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...

Happy Birthday, Cars Land! Our Radiator Springs Top Ten

One year ago today, Cars Land opened to the public, rocketing Disneyland Resort into one of the most exciting and successful seasons in theme park history. Overnight, the once-ridiculed DCA became an outstanding full-day park and the entire resort began firing on all cylinders like never before.

In honor of the land that saved an entire park, Mouse Troop happily presents the top ten reasons we find it tough to leave DCA's amazing automotive universe.

1) THE ROCK WORK

Pictures and videos don't do justice to this enormous, amazing fantasy landscape. Although it's all part of Radiator Springs Racers, the rock work of Cars Land is also an attraction in itself--one that can be enjoyed at leisure by all guests. It's certainly the main reason we find it hard to tear ourselves away from the place.

2) RADIATOR SPRINGS RACERS

Currently our favorite ride on the planet, this masterpiece of humor, heart, thrills and joy isn't just a great ride--it completely succeeds at pulling you into the story and making you the main character in a quest to take part in Race Day at Radiator Springs. Absolutely amazing. The Single Rider queue provides a great way to avoid the often two-plus hour waits.

The Best Rides at Disney California Adventure

It's amazing what a multi-year expansion can do for a park; back in 2001 when DCA first opened, I couldn't have listed ten great rides there if my life depended on it. Things are certainly different now; Disneyland's next-door neighbor finally boasts a solid roster of great attractions. Here are Mouse Troop's picks for the ten best rides at Disney California Adventure.

Let's start with the best:

#1 - RADIATOR SPRINGS RACERS

Since it's possibly the greatest ride on Earth, it's no surprise that Radiator Springs Racers wins our award for Best Ride at Disney California Adventure. A perfect blend of indoor dark ride and outdoor thrills, it's got heart, humor, spectacle and surprises around every bend, including the most amazing audioanimatronics we've ever encountered. You become the main character in a quest to take part in Race Day at Radiator Springs and, from Sheriff's seat belt warning to Lightning and Mater's parting words to your group, every inch of the trip is pure fun. Riders whoop and holler with joy at the race's finale, whether they've won or not; it's an exhilarating, spirit-lifting rush. Absolutely awesome.

#2 - CALIFORNIA SCREAMIN' 

It's the state's longest roller coaster, and the longest looping coaster on Earth. An opening-day original, it's always been one of the best reasons to visit DCA. California Screamin' is a fantastic thrill ride packed with great coaster elements, including a catapult launch, an intense loop, huge, stomach-flipping drops, high-speed banked turns, air-time on several hills and a wild helix finale. It's a darn pretty coaster too, forming a perfect backdrop for the old-time boardwalk setting of Paradise Pier.

#3 - TOY STORY MIDWAY MANIA
A hit at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World, this ride/game combination makes everyone laugh and shout as they frantically compete for the best score in the ride vehicle. The games are simple, yet full of surprises to discover. The 3D is amazing. Favorite characters, jolly music, great art direction, and startling physical effects keep the pace intense but never overwhelming. It's a real winner, still drawing crowds four years after its debut.

#4 - TWILIGHT ZONE TOWER OF TERROR

This ride scares me every single time I ride -- and I love it. The drops are terrifying and hilarious at the same time, evoking both screams and laughter from each elevator load of guests. I love the way this ride plays mind games with its passengers, catching them off-guard over and over again. It's definitely the scariest ride at Disneyland Resort, and one of DCA's very best.

#5 -  SOARIN'

The best flight simulation ride ever, Soarin' is an experience no one should miss. It captures not just the sensation and thrill of flight over California's beautiful landscapes and seashores, but the emotion and grandeur as well. It's a perfect combination of music, imagery and motion -- a work of  genius.

#6 - MATER'S JUNKYARD JAMBOREE

"Whippin', whirlin', twistin' twirlin'," sings Mater in one of this attraction's soundtrack songs, and that pretty much sums up the crazy atmosphere of this awesomely fun ride. Folks who pass it by (thinking it's a kiddy ride) don't know what they're missing; this thing packs a surprising thrill as the tractor-pulled trailers whip wildly around the course. Combined with a fantastically detailed setting right out of the Cars films, Junkyard Jamboree is a winner.

#7 - GRIZZLY RIVER RUN

Splashing through the caves and mine shafts of Grizzly peak and plummeting down two steep drops, this ride gets my vote for best whitewater rapids attraction on the planet. The setting's beautiful, the river layout is imaginative, and a unique mechanism actually spins your raft as you hurtle down the big final drop. The only problem with Grizzly River Run is that -- like all whitewater rides -- it can completely soak you. We recommend riding it on your way back to your hotel room; you might have to change into some dry clothes.

#8 - LUIGI'S FLYING TIRES

Yes, all three of Cars Land's rides made the list! Luigi's Flying Tires is a wonderful and unique ride. These gentle round giants hover and scoot about like enormous air hockey pucks. Steering's easy (lean in the direction you want to go) and the party-like atmosphere is great fun. Our advice: don't waste time trying to bump into other riders; head for open space and simply have fun piloting your tire around the arena.

#9 - THE LITTLE MERMAID - ARIEL'S UNDERSEA ADVENTURE

A fun, relaxing journey through the musical highlights of a modern classic, Little Mermaid contains great audioanimatronics and convincing sets. Although we wish there were a bit more "adventure" in Ariel's Undersea Adventure (where's the shark? The Storm? The Battle with Ursula?), this is a great one for families with small children, and a good-humored journey for all ages.

#10 - MONSTERS INC. - MIKE AND SULLEY TO THE RESCUE

This dark ride through the world of Monstropolis is packed with funny gags and imaginative surprises, leading to a suitably eye-popping finale in the famous "door warehouse." It's worth riding just to hear Boo squeak, "Mike Wazowski!" This one's both fun and endearing. When Roz talks to you near the ride's ending, be sure to actually respond; she'll react to your answer!


One thing's for certain, taking a spin on every one of these rides adds up to one great day at DCA! Did we overlook a favorite? Do you think Goofy's Sky School or the Silly Symphony Swings deserve a spot? If so, post your thoughts!