Editor's Report: First Impressions
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Please keep in mind, everything here is written based on a preview of Disney's California Adventure. The park doesn't open until February 8th and everything is subject to change. It's possible that some of the experiences I had were incomplete or will be changed before the park opens.
The Trip
Thanks to a relative, I had the opportunity to attend the first Cast Member preview of
Disney's California Adventure on January 7th. The park was open from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00
p.m. and we spent all of those 8 hours in the park. Our journey started in the Entry Plaza
then our first stop was Condor Flats to ride California Soarin'. Next was Grizzly River
Run then a short stop at the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail. Then it was on to Paradise
Pier to look around, but not ride anything though we did play around with one of the water
play areas.
Then it was on to Pacific Wharf to check out the Mission Tortilla Factory tour and the Boudin Bakery tour and then to Disney's Steps in Time at the Hyperion Theater. Afterwards we had lunch at Hollywood & Dine and got in line for Superstar Limo. Unfortunately, it broke down before we got on so we headed to Muppet*Vision 3D to check out the queue (but didn't actually do the attraction since we've experienced it at Walt Disney World). Then it was back to the Golden State and the Bay Area to see Golden Dreams.
Next up was Disney's Eureka! The California Adventure Parade then a walk through more of Paradise Pier to get a close-up view of California Screamin' and King Triton's Carousel (but again, we didn't ride). Then it was back to Hollywood for Disney Animation and finally back in line for Superstar Limo - which again broke down before we could ride. Finally it was back to the Entrance Plaza to browse through � some shops and say goodbye to DCA - for now.
Before I go into a few details, I have to say I had a wonderful time. I enjoyed the new park immensely. Now I make no bones about the fact I'm an Annual Passholder who loves to just hang out at Disneyland enjoying the scenery, the atmosphere and the food. I do love the rides, but just don't go on them all that much. I think DCA will be a great park for people like me. For the average tourist ... I'll let others comment on that. It's been a long, long time since I've been an average tourist at Disneyland. Be sure to read some of our other articles over the next few weeks, our discussion boards and our DCA Attraction Guide for many opinions from a wide variety of people on whether or not DCA is a good park for you.