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Condor Flats becoming Grizzly Peak Airfield
- Thread starter kibia16
- Start date
From DPB: Love it!
The recent expansion ofDisney California Adventurepark gave us even more ways to immerse our guests in new stories, and we’re excited to continue this expanded storytelling this year with the addition of the Grizzly Peak Airfield.
The first phase of this expansion, the all-new Smokejumpers Grill, opens March 20. This new quick-service location takes inspiration from the brave men and women who fight wildfires in our California forests. In addition to a whole new look, the location will feature an updated menu with tasty items like a Bacon Cheddar Burger, Grilled Chicken & Jack Sandwich and Chili Cheeseburger!
This is just the beginning of the Grizzly Peak expansion, which will bring new building exteriors, landscape features and more to the former Condor Flats area. Lush pine trees will bring cool areas of shade, making our guests feel they have been transported to California’s High Sierras.
When the rest of the area opens later this spring,Soarin’ Over Californiawill also reopen with updates to its screen and projection system, bringing a visually enhanced experience. We’ll have more details to share here on theDisney Parks Blogas the project progresses.
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...xpansion-at-disney-california-adventure-park/
I am so happy for this. You can see how they are really tying this in with the rest of grizzly peak with a continuation of the same light fixtures and fencing along the walkways. I also love how lush and green it will be with all the trees they are adding.
It appears that the rocket jet engine will be replaced with a new lookout tower.
I also love the new sign for the entrance to Soarin. It reminds me of the signs you see when you go to national parks.
Here is an example:
Thumper14
Active Member
Sure wish they would open a trail to the Grand Californian entrance before I get there. But alas, according the Disney blog-"Sorry, no – the only change will be the wall at the Carthay Circle side of the land, which will be moved back to allow access to Smokejumpers Grill."
Looks like I will be walking "around" the DCA park yet again!
Looks like I will be walking "around" the DCA park yet again!
westie
Well-Known Member
Speaking of props, I really miss that shop that sold movie props and memorabilia as you came in the gate to the left.
sponono88
Well-Known Member
It looks great. The Grizzly peak is the best looking area of the park and it's good to see that concept expanding.
I'm curious to see how the queue for soarin will change. I hope they keep the aviator tributes in the main hallway.. And I wonder if they will change the pre-show video?
I'm curious to see how the queue for soarin will change. I hope they keep the aviator tributes in the main hallway.. And I wonder if they will change the pre-show video?
TP2000
Well-Known Member
This is a dramatic improvement over the original Condor Flats and its high desert theme.
Cars Land has "desert" covered for DCA, and in a much more fun way than Condor Flats ever could be. Grizzly Peak needed to be expanded to flesh out the wilderness theme, and this looks like a very smart move on WDI's part.
My only criticism is that the artwork shown is very optimistic on the trees. I can't imagine they'll move in full-size pine trees like that by May. But in a decade or so, I'm sure the trees will fill in to that size.
Cars Land has "desert" covered for DCA, and in a much more fun way than Condor Flats ever could be. Grizzly Peak needed to be expanded to flesh out the wilderness theme, and this looks like a very smart move on WDI's part.
My only criticism is that the artwork shown is very optimistic on the trees. I can't imagine they'll move in full-size pine trees like that by May. But in a decade or so, I'm sure the trees will fill in to that size.
orlando678-
Well-Known Member
It would be a great place for a Country Bear Jamboree or a Dark ride with the Country Bears.
FerretAfros
Well-Known Member
I agree. I can't help but think that there was a better option for the Soarin' building than painting it go-away-green and trying to hide it behind a couple trees. They're even keeping the checkerboard pattern on the building, which won't make any sense now that it's no longer airfield colors. Oddly, I haven't seen anything to indicate that they're also repainting the back side of the building, facing DTD/tram load
Although Soarin's backstory was always kind of weak, I'm curious to see how (or if) they try to explain why a flight simulator is located in the mountain wilderness; even with the "birthplace of the aviation industry" theme, it was a bit of a stretch
dweezil78
Well-Known Member
Right... Even though it does look better than what was there, that's primarily because what was there before was so overly tacky and dated. I kind of wish they held off on this until the budget was there to do it right with a total overhaul rather than just stripping away all the theming, painting it in bland colors, and planting trees.
The concept art for Smokejumpers makes it look like it was barely touched for example:
Californian Elitist
Well-Known Member
I'm not feeling that idea. Humphrey the Bear would be better.
Blueliner
Well-Known Member
You're right about that concept art. I suppose the plantings up near Grizzly Peak have the benefit of forced perspective (and almost 15 years to grow), but they look awesome! Grizzly Peak Recreation Area is probably my favorite area of the park, so any expansion of the look and feel is welcome in my book. Any chance of a zip line from one of these towers down to the new tower near Soarin' over California?
Last edited:
Suspirian
Well-Known Member
I mean, the ride is a simulator, but you're supposed to be actually flying to different California landmarks. What I find weird is why you need a huge hangar and airstrip for hang gliding.
TP2000
Well-Known Member
I think this is where us Disney fans have to take a step back and realize it's just a theme park. Disneyland is not, and was never meant to be, Colonial Williamsburg. Stuff doesn't have to make that much sense and be perfectly accurate, it just needs to be fun and look cool.
Why is there a fake Swiss mountain next to a tropical lagoon where atomic submarines take a 9 minute journey to the North Pole and back? Cause Walt thought that would be fun and it would look cool.
I think the new Grizzly Peak Airfield fits that Walt-era guiding principle; it will be fun and it looks cool.
dweezil78
Well-Known Member
Haha agreed! No one is questioning why there is a swamp with boats inside of a New Orleans building.
George Lucas on a Bench
Well-Known Member
Grizzly Airfield = just a redressing. I don't share the enthusiasm for it. I mean, it will potentially be an improvement, but it's just not a huge deal for me.
Sage of Time
Well-Known Member
Love the National Parks aesthetic. That's excellent.
DznyGrlSD
Well-Known Member
- In the Parks
- Yes
Californian Elitist
Well-Known Member
Yep, it fits perfectly.
Figments Friend
Well-Known Member
From DPB: Love it!
The recent expansion ofDisney California Adventurepark gave us even more ways to immerse our guests in new stories, and we’re excited to continue this expanded storytelling this year with the addition of the Grizzly Peak Airfield.
The first phase of this expansion, the all-new Smokejumpers Grill, opens March 20. This new quick-service location takes inspiration from the brave men and women who fight wildfires in our California forests. In addition to a whole new look, the location will feature an updated menu with tasty items like a Bacon Cheddar Burger, Grilled Chicken & Jack Sandwich and Chili Cheeseburger!
This is just the beginning of the Grizzly Peak expansion, which will bring new building exteriors, landscape features and more to the former Condor Flats area. Lush pine trees will bring cool areas of shade, making our guests feel they have been transported to California’s High Sierras.
When the rest of the area opens later this spring,Soarin’ Over Californiawill also reopen with updates to its screen and projection system, bringing a visually enhanced experience. We’ll have more details to share here on theDisney Parks Blogas the project progresses.
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...xpansion-at-disney-california-adventure-park/
A very nice improvement.
Looks far more welcoming and appealing.
Looking forward to seeing it in person.
Mickey_777
Well-Known Member
Looks like it's gonna be nice. I like the idea of Grizzly Peak being enlarged but besides the signage around Soarin', I didn't think the theming in Condor flats was that bad at all.