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DCA Changes: What do you think?

Disneyland: What's your opinion on the concept art for the "new" California Adventure?

From Jack Williams
Posted February 18, 2008 at 6:18 PM
Hey, it's JW. I haven't made a thread in a long time, and I just found the perfect topic to use. Those of you that have responded to my threads in the past know that I like DCA. I know, Al Lutz and many other people think it's a waste of time, but I really love the park. It has great attractions, and tons of potential in itself. That's why I'm thrilled by the brand new concept art for the new DCA makeover, costing twice as much as the park was orginally made for. That's about as much as it cost to BUILD IOA. So I know, Disney means business. The Toy Story Mania has been in the headlines a long time, but what I'm excited about is the Cars Land, the new entry plaza (reminiscent of Disney Studios), and the Little Mermaid dark ride over in Paradise Pier. What I hope is that they tear down that awful Bug's Land place, then build the cars land right over it (it's worth it to get another E-ticket within the park). I also hope the Little Mermaid ride will transform Paradise Pier into less of a boardwalk, and maybe more of a DisneySea like area. And the entry way could blend right in with the backlot.
Now that, of course, is just my opinion. But I want to know what you all think, and what your suggestions to Disney would be. Good hunting, friends.


Comments in chronological order. Most recent at the bottom. Scroll down to respond.

From Jacque Doubleyou
Posted June 18, 2008 at 1:22 AM
I didn't know about this I can't wait to research it. I really like whatever this Little Mermaid theme is all about, however I would like to see it keep it's boardwalk appeal. It can't turn too much like Disneyland or else it will just become an extension of Disneyland.

From Rob P
Posted June 18, 2008 at 6:00 AM
Great topic and one that will certainly stimulate the creative juices.

I have to say that the Boardwalk theme at Cal Adventures doesn't quite tick the boxes for me ( unlike it's namesake in Orlando but that's something completely different I know ).

It's a shame because in California Screamin' they have a real winner.

So. How to make changes ?

I'd start by ditching the general concept that California Adventure is about what California actually is. Instead making it more about Disney's perception of California.

They may need to steal one or two ideas from their other Parks to make this work ( they already installed their own T.O.T ).

Personally I'd like to see some re-workings of lost rides like the Aerial Tramway from MK maybe. That could have a Palm Springs feel to it and tour over the whole of CalAdv and DL itself. Or a twisting and turning ride based around San Franciso's Lombard Street.( Mulholland Madness was ok but nothing special )

DL over the road already resurrected the submarines in a Nemo format but one or two watery rides would be good to supplement the already excellent Grizzly Rapids. Something along the lines of Seaworld's Atlantis but with a Fantasia feel to it.

Then ther are the ski resorts that could provide the theme for a downhill simulator ride or a Big Sur surfing ride.

I'm going to have a real good think about this poser.

From Anthony Murphy
Posted June 18, 2008 at 6:45 AM
I am not a fan of the whole reconstruction of the entry area. Other than that it sounds pretty good

From Chloe !
Posted June 22, 2008 at 6:42 PM
Well, personally i like how paradise pier is like a boardwalk but they should definitly do something about bug's land.


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