Like a crazy man, I skipped Cars Land at opening and opted to photograph Buena Vista Street instead. I had a hunch this area would be empty while the stampeding herds literally ran to Radiator Springs Racers. It was difficult to figure out which was longer; the line to the attraction or the one for the fast pass machine. Either way, my hunch was correct and I got my photos. There were lots of last minute polishing details to be done before the gates swung open.
The Red Car Trolley made a few test laps.
Before I knew it, I was in. Other than a lonely cast member, nobody at Oswald's.
This is as close as I care to get to the schlocky merchandise inside.
Hellooooooo...
Same story across the street. These cast members were probably saying, "What if we built a land and nobody came?!?"
All kidding aside, other than the merchandise sold in the shops, I really do want BV Street to succeed. I love the design, the concept, the restaurants, the Trolley, the characters, the entertainment, and the overall vibe. From the buzz that I hear, BV Street is a ghost town in the morning (other than the Starbucks sales inside of Fiddler, Fifer, and Practical Cafe which should offer a fast pass!), but quite busy as it gets later in the day. I am happy about that.
A nice little spot outside of Elias & Co. to relax:
The Trolley Depot (more on the Trolleys later!):
Interior of Clarabelle's Ice Cream Shop:
I had a late lunch the previous day at Fiddler, Fifer, and Practical Cafe. I would definitely eat here again. The choices looked good, and the turkey salad I ordered was quite tasty. It's a slight bummer to have the food served on plastic, as it detracts a bit from the retro vibe. If Rancho del Zocalo can do food on dishes vs. plastic, FFP should be able to do it, too.
Great light fixtures!
Themed stained glass:
Props/art that look appropriately period:
Stay tuned for more Buena Vista fun!
See more DCA Buena Vista Street photos on my Buena Vista Street web page.
I really hope Buena Vista Street is a success too. I loved everything about it. I’d guess that crowds will become more evenly dispersed once the newness of Cars Land and Radiator Springs Racers wears off.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with you on the merchandise. I came prepared to spend on souvenirs and collectibles on my last trip in June and found the merchandise sorely lacking to put it mildly. Same goes for the merchandise at Disneyland Park.
This all looks *really* good, really Disney at last.
ReplyDeleteI don't think they could have chosen a more effective theme for this area, and it looks well executed.
K. - I'm actually ok on the merchandise; more money to spend on food - ha! It is a bit confusing though, as some of the props appear to be merchandise, and they are definitely worth buying!
ReplyDeleteKatella - They deserve huge kudos for the theming. Very well done!
I have to say that I am drooling over the majority of the merchandise on Buena Vista Street. It is so cool and themed to the area. Love it! I am also dying to get there during the day to take pictures!!
ReplyDeleteAw schucks! I should've looked closer at the merchandise. I didn't realize some of the props were for sale. Everything looked like the usual generic crap to me. I was also a bit disappointed that the "Music of Cars Land CD" was sold out the day before I got there.
ReplyDeleteAs far as food goes, I must've eaten more in my 3 days there than I would eat all week at home. Lots of fun restaurants to eat at.
K. - That's just it...the props aren't for sale. I only wish they were!
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