Happy 10th Birthday, Disney's California Adventure

10 Years ago, DCA opened with not so much pomp and circumstance.

But if you fast forward to today, much has changed. I really don't need to go into what was wrong with DCA. But most of the things that were wrong are gone.

Think about it. DCA is truly on its way to becoming a great park. It's already become a full day park, with World of Color keeping guests inside late at night to witness the great show and see the park when it truly shines (pun intended).

Here is a pretty cool history of DCA. Take a look a see what's different, and what's to come.

There's still more to do, but I am now eagerly awaiting visiting DCA this summer. Are you?

Happy Birthday DCA, and many more to come!

New Paradise Pier Posters

Hey y'all,

It's been a while since a Disney related post. But I thought this was cool...

For a while, I've been saying that Disney needs to make some DCA posters. Instead, we got some new Disneyland posters, which while really cool and appreciated, is not what I really wanted to see.

But now, Disney has released these posters. Which are really sweet!

The posters don't stop here. There are also World of Color, Tower of Terror, and other posters in the works. Where will these reside? Hopefully, across Paradise Pier. As for now, they'll be in the new Blue Sky Cellar Exhibit that opens on Firday.

The new Exhibit will feature new stuff about The Little Mermaid, some more of Carsland, and some info about the new Disney Junior show that is replacing Playhouse Disney. There are even going to be some sneak peeks about Phase II in Hollywoodland.

I'll cover the new Blue Sky Cellar when it opens. Until then, I guess we'll continue watching what's happening right now instead of what is to come.

I'm Back!

After a relaxing week's vacation in Disneyland, I'm back. This week, I'll give you some updates as well as a brief trip report, and share some pictures with you. School starts back up again this week, so I hope it won't interfere with my blog like it did last year!

As summer dwindels down, I hope you thouroughly enjoy the rest of it!

Disneyland Resort Info And News

I know I haven't done a Disneyland Update in quite a while, but a lot has progressed since then. World of Color has opened, and has been a hit. Both Disneyland and DCA have seen some record-breaking crowds, and the parks have never looked better (if you don't mind construction, that is!). I will be spending a week at Disneyland later this month and be doing a live report there. So, let's start this update!

Park Hours
Disneyland
August 1-31: 8a-12a
Disney's California Adventure
August 1-31: 10a-11p

Attraction Closures
Disneyland
-Star Tours: Closed through May 2011 during a rehab and enhancement. The ride will be recieving some TLC, as well as brand new digital 3D films. More info will come on this rehab as it is released.
-Alice In Wonderland: Closed for an unknown period of time after OSHA brought up an issue it had with the lack of safety rails on the outdoor portion of the ride. Will be closed while a sutible solution is thought of.
-Haunted Mansion: Will close earlier this year on August 30 for its holiday overlay.
-Village Haus: Closed from August 30 to December 19 for a refurbishment.
Disney's California Adventure
-Toy Story Midway Mania!: Will close from August 30 to October 10 for a rehab.

News and Rumors from Around the Resort
While Star Tours remains the only major construction job at Disneyland, DCA still is packed with construction walls. The good news is that Buena Vista Street construction appears to be starting as early as September, with construction most likely starting on The Carthay Circle Theater being the first up at bat. Why so early? There will not be any Holloween party this year at DCA. The focus for HolloweenTime this year will be at Disneyland, where there will be special Holloween parties (extra cost) with trick-or-treating, and the Holloween Screams fireworks. Imagineers plan to close down half of the enterance at a time to allow the park to remain as convienient as possible for guests. I wonder why the connecting path bewtween Bugs Land and Hollywood is going to be finishing up in the next few weeks? ;)

Speaking of which, the Red Car Tracks are finished near Tower of Terror, and the Tower of Terror FastPasses are back up and running. The new brickwork is quite nice, a large improvement over plain pavement. I must admit I was a fan of the faux-street markings Hollywood Pictures Backlot had and will miss them a little. But I'll take the brickwork over the pavement any day of the week!


As for the Little Mermaid, it is on course for an opening in May of 2011. This ride promises to be very detailed and have some pretty advanced Audio-Animatronics. The Omnimovers will move slightly slower than the Haunted Mansion, so expect this small ride to be about as long as the Mansion.



Carsland is moving at a pretty fast rate. Car testing for the ride is over, and more permanent track is going to be placed. 2012 can't come soon enough, eh?





And to end, a look at Alice in Wonderland under wraps. The drama continues!


Well folks, that's it for this month. I hope you have a nice August, and if you're heading out to DLR, mind the crowds! Later this month, many APs are unblocked, and they'll descend on the parks! Until next month, this is PirateGuy with the
Disneyland News!


*All pictures used in this article were taken from MintCrocodile.

55 Years Ago...

In 1955, Walt Disney opened his pride and joy, Disneyland. His greatest gamble and most celebrated project was believed by many to be a failure. But those beliefs were wrong.

Today, Disneyland is the emblem of all theme parks around the world. And Walt should rest in peace knowing that Disneyland is still, and will always be, a joy and inspiration to all the world.

Happy 55th Anniversary, Disneyland!

The First Full World of Color Testing Video

Over at Laughing Place, they have the first full 25-minute video of World of Color. I've embeded it here for your convienece!



Is this the full thing? There seems to be important scenes and effect missing. Keep in mind, we're still 2 months away from the opening. So there's still work to be done.

But in the mean time, it's absoultely stunning. I did not watch the entire thing, because I want to be surprised. But the parts I did watch left me feeling indescribable emotions. This show is going to be unlike anything any one of us has seen before.

Amazing.

Happy Birthday, DCA!

DCA celebrated (not) it's 9th Birthday on February 8. And boy, has it come along way.

I used to be quite the DCA basher back in the day, and used to complain about the stupid puns, Sunshine Plaza, the lack of Disney quality rides (or anything else, for that matter), and the unthemed, unimiginative lands. But, I've actually grown tired of doing this. There are hundreds of others who do it for me. Why should I?

I'm one of those people who are now hopeful for DCA. The little additions throughout the years, specifically the closure of Superstar Limo, and the addition of Tower of Terror, have headed DCA in the right direction. And from what I have seen from the construction taking place around the park right now, it will be a beautiful, differen place then it was 9 years ago.

There's themeing. There's great rides. There's lush vegitation. And best of all, theyre using the California theme to use it's true potential. I've always loved the CA aspect, but felt it was executed poorly. But now, they're really exploring such a wide theme.

So, I am Happy to wish DCA a very Happy Birthday, with all the hope for the future, and all the excitement for what's to come!

Garden Walk for Sale!

Huge news in Anaheim: Garden Walk is for sale!

As reported by the OC Register, Garden Walk goes up for sale on March 9. Many Disney fans have been following the saga of the troubled shoppertainment complex since before it was built.

It's price is $194.2 million. Now, many businesses would be crazy to buy this. The place failed once, who has the major bucks to buy AND redo the place? I can only see Disney jumping on this.

Garden Walk is right across the street from proposed Gate Three. It would be a nice transistion, and with bridges built across Harbor Blvd, monorial extensions, and PeopleMover systems, could easily be assecible to Disney guests. It could be a very successful "Downtown Disney Eastside".

This story is developing. As more info is realeased, I let you know!

Disneyland Resort Info and News

As the holidays wind down, Disneyland will be entering a calm time. Disney will utilize this to do some refurbishments. Likewise, DCA progress will be going full steam ahead in preperation for World Of Color's premiere, which is just a few short months away. So, ;et's get started!

January Park Hours

Disneyland
Jan 1-3: 8a-12a
Jan 4-7: 10a-8p
Jan 8-10: 8a-11p
Jan 11-14: 10a-11p
Jan 15-18: 8a-11p
Jan 19-21: 10a-8p
Jan 22-24: 8a-11p
Jan 25-28: 10a-8p
Jan 29-31: 8a-11p

Disney's California Adventure
Jan 1-3: 10a-9p
Jan 4-8: 10a-6p
Jan 9-10: 10a-9p
Jan 11-14: 10a-6p
Jan 15-18: 10a-9p
Jan 19-21: 10a-6p
Jan 22-24: 10a-8p
Jan 25-28: 10a-6p
Jan 29-31: 10a-9p

Attraction Closures:
Disneyland:
Haunted Mansion- Will be closed from Jan 4-14. Transforms from Haunted Manison Holiday back into the classic attraction.
Big Thunder Ranch- Will also be closed from Jan 4-14 to remove holiday overlay.
it's a small world- Will be closed from Jan 18-28 while the holiday overlay is removed.
Main Street Cinema- Closed from Jan 4- Feb 1 while undergoing a refurbishment.
Starcade- Also closed from Jan 4- Feb 1 due to a refurbishment.
Corn Dog Wagon- Closed Jan 4- May 4 while undergoing a refurbishment.
Tomorrowland Terrace- Closed from Jan 4- May 4 for a refurbishment
Rivers of America- Closed from Jan 4- May 5 for a mjor refurbishment. The river will be drained while much needed work goes on. During this time, The Mark Twain, Sailing Ship Columbia, Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes, and Tom Pirates Lair will also be closed. Fantasmic! will also not play during these months. More info on this in future updates.

DCA
Grizzly Rivr Run-Closed from Jan 4-8 for a small refurbishment.
Redwood Creek Challenge Trail- Will be colsed from Jan 11- Feb 19 for a refurbishment.
It's Tough to Be a Bug!- Closed from Jan 20-21. No reason specified.
Francis' Ladybug Boogie- Closed from Jan 25- Feb 4

Comings, Goings, and Tidbits from around the Resort:

Captain EO Returns!- Yes, that's right! After months of speculation, rumors, and denials, Disney has finally announced the return of Captain EO in February. Honey I Shrunk The Audience has closed, perhaps forever, to make way for the classic attraction. Keep in mind this is only a limited engagement, and will not be in Tomorrowland forever!

Tiana's Showboat Jubilee is no more, duee to the work going on in the Rivers of America. Likewise, Fantasmic! will not be showing and the boats on the Rivers of America are closed.

Over in DCA, work continues on the Paradise Park/viewing area for World of Color. Paradise Park is expected to open sometime in Fabruary. When it does open, you can bet sure I'll let you know!




Silly Syphony Swings construction is moving very slowly. Some visible work has sprung up, but little has changed. Rumor has it that Silly Symphony Swings is being built off-site, which makes sense. Apparently, Disney is in no rush to finish this attraction. Still, the attraction has appeared on the DCA park map, and i scheduled to open in April 2010. I'll let you know if anything changes.

Walls have sprung up all around Hollywood Pictures Backlot, which is soon to be called "Hollywood Land". This new name pays homage to the original Hollywood sign that read "Hollywoodland" before the land park was taken off. The Red Car line consturction has begun, and should be complete in a few months, though the Red Cars themselves will not be seen for at least a year.
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The teporary walkway between Tower of Terror and A Bug's Land is open. After construction for the Red Cars is complete, the walkway will co underwraps and become more permanent. Right now, it is still used during and after hours as a backstage path.


Well, that's should do it for today guys. We have quite a busy 2010 ahead of us. And you can be sure that whenever something happens at DLR, you can come here for the news and commentary. Have a nice January, everyone!

*Special thanks to MintCrocodile for the pics. To see more, click here

Disneyland Resort Info And News

It's been ages since I did a Disneyland Resort column. But I'm back to bring you up to speed on the progress in Disneyland!

Now for those of you who may have forgoten, I changed my Disneyland Updates. The rumors and rebuttals are being scrapped in favor of actual news. I realized I don't want to be the type of person who "claims" to bring news, when really I am just speculating and spreading rumors.

First, the Park Hours for the entire month will be listed.
Second, any closures and/or refurbs will be noted.
Third, info about the general goings-on throughout the resort will be listed.
Fourth, pics! Due to my distance from Disneyland, I'll mostly have pics from internet freinds up.

With that out of the way, let's get started!

December Park Hours
Disneyland:
December 1-December 3: 10a-9p
December 4-6: 8a-2p
December 7 and 8: 8a-6p
December 9 and 10: 9a-11p
December 11-13: 8a-12p
December 14-16: 9a-11p
December 17-23: 8a-12a
December 24: 8a-9p
December 25-30: 8a-12a
December 31: 8a-2a
Disney's California Adventure
December 1-3: 10a-6p
December 4: 10a-10p
December 5-8: 10a-9p
December 9-10: 10a-7p
December 11: 10a-10p
December 12 and 13: 10a-9p
December 14-16: 10a-7p
December 17: 10a-9p
December 18-19: 10a-10p
December 20-23: 10a-9p
December 24: 10a-6p
December 25-30: 10a-10p
December 31: 10a-1a

Attraction Closures:
Disneyland:
The First 50 Magical Years- Closed for good, soon to be replaced by Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln (see below for more info!).
DCA:
Orange Stinger: Closed for good, soon to be replaced with Silly Symphony Swings, opening April 28, 2010.
*Rides are subject to close without warning and subject to change.*

Comings, Goings, and Tidbits from around the Resortc
Yesterday, I recieved word that Lilo and Stitch Character Meal at the PCH Grill in the Paradise Pier Hotel will end December 11 and be replaced by the "Surf's Up! Breakfast With Mickey & Friends" breakfast. A new and updated menu will also be in place.

Troubador Tavern has also opened, featuring Bratworsts, baked potatoes, and drinks. It is located in Fantasyland near the Fantasyland Theatre.

After much speculation, many of you will be excited to learn that Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln will be returning on December 17. The show will not only feature the latest advancements in Audio-Animatronics, but the lobby of the Opera House will be connected to the new Disney Gallery. The fan favorite "Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years" will still be playing in the lobby. I'll be back with a brand new update as soon as it opens!

Meanwhile, construction continues all around DCA. While Carsland and Little Mermaid are starting to see an expodential increase in construction, it's clear that World of Color is the prime attraction on Disney's plate right now. The bay is now completely full, and the vewing area is coming along nicely.

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, I do not have any recent pictures to share. However, expect many pictures on January 5, 2010 when my next DLR Update can be seen.

Until then, this is PirateGuy with the Disneyland News!

Disneyland: One Man's Dream- The Future of the Disneyland Resort

For the past month (actually, it's been longer then a month) we have been on one amazing adventure. Disneyland: One Man;s Dream took a lot longer then I expected it to, but we're finally at the last post: The Future of the Disneyland Resort.

Well, all the DCA Expansion can be considered part of the future of DLR. We also have stuff like Star Tours 2.0. Of course, Lincoln will be returning to the Opera House and The Disney Gallery will be opening up right next door. That much is certain.

You can also expect a large Tomorrowland retheme to be done within the next decade. In a year or two, expect for Honey I Shrunk the Audience to leave Tomorrowland for good, to be replaced by a new show or possibly even a ride.

The Disneyland Hotel project will be completed in 2012. After that, the Paradise Pier Hotel should be set to go under a giant overhall, and there are rumors of DVCs to be added to the hotel.

Disney plans to open up 2 hotels in GardenWalk, one for families, and the other to be more high end. I also would not be surprised if GardenWalk is owned by Disney in a few years- espeically with something else at DLR afoot.

The former Strawberry Fields that are rumored to be (well, it's more then rumors) the site of the Third Gate at Disneyland will become a parking lot. This may have some of you worried, but fear not- this contract only lasts 6-10 years. And consider the following timeline. All phases of DCA Construction are finally done in 2016. So, that could be the magic year Disney starts to build the Third Gate. They could wait until 2020 to build it, too. It's a nice chunk of time to be careful with right there.

That's all I have for you. I'd like to thank you everyone who read all these posts about the history of Disneyland. I love all history, and Disneyland's rich history is no exception. I hope you learned something, found these posts helpful and interesting, and had some fun (even half the fun I did). Regular posts will return tomorrow.

Remember, Disneyland is always changing. What you like/dislike may be gone or be brought back on your next trip there. And let's use Walt's infamous quote right here: "Disneyland will never be complete, so long as there's imagination left in the world".

It's nice to debate things, but like Walt Disney said, "I hope we never lose sight of one thing- that it was all started by a mouse". This statement is actually false.

It all started with One Man's Dream.

Disneyland: One Man's Dream- DCA Opening and Aftermath

The day was February 8, 2001. That's when Disney's California Adventure opened it gates to the public for the first time.

"To all who believe in the power of dreams... welcome. Here we pay tribute to the dreamers of the past... The native people, explorers, immigrants, aviators, entrepreneurs and entertainers who built the Golden State. And we salute a new generation of dreamers who are creating the wonders of tomorrow ... From the silver screen to the computer screen ... From the fertile farmlands to the far reaches of space. Disney's California Adventure celebrates the richness and the diversity of California ... Its land, its people, its spirit and, above all, the dreams that it continues to inspire." -Michael Eisner

DCA contained 4 distinct lands-:

Sunshine Plaza was the main enterance area.

Hollywood Pictures Backlot celebrated Hollywood and movies.


Golden State featured different California landscpaes, from deserts to forests to wine country.



Paradise Pier was based on seaside piers of yester year.


The park itself had some great rides. Grizzly River Run was a great raft ride, quite possibly the most thrilling ever built. It was in a great location, and the whole area around it was stunning.

California Screamin' was also pretty fun, anf the Sun Wheel was very unique.

3D shows, like Muppet*Vision 3D and It's Tough to be a Bug also proved poular.

The of DCA crown jewel was Soarin' over Calfiornia, which takes guests over stunning CA landscapes in a hang glider set to great music. It is hands down the best ride in DCA, could be the best ride in DLR, and one of the best rides in the world.

But that was it. And this is part of the reson why it was not doing well.

There was simply not much to do. Only a few rides, and not very many of them were for kids or family. Many also believed that it was built on the cheap, with not very many Disney quality attractions in the park. Many parts of the park, like Sunshine Plaza or Paradise Pier, were tacky and unthemed- again, lacking in Disney quality. Some guests went and didn't like it. Others thought it was ok. Some even went once and never returned. Bad word of mouth helped set the park up for failure.

Disney needed something to fix the park. In another column, we'll learn about the real Phase One of the DCA reimagineering and expansion, though it's not as massive as what s going on right now.

Disneyland: One Man's Dream- Disney's Grand Claifornian Hotel

Similar to how Walt Disney World's Grand Floridian is the flagship resort of the resort, The Grand Californian Hotel is the flagship resort of Disneyland. Unlike the Paradise Pier Hotel and Disneyland Hotel, this is the only hotel that Disney has built, owned, and operated since it opened.

Another cool thing about this hotel is the proximity to everything. Outside it's door, you have Downtown Disney. Outside it's other door, you have DCA. The hotel comes with it's own enterance to both venues, making it very unique.


The Grand Californian Hotel is based on the Art and Crafts movement of the early 1900s in California. The hotle feature large, sweeping ceilings that are very high. All the colors blend with nature, and the idea of a home based on the Arts and Crafts movement was taken from being inspired from a garden to a forest. And the hotel really shows this.

Many items in the hotel, from furniture to lights to ornaments, have been handmade specifically for the hotel. The loby itself is a spectacle. One of it's many features is a huge fireplace, which many people like to sit and watch.

The hotel features a large pool area with slides and fountains. It also features a few restaurants, most notably Storyteller's Cafe, The Napa Rose, and White Water Snacks. The hotel features some of the best food in the entire resort.


Due to growing demand for the hotel, in 2007 Disney announced plans to expand the resort by 30%. The expansion will include 200 hotel rooms, and a brand new wing containing 50 Disney Vacation Club villas. This mark's the DVC's first villas on the west coast. The expansion also includes a new pool area, more landscaping, a viewing platform to view fireworks and Disney's new show World of Color, and a large underground parking garage. Actually, the expansion opens it's doors to guests and DVC members in a few days!!




Soon it would be clear that The Grand Calfornian Hotel would be the crown jewel of the Disneyland Resort expansion- not DCA.