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...

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.

Strange Things 4: More Offbeat (and Epic!) Disney Tunes

Welcome to another crazy off-ramp on the Disney Music Highway! We've got banjos, dragons, Mickey Rooney as Pinocchio and amazing park music...but our first pick actually makes Disney history!

Track:  THAT'S WHAT HEROES DO
Album: Epic Mickey 2

Mickey and Oswald perform in a song together for the first time! Sure, they only get one line each (most of this song is performed by the Mad Doctor), but -- What a cool little moment in animation history! Spoiler alert: the lyrics give away the game's ending.

You don't need to play the games to enjoy the music of the Epic Mickey world; Jim Dooley wrote fun, atmospheric scores for both the games, and part 2 has the additional kick of being a semi-musical. With track titles like "Skeleton Dance" and "Autopia Exploration," this album's going to make a lot of Disney fans smile.

And now, Dragon meets Steel Drums...

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.