Disneyland Resort (DL, DLR, DCA) Discussion Thread

[DATman]

Well, it's about time for them to put the Mickey face on the Funwheel, so I bet the crane is for that.

[ghost007jas]

I didn't have a big problem maneuvering through the park, no more so than usual anyway. The knowledge that this will all the construction will be worth it in the end makes it all seem less "irritating" and more exciting.

 

I'm disappointed I missed the crane though!

[John Peck]

The crane's location is shown in the picture I posted a couple posts above.

 

I had a feeling you were going to say that!

 

Its wild of how close it looked to the right of the park in the webcam shots, I could have sworn it was right next to the S&S Tower from that perspective. Funny that!

 

Do you think they need a crane of that size because they are going to stretch it over the bay construction when the add the Micky Face? Is that what they are doing?

[Sir Clinksalot]

From the picture that gotdane posted, it looks like a giant sling-shot. Maybe that's how they are gonna take out the surrounding hotels so they have more room for expansion.

[robbalvey]

I didn't have a big problem maneuvering through the park, no more so than usual anyway. The knowledge that this will all the construction will be worth it in the end makes it all seem less "irritating" and more exciting.

How often do you visit, though? For me, I visit DLR about once ever 12 to 18 months and the amount of construction was annoying for me.

 

I can see it being less annoying to someone who is a regular and has adapted to the changes, but to someone who is a less frequent visitor, I can tell you it was frustrating to get around some areas towards the back of the park.

 

--Robb "Imagine how it would be for a first time visitor." Alvey

[FitchCoaster]

Yeah, I'd totally be disappointed if I was a first-time visitor. Hopefully all this work will pay off in the end, because it would be really disappointing if it doesn't.

 

I'm actually really glad that Disneyland started doing the "2fer for Southern California Residents" thing because I would definitely not pay a full ticket price for California Adventure at its current state. I wonder, did they start doing this whole 2fer deal to maintain park attendance during all the construction that is going on?

[Mechanic]

^ It seems to me that the 2fer deal has been going on for almost forever, and was in effect way before any of this recent construction began.

[FitchCoaster]

^ Really?! Wow, maybe I just didn't really pay attention until recently, haha. I had a feeling that they've been doing it for awhile now, but I wasn't sure.

[ghost007jas]

I didn't have a big problem maneuvering through the park, no more so than usual anyway. The knowledge that this will all the construction will be worth it in the end makes it all seem less "irritating" and more exciting.

How often do you visit, though? For me, I visit DLR about once ever 12 to 18 months and the amount of construction was annoying for me.

 

I can see it being less annoying to someone who is a regular and has adapted to the changes, but to someone who is a less frequent visitor, I can tell you it was frustrating to get around some areas towards the back of the park.

 

--Robb "Imagine how it would be for a first time visitor." Alvey

 

About once every four months, so I suppose I am a regular - at least more so than people who visit every two years! (I've been in that boat before my So Cal days :S).

 

I can see the problem, however this is the best time for Disney to do this! With the recession and everything going on, less people will be visiting the parks than usual, and as I can't think of a better way to do what they're doing... I suppose it's just a grin and bear it kind of thing!

[Guest]

Heres a few pics from tonight:

 

 

 

[the ghost]

Hell Yeah, with a crane that big we are definitly getting a Rocket or Hyper.

 

Also, I will try to get some pics this weekend. More importantly, has anyone seen anything with cars land, i was surprised during my last visit, because the land does not seem that big and looks very flat. Of course, Disneyland is one of the few places with completely man made mountains and stuff. Also, is Route 66 racers a coaster? cause Test Track is not one, although many people think it is.

[RCFreak]

^Good lord for the last time no one thinks Test Track is a freakin coaster. And nope it'll be the same (if not improved) non-coaster, but still a thrill ride system that started with Rocket Rods and evolved into Test Track and Journey to the Center of the Earth.

 

man that crane is ugly though. Can't wait for some of this to finally start cleaning up (even if I do go a few times a month!)

[Rocket Rodder]

I went a couple weeks ago. The vibe I got from the place was a strange one. "Pardon our *dust cloud in distance* .... duet.... Oh yeah... 'Have a magical day! " "

 

Whatever is going to happen to DCA... I'm going to have mixed feelings. I'll be a little sad because it won't be the same anymore.... but at the same time I'm excited for what changes will happen.

EDIT: Throughout all those pictures, the lovely Intamin still shines through!

 

 

And OMG That crane is HUGE!

[ghost007jas]

^ Do you really have a strong emotional attachment to the park's former state? I've been going to the park since it opened, and I must admit that while I do enjoy the park, it's nothing near and dear to my heart.

 

Of course I must not assume that my feelings are the only ones when it comes to this project, but I would think that since nothing is being removed (well, supposedly) that no tears should be shed. Right?

 

I just saw some pictures over at MiceChat, and it looks like there may now be a credit card option for the boardwalk games (which open soon I believe!).

Thanks futureImagineer183! You can see the little machines next to where the player sits.

[robbalvey]

Do you really have a strong emotional attachment to the park's former state? I've been going to the park since it opened, and I must admit that while I do enjoy the park, it's nothing near and dear to my heart.

And IMO, I don't really see that changing much either.

 

While I totally welcome the new rides - Toy Story Mania, Carsland, and Mermaid, I honestly don't see the park being *that* much better when it's all said and done than it is now, the only difference being they may have a few more interesting rides.

 

But thematically, what exactly are they adding that contributes or helps with the "California Adventure" theme? From what I can tell nothing.

 

The park in it's "future state" is still just as dis-jointed and a mess as it is in it's original state.

 

Now, if they end up revealing a new direction for the park like another "Disney's Hollywood Studios" then all these new additions make a lot more sense and the theme of the park would be a bit more cohesive.

 

But as "Disney's California Adventure" I fail to see how taking ears off the roller coaster and adding Mickey to the Sun Wheel is going to make ANY improvements at all.

 

Or re-theming Mullholland Madness, or re-theming Orange Stinger, or adding trolley's to the park. (Or sorry, that's right, that's what California-ness they are adding...trolly's and a theater building that most people were not familiar with.)

 

I went into the "Blue Sky Cellar" and I came away thinking it's all "more of the same" and what we have now is pretty sub-par in comparision to other Disney parks.

 

At the end of the day we'll have a slightly "beefed up" California Adventure, but seriously, how much are they going to polish this turd?

 

Don't get me wrong, I don't hate the park at all... in fact I'd much rather visit DCA than AK or DSP, I just don't think their 1.1 bazillion dollar re-hab is going to make THAT much of a difference.

 

--Robb

[Sir Clinksalot]

I agree, they REALLY need to ditch the "California Adventure" name and go with some kind of "Studios" park.

 

I mean, to be honest, there is only 1 ride in the park that you couldn't currently re-theme to a movie, and that would be "Soarin' over CA".

 

Grizzly you could EASILY theme to "DisneyNature" or something.

Screamin' could get it's long-rumored Villians make-over.

Maliboomer could get some kind of Incredibles or something make-over.

The rest of the rides in the area are already going to be tied to a movie theme.

The Wharf area could EASILY lose the Bread/Tortilla Tour, link those two buildings and build some kind of walk-through or dark ride. The Wharf itself looks like so many movies anyway, it wouldn't stick out at all.

There are no more sponsorships left for the winery so that's not an issue, although I'd personally like the wine bar, etc to stay.

 

The new area is ENTIRELY based on a movie, and didn't even take place in CA.

 

I just don't get the insistence on sticking with the "California" theme. It hasn't worked, it doesn't make sense. They are making the same mistakes trying to make a disjointed theme work just because some "genius" came up with the name.

 

I wonder if the reluctance to change the name of the park has to do with the "Grand Californian" which is actually quite popular. I don't think you would have to change the name of the hotel to be honest. Especially if that area is still "Redwood Themed".

[John Peck]

While I totally welcome the new rides - Toy Story Mania, Carsland, and Mermaid, I honestly don't see the park being *that* much better when it's all said and done than it is now, the only difference being they may have a few more interesting rides.

 

I wanted to throw my 2¢ in here as well...

 

Where in most cases, the park wont be much different as a whole, the aggressive addition of Brands and Characters is really what is going to change the feeling of this park. The Mickey on the Wheel will Scream Disney more now, and though they are losing the Ears on the coaster, it clashes a little with the new Boardwalk Themeing. I wouldn't have mined a redesign of those ears.

 

C.A. felt like it had no magic when I went in 2002, but it had a lot more in 2008. When I go to the Tower of Terror or Bugs Land or Monster ride, it feels more like what Disney should be, and these changes will help to bring it through the whole park.

 

I see CA being "Much better" after these changes because it will feel like it has the Disney Magic many have come to expect with Disneyland, I just didn't think they needed to spend over a Billion Dollars to achieve that.

 

Why couldn't they have added a few NEMO Characters to the Jumping Jelly Fish?

 

Animal Kingdom felt like this to me as well outside of the Minni/Mickey Land, but its getting better. Epcot is adding more Disney Brand into it as well, but it never felt Non-Disney to me because of the technology that "felt" Disney.

 

Once these changes are made here at CA, I hope their next addition is another large show, maybe bigger than the Festival of the Lion King only with say, Toy Story Characters.

[Jive]

That crane looks like it's for reach and not height.

[Electerik]

But thematically, what exactly are they adding that contributes or helps with the "California Adventure" theme? From what I can tell nothing.

 

That's an interesting position that had never really occurred to me. As important as theming is to me, I never thought of it all tying together with the overall theme/name of the park as being all that critical.

 

How do you feel about Islands of Adventure? (Which in my view, is five really well-themed areas, that don't have much relation to each other, united under a rather generic name.) I personally love it, but from a big picture standpoint, it could just as easily be described as "disjointed."

 

At the end of the day we'll have a slightly "beefed up" California Adventure, but seriously, how much are they going to polish this turd?

 

Don't get me wrong, I don't hate the park at all... in fact I'd much rather visit DCA than AK or DSP, I just don't think their 1.1 bazillion dollar re-hab is going to make THAT much of a difference.

 

I agree that DCA is better than DHS or DAK (and I might even throw in Epcot!) I still wish it didn't exist--but only so that Disneyland would still just be Disneyland. But, judged by itself, I thought it was a fairly decent park.

 

I'm not defending the overall theme. "California Adventure" is kind of nothing-ish as a concept. But is "Disneyland" (as a theme) really any more coherent?

[BeemerBoy]

But thematically, what exactly are they adding that contributes or helps with the "California Adventure" theme? From what I can tell nothing.

 

That's an interesting position that had never really occurred to me. As important as theming is to me, I never thought of it all tying together with the overall theme/name of the park as being all that critical.

 

Same here. I never really considered a simple theme change towards "studios this or that" as the possible overall solution, but it really would work better. I mean if you want to split hairs, if Carsland becomes reality, then isn't that more of Arizona Adventure anyway.

[Sir Clinksalot]

I'm not defending the overall theme. "California Adventure" is kind of nothing-ish as a concept. But is "Disneyland" (as a theme) really any more coherent?

 

"Disneyland" was never the "Theme". That's why there are the "Themed Lands". (Main St, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Adventureland, etc).

 

What kind of theme is "The Golden State"??? And what exactly do bugs have to do with it???

[Electerik]

"Disneyland" was never the "Theme". That's why there are the "Themed Lands". (Main St, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Adventureland, etc).

 

What kind of theme is "The Golden State"??? And what exactly do bugs have to do with it???

 

Hey, California has bugs in it!

 

Okay, it's a fair point. The individual lands of Disneyland are more coherent and make more sense than those of DCA. But still, based on what you've said above, it seems that you would agree that Disneyland never even tried to have an overall theme. So is that better or worse than DCA not succeeding in having one?

 

I guess what I'm saying is, if DCA were called "Construction Wall Park," would we be lauding it as a triumph of consistent theming?

 

California Adventure really doesn't "mean" anything. But, really, neither does "Disneyland." And if we're going to go after DCA for it, we should really be tearing Epcot a new one!

[ghost007jas]

It's true, the California theme has always been a problem. I've discussed this several times with friends and family members in order to try to understand what in the hell they were thinking when they decided to build a California theme park.. in California!

 

This is what we came to, they were going to attempt to market the park as an "alternative" to traveling up and down the state to out of town tourists (mostly those from Japan, who are known to do this sort of thing). I believe they thought if they had all these little pieces of California, then why would people need to travel another few hundred miles to see them, right?

 

Of course if this is indeed what they were trying to do, did they not consider the hundreds of thousands of Californians that you know.. live here?

 

Just my theory.

 

And I always thought this retheme was going to focus more on Walt Disney's California Adventures, if you see what I mean. Focusing more on the California that Walt saw when he got off the train, or what have you. I think that if they do that right it could really tie a lot of things together.

 

Robb, while people may not be completely familiar with the theater itself, everyone is familiar with the "old hollywood" feel that Southern California supposedly used to have. And hell, at least it would be an immersive theme! I certainly can't say the same about the.. less than ideal areas that the park has right now - except for the Hollywood Studios area.

 

So to wrap that all up, I believe that...

 

-The California theme was never a good idea.

-The re-theme will focus on Walt's Adventures in California.

-That this re-theme to the park will tie a lot of stuff together.

-That this re-theme will actually create an immersive environment, not an empty experience.

 

Just my two cents!

[Sir Clinksalot]

^^ Yes, right now "Construction Wall Park" would be a great name, at least for the Paradise Pier area.

 

But yes, I'll agree. "Disneyland" itself never tried to have one theme. It wasn't really until what, Disney MGM that Disney built a park with a singular theme (movies). Even EPCOT had the Future and World Showcase.

 

The themes at Disneyland and the other MK parks just work. There are definative themed "area's" and if there weren't, it wouldn't work. But IMO, they do work.

[Wes]

Blow up the entire place and put a volcano with a lava monster.