03/02/09

Taking The Magic Out Of The Magic Kingdom

by swoopy

I felt like I was in a construction zone. Oh wait... I was in a construction zone.

I've been coming here every year with my daughter (for the last 7 years). Now that she's almost 17, I can feel the time that I have left with her to do trips like this, slipping away.

Talk about taking the Magic out of the Magic Kingdom.

The 'ocean' near the coaster and ferris wheel had been completely drained, and instead of shimmering waters, the guests were treated to a panorama of heavy construction equipment (I'll try to upload pictures).

The ferris wheel was surrounded by scaffolding, in preparation of attaching a large Mickey face to the centre of the large wheel.

There were plywood walls in many areas for the purpose of limiting the exposure of new development. One bridgeway was closed to the public and covered in green tarps.

When I am charged full admission prices, there are certain associated expectations that come with it. I expected the seaside boardwalk atmosphere I paid for. Not today. Not this week.

I can appreciate the fact that Disneyland is adding new attractions, which should be available in the Spring of 2010. I just wish I knew about if beforehand. There was nothing about the construction on their website.

• Pros: Great place to be when the illusion is working
• Cons: When the illusion isnt working, not so great

11/17/07

Bring on the changes to this park

by porkjello

I recently heard that this park will be going through some major changes in the next few years. Thank goodness! This park has so much potential and does have some decent e-ticket rides such as the Tower of Terror and Soarin over California. The biggest issue I had was that a lot of the attractions were un-original and uninspired. What sets Disneyland apart from other theme parks is the theming, originality and innovation in their attractions. Those elements are not in the majority of the attractions at DCA. Let's hope the changes they have planned will make DCA reach it's true potential as a Disney theme park.

• Pros: There are changes coming
• Cons: We have to wait for them

11/14/06

Good stuff here

by dmenkes

Aside from the fact that I work for the company and have free access to both parks, California Adventure has been growing on me as of late. I've been here many times over the summer, and while the main park will always hold my favor, I've come to appreciate what's available in CA. First off, California Screamin' is a blast, and actually goes upside down! Soarin' over California is relaxing and fun, and the Aladdin stage musical is cute and very well done. I wasn't such a big fan of Tower of Terror but I don't like sudden drops. The Muppets 3D Adventure is cute. I think the main draw for me is the Santa Cruz-ish Boardwalk. Having been to the real Boardwalk, I'm almost embarassed to say I prefer the one here. It's cleaner at least. But the main draw for me has to be the Ferris Wheel. Ask for a locked-off cab vs. the rolling one for a romantic experience at dusk. The one major drawback here is that they close at 9pm.

• Pros: More adult than Disneyland
• Cons: closes earlier than Disneyland