Almost every part of Disney California Adventure has experienced considerable change over the years. And that has happened to some degree in Grizzly Peak. But in truth, it’s been very little compared to the rest of the park. And that’s because this part really has held the heart of the park–and its mountainous symbol–since day one. Here we’ll summarize the original Golden State and then look at Grizzly Peak Recreation Area as it is today. Of course there’s attractions like Grizzly River Rapids and Redwood Creek Trail. But the highlight is Soarin’. We offer a tribute to all Soarin’ films but mostly Soarin’ Over California, and why that film is truly the best of all of them. We salso look at a wide range of dining experiences, some of which are not in the park, per se, but have become extensions to the park. And we talk about a metaphor for this area of the park that winds through it all like a grape vine. The details we share here aligns well with a John Muir quotation found within: “In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” Join us to see Disney Insights into Grizzly Peak at Disney California Adventure that is so much the heart of this unique park.

This podcast is produced by myself and Performance Journeys, which offers training, development and consultant support to organizations big and small and entrepreneurs new and established. With a wide variety of resources and long-time in-the-trench experience, we offer workshops, online learning, coaching and more to organizations that want to build their teams, raise organizational excellence, improve leadership and create customer loyalty. Check us out at PerformanceJourneys.com.

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The Original Golden State

• Condor Flats
• Grizzly Peak Recreation Area
• Bountiful Valley Farm
• Golden Vine Winery
• Pacific Wharf–San Fransokyo
• The Bay Area–Paradise Gardens Park

Grizzly Peak Today

At the center of this is Grizzly Peak itself. It stands much higher than Sleeping Beauty castle at 110 feet. It of course represents the California Golden Bear, found on the state’s flag. It’s difficult to see this in the park as tall as it is, often because there are trees that grow up in-between you and your view of it. That can at times make it “Bearly” visible. Occasionally, these trees are pruned to make the bear stand out, as it is a really awesome looking park symbol, even if it isn’t obvious.

Speaking of trees, this is your best choice for hot afternoons where there is plenty of shade and rest and it’s simply cooler. Plan your time correctly and you’ll walk away from it more refreshed than any other.

Grizzly Peak Airfield

Soarin’ and the entire area when you first move right near the Carthay Circle Theater was referred to as Condor Flats. It really was a celebration of the era around the late 1940s when Chuck Yeager over the Mojave Desert at Edwards Air Force Base, officially exceeding Mach 1 for the first time in history. Therefore it was sort of a desert look and feel. Eventually it was transitioned to be more in keeping with Grizzly Peak itself around the corner. That transition suggested something more around Smoke Jumpers and the aviation support that might be needed in something like the Shasta-Trinity National Forest or the High Sierras. Therefore you now see a Fire Tower out front of the attraction.

Smoke Jumper’s Grill and Humphrey’s Service & Supplies

Next door what was once Taste Pilot’s Grill is now Smokejumpers Grill. The back story is one of a hanger that has supported the Smokejumpers who have served the California National Park Service. The hanger looks like sometime from the 1940s . The story suggests that Herb and Millie, who own it, wanted to pay tribute to the local Bearpaw Basin Smokejumpers. They did this in part as a tribute to rescuing Millie and her neighbors from a fire that had threatened their homes. Herb himself not only serves up burgers but is a smokejumper himself. (in truth is Herb is a reference to Herb Ryman). Here are some other insights:

• There are posters celebrating some of Disney’s True-Life adventures such as Beaver Valley in 1950 and Bear Country in 1953. Ranger Hibler is referred to as well here. That’s a reference to the voice of the True Life Adventure films, Winston Hibler.
• There are summer signups listed for Camp Inch–known as the camp that In soliciting all to join, it states “Let’s Get Together”
• Safety reminders to the fire jumpers abound, such as one that says “Look Alive! You can be replaced by a pushbutton”
• Trash receptacles here look like barrels and state “Stash your trash: Be Bear Aware”
• Look for a badge showing one of Roald Dahl’s Gremlins, characters made for aviation materials for Disney during the 1940s and which would have been featured in a cancelled animated film.

Another nice touch was changing the Fly ‘n’ Buy retail outlet across from Soarin’ and making it into Humphrey’s Service & Supplies–named after the beloved Humphrey the Bear.

• Nature hikes are hosted by Ranger J. Audubon Woodlore–a visiting expert from Brownstone National Park. This is the ranger that puts Humphrey in its place.
• On the bulletin board a Campfire supper and movie night offers a double feature of Walt Disney’s Nature’s Half Acre” and “The Story of Perri”
• Stickers can be found on a 1950s Rambler Station Wagon touting the spectacular rainbow caverns as well as Brownstone National Park. There are hidden mickeys on the tail lights and the California license plate states RED 110 for Roy E. Disney, who worked in his career to produce and promote many of Disney’s nature films. His birthday is January 10th, or 110.
• The gas station offers premium Condor gas, a nod to the original Condor Flats
• Nearby map shows the entire Grizzly Peak area: Land of Scenic Wonders. It includes Bullwhip Griffin Trail and Camp Inch Trail from Parent Trap.
• Another sign across the way away shows, Bambi, Thumper and Flower in a drawing emphasizing “Please Mister, don’t be careless, prevent forest fires. Greater danger than ever!”
• A popcorn cart not too far away has a propeller on it with belts that suggest it is creating the popcorn.

Soarin’

The centerpiece of this area and perhaps the most popular attraction in DCA since its inception has been Soarin’. Of course there’s been several Soarin’ films. Recent years it’s been Soarin’ Around the World. And Soarin’ Across America was added to the two theater Hanger for the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. But the best film of all is Soarin’ Over California–the original film, and one that truly took you across California. This included the following:

• San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge
• White Water fun along Redwood Creek in Humboldt County
• Hot Air Ballooning Napa Valley
• Boating off of Monterey Bay Sanctuary
• Skiing at Lake Tahoe
• Yosemite Falls and hang gliding Half Dome in Yosemite National Park
• PGA West Palmer Course in the Greater Palm Springs area
• Camarillo Orange Groves and the attending scent
• Horseback Riding and Hiking across Anza-Borrego Desert State Park while Thunderbirds fly by
• Helicopter taking off of the USS John C. Stennis, Supercarrier in the Port of San Diego
• Surfing at sunset on Malibu Beach
• Driving through Downtown Los Angeles at Night
• Flying over Disneyland during Christmas with Fireworks

Most of us know the story of Mark Sumner who as an Imagineer was working with a team to figure out how to convey this experience. On one weekend he went looking for his old erector set he once had as a child. With some tinkering and a little string he came up with the idea for how to make this innovative theater system work. It’s been a favorite now, now just in Disney California Adventure, but in Epcot, Tokyo Disney Sea and in Shanghai Disneyland, each with a slightly altered ending. I prefer this one as there is an exhibit on various aviators in the queue emphasizing Howard Hughes, Jimmy Doolittle, Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart and others.

And as always, since the park first opened, a monorail slices through all of this.

Grizzly River Run

The original signature attraction of Grizzly Peak before its thematic land was widened is Grizzly River Run. The title Grizzly River Run takes advantage of the acronym that comes out of it which is “GRR.” While both have unique theming, Grizzly River Run is perhaps more unpredictable, faster, and white-water in its design. It also is a little longer than Kali, as Kali is usually under 5 minutes and River Run can be anywhere up to 7.5 minutes. Both uses turntable to board and exit. While there are many natural features in Grizzly, and you go toward the top of Grizzly Peak where the mountain forms into a bear, there are not any animatronic or even many props along the way. Kali on the other hand, has become more confusing and degraded with its story of man ruining the environment. Kali has a very intricate and detailed queue where you wind through a southeast Asian temple. Grizzly just weaves down a path overlooking the river and woods. Grizzly has a 50 foot climb with two drops, one spinning your raft as you descend. The cave is very cool, and would have been a good place for some kind of scene involving AA. Knotts has Calico River Rapids, and utilizes animals in an animatronic form. It’s considered better. And Popeye’s in Islands of Adventure offers an amazing experience as well in contrast to Kali. Its props built into the ride add to the likelihood of you getting soaked.

Shanghai Disney’s is considered the best of all three Disney rapid rides, and includes a complex Q’araq animatronic monster along the way inside the caves.

No question about it, you stand to potentially get soaked–or not–from either.

The Pelton Wheel

The Pelton Wheel serves as the explanation for how the rafts are moved up the 50 foot conveyor lift hill. “According to legend, Lester Pelton got his idea for a more powerful waterwheel from seeing a cow stick its nose into a stream of water. Patented in 1878, the divided metal caps of Pelton’s wheel worked much the same way as the deft between the cow’s nostrils, enabling water to flow out to the sides, instead of bouncing straight out at the cups. The water-powered wheel sent compressed air through pipes to drive pumps, drills, triphammer, and hoists in the mines. This simple concept proved so effective in turning the wheel faster and more efficiently that it is still used today in modern turbines around the world.” Other mechanical equipment can be found giving the illusion that the rafts are truly hauled to the top of the mountain via early mechanical means.

All of these mechanical devices was to support the Eureka Mining and Timber Company. But those activities have long been abandoned since this has been made into a protected forest. In its place recreational activities have taken advantage of these mechanical facilities. It’s all part of the backstory and messaging of this land.

Did you know that

• Oo-Soo-Ma-Te is the name of the sculptured bear. A Native American story suggests that the mountain was made from a grizzly bear who was turned to stone.
• A huge wooden interactive sculpture of Big Al from the original Country Bear Jamboree was added toward the front.
• There is a trail called Grizzly Peak Pass that goes around the back side of the attraction that is its own little gem. Carts are lined up underneath chutes ready to receive ore coming out of the mine. Here we find the Eureka Mine shaft, no longer used, except for kayak storage
• The legend and sculpture tells of Wek’-Wek, a Miwok legend that a fire was kindled at the base of a rock and when it split open a hawk by the name of Wek’-Wek emerged.
• Dryers can be found near the exit for a fee.They are referred to as Wilderness Warming Huts and have images of Humphrey in them. Up to 5 people can share a hut at one time, according to Ranger J. Audubon Woodlore. Short term lockers are complimentary.

Rushin’ River Outfitters

Next door is a fairly large retail space that again, most people look past, though they do catch the massive carved grizzly bear stationed between the store and the rapids themselves. Certain times of the year he may be holding a pumpkin bucket with mickey ears for trick or treat or wearing a huge Christmas sweater for the holidays.

Redwood Creek Trail

A lot of folks pass by Redwood Creek Trail not thinking about exploring its domain. But this is probably one of the best dedicated themed play areas in any Disney Resort. It has the spirit of Tom Sawyer Island at Disneyland, but with so many modifications on the island–especially to the Pirate Lair theme and the addition of Fantasmic, it feels watered down.

This too has evolved a little. Over the years it took on a Brother Bear aesthetic. In another time and place it offered Wilderness Explorer badges by Russell of Up. Currently with as a Mabel’s Seek & Find theme tailored to the new Disney film Hoppers. And sometimes it can be a very cool meet ‘n’ greet during the Oogie Boogie Halloween nights during that time of year, with “Elf Games” offered during the holiday to include Santa meet ‘n’ greets. Here’s some things you should know about this attraction.

Here are some other cool things to find:

• The Cliff Hanger Traverse Rock Climb allows guests–even adults– 42 inches or taller to scale
• Hoot ‘n’ Holler Slides require guests to be 32 inches or taller. Again adults invited.
• In keeping with the Smokejumpers, the swings are intended to be a smokejumper training tower. Here you have to be between 42 inches and 63 inches. Much taller and you simply drag along the way.
• One tree acts like a little version of Big Sir allowing guests to walk through it.
• Tracks are found along the trail, and a sign shows you what kind of animal it might be from mountain lions to porcupines to river otters.
• The Millennium Tree acts as timeline from its rings, noting events like John Muir, the year California became a state, to the transcontinental Gold Spike all the way back to 818 AD when the Sequoia tree first sprouted from a seed.

By the way, this entire area of Grizzly Peak is incredible during the holidays with themed lights in the form of mason jars with colorful fireflies inside. Near Grizzly Peak Airfield you find a tree with popcorn threaded along with bells, tins, and lanterns hanging. It’s all very clever.

Before leaving this area of the park, we should consider some added spaces that really extends Grizzly Peak beyond the park’s boarders. I’m speaking of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa. You may not be staying here, but it’s a great place to chill and visit. Moreover it has three dining experiences that should be considered:

Storyteller’s Cafe

Cafe is not quite the right word for this restaurant which is much bigger than a cafe and offers a buffet rather than a cafe style menu. Storytellers however does fit the bill. The Craftsman style design really plays on the idea of storytelling. The thematic design itself is all about the oral tradition of storytelling that is offered through custom artwork, rustic woodwork and the written word. Wall paintings and murals depict scenes from famous California-set books and folklore, such as John Steinbeck’s Tortilla Flat (featuring “The Pirate” and his dogs) and Mark Twain tales. Moreover, there’s a healthy dose of Disney storytelling with characters that accompany the buffet, not in regular costumes, but in story form such as Donald’s Tales of Adventure to include Humphrey Bear or Mickey’s Carol Feast featuring Scrooge McDuck as Scrooge and Goofy as Jacob Marley’s Ghost. This location is more expensive than most buffets but the food is of a greater quality as is the very cool character interactions.

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel Craftsman Bar & Grill

It’s the counter service option to those staying at the resort hotel, but make no mistake, this may be the best counter service option in the park, just not in it. Park your stroller outside, and step in. You can even mobile order your choices prior to arrival.

Napa Rose

Napa Rose is on the other side of the thorough fare when you walk into the hotel from the park. It’s also on the other side of all things culinary. Napa Rose is to the Disneyland Resort like California Grill is to Walt Disney World. It is the first real effort to take a culinary dining experience to another level–even one beyond what was being offered at The Blue Bayou.

Led by Executive Chef and Culinary Director Andrew Sutton, Napa Rose became the #2 restaurant in California by Zagat. He was also responsible for culinary design at Carthay Circle Restaurant, Club 33, 21 Royal, Steakhouse 55, and the Grand Californian Pastry Shop.

Why do they call this Napa Rose? The answer is actually found in the park on the other side of Grizzly Peak itself. Here we have to visit Wine Country Trattoria.

Wine Country Trattoria

This is actually a sprawling establishment on the other side of the mountain from most of Grizzly Peak. And it too is a dining experience. But while it faces a different direction toward the main thoroughfare and parade route, it really is part of the entire Grizzly Peak area in my opinion. Once sponsored as the Golden Vine Winery by Mondavi, they along with Wolfgang Puck who ran Avalon Cove in Paradise Pier opted out in the first eight month of operation.

The context here is about immersing oneself in the Napa Valley for wine and fresh seasonal fare all set in an idyllic Mediterranean garden setting of multiple terraces. One of these is dedicated to Magic Key holders as a lounge, and another area, Sonoma Terrace is more of a lounge in a shady outdoor terrace. Noon day it’s a little warm here, but in the afternoon shadows, it can be quite lovely.

Nearby is Golden Vine Center which is a DVC Welcome Home Center. Previously it was a preview of upcoming attractions for DCA. And before that it had a film on the making of wine called Seasons of the Vine.

So What is Napa Rose?

So why is the Napa Rose Restaurant named as such? The answer is in the vineyards that surround Wine Country Trattoria. Throughout much of the growing season, you. can see these vineyards row by row between the restaurant and the nearby falls. You may even see grapes. But look at the front of the rows, not down the row. At the front of the row are roses that have been planted. Generally they are yellow here in the vineyard, but the rose in the logo for the restaurant is more rose colored, and you can find Napa Roses of various kind.

 While in and of themselves they are very beautiful, their purpose is not centered on show. Rather, they are sentinels for the grapes that follow down the vine. You see, Napa roses are very susceptible to disease, to pests, to fungus, and to other factors that could potentially harm grapes. Farmers need not study every vine to know the status of their vineyard. Rather, they simply have to look at the Napa roses planted at the head of the row. If the roses are faring poorly, it is a sign that they need to pay attention to the grapes located in that end of the field before things become worse.

So it is in business. Leaders must be the Napa rose of their organization. They must be the sentinels that observe the trends and patterns around them. They must be on the lookout for competitors or critics to those who would threaten the well-being of their organization. Ask yourself, how can I be the Napa Rose to what’s happening in my organization.

Well as you see there is so much to see not just at Grizzly Peak and its surrounding area, but all of Disney California Adventure. Indeed all of Disneyland.

Disneyland Insights: Inspiration, Ideas & Magic for You and Your Organization

For over a year I’ve been capturing and sharing stories of Disneyland, while creating a new online tool for you to explore all of them in one place. It’s called Disneyland Insights: Inspiration, Ideas & Magic for You and Your Organization and it’s an interactive, multimedia experience. This is truly designed for those who are seeking to find new ideas that will guide you to 

1. Provide Individual & Organizational Leadership Excellence
2. Create Employee Engagement & a Team Culture
3. Offer a Superior Customer Experience

Not only does the content through examples, stories and models play to these themes, but each section provides “Souvenirs for You and Your Organization”. They are reflective questions that may be used to better the work or operation you may be lead or be part of. And in that instance, it is more of a business focus. In fact, many may utilize funding set aside in their organization for training and development to purchase this volume.

Click here to order Disneyland Insights: Inspiration, Ideas & Magic for You and Your Organization. It’s also available on the show notes page of our podcast. Whether you’re on a comfy sofa at home or on Main Street, U.S.A. this experience allows you to navigate through all nine lands to explore some 100 locations where you can find Disney insights that will be inspire and guide you and your organization. 

Books From Your Host at Disney Insights

Also, if you’re looking to grab something today, go to Amazon where you will find four of my books available for purchase. Three explore Disney at length, and one explores world class businesses to include Disney. Check them out!

My newest book, A Century of Powerful Disney Insights, Volume I 1923-1973, The Walt & Roy Disney Years is available! 

Also, check out my two of my other books, The Wonderful World of Customer Service at Disney and Disney, Leadership and You. 

Also, for those examining other business benchmarks beyond Disney, check out Lead with Your Customer: Transform Culture and Brand Into World-Class Excellence.

Thanks for joining us for this podcast. Know that as in the title of my organization, Performance Journeys, it’s as much about the journey as it is about performance. Find the second star to the right, and keep going straight on till you reach it. Follow the compass of your heart, and know that with a smile and a song, a little faith, effort and pixie dust, your dreams can come true. After all, if we can dream it, we can do it. Until next time, bright suns, we’ll see you real soon!