It's All In The Details
With the grand re-opening of Disney California Adventure now behind us, it's time to look a little closer at what the Imaginears did to recreate the park. In what will become a multi-part look at DCA, let's start with the NEW Main Entrance, aka Buena Vista Street.
The first and most striking difference between the old and new entry is the entry gate itself. Gone are the giant letter that spelled out the state name. They have found a
better home.
Now we have a more classical entry in the old Pan Pacific style. Looks Good.
During the massive reconstruction guest entered to temporary walls, which directed them behind Soarin' Over California and placed them in the middle of Condor Flats.
The shift in traffic flow allowed construction workers to completely remove all of the old (the tile mosaic "postcard", the cheap not to scale Golden Gate Bridge, and the uninteresting plaza "hub" surrounded by the Golden Zephyr train facade and incredibly tacky Sun Icon - aka The Hub Cap) and begin work on the newly re-themed and more appropriate entry area.
Once you cross under the new Hyperion Bridge (the former Golden Gate Bridge) you enter the fantastic Carthay Circle. Among other things surrounding the circle is...
Elias & Company, a department store where you will find all your needs met.
This beautiful store fits into the new theme so well that you might almost forget your in a theme park environment. Be sure to look up when you enter and look at the chandelier.
Also around the circle is the new Fiddler, Fifer and Practical Cafe (aka Starbucks).
The line inside may be long at times, but the food and drinks are worth it.
Additionally, the expanded seating area is wonderful, great place to relax and take a little time off your feet in a busy theme park environment.
In the center of Carthay Circle sits the coolest addition to the street.
The new fountain is a great place to sit. In addition to being a soothing and relaxing spot it hides a secret. Around the base of the fountain are several pedestals which have decorative grates. Concealed within are speakers which help to add period music to the area, and help amplify the sounds of parades and street performers.
The icon of the street is of course the Cathay Circle Theater Restaurant.
Modeled after the real Carthay Circle Theater, the place where Walt Disney premiered Snow White, it now houses an upscale dinning location as well as a a lounge dedicated to Club 33 members.
One of these days I might get around to eating there.
Of course the new "hub" area would not be complete without a special tribute the man and mouse that help start the whole thing. The new statue depicts a young Walt & Mickey as they would appear back in 1923, when Walt first came to California. A perfect picture spot.
There are many many more details around Buena Vista Street that help to make it a truly engrossing experience, just like its counterpart in Disneyland. Be sure to take some time when you walk down the street to notice the details.
In the future I will be posting more photos of the area.
And coming soon...
videos of some of the street entertainment.
