Is That All There Is? DCA 23rd Anniversary

I had the opportunity to visit Disney California Adventure on May 18, 2001, just a few months after it opened (hard to believe it’s been 23 years!). I was part of a behind-the-scenes tour of all the dining facilities that were part of the Disneyland Resort second gate. One of the dining managers in my department was friends with Mary Nivens, who was Senior VP at the Disneyland Resort at the time, thus our tour. What did I think about DCA? As soon as the tour was over, I went home. I didn’t ride a single attraction nor did I take any photos. If you know me, that speaks volumes. I kept thinking of the Peggy Lee song, “Is That All There Is?”

It wasn’t until April 2002 that I returned with camera in hand and began to document the second gate. True to Walt’s quote about change, none of what you see in these photos remains at DCA today. Below, you can see the stationary California Zephyr, on of my favorite aspects (designwise) of the new Park.



Because of their ownership by Disney, there was significant cross-promotion going on for ABC programs, especially the soap operas.



One of the restaurants at DCA was titled, “Soap Opera Bistro,” featuring themed dining areas based on the sets from your favorite ABC soap operas.



These tile murals at the entrance were gorgeous.



An overhead view showing the first incarnation of Paradise Pier, before Pixar took over.



These imposing elephants at the Hollywood Pictures Backlot were an homage to the ones used in D.W. Griffith’s silent epic, “Intolerance” (1916).



Whoopi Goldberg in DCA? That’s right. Where the Little Mermaid attraction now resides, guests once entered a theatre to watch a film entitled “Golden Dreams,” starring Whoopi as Calafia, the Queen of California. She lost her thrown when the theater was torn down for Ariel in July 2009.



Was there ever a need for Fastpass for It’s Tough To Be A Bug!?!



Over at the Hyperion Theatre, a Reader’s Digest version of the Broadway show Blast! was playing.



In 2004, I returned for my birthday and posed with Minnie in the Condor Flats area.



The Tower of Terror was the first big draw to be added to the Park in 2004, followed by Monsters, Inc. This aerial view is from August 2006.



In other news, I just realized that DCA, James Dean, and Lana Turner also share the same “birthday.”





See more Disney California Adventure photos at my main website.

Trip Report: Disney California Adventure

Over on the other side of the Disneyland Resort, we ran into this resident of Buena Vista Street; it was the first time I'd seen her in person, and the dog was quite convincing. I hope that these characters are kept, as they add quite a bit to Buena Vista Street's atmosphere and keep it from being just another retail opportunity.

From another decade, Mrs. Incredible was out in the Hollywood section of DCA, showing off her spandex-enclad bod.



We had all but melted into a pool of sweat by this time, so we ducked into the Art of Animation Building. Turtle Talk with Crush was about to start, and it seemed as good as any of the other choices we had.



Waiting for the show to start, I was able to admire one of the custom light fixtures above.



If you've never experienced the Turtle Talk with Crush show, it really is a lot of fun.



Mainly for the kids though, it still provides a few chuckles for the adults.



Crush actually talks to the audience; how it all works, I have no idea, but I am guessing that the guy voicing Crush is one heck of a quick thinker, adept at doing comedy improv.



Another way to get rid of the sweat is to feel the breeze while riding California Screamin'. This attraction provides some of the best views of DCA...if you can stop screaming long enough to enjoy them!





Dinner was at Steahouse 55, located inside the Disneyland Hotel. This place is a real hidden gem, although judging by the amount of people dining there that evening, it's not so hidden anymore! Again, it's all about the details, such as the light fixtures.



And the fresh florals.



And the vintage photos of Golden Age Hollywood celebrities hob-nobbing at the restaurants and clubs of yesteryear. These help set the mood of Steakhouse 55. This one has Rosemary Clooney, José Ferrer, and Marlene Dietrich.



My pork chop was delicious, cooked just right.



Some of the desserts we ordered included this creative spin on a Root Beer Float:



and a decadent 24-layer chocolate cake:



The service here is VERY warm and friendly without being forced, and attentive without being overbearing. Whoever does the training for wait staff at the hotel restaurants should be helping out at the restaurants in the parks. I would have a hard time believing that they go through the same training.



Another beautiful floral display in the entryway:



This was the first race that I didn't stay in a Disney Hotel. I waited too long to book it, and the only one left was the Grand Californian. Since I couldn't justify $400+/night, I stayed at the Hotel Menage, which boasts one of the best locations for the race at its Harbor Blvd./Ball Road address.







The feel of the hotel is somewhat club-like; sleek, minimalist, and fairly chic. The rooms are good sized with comfortable beds and very clean.





Some of the fabulous views include the TDA Building:



The pool at night:



The one drawback is the noise. The rooms are not very well soundproofed, and at night, you can hear the live music at the pool as well as the booming fireworks from the park. If you are a light sleeper, this might not be the place for you. Otherwise, highly recommended.

That's it for my most recent park report. Hope you enjoyed!

See more vintage & current Disney California Adventure photos on my DCA web pages.

Disneyland Half Marathon Report, Pt. 4 and World of Color

We decided to head over to Disneyland for a bit until it was time for World of Color, with the Matterhorn being our first destination. Matt pointed out these dragon-adorned light fixtures in the Emporium which I hadn't noticed before.



Up the street, Doug got a hot dog (since the ice cream sundae wasn't enough for him) while I snapped a few shots.





Unfortunately, the Matterhorn had to shut down for repairs just as we got there, so we ended up just going back to DCA, catching a ride with Ariel to pass the time.



Ursula and her evil minions are still my favorite part of this attraction.





While waiting for World of Color to start, my camera kept snapping:



Closing in on Mickey's Fun Wheel:







and the Zephyr:





My zoom lens captured the Silly Symphony Swings:



And finally it was time for World of Color, which was just as magical as the two other times I have seen it. The music, the colors, the mist screens, and the dancing sprays of water create a feast for the senses. These photos barely begin to capture the beauty of it all.









There were a few nods to "Brave":







A random selection to round this post out:



















And finally, the long day in the park was over...but that doesn't mean it was time for bed yet. Come back tomorrow to meet me at Trader Sam's!

See more Disney California Adventure World of Color photos on my World of Color photo web page.