Happy 15th Anniversary, Disney California Adventure! It’s been a rough 15 years, but hey–they don’t call it an adventure for nothing! Here’s my photo essay on what I love most about Disney California Adventure.
Original mural in Guest Relations at Disney California Adventure. Featured are park symbols that no longer exist.This park map outlines the Disney California Adventure of today.Pan Pacific architectural details create a very different entrance than the CALIFORNIA entrance that marked opening day. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.Oswald’s Super Service sets the tone for Buena Vista Street, which acknowledges the very early days of Walt and Roy when they first came to California. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.The caption for this Walt and Mickey statue is Storytellers. The quotation accompanying it is from Walt: “We are just getting started…” It’s appropriate for Disney California Adventure. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.The most popular DCA attraction when it opened, it will soon become even more popular when Soarin’ Around the World opens later this year. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.Grizzly Mountain is one DCA icon that has remained solid over the years. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.An aging mill cranks rafters to the top of Grizzly Mountain for a ride down the rapids. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.The beautiful Napa Rose restaurant overlooks Disney California Adventure. Located at Disney’s Grand Californian Resort, this hotel also celebrates its 15th year of operation, and is a great place to stay when visiting DCA. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.The bright California sun highlights the Disney Animation Academy, but it’s the beautifully rendered drawings shown on the screens therein that really attracts guests. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.The attention to detail includes a lucky larger-than-life four leaf clover in Bug’s Life Land. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.Cars Land is one of the most immersive themed lands ever created by Disney. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.Even better is Radiator Springs Racers–perhaps the most immersive attraction since Pirates of the Caribbean opened in 1967. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.The facades have changed, but it still spells “fun in the sun”. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.I’m not a big roller coaster fan, but this one is truly one of my favorites. I simply giggle when I’m riding. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.Pixar’s Play Parade rolling through Hollywood Land. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.Twilight perfectly captures the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.One of the best times to be in the park is evening, as is evidenced here on Buena Vista Street. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.The focal point of Buena Vista Street, The Carthay Circle Theater, is one of my very favorite places to dine in all of the Disney parks worldwide. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.The Mad T Party nighttime event is so brilliant and so happening it should find a place at Disney Springs in Walt Disney World. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.Here’s my favorite place for a treat–Ghirardelli’s! Sundaes are perfect for enjoying Disney’s World of Color. And I love the 3D murals on the wall. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.I could make the case that Disney’s World of Color show is the best show of all evening spectaculars in all Disney parks. I love this show. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
If you haven’t been to Disney California Adventure, it is a must. It is a park completely unique to itself, and a complement to the original Disneyland next door. The only thing better than Disney California Adventure at 15 is what lays in store for the next 15.
What’s your favorite part of Disney California Adventure. Celebrate the 15th with your favorite memories!
The park’s entrance celebrating Disneyland’s Diamond Jubilee. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
