Disney’s California Adventure-it’s all grown up now.

Just returned from a quick trip to check out the Grand Re-opening of Disney’s California Adventure. I’ve been going to DCA since it opened in 2001 and I’ve watched the recent ~4year overhaul, or Disneyfication of DCA. When it opened in 2001, the park was a Celebration of the State of California. I always liked the elements of California, but I also felt that DCA was lacking. Over the past few years Disney has decided to move DCA into a Celebration of Disney, primarily Disney’s movies. I was a sad to hear that the Golden Gate Bridge at the front was coming down, but the new entrance is stunning and a vast improvement over the old one. It feels like DCA has grown up. The new main street replicating a 1920’s Buena Vista Blvd is very nice. It something to stroll and enjoy. At the end of Buena Vista Blvd is Carthay Circle a new restaurant that ads a nice element to the end of the street. Right across the circle from Carthay Circle is the first Starbucks ever in a Disney park, this is a welcome addition. Yay for Starbucks at Disneyland.

A view of the new DCA main street, with the Golden Gate bridge gone

Here’s a view from 2009 of the old DCA

Further down the street looking at Carthay Circle

Looking down Hollywood Blvd.

Pacific Electric Trolley Car that runs from Hollywood Blvd to Buena Vista Blvd.

Carthay Circle at night

Fountain at the end of Buena Vista St.

A view at the new entrance to DCA at night

Cars Land is the other new section of DCA. Its stunning! It feels like you step into the movie! Every detail is there. There are three rides, Radiator Springs Racers, Luigi’s Flying Tires and Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree. Radiator Springs Racer’s is the gem here and where the crowds are at. It’s based on the GM Test Track from Epcot, but different. It’s fun and fast! Luigi’s Flying tires is surprisingly fun!. I didn’t try out Mater’s ride.

Entrance to Cars Land

Flo’s V8 Cafe

Radiator Springs

More Radiator Springs

The finish line of the Radiator Springs Racers

Main Street of Cars Land

Stanley

Luigi’s Flying Tires

The Racers

Radiator Springs

More photos can be seen here: http://www.sandquistphotography.com/Family/Trips/Disneyland-June2012-Carsland

I have always enjoyed DCA, but would always want to duck over to Disneyland for a few hours, never wanting to spend a whole day there, but now I think that’s possible. DCA has grown up.