I had a request for a condensed version of the pictures from the festivities surrounding the opening of Cars Land and Grand Reopening of Disney California Adventure. So in this post I condensed the three days down to under 40 pictures to give a sampling. Be sure to check out my coverage page for links to all the full sections.
Day 1: Wednesday June 13, 2012 —
We start off with the great view I had from my room at the Grand Californian.Next up I took a quick walk through the parks. The walls in Carthay Circle were down and I had my first wall free look down Buena Vista Street.The evening started off with Red Carpet arrivals for the Cars Land PremiereHere is John Lasseter and his wife making their way down the carpet.There was a Premiere event that took place at the entrance to Route 66 and features talent from the film, Disney executives, singing/dancing, and fireworks.A wider shot of part of the finale to the Premiere.After the show Cars Land was open for a party. Here is a picture of the Radiator Cap.
Day 2: Thursday, June 14, 2012 —
A picture from the party, here John Lasseter is on Route 66 talking with guests.Day 2 started off with an early morning visit to Cars Land. Here is Ornament Valley as seen from the Pacific Wharf entrance.Headed to Buena Vista Street for the premiere performance of Five & DimeFollowed by the premiere performance of the Red Car News BoysMickey’s arrival in Los Angeles is part of the Red Car News Boys.I then explored the interiors of the stores along Buena Vista Street. Here is a picture from inside Elias & Co.Goofy was out for pictures on Buena Vista StreetMickey was also out for pictures.The Carthay Circle Lounge was open to explore/photograph, but the dining room was off limits as was the 1901 Lounge.Went for one last ride on the Radiator Springs Racers before they shut down for the evening and before the crowds arrive the next day. Notice how far away the Fun Wheel looks…The evening started off with an event to celebrate Buena Vista Street and then the Mad T Party. Here is a picture of a dance floor/band in front of the Carthay.StorytellersThe evening was capped off with a performance of World of Color, they provided us Glow with the Show Mouse Ears.World of Color Featuring Glow with the Show Mouse EarsThe show also had the new Brave segment in it.One more World of Color picture to end the evening.
Day 3: Friday, June 15, 2012 —
Friday started off with the Grand Reopening Ceremony for Disney California AdventureThen it was time to open the park to the public. Here are the first guests being walked to Radiator Springs Racers.While taking pictures of the Racers, Bob Iger showed up next to me to take a couple for himself.The crowds arrived and filled Route 66, here is the view into Cars Land from the Blue Sky Cellar Patio.While at the Blue Sky Cellar Patio I was joined by George Kaligridis and Tom Staggs who stopped by to see the view too.They agreed to turn around for a picture, so here is the president of Disneyland and chairman of Parks & Resorts.Mark Panelli and Roger Gould also showed up on the patio. Both are Imagineers. Mark did the neon signs and Roger is Creative Director, Theme Parks Pixar Animation Studios.Goofy debuted a new show on Paradise Bay, Instant Concert… just add water.Disney was ready for a massive crowd for Cars Land. They had Paradise Park lined for extended queue space if needed. I never saw it in use.. I did the line for the Racers stretch/wrap all the way up to Duffy’s photo location on the Pier though.The Voices of Liberty official started at Disneyland on 6/15.The 2012 All American College Band returned to Disneyland on Thursday the 14th. Here is a picture from their Castle set on Friday.The Matterhorn also returned to operation on Friday. Climbers will be making regular appearances all summer long.For opening day they had some live entertainment on the mountain to provide music. Here is Happy Hans & His Son playing Its a Small World (there was also an Alpine Horn player that we spotted on another pass by).Stage 17 features Dancin’ with Disney on a daily basis throughout the summer at Disney California Adventure. This event also started Friday the 15th..
