Back to Buena Vista Street

If you're like me, you can't get enough of the Red Car Trolley that runs up and down Disney California Adventure's Buena Vista Street. The feeling of movement it adds has made for a huge improvement to the entrance area of DCA. The Buena Vista side of the Trolley can be seen above.

The Hollywood side can be seen in the photo below (which I never noticed until posting these photos!):



Our trip down the street begins with a stop in the Los Feliz Five and Dime.



Personally, I find the props in the shop much more interesting than the merchandise for sale.





It was too early for Clarabelle's, but the perfect time to snap some photos sans guests.





A panorama shot of the entrance to the Elias & Co. department store:



The terrazzo tile entrance is a very authentic detail. In real cities, many of these remain while the original stores they proclaim have changed.



The Trolley Treats exterior:



Even though the Fiddler Fifer and Practical Cafe is large, the warm interior makes it feel very cozy:



As do the vintage-style posters and photos:









Besides the Trolley, the characters of Buena Vista Street also add to the charm. I was fortunate to get to see Oswald the Rabbit, who recently made his debut in the park:



This particular Officer Blue is my favorite; he looks like he stepped out of the 1920's.



Two of Goofy looking dapper in his Five and Dime outfit:





Last one for today shows Dale, of Chip 'n Dale fame:



See more Daveland Buena Vista at Disney California Adventure photos at my main website.

Trip Report Pt. 4: Buena Vista Street

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.

A New DCA: Buena Vista at Night

Just like Main Street and the rest of Disneyland, DCA's Buena Vista Street looks even more spectacular at night. The stained glass springs to life with a warm glow that draws guests inside just to see what is going on.



And the signage...oh the perfectly executed signage.



In this shot, I was able to capture gorgeous signage AND light fixtures. What could be better than that?



How about a recreation of the model for Rock Candy Mountain?



Guests at Disneyland came THIS CLOSE to traveling through a life-sized version of this in the Storybook Land attraction. Once Walt saw the model, he decided to leave this idea to the birds. Literally. And they ravaged it.



Just like Town Square at closing, I found it difficult to leave Buena Vista Street. Instead, I puttered around attempting to squeeze in as many shots as I could.









Let's not forget the Trolley! It's just as impressive at night. We can hop aboard and take a trip back to the entrance.





Back at the entrance, Oswald's Gas Station is your last stop for souvenirs before you leave DCA.



Today's post leaves you with the glow of a brake light from the vintage automobile parked in front of Oswald's.



NEXT UP: Carthay Circle Restaurant. See more Buena Vista Street photos on my Buena Vista Street web page.