Condor Flats Imagineer Interviews
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The entrance to Condor Flats
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This high desert airfield pays tribute to the daredevils and dreamers who lead us from the barnstorming age to the space age. It is home to the preeminent flight adventure Soarin Over California. From early existence man has looked to the sky with dreams of one day experiencing the thrill of flight. It was in California that many of those dreams were first realized. Soarin’ Over California celebrates the dreams and the spirit of aviation with exhilarating airborne adventure over the spectacular sights of the Golden State.
With those words, Paul Pressler, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, began the dedication of Soarin' Over California, one of the Disney's California Adventure's (DCA) headlining attractions. Soarin' Over California is located in Condor Flats, one of the smallest sections of DCA, but also one of the most popular.
In this article we'll take a look at Condor Flats in general and Soarin' Over California in particular through facts, backstories and interviews with two Imagineers instrumental in their development.
The entrance to Soarin' Over California
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In addition to Soarin', you'll find a shop and restaurant in Condor Flats. The Fly 'n' Buy is a shop themed as if it were once the motor pool for the Condor Flats flight test area. You'll find Condor Flats, Soarin' Over California and aviation and speed inspired merchandise there. Food in Codor Flats is provided by Taste Pilots' Grill, a build-your-own burger restaurant that looks like it cooks it burgers under a rocket engine. Sticking out of the front Taste Pilots' Grill is a replica of the X-1 jet, the first aircraft to break the sound barrier.
Taste Pilots' Grill