When Disney's California Adventure opened back in 2001, it was such a huge disappointment. It opened with something like 1/3 of the attractions over at Disneyland and many aspects of the park were flat out embarrassing. At the top of that list would probably be Superstar Limo. So.....it's really hard to believe that the same company is now turning out the restaurants and attractions found in their new Carsland. Even though the park hasn't even officially opened yet, I can already tell that Flo's is my new favorite restaurant of the resort. The menu items are wonderful, and the theming is just spectacular, especially at night after the neon comes on. From the V8/pistons out in front to the strong 50's theming inside, this new restaurant is just amazing. Plenty of seating inside and out, but the best views are from the back overlooking Ornament Valley. I didn't look at the menu close enough to find out if they serve breakfast, but I foresee many dinners here in the months and years ahead.

(Better when viewed large on black by hitting the L key.)

Tags:   Carsland Disneyland Resort Flo's Cafe Neon Nikon D7000 Pro Optic 8mm Fisheye

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I spent the evening yesterday with some wonderful friends hanging out at the much anticipated AP Preview of Buena Vista Street and Carsland in the new and improved California Adventure. When we first walked in, Mike Greening and I couldn't stop smiling. And then we couldn't stop taking photos. I think smoke was coming off of my sensor by the time I left and I had over 2500 shots from the four hours that we were in there. Just as a quick review:

1) Carsland is freaking amazing.
2) Buena Vista Street is freaking amazing.
3) Carsland at night is REALLY freaking amazing.
4) Radiator Springs Racers is easily the best ride that Disney has produced in the past 20 years. And it's freaking amazing.
5) RSR at NIGHT is probably the most freaking amazing experience of the night.
6) The neon in Radiator Springs is freaking amazing.

Carsland and Buena Vista street will open to the public this Friday, June 15 after they close the entire park for a press preview day on Thursday.

As for this shot, I was hoping they would include the waterfall from the movie, and I was not disappointed. I think this is my favorite aspect of the entire park, although the racers ride and the neon at night are right behind.

What an incredible new addition to what USED to be a sorry excuse for a Disney park!

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(Please View Larger On Black for full effect if you have a moment. )

There were so many photographic opportunities in front of me last Sunday that I literally didn't know where to turn first. One of the most spectacular aspects of Disney's new Carsland is the Cadillac Mountain range that takes up the entire perimeter behind the South end of Radiator Springs.

A couple of facts about the Mountain Range:

1) Disney only recently received permission to include the name "Cadillac Range" from the GM Lawyers as they had some kind of hissy fit regarding the name being included with the new park. John Lasseter had to conclude last minute negotiations with them before they allowed the name to be used, even though it is included in the movie. I mean....what else would they have called it?

2) The range itself is comprised of different tail fins from several classic Cadillac models from 1957 to 1962.

3) The detail in the rock work which was painstakingly constructed and painted is easily one of the most impressive feats that Disney has ever pulled off. You really need to see this place at night to appreciate the immersive scale of what they have done. Once you are on the RSR ride, you completely forget you are in Anaheim and are completely immersed in the desert environment.

Kudos to Disney for finally getting this park right.

Tags:   Cars Land Cadillac Range Disney California Adventure Blue Hour Nikon D7000 Tokina 11-16 2.8

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(Please View Larger On Black if you have a moment for full effect. Thanks! )

After years of planning, construction, and previews, Cars Land officially opened tonight in a huge celebration featuring celebrity guests, a red carpet, and fireworks. Tomorrow the entire park will be closed as Disney California Adventure is re-launched in a media only event, and on Friday, Cars Land will open to the public.

Above is my favorite entrance to the new area as you leave the food court area of Pacific Wharf. I'll be back on Friday, providing I can find a parking place. I have a feeling this area of the park will be insane for the next few weeks, but I'm looking forward to my next visit. What an amazing addition to this new and improved park!

(BTW - The two sets of light trails just to the left of center are the cars racing in the Radiator Springs Racers. If I haven't said this yet, this ride will BLOW YOUR MIND at night!)

Tags:   carsland disneyland

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(Please View Larger On Black for full effect if you have a moment. )

When the Tower Of Terror was first built, it completely dominated the skyline on the Eastern side of DCA. But last Sunday, as I stood in the exit queue of the new Radiator Springs Racers, I noticed how the once mighty hotel now seems quite a bit smaller when compared to the new Mountain Range of Cadillac Ridge.

I made it down to opening day today, and have to admit that I now officially love this park. Ten years ago, you couldn't PAY me to go to this park. In fact, they started giving away tickets to this park for free with paid admission to Disneyland just to get bodies in there to make it look like more of a success.

When I opened the new park map for the first time today, I just stared at it for the longest time. Disney California Adventure is finally a stand alone park with eight distinct themed areas and a MUCH larger list of worth while attractions than 10 years ago. I have no doubt that Radiator Springs Racers will, from this day forward, easily become the most popular ride of the park, and for the near future, for the resort as a whole.

From the incredibly themed new Buena Vista Street entrance to the Carthay Theater and fountain, to Carsland, Disney California Adventure is no longer a punch line (here you leave the world of today and enter the world of today), but one of the best theme parks in the known universe. I 'll be away for a bit this Summer, but as soon as I am back in town, I intend to spend quite a bit of time in this amazing park. Walt would have been very proud to have his name on it. Ten years ago...not so much.

Tags:   Cars Land Disney California Adventure Cadillac Ridge Tower Of Terror HDR Tokina 11-16 2.8 Nikon D7000

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