It seems from the moment its gates opened, California Adventure became the punchline to a number of jokes. With the management changes that came with the Pixar buyout, it wasn’t long before California Adventure’s problems were addressed and the verdict was: complete overhaul. New rides. More immersion. Better everything. Apparently….
Disney’s World of Color
During my last visit to California Adventure, I was instantly intrigued by the huge hole in front of Paradise Pier that was baracaded by wooden fences tall enough to corral a T-Rex.
This is the new home to Disney’s World of Color, California’s new nighttime spectacular. The show is meant to be a fireworks and pyrotechnics extravaganza that will highlight classic Disney animation. And honestly, looking at the concept art, you might be reminded of Fantasmic. Whether or not the two will be similar is unclear at this point. And there’s been speculation on several Disney forums that the new Mickey’s Fun Wheel will become a part of the experience. Of course, that’s just speculation, but it should be interesting to see what Disney turns out here.
Complete Paradise Pier Revamp
Paradise Pier is going to get a complete Disney make-over. That’s right. Gone is the Santa Monica Pier look. This new revision will instate some of the Victorian theming more familiar with Walt Disney World’s Grand Floridian Hotel. Only with a complete Disney look. The already mentioned Mickey’s Fun Wheel has already made its appearance along the pier. Mulholland Madness, the current coaster that snakes around the Pier will become Goofy’s Ski School, taking its theme and new story from the classic Disney cartoon in which Goofy learns to ski. And the generic Orange Stinger will become the Silly Symphony Swings which will take on the theme of the classic musical cartoons.
The Little Mermaid Ride
Finally! A new dark ride. Say what you will, but fans have been asking when a new dark ride worth the wait would appear. More than likely, if you purchased the Little Mermaid DVD that was released recently, you got a taste of the Little Mermaid Ride with a “preview” of a, as then, scrapped attraction concept.
Cars Land
One of the biggest expansions to California Adventure involves “Cars Land”, an entire land themed around the Pixar film, “Cars”. 12 acres in size, Cars Land will incorporate a new E-Ticket ride, Radiator Springs Racers which will have guests zipping through canyons among curves and embankments, likely much in the same style as the more hairraising portions of Test Track at Epcot. There will also be a Cars Land Drive-In Restaurant which sounds a lot like Sci-Fi Dine In Theater at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
HollywoodLand
The Hollywood Pictures Backlot will be revamped into Hollywoodland, themed in the style of classic Hollywood. This area will become host to special events as well as screenings.
Buena Vista Street
Sunshine Plaza will become Buena Vista Street and will imitate the look of Los Angeles during the 1920s. This area will feature Red Trolley Cars and a replica of the Carthay Circle Theater.
So, you can see that California Adventure is getting quite the (much needed) overhaul. What would you like to see at California Adventure?
