The Original Opening Day California Adventure Attraction Posters

The premier of DCA 2.0 in 2012 brought Disney fans a new slew of attraction posters. But did you ever see the ones designed for the opening day of Disney's California Adventure? Here they are! Do you remember Condor Flats, the Golden State, and Paradise Pier? 

Nowhere in the park was the theme of California more convincing than in the collective area known as the Golden State. With Grizzly Peak as the park's centerpiece, guests were drawn into separate areas celebrating the state's key experiences with unique attractions fans were sure to love... like agriculture and bugs. I kid you not. The desert themed Condor Flats honored the realm of aviation. In the later re-imagining of the land, desert gave way to the forests of California since Cars Land made the original desert area redundant. Soarin' Over California survived, at least seasonally.

One of the park's most disdained lands was Paradise Pier, a seaside carnival that never belonged in a Disney park. Cheap, tacky, and plain ugly, the lone star attraction was California Screamin', now the lesser Incredicoaster. There was a season of time when the San Diego themed overlay to the land actually made it more attractive. But now, it's Pixar Pier, an even tackier overlay than the original mess. 

Hollywood Pictures Backlot continues to disappoint. But it will soon give way to a Pandora / Avatar themed attraction in a park honoring California. That's modern Disney for you! 

If you'd like to see the next set of attraction posters for this park, you can take a look here.
 

Rainbow Caverns Return to Disney California Adventure? The Unbuilt Park Railroad

For a brief few years in the early to mid-2010's, the future of Anaheim's Disney California Adventure looked pretty bright. Buena Vista Street and Cars Land were excellently designed and built additions, full of the Imagineering design details we fans have come to expect from their most beautiful work.  Disneyland fans who once shied away from the park and were very vocal about its shortcomings began to heap praise upon the work that was accomplished to make it more in line with what a Disney park should be.

Of course, there were plans for a proposed Phase Two. This included strengthening the theme of Hollywood Land and adding a train ride to Grizzly Peak. The former airstrip area Condor Flats was incorporated into the forested area, bring a fresh look to the once mini California desert. A very successful conversion!And one of the few Phase Two plans to come to fruition.

For years there were many rumors that Grizzly Peak would soon add its own railroad. Almost a tribute to the old Frontierland classic Mine Train Thru Nature's Wonderland attraction, the concept art (shown above) was created but the ride never materialized. It's too bad really! It seemed to be an addition that would bring a bit of old school charm to the area and much more energy and movement. A freshly recreated Rainbow Caverns would have been the highlight of the journey.

In 2017, the park began to transform once again. All the careful thought and theming added to the park by the Imagineers in 2012 was tossed by the wayside. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror transitioned to Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout.  The once improving second park began to move backwards instead of forwards. Bargain Basement Imagineering reigned once more with the most recent offenders being the cheap but expensive to retheme Pixar Pier and the cheap and cheap to build San Fransokyo, replacing Paradise Pier 2.0 and Pacific Wharf, respectively.  In between Bug's Land was devoured by Marvel's Avengers Campus, with mixed success both creatively and based on guest receptivity. (The full history of Bargain Basement Imagineering of Disneyland's younger sibling begins with Part One of this extensive series.)

Had the suits continued with their commitment to in theme expansion and addition, the Grizzly Peak Railroad would have become a fan favorite for any generation, strengthening the park and bringing a bit of design detail to a park that needs as much as possible. Perhaps one day, it will happen. But it seems the company's current mantra is "in your face" and "more is more". The art of Imagineering is being continued overseas, but the American parks be damned. Long term, it's everyone's loss.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Top Ten Things I Miss at California Adventure- In Spite of Its Downward Slide

Yes, Virginia, that little sister park next door to Walt's magnificent Disneyland still holds some great experiences in spite of it recently losing its way. Arguably, Disney California Adventure hit its peak in May of 2015 when the beautiful remake of Condor Flats opened as the Grizzly Peak Airfield. Changes since that time have been a "brand withdrawal" to quote Robert Iger, but there's still fun to be had.

10- The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Undersea Adventure: Sure, this is another case of it not being what it could have been, but isn't that the true motto of California Adventure since its opening in 2001? In spite of its strong start, the last minute or two falls flat- but the overall attraction brings some old school family friendly magic due to lovable characters and all that amazing music. And a ride that lasts longer than 2 minutes. One of few in this park's attraction line-up.

9- Monsters, Inc.: Mike and Sulley to the Rescue!- In a park known for attractions with lengthy names, this small little dark ride is often overlooked, just about as often as someone still makes fun of the ill-conceived Superstar Limo. Clever details abound here. I'll be sorry to see it go when the new Avengers Campus is complete.

Preview of what's to come.

8- Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout- The jury's out on this one, but it is now a unique as well as a thrilling adventure. The Rocket animatronic is an unexpected surprise, something they did not have to do. Does it feel like more of a screen based attraction than Twilight Zone Tower of Terror? Absolutely, but the images are so crisp, I almost don't mind.

New coaster colors are a distraction from what

once was a San Diego feeling on the Pier.

7- Incredicoaster: Here's a downgrade from California Screamin'- but the ride itself ranks among Disney's smoothest and most enjoyable coasters. The forced storyline- much like Pixar Pier itself- is a bust, but the thrills and the view make it a winner.

6- Mariachi Divas: This Grammy winning group of ladies rocks the  Wharf area with classic, beautiful Mexican music. There are times when I'm watching them under the gorgeous California sun, and I feel as if I am at World Showcase at Epcot and not in the middle of Anaheim. A true gem!

5- Soarin' Around the World: It may be a lesser attraction since it's changed from Soarin' Over California, but it is still breathtaking and worth the time of any guest to the park. Still a must-do for me, each and every trip.

Thrills may be ahead,

but serenity can be found here.

4- Buena Vista Street: Charm, charm, charm. This new entrance area is filled with it. The park as a whole is a richer experience because of it. Hopefully, the suits won't screw it up by shoving new Intellectual Properties where they do not naturally fit. The Imagineers in charge of the project should be proud of how they created an area every bit as warm as Main Street U.S.A. but with an entirely different feel. The Red Car Trolley adds just the right touch to it all! Nice work!

3- The Food Options: I do not frequent the Disney Parks for the food. That said, some of the tastiest options at the entire resort area are to be found here. The park was designed with this in mind when foolish heads thought guests would dine in expensive restaurants while hopefully ignoring all the cheap carnival rides and duplicated attractions from Walt Disney World. 

Lots to explore!

2- Grizzly River Run: The trees have filled in, making a view of the park from this water thrill ride a beautiful experience day or night. After just riding Kali River Rapids at Animal Kingdom, let me tell you that California got the better attraction by far. A few Audio-Animatronic characters would make this a true classic.

1- Radiator Springs Racers: A super "E" Ticket and the park's main draw. Imagineer Kevin Rafferty's masterpiece transformed this place into one worth a visit if only to experience the truly beautiful Cars Land. Photos do not do the place justice. You have to see it to believe it. Will the suits ever allow the Imagineers to design and built something for this park that's so "Walt Worthy" ever again? That remains to be seen.

(Top photo by Gregg L. Cooper. All other photos by Mark Taft.)

Grizzly River Run

Among the few successes at the brand new California Adventure park that arrived in 2001 was this white water rapids thrill ride, Grizzly River Run. Instantly, it became the best themed, most beautiful circular raft ride ever found in an amusement park- even without any Audio-Animatronic characters. Seeing the centerpiece attraction on par with Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, more was expected  Fans were quick to praise the attraction and equally quick to express their dismay of no robotics.

As it stands, Grizzly River Run is an incredible ride for those who love the white water type attractions. It's worth one ride during the day and another at dusk when the park takes on a whole new look with the lights of Paradise Pier in the background.

Now that Grizzly Peak Airfield is complete, and Condor Flats is history, its time to once again encourage the Imagineers to add some classic animal characters to the attraction. In effect, this will take the ride from a "California Adventure E Ticket circa 2001" into an "E Ticket" attraction worthy of its designation in any Disney park. It's the little things, the great details, that can take an attraction from ok to great, don't you think?

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Grizzly Peak Airfield Opens

I'll cut to the chase: The new Grizzly Peak Airfield looks terrific! California Adventure's original Condor Flats has been rethemed into a beautiful expansion of land that now connects Soarin' Over California to the rest of the wilderness. With Grizzly River Rapids nearby, the whole transformation of the area just settles so well.

The photos are not mine- and are labeled unknown- but go right to this link at MiceAge for a few pictures.

If you're looking for a "Minty Fresh" update, head over to Magic Eye. As always, Mint Crocodile's photo essay is one of the best on the web! Enjoy!

Grizzly Peak Airfield Nearing Completion

At the opening of California Adventure in 2001, there was much to complain about but also bits to like. I fell into both sides of the debate. However, Condor Flats was one of the areas in the park that I really enjoyed. And who couldn't love the amazing Soarin' Over California? It brought this man to tears by the end of it. 

With the transformation of the park into something really worthy of the Disney name, Condor Flats was on the chopping block to be remade into the Grizzly Peak Airfield, effectively increasing the size of the are once known as The Golden State.

Thanks to local fan and photographer Mint Crocodile at the terrific Magic Eye website, we get a glimpse of the almost completed project. Take a look here. It's nearing completion and will be a great addition to an increasingly beautiful second park.

(Photograph copyright Mint Crocodile.)

New Art for Grizzly Peak Airfield

It's finally here! Concept art for Grizzly Peak Airfield. Disney Imagineering has just released some concept art giving us a preview of changes to come.

Taste Pilot's becomes Smokejumper's Grill, with a new improved menu that is sure to please guests and will most likely retain a few favorites from opening day.

Opening March 20, just a week and a half away, the interior will have shades of the former tenant but will also offer some new touches more in theme with the forest environment.

It's the revamping of Soarin' Over California that has me the most excited however. When it reopens in time for the kickoff of the 60th Anniversary celebration, there will be refreshed visuals and special effects. This classic attraction gets a new exterior and soon enough, a new film as well. Soarin' Over the World / Horizon has to first open at Shanghai Disneyland, but it will make its way to California Adventure. 

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Bi-Polar Disney

Disney happenings have taken an oddly confusing path this last week or so. I mean, who would have guessed that the beautiful Animal Kingdom would have gotten new Tree of Life roots when they were busy demolishing parts of the garden and making room for more guests in the central viewing area. 

If you take a look at the hub at the Magic Kingdom, the new plaza area will look nice, I'm sure- but in the meantime its a tangle of construction walls. There's some new trees being planted along with less than hidden speakers on poles. Then there's a few new fountains being placed and increased pathways while other fountains are inoperable or other water features -large and small- are dismantled. Totally a mixed bag. Much like the Sunglass Hut installation in Adventureland and the new dining location being built in the once wonderful and filled with potential Adventureland Verandah.

Further signs of Disney's bi-polar attitude are found at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Cooler, wiser heads finally prevail with the long overdue removal of the Sorcerer's Hat, while points of sanity are instantly lost by closing the Studio Tram Tour without an announcement or replacement. Are they planning to eventually shutter the park when guests realize much of it is already close and begin to stay away or plan their day at Universal instead? If I were even planning a trip to Walt Disney World now, this park would be off my list as it currently stands. 

And what about Epcot? The very fact nothing seems to be going on aside from Frozen and a new theater for Soarin' speaks volumes. 

Unfortunately, things feel just as much in disarray at Disneyland and California Adventure over on the West Coast. Disneyland's 60th is underwhelming at this point in time, and it relies on a nostalgia fueled approach. Construction scrims around the castle point that out clearly. Enhancements to dark rides in Fantasyland are nice, but certainly the suits and Imagineers could come up with something better. Perhaps an "E" Ticket in a park needing additional capacity and a large dose of something fresh.

At California Adventure, Condor Flats becomes Grizzly Peak Airfield, a nice move that neither adds nor subtracts. Luigi's removal equals a Luigi's addition. Sure, Marvel's on its way to some unused space back behind Tower of Terror, but even that move leaves me somewhat cold. Should be placed in a third park along with Star Wars Land. The incredible Cars Land is beautifully in theme (and fully friendly to men and boys. Could that be why its such a hit?), but the female focused Frozen offerings, while nice, take place in an area that's clearly ignored,  and with all the "charm" of DCA 1.0.

Not surprisingly, the only region of the world which feels singularly focused is in Asia. Shanghai Disneyland is shaping up to be quite the park, one full of unique adventures. Hong Kong Disneyland has its own new adventures planned, and the fan boy's dream of Tokyo Disney Resort certainly won't be left in the dust as those executives plan an expansion to rival anything else that's been built there since the addition of their second gate.

Are we Disney park fans a bit surprised by this manic range of action? We shouldn't be, but then we too are often victims of the same mentality, at the whim of Disney marketing, bloggers, and the like. A dig into recent history will reveal once again that Disney is first and foremost a business- one that currently fleeces its devoutly loyal guests for the benefit of the shareholders. 

Such is this "Disney life". It's time to fight for more and to focus on something different.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

The Deconstruction of Condor Flats and Robert Iger's Big Bucks

You gotta hand it to both MouseInfo and Magic Eye! When you need the sites to come through with some great photos, they certainly do. 

Just as with our New Year's resolutions to improve ourselves, be it with health or spiritual resolutions, Disney is jumping in to transform California Adventure's Condor Flats into the Grizzly Peak Airfield.

The exterior transformation of Taste Pilot's Grille and the dismantling of the old mist spewing engine next to Soarin' Over California tell me that Imagineering is doing a serious revamp of the area- much more than new paint and a few new pines trees.

All the work should look fantastic when completed. This does bring up a serious question: Why does the Disneyland Resort seem to do so much better than Walt Disney World when it comes to "plussing" the parks and all around general maintenance? Even California's Frozen offerings are off the charts compared to the abysmal "attractions" offered at Disney's Hollywood Studios. 

Could it be the suits at the Walt Disney Company think they can fleece the buying public? I guess somebody has to pay for Robert Iger's $46 million dollar salary for 2014! 

(Photographs courtesy MouseInfo and Magic Eye.)

Sneak Peak: DCA's Condor Flats Becomes Grizzly Peak Airfield

It seems as if one of the "gifts" to celebrate the 60th birthday of Disneyland includes even more cosmetic work on its much younger sister, California Adventure. 

The addition of Cars Land, the revamping of Paradise Pier and the full on cosmetic surgery of the Sun Plaza into Buena Vista Street has made Anaheim's second park finally worthy of the Disney name. She certainly was an unattractive child, but as she's entering her teen years, she's shaping up quite nicely! And there's more to come.

Coming your way soon. Photo from MiceAge.

MiceAge is reporting that DCA's Condor Flats will be melted into the Grizzly Peak area. Newly renamed Grizzly Peak Airfield. This will involve a transformation from the dry desert landscape into the lush greenery of the California forests. The news is nothing new if you've kept your eyes open- and if you have a copy of Jason Surrell's The Disney Mountains: Imagineering at It's Peak. Inside is this piece of concept art that shows it all.  

The newest park map shows Condor Flats closed.

Click on this for a larger image.

From the always excellent Magic Eye website.

Instead of cactus greeting guests coming off Carthay Circle, the pine trees will welcome guests to a mountain top airstrip. Soarin' Over California now sports a fresh mountain look, and everything around it will fit seamlessly into the atmosphere as Grizzly Peak looms in the near distance. Given the work is mostly new landscaping and much paint, the finished product should be done by the Summer season, hopefully at the beginning of it. 

Another slice of DCA 1.0 disappears.

In the old days, as much as I loved the look of the desert airstrip, it was truly an abrupt change to round the bend and find the Grand Californian Resort, then the geysers of the rapids adventure. But that was DCA 1.0, when transitions mattered little, hip and edgy was the order of the day, and the suits felt as if the guests were too dumb to notice the company had delivered an inferior product but charged full fees for it. It certainly was cheap. (Take a look at my multi-part series Bargain Basement Imagineering. This approach created some of the shallowest, themeless attractions ever to be seen at a Disney park.)

With the success of DCA 2.0, a new day has dawned. Here's hoping that Phase Two of the renovation begins as Condor Flats goes away. And what else was in that book, anyway?

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Ten Years of DCA: Our First Visit to California Adventure Version One

Continuing with our week long look at California Adventure at Ten Years...
------
It was finally time to take our trip out to California and see Disney's latest stateside theme park. To say I was very skeptical about California Adventure would be quite the understatement. Having read all the newspapers and on line reviews, I knew intuitively that the place was a dog- and I wasn't exactly surprised by the results.

My in-laws had planned to take all of us to the park which given their incredible generosity meant they would be paying for the day. With our family of six and a few other siblings and their kids joining us, it would have been quite the expensive day. Explaining what I'd read and describing the photos I had seen, I told them I would explore the park first, then we'd talk about going together. I wanted to save them some money. They understood (and were ultimately happy with waiting!)

As it turned out, I'd be making two trips to the park that week, but I certainly didn't expect things to work out this way.

It was fall of 2001, and my youngest daughter would be my companion for the day. The other kids had decided to wait to go with their grandparents should they make that decision. Off we went to see the new park.

The first visit to any Disney park is quite the thrill for me. I can't wait to see what the Imagineers have cooked up. Exploring endlessly, the rush of new attractions, seeing something new and wonderfully detailed around every corner. I couldn't wait to go, and this time was no different.

We were there at opening time, a tradition for us die-hards. In contrast to seeing the entrance of the park from some distance away, peering through the gates, I was a bit shocked at what I saw. It all looked so ordinary. Not a good sign- and not the way to make a great first impression. I tried to remain optimistic.

There certainly were things to like about the park. They just weren't immediately noticeable. Although I found the sun sculpture to be fairly bland, I did enjoy the small fountain in front of it with its multi hued tiles. As I turned to Condor Flats, I got my first real glimpse of the California Zephyr. I knew it would be a spot for further investigation- but I just had to get to Soarin' Over California right away.

Although it was obviously very small from the photos I had seen, I just knew I would like Condor Flats. The theming was excellent with its retro aviation feel, high desert landscape, and an attraction that lets guest fly. What could be better?

Soarin' Over California became an instant favorite of both of us. I love my home state with its varied textures of people, landscapes, and activities. Certainly, I would be lying if I didn't say the attraction brought a few tears to my eyes and a desire to hop right back on. Some folks view the Quonset hut architecture as annoying. I find it quite fitting and actually prefer it to the set up at Epcot. The tributes to great aviators is a small bit of Disney "edutainment", a perspective that I find missing from plans for the park's do-over.

Instead of hopping back in line, we dove into the Fly 'N' Buy shop. Great detail, unique merchandise, an overall fun feel. Eventually, it was time to keep exploring, and I was warming up to a ride on Grizzly River.

Rounding the bend, two design aspects surprised me. One, the monorail cuts right through the area. Two, the beautiful Grand Californian hotel was in full view and accessible by park guests. In fact, ten years later, these two things still catch me off guard. Once past the shock, it was clear to see that this wooded section of the park was one of its most beautiful areas. With geysers, waterfalls, dense forests and great hidden paths to explore and view it all, this representation of the stunning Northern California geography is one of the finest examples of Disney storytelling. (In fact, the very top photograph is one I left extremely large so you can get a great perspective on how the area feels.)

Passing through a pretty long but fairly empty queue since it was Fall not Summer, my daughter and I boarded one of the circular rafts for the Grizzly River Run. The extended up ramp provided some great views of the park- and unfortunately, some not so pleasant. But I'll get to that later.

The ride itself was a kick! The scenery was great, the waterborne journey thrilling enough for all ages, and the long spinning drop at the end a lot of fun. In spite of the lack of animatronics, the attraction was another winner. I was surprised it took up so much real estate in a park that was very short of acreage, however. We both expected some smaller attractions tucked into or directly around the mountain, but they were not to be found.

Moving on, we stopped to explore some of those hidden paths, enjoying the little discoveries. Bypassing the children's playground for the time, we headed into what looked like San Francisco.

This short little street contained absolutely nothing. What a waste. We used to live half an hour from the great city on the bay, and I couldn't have been more disappointed in the shortsightedness of the park's planners! Why was that Golden Gate Bridge at the front of the park, the bay at the back, and why was this great city only represented by restrooms? A wasted opportunity and an instant reminder that this was indeed an accountant built theme park.

At the end was the dreaded Paradise Pier. And I do mean dreaded. From the on line photos, to seeing it from Katella Avenue and Downtown Disney to my first view of the place, Paradise Pier (even in its current incarnation) reminds me of everything awful about Disney's Bargain Basement Imagineering. 

The failings of this area of the park were instantly recognizeable and have been thrashed about in all types of trip reports from the beginning.

California Screamin' is an excellent roller coaster, but it is a poor excuse for the theme of a land in any Disney park. The iron rides did not impress us, and we took in both the ugly Orange Stinger and Golden Zephyr with its the elegant looking rockets. Disheartened again, we walked into a couple of shops, and then we quickly left the carnival.

The Golden Vine Winery and the Pacific Wharf complex were a breath of fresh air again. Both were just excuses for shopping and dining, but they were beautiful in their design and execution. After a quick viewing of the sublime Seasons of the Vine film and a taste of wine to wash away Paradise Pier, we ventured back towards the entrance of the park.

Stopping for lunch left us longing for some Chinese cuisine. We headed to the Backlot. It was also a good time to talk about our day and what was left uncovered.

Like her parents and other siblings, my youngest daughter is a big fan of the Disney parks. She's got a pretty sophisticated taste, and even as a fourteen year old when first visiting California Adventure, she had some insightful comments to make. One of her most telling was the following, "It seems the Imagineers forgot what makes Disney Disney." We sat there looking at the guidemap. Kind of bewildered what to do next as we realized there wasn't much left to see but the overlooked attractions in the Hollywood Pictures Backlot and It's Tough to Be a Bug.

Before eating, I ducked into the California Zephyr's shops and eateries and took in all the little detail to be found. What a clever idea to use a train for this complex. The photos on the walls, the mural, the little touches all said Disney. It was so different than what I'd just seen in Paradise Pier and San Francisco's street, it was as if this park was designed by two very separate design aesthetics.

Hollywood Pictures Backlot was a jolt back into the new California Adventure reality. My distaste for seeing the back of the sets cannot be emphasized enough. It screamed cheap- not hip, not intriguing, not fun. 

Superstar Limo was another jolt. I actually found the attraction to be quirky and fun and alternately cold and unappealing. Disney was jamming their "B" list of stars down my throat. (That said, I love Jackie Chan!) We had to ride again and answer the question, "Was that really what we thought it was?"

About the time we were ready to call the Backlot a failure, the Disney Animation showcase beckoned. The contents and presentation were unexpected. We loved it, particularly the atmosphere transition in the Beast's library. We laughed doing character voiceovers and mostly just enjoyed sitting in the lobby watching "the classics" go by on the large screens.

What was left? Two 3D films- Muppets and Bugs. Neither are great but both are enjoyable. It was odd to do them back to back, and it was very easy to do as they are both so close together. The combination left us a little shell shocked- and then I started counting the number of films I'd seen that day. Wow.

After a bit of unsuccessful souvenir shopping- aside from a map and the park soundtrack for my collection- we were done with the park. Not quite the full day we hoped for, neither was it quite the park we wanted either. I asked my daughter if she would come back. Her response was "Once they start adding in some Disney quality classic attractions." That meant things on the scope and scale of her favorites: Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (her very favorite coaster) and Indiana Jones Adventure. She is her father's daughter. After one more ride on Soarin', we went home. My daughter and I had a good time doing something new, and we always have fun together like I do with all my kids, but the park was not the home run the Disney Company wanted.
It was upon returning home that I discovered the difference a few days and a few years can make.

We arrived home and began to share our perspectives on the new park. My youngest son was quite disappointed that we all chose not to go with the entire family after hearing the description. And so began the thought that I would go again with him in tow a few days later.

Back then, he was ten years old. Very different likes and thinking than a fourteen year old girl. In fact, he loved the park.

Again, we got there at opening and began our day with Soarin'. A hit. We retraced our steps and took in It's Tough to Be a Bug. Another hit. No winery and no Seasons film as Paradise Pier lured him in. All the rides there were just taken in as an expected part of the atmosphere. Soft swirl ice cream was a must. The cement dino was cool. Even Mulholland Madness was a treat watching him ride next to me.

Grizzly River Run was another favorite, with two rides in a row and one later that night. (Riding in the evening is a whole different experience. I like it better than during the day!) We spent a short amount of time at the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, but he was bored after a few minutes.

Time for lunch, and that meant burgers and Taste Pilot's Grill. Give me a great burger topped off with bleu cheese, and I'm a happy guy. Munching french fries and drinking Coke was a good time to talk about what we'd seen and ridden up to this point.


From climbing the C-A-L-I-F-O-R-N-I-A letters at the entrance, to getting soaked on Grizzly, to 3 rides on Screamin' in a row- the last one without his Dad, and everything in between, it was an entirely different take on the day. There was still more to do.

Eureka was a great parade. From the use of trampolines to roller skates and pogo sticks, it was a high energy presentation even with its oh so off-the-mark theme song. Flying cream pies in Muppets to more Bugs, the 3D films continued make him laugh. Superstar Limo, however, not so much. Even a ten year old can have good taste!

Of course, Pluto makes the day fun!

And there it was- California Adventure was a "Ten Year Old Boy Park". He didn't want or care for great theming, layers of detail, or sophistication. He didn't miss the animatronics. He didn't miss the love put into designing the place. He just wanted to have fun. Although I could have just taken him to Knott's Berry Farm, I started to see the park through his eyes. My perspective on the park remained it was far from Disney's best work, but we had a great time together.

Our three youngest kids have all been to the park since 2001. Not my wife, not even once. She is willing to wait for the great reveal of the remade park. Maybe by California Adventure's twelveth anniversary, she will be thrilled with what she sees. I think I will be. Yet, I'll always remember my first two trips with great fondness. Our kids were young, and we were, too.
-------
Tomorrow, we'll take a look at the Walt Disney Company's emergency plans to save the park while retaining their reputation. As we will find out, it wasn't all that great of a plan!
(Photos copyright Mark Taft.)