008, 03:47 AM
So, is it fair to assume that you in fact DO NOT like DCA?

We get it, BUT, do you really think that the bulk of Annual Passholders are from LA? REALLY? I am not sure what the source of all your information was, but it would be interesting to know.

Currently, most of the people I know that have Premium Annual Passes are from all over the country, including myself.

I would further question your essay to wonder where anyone has said you should compare ANY Disney resort in the entire WORLD to Disneyland? There is no ability to compare the intrinsic magic that exists in the very streets that Walt himself walked to another resort, regardless of size or planning involved in construction. DCA stands alone as an addition to the magic that exists, and in Walt's own words, "Disneyland is the star, everything else is in the supporting role."

I am sorry, but all your words will never convince me that DCA is a bad idea, or that it is not a "family park" ... and it is definitely not a bad idea to spend money to make it even better.

MegaDisney
01-16-2008, 05:35 PM
DCA is a failure in your opinion. I know many families that enjoy the park, some more than Disneyland.

We are all entitled to our opinions I suppose.

You dislike DCA, we get that. I like DCA, and nothing anyone says will change that.

BTW: I am also an out of state Premium Annual Passholder and I personally know others some from as far away as Chicago.

*tinker_belle*
01-16-2008, 06:37 PM
Very well said Michael and Bryant. I couldn't have put it into better words.
I LOVE this park, i didn't used to but it grew on me. I am an annual pass holder and am from CA so i guess i "fit the bill". Anyways i support DCA having a bit of a make-over in terms of offering a bit more and making things better. For the most part, i like the theming a lot and this park has potential, I've always said that.

Aurora
01-24-2008, 01:28 PM
Sorry I didn't get to read through all the info -- does anyone know when construction is scheduled to begin? DS and her family are going in July.

SignguyTom
02-01-2008, 11:38 AM
It takes Disney forever to plan and decide on new attractions, but once they announce it, it seems they generally get right on it. Are there any signs of construction/demolition going on at DCA yet? I know the GC expansion was well underway during our last visit in November, but, other than the Toy Story Mania construction, I didn't see anything happening at DCA.

SignguyTom
02-01-2008, 11:42 AM
They announced a 12 acre "Cars" Radiator Springs expansion at DCA. The only place I can think to put it would be the Lion King parking lot at the corner of Harbor & Katella.

Anyone have any info or insights?

BrerGnat
02-01-2008, 11:46 AM
It's going to be sort of behind Tower of Terror. There will be a "cable car" that goes from the central plaza out to Cars Land (supposedly).

BrerGnat
02-01-2008, 11:48 AM
Nothing that is obvious yet, except that the Sun Plaza fountain is never on anymore (it's set to be taken out).

Like you mentioned, construction on the GCV is very much underway. If you want to see a good view of it, go up the Redwood Creek Challenge trail and climb to the highest "lookout". You can see everything!

SignguyTom
02-01-2008, 11:54 AM
It's going to be sort of behind Tower of Terror. There will be a "cable car" that goes from the central plaza out to Cars Land (supposedly).

Yep, that's the parking lot. What kind of cable car are they planning? Kind of like the old Skyway?? :fingers:

NotaGeek
02-01-2008, 12:54 PM
Yep, that's the parking lot. What kind of cable car are they planning? Kind of like the old Skyway?? :fingers:
Cable car as in San Francisco ... a trolley.

Mufasa
02-01-2008, 01:12 PM
Cable car as in San Francisco ... a trolley.

Trolley is a better description than Cable Car which might be misleading.

They're based on the Pacific Electric Railway that ran around Los Angeles and their "Red" cars of that era from when Walt first came to California (there was a reference to the Red Cars in Who Framed Roger Rabbit).

The Red Car route in DCA will be more through the Hollywood Pictures Backlot area and linking it with the Walt Disney Plaza (what now stands as the Sunshine Plaza).

Mufasa
02-01-2008, 01:28 PM
Are there any signs of construction/demolition going on at DCA yet?

No outward signs of major construction just yet (not counting the work on Paradise Pier of course).

The schedule is very tricky and aggressive, since the park will remain open as it's being transformed. The challenge is managing all the projects running concurrently and the traffic flow of routing guests around the park will be interesting.

So the goal is to balance what projects can be upgraded and ready for guests as other areas are being worked on.

Starting this summer work will begin on Cars Land since that is all new development and can proceed without much impact to guest flow but has to start because of the scope of adding an entire new themed area to the park with a major E-ticket anchor.

Paradise Pier work is underway and will continue- you'll really start seeing more of the transformation work kick off this fall and the first glimpses of the re-worked pier opened by the holidays and then the new construction (Little Mermaid, etc) starting in early 2009

The plaza re-theming I'd expect in late 2009 and the other areas like Hollywood Pictures Backlot work sometime in 2010.

All dates are of course subject to adjustments as necessary.

WiLdOrCa
05-20-2008, 08:04 PM
I cannot wait to see the new ride. We are going to be there the week of July 4th. Kind of exciting to be able to see something new not long after opening for the first time, especially in Calif Adv. We've only actually been there once. I'm glad to see that more Disney like things are being added. While "I", as an adult enjoy this park, it just didn't have a Disney feel to it enough. I would liked to see Mickey Mouse with aviator outfits on the walls or in posters around Soarin'.... just to add some Disney/Mickey likeness to the different theme's of this park? I think they will get it up to par over time. :mickey:

~WiLdOrCa!~
Vickie

Blue Genie
06-04-2008, 01:28 AM
Now that we can say that Toy Story Mania is done what is next for DCA to get down? I think it may be Ariel's ride send there taking her meet and greet away from Disneyland side and moving it over to DCA side when they make her ride. I have ask this question on a nother web site and there not saying nothing. So what do you guys think is next.

JPL
06-04-2008, 08:51 AM
Most likely it will be the Little Mermaid ride since sources have Golden Dream closing sometime this year and being relocated

Figment!
06-23-2008, 11:07 AM
Orange Stinger at California Adventure to get new Disney theme



Los Angeles Times
By Brady MacDonald | Staff Writer
June 16, 2008

The Orange Stinger swing ride will get a new Disney theme and back story as part of the planned $1.1-billion Disney’s California Adventure makeover, Walt Disney Imagineering officials confirmed.

Gone will be the 40-foot-tall orange peel that surrounds the 48-seat spinning swing set and the Disney-free buzzing bumble bee theme, Imagineering officials said.

In its place: a Victorian architectural style more akin to the remade Paradise Pier section of the Anaheim theme park represented by the new Toy Story Mania attraction.

Imagineering officials declined to elaborate on the new “Disney theme.”

...

MegaDisney
06-23-2008, 04:57 PM
My sources indicate that it will be themed to the Mickey Mouse cartoon "The Band Concert"

The building around the ride will look like a giant "gazebo" band stage often seen in small town, town squares. The center of the ride will look like a tornado with a Mickey Conductor on top and the chairs will look like various musical instruments spinning around the tornado vortex.

Closet Disney Fan
06-24-2008, 12:17 AM
While I am somewhat a newbie to the DCA park (3 visits) I enjoyed each of my trips. While the park did offer some very entertaining things to do(ToT, Screamin', Soaring over CA, and the Animation Studio, I never had the same ability to spend an entire day in the park and feel as if I still had more to see. I hope that Disney will continue to add new attractions that attract the thrill seeking type. While by no means do I mean turn it into a 6-Flags like park but people seemed to have been drawn to it by the more extreme rides (Tot and Screamin) and I think Disney would be well off to add maybe several more rides that would complement this theme.

Melanie
08-12-2008, 01:42 AM
Not sure there is much new here....


Three big changes planned for the Disneyland Resort

The OC Register
August 8, 2008


The Sun Wheel in Disney’s California Adventure is expected to get a facelift, Tinkerbell will push out the Little Mermaid and the Orange Stinger will turn silly.

Plans for renovations and additions at Disney’s California Adventure will include re-theming the Sun Wheel as Mickey’s Fun Wheel and the Orange Stinger as a Silly Symphonies-based ride. Also, the Little Mermaid meet and greet area in Disneyland’s Tomorrowland is planned to become a fairy meet and greet.

MICKEY’S FUN WHEEL: A Disney Imagineering official confirmed tonight that the Sun Wheel will join the attractions being changed in the Paradise Pier area of Disney’s California Adventure. The main change expected will be removing the current sun face in the middle of the wheel and replacing it with a Mickey Mouse face. The Mickey Mouse face is planned to be a classic wide-eyed Mickey Mouse.

SILLY SYMPHONIES: The Orange Stinger will join in planned changes for the pier-area — expected to change from the current Orange Stinger theme to a Silly Symphonies theme. Currently, the attraction is a swing ride inside a giant orange sitting lakeside and plans show that the building’s foundation will remain the same, while the orange and even round building are planned to change. The attraction will be based on the classic “Silly Symphonies” animations done by Walt Disney’s animation studio in the 1930s. The band leader, Mickey Mouse, is expected to be part of the ride.

TINKERBELL: A change is also planned for Disneyland, the Imagineering official said tonight. The current Little Mermaid meet and greet next to the Tomorrowland entrance is planned to be replaced by a fairy and Tinkerbell meet and greet. The area, as currently planned, will make guests feel like they’ve shrunk down to fairy-size and the path will be filled with pixie dust.

No date is given for these three planned attractions. Renovations at Disney’s California Adventure (which includes adding a Cars Land and a Little Mermaid attraction) is expected to cost $1.2 billion and be finished by 2012. As far as the fairy and Tinkerbell area, the only relevant date is that Tinkerbell will star in her own DVD-movie set for an Oct. 28 release.

tinkwest
08-12-2008, 11:29 AM
I thought the Sun Wheel was going to fit in nicely with the new theming just the way it is now and am surprised that it is being changed.

Alice2marie
09-02-2008, 03:37 PM
Does anyone know if they have opened the preview center yet, or when they might?

MegaDisney
09-04-2008, 02:18 PM
I know that is not open yet. I am not sure when it is scheduled to open, but I will contact some sources I have and see if I can get some info. I would love to see it during my trip at the end of the month!

BrerGnat
09-06-2008, 04:02 PM
I don't like the Sun Wheel idea at ALL. I mean, no offense to Mickey or anything. But, that wheel can be seen from FAR away. It doesn't need to have such a stamp on it like that. The roller coaster already has a Mickey logo that, in my opinion, is very tastefully done. To have a GIANT Mickey FACE on the ferris wheel, well, that is just overkill.

Plus, I think the Sunwheel is beautiful as is. It is a one of a kind attraction. Why do they have to mess with it? It's not going to take away from their planned theme. In fact, I really think adding a Giant Mickey Face WILL...:ack:

NotaGeek
09-06-2008, 07:53 PM
I don't like the Sun Wheel idea at ALL. I mean, no offense to Mickey or anything. But, that wheel can be seen from FAR away. It doesn't need to have such a stamp on it like that. The roller coaster already has a Mickey logo that, in my opinion, is very tastefully done. To have a GIANT Mickey FACE on the ferris wheel, well, that is just overkill.

Plus, I think the Sunwheel is beautiful as is. It is a one of a kind attraction. Why do they have to mess with it? It's not going to take away from their planned theme. In fact, I really think adding a Giant Mickey Face WILL...:ack:

From the original rumors that were out Disney is also taking out the lighted Mickey head on Screamin' -- I am not a fan of that either, I LOVE how it looks at night.

BrerGnat
09-07-2008, 12:27 PM
From the original rumors that were out Disney is also taking out the lighted Mickey head on Screamin' -- I am not a fan of that either, I LOVE how it looks at night.

What??? Why? That is so backwards. So, they are replacing a tasteful Mickey with an "in your face" Mickey?

That's just cheesy. I thought the whole theme they were trying to convey was one of Victorian "splendor"...the California/Hollywood of the "Golden Era", of days gone by.

I mean, honestly, that's like taking one of the icons at the All Star Movies and putting it in the courtyard at the Grand Floridian. Talk about disjointed...

tinkwest
09-07-2008, 10:48 PM
From the original rumors that were out Disney is also taking out the lighted Mickey head on Screamin' -- I am not a fan of that either, I LOVE how it looks at night.


What??? Why? That is so backwards. So, they are replacing a tasteful Mickey with an "in your face" Mickey?

That's just cheesy. I thought the whole theme they were trying to convey was one of Victorian "splendor"...the California/Hollywood of the "Golden Era", of days gone by.

I mean, honestly, that's like taking one of the icons at the All Star Movies and putting it in the courtyard at the Grand Floridian. Talk about disjointed...

I'm with you on this one. Bad, bad, bad idea for both the Sun Wheel & Screamin'.

MegaDisney
09-08-2008, 07:17 PM
Does anyone know if they have opened the preview center yet, or when they might?

A tenative opening date of October 20th has been announced by some sources.

Alice2marie
09-09-2008, 01:57 PM
Thanks! Bummer though, we'll be there October 6-10. I guess I will just have to count on everyone here at intercot to keep me up to date on all the changes to come. You guys always have the best info. Keep up the great work!

BrerGnat
09-10-2008, 12:10 PM
A tenative opening date of October 20th has been announced by some sources.

Where will this preview center be?

MegaDisney
09-10-2008, 09:26 PM
In the old Seasons of the Vine theatre in the Golden Vine Winery.

sdewan
10-16-2008, 04:07 PM
I don't know if this has already been posted somewhere, but:

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/cellar-adventure-sky-2196046-disney-park

NotaGeek
10-16-2008, 05:18 PM
Thanks for posting that article! I can't wait to see how many of the changes actually come to fruition with our present economy ... the new revamped DCA will be awesome!

Melanie
10-17-2008, 06:08 AM
Yes, I'm going to definitely miss the Mickey head. :(

BrerGnat
10-17-2008, 06:22 PM
Oh, that's just sad...:(

NotaGeek
10-18-2008, 01:05 AM
Yeah, it looks empty.

Chescat
10-18-2008, 01:54 PM
That really upset me, the mickey head was awesome as a backdrop for pictures. Now will just look like any other theme park.

They are taking the Golden Gate bridge out too? I guess that wouldn't fit with Pixarland but that was always so cool as you walk in. So does that mean it will just be a normal monorail track? :(

tinkwest
10-18-2008, 03:40 PM
So, looking at the model, are the tunnels on California Screamin' going to be gone also?

Mufasa
10-20-2008, 05:51 AM
Let me caution everone to not over-analyze what is represented in the models/conceptual artwork shown in the Blue Sky Cellar- after all, that's the nature of the "Blue Sky" process and a lot will be subject to changes/tweaks until we reach the final product.

Some of the models/artwork in the exhibit are from the earliest concept pitches for the makeover and already there have been quite a number of changes in the current design.

California Screamin' takes on a different look but who says it won't make for an impressive backdrop still (especially once the World of Color lagoon show debuts I think you'll see that it will frame things very nicely and continue to offer plenty of distinctive photo ops).

And Mickey isn't disappearing from Paradise Pier- after all he's the star of the sun wheel (now Mickey's Fun Wheel)- again conceptual artwork and models are just that- concepts to provide a starting baseline for the design teams but in no way final.

Chescat
10-20-2008, 07:52 PM
I missed going to see the area in DCA yesterday, I just didn't have time. How long is the preview area open for?

Thanks for the good info Mufasa. Things usually do change before they become final. Hoping for the best.

NotaGeek
10-20-2008, 08:38 PM
They don't have a date of how long the preview center will be open, but since all the changes aren't scheduled to be finished until 2011 it should be open for a long while.

Melanie
10-30-2008, 01:59 AM
Blue Sky Cellar Unveils Exciting New Magic Coming to Disney’s California Adventure Park

ANAHEIM, Calif., October 15, 2008 – Nestled in the Golden Vine Winery at the base of Grizzly Peak in Disney’s California Adventure Park, the Walt Disney Imagineering Blue Sky Cellar is a place where Guests will get an exclusive sneak preview of what is new and what is in store for the expansion of the Disneyland Resort. Beginning October 20, Guests will view working models as well as dozens of concepts and sketches from Disney Imagineers, the creative minds behind the design and construction of Disney theme parks and attractions.

With Blue Sky Cellar, Guests will be invited for the first time to preview works in progress at Disneyland Resort by immersing themselves in a facsimile of an Imagineering workspace. Based on the belief that idea gathering is best when “the sky’s the limit,” the Blue Sky Cellar is designed to resemble an Imagineering “charette,” an extended creative idea development meeting. Guests receive an inside-look at how Imagineers take “blue sky” ideas and refine them into the classic storytelling that characterizes Disney Theme Park attractions and adventures.

In this whimsical immersive setting, Imagineers have taken over a former wine cellar and set up shop. Wine barrels have turned into work stations and the former wine tasting room has become a screening room where videos showcase the behind-the-scenes magic that goes into the creation of new and upcoming attractions for Disney’s California Adventure.

Guests will view several new attraction models, including the newly envisioned Paradise Pier area with its turn-of-the-20th-Century look, ride vehicle maquettes from Toy Story Mania!; and the new character overlays to the Games of the Boardwalk. Special features include updates and character additions to attractions such as Mickey’s Fun Wheel (an enhancement of the current Sun Wheel) and Silly Symphony Swings (a refreshed and rethemed Orange Stinger).

Brand new sketches and artwork line the walls including images of the new entrance area, soon to be known as Buena Vista Street, which will bring to life a nostalgic look at Los Angeles from the 1920s and 30s when Walt Disney first arrived in California; a Red Car trolley, reminiscent of the Pacific Electric Railway; and a new central plaza area including a replica of the Carthay Circle Theatre, where Walt premiered Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

The “coming soon” area features images of Disney’s World of Color and The Little Mermaid attraction, and looks even further ahead to Cars Land, a 12-acre expansion of the Park which will bring to life the town of Radiator Springs from the Disney?Pixar animated film Cars, complete with three new attractions for the whole family. Additionally, Guests in Blue Sky Cellar will have fun testing their knowledge of Disney trivia at one of the interactive workstations.

The screening room features Imagineers describing the approach and vision of the Disney California Adventure expansion. Guests will see footage of model-making, sculpting, blue sky meetings and all the aspects of bringing a Disney concept to life.

Included in the original announcement of the multi-year expansion of the Disneyland Resort in Fall 2007, the Blue Sky Cellar is part of the overall commitment to keep the community and Disneyland Resort Guests informed of the exciting new and upcoming plans for the Resort. Future updates will focus on other new areas and attractions, and Guests are invited to return periodically for additional exciting information.

Melanie
10-30-2008, 02:22 AM
Some pics from the Blue Sky area.

caldisney
10-31-2008, 09:31 PM
Great pictures; thank you for posting them. Can't wait to see it next week!

Melanie
03-19-2009, 03:50 AM
I guess this doesn't look that horrible. Although I'll think of Spaceship Earth now when I look at Screamin'. ;)

Carol
03-19-2009, 06:53 AM
I guess this doesn't look that horrible. No it doesn't. however, the entire area is such a huge mess. I am very excited about the changes - but don't plan on going back until it is done.

Melanie
03-19-2009, 07:18 AM
but don't plan on going back until it is done.

Me either. I don't see Disneyland in my foreseeable future.

tinkwest
03-19-2009, 11:31 AM
I guess this doesn't look that horrible. Although I'll think of Spaceship Earth now when I look at Screamin'. ;)

I'm hoping it is not yet finished and the "background" of the loop will be going away.


No it doesn't. however, the entire area is such a huge mess. I am very excited about the changes - but don't plan on going back until it is done.

I actually enjoy watching the process. Although I am one of the "why do they have to change it" type people in the beginning . . . once things get going I enjoy watching what goes in to bringing along the "new & improved".

Melanie
03-19-2009, 06:56 PM
I'm hoping it is not yet finished and the "background" of the loop will be going away.

Oh yeah, I bet you are right Linda. Looking at the pics of the models, it does look like the background isn't there.

NotaGeek
03-19-2009, 07:02 PM
It's a sad state, but exciting to see changes coming...

Magic Smiles
03-19-2009, 07:49 PM
No it doesn't. however, the entire area is such a huge mess. I am very excited about the changes - but don't plan on going back until it is done.

What is the expected date of completion?
Are these attractions closed? If so, until when?
We have our first trip planned in Aug 09 to DL.

Melanie
03-19-2009, 08:08 PM
What is the expected date of completion?
Are these attractions closed? If so, until when?
We have our first trip planned in Aug 09 to DL.

It will be years before it's entirely done. I could be wrong, but I don't believe a specific date has been announced. If you scan back through this thread, you'll see how expansive the renovation is.

See here (http://www.intercot.com/discussion/showthread.php?t=147718) for the refurbishment schedule. Linda does a great job keeping this updated.

Carol
03-20-2009, 06:57 PM
The signage around all of the walls and construction says Fall 2010.

Michael do you have the photo of the map handy??

Carol
03-20-2009, 07:20 PM
I'm hoping it is not yet finished It's not done. The completion map actually shows the Toy Story ball with the star on it as the center.

Don't get me wrong -- I enjoy seeing the process too - however, it is very difficult to get around over there right now for just a few attractions.

I'm hoping it all will be done by our anniversary celebration.

NotaGeek
03-20-2009, 09:02 PM
The signage around all of the walls and construction says Fall 2010.

Michael do you have the photo of the map handy??
Here ya go!

Melanie
03-20-2009, 09:41 PM
The signage around all of the walls and construction says Fall 2010.

Wow. That would be awesome. Have they even started the Cars section yet?

NotaGeek
03-20-2009, 11:23 PM
Not that we saw, but that could all be happening behind the scenes. I don't know how they could be done with all of it by then. I thought I remembered originally it was 2012.

Melanie
03-20-2009, 11:34 PM
Yeah, I remember reading it was a 5 year project. :confused:

Mufasa
03-21-2009, 12:48 AM
The work is done in stages-

With Paradise Pier, you'll see a good portion of the work complete by the beginning of summer (boardwalk games re-theming, sun wheel and california screamin' will get a sunburst design) however the work on the lagoon, and new seating amphitheater for World of Color will continue (however the lagoon should be filled in again with water this fall- amphitheater completed by the end of the year).

So 2010's highlight will be the debut of World of Color*, and then 2011 will bring about the opening of the Little Mermaid attraction.

Meanwhile as one section of the park is finished up, work will be then be going on in other areas of the park, like the entrance (turning that area into Buena Vista Street) and late this year is when they should really get underway on the major work for Cars Land and have that debut in 2012 which is about when this phase of the refresh of the entire park should be complete.

* And let me just say that World of Color is going to be THE highlight/nighttime spectacular for the Disneyland Resort and the standard by which all shows are going to be judged- the show is presented on such an amazing scale that it's going to put the Bellagio fountains in Vegas to shame (for example- can you picture looking out and seeing Sleeping Beauty Castle in exact/true to life scale, rising out of the lagoon as columns of water?)

It is easily the most technically demanding show ever put on by Disney.

NotaGeek
03-21-2009, 01:27 AM
Thanks for the info Mufasa! I can't wait to see these changes, especially World of Color!

Magic Smiles
03-21-2009, 10:14 AM
Sounds like I may have to plan a return trip in 2012. LOL! As I haven't even taken our 1st trip to DL yet...........Aug 09!

dixielandings
03-26-2009, 01:16 PM
I must be in the minority. I loved DCA as it was. To DH and me, it was like going from MK to Epcot. A totally different experience. And it's not like there was no Disney presence or whimsy. And to say that DCA showed no creativity - I just don't get it.

I have been disappointed with a lot of the WDW changes to other Parks besides MK, to Disney-fy them more and make them more kid-friendly. Nothing wrong with a Disney Park making things kid-friendly, unless it cheapens the entertainment quotient for everybody else. Not every Park is supposed to be like DL or MK. It's those other Parks that bring people like DH and me - frequent Disney Guests with no kids - back over and over again.

I truly hope that the changes to DCA work and that the Park turns the corner and becomes a huge success. And I hope I still like it when they're all done. :blush:

NotaGeek
04-20-2009, 08:14 PM
I was at DCA 4/11-12 and there has been good progress on the Paradise Pier area ... all the games are open, and the theming is awesome ... the new Paradise Pier sign is on Screamin' and the sun/Mickey Head is starting to take shape on the Sun Wheel.

Here's a pic:

jrkcr
04-22-2009, 04:59 PM
It all sounds really wonderful!! I can't wait to plan a 2012 trip!! :joy:

EPCOT84
04-25-2009, 10:48 AM
I guess this doesn't look that horrible. Although I'll think of Spaceship Earth now when I look at Screamin'. ;)

It did !:funny:

NotaGeek
04-30-2009, 06:14 PM
This from the D23 Website:


Opening early May, Mickey's Fun Wheel (previously known as the Sun Wheel) is the 150-foot-diameter Ferris wheel inspired by Coney Island's famous "Wonder Wheel." Located on the Paradise Pier boardwalk, Mickey's Fun Wheel sits high above the water's edge and is dominated by the smiling face of its namesake, Mickey Mouse. Though the attraction itself has not changed (Guests can still choose between boarding a standard or swinging gondola), the gondolas present colorful images of the Fab Five: Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald and Pluto. At the entrance to the queue, Guests are now greeted by a smaller version of the image on the wheel.

NotaGeek
05-06-2009, 12:19 AM
A friend of mine that works down the street from Disneyland snapped this picture for me today from his phone ... that wheel is looking good! :mickey:

tinkwest
05-06-2009, 12:32 AM
Yet another phone picture. Taken from the Golden Zephyr.

tinkwest
05-06-2009, 12:39 AM
There is a sign by Dinosaur Jack's Sunglass Shack reminding people to take a picture while they can because the dinosaur will soon be gone.

Mufasa
05-06-2009, 01:16 AM
There is a sign by Dinosaur Jack's Sunglass Shack reminding people to take a picture while they can because the dinosaur will soon be gone.

I can understand the sign being up, but actually having photopass photographers there also is a bit much...

NotaGeek
05-06-2009, 02:21 AM
I can understand the sign being up, but actually having photopass photographers there also is a bit much...
I thought the same thing but me and the girls decided to take a picture there because they never had a photo op there before ... GADS! I wonder if Corndog Castle will make the cut?!? :scared:

Mufasa
05-06-2009, 02:35 AM
I thought the same thing but me and the girls decided to take a picture there because they never had a photo op there before ... GADS! I wonder if Corndog Castle will make the cut?!? :scared:

Better enjoy that Corndog by the end of May, because starting June 1st it is going to be down for quite a while (tentatively mid-2011 though if you look at the DCA map shown in the just released 2nd edition of D23 magazine you'll notice it's not shown) but you'll still be able to satisfy any corndog cravings at the wagon in Disneyland.

Magic Smiles
05-06-2009, 06:29 AM
There is a sign by Dinosaur Jack's Sunglass Shack reminding people to take a picture while they can because the dinosaur will soon be gone.

When is the dinosaur scheduled to become extinct?

Mufasa
05-06-2009, 06:42 AM
When is the dinosaur scheduled to become extinct?

Dinosaur Jack's is scheduled to close on May 26th with construction walls surrounding it on June 1st.

NotaGeek
05-06-2009, 10:53 AM
Better enjoy that Corndog by the end of May, because starting June 1st it is going to be down for quite a while (tentatively mid-2011 though if you look at the DCA map shown in the just released 2nd edition of D23 magazine you'll notice it's not shown) but you'll still be able to satisfy any corndog cravings at the wagon in Disneyland.
SACRILEGE!!!!

tinkwest
05-06-2009, 11:08 AM
Better enjoy that Corndog by the end of May, because starting June 1st it is going to be down for quite a while (tentatively mid-2011 though if you look at the DCA map shown in the just released 2nd edition of D23 magazine you'll notice it's not shown) ....

NOOOOOOOOOO!

NotaGeek
05-06-2009, 12:29 PM
Better enjoy that Corndog by the end of May, because starting June 1st it is going to be down for quite a while (tentatively mid-2011 though if you look at the DCA map shown in the just released 2nd edition of D23 magazine you'll notice it's not shown) but you'll still be able to satisfy any corndog cravings at the wagon in Disneyland.
Hey Mufasa ... I didn't buy into the D23 thing. Do you have a digital version of that map I can post in this thread? :mickey:

special k
05-06-2009, 06:47 PM
Growing up on the west coast I have been to California Adventure many times. All I can say is the park was good but not great, and the new changes look like they will be amazing. The World of Color show alone should be worth the price of admission now. Not to mention better synchronicity overall, and the addition of amazing new attractions like Cars!



Can't wait to see it in 2012!!!! :mickey:

MegaDisney
05-09-2009, 01:01 PM
I am really liking the PP changes. The Fun Wheel is very cool looking. :mickey:

MegaDisney
05-09-2009, 01:03 PM
Better enjoy that Corndog by the end of May, because starting June 1st it is going to be down for quite a while (tentatively mid-2011 though if you look at the DCA map shown in the just released 2nd edition of D23 magazine you'll notice it's not shown) but you'll still be able to satisfy any corndog cravings at the wagon in Disneyland.


:(

Aisling
05-10-2009, 02:48 PM
Wow! That's all I can say.

Tink - what kind of phone do you have? It takes great pictures!

Corn Dog Castle, I will miss you.

Mr. Disney
06-18-2009, 03:49 PM
First, sorry if this question has already been asked, I tried looking for the answer on the forms but couldn't find an answer.

Does anyone know when the Disney’s World of Color show is going to start?

NotaGeek
06-18-2009, 04:02 PM
First, sorry if this question has already been asked, I tried looking for the answer on the forms but couldn't find an answer.

Does anyone know when the Disney’s World of Color show is going to start?
Fall 2010.

meldan98
06-19-2009, 07:13 PM
Does anyone know what will come of the Boudin and Mission Tortilla tours once the park changes are complete. I was looking at the map from the D23 map and couldn't figure out where those were. It looked like they were gone.

NotaGeek
06-19-2009, 10:03 PM
Does anyone know what will come of the Boudin and Mission Tortilla tours once the park changes are complete. I was looking at the map from the D23 map and couldn't figure out where those were. It looked like they were gone.
From all the concept art that whole area is gone/changed and someone on the inside said both the Tortilla and Bread factories would be gone. :(

meldan98
06-22-2009, 12:37 PM
A little sad, but I'm not at all suprised. We only go through now for the recipies. I'm really happy to see a lot of these changes. I always felt that the park had a state fair feel, and I'm really looking forward to the changes. Now, if we could only get the California State Fair to be that nice???

MegaDisney
07-20-2009, 07:42 PM
The new World of Color artwork looks cool. The construction seems to be going full tilt.

Can't wait to see the Paradise Pier area when they are finish!

MegaDisney
07-21-2009, 04:47 PM
Not sure if this has been posted. This thread is SO long....

Source: Disneyland News

All-new Web Site Keeps Visitors Up to Date On Expansion at Disney’s California Adventure.

ANAHEIM, Calif. (July 16, 2009) – Fans of Disney’s California Adventure can explore coming attractions and exciting plans for the park during its expansion at a new, interactive Web site, starting July 16.

The site, hosted at www.DisneysCaliforniaAdventure.com, will serve as an online preview center, taking visitors behind the scenes of the multiyear expansion at Disney’s California Adventure. It features videos, photos, renderings, interviews and other assets to keep users up to date on the progress of attractions and entertainment coming to life in the park.

Like the Disney parks themselves, the site will “continue to change and add new things” with regular updates.

Among the highlights at the site:

· What’s New – link to the latest information on new developments at the park.
· Big Plans – see the “big picture” approach to the ambitious expansion project.
· Pictures and Videos – link to renderings, photos and exclusive, behind-the-scenes views of works in progress.
· Individual Attractions – click on the pictures of “World of Color,” Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, Buena Vista Street or Cars Land for more details about those exciting attractions.

In addition to the website guests can visit Blue Sky Cellar at Disney’s California Adventure to see concepts and models, or play trivia games related to the expansion.

MegaDisney
07-26-2009, 09:41 AM
World of Color Construction Video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VO56EeQkMKM) on official Disneyland Resort You Tube Page

NotaGeek
08-02-2009, 07:17 PM
Here is a pic that a friend of mine took yesterday, Aug 1, 2009. It looks like its coming along well! Thanks to Grant for being our construction update photographer! :tink:

NotaGeek
01-04-2010, 07:03 PM
You can watch a quick sneak preview video on the Official Disneyland Blog (http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2010/01/video-preview-what%E2%80%99s-coming-up-at-disney%E2%80%99s-california-adventure-park/) -- a couple of quick peeks at World of Color ... a nice little teaser!

Paradise Pier Pinocchio
01-14-2010, 03:48 PM
Went yesterday to see all of the progress.

Walked thru the walkway from ToT to BL.
Bad temporary theming.

Can't wait for the Red cars now.

The new mini-hub heading towards the pier is great!

Kudos to the cast who worked on it.
Great use of space.
Hope it stays as nice as it is now.

Over at DL wanted to see RoA drained.
Mark Twain is on a track?

OMG!
Illusion ruined.
;)

NotaGeek
01-14-2010, 05:30 PM
Went yesterday to see all of the progress.

Walked thru the walkway from ToT to BL.
Bad temporary theming.

Can't wait for the Red cars now.

The new mini-hub heading towards the pier is great!

Kudos to the cast who worked on it.
Great use of space.
Hope it stays as nice as it is now.

Over at DL wanted to see RoA drained.
Mark Twain is on a track?

OMG!
Illusion ruined.
;)
That's EXACTLY what I thought ... but I suppose trusting the CMs to steer might not be the safest... :sail:

Paradise Pier Pinocchio
01-15-2010, 04:58 PM
LOL.
I knew it was on a track, but one of the things I love about DL is the illusions.

How do you explain that to your child if they think they going down a mighty river?

Mrs Bus Driver
01-18-2010, 09:07 AM
Hi everyone, I've been off the boards for awhile and started reading this thread again. Just wanted to give my :twocents: on the new construction. When I first read about DCA every thing was negative. Because of that when I had a chance to go there I didn't. Just bought a ticket to DL and avoided it. A couple of years later I went with DD and was very delighted with what I saw. No it wasn't DL, but it also wasn't as bad as I heard. It just seemed very empty of major rides (3 good ones does not fill a park) and it needed some love. I understand that some here are upset that people that built the place are being used to fix it. While I don't claim to know a lot my impression was that the person in charge decided to build a shopping mall with a hotel attached, and that the people working for him wanted to build a much better park. I would really like to see what they do to it. Despite the cutbacks when the park was first created they did a good job. I for one can't wait to see the finished product. :mickey:

NotaGeek
01-26-2010, 03:45 AM
Rumor has it that World of Color previews have been pushed back to May! :(

MegaDisney
01-27-2010, 02:16 PM
There go my Birthday plans...:(

I can't see going back to the resort till this opens.

NotaGeek
01-28-2010, 08:52 PM
Here are some new pics of the World of Color construction thanks to my friend Grant ... notice the Orange Stinger has been taken apart and seems to be progressing nicely to its new Silly Symphony theme...

Disney4us2
01-31-2010, 01:38 AM
I was at Disneyland/DCA today and the Silly Symphonies Swings are up. The swings are attached, but it is far from being up and running. It is still a work in progress. I tried to get a pic but my camera didn't feel like working. I will hopefully try again next weekend. It looks really nice, but I kind of miss the orange.

MegaDisney
02-01-2010, 01:13 PM
Saw pictures today of the swings and the top is now on and the swings are installed.

The Band Leader Mickey on top is cute!

Paradise Pier Pinocchio
02-02-2010, 04:46 PM
Mega, I agree that the band leader is cute.

But seems like a lot of money to just make an off the shelf ride into an even more off the shelf ride.

I wasn't a fan of the Orange, but it did give it a unique character.

Hopefully they do a good job with the rest of the building. That will make it or break it for me.

:twocents:

MegaDisney
02-04-2010, 09:01 AM
Hopefully they do a good job with the rest of the building. That will make it or break it for me.

Building? What building? The swings will be free standing...

:blush:

MegaDisney
02-05-2010, 01:02 PM
Here is a link to a photo of the Mickey on top of the Silly Symphony Swings (http://images2c.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp53663%3Enu%3D32%3A8%3E8%3A%3B%3E359% 3E23998%3A%3B44%3A253ot1lsi) that a friend sent me...

Looks cute!

NotaGeek
02-05-2010, 01:11 PM
TOTALLY cute. Thanks for posting that Mega :mickey:.

Paradise Pier Pinocchio
02-07-2010, 01:35 PM
The building I was referring to was the remaining work they are doing on the line and under the swings.

MegaDisney
02-07-2010, 01:37 PM
The building I was referring to was the remaining work they are doing on the line and under the swings.

Oh, I thought you meant a building replacing the Orange.

:blush:

Paradise Pier Pinocchio
02-19-2010, 02:54 AM
Ok.
So happy to hear about an 8-foot Ursula AA.
So exciting!

:smickey:

MegaDisney
02-19-2010, 02:10 PM
Found this photo on Twitter:
Radiator Springs Racers Partial Track Installed (http://www2.snapfish.com/slideshow/AlbumID=1889885021/PictureID=63504661021/a=1730589021_1730589021/otsc=SHR/otsi=SPIClink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/)

Melanie
02-19-2010, 02:13 PM
Short video from ocregister.com.

Little Mermaid Attraction (http://www.ocregister.com/video/?videoId=67332298001&play=now)

Paradise Pier Pinocchio
02-19-2010, 04:47 PM
Loved that vid Mel.
That is when I learned about Ursula.

WooHoo!

Melanie
02-19-2010, 08:28 PM
That is when I learned about Ursula.

WooHoo!

Ursula is such a cool villain. Should be an awesome AA!

Paradise Pier Pinocchio
03-03-2010, 04:59 PM
When are the walls coming down around the park? I really want to have that perspective again of Screamin' and MFW.

:smickey:

MegaDisney
03-16-2010, 04:35 PM
Rumor:

Tenative World of Color opening: June 11, 2010.

Paradise Pier Pinocchio
03-22-2010, 06:20 PM
Really?

Noone knows when Paradise Park is opening up?

Boo!

:smickey:

Disney4us2
04-11-2010, 10:24 PM
Made an unexpected trip to Disneyland today. The metal frame structure for The Little Mermaid attraction is rising. It is up above the boards now.

I have pics if anyone wants to see them, don't know how to put them on here. PM me for pics.

2Epcot
04-12-2010, 02:18 AM
Paradise park is finally open. I've seen some pictures on another site. It is great to see people already taking advantage of the extra space to relax.