Trip Report Mahalo Disneyland for 60 Magical Years!

Disneyland 2016-Castle Down Main Street 01 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Aloha!

My name is Len and some of you might remember me from my trip report to Walt Disney World this past Christmas! If you haven't seen it, and are curious, here is the link:

http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/mele-kalikimaka-wdw-adventure-2015-completed.909533/

Having visited a Disney park in 2015, I didn't think I would be back to one for a couple of years. However, my wife Sue had a workshop in Las Vegas about a month and a half ago. She asked if I would come along, but not being a big Vegas fan, I initially declined. Sue asked me again as she really wanted company and I jokingly asked if I could stop at Disneyland first. To my surprise, she said YES! Faster than you can say "Bob's your Uncle", I immediately began making plans to visit the park during the tail end of its 60th Diamond Celebration.

As with my WDW trip, I took hundreds of photos and am roughly half done with post processing. It will be a few more weeks before I get the majority done that I want to use for this report, but I thought I'd do a quick intro so that folks here don't think I've gone AWOL!

Some quick thoughts before I get back to Lightroom and Photoshop. I think my pictures, at least composition wise, are much better this go around. One of the reasons is that Disneyland is so much smaller than WDW! Attractions are closer to each other which works for wide angle shots (I like seeing two different icons or attractions in one image). The less commute time between lands allowed me to take just a bit more time composing and studying my subjects.

Whereas I'm happy with a good number of my night shots, I totally failed at shooting dark rides. Not sure why, but you won't see many ride shots for this report. I did manage to get a pretty decent shot of the Abominable Snowman from the Matterhorn, which you'll see later down the road.

Because I was at DL for roughly 3 and a half days, I don't have as much to report as my WDW trip. I'm going to break this report down by the parks and resort rather than a day by day accounting. I think it will keeps things less confusing and much more focused.

Okay, I think that's it for now! The image I'm leaving you with is similar to the first one I posted for my last report. For WDW, it was a picture of Cinderella's Castle looking down Main Street after park closing. This one is very similar except you can sub in Sleeping Beauty's Castle. Unfortunately, you'll immediately notice the security guard on the right side of the street. I waited a good half hour for him to leave, but he wasn't budging...LOL! I think a lot of my "after hour" shots have one or two stragglers in them (it became a running joke with me), but it didn't bother me too much for some strange reason.

As Arnold always says, "I'll be back!"

 

[Juneau Biscuits]

I know you're probably sick of hearing this by now, but your photos are absolutely stunning. And by the way, I'm really glad that you have a copyright on them, too.

I could never get tired of hearing that from you @MinnieM123...LOL! Ahh, that copyright is pretty useless by all accounts, but at least it tells me what year the pic was taken!

 

[MinnieM123]

I could never get tired of hearing that from you @MinnieM123...LOL! Ahh, that copyright is pretty useless by all accounts, but at least it tells me what year the pic was taken!

Thank you. By the way, I also noticed that @fractal complimented you on your photos as well. Consider that praise from the photography gods right there! I've been following his photos (from TRs with his family) for a few years now, ever since I joined the forum.

We're all lucky on this forum to have some very talented photographers. (I also like a few others that I really enjoy as well, but I think that you and Fractal are on the top of my list.)

 

[Disney Down Under]

Your Grizzly Peaks update was fantastic and your photos, wow I look at those and I see what I want to be able to take and produce, thank you for sharing. I too love this area and it has one of my favourite rides. We usually do it just before we are going to take a break from the park and head back to Grand Californian, so getting wet doesn't bother us.

 

[Disney Down Under]

I think the main thing is always feeling you're a bit better as a photographer then you were a while ago. I'm interested to see your shots when you head back to the parks next year! I've looked into mirrorless, but dang, that system is not cheap!

Shooting inside restaurants are always a challenge for me. Trying to keep the ISO down can be frustrating for sure!

I totally agree, in 2013 i used a Sony point & click, higher end than general, but still very limited. I liked my photos from that trip, then I saw more and more photos taken with dSLR and wanted to move this way. 2015 trip I feel my photos are 10x improved. The size of the dSLR was/is definately an impediment, which is the main reason I am looking to mirrorless, though not for the extra cost of body, lenses etc lol

 

[Juneau Biscuits]

Thank you. By the way, I also noticed that @fractal complimented you on your photos as well. Consider that praise from the photography gods right there! I've been following his photos (from TRs with his family) for a few years now, ever since I joined the forum.

We're all lucky on this forum to have some very talented photographers. (I also like a few others that I really enjoy as well, but I think that you and Fractal are on the top of my list.)

Agreed, Chris (AKA Fractal) knows his stuff. I follow him on Flickr and his photos never fail to amaze me!

 

[Juneau Biscuits]

Your Grizzly Peaks update was fantastic and your photos, wow I look at those and I see what I want to be able to take and produce, thank you for sharing. I too love this area and it has one of my favourite rides. We usually do it just before we are going to take a break from the park and head back to Grand Californian, so getting wet doesn't bother us.

I really need to get on that ride again...and this summer was the perfect time as it was pretty hot. Are you headed back to Disneyland next summer or WDW?

 

[Juneau Biscuits]

I totally agree, in 2013 i used a Sony point & click, higher end than general, but still very limited. I liked my photos from that trip, then I saw more and more photos taken with dSLR and wanted to move this way. 2015 trip I feel my photos are 10x improved. The size of the dSLR was/is definately an impediment, which is the main reason I am looking to mirrorless, though not for the extra cost of body, lenses etc lol

I did some research and found if I were to dump my Nikon system and go into Sony, it would cost me over 25% more to pick up an equivalent body and lenses. Weight gain is almost a draw for me, as the lenses are still quite heavy, although the body is still lighter. What really intrigues me, beyond the amazing sensors, is the high ISO capabilities (that currently blows away anything in Nikon or Canon).

 

[Juneau Biscuits]

There were two special parties I did at DCA, both on my first day at the park. The first was the Frozen Dessert Party. The $60.00 price tag gets you into a pre-show event with sweet treats, photo ops, and alcohol (wine, beer, and hard liquor). Since I don't drink, I gave my complimentary ticket to another guest to enjoy. I had a snow cone (called shave ice in Hawaii) which was pretty tasty. I only ate one since the room was air conditioned and the dessert put a chill in my bones. There were 5 or 6 dioramas where families could have their pictures taken against the backdrop of Arendelle and other assorted winter scenery. Olaf made an appearance to the delight of the children and the event was capped by a cool snowstorm in the middle of the room. Being the only adult, I didn't get much out of it other than the treats (which wasn't the reason why I signed up). Come showtime, we were escorted to the Hyperion Theater for priority seating. Now, priority seating at some other events (looking at you Candlelight Processional) doesn't mean much, and can often be disadvantageous for photographers (sort of looking at you World of Color Dessert Party). But priority seating for Frozen Live! truly lived up to its billing as we were first to arrive and allowed to choose whatever seats we wanted! I choose front row...smack dab in the middle!

Disney California Adventure 2016-Cast Member Jazmin Serves Up Treats @ Frozen Dessert Party by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016- Asstd Treats @ Frozen Dessert Party by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Snow Finale @ Frozen Dessert Party by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Children Celebrate the Snow @ Frozen Dessert Party by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Frozen Live! is a well produced stage show with great vocal talent, first rate scenery, and high production values. Does it surpass Aladdin for me? No, but that's because I don't have a strong emotional attachment to the film (and that is purely a subjective issue...I know it strikes a chord in many of the younger audiences). One thing that did bother me though out the play, and found it a major distraction, is that the actress who plays Anna...looks much older than the one who plays Elsa! This really kept me from suspending disbelief and buying into the play's reality. I do want to clarify that Anna had a great voice, and she is very talented...but it would have worked better for me if Disney had casted a younger actress.

Disney California Adventure 2016-Frozen Live @ The Hyperion 02 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Frozen Live @ The Hyperion 01 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Frozen Live @ The Hyperion 03 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Frozen Live @ The Hyperion 04 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

 

[Disney Down Under]

I really need to get on that ride again...and this summer was the perfect time as it was pretty hot. Are you headed back to Disneyland next summer or WDW?

I certainly don't want to hijack your thread with my pre-trip details, and I don't know the protocols of posting a link to my PTR over at Disboards where I have posted for a many years.

We were not even going to have Disney as a part of this trip, which was quite disappointing, but we were focusing on some other parts of USA/Canada for this trip. However we have made a slight change to that recently and now have added a few days to the end of our trip to attend D23 Expo and Disneyland also, so Disney planning has again taken over everything, even though it's 5 days at the end of our 4 weeks in USA!

 

[LisaBelle]

Thanks @LisaBelle...it's always so nice to hear from you! Hope everything is well with you!

I am super busy, but all is well! Thanks for asking! Wanted to post this before I forgot. Now I will get caught up with your TR!

 

[fractal]

Disney California Adventure 2016-Eureka Mill @ Night by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

I love the area known as Grizzly Peaks! I could be happy with a whole park that is designed similar to this area. While I miss the now gone Condor Flats (love that name), the newly redesigned Grizzly Peak Airfield fits nicely as a transitional space between the Peak and Buena Vista Street. There's an open airy feel here that reminds me of Andy Griffith's Mayberry and its small town homeyness. Soarin' Around the World is still the big draw here, and the newly updated ride means long, long lines. Grizzly River Run is still getting guests wet, but truth be told, I haven't rode it since I started lugging around my Nikon DSLR...lol! My good friend Eddison, an amazing photographer, gets some crazy cool shots as he's going down those rapids, but some men are just born with nerves of steel (mine are more like house grade aluminum). Taste Pilot's Grill has been replaced by Smokejumpers Grill...a really cool restaurant celebrating the legacy of those airborne firefighters of yore. Sue and I ate there for lunch and found the sandwiches (both a burger and chicken) quite ono (Hawaiian for delicious) with the french fries nice and hot! The downside was the crowds..plenty of 'em, so finding seats was a challenge. We ended up in the dining area outside which I don't recommend as it can get mighty hot. But inside tables are very limited, so you just have to make due.

My love for this area makes this post photo heavy...so excuse the bandwidth drain!

Disney California Adventure 2016-The Legend of Grizzly Peak by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Grizzly Peak Refreshments Area by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Eureka Mill Daytime by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Eureka Mine Shaft No. 2 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Grizzly River Run 01 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Grizzly Peak Airfield by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Grizzly Peaks Prevent Forest Fires Signage by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Fill Her Up with Condor Premium! by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Grreetings from Grizzly Peak! by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Grizzly Peaks Billboard by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Smokejumpers Grill by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Smokejumpers Grill Interior 01 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Grizzly Peak Airfield Always On Alert by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Rushin' River Outfitters by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Smokejumpers Grill Menu Detail by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney's California Adventure 2016-Waiting in Line @ Smokejumpers Grill 01 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Grizzly Peak Park Service Truck by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Soarin' Around the World 01 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

My strong dislike for Chip and Dale is ironic since they always seem to appear at character breakfasts or when I'm taking a photo...LOL! I will admit I like them in this particular shot...

Disney California Adventure 2016-Chip & Dale @ Eureka Mill by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Great shots! Love that area as well.

 

[Mrhappyplace]

Love your photos and thanks for showing me Disney Land. Hoping to get there with @myhappyplace sometime in the nest few years.

 

[Juneau Biscuits]

Love your photos and thanks for showing me Disney Land. Hoping to get there with @myhappyplace sometime in the nest few years.

Mahalo @Mrhappyplace and glad you're enjoying the TR!

 

[Juneau Biscuits]

As mentioned earlier, the other hard ticket event I attended was another dessert party, this time for the World of Color.The first time I saw this show was during its premiere back in 2010. I watched it twice. The first with friends while I recorded the entire thing on my video camcorder (I dabbled a bit in videos, but eventually went back to still images. I found that I rarely, if ever, watched my recordings once I got home). I thought the show was pretty cool, if a little underwhelmed by the narrative (which was pretty much nonexistent). The early shows were basically pretty pictures from Disney movies projected on water. The second time was with Sue which was strictly as a spectator (no cameras). As the show started, my wife turned to me and said "This is so cool!" The colorful images and cascading waters popped up one after the other...and other...and other. After about 10 minutes of this, Sue turned to me and asked "How long is this show?"...LOL! I found myself getting a bit antsy around the 15 minute mark and was ready for it to end a good 5 minutes before the actual finale. My problem with WOC is the lack of a narrative or strong story line. It really ends up being a bunch of images that have no connection other than being Disney produced. I liken this show to a summer blockbuster with lots of action and great special effects. Interesting for a bit, but no real story or characters to get me invested. So why did I even book this event you might be asking yourself? Pretty much to take pictures with my DSLR. Unfortunately, the area reserved for this party, while very nice, is not conducive to taking good photos. We're more off to the side of the show, directly behind a couple of huge speakers. While the photos are a total loss (hence I've only posted a couple), I must say the desserts and service were excellent. Being by myself, I was seated with this wonderful retired couple from Oregon. We started talking and I really enjoyed my time with them. So, I still give the event two thumbs up!

Disney California Adventure 2016-WOC Dessert Party Asstd Goodies.jp by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-World of Color Dessert Party Pre-Show Festivities by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

The Pacific Wharf area is another favorite area of mine at DCA. I love the variety of foods this place offers, and I'll pretty much head there by default to have the Clam Chowder in a Sourdough Bowl at Boudin Bakery. The mexican food at Cocina Cucamonga is also darn tasty and who can go wrong with a sundae or ice cream cone from Ghiradelli's?

Disney California Adventure 2016-Paradise Pier 01 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Backside of Pacific Wharf by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Pacific Wharf to Paradise Pier by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Lucky Fortune Cookery by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-California Screamin' Launch by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-The Kellogg's Truck by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Bakery Tour Ready to Start a New Day by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

I like the theming of Pacific Wharf too...nothing in your face or over the top. The Imagineers took a very subtle and relaxed approach which lends itself to the feel of the time period.

Disney California Adventure 2016-Cast Member Vanessa Welcomes Guests to The Little Mermaid Ride by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Cast Member Reynaldo Serves Up Bread @ Boudin Bakery by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Clam Chowder in a Sourdough Bread Bowl @ Pacific Wharf Cafe by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Cast Member Larry @ Your Service by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

 

[MinnieM123]

Never been to Disneyland. That photo of California Screamin Launch sure looks like fun! Hope you got to ride on that one!

Really enjoying the photos of the various CMs throughout the park. They add a nice, friendly vibe to your park portfolio of wonderful pictures.

 

[Juneau Biscuits]

Due to the short time I was allotted at both parks, there are still many areas I did not photograph or explore. For DCA, I barely glanced at Paradise Pier, but part of the reason being its my least favorite area. I understand how it fits into the period of California when carny games were popular, but it comes off as unimaginative and "low budget" to me. Mickey's Wheel is definitely the centerpiece of the pier, but even the ride itself is nothing you can't experience at a local state fair or carnival. And while I love Hollywood Studios in Florida, I don't spend a lot of time at the California version either. We did see the "Pete's Dragon" 4D preview at the Sunset Showcase Theater which was pretty cool. And the obligatory multiple rides on Tower of Terror is a must. Shoots, if I had known that the end was coming for the ride's theme, I would have taken a bunch of pictures, but as it is, I only got a couple of the cast members.

Disney California Adventure 2016-Sunset Showcase Theater Lobby by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Cast Member Dean & Pete's Dragon Greets Visitors @ Sneak Preview by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Cast Member Viona Greets Tower of Terror Victims by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Cast Member Sarah Says Goodbye to Tower of Terror Victims by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

I use to scoff at waiting to take pictures with Disney characters. That was before I got into photography, and now, I laugh at a 45 minute line! Make it a Marvel character, and I'm willing to camp out all night if necessary (okay, I'm getting carried away, but what do you expect from a comic book nerd?). Captain America and Spider-Man were both there for pic ops and autographs. One thing I noticed is how much better the costumes looked at DCA compared to their Universal counterparts. The main reason is that Universal probably has the license only for the comic book look while Disney can do the actual movie versions. The difference is night and day since the movie takes real world aesthetics into consideration. While waiting, I struck up conversation with this family in front of me from New York. Super nice people and it helped the time go by faster. It also occurs to me that I'm becoming more like my mom as I get older. I'm talking more and more to strangers I don't even know...LOL!

Disney's California Adventure 2016-15th Precinct Welcomes Captain America by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Captain America Strikes A Pose 01 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Spider-Man Meet & Greet 02 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Spidey & His Two Sidekicks by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Captain America Strikes A Pose 03 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Sue did her "Mad Hatter" thing again at some of the Hollywood stores (more like I coerced her into trying on hats for my Flickr collection...hah)! Not as big a selection as we found at WDW, or maybe we've gone through most of the hat designs. I wonder if I can convince my wife to do Disney sweatshirts next...haha!

Disney's California Adventure 2016-The Mad Suehatter 25 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney's California Adventure 2016-The Mad Suehatter 24 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney's California Adventure 2016-The Mad Suehatter 23 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

 

[Juneau Biscuits]

Never been to Disneyland. That photo of California Screamin Launch sure looks like fun! Hope you got to ride on that one!

Really enjoying the photos of the various CMs throughout the park. They add a nice, friendly vibe to your park portfolio of wonderful pictures.

Hope you get a chance to visit Disneyland one day @MinnieM123!
No California Screamin' this time around, but we have rode it multiple times in the past. My second to the last time, we were on the launch pad, strapping ourselves in. The ride has these heavy pull down bars that fit snugly on your shoulders. Knowing how wild this ride is, I really clamped mine down tight. After the countdown began, we waited for the launch...and nothing happened! No one knew what was happening, but I'm pretty sure it was some type of mechanical failure. Well, it was summer and over a hundred degrees. After 10 minutes in the sun (I could feel the beads of sweat running down my face), I began to feel claustrophobic. The bars were so tight, I could barely move a muscle. After 15-20 minutes, I felt like screaming, but knew it would be bad if I lost control. I shut my eyes, and thought of other things...and other places. The ride finally launched, and even during the 360 degree loop, all I could feel was the cool wind on my face. California SCREAMIN' indeed...LOL!

 

[Juneau Biscuits]

Disney California Adventure 2016-Welcome to Carsland Sign by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

The current "Piece De Resistance" of DCA is Cars Land by a wide margin! Now, I don't even like Pixar's Cars...I still think its their weakest animated film to date. But regardless of how you feel about the movie, Carsland is an amazing area, a true testament to the skills and creative geniuses of the Imagineers. This plays literally feels like Radiator Springs come to life. Not sure if the fact that its based on a CGI animated film (as opposed to the traditional hand drawn animation) that enabled Disney to make such a seamless transition from screen to park reality. I'm thinking that the more realistic, three dimensional nature of computer generated images provides a much better blueprint for bringing characters and environments to life (of course, the amazing job they also did on the Beast's castle at the new Fantasyland at WDW pretty much punches major holes in my theory). I just can't imagine being able to faithfully reproduce the stylistic backgrounds of Eyvind Earle from Sleeping Beauty with this degree of accuracy (although I would love to see Disney try).

From a photography standpoint, you can't take a bad picture here. Every inch of space, every angle has been maximized for visual impact and storytelling. Disney's attention to detail is a company trademark, but here it's taken to a new level. The downside of all this "theming goodness" is the place is literally packed from dawn to dusk. This is one area that security begins to close down access almost immediately at park closing. On the first night, I made the mistake of shooting Pacific Wharf first, and 15 minutes after closing, a guard would not allow me to enter Carsland. While getting shots without any people in is challenging, the quick closures does usher people towards the front much faster, clearing out areas for isolated images.

Disney California Adventure 2016-Welcome to Radiator Springs by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Flo's V8 Cafe by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Radiator Springs Curios by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Radiator Springs Firehouse by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Luigi's Rollickin' Roadsters replaces the much maligned (and deservedly so) Luigi's Flying Tires. Sue and I road Flying Tires when it first opened, and the ride has all the thrill of waiting in a dental office to have your teeth cleaned. Okay, it wasn't that bad, but it struck me that even 50 years, Disney still can't get this type of floating ride to work (Flying Saucers anyone?). I probably won't be alive when the Imagineers give it another shot, but hopefully the third time's a charm! I had to dig into the vaults for this photo of me wearing a souvenir hat from Flying Tires back in 2013 (now I wish I had actually bought the darn thing as I'm sure it'll be a sure fire collectible).

Disney California Adventure 2016-Luigi's Rollickin' Roadsters by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

DCA July 2013 68 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney's California Adventure 2016-Taking a Spin On Mater's Junkyard Jamboree by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Radiator Springs Curios 02 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Flo's V8 Cafe 02 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Backside of Flo's V-8 Cafe by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Luigi's Casa Della Tires by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Flo's V8 Cafe Menu Display by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Cozy Cone Motel Rounds the Corner Beyond Radiator Springs Curios by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Curios Side View by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney's California Adventure 2016-Quiet Night @ Mater's Junkyard Jamboree by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Radiator Springs Racers Ride Interior 03 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Gas Pump Beverage Dispensers by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

 

[Juneau Biscuits]

Disney's California Adventure 2016-Radiator Springs Racers Entrance Sign by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

If Cars Land is the "cream of the crop" out in DCA, then Radiator Spring Racers is the "cherry on top of the sundae" (and that is the last of the cliche phrases for this TR...maybe)! Is this an E-Ticket ride? Absolutely. Racers has jumped to the top of speed rides, surpassing both Test Track and Rock 'N' Roller Coaster. What gives Racers the edge? For me, it's the depth of immersion felt through the entire ride. From the audio-animatronics that brings the citizens of Radiator Springs to life to the incredible desert landscapes as the track takes you out into the open air. The car acceleration is no slouch either, but not as fast as the WDW rides. Overall, this ride puts Cars Land on the map in a big way. If you have to ride only one ride in DCA, this is the go to guy!

Disney California Adventure 2016-Radiator Springs Racers Entrance by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Radiator Springs Racers Cast Members Ruth and Nadine by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Radiator Springs Racers Ride Interior 01 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Luigi's Rollickin' Roadsters Cast Members Christian & Heidi by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Making the Turn @ Radiator Springs Racers by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Radiator Springs Racers Ride Interior 02 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Radiator Springs Racers Ride Interior 05 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Radiator Springs Racers Ride Interior 06 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Radiator Springs Racers Ride Interior 07 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Radiator Springs Racers Ride Interior 04 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

It's pretty amazing what the Imagineers did with the limited space to transform it into Ornament Valley. I'm sure this area took a big chunk of the billion dollar renovation budget and it shows. Day or night, this place never fails to take your breath away!

Disney California Adventure 2016-Ornament Valley Panorama by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Ornament Valley Sign by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Deserted Path Along Ornament Valley by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Deserted Path Along Ornament Valley 02 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-You Are Now Leaving Ornament Valley by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney California Adventure 2016-Cast Member Dave w: Cars Mdse by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

 

[fractal]

I have only one complaint about your photos - they're too small. Please throw in at least a few larger ones and show off your talent!