Photo TR: Adam goes on a new'ish California Adventure

(Cone'tinued)

 

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[coastertube]http://www.themeparkreview.com/coastertube/play.php?vid=All_American_College_Band_2012_s8tx[/coastertube]

 

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Being that this was my second time seeing Magical in the last three years, I figured it would be alright to take some photos... But I only ended up taking one.

Still didn't get a chance to try one of these beauties...

I decided to give the Hot Angus Roast Beef on Toasted Onion Roll with Caramelized Onions, Horseradish Aioli and White Cheddar a try for dinner that night. It was great!

Time to be a little artsy...

Mater's Junkyard Jamboree really is a fun little attraction!

And here's Mater's Jukebox!

Clearly not that popular...

I'm quite a catch, right?

LIMPET!!!!

Time for some Grape Tonic from the Cozy Cone!

Flo's V8 Cafe really has a fantastic interior!

One of the dining rooms also offers a spectacular view of Radiator Springs Racers...

Love the rearview mirror!

Details!

Haha!

That's right ladies...

For you Hidden Mickey lovers!

Ramone's might be my favorite building in Cars Land.

Buena Vista Street has some amazing details hidden in the storefronts... Window shopping for detail hunters is totally an extra activity at Disney California Adventure now!

I love how they tied in Davy Crockett with Grizzly Peak!

You don't see this very often in Orlando!

I'm always happy to patronize Shrunken Ned, the jungle's only doctor!

For many years I had seen photos and videos of Maynard, the character cast member who has worked in virtually every greeter role in the park during his tenure at Disneyland. I couldn't resist the temptation to take a photo with this park celebrity!

The lobby for Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln has some neat displays regarding Americana attractions at the Disney parks... This one shows all of the Pioneers Statues as seen (in scale) along the sides of the American Adventure theater.

The Voices of Liberty were recently imported from Epcot for a limited run at Disneyland.

They truly are a fantastic vocal troupe, and even in the Lincoln theater where the acoustics aren't as amazing as the American Adventure Rotunda, they sound spectacular.

 

And good news if you haven't seen them yet. Their limited run has been extended through the holidays, so go see them while you can!

It wouldn't be a trip to Disneyland without a stop at my favorite, the Blue Bayou for some Monte Cristos, scalloped potatoes and all you can drink mint juleps!

Someday...

Since Robb and Andrew officially requested it...

The Buena Vista Bugle is really an awesome read!

Time to finally ride the Red Car Trolleys!

Authentic interiors!

And of course, tons of Disney details!

Remember how I mentioned that Ramones was my favorite building in Cars Land? This is why.

Simply stunning!

Love the race track lights!

It's totally unreal how real this looks!

I finally figured out how to take an even larger panoramic photo on my camera, and this is result. How'd it come out?

Corn Dog Castle never gets old!

I really do love Paradise Pier!

I'd probably rank it up there with the American Waterfront at Tokyo DisneySea in terms of my favorite lands at the parks I have been to.

This sign takes on a whole new character at night!

It may be many years until it happens, but eventually, the FastPass distribution for Radiator Springs Racers will be in the back section of Ramones directly to the right of the entrance for the attraction.

It was late and I was getting a little tired...

There have always been these places of beauty in California Adventure. The park's overhaul has just made those areas far easier to see and appreciate!

Goodnight Carthay!

Edited September 18, 2012 by Hhappy

(Cone'pleted)

What's not to love about the Storytellers statue?

I love the under-lit pavement along Buena Vista Street!

I really don't know why my photo of the Matterhorn came out like this during the evening, but I really like the look of the photo!

I hadn't seen these guys in a while...

What a great addition to the park!

I sadly didn't have a chance to try out the Carnation Cafe, but that at least leaves room to try something new next year!

Quite a different view from what I'm used to.

A complete two-park resort!

I had to revisit this at least once before I left...

California still has my favorite version of Captain EO running!

Why am I back here you ask?

For one more ride on Space Mountain of course!

Honestly didn't even get to ride Star Tours once on this trip. I'm a terrible Star Wars fan.

We were truly fortunate that the weather was spectacular throughout our visit!

Continuing my annual photographic tradition.

Stand back!

I really do love the Tiki Garden at Disneyland.

WANT!

For I am Tropic Standard Time?

Can't see this anymore in Florida.

I want this sign!

On one of my last rides on California Screamin', I was seated next to the non-existant seat. It isn't a wheelchair seat, but it will do.

Riding by myself, oh ho ho...

Still one of my favorite things to do at the park.

And so photogenic too!

Intamin air time!

I really love how the ride looks from the ground.

A little gift from Florida's former Ariel's Grotto.

LIMPET!

Finally had a chance to try this and it was GOOD!

The Karl Strauss Beer Truck selection was great!

Some beer back story, mainly for Derek.

I'll definitely be revisiting this next year!

I ventured down into the Grizzly State Park to find a great photo location for Grizzly River Run's signature drop. Mind you, my torso and below were soaked from the splash... The sacrifices I make to bring you these photos!

You are with Sigourney Weaver aboard the Space-Ship NO-STRO-MOH!

With the rotating Condor Flats sign removed, a new sign was needed to let people know which land in the park they had entered. This works perfectly!

I miss you too!

Pacific Wharf really is a favorite of mine, not only because of the atmosphere, but because of the hidden gem, the Boudin Bakery!

There were some great little details overhead in the Buena Vista Street shops that I noticed on the way out...

 

Take for example this Star Wars reference!

I guess I'm too easily entertained!

Which one is your favorite?

Big Rock Candy Mountain, the concept that preceded the development of the Matterhorn for Disneyland lives on in the window of the window of Trolley Treats on Buena Vista Street.

Some more Disney details...

We saved room for one more amazing sandwich at the Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Cafe.

You can even hear Walt being instructed during a lesson here!

You Disney fans should recognize many of these names!

I found a little Orange Bird in Trader Sam's!

Apparently this doll (Slappy) came from the Adventurer's Club too.

Trader Sam's really has become one of my favorite offerings at the Disneyland Resort and I'll definitely continue to come back here during future visits!

Towards the end of the trip we won a little contest with the @DCAToday Twitter account where we received free Glow with the Show Ears, so we had a chance to try them out in the field before we left for home.

They add a great extra layer of detail to the park, not only in World of Color (and now Fantasmic!) but in Radiator Springs Racers, Cars Land itself and even the Mad T Party.

Here's hoping the technology makes its way to Florida soon!

 

Thanks to all of you for reading this long-winded trip report! I hope you all enjoyed it!

This was a really good trip report. I'm impressed of how much California Adventure changed recently.

I also think that Paradise Pier at night is an awesome Disney themed area. What is that "non seat' on Screamin' for?