Service Celebration at Disney California Adventure

This morning my roommate asks if I had seen a certain website making a statement about the event that was held last night at Disney California Adventure.


"Thursday night TDA hosted a humiliating party for Anaheim Cast Members celebrating their 10th, 15th, or 20th anniversary of Disneyland employment. A thousand party guests were left in long lines in the Pumbaa parking lot waiting over 30 minutes to board a rented city bus to take them half-way to the party over at Paradise Pier. Once they'd made it to the boardwalkt on a foggy night they were met with more lines for a cheap buffet and canned music, and another long walk back to wait in line for the bus again. Gone are the days when Walt and his predecessors hosted dinner dances in the Disneyland Hotel ballroom and gave these hardworking, long-term CMs the respect and gala evening they deserve. - Al Lutz"


I was kindly invited to the attend the event and so I just want to give another perspective of the event and how it was.  Because I wasn't sure how this event would take place, I didn't feel like lugging my camera around. 


So last night, Disney California Adventure hosted a private event for Cast Members who were celebrating a service anniversary.  They ranged from Cast Members who had been with the company for 10, 15, 20, and a few who had been there for 30 years. The event took place in the Pacific Wharf and Paradise Pier section of Disney California Adventure.


Those attending were told to park in the Pumbaa lot and shuttles will bus the honorees and their guests to the Disneyland Resort shuttle pick-up/drop-off area. For those who were celebrating their 10 year / 15 year, the party didn't start until 7:30pm.  Arriving at the Pumba parking lot a little after 7:30pm, we could see a long line to get on the shuttle.  


We park and the honoree was to go to the registration tent to pick up their items while their guest could just wait in the shuttle queue. Because of the long line, I was thinking why they couldn't just let us choose if we wanted to walk or take a shuttle. The Pumba parking lot is relatively close to the Resort and it wouldn't take long.  But while standing in line, we were talking and I mentioned one reason to the possibility of us not getting to walk is that maybe with Disney California Adventure closing at 7:00pm, Disneyland closing at 9:00pm, and Guests of the Resort leaving, Disney didn't want their Event Guests to impact the Disney Day Guests leaving as they walk back to their hotel.  they didn't want a majority of people walking along Harbor Blvd.


We finally get on the shuttle (Toy Story Parking Lot buses and Anaheim Resort shuttle buses were being used) and after some time we get to Disney California Adventure around 8:20pm. That whole process of parking, waiting in line for a shuttle, and having us arrive at Disney California Adventure took about 35-40min.  We are guided through Condor Flats, up the parade route to Paradise Pier.


Near the winery, Mickey, Minnie, Belle, and Tiana  were standing next to a red carpet that the honorees and their guests got to walk on.  Several Cast Members were on either side clapping and congratulating on those who were celebrating.


"Once they'd made it to the boardwalk on a foggy night they were met with more lines for a cheap buffet and canned music..."  


I just want to say that it was not foggy at all.  The night was actually quite nice because I didn't need a jacket (I get cold easily).


We make it to the Paradise Pier section and there was a decent size crowd in the area. Music can be heard throughout the Pier and the World of Color fountain can be seen on the bay. It was a party atmosphere.


As we made our way along the parade route, there were a lot of people hanging out in front of the Little Mermaid attraction building.  A martini bar (I think that's what it was a martini bar.  I don't drink alcohol so I am clueless when it comes to that kind of stuff being served) was set up and so people were stopping their first before heading down.  Further down the parade route, around the Golden Zephyr and Seaside Souvenirs there were tables set up with food on them. Further down the parade route, next to Jumping Jellyfish and next to the new Paradise Pier  restaurant dining area were another set of tables with food on them.  And because these were pretty much the first set of tables the Guests of the event came across, these were the ones with the long lines.   But if you were to have traveled further up the parade route, the lines got shorter and shorter for food. 


Speaking of food, here is sample of what was offered to the honorees and their guests of the event.

- Starters -

Poaches Shrimp

Sweet Chili Cocktail Sauce

Sliced Citrus

Autumn Mix

Romaine, Arugula, Watercress

Currant Tomatoes, Pearlinni mozzarella

Rocaccia Croutons, Basil Vinaigrette

- Main Course -

Petite Filet of Beef

Olive oil paches cipollini, Forest mushroom

Pinot Noir reduction

Chimichurri Marinated Halibut

Yukon gold potato hash

Cilantro beurre blanc

Free Range Breast of Chicken

Pineapple stir fried rice, Sea salt dusted edamame

Ginger plum sauce

- Sides - 

Roasted fall vegetables

Artisan & Whole grain rolls, Sweet butter

- Desserts - 

Calvados & Spice Marinated Apple Crostada

Re-invented Strawberry Shortcakes

Earl Grey Chocolate Mousse Dome

Rocky Road Brownie Skewers

Tiramisu Espresso Brownie Bites

Sweet Potato & Guava Cake

Chipotle Chocolate Tarts

And scattered among the food stations, there were stations for Coffee, Teas, Beer and Soda


Areas of interests include:

The Wharf

Disney sketch artists and timeless tunes of Tin Pan Alley courtesy of a live band

The Grotto

Take a break from the action an take in a panoramic view of Paradise Bay

The Midway

On the Boarwalk, eclectic variety acts (tight rope walking and jugglers) and classic Disney characters can be seen while a band provided lively music

The Bandstand

Duo of dueling pianists face off in a good-natured musical "fight to the finish" at the Paradise Garden Bandstand

The Park (World of Color viewing area)

Chic and sophisticated discotheque in Paradise Park features "all things that glow"

Celebration on the Bay

Paradise Bay's fountains, music and lighting come together to create magic for tonight's honorees at 9:30pm

I just have to say that I thought the Celebration on the Bay was pretty pathetic.  The fountains just danced to the song "Celebrate You" and that was it. Why those chose that song over everything else, I have no idea. Not much of an applause from those viewing it.  I guess because after the song was over, people were still waiting for something more to happen. But after some time of nothing else happening, everyone went back to the festivities. Shortly after that we were pretty much done and we headed back out the same way we came in. 


The shuttles to take us back at the Pumbaa lot were picking us up in the Red section of the Shuttle area.  When we get there, the line didn't seem too long.  We wait and wait for a shuttle. After some time, people just decided to walk back.  Neither of us are tired and since there wasn't a shuttle coming, we decided to walk back as well.  As we cross Harbor Blvd, we see four Toy Story buses in the left turn lane, presumably to pick up the Event Guests leaving.  The walk back took about 10 minutes and I we made it back faster than the shuttles if we would have waited.


"..Gone are the days when Walt and his predecessors hosted dinner dances in the Disneyland Hotel ballroom and gave these hardworking, long-term CMs the respect and gala evening they really deserve..."


With so many Disney Cast Members celebrating, I don't think a venue at the Disneyland Hotel could accommodate.  If the Resort was just Disneyland, then yes. But with the addition of Disney California Adventure, Paradise Pier Hotel and the Grand California Hotel 10 years ago, there are just so many more Cast Members celebrating an anniversary. 


Overall we both had fun and enjoyed it. And neither of us thought it was tacky or "humiliating".

D23 Expo - Radiator Springs Reality: Imagineering Cars Land

Not opening till 2012, get a look at the history and making of Cars Land for Disney California Adventure.


Waiting patiently for the presentation to start


Host is Imagineer Dave Fisher.  From left to right - Kathy Mangum, John Lasseter, Jennifer Mok, Kevin Rafferty, and Roger Gould (from Pixar Animation Studios)


John with his Cars Land hard hat


John Lasse-tire


Family road trips


John holding his Casper doll with the pull string, which was somewhat an inspiration for Toy Story's Woody character


John's parents.  John said that he always loved cars from as far back as he can remember.


Kevin Rafferty


Before Cars and the whole Cars Land, there was concept for a new area  for Disney California Adventure.  And it was going to called "Carland"


Concept art for Carland.  The main thoroughfare was going to be called "Cruise Street"


The early version of a car style attraction for Carland


Marty's was to be the place to eat at


A proposed attraction was Road Trip USA


Cars travel past many famous landmarks


Just like the old Natures Thru Wonderland mine train attraction that was once in Frontierland at Disneyland, this attraction was to also go through their own version of a "rainbow caverns".


At one point, Guests could squirt the passengers inside the cars


One thing John did not understand when California Adventure opened was that there were no Disney characters. This is one concept to start getting the Disney characters into this Park




The attraction was to be called Junkyard Jamboree, which the title was then used for Mater's Junkyard Jamboree.




With Disney buying Pixar, so it was suggested to merge the original concept of Carland and create the land out of the "Cars" movie.


















One of John's favorite attractions as a kid


He was so hoping that one day technology for this attraction would be possible






Unlike the old Flying Saucers, Luigi's Flying Tires will let Guests spin in their tires


Mater's Junkyard Jamboree.  Much of the structure that was in, what was the old Bountiful Valley Farm, will remain and be used for shaded queue


Vehicle for Mater's Junkyard Jamboree


Concept art for Radiator Springs Racers






Test Track from EPCOT. After John went on this attraction, wanted to use it for the big attraction for Cars Land.  He knew of the problems that had occurred before and after Test Track opened in EPCOT. But the imagineers told him that they have solved the problems.


Model mock-up






Getting ready for test drive




Inspiration for the land


The gentleman in the upper right corner (with the hat) carved the rock work for Cars Land.  He also did the volcano at Tokyo Disney Sea as well as the Tree of Life from Animal Kingdom




Ground broke July 8th, 2009


Time lapse of the construction of Cars Land








Mater's Junkyard Jamboree will be an enhanced version of Francis Ladybug Boogie in "a bug's land".  Mater will be singing as passengers are enjoying their ride


Looking down the main street of Cars Land






Unlike the movie "Cars", here at Disney California Adventure's "Cars Land", Guests will be able to walk inside the buildings


The inside of the buildings will be car inspired as well


The level of detailing




Flo's stone paneling


Looking at Luigi's Flying Tires.
I am going to guess the little cut-out (upper left) near the tire planters will be the area for wheelchair loading/unloading area


A "flying tire".  The joysticks make you move and spin






Each level of scaffolding is 8 feet.


First section of that was completed and scaffolding started to come down




This will be shaded queue for Radiator Springs Racers.  Which all the shaded queue, I am guessing that this land is going to be very hot.


Section of bridge that Guests will walk under as they wait in line for Radiator Springs Racers


A bank turn.  Kathy says this is what will grab your attention.  Even though Test Track in EPCOT reaches speeds up to 60mph, Racers will only reach a top speed of 40mph. But Racers will also include camel humps


Part of Tail Light Caverns.   Just like Big Thunder Mountain, Radiator Springs Racers will be one of those attractions that will feel different riding it during the day and night.


Jennifer Mok


Unsung hero for Cars Land.  She helped with all the landscaping that will be found throughout Cars Land




Goal was to add more shade into the land than what was found in the movie


Each area will have its landscaping themed.  For Sarge's  Surplus Hut, everything will be nicely cut.  The insert tree picture is of the tree that will be placed out front.  This particular tree was salvaged from one of the Disneyland Hotel projects and is being transformed for Cars Land


One way to see how certain trees will look in the area are by computer model and photoshop




Some of the landscaping theming for Flo's


Luigi's Casa Della Tires didn't have a front yard...


...so a backyard was designed.


Inspiration for the backyard, which is the queue for Luigi's Flying Tires


Many species of desert plant life, which was considered for Cars Land




A cactus farm.  The right picture is of Mickey Mouse made out of horseshoes


It was a big challenging to find the right plant life that was seen in the movie.  But they managed to get very close to how it was depicted in the movie






The time line for Cars Land




How Flo's V8 Cafe looked in the movie


Because this was going to be a dinning area, actual space had to be created for seating area




Flo even has a history as being a show car


Getting inspiration for a Ramon's House of Body paint shop












Going to Route 66 for inspiration and knowledge of the area. The gentleman in the black sweater is a writer of books and has vast knowledge of Route 66 and it's history.  Kathy was quick to point out that while the gentleman was pointing in one direction, everyone else was looking at something in another direction.


One thing that was needed for Radiator Springs Racers was a load and unload area.  At first, an ideas was to do it in a town-like setting.  But when they came upon Chief Yellowhorse, they saw the rock formation. "It looks like an unload and load area"


And this is how it appears in the model


Stanley, founder of Radiator Springs








Stanley's Cap Tap.  Carburetor County's Capstone of Caps.  If We Don't Have Your Cap, It's Free.  Hate to Heat and Run? Idle On In!










Oh no! Watch out!


Mac was the first animatronic installed at Radiator Springs Racers




That will conclude the Cars Land session.

But wait....
There's more!


From the desert to the jungles...

John was telling his history about how he was a Cast Member at Disneyland, first working as a sweeper, then as a Jungle Cruise skipper in Adventureland.  It is the one thing he takes to heart because it taught him comedic timing.


Really hoping someone has a picture of him as a Jungle Cruise skipper


For the Disneyland's 50th anniversary, John was able to be a skipper once again on the Jungle Cruise


Contest for a picture of John as a Jungle Cruise Skipper.
From the sound of it, he only worked seasonal.  He worked the Thanksgiving-Christmas holiday season of '77, Easter and Grad Nights of '78.

Go to the website for all information

That will conclude this presentation of Cars Land for Disney California Adventure

Hope you enjoyed it :)

Until next time....