Disney California Adventure Grand Reopening June 15, 2012

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Disney California Adventure Grand Reopening

To all who come to this place of dreams…Welcome!
Disney California Adventure celebrates the spirit of optimism and the promise of endless opportunities, ignited by the imaginations of daring dreamers such as Walt Disney and those like him who forever changed – and were forever changed by – the Golden State. This unique place embraces the richness and diversity of California…its land, its people, its stories and, above all, the dreamers it continues to inspire.

Dedicated February 8, 2001
Michael D. Eisner

Rededicated June 15, 2012
Robert A. Iger

Today was the day. The day that so many have planned and dreamed and worked so hard to achieve – the Grand Reopening of Disney California Adventure. It was a special moment when Bob Iger spoke the magic words and welcomed everyone to the new Disney California Adventure.

After the ceremony it was time to let the fans into the park, many of whom had waited in line all night. Cast members led them down Buena Vista Street toward Cars Land.

Disney California Adventure Grand Reopening

And then into Cars Land amidst much cheering as many saw it for the first time. They were held momentarily near the end of the street…

Disney California Adventure Grand Reopening

…And then they jubilantly entered the queue for Radiator Springs Racers.

Disney California Adventure Grand Reopening

I have to give the Disney cast members a lot of credit – it was rather chaotic, but it was orderly chaos (yes, I know that’s a contradiction in terms). Disney had plenty of people to direct the flow and keep things from getting out of hand – they did a great job. A look at the queue at 9:44 a.m. (and this wasn’t the end of the line!)

Disney California Adventure Grand Reopening

Fastpasses were long gone by 10:30.

Disney California Adventure Grand Reopening

A look down Route 66 at 10:30. I have to admit that the crowds weren’t as bad as I had expected – you could still move up and down the street.

Disney California Adventure Grand Reopening

Another new show started today: Instant Concert – Just Add Water. It’s a daytime fountain show in Paradise Bay, starring Maestro Goofy and the Paradise Bay Fountain Performers. Shows are schedule approximately hourly from 11:00-5:00. The shows are 4-5 minutes long. Here’s Deb’s clip from the first show, featuring the musical selection Hungarian Rhapsody #2. It was a fun show.

The Premier issue of the Buena Vista Bugle (available at newsstands all around Buena Vista Street) celebrated the opening of the Carthay Circle Theater.

Disney California Adventure Grand Reopening

There was a lot going on at Disneyland today, too – the Matterhorn re-opened and the climbers returned, the Voices of Liberty premiered in the Opera House, but that will be the topic for another blog.

Here’s another night shot from Cars Land – it’s so beautiful at night that I just can’t resist!

Disney California Adventure Grand Reopening

Congratulations to everyone involved in creating the new Disney California Adventure. As a Disney fan I want to thank you for your vision and your wholehearted dedication to this amazing project. I think Walt would be proud.

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Laura Gilbreath is a native of San Diego, CA. She has been making the trek up Interstate 5 to Disneyland since she was a small child and terrified of talking tikis and hitchhiking ghosts. She and her husband Lee enjoy trips to Disneyland and Walt Disney World, as well as sailings on the Disney Cruise Line.

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2 Replies to “Disney California Adventure Grand Reopening June 15, 2012”

  1. What a great story! I would have loved being there as my last time was around 40 years ago! To be at a Disney park when something as big as this is occuring would have put me in awe. I am just loving the attention to detail Disney has put into everything they construct.