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Rumors that the original (Anaheim, California) Disneyland was being expanded have been circulating for years by now. My favorite rumor was "WestCOT": i.e., a west coast version of EPCOT. Unfortunately, a second EPCOT apparently would've taken up more space than available. As it so turns out, they were only able to work with the land originally used as outdoor parking space, and turn it into what is now called "California Adventure." Regardless of limited space, however, it is amazing how much they've built there. This new theme park definitely will add a little added "zing" to your Disneyland vacation.

The park is divided into three areas, named Golden State, Hollywood Backlot, and Paradise Pier. Each area is adorned with an impressive, gigantic "centerpiece" type monument of some kind. Golden State has "Grizzly Peak," a mock mountain/waterfall that resembles a growling bear. Paradise Pier has the twin sights of its humongous roller coaster and Ferris Wheel. Hollywood's backlot has its huge archway, complete with golden elephant statues to greet you on the way in. These photo-op locations are all in addition to an impressive entranceway, which includes the word "California" in man-size letters, a monorail which passes through a replica of the Golden Gate Bridge, and a fountain with a gigantic, golden "sun" in its center. At the very least, this park is not without its fair share of places where your spouse/significant other will just have to take a vacation photo, which to many, is what vacations are all about.

I'll review each of the three separate areas one by one. First, there's the Golden State area, which is built sort of like a nature preserve.If you ask me, this is the centerpiece of the park, easily entered via either the main entrance or the special entrance of the Grand Californian Hotel. This area includes the aforementioned "Grizzy Peak" mountain, which towers over the best ride of this area; a simulated raft ride through the rapids. The Golden State area also includes clones of popular Animal Kingdom attractions, like the 3D film, It's Tough To Be a Bug, starring the characters from the film A Bug's Life. Older vacationers will want to view two intriguing short movies; Soaring over California (which simulates a flight over California, while seated in a "hang glider") and Golden Dreams, which stars Whoopi Goldberg, and salutes the history of the state of California. All told, the Golden State area is a good addition to the park.

On to the other two areas of the park. To me, the best part of the park would have to be Paradise Pier; a replica of an old-fashioned seaside carnival. Some cynics may ask; isn't this just a knock-off of every carnival ever offered? The answer is, yes and no. Such carnival rides are nothing new, yet Disney has succeeded in bringing back some of the timelessness of the small-town carnival, which these days are not as child-friendly as they once were. This carnival's games are not a "trick" --as they often are elsewhere-- and it is often quite easy to win a very big prize for your girlfriend, spouse, or yes, even the kids. Even something as cliché as a merry go round has a unique "spin," with all the characters being fish from the sea, not horses. If the little tykes are frustrated over not being able to ride the "big guy" rides, no problem; there are miniature versions of each ride for younger kids. "Mulholland Madness" is a child-friendly roller coaster (sort of an outdoors "Mr. Toad's Wild Ride"), while the Jellyfish ride offers a jump in the air far tamer than the "Maliboomer" elsewhere in the park (which shoots seated passengers into the air at high speed). In short, Paradise Pier seems to have been made with all age groups in mind, and is therefore currently the most popular area of the park.

Last of all, there's the Hollywood Backlot. IF you ask me, this third area of the park is the one that needs a little work, far more than the admirable Golden State and Paradise Pier. It gives the appearance of being a small "clone" of the much larger (and better) Disney/MGM Studios in Orlando, with similar attractions. Such attractions include the ability to play "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" (though the prizes, regrettably, are merely pins, T-shirts, and official jackets for the show). Then there's Muppet Vision 3D; one of the best 3D shows ever offered in a Disney theme park. However, this clone of the Disney/MGM Studios in Orlando, lacks its popular thrill rides, like the Tower of Terror and Rockin' Roller Coaster. It does have a surprisingly large stage show auditorium --complete with two balconies-- yet I wonder how much use a theme park will have for such a stage.

The Backlot also includes one of the best child-friendly rides of the park, called "Superstar Limo." This is a Disneyland type ride where a car shaped like a limousine drives you through a mock "tour" of Hollywood. It's a cute ride idea, which could have been even cooler if given enough budget to make most of the props more exciting than simply flat backdrops and cutouts. Regardless, kids will like the humorous caricatures of stars from ABC shows, and they'll love seeing themselves on a mock movie promo (the ride takes your photo during your travels). I'd still say, however, that this part of the park needs a little added glitz.

Food offerings are where California Adventure shines most brightly. This includes a McDonald's of sorts, which is nice though oddly does not offer soda with its value meals (why not...?). The pizza place next door offers unusual pizzas that resemble surf boards; a cute idea. Other quick serve windows, throughout the park, offer Mexican food, Chinese food, Chicken fingers, and much more. The Hollywood Backlot even offers "Soap Star Bistro," a sit-down restaurant where each room is a replica of a popular soap opera set. It helps, of course, that the food is as intriguing as the environment it's served in. For much older vacationers there's also a winery near the back of Grizzly Peak, which is also a nice vantage point for the nighttime Electrical Parade (if you reserve a place there in advance). They even offer you appetizers, cheeses, and cold cuts while watching the parade.

In conclusion, I think California Adventure deserves a solid thumbs-up. People who like Imax-type movies shouldn't miss Golden Dreams and Soarin' Over California. Thrill ride seekers must try out the California Screamin' Roller Coaster and Grizzly Peak. As for food, every family member should be satisfied, from the fast food freaks to the fine wine connoisseurs. At the very least, it is sure to add a full two added days of fun to your Disneyland vacation. I'd say three, though the Hollywood Backlot, regrettably, does need a little added glitz (particularly when Anaheim is so close to the real thing). Aside from that, I had a wonderful time visiting the park, and find it a welcome addition to the Disneyland resort area in general.

	Final Rating : Large Crater. I would've liked WESTCOT, though this is a nice idea, too. It is sure to add at least two more days of fun to your Disneyland vacation.
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Disney's California Adventure

A Review by Techtite