To help get you into the California state of mind, here are some of my favorite pics from our past trips to California. I've always loved the place since our first trip to San Francisco in '07. We headed to LA the following year, and I really think both cities are amazing. (LA gets bonus points for the consistent sunshine and for having Disneyland nearby, but it loses points for the traffic).
Yes, but please add 2 points for it being home to Emmy and me!! Well, at least coastal Orange County!
Of course, we stopped at Disneyland for 2 days during our first trip to the LA area. Disneyland Park was definitely worth a visit, with so many unique sites and attractions that make it distinct from MK.
Sleeping Beauty Castle
Great photo! Look at that blue sky!
Space Mountain (I prefer Disneyland's over MK's because of its smoother track and synchronized on-board audio)
Me too. Just a minor gripe but they take your photo a the beginning of the ride in MK but at the end of the thriller ride at DL. The sound-track makes a huge difference too.
Indiana Jones Adventure (WDW still needs its own Temple of the Forbidden Eye!)
They recently spiffed up this attraction with a refurb. Did you see the old Eeyore sign in the queue where they play that old movie clip?
Disney's California Adventure, on the other hand, was another story. To put things in perspective, we visited in early 2008, so while the DCA makeover had been announced, none of the major work had started. (I believe Toy Story Midway Mania was the only new thing under construction)
I miss the CALIFORNIA sign. But I do love the new entrance. How did you get a nearly empty esplanade?? Great shot!
Sunshine Plaza
The Sun Icon (I've read that this was supposed to be the park's original icon. Really?!)
Hard to believe huh? The fountain behind that icon was nice but this was so un-Disney.
Paradise Pier from our room at GCH (the construction site in front of us eventually became the Grand Californian's DVC wing)
Pre World of Color days. No more maliboomer, the Orange zinger is now the Symphony Swings, and the were other updates to attractions in the boardwalk area.
One of the few redeeming factors of DCA was the Grizzly Peak area, which I've always liked. Also, the park had a pretty strong lineup of attractions, with opening day hits like Soarin' Over California, Grizzly River Run, and California Screamin'.
Part of me is still surprised that the DCA makeover actually happened. For starters, it required admitting that DCA 1.0 was basically a failure. However, these pics remind me that the DCA makeover was practically a necessity. Besides a few decent attractions, the park didn't strike me as a very happy place to spend time. And with the Happiest Place on Earth right next door, something needed to change.
There was talk early on about the misses with the theming and the general lack of Disny-ness. The park appeared to cater to the more mature park goer since it originally didn't have Bugsland either. Hollywood area had Who Wants to be a Millionaire live interactive game show. Especially not kid friendly even in that "land". And the concept of alcohol in the park was new so definitely a more adult experience.
Well, I can happily say with no reservations that DCA (now known as
Disney California Adventure - they dropped the possessive!) feels completely different to me now. Between the charming entertainment and nostalgic establishments of Buena Vista Street, the total immersion of Cars Land, and all the placemaking in between, I had no trouble spending
more time in DCA than in Disneyland this trip! There's so much to experience now at DCA - wonderful attractions, food, music, architecture, and color. (In fact, I'm listening to the World of Color soundtrack right now!)
Awesome photo! if that is your photo - it looks like you may have been in the VIP section since it is in front.
There are definitely going to be food updates here, but they'll be mixed with plenty of posts on DLR as well (especially California Adventure). I'm still blown away by DCA, so you'll be hearing about it whether you want to or not!
But in all seriousness, I hope you enjoy.