Disney's California Adventure
Written: May 18 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Soarin Over CA Ride, Steps In Time Show, Soap Opera Bistro
Cons: Nothing much for small chidren
The Bottom Line: I recommend this to adults and teens, but I suggest families to wait until the park grows a bit more.
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| ImAmes's Full Review: Disney's California Adventure |
Disney's California Adventure (DCA) was only open for three weeks before I graced it's large CALIFORNIA sign that marks the entrance to a whole new experience in the Disney Magic.
Upon purchasing my ticket, going through the gate, getting my parka on because of yet another day of rain, my friends and I headed to SOARIN' OVER CALIFORNIA in the Condor Flats Area-this is to your RIGHT when you walk in. I was told by my friends, who work at it's neighbor Disneyland, that this was the best ride in the park. I was incredibly excited to ride, and a bit terrified because it involved hang gliding.
The ride looks like it is in an Airplane Hanger and inside you can read about famous pilots from years gone by, which we sped past because there was no line. You are escorted into what row you will be in, three rows in all, and watch a pre-show hosted by Puddy from Seinfeld. The doors open and you sit in a chair where your legs dangle, and you are securely fastened in by a seat belt. All belongings are stored underneath you seat securely, and then the lights go off. Your row is lifted high in front of a large type IMAX screen, where you are now hanging in the air. You glide past mountains, where the smell of pine tickles your senses, and sail over the ocean where surfers play. Over meadows of grain, and groves or oranges, where you can almost taste a fresh orange. At last you sail over Los Angelos at night, and the glide over Disneyland as you get to see a spectacular fireworks show. It is the BEST RIDE in the park, and if you ever have to wait, it is WORTH it!!
Across from the ride is the Fly N' Buy Shop, so for all you Aviation Fans, this is a great place to stop!
Next we went to the Hollywood Backlot, which is on the right side of the park. Before we did anything further, it was time to eat. The Soap Opera Bistro was calling our names, and we listened. We were seated in the All My Children Wedding Scene, where a beautiful gazebo was sprinkled with crystal white lights and beautiful flowers.
I should explain, the Soap Opera Bistro is indeed the best idea I have seen in awhile! It takes three ABC Soaps, All My Children, One Life to Live, and General Hospital, and recreates the scenes for you, to dine and enjoy in!
The food, small deli type pizzas that we ordered, were delicious and affordable. The entertainment were Disney Cast Members fluffed up as Soap Stars, and getting you involved in their dramatic scenes. For example, I was someone's mistress, who had embezzled money and found her sister who she thought was dead- you get the picture. It is a fun stop to eat or just look around in!
Next it was off to see MuppetVision 3-D show. I had seen the one in Florida, so I was anxious to see if there were any differences. The only major one was the outside had alot more Muppet type things, but the pre-show and show itself were the same exactly. It is a great show for families, especially Muppet lovers like me!
Superstar Limo, or what you will call it after you ride it, Lamo, is basically something that Disney must have made after a long night of drinking. I am not sure what the concept was supposed to be, but you just sit in this cheesy looking type limo, and you drive past four celebrities in plastic, and then you get your picture taken, and then you leave- yeah, I know, lame huh?
Our next stop was the Hyperion Theater which is the best show, and only show, you will see here of Broadway Quality. Get there early to get a great seat, and there is balcony seating available as well. It is called "Steps In Time", and showcases big Disney numbers with dancing, a story plot, and Disney images to boot. It lasts about 45 minutes, and I recommend it for the whole family!
Next, and last in this section, is the Disney Animation Building. Now, I have to say right off the bat, that this is quite an impressive place, and even though it is NOT a working Animation Studio like the one in MGM, it is still something to see. The Main Hall has screens everywhere, and all of them have something to do with the music playing- very cool!
Then there are different halls you can travel, one being Mickey's Workshop. Here you can make your own comic strip, which I passed on, because I was more excited to see the Beast's Library. Here you can punch into a computer answers to questions they give, and it determines what Disney Character you are most like- I was Nala:) From there it is into Ursula's Grotto where you can add your talents to the movies, which I completely bombed at, but it's fun for the kids to try! Other wings in the Animation builing include a show with Walter Cronkite and Robin Williams, the same from MGM's, and a show with Mushu, which I couldn't see because a talk show was taping there that day. Upon leaving, here you can find some great characters, like MuShu, Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Max, and Donald.
The Sections that we went to next I am not going to go in detail about simply because they really are not quite up to snuff yet. They are summed up in the GOLDEN STATE area, but Bountiful Farms is what it says, basically crops growing outside for your amusement. You can find "ITS TOUGH TO BE A BUG 3-D SHOW" here, which is fun, but can be scary for the smaller kids, so use caution-oh, and it's the same show like the one in the Animal Kingdom in WDW. "Golden Dreams" is a show, that is beautifully done, and is something to catch once. Next to it is the Grizzly River Run, which because I was sick of being wet from the rain, I didn't bother going on this ride- BUT-it looks like a lot of fun! Also in this area is a Tortilla Factory and Bakery, where you can learn about how they make their foods, and get free samples of warm sourdough bread and a fresh tortilla at the end.
Next, and finally, is Paradie Pier. THIS is the area that has many Disney fans frowning at, because Walt was known for trying to stay away from the Carnival type rides and attractions. There are alot of rides in this area, and of course the featured one being California Screamin' Rollercoaster- my friend did go on it, and said it is the smoothest one you will ever ride. It doesn't start you up a hill, but shoots you up it- it's quite funny to watch the people's faces when they get shot out of the tunnel! As far as for small kids to do here, there is King Triton's Carousel, which is adorable in every sense of the word, and the Jellyfish Ride, which lifts them up high and drops them slowly, like a jellyfish swims. The carnival games are the same, same price, different prizes- instead of Carnival Junk, you will win Disney junk!
The stores are fun and bright, and still have the same high prices like every other Disney area you go to. You don't have to shop inside the Park if you are looking for Disney merchandise either, because right outside, in the new Disney Downtown area, they have the WORLD OF DISNEY store where anything and everything you need is there! Ask for Chester, he is the best and most helpful Cast Member there!
DCA has a long way to go before it can ever live up to any of the other Disney Parks in CA or in FL, but it definitely has potential. Would I recommend you go? I would say WAIT, until a year or so when they can add more, because for what you pay for one day at DCA, at the same price for something like Epcot, you will get more for your money at Epcot or any other Disney Park right now.
Recommended:
Yes
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ImAmes
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Member: Amy Joy
Location: Midwest
Reviews written: 174
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Love cures people- both the ones who give it and those who recieve it.
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