From the Disney Parks Blog and written by: Michael Ramirez
Disney California Adventure park opened on Feb. 8, 2001 – more than 45 years after Walt Disney opened his original theme park – as part of the largest expansion in Disneyland history at the time. Since then, the Disneyland Resort has become a world-class family destination with two theme parks, three hotels and the Downtown Disney District.
For the past 20 years, guests at the Disneyland Resort have been captivated by the imagination, creativity and evolution of Disney California Adventure park.
In the winter issue of Disney twenty-three, which celebrates the park’s milestone anniversary, Jeanette Lomboy, site portfolio executive, Walt Disney Imagineering, captures the essence of this special place: “[Walt Disney] knew that we were going to continuously evolve over time and I think that’s what the spirit of California is, and that’s what the spirit of adventure is—and really, that’s what’s unique to Disney California Adventure.”
Today, while our beloved theme parks remain closed, we explore some of our favorite spots throughout the park, showing how “adventure is out there” – just waiting to be discovered.
We start by taking a step back in time, strolling down the idyllic Buena Vista Street. The boulevard depicts a typical Los Angeles neighborhood where a young Walt Disney lived and worked after arriving in Southern California in 1923.
Take a deep breath and soak in the great outdoors at Grizzly Peak. Once your moment of respite passes, think about braving Grizzly River Run, a one-stop destination for thrill-seeking rafters.
Peruse the boardwalk-inspired Paradise Gardens Park filled with retro-style fun. It’s even groovier at night!
Then, let’s enter the wonderful worlds of Pixar and discover four whimsical neighborhoods at Pixar Pier’s seaside waterfront—Incredibles Park, Toy Story Boardwalk, Pixar Promenade and Inside Out Headquarters.
A favorite spot for foodies, eat your way through Pacific Wharf and enjoy the charming waterfront setting.
Slow down as you cruise through the vibrant Radiator Springs, taking in the majestic Ornament Valley and living the stories of your favorite “Cars” characters in Cars Land. No trip is complete without revving your engine on the high-octane Radiator Springs Racers!
It’s easy to feel like a star in Tinseltown when you step into the lights, cameras and action of Hollywood Land.
Looking ahead, Avengers Campus – an entirely new land dedicated to discovering, recruiting and training the next generation of heroes – will open at a future top secret date.
What is your favorite memory from Disney California Adventure park?
- 5 New Experiences at the 2025 EPCOT Festival of the Arts - December 18, 2024
- What’s Coming to Disneyland Paris in 2025? - December 16, 2024
- 10 Holiday Activities For $10 or Less at WDW and Disneyland Resort - December 13, 2024