Mickey Rides the Red Car

Mickey, newly arrived in Southern California, takes in the sights and sounds of Hollywood Boulevard on his way to Buena Vista Street. At least, that's his backstory in the Red Car Newsboys show at DCA.

It's refreshing to see The Mouse portrayed as an average Joe instead of a global superstar, and it's one of the many charming elements that's begun forming DCA's unique atmosphere. After the park's original 2001 grating attempts to distiniguish itself by being "edgy" and banning Disney characters from the grounds, it turned out that presenting the characters in unexpected, period-appropriate roles was a much better way to go.

Photo by Lana Whitham

Celebrating Buena Vista Street's First Year

During the amazing June 2012 relaunch of Disney California Adventure, most media coverage focused on Cars Land (we wished it a Happy First Birthday this past Saturday). The other new land, Buena Vista Street, took a stalwart back seat while performing its vital role perfectly.

One year and two days ago, Disney California Adventure gained something it never had before: a heart. That's what Buena Vista Street brought to the park.

Looking back at the Street's terrific first year at the resort, we're listing our Top Ten favorite elements the new land has brought to the reborn park.

1) A HOME BASE

When DCA opened in 2001, its entry area, Sunshine Plaza, greeted arriving guests with a hodgepodge of pop culture imagery, a miniature Golden Gate Bridge, and an odd-looking sun fountain. To many, it came across as sterile and cynical. Buena Vista Street took its cue from Disneyland's Main Street and transformed DCA's entry land into a welcoming trip back to an idealized Old Los Angeles. The relaxing, welcoming atmosphere, sparked with a theme of enterprise and enthusiasm, provides a perfect "home base" for a day at the revitalized DCA.

2) OSWALD

As you enter the park, you see Oswald before you see Mickey. That's a terrific bit of subtle history right there. Everyone knows the line, "It all started with a mouse." The mouse started because Walt lost the rights to his rabbit. Now the rabbit has come home, and his shop begins your journey into DCA, where, a short distance away, you will next encounter Walt and Mickey. I love this. And speaking of Walt and Mickey....

3) STORYTELLERS

The statue of young Walt and Friend greets guests at eye level. I've written a bit about this before, and I can't think of much else to say, except that it looks as if the two are ready to discover the park with us. The story begins...

Inside The Red Car Trolley

DCA's Red Car Trolley plays a dual role: Equal parts attraction and street character. Today we're stepping inside one of these charmers for a look at the interior.

The trolleys have identical control panels in the front and back, as they do not loop around at each end of the trip: they simply reverse direction. According to the conductor on board, the trolleys draw a "small portion" of their power from the overhead wires.

What's a bit unexpected about the experience is how well the "act" works. You don't feel like you're on a theme park ride. You feel like you're on public transportation--if public transportation was incredibly clean, friendly, relaxed and full of Disney fans.

Some of the in-car advertising. Boy, that Hollywood Tower Hotel sure looks like a swell place!

These are all actual DCA destinations--and fun classic Disney tributes as well. The interior color scheme seems very relaxing, which pretty much sums up the whole Red Car experience. We'll have more trolley pics soon, with a look at the trip down DCA's Hollywood Blvd. In the meantime, have a great weekend!

No Shortage of Ice Cream (with Fish Heads & Crumbs)

From Mickey Bars to Ghirardelli sundaes and Cozy Cone cones, ice cream can be found all over Disneyland Resort.

Clarabelle's on Buena Vista Street serves up Waffle Cones and an amazing Chocolate Chip Cookie Sundae. For something a bit different, try the Dark Chocolate-Dipped Berry Sorbet bar.

Our roving food critic, Aston Walrus, has often resorted to trickery in his attempts to satisfy his ice cream addiction, but last week he had an encounter which threw his snack life into turmoil. I wish I could say he's accepted the challenge with maturity and grace, but...oh, well...

Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide Rail (with Fish Heads & Crumbs)

I'm staring at this photo, taken inside Trolley Treats on Buena Vista Street, and all I can think is, "I should've bought more peanut brittle."

One of the few perks about traveling on a tight budget is the built-in moderation factor: I can't afford to over-indulge (much). End of story. If I lived close enough to the resort to visit the parks more often -- and without the hotel and travel expenditure -- I'm afraid to imagine how many park goodies I'd wolf down on a typical visit. If I wasn't careful, I might wind up in a situation a walrus friend of mine recently -- ouch! Sorry, I just tripped over the segue...

Oswald's Service Station on Buena Vista Street

Something about Oswald the Lucky Rabbit -- probably his peppy, can-do attitude -- just seems a natural fit for an old-time service station. As you enter DCA and step onto Buena Vista Street, Oswald's is one of the first things you encounter, and it's a smart design choice for setting the mood. Everyone--consciously or not--can register the contrast between this friendly little place and the stark, utilitarian fueling stations we're accustomed to. Once you see Oswald's, you're prepped for the gentle, relaxed world of trolley cars and singing bicycle messengers up ahead.

If you step inside the station, be sure to take a moment to enjoy the little radio up on the shelf as it plays an Imagineer-created homage to early twentieth century radio shows.

A DCA Gem: Carthay Circle Fountain

Drawing its design inspiration from Golden Era Los Angeles architecture, DCA's Carthay Circle Fountain marks the far end of Buena Vista Street and the branching-off points for Hollywood Land, Condor Flats, and the road to Cars Land and Paradise Pier.

At night, it's a welcoming, glowing beacon. In daylight, its cool waters look incredibly inviting; I'm sure I'm not the only guest who's had the urge to jump in and splash around.

The fountain--and just about everything else on Buena Vista Street--gives DCA's entry land a heart and a welcoming atmosphere that the area lacked before the park's 2012 "rebirth."

Man and Mouse: The Storytellers Statue

The Storytellers statue, portraying a young Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse arriving in California, has turned out to be one of DCA's real treasures. Its placement -- right on the sidewalk among the guests -- was an inspired decision that couldn't have worked out any better.

Guests love seeing Walt portrayed as "one of us," and there are often crowds around the statue as guests take turns standing alongside the duo for a photo.

While the famous Partners statue over in Disneyland is a tribute, Storytellers is a celebration of opportunity and possibilities. It adds a subtle but important touch of energy and optimism to the reborn California Adventure.

Walt & Mickey Watch Five & Dime

The incredibly talented performers of Five & Dime bring a fantastic burst of energy and fun to Buena Vista Street. On your next visit to Disney California Adventure, try not to miss this wonderful act -- my favorite of all of DCA's entertainment.

My sister took this photo and caught not only the show, but a pair of very special spectators in the background.

A Once-Lost Character Shines at Disney California Adventure

Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, Walt Disney's pre-Mickey silent-era cartoon star, adds a touch of classic joy to the entry plaza of Buena Vista Street at Disney California Adventure. This optimistic, energetic logo graces the outdoor displays at Oswald's Service Station, the first souvenir location arriving guests encounter.

The shop sells Oswald plush figures, which look awesome -- and are reasonably priced to boot! I hope the good folks in charge of merchandising realize what a gem they have here; nothing broadcasts a cool, fun, nostalgic vibe like Oswald, because we're not used to seeing him. I'd love to buy a poster of the above logo, and it seems automobile decals would be a natural.

Walt Disney created Mickey Mouse after realizing that, contractually, he did not own Oswald. The Walt Disney company recently acquired the rights to the character, and it's a pleasure to see his happy image become such an important part of DCA's rebirth. Coupled with his starring role in the hit videogame Epic Mickey (with a sequel due this Holiday season), Oswald's becoming a well-liked character to Disney fans of all ages. The once-forgotten rabbit has found his audience at last.