DCA Memories

[nileprincess]

With the announcement of the new placemaking project at DCA, I thought a thread would be appropriate to bring back memories of the creation of DCA. I'm not talking about the changes over the years, I'm talking about your memories of that tent overlooking the construction area that had paintings of what DCA would become, or your memories of the first time you entered the new park.

Whether you loved it or hated it, think back to 2001 and before, to what you thought when the new park was announced, what you remember of the construction in the former parking lot and your first trip between those letters!

For me, I remember very clearly visiting the tent set up on the edge of the former parking lot. There was nothing on the other side of the fence except for a lot of orange dirt, but I remember being extremely excited that there would be even more Disney magic happening in the future. I actually still have a pressed quarter with Grizzly Peak on it that I got from a machine there. It wasn't until my first visit about a month and a half after the Grand Opening that I was able to really put those pictures together with reality.

Your turn!

[Sir.Mouse]

Re: DCA Memories

Okay this may be lame but I remember thinking it was just extension of Disneyland. I remember driving with my mom to the doctors and seeing CA screaming and would question when Disneyland would be done!

[IMAGINE]

Re: DCA Memories

I remember going on the monrail as it traveled over a construction site...dont remember where exactly but it was the resort expansion...I was so excited!

[DISNEYJUNKIE]

Re: DCA Memories

I remember staying at the Paradise Pier ( Pan Pacific then) at Christmas and looking out the window in our room facing the park and watching the construction and seeing the Orange ball and at that saying how out of place it looked, the Grizzley bear was just beginning to take shape but was looking almost cool.

[The International]

Re: DCA Memories

I remember reading page after page of "This park is horrible" and "They should've left it as a a parking lot!" on Mousepad and so I wasn't in a rush to go. I finally went on the Twofer deal and enjoyed myself quite a bit. It has problems but it's really nowhere as bad as you'd believe if you took message board posts at face value.

[Darkbeer]

Re: DCA Memories

Let's see, I remember December 2000, when I upgraded from my old AP to an 2-park AP, when they used to prorate the purchase. At an extra $100 for a Premium 2-park, I thought I would get my money's worth.

Then I got to attend a preview event in January, 2001 at DCA, and I said, why did I spend the extra money??? The preview events were packed, and there was not much in new and exciting things in the park.

Then after the official opening (I was not at opening day, but got to the park within the first few days), it was like, WOW!, this place is empty! It made a better visit than the Preview days, but I was over at Disneyland within a few hours.

IMHO, Underwhelming and over priced.

Hopefully in 2012 I can say that you should spend the current ticket window price and check out the second park... (which I presume will NOT be called DCA!)

[k_peek_2000]

Re: DCA Memories

(which I presume will NOT be called DCA!)

Hmmmmm....

[angeladlr]

Re: DCA Memories

I remember reading page after page of "This park is horrible" and "They should've left it as a a parking lot!" on Mousepad and so I wasn't in a rush to go. I finally went on the Twofer deal and enjoyed myself quite a bit. It has problems but it's really nowhere as bad as you'd believe if you took message board posts at face value.

Same here! I actually really really like DCA - and I think it was in part because I entered with such low expectations. I think the animation building is wonderfully themed and such a fun getaway spot - TOT - Soarin'- It's tough to be a bug - The Hyperion...And I like Pacific Wharf - we think the bread and tortilla factories are fun and the food there is great! I'm really excited for them to make it even better!

[nileprincess]

Re: DCA Memories

(which I presume will NOT be called DCA!)

I have heard Walt Disney's California as a new park name...I'm not sure if it flows, but I definitely approve of the Walt reference - after all, he came up with the whole park concept!

[lazyboy97O]

Re: DCA Memories

My first visit to Disney's California Adventure was simply fantastic! I spent most of the time sleeping on the ground outside of Ariel's Grotto, but I was waiting to head into Disneyland to celebrate 50 years of the "Happiest Place on Earth".

[DisneyMickey]

Re: DCA Memories

My first visit to DCA was quiet. It was overcast and the park seemed very weird to me. I was impressed with the huge expanse of Paradise Pier. The first time I rode on California Screamin' that day had it break down and I remember being in the green train. It stopped in the brake run before the bunny hills. When the train got back to the station, they asked us to scream loudly to let us go again, but it didn't work and they forced us off. My first impressions had me liking it. I didn't dislike it as much as everyone else. Now, however, I can see its short comings and realize just how much stucco was used.