November 15, 2019

Friday Morning at California Adventure 2012

In what is now a vintage photo of a time long ago, here's a shot of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror from A Bug's Land at Disney California Adventure. Arguably, the park hit its peak when I took this photo in 2012. 

The magnificent Cars Land made its debut along with the beautiful Buena Vista Street, showcasing the talents of a team of Imagineers able to take the bad execution of an interesting but flawed concept and create something full of life, charm, and interest. It was exciting time to look ahead! 

Of course, it's been mostly downhill from then for this little park directly across from Walt's baby. Pixar Pier made a bad idea even worse and Avengers Campus seems to be saddled with a half baked execution. What is it with the suits lately? From the disaster of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge next door, they just can't seem to remember the basic principles that make great theme park designs a success both creatively and financially.

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

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