The evolving California Adventure

This isn't news exactly, but a columnist from the LA Times wrote up some thoughts about the "other" Disney park in California. He talks about its early misfires, where it is now, and where it might go. It's a pretty reasonable take from a fan, mostly constructive in its criticism.

I've only watched this from afar over the years, but it is fascinating. Also, weird that there's no signature show happening in that theater. That's weird. I get that those shows aren't cheap, but a bummer for guests.

We visited the parks 5 years ago and, after reading all of the history of California Adventure, I was tempted to skip it entirely and just do a couple of days at the mothership. I'm so glad we didn't do that. I found the parks to be original, engaging, and a lot of fun. The Cars area of the park was superb (which gives me optimism for the coming improvements at MK). The Boardwalk area was fantastic. The Grizzly Peak area was beautiful (and made me think of the missed opportunity with Millennium Island at CP).

The energy of those two parks being just being a stone's throw from each other was also wonderful. I remember we watched the fountain show at CA and then raced to the front gate of the park where we then sat and watched the DL fireworks just moments later.

To me, the birth and growth of CA is a story similar to the birth and growth of WDW's studios park. It wasn't a celebrated success in the beginning, but it has matured very nicely.