Disney California Adventure

Here We Are

Buena Vista Street, Disney California Adventure

Sunday marked the fifth anniversary of “Tours Departing Daily.” Can you believe it’s been 5 years?

In some ways it’s crazy to think that we’ve been at this for that long, but when I look back at all the pictures we’ve taken, the experiences, the people we’ve met, the hours and money invested, it feels like forever. It’s kind of like being married in a way. It’s hard to remember a time before this. A time before we were taking pictures at Disneyland and sharing them on the internet.

Afternoon Fly ‘n’ Buy

Condor Flats, Disney California Adventure

With the closure of Condor Flats, an afternoon Fly ‘n’ Buy is no longer possible. I imagine the shop itself will remain, rebranded to the Grizzly Peak theme. There must be merchandise, after all. It would be cool if some national parks stuff snuck its way in.

Gold, Timber and Twilight

Disney California Adventure, Grizzly Peak

The Grizzly Peak area remains one of my favorite in the whole of the Disneyland Resort. I’m really looking forward to seeing how the re-themed Condor Flats will transition in. It’s a logical move. Condor Flats has felt a little awkward since the DCA 2.0 launched, lost somewhere in an ambiguously defined time period for the park.

Oswald the Lucky Rabbit Debuts

Buena Vista Street, Disney California Adventure

Oswald the Lucky Rabbit made his meet and greet debut at Disney California Adventure on Sunday. I wish I could say that I’d planned it that way because I’m just that good but the timing was really a happy accident. We were there primarily to celebrate my dad’s birthday. My dad is a big kid at heart who happens to be a huge Oswald fan, so he was thrilled to see his favorite lucky rabbit. When he’s excited about something, he’s got the kind of joy that glows. I love that about him.

Carthay Circle Restaurant Night

Buena Vista Street, Disney California Adventure

The view of Carthay Circle Restaurant from Hollywood Land is unexpected and unique. The way the tower lines up and peeks over the balcony is seamless. The tiled walkway glistens from the delicate glow of the light fixtures hanging above. The reddish hue almost seems to convey a red carpet premiere as it guides you to the entrance. I frequently find myself pausing here to take in the rich and often peaceful atmosphere. It’s no surprise that Buena Vista Street continues to maintain its charm.

California Screamin’ Sunset

Disney California Adventure, Paradise Pier

One of my favorite sunsets is a California Screamin’ sunset. Its placement in Disney California Adventure was really well thought out to have the Western horizon as its backdrop. There’s just something so California about looking into the array of colors above Paradise Pier to see the silhouette of arms lifted high from a roller coaster train. A second-hand thrill is not a bad alternative, especially if you’re too busy taking pictures to actually ride anything.