Introduction - this site uses Jerry Hirsch's article on the new park as a basis to describe each section. Any commentary I may make in addition to what he's written will be in maroon colored type and indented [such as the style used in this paragraph] to distinguish it from his work.

THEME PARKS: A peek at Disney's new park. An amusement complex in Anaheim set to open in 2001 will re-create classic California themes.

By JERRY HIRSCH

Disney's California Adventure theme park, taking shape in Anaheim, will have 22 rides and attractions, at least 15 restaurants, a 2,000-seat theater and a dozen shops, according to plans Disney will unveil today at the opening of a preview center at Disneyland's entrance.

In his first media interview in two years, the Disney executive heading the project drew a picture of a 55-acre Golden State-themed park that combines a smattering of conventional amusement-park rides, a carnival-style midway, multiple Disney-trademarked attractions, and the requisite theme-park shops and restaurants. It's scheduled to open adjacent to Disneyland in early 2001.

"We want people to feel like they are walking into a postcard for California," said Barry Braverman, senior vice president for Walt Disney Imagineering, the company's creative arm. "This will be a very pop-culture park in contrast to Disneyland. It is about the here and now. It will be hip, irreverent and contemporary, where Disneyland is rooted in fantasy."

Considering just how little is spent to maintain Disneyland right now under current resort management, I can imagine how out of date this new park might end up in only a few short years under this kind of design plan. One need only take a look at EPCOT to see what can happen with this kind of idea.

Below you will see a map with numbers on it - this same map will appear on all description pages of this site - the number you see below in bold type at the beginning of the description will help you locate the area being discussed on the map.

Here's a tour of the park:

(MAP #8 - across from Disneyland Entrance)

FRONT GATE AREA - Walking through the turnstiles, park-goers will see California spelled in giant block letters. They will cross under a mock Golden Gate Bridge — the current monorail track — and view a giant sun icon, an emblem of California repeated throughout the park's design. "The Sun Court serves as the hub; you can go to any land in the park from it," Braverman said.

[Also, a parade route is planned that meanders from this hub area down to the Paradise Pier section, it will help connect the park.]

MAIN GATE AREA:

"Postcard design" entrance gate

Golden Gate Bridge: Monorail Crossing (this will remain a Disneyland specific attraction, with one stop for all three hotels outside of Disneyland proper).

Icon: Image sets the theme for the park

Parade: Route runs all the way down to Paradise Pier area

Shops: Engine-Ears Toys / Greetings from California

Restaurants: Baker's Field / Bur-r-r-r Bank Ice Cream

GRAND CALIFORNIAN HOTEL DETAILS:

Amenities: Two presidential suites - two vice- presidential suites - 34 artisan suites  / Room amenities, safes [that can hold laptops] - bunk beds for kids - lighted wardrobes - writing desks with dual-line speakerphones [with computer and fax accessible data ports - irons and boards - mini bars - coffee makers - portable cribs - triple sheeted beds - robes

Three Pools,  Fountain [quiet] - Redwood [active with slide] - Mickey Mouse shaped kids only one / Health Club, two spas - two massage rooms - dry and steam saunas - full locker facilities - exercise facility

Conventions - 20,000 square foot meeting space including executive boardroom - 12,000 sq. ft. ballroom with double air-walls - nine break-out rooms [seven with patios]

Dining: Grand Napa / Storytellers Cafe / Hearthstone Lounge / White Water Snacks

MAJOR PORTIONS OF THIS PAGE FROM THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER:

October 14, 1998

The article quoted on this page, along with the map graphic is copyright © 1998 by The Orange County Register.

It is reproduced on this site by kind permission of the author.