a confession...

[Corpsebride]

I have a confession to make to you all. My closest and dearest friends.
I have been to DL so many times and I love every minute of it. BUT. ... do you know how many times I have been to DCA? 3 times. That is including the TOT party last year. Why??
I am ashamed to say it but I think its Boring. boring boring boring. I can see if I had children, the bugs land seems like it would be a blast if I had kiddos but I dont.
To me DCA is still just a parking lot. I was so disappointed when we first went there to check it out. I couldnt believe it was a Disney place. I really hope that when they re do it , it will be Disney awesome.
I hope no one hates me or flames me for this. I just think it could have been done so much better.
There I said it.
Back to your regularly scheduled programs.....

 

[Disney Dreams]

1. Soaring
2. Animation Academy
3. Turtle Talk with Crush
4. Toy Story Mania
5. Muppets
6. Aladdin Stage Show
7. Electric Light Parade
8. and back over to Disneyland

Trust me, if you were alone with your confession, they wouldn't be re-doing the park.

- Dreams

 

[rszdtrvl]

Oh man!! I thought this was a Disney "confession" post.

My confession anyway :

I had never seen "The Sleeping Beauty" movie until a week ago.

I purchased it for $.99 on vcr format and finally watched it.

(I finally "get" a lot of the stuff from "Enchanted" now, LOL)

OTOH - I do like Disneyland better than DCA also. But some of the rides at DCA are awesome!

 

[Lights_Out]

I guess my confession would be that I actually hate that they're "re-doing" California Adventure... adding new attractions is cool, but it just seems like they're over-doing it (ie. changing the sun wheel to a huge Mickey head)

California Adventure wasn't supposed to be "The Second Magic Kingdom"
Florida doesn't seem to have any problems with EPCOT or Animal Kingdom

To me a Disney park is amazing details, fun rides, and versatile entertainment ...and California Adventure has/had that.

 

[PinkBudgie]

I confess I DO like DCA. I always thought it was fun. Of course, I do realize that much could be done to improve it and I'm excited about the changes coming up.

Soarin, Screamin, Toy Story, Muppets, Bug's Life, Pixar Parade, Animation building, Monsters, ToT, GRR, Burr Bank Ice Cream are all things off the top of my head that I like. I've never seen Aladdin but would like to.

I do have to say I don't care for the "midway" rides that just spin or drop.

I will miss the big California letters and the GG Bridge.

 

[ballarinamom]

We used to go Ariel's Grotto for lunch to avoid the autograph lines. But now with the new menu, it is our favorite place to eat above all! A change in the right direction

 

[toocherie]

I actually started out not liking it and now love it! I especially like:

1. Toy Story
2. Meandering around Grizzly River Run area
3. Soarin'
4. Animation Academy
5. Bugs LIfe show
6. The park area (which I can never remember the name of) over by Grizzly

 

[jasy]

I hate to say this but in some ways I actually like DCA better than DL.

On my honeymoon DH and I spent a lot more time in DCA and it's really grown on us. I love that it's not that busy and I am actually not really looking forward to any changes they make, with the exception of Cars Land (cause it's one of my fav pixar movies). I think the thing we like the most is Screamin and the shows, I love the Bugs Life Show, the Muppets and Aladdin.

 

[blackjackdelta]

Our family is from Wa state and we love DCA, but looking at the previous posts a number of folks do not seem to like TOT..Why?
Two of my brothers just moved back from SoCal and they did not like it at all, so my question would be, even though it is not heavy Mickey, could it be a SoCal local thing?
Hope you all have a great weekend,

Jack

 

[prettyprincessbelle]

I like DCA and I’m a little bummed with some of the re-do. I agree with Lights Out about the Sun Wheel. Same with how they’re taking out the big letters and adding DHS-ish turnstiles. Bleh! I’m excited about the Little Mermaid ride and the little changes they’re going to make to Screamin’. Plus, I’m excited to see what they’re going to do in terms of dining.

But I do love at DCA:

-Corn Dog Castle!!!!
-TOT
-Toy Story Mania
-GRR
-Soarin’
-The entire Animation Building
-Screamin’
-Aladdin

 

[Sherry E]

Corpsebride, I have stated in some older threads that I initially thought Disney really missed the mark when they first built DCA (and was met with a lot of disagreement on DISboards!). I think it was ill-conceived and that they should have gone a different direction with a new Disney park. I thought even the name, California Adventure, was sort of lackluster. I, along with many California residents, initially questioned their concept of putting a California-themed park with fake versions of California monuments/buildings in California (and I think they were mainly factoring in the business from non-California tourists and not considering all the locals who visit DLR every year).

Then, when I finally went into DCA for the first time, I could instantly tell that it was lacking those little 'kisses of magic' that DL has ALL over the place, in every corner. There were lots of DCA areas where they could have infused some magic and didn't, presumably because they were trying to make it a vastly different feeling from DL. I really wanted them to do Westcot - the SoCal version of Epcot - because that was the original plan way back in the '80s, but I guess the space/land limitations in Anaheim prevented that. So it took me a while to really get used to DCA. But, I have to admit, with the help of the awesome Toy Story Mania and Soarin' rides, as well as Monsters Inc., the Animation Building and the clever, underappreciated details of A Bug's Land, DCA has grown on me and now I like that it has its own personality. Don't get me wrong - if I were in charge of reworking DCA, it would be much different and have a different name! It is still lacking those kisses of magic I spoke of. I think the long overdue Little Mermaid ride would fit SO much better in DL, so that seems kind of randomly put in DCA to attract more visitors (and it will) to DCA, but doesn't quite fit in with the DCA theme (yes, I know, Pier-ocean-mermaid, but still...). I think DCA is again missing the mark by devoting a WHOLE LAND to "Cars" (and I know most folks disagree with me, so I have accepted that; I know everyone's kids are big "Cars" nuts, and it fits into the California car culture, etc., but sorry, I just don't think it is worthy of a whole land), and if they were insistent on doing that, then I wish we could also have a whole land devoted to Toy Story, a whole land devoted to Monsters, Inc. and a whole land devoted to Nemo! Now, in my opinion, THAT would bring some needed magic into DCA and would probably be a kick *** park. But, okay, it is what it is.

I still can find a lot to appreciate and enjoy about DCA. I have gotten used to it, and appreciate it as a place to escape from DL's crowds! I really do like it now, but it is just lacking Disneyland's magic. To me, it kind of seems like a (very expensive) fixer-upper. It has LOTS of potential and charm in its own, non-Disneyland way, even with the limited space in which to expand. But Disney kind of backed themselves into a corner by creating the park around a whole initial, specific California theme which was questionable to begin with, and now they have to work any changes they ever make to DCA into that theme because it would be way too costly to redo the whole theme of the park from top to bottom. Now that they are making these changes over the next few years, I question if it will be 100% better or if they will take away some of the things that have made DCA kind of unique. I don't understand why it is necessary to take the Mickey head out of California Screamin', for example. I think that is more of a park icon than Grizzly Peak! So, again, I question the direction Disney is taking with DCA and hope it is not a big disaster - I think it will be a more fully fleshed-out park when they are done, and I will continue to enjoy DCA while the changes are being made, but I think it definitely suffered from not being touched by Walt's hands!

And DCA definitely is in major need of some Christmas magic! During the holidays, it really paled in comparison to DL! It felt....neglected, almost!

 

[Corpsebride]

See , I knew I could talk to you guys!! I may have to give DCA another shot.
I dunno. I am totally in agreement with Sherry, if I were in charge, man!! things would be different.
I am a Native Californian, and no one asked me what I thought should be in there. Although, as a tattoo artist, I did LOVE that they had a little tattoo "shop". But as a tried and true Disney fan, I am not sure that I think that is really Disney material.
Besides, I really dont want to think about work at a Disney park
We are going again on Feb 15th to do the reopening of IASW and HM. So, we may have to venture over to DCA and have a walk around.
Oh and just as an aside that has nothing to do with this topic, I gave up sugar 98% (still have to have a hot chocolate every once in a while, its COLD!!)as of Dec. 28th, and have lost 7 lbs by doing NOTHING else.
How about that? Huh? My jeans are loose, I guess I miss not fitting into my jeans more than I miss Milton Hershy . The reason was a New Years resolution. Everyone on my Dads side has or had diabetes and I am 38 now, so it scared me that I am a candidate. So, if I am going to eat sugar , it will be something wonderful from Poohs Corner candy store for sure!!
Okay back on topic
DCA, we will give it another look but I am not promising anything
Okay, I hope you all have a great weekend too!!

 

[cheshiregirl]

1. Soaring
2. Animation Academy
3. Turtle Talk with Crush
4. Toy Story Mania
5. Muppets
6. Aladdin Stage Show
7. Electric Light Parade
8. and back over to Disneyland

Trust me, if you were alone with your confession, they wouldn't be re-doing the park.

- Dreams

Substitute ToT for Aladdin (I've never actually seen it, but I am hoping to on the Girls Only Trip in March) and add in a visit (or 2) to the Tortilla Factory and that is exactly my list as well.

To me DCA is a welcome escape from the crowds and chaos that can be the hallmarks of DL on a busy weekend. And, since we live 4.5 hours away from Anaheim, we can typically only go to DLR on weekends. So, when DL gets too overwhelming, we head to DCA.

Even Bug's Land, while cute, misses the mark in that my DS (16 month) can only ride 2 of the kiddie rides! And Heimlich, while super cute, is only about 90 seconds long--and that may be overestimating the length of the ride!

I am cautiously optimistic about the redesign. I want more good, fun, Disney magic rides, and enough of a crowd to make it feel like there are other people there with you that are having a good time, but not so crowded that it feels like trying to manuever your way through Adventureland or Main Street after the fireworks!

 

[DizMe]

Although there are things I love in CA, they aren't enough to keep me there for long. I really agree with you for the most part--I think much of CA is a total waste of space. I love the Hollywood backlot but c'mon, there just isn't much ON that street! Main St. in DL has all kinds of shops and fun things. I love the way Grizzly peak looks, but it takes up a whole bunch of real estate without offering much in the way of entertainment. Couldn't they have incorporated some rides or something in addition to GRR? I read that the infrastructure is not built to support anything else so you couldn't even modify it without a complete redo. The midway was always lame, though I did sort of like it when they had waves off the pier. However, the carney atmosphere was never to my taste. I love the way you don't have a sense of the outside world while in DL. Too bad they couldn't/didn't do that in CA. I'm all too aware of the buildings surrounding it and the plexiglass guards to keep the screaming from people on the rides from bothering the neighbors. The layout is inconvenient and strange to me. I love the Aladdin show and TOT, like Soarin', enjoy GRR under certain circumstances, but all told there isn't much else there that I want to spend time visiting. In fact, I'm always kind of relieved to go back to DL. CA is a nice diversion and usually not too crowded, but I would never bother to go there if it wasn't sort of hooked on to DL.

 

[Disney Dreams]

...Oh and just as an aside that has nothing to do with this topic, I gave up sugar 98% (still have to have a hot chocolate every once in a while, its COLD!!)as of Dec. 28th, and have lost 7 lbs by doing NOTHING else.
...Everyone on my Dads side has or had diabetes and I am 38 now, so it scared me that I am a candidate. So, if I am going to eat sugar , it will be something wonderful from Poohs Corner candy store for sure!!...

Congrats! That is something to be very proud of!

A girl friend of mine was cautioned that she was borderline diabetes. She cut out white flour and sugar and has lost a LOT of weight! She cooks an has done all sorts of funky recipes that her kids just accept and so the entire family is eating healthier.

Congrats!
- Dreams

 

[toocherie]

Although there are things I love in CA, they aren't enough to keep me there for long. I really agree with you for the most part--I think much of CA is a total waste of space. I love the Hollywood backlot but c'mon, there just isn't much ON that street! Main St. in DL has all kinds of shops and fun things. I love the way Grizzly peak looks, but it takes up a whole bunch of real estate without offering much in the way of entertainment. Couldn't they have incorporated some rides or something in addition to GRR? I read that the infrastructure is not built to support anything else so you couldn't even modify it without a complete redo. The midway was always lame, though I did sort of like it when they had waves off the pier. However, the carney atmosphere was never to my taste. I love the way you don't have a sense of the outside world while in DL. Too bad they couldn't/didn't do that in CA. I'm all too aware of the buildings surrounding it and the plexiglass guards to keep the screaming from people on the rides from bothering the neighbors. The layout is inconvenient and strange to me. I love the Aladdin show and TOT, like Soarin', enjoy GRR under certain circumstances, but all told there isn't much else there that I want to spend time visiting. In fact, I'm always kind of relieved to go back to DL. CA is a nice diversion and usually not too crowded, but I would never bother to go there if it wasn't sort of hooked on to DL.

See--this is how I feel about DHS in WDW. There's just not a lot to pull me back--the ONLY reasons I would go there would be for TSMM and to eat at the Brown Derby and since we have TSMM at DCA that just leaves the restaurant. So, unless I have a WDW annual pass I will not be burning a ticket day at DHS.

 

[kkmcan]

Oh man, we love DCA! It's so nice to leave the chaos of DL once in a while. We seem to stroll thru DCA like we are having the most relaxing vacation ever. No crowds to run into you, no rushing around, love to hear the music playing as we walk from Sunshine plaza past bugs life and around to the pier. I especially love the vineyard- absolutely gorgeous!

I do have to agree that the layout is not that great. It takes forever to get from the Pier rides to Tower of Terror.

Another great area that we love is the Redwood creek play structure and the walkway behind Grizzly River Rapids. So quiet, the kids get to run around and we rest our feet and feel like we are miles away from everything else.

Here's what we have to hit everytime we to go to DCA:
Monsters
Animation Building- there's so much to see and do in there.
Tower of Terror
Muppets
Soarin'
Muholland Madness
Jumping Jellyfish
Grizzly River Rapids
Redwood Creek area
Toy Story Mania- this is one amazing ride!!
Cal Screamin- sometimes if anyone is up for it
Bugs land- if we still have time and the kids want to

 

[azdisneylover]

Oh and just as an aside that has nothing to do with this topic, I gave up sugar 98% (still have to have a hot chocolate every once in a while, its COLD!!)as of Dec. 28th, and have lost 7 lbs by doing NOTHING else.
How about that? Huh? My jeans are loose, I guess I miss not fitting into my jeans more than I miss Milton Hershy . The reason was a New Years resolution. Everyone on my Dads side has or had diabetes and I am 38 now, so it scared me that I am a candidate. So, if I am going to eat sugar , it will be something wonderful from Poohs Corner candy store for sure!! [/I

Congrat!!! That is awesome. Wishing you continued success with your new way of life!
About DCA, the last time dh and I were at DL was in April of 1999, so I cannot comment. DCA was being built. I do hope when we do visit (this coming April) there will be some Disney magic in that park.

 

[bumbershoot]

I guess my confession would be that I actually hate that they're "re-doing" California Adventure... adding new attractions is cool, but it just seems like they're over-doing it (ie. changing the sun wheel to a huge Mickey head)

California Adventure wasn't supposed to be "The Second Magic Kingdom"
Florida doesn't seem to have any problems with EPCOT or Animal Kingdom

To me a Disney park is amazing details, fun rides, and versatile entertainment ...and California Adventure has/had that.

I hate to say this but in some ways I actually like DCA better than DL.

I agree with both!


In many ways, even down to the *feel* of the place, I love DCA more than DL.

Any park that has Grizzly has my vote for Best Place Ever.

*****

I gave up sugar 98% (still have to have a hot chocolate every once in a while, its COLD!!)as of Dec. 28th, and have lost 7 lbs by doing NOTHING else.
How about that? Huh? My jeans are loose, I guess I miss not fitting into my jeans more than I miss Milton Hershy . The reason was a New Years resolution. Everyone on my Dads side has or had diabetes and I am 38 now, so it scared me that I am a candidate. So, if I am going to eat sugar , it will be something wonderful from Poohs Corner candy store for sure!!

If you cut it out 100% you'd like lose the cravings too. Also, the hot chocolate and stuff at Pooh's isn't really sugar, it's more corn syrup solids and corn syrup and probably even high fructose corn syrup, and those have a MUCH stronger effect on blood sugar (ask hubby!) AND on cravings.

I'd bring in my own cocoa, proper cocoa with cocoa powder, normal sugar, a bit of vanilla and a pinch of salt with the sort of milk of your choice (we use soy usually around here, as DS has never really had cow milk and hubby was finding that cow milk was doing wonky things to his blood sugar readings). And be very judicious with the treat-choosing, b/c after you haven't had much sugar for awhile, the blast of corn syrup can be quite sick-making.

Sorry for the offshoot....when I was a chiro I had a patient drop something like 50 lbs in a matter of months, by doing the SugarBusters diet, it was amazing. And hubby changed his diet all around after a lovely diabetes diagnosis (he and his mom seem to have a very odd sub-type), and now barely craves any sugar, and will get very ill if he has too much (he didn't cut it out entirely for mental reasons, and it seems to be working for him). And I haven't cut it out other than trying to be kind to hubby (and DS, who cannot have anything with "corn syrup" in the ingredient name), and have found my cravings diminishing.



Blah blah blah, just don't want you to be sick after drinking the warmed chocolate-flavor beverage at DLR! (obviously I don't like the taste, LOL)

 

[Tinkerbelle's Mom]

I have to confess that I enjoy DCA in some ways much more than DL.

1- There is so much more room to walk!

2- It does not have that overcrowded, crammed in a tuna can feel even on busy days

3- You can find a seat for the parade, well a few minutes before the parade no need to waste precious minutes/hours defending your spot

4- On a good day you can see the characters without having to wait in a forever long line

The list goes on and on. DCA is by no means a DL nor does it have the same magical feel for it but... when DL gets too much like a madhouse and people start getting thier "I am entitled to...." attitudes DD and I are very quick to head to DCA to enjoy the rest of our day.