DCA Project Sparkle - Relaunching A Park

[TP2000]

DCA is in the final months of a 4-year long project to remake itself and expand, all funded by an unprecedented 1.2 Billion dollar budget approved by the Walt Disney Company Board of Directors back in 2007.

In the midst of all the construction and walls and rehabs around the park right now, there's an associated initiative that's been called "Project Sparkle". Al Lutz has been telling us for six months that this new Project Sparkle was on the way, but in one of his updates earlier this winter he summed up the whole concept this way...

Also at DCA, the Project Sparkle initiative is now going at full steam ahead. With the Paradise Pier shops about finished with their light re-theme that has already made a dramatic difference, the Sparkle team is turning its sights to the rest of the park it hasn’t already touched. The goal of Project Sparkle, another of Mary Niven’s and George Kalogridis’ pet projects, is to take the sections of the 11 year old park that haven’t been remade in the last three years and refurbish them back to a like-new condition. There will be ongoing façade work along Hollywood Boulevard this winter, a thematic replacement of the farm mural at the Bugs Life theater, and more period-specific themeing coming to the Grizzly Peak area, among other thematic updates.

But in addition to the removal of the last vestiges of hip and edgy DCA circa 2001, there is plenty of work to buff up the more mundane parts of an operating theme park. For instance, every DCA bathroom facility will receive a full repainting (including the ceilings) and full re-grouting this spring, just to make the bathrooms seem brand new. All the handrails in the entire park will be repainted, and all the existing trash cans are being cycled out for a full repaint. TDA’s maintenance department is even going so far as to rip out and replace the plastic expansion joints in all the sidewalks and pavement around the park, simply because the joints are looking faded and might subconsciously convey an image of age and heavy use to new visitors. The goal of Project Sparkle is to make the entire park look as close to brand new as possible by June, instead of looking like a slightly used 11 year old park with some new lands and buildings in it. TDA is serious about this folks.

http://miceage.micechat.com/allutz/al022112a.htm

I thought it might be fun to track these changes in its own thread, as the fabulously informative Rehab Thread here that nemofinder22 maintains can get a bit bogged down when we start talking about individual paint jobs and Sparkle items. Project Sparkle is really just cosmetics and paint rehabs to non-attraction spaces or exteriors, instead of typical rehabs that close the entire facility. Often a Project Sparkle job allows the facility to keep operating behind the paint tarps and workers scaffolding.

Here's some of the facilities around DCA that have already undergone Project Sparkle rehabs that left them looking brand new, or noticeably altered and rethemed from their previous circa 2001 version.

First up, a fan favorite from this winter, when the old Man Hat N' Beach become the Boardwalk Bazaar on Paradise Pier!

Before, Circa 2001-2011

Man Hat 'n' Beach by DTrigger05, on Flickr

During Project Sparkle Rehab, Winter 2012

http://datelinedisneyland.smugmug.com/DisneylandResort/2012

After Project Sparkle, Winter 2012

 

[TP2000]

The facades along Hollywood Blvd. are also getting redone. First to go under tarps this winter was the Cahuenga Building, which in 2001 had pun titles slapped on this otherwise historical building. This building was dubbed the Souvenir Itch, after the famous movie Seven Year Itch, although you can't go inside and there were no souvenirs for sale there. Remember, in 2001 DCA had puns slapped on nearly every building instead of having operating attractions or facilities inside of them.

Before Circa 2001-2011

During Project Sparkle Rehab 2012

After Project Sparkle 2012

http://datelinedisneyland.smugmug.com/DisneylandResort/2012

The building got a better paint job, with several tones of softer whites used instead of the single shade of bright white it once had. And the Souvenir Itch signage is gone, plus all the puns painted on the windows, and the window displays have been turned into period themed props from the 1930's. Hip N' Edgy has been erased from this corner of Hollywood Blvd. as Project Sparkle sweeps down the street. :lol:

 

[wild01ride]

Wow!
What an amazing initiative with such great looking results!

This is one huge distinction that I've noticed between DLR and WDW (I'm a WDW frequenter and get to DLR much less frequently).
Of course, the scale of the two properties is so different, but there are many in-your-face, blatant eyesores in Florida that far exceed the noticeability of something like the bathroom grouting, concrete joints, etc.
One of the worst eyesores in Florida is the appearance of the building roofs as seen from the Epcot Monorail when making the trek through Future World on the way into Epcot. The roof-tops, A/C units, etc. are just awful looking and in such disrepair. There is so much maintenance that has gone untouched that I have started to become numb to it until I recently saw all that they've done to DLR as part of this "Project Sparkle"!
Nevertheless, I really and truly commend those in charge who are insisting on the updates and maintenance that's taking/taken place.

Looks great!

 

[sponono88]

TP, not only did they take down the signs but they also updated the window display! MintCrocodile posted these photos today,

It looks like an old-fashioned office with an antique film projector showing a still from the new "Brave" movie

Very neat details..

Movie scripts of classic Disney films, with a special note for Walt

 

[TP2000]

^^^ The newly themed display window looks great sponono88! They just can't get enough Walt into this park! :lol:

Another thing that disappeared with that Sparkle rehab on the Cahuenga Building was the Gone With The Chin neon sign on the side of the building. It was just sort of stuck onto the side of the building, with drawn shades and a window sign for a plastic surgeon named "Dr. Nipantuck".

It was one of dozens of puns that DCA 1.0 had plastered all over the place, usually on the many vacant or faux buildings where nothing else was happening or planned to happen. A few little puns like that would be fine, but DCA was blanketed with them upon its opening in 2001.

Project Sparkle in 2012 is getting rid of all of those puns from 2001, in favor of period-appropriate signage and decor. Bravo TDA! :sohappy:

 

[TP2000]

Another recent Project Sparkle result is found at Grizzly River Run. The ride had a 6 week rehab earlier this winter, but they also took that time to let the Sparkle team invade and retheme the entire attraction a bit. Gone is the DCA 1.0 "hip n' edgy" theme where late 1990's hipsters took over an abandoned mining outfit and turned it into Xtreme Sports with lots of late 1990's iconagraphy and what was then contemporary sporting equipment. That original Grizzly theme didn't age well, and by the second decade of the 21st century it looked about as fresh and hip as a Bill Clinton press conference on the Y2K computer problem. :lol:

Instead, they've given Grizzly River Run a theme taken from Walt's True-Life Adventure films of the early 1950's, and the queue and design scheme for Grizzly River Run is set in a working timber and mining operation in the California Sierras circa 1950. The queue and set pieces were swapped out in late 2011 for period-specific stuff. But with this winter's rehab they finished the job by giving the attraction fresh paint instead of aged paint, and removed all the late 90's Xtreme Sports props for vintage 1950 sportsmen props. It's a far more elegant and classy look to the whole attraction.

Grizzly River Run Before Project Sparkle 2001-2011

The bear mascot in front of the ride had an XTreme Sports theme from 2001 to 2011, with the bear wearing contemporary gear and the raft and paddle looking modern and plastic.

The bear mascot was given a vintage look in late 2011, with the plastic paddle turned to wood, his gear turned into more vintage looking stuff with leather straps and brass buckles instead of plastic and nylon, and his raft aged to look more vintage too. The 2001 bear mascot is still there, but fits in with the 1950's props much better now.

The Bear today after his 1950's makeover compliments of Project Sparkle

Grizzly River Run During Project Sparkle 2012

Grizzly River Run After Project Sparkle 2012

http://datelinedisneyland.smugmug.c...hotos/21879341_s6Qmgw#!i=1744529878&k=xS86bnc

The "Eureka Gold and Timber Co." now shows up in prominent signage throughout the attraction. Previously it was barely noticeable in faded references, since the hipsters took over the abandoned property in the late 1990's. Now it's 1950 and the Eureka Gold and Timber Company is a succesful company operating in the Sierras. The three lamps were also moved about 15 feet higher on the building than previously, to illuminate the new and much more prominent sign on this pump building next to the lift hill mechanism.

 

[sponono88]

^ Don't forget they also swapped out the props on the rafts!

It all looks really good and the bigger emphasis on the Mining Co. name is interesting

The store exterior with a freshened up look

http://mintcrocodile.blogspot.com

 

[TP2000]

The Rushin' River store made a dramatic change to the clean and shiny. It had been a run down looking place where the old Eureka Gold & Timber Co. signage was faded and purposely made to look old with water stains and such.

The new version has everything, including the Eureka signage, looking fresh and new and clean. Nothing looks old, it just looks vintage as if you are in 1950. Another good example of the retheme of the entire Grizzly Peak section of the park, moving it back in time 60+ years and ditching the Xtreme Sports theme.

Rushin' River Outfitters Before Project Sparkle, Circa 2001-2011

For those not from the West Coast, the Rushin' River name is a play on words of the real Russian River, a famous rafting and camping river in Northern California.

 

[nemofinder22]

Great thread TP!!!

The bear mascot in front of the ride had an XTreme Sports theme from 2001 to 2011, with the bear wearing contemporary gear and the raft and paddle looking modern and plastic.

The Bear today after his 1950's makeover compliments of Project Sparkle

I love looking at these 2 photos the trees have really grown in beautifully over the years. Reminds me of that clip of Walt talking about how Disneyland would keep getting more and more beautiful every year because of the trees growing in.

 

[TP2000]

Another big chunk of the old Hollywood Pictures Backlot went under the Project Sparkle tarps, as part of this winter's effort to rebrand and retheme most of that section of the park as Hollywood Land.

The Max Factor Building and the Pantages Theater building that form the Southeast corner of Hollywood Blvd. were tarped and rehabbed last month.

Max Factor and Pantages buildings during Project Sparkle 2012

The end result was a very nice cosmetic refurbishment of these already lovely and period-appropriate buildings. Some new brass accents and detailing was installed around the curbs, windows and doors, but otherwise this was purely a full cosmetic refurbish of the existing facility.

Max Factor and Pantages buildings after Project Sparkle 2012

One thing that did change both cosmetically and thematically, however, was the window displays. Out are the slapstick puns and modern decor (or at least "modern" circa 12 years ago). In are period 1930's window displays with vintage props and advertisements for a pet shop, candy shop, florist, etc.

All pictures courtesy of the always-fabulous Dateline Disneyland update blog at Miceage. http://datelinedisneyland.smugmug.com/DisneylandResort/2012

 

[hpyhnt 1000]

Wow!
What an amazing initiative with such great looking results!

This is one huge distinction that I've noticed between DLR and WDW (I'm a WDW frequenter and get to DLR much less frequently).
Of course, the scale of the two properties is so different, but there are many in-your-face, blatant eyesores in Florida that far exceed the noticeability of something like the bathroom grouting, concrete joints, etc.
One of the worst eyesores in Florida is the appearance of the building roofs as seen from the Epcot Monorail when making the trek through Future World on the way into Epcot. The roof-tops, A/C units, etc. are just awful looking and in such disrepair. There is so much maintenance that has gone untouched that I have started to become numb to it until I recently saw all that they've done to DLR as part of this "Project Sparkle"!
Nevertheless, I really and truly commend those in charge who are insisting on the updates and maintenance that's taking/taken place.

Looks great!

I agree those rooftops really are an eyesore, at both Epcot and the TTC. I really would love to see them make these areas "green roofs" by putting some plants and stone/gravel up there. This is a growing trend across the country and it would be great to see Disney get on board with it.

Besides, think of the possibilities the Epcot roofs present for the Flower and Garden festival...so much space for a mural!

 

[nemofinder22]

The Screamin' shade awnings have been replaced, and the repainted blue

http://mintcrocodile.smugmug.com/photos/i-m3xzF8f/0/O/i-m3xzF8f-O.jpg

The Bugs Land cereal box is being repainted

http://mintcrocodile.smugmug.com/photos/i-P68Svmz/0/O/i-P68Svmz-O.jpg

Off the Page's upper tower is getting paint

http://mintcrocodile.smugmug.com/photos/i-xFQ64TC/0/O/i-xFQ64TC-O.jpg

Above photos by Mintcrodile
http://mintcrocodile.blogspot.com/2012/04/showers-of-sun-at-disneyland-resort.html

Monters Inc facade has been repainted. It was looking pretty bad.

http://datelinedisneyland.smugmug.c...d-Update-Photos/i-wj4ZH7m/1/X3/IMG7798-X3.jpg

Over at the Hyperion Theater the stairs are getting painted(I'm guessing it's more so the steel beams)

http://datelinedisneyland.smugmug.c...d-Update-Photos/i-bGqRkrF/1/X3/IMG8293-X3.jpg

Above photos by Dateline Disneyland
http://datelinedisneyland.smugmug.c...hotos/22586612_vP8qTp#!i=1808160317&k=wj4ZH7m

 

[sponono88]

The Condor Flats entrance sign has been removed, and it's said this was done per Lasetter's request on one of his park visits

It seems like the painted sign on the fence will now act as the entrance marquee for the land

This comes even after the sign was given a full refurbishment less than a year ago in which they also repaired the structure to make it spin again:

[youtube]KtdPlXD4TnM[/youtube]

Also in Condor Flats, the airplane has been taken off the facade of Taste Pilots Grill restaurant. A tarp is in place now, probably to replace the faux crash design that was there behind the plane:

Before:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/thestartrader/3026017113/

 

[wild01ride]

Also in Condor Flats, the airplane has been taken off the facade of Taste Pilots Grill restaurant. A tarp is in place now, probably to replace the faux crash design that was there behind the plane.

Just FYI, the so-called "crash design" seemed to be actually a representation of breaking the sound barrier. The plane previously installed in this location was the Bell X-1, which, piloted by Chuck Yeager, was the first man-made craft to break the sound barrier (travel faster than the speed of sound).
Just thought I'd throw in a piece of the incredibly small amount of history that I can recollect!


I really do hope they keep the plane, at bare minimum, as it was an incredibly important piece of aviation history that occurred in California.

 

[Admiral01]

Just FYI, the so-called "crash design" seemed to be actually a representation of breaking the sound barrier. The plane previously installed in this location was the Bell X-1, which, piloted by Chuck Yeager, was the first man-made craft to break the sound barrier (travel faster than the speed of sound).
Just thought I'd throw in a piece of the incredibly small amount of history that I can recollect!


I really do hope they keep the plane, at bare minimum, as it was an incredibly important piece of aviation history that occurred in California.

Agreed. It may have been tacky where it originally was, but the plane is very significant, and I would personally (as an aerospace engineer) like to see it remain in the park. Stick some wheels on it and put it outside the restaurant...something like that.

A little more trivia for the X-1: Yeager had cracked ribs at the time he piloted the famous craft on the first sound-barrier breaking flight. If I recollect properly, he had his wife help him wrap his torso in broom sticks and duct tape because he thought it would help him hold his body in place and withstand the forces... Test pilots are interesting people.

 

[wild01ride]

"The Right Stuff" was one of my favorite movies growing up!
I had the fortune of meeting Chuck Yeager when I was in High School-I was fortunate enough to get him to sign his Biography, which is one of the only books I've read on my own interest in life! LOL!
The amazing part is that, after the book signing, I was fortunate enough to watch him take off in formation with his and another P-51! Absolutely breathtaking!

 

[nemofinder22]

Fantastic info Wild01ride and Admiral01! Condor Flats is one of the most underrated lands IMO.

Since 2001 DCA's ODV carts have looked like this, ugly, generic and now completely out of date, Monorails have been replaced, the Mickey on Screamin is gone, and the Golden Gate Bridge is out.

http://mintcrocodile.smugmug.com/photos/i-X3JGWkf/0/O/i-X3JGWkf-O.jpg http://mintcrocodile.smugmug.com/photos/i-WNzW8BR/0/O/i-WNzW8BR-O.jpg

And finally the graphics have been changed out at least this one on Paradise Pier. Hopefully each land will get its own theme, after all Big Thunder Ranch as them as did New Orleans Bayou Bash!

http://mintcrocodile.smugmug.com/photos/i-49rxXsK/0/O/i-49rxXsK-O.jpg http://mintcrocodile.smugmug.com/photos/i-k3QJGm2/0/O/i-k3QJGm2-O.jpg

More work on the lights in Paradise Pier

http://mintcrocodile.smugmug.com/photos/i-vx5rkr6/0/O/i-vx5rkr6-O.jpg

The clovers in Bugs Land are getting replaced. I think the left is old, right is new.

http://mintcrocodile.smugmug.com/photos/i-H3TSS4c/0/O/i-H3TSS4c-O.jpg

Looks like the Bugs Land mural is about to get worked on, it needs it pretty badly. Dim has been removed.

http://mintcrocodile.smugmug.com/photos/i-mJjchfq/0/O/i-mJjchfq-O.jpg

Above photos by Mintcrocodile, see more at the link
http://mintcrocodile.blogspot.com/2012/05/less-than-month-away.html

 

[sponono88]

Very nice, i'm happy to see they finally replaced the ODV cart graphics.

Also the Bugs Land clover replacements are a nice surprise -- it's great to see these continuous improvements throughout the park. I'm wondering what they will do with the ITTBAB mural.

 

[nemofinder22]

Very nice, i'm happy to see they finally replaced the ODV cart graphics.

Also the Bugs Land clover replacements are a nice surprise -- it's great to see these continuous improvements throughout the park. I'm wondering what they will do with the ITTBAB mural.

I'm so happy to see the ODV graphics changed as well:sohappy:

Defiantly a nice surprise didn't see that coming at all. It seems project sparkle know no bounds lol

Continuing with the OVD graphic changes
Some new "Cars" themed ones
http://www.disneygeek.com/updates/disneyland_update.php?page_id=72&update_dir=2012_05_18

New graphics in Bugs Land
http://www.disneygeek.com/updates/disneyland_update.php?page_id=88&update_dir=2012_05_18

The Bugs Land clovers get work(from the Fun Wheel)
http://www.disneygeek.com/updates/disneyland_update.php?page_id=88&update_dir=2012_05_18

Over in Paradise Pier a new billboard for Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta and Paradise Garden Grill.
http://www.disneygeek.com/updates/disneyland_image.php?update_dir=2012_05_18&page_id=77&num_image=2

 

[TP2000]

Looks like the Bugs Land mural is about to get worked on, it needs it pretty badly. Dim has been removed.

http://mintcrocodile.smugmug.com/photos/i-mJjchfq/0/O/i-mJjchfq-O.jpg

Above photos by Mintcrocodile, see more at the link
http://mintcrocodile.blogspot.com/2012/05/less-than-month-away.html

It looks like the mural is going in a slightly different direction, by removing the stucco beige frame around the mural that has been there since 2001. The whole frame is being painted sky blue now, and the mural itself should be repainted or resurfaced later this week.

From the Monday edition of Miceage's Dateline Disneyland comes therse pics of the latest location of original DCA 1.0 for Project Sparkle getting it all ready for DCA 2.0...

http://datelinedisneyland.smugmug.c...hotos/23037079_LPWP5b#!i=1858094178&k=BvPgHFn