BRAND NEW LAND in DCA.

[Nine]

I had it confirmed by a CM (although where and when I won't say) that the maps I picked up to send out to family and friends were soon to be outdated because it didn't include the new land in DCA.

They said that Condor Flats was getting a completely new makeover/theme change in time for the 60th.

Any ideas on what direction they might be taking it?

 

[StyledSugar]

It's changing to Grizzly Peak Airfield. Other than the projection system for Soarin' and some theming changes, I'm not sure what else they have in store.

 

[figment_jii]

As the PP said, they aren't building a new land per se. They are re-theming the existing Condor Flats area by Soarin'. They're calling it Grizzly Peak Airfield, which I assume means it's going to tie in (thematically) with Grizzly River Run (the attraction that is nearby). So, basically, the area is getting a make-over and Soarin' is being upgraded. They are getting a "new land" in sense that the area is getting a new theme and a new name, but it's a bit of a stretch by that CM to make it sound like it's going to be a major addition to the park. My guess is it's closer to the re-do of Buena Vista Street, rather than the addition of Carsland.

There was a thread talking about the closure when it first started:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3366641

 

[TheChapman6]

I hope this means a new form of entertainment though. The Minnie's fly girls show was so cute. I was sad to see it go, hoping they find some way to tie in new things in the area it is a little sparse over there and industrial looking.

 

[YYCmom]

I have two questions:
1. When will the refurb be done?
2. Does this mean the Grand Californian entrance is closed right now?

 

[figment_jii]

I have two questions:
1. When will the refurb be done?
2. Does this mean the Grand Californian entrance is closed right now?

Soarin' is slated to be closed through May 15 and the signage says Grizzly Peak Airfield is "Landing Summer 2015". So I would guess the two will likely re-open together.

Based on recent reports, you can still enter DCA through the GCH entrance. You will be directed towards Ariel/Paradise Pier because Condor Flats is walled off (inaccessible).

 

[OKW Lover]

The work will certainly be done by the 60th anniversary of Disneyland. (July 17th for those who don't keep those facts at their fingertips)

 

[YYCmom]

Thanks for the info.

If I'm reading this right, then for EE, the GCH entrance will be great if you're headed to Paradise Pier, but not CarsLand.

 

[figment_jii]

If I'm reading this right, then for EE, the GCH entrance will be great if you're headed to Paradise Pier, but not CarsLand.

It actually doesn't really make a huge difference in terms of distance. I mapped it out on Google Earth and it's about 1,110 feet from GCH entrance to the start of Carsland, when going through Paradise Pier. It's about 1,065 ft from the GCH entrance to the start of Carsland if you go through Condor Flats and BVS. So the difference is only 45 ft, which is pretty negligible for most folks.

 

[emily94]

Thanks for the info.

If I'm reading this right, then for EE, the GCH entrance will be great if you're headed to Paradise Pier, but not CarsLand.

I think PP would disagree with me but I definitely think that the GCH is not great for Cars Land. When I went for the early morning for hotel guests, there was not many people by the main entrance and we were quickly shuffled into Cars Land. When we were queuing up for RSR, we saw a massive wall of people coming from GCH, while we were more or less in line already.

If you are planning on doing rope drop at DCA, I would absolutely recommend the main park entrance.