It’s been several years since Disney decided to abandon the unique California-theming of Disney California Adventure Park and move into a more IP-friendly realm of storytelling. What once paid homage to this sun-drenched state’s beauty now offers a mixed experience, pivoting from landmark representation to Disney auxiliary companies like Marvel and Pixar. While I enjoy both iterations of this beloved, second-born Anaheim-based Disney Park, I wonder if Disney has somewhat lost its way regarding the feeling of continuity, out with the old and in with the new. Disney bid farewell to its iconic California scenes and slowly began replacing them with more Disney-centric theming.
Disney California Adventure has since become the west-coast home of Pixar and Marvel. Pixar Pier replaced Paradise Pier, and San Fransokyo Square has taken over the old Pacific Wharf. Even the iconic Soarin’ Over California attraction was replaced with the ‘Around the World’ version that is seen in Orlando. With the expansion of the other areas of the park into Cars Land and Avengers Campus, the park has lost the Californian charm it once had. Of course, it hasn’t necessarily suffered for it. More E-Ticket attractions have transformed this youngest Anaheim Disney Park into a force to be reckoned with, not rivaling its big sister Disneyland Park for guest priority.
Even though I love almost all of the upgrades that have been made, I do miss the original theming and wish there could still be more opportunities to incorporate it into the park going forward. For me, the changes to Soarin’ were the last straw. I loved that the Disneyland Resort had this unique point of difference that couldn’t be had anywhere else. While I am not saying that I would give up Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout or Radiator Springs Racers for the overwhelming scent of oranges back, I still wish those Californian finishing touches were still prominent.
What do you think? Is Disney’s California Adventure Park better without its state-theming focus? Or, do you miss what made this park so unique to begin with? While we are on this one, is it just me, or does the IncrediCoaster seem to break down twice as much as California Screamin ever seemed to?
