June 15, 2012

Daily Photo Tour - How Far We've Come


It's amazing to think that this is what the entrance to Disney California Adventure looked like just two years ago. If you look closely towards the center just above the bridge, you can see what used to be the understated focal point of Sunshine Plaza. And ironically enough, just behind that is a crane. One of which was the first on scene for the construction of Cars Land. Since then, California Adventure has changed immensely.

Every night, World of Color blasts its jets into the sky in an array of color chromatic wonder. The Paradise Pier boardwalk has fitted itself with two new eateries which harbor a cuisine that matches the atmosphere and mood of a night at the beach. Paradise Pier is alive, and quite honestly for the first time, it feels like Disney.

Cars Land opened today, and funny enough, I am watching Cars as we speak. For me, this is the first land in its entirety that I will have seen in a movie before I've visited it at the park, and that is huge. I've never had that connection to the movie and then being able to see it in real life. I saw Cars in the theater for the first time and loved it. The message within the film, and my connection with Route 66 were probably the two major things that initiated my love for the film. Tomorrow I'll be able to step into Radiator Springs for the first time. I cannot wait.

And then, there is Buena Vista Street. It encompasses the time that is reminiscent of the golden era of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse. You'll be able to walk the streets that Walt Disney did some eighty plus years ago. And with a little Disney magic you'll be able to wave hello to Walt, at street level, and even take a picture with him. The crown jewel of Buena Vista Street, and arguably Disney California Adventure is the Storytellers Statue. A life size artistic portrayal of Walt Disney as he arrived in California in the 1920's.

To say that I am not excited would be lying. California Adventure has become an entirely different park. A culmination of so many different people over the course of five years has led to one of the Disneyland Resort's largest expansion. It's finally time to see dreams come to life!

Disney California Adventure - Old Entrance
Photo by Kevin Crone

Comments (3)

On June 16, 2012 at 5:28 AM , Heather Dixon said...

I'm excited to see all your photos of the new attractions :)

 
On June 16, 2012 at 9:16 AM , JustJulie said...

that was very well said....I agree with every point! Again, thank you all, so much, for all the work you're doing to bring Disneyland to those of us who do not have the ability to get there so much. It means a lot, more than words can say (as the saying goes ;)

 
On June 16, 2012 at 9:39 PM , Trader Sam said...

You guys are the only ones who can do justice to the neon signs and mountain range of Radiator Springs.