Our day started off rough, running late getting to Disneyland, getting in an accident in Anaheim, having to tow our car back to Bakersfield and missing our scheduled time slot to this event we had been so excited to attend for several months, was not the way we’d hope this would go.
We have all had our bad service experiences with select cast members, but on this day, the real Disney service shined. Not only were they kind enough to let us in to the event, they gave us tickets to a World of Color show that night. Inside the lands we visited, the cast members were the model of smiles and kindness. Being taken back to 1920s Los Angeles in Buena Vista Street and completely immersed in one of the most intricately designed lands I’ve ever seen from Disney, was exactly what we needed that day. Needless to say, this park has become something truly special.
This is by no means an exhaustive play-by-play of Disney’s huge expansion to an already-great theme park. I just wanted to share some of the photos we gathered on the day. I hope to post more soon. Also with a video.
I hope you enjoy the pictures! Try to visit this place soon.. It is really amazing.
Oswald's Gas and Oil - Buena Vista Street
- Oswald's Gas. First thing on the left when you enter Buena Vista Street. Homage to Walt Disney's first animated animal (yes before Mickey Mouse!), Oswald The Lucky Rabbit. Oswald has been getting more exposure in the last few years thanks to one of Bob Iger's first moves as CEO.. Buying the rights to Oswald, so he can live where he belongs!
Los Feliz Five and Dime - Buena Vista Street
- Los Feliz Five and Dime is the old "Greetings From California" building.. so it's BIG! Disney really took there time in these shops. The attention to detail is amazing. True Imagineering at work. Five and Dime is a large gift store selling T-shirts, hats, fleece, figurines, souvenirs and more.
Los Feliz Five and Dime - Buena Vista Street
- Here are some of the new items they now sell in Los Feliz Five and Dime.
Los Feliz Five and Dime
- Some more merchandise in Los Feliz Five and Dime.
Red Car Trolley - Buena Vista Street
- We were greeted with the soon-to-be-famous Red Car Trolley. You can also see the Craftsman styled waiting area, quoting the design that Frank Lloyd Wright helped pioneer.. and was so heavily used in California.
Red Car Trolley - Buena Vista Street
- The Red Car Trolley sign and Oswald's seen on Buena Vista Street - Disney California Adventure
The Sepulveda Building - Buena Vista Street
- Another Los Angeles reference named building.. This building didn't used to have a name in the old DCA.. but now the Locker and Bathroom building is called The Sepulveda building. On the front there is a sign that says "Lessing, Kamen and James Counselors at Law".. probably names important to Disney heritage. Just like the named windows in Main Street USA.
Mortimer's Market - Buena Vista Street
- Most people who are familiar with older Disney cartoons know who Mortimer Mouse is, but can't associate his name with his face. "Mortimer" was originally intended to be Mickey's name, but Walt Disney's wife Lillian thought the name made Mickey seem pompous. Look him up. :)
Buena Vista Street Messenger Service
- "Delivering messages, one message at a time." Keeping the streets alive with period dress and believed reality, I found this bike messenger riding her Tricycle, getting lost, and checking her map. It was fun to watch. Apparently, there are citizens all through Buena Vista Street who have stories to tell!
Buena Vista Street - Disney California Adventure
- A not-so-hidden Mickey.
Trolley Treats Candy Shop - Buena Vista Street
- Following in the tradition of "Candy Palace" on Main Street in Disneyland, Trolley Treats Candy shop is amazing!
Trolley Treats Candy Shop - Buena Vista Street
- The level of detail in all of Buena Vista Street is intense, to say the least. You really feel like Disney wanted to "get it right" this time. This street is here to stay! :)
Fiddler, Fifer, and Practical Cafe - Starbucks - Buena Vista Street
- Named after the 3 Little Pigs.. Fiddler, Fifer and Practical Cafe is a huge cafe designed to not only serve great food to hundreds of people, but it's also the home of Starbucks! Finally, a latte without scorched milk inside the park!
Clarabelle's Ice Cream - Buena Vista Street
- Clarabelle Cow appeared in the "Plane Crazy" short from 1928. So it's fitting that the frozen-dairy treat serving area be named "Clarabelle's."
Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop - Fisherman's Wharf
- Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shops are named exactly the same in San Francisco. When Melissa and I walked in here, our mouths dropped. It's huge, colorful and smells delicious!
Cozy Cone Motel - Cars Land
- Obviously an exact copy of what we see in the movies, but most haven't heard of Disney/Pixar's inspiration. Look up "Wigwam Motel." Even Oprah stayed there with Gayle... well almost.
Cozy Cone Motel - Cars Land
- This Cozy Cone Motel doesn't house cute, personified cars.. but instead house tasty treats! That "Pear Of Dice" soda and those Preztel bites were so good! Highly recommended! Each Cone sells something different.. Churro Bites, Chili Cone Queso, Popcone, Ice Cream Cones... and more.
Cozy Cone Motel - Cars Land
- I had to show the Orange Cone-Shaped flowers!
Radiator Springs Racers - Cars Land
- Obviously the star attraction of Cars Land, Radiator Springs Racers. This ride is so much fun! Big, awe-inspiring, fast and still has plenty of the Disney charm of the indoor rides like Peter Pan and Monster's Inc. I have a video that I will post soon showcasing this ride. Expect LOONG wait times for this.
Radiator Springs Racers - Cars Land
- True-to-Disney form, you have plenty to look at and inspect while waiting in the line.
Ramone's Body Art - Cars Land
- The backside of Ramone's Body Art right off of Route 66 and Cross Street.. at Sunset.
Route 66 Signs - Cars Land
- I could not stop taking pictures of the signs in this place. So much neon!!
Luigi's Casa Della Tires - Cars Land
- This is the entrance to Luigi's Flying Tires.
Radiator Springs Curios - Cars Land
- On Route 66 you'll find "Radiator Springs Curios" owned and run by "Lizzie." She sells all kinds of junk in there.
Hudson Hornet Racing Museum - Cars Land
- After Doc Hudson went to car nirvana, the Ornament Valley Mechanical Clinic became the Hudson Hornet Racing Museum. You can step inside to see his trophies and history. This is connected to Flo's Cafe and has more seating to sit and eat.
Cozy Cone Motel Sign - Cars Land
- I love the signs at night.
Flo's V8 Cafe - Cars Land
- This will be the new backdrop for hundreds of thousands of photos. :) Flo's Cafe is really impressive on the outside and comfortable on the inside.
Sarge's Surplus Hut - Cars Land
- Sarge's Surplus Hut
Cars Land at Dusk
- This place really is something special at sunset.
Filmore's Taste-In
- Easily-accessed, healthier-optioned snacks. Cool looking at night. :)
Mater's Junkyard Jamboree - Cars Land
- Even though this is something you can easily take the kids on, it's wildly entertaining!
Mater's Junkyard Jamboree - Cars Land
- Carthay Circle Theatre peeks out in the new Skyline at dusk.
Radiator Springs Curios at Night - Car's Land
- The glow from Luigi's illuminates the side of Lizzie's shop at night.
Flo's V8 Cafe - Cars Land
- Detail from Flo's Cafe.
Flo's V8 Cafe - Cars Land
- Some more detail of Flo's. Inside they serve good ol' American home-cooked food. We tried the "Veggie Tater Bake." So great!!
Flo's V8 Cafe - Cars Land
- Step back 60 years when you walk inside Flo's V8 Cafe. Traditional 50's decor and music, but with modern tech. Music-synced LED lighting bathes the entrance and ordering area in thick, musical, color.
Route 66 Signs At Night - Cars Land
- I can't get over the signs. :)
Route 66 Signs At Night - Cars Land
- More signs!
Cozy Cone Motel at Night - Cars Land
- Characters from Radiator Springs will pull in and park in front of the Cozy Cone for people to take pictures with.
Lightning McQueen at Night - Cars Land
- Here's Lightning McQueen heading to the Cozy Cone Motel to park for awhile. These cars really are alive. Interacting with people, Lightning revs his engine in "traffic". You feel like you're really in their town. Total escapism inside this place, especially at night.
Cozy Cone Motel with Fireworks - Cars Land
- To add to the magic of this place, you will even be able to catch the fireworks from Disneyland.
Carthay Circle Theatre at Night - Buena Vista Street
- Stunning.
Elias and Co. - Buena Vista Street
- The old "Greetings From California" is really impressive now... and pretty at night.
Chamber of Commerce - Buena Vista Street
- Not to be confused with "City Hall" on Main Street. :)
