More Details Emerge For DCA Entrance Makeover

From the LA Times:

An intense, 16-month construction project designed to transform the Disney California Adventure entryway from a nondescript strip mall into a circa-1920s Los Angeles streetscape will begin in earnest Jan. 4.

As part of an ongoing, $1.1 billion makeover, the sweeping and extensive reimagineering will wall off 4 acres of the main entrance between the C-A-L-I-F-O-R-N-I-A letters, Sunshine Plaza, Grizzly Peak and Hollywood Studios Backlot. The remade entryway, dubbed Buena Vista Street, will be designed to evoke the era when a young Walt Disney first arrived in Los Angeles.

After the winter holiday season ends, construction walls will go up around the iconic C-A-L-I-F-O-R-N-I-A letters Jan. 4 so that crews can turn the plaza area into Streamline Moderne turnstiles modeled after the former Pan-Pacific Auditorium in Los Angeles.

Read on over at the LA Times Website…

DCA Expansion, Phase 2?

The LA Times posted an interesting story about a possible second phase to DCA’s major overhaul.

As Disney California Adventure reaches the midway point of a $1.1-billion expansion, I’d like to take a speculative look at what Walt Disney Imagineering might have in mind for Phase 2 of the massive renovation project. DCA’s extreme makeover was necessitated by the on-the-cheap, off-the-shelf nature of the nearly decade-old theme park that even Disney Chief Executive Bob Iger now calls “mediocre.” Phase 1, which began in 2008, fixes about a third of the flawed park. What I’m interested in looking at here are the possibilities for the other two-thirds. What follows is a land-by-land compilation of possible attractions and thematic changes for Phase 2: Most of the proposed plans that have come to light remain firmly in the “what if” stage. In some cases, Disney announced and then postponed attractions. In other instances, the ideas have filtered out into the online community. In all circumstances, Disney remains officially mum, guarding future projects as closely held secrets. Quite naturally, any sequel to the wholesale reimagineering of DCA remains contingent on the success of Phase 1, which wraps up in 2012. So far, the crowds have responded positively to the uptick in quality (Toy Story Midway Mania dark ride), spectacle (“World of Color” water show) and attention to detail (Silly Symphony Swings wave swing). And the best is yet to come. Crews have broken ground on Phase 1 projects that demonstrate Disney’s commitment (the $100-million Voyage of the Little Mermaid dark ride), ambition (the 12-acre Cars Land) and heritage (Buena Vista Street entry plaza). Mouse watchers believe if Phase 1 continues to pay dividends, Iger will pony up more money for Phase 2 starting in 2013. The operative word here is “if.” So far nothing has been announced for Phase 2, but Imagineers have been busy dusting off old plans and dreaming up new ideas for the re-emergent Anaheim theme park. As any Disney fan knows, these “blue sky” proposals can change repeatedly over the course of development – and many never see the light of day.

You can read on over at the LA Times Website.

Date Set for CALIFORNIA Letters Removal

From the Disney Parks Blog:

As we look forward to 2011, we are excited to share that we are making great progress on the expansion of Disney California Adventure park. The year 2010 has been very exciting. In June, we made a big splash with “World of Color,” the nighttime spectacular that is wowing guests every night. On October 29, we reached an exciting milestone with Cars Land with the topping out of the Cadillac Mountain range – about 125 feet in the air. And, many of you have seen The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure and Goofy’s Sky School coming to life along the parade route. Both are scheduled to open in 2011 along with new restaurants and shops as we finish the entire Paradise Pier expansion.

Now, as we move toward a new year, expansion continues. In January, our efforts move to the front of the park.

The 'CALIFORNIA' Letters at Disney California Adventure Park

On Jan. 4, we will begin making way for a new entrance modeled after the legendary Pan-Pacific Auditorium. This means, the “CALIFORNIA” letters will be removed, and we plan to save these icons for possible future use. Now’s the time to get your photos!

Artist Rendering of the Disney California Adventure Main Entrance Area

As this work continues, we are making adjustments to the Disney California Adventure Main Entrance area, including relocation of some Guest service areas. We’ll keep you informed about those here on the Disney Parks Blog as soon as we have specific dates and locations.

Rendering of Los Angeles in the 1920s

Also on Jan. 4, we will begin the transformation of the Sunshine Plaza area into Buena Vista Street inside the Main Entrance. When complete, it will represent Hollywood as it was when Walt Disney arrived on the west coast in the 1920s.

Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more updates as the expansion continues.

New “World of Color” Prix Fixe Lunch Menu at Wine Country Trattoria

From the Disney Parks Blog:

'World of Color'

Beginning Nov. 26, Wine Country Trattoria will offer a “World of Color” prix fixe menu for lunch, which also includes reserved viewing for Disney’s “World of Color.” Reservations may be made by calling 714-781-DINE.

Take a look at the menu below. It looks fantastic to me!

Starters

  • Salad: Arugula, Fennel, Red Onion, Spiced Walnuts, and Goat Cheese with a Fig-Balsamic Dressing OR
  • Chef’s Soup Selection


Entrees

  • Tuscan Salad with Grilled Shrimp or Chicken – Blend of Romaine and Radicchio, Red and Yellow Grape Tomatoes, Celery, Green Beans, Cannellini Beans and Roasted Peppers tossed in Creamy Italian Dressing
  • Lasagna Rustica – Served with House-Made Bolognese
  • Grilled Chicken Sandwich – Herbed Chicken Breast, Arugula, Caramelized Onions, Provolone, and Walnut-Porcini Aioli on Toasted Ciabatta with a Green Salad
  • Broccolini Aglio Olio – Campanelle Pasta lightly tossed with Spinach, Arugula, Tomatoes, Garlic, Chili Flakes, and Olive Oil

Desserts

  • Trattoria Tiramisu
  • Mini Fruit Crostada
  • Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta with Fresh Fruit
  • Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse with Lemon Cream

The price for the prix fixe lunch is $29.99 for adults and $18.99 for children ages 3 to 9.

You can also get more details about our other dining options for “World of Color,” including picnic boxes and prix fixe dinners in our earlier post. We’ve updated the post with the latest information.

World of Color Wins Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement-Nighttime Spectacular

From the Disney Parks Blog:

Today, the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) announced that this year’s Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement-Nighttime Spectacular goes to “World of Color” at Disney California Adventure park. “World of Color” is recognized by TEA as “a visual and technical marvel,” that combines stunning Disney and Pixar animation with music, lights, fog, lasers, fire and nearly 1,200 programmable fountains spanning an area that is bigger than a football field. Please join me in congratulating the hundreds of talented people from around the world who worked on this project for the past five years!

'World of Color'

And that’s not all. Longtime Disney Imagineer Kim Irvine was recognized for a lifetime of distinguished achievements with The Buzz Price Award. Kim began her career at Walt Disney Imagineering in 1970, where she worked alongside many of the Walt Disney Imagineering legends such as John Hench, Mary Blair, Marc Davis and Claude Coats. She worked on many attractions for both Magic Kingdom and Epcot at Walt Disney World before joining Imagineering’s Disneyland Design Studio team in 1980.

Longtime Walt Disney Imagineer, Kim Irvine

Kim has long been the Art Director for Disneyland park and was responsible for projects such as Disneyland’s 50th anniversary celebration, including a new look for the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle. Recent projects include adding ‘new magic’ to classic attractions such as ‘it’s a small world’ and in locations like the Rivers of America. Kim also created designs for the new Disney Gallery and interiors for the new The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln attraction on Main Street, U.S.A.

TEA announced the 17th Annual Thea Award recipients during the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attraction’s (IAAPA) annual conference. The Thea Awards recognize achievement, talent and personal excellence within the themed entertainment industry. To date, Walt Disney Imagineering has received a total of 34 awards throughout the Thea Awards’ 17-year history.

“Disney Junior – Live on Stage!” Coming March 2011

From the Disney Parks Blog:

Disney California Adventure park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida will celebrate the premiere of Disney Channel’s new multiplatform brand, Disney Junior, with “Disney Junior – Live on Stage!” next year. The lively show in the Parks will debut with new characters, some new adventures and a new marquee.

Children and parents who now enjoy the popular “Playhouse Disney – Live on Stage!” at both Parks can look forward to sharing this new production, which brings back three audience favorites (Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Handy Manny and Little Einsteins) and also introduces a brand new segment based on Disney Junior’s newest series that will debut in February 2011, “Jake and the Never Land Pirates.”

“Jake and the Never Land Pirates” will air on Disney Junior in February 2011 and will share the magical and adventurous world of Never Land with preschoolers. Children will be drawn to the main character Jake, an enthusiastic young boy who leads a team of kid pirates (Cubby and Izzy, along with their faithful pirate parrot, Skully) in fun adventures that encourage interactive responses from young viewers. The clever premise provides kids and families with a fun way to learn teamwork.

“Jake and the Never Land Pirates” on Disney Junior

Stories from the show will come to life in the Parks with colorful, puppet versions of some of the most popular Disney Junior characters, bright visuals, whimsical scenery that fills the stage, catchy songs and interactive moments.

“Disney Junior – Live on Stage” is scheduled to debut at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney California Adventure park in March 2011.

Neil Patrick Harris Confirmed as New California Screamin’ Voice

From the Disney Parks Blog:

On Friday, Guests riding California Screamin’ at Disney California Adventure park may have noticed a familiar new voice as they prepared to board the longest and fastest roller coaster at the Disneyland Resort.

Disney Imagineers recently worked with actor Neil Patrick Harris to make new recordings for California Screamin’. These new themed recordings recall a carnival sideshow barker, in keeping with the theme of all the boardwalk amusements in Paradise Pier.

Neil Patrick Harris is the New Voice of California Screamin' at Disney California Adventure Park

Have you heard Neil yet? What do you think of the new spiels?

Here is a short video of some of the new spiels:

2010 Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade Taping at Disneyland

From the Disney Parks Blog:

Earlier today, we completed some segments for the 2010 Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade at the Disneyland Resort and I wanted you to be the first to see some fun pictures from the taping.

First, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy was joined by “Dancing With the Stars” professional dancers Tony Dovolani, Chelsie Hightower, Kym Johnson, and Louis Van Amstel in a rousing performance of Phineas and Ferb’s favorite holiday song, “Christmas is Starting Now.”

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Joined By “Dancing With the Stars” Professional Dancers Tony Dovolani, Chelsie Hightower, Kym Johnson, and Louis Van Amstel

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Joined By “Dancing With the Stars” Professional Dancers Tony Dovolani, Chelsie Hightower, Kym Johnson, and Louis Van Amstel

Selena Gomez then sang the classic,“Winter Wonderland.” Selena is always so much fun and I think her fans are really going to love this performance.

Selena Gomez Singing Winter Wonderland”

During a break from the show, Chip and Dale got a chance to visit the “Wizards of Waverly Place” star and we took this fun photo.

Selena Gomez with Chip and Dale

Joining us at the Disneyland Resort for the first time this year is Nick Cannon, who was joined by lots of familiar faces during the taping.

Nick Cannon with Lots of Familiar Faces

We’ll bring you more updates on the Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade in the coming weeks, but for those of you making your plans now, here’s when you can catch the show on ABC all around the country on Christmas Day:

  • Eastern Time Zone: 12 p.m. 2 p.m.
  • Central Time Zone: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • Mountain Time Zone: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
  • Pacific Time Zone: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Los Angeles: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Pixar Play Parade to be on Hiatus Due to Construction

Some more sad news from DCA this week. Due to construction, it was announced on the Disney Parks Blog yesterday that the 2011 and 2012 Food and Wine Festival will not be held, but that is not all that DCA is losing from the expansion.

From the LA Times Website:

The ongoing expansion, derisively dubbed by some as “Disney’s Construction Adventure,” has proven a continuing nightmare for DCA planners, who have been forced to ship the Main Street Electrical Parade to the Magic Kingdom when construction shrank the parade route and holding queues had to be created to accommodate the thousands of visitors waiting to view the popular “World of Color” water show. And the ramped-up construction will force the Pixar Play Parade into hiatus beginning Jan. 3, with the parade characters continuing to appear in pop-up “dance parties” throughout the park.

It is rumored that the Ratatouille float (if not more) may be shipped to Walt Disney World for the new “Pixar Parade” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios debuting early next year.