Introduction to Disney's California Adventure - Part Two
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(c) Disney

Introduction
Welcome to the second half of our two-part series introducing you to Disney's California Adventure (DCA) and the rest of the expansion at the Disneyland Resort. If you haven't yet read Part One, I would strongly suggest you do so before reading this section.

In Part One we gave a short history of this expansion and talked in detail about DCA's Entrance Plaza and Paradise Pier. In this article we finish DCA by describing the Golden State area then discuss the rest of the expansion including Downtown Disney, Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and other changes to the Disneyland Resort.

Note: Disney's California Adventure is still more than two months from opening. The details in this article are based on preliminary information and everything is subject to change prior to the February 8, 2001 grand opening.

Disney's California Adventure - Golden State
The Golden State area of DCA celebrates the diversity of California. It is further divided into six districts.

An overview of the Golden State with Paradise Pier in the foreground.
Taken in late October
Click here for a much larger version of this picture

Taste Pilot's Grill in Condor Flats
(c) Disney

The first of these districts is Condor Flats which pays tribute to California's aviation history. The highlight of this area - and one of the most anticipated attractions in DCA - is Soarin' Over California. Soarin' is set in a large hanger near the edge of DCA. After experiencing the detailed queue and preshow guests enter one of the two giant theaters where they board their flying machine and soar over an IMAX screen showing images of California including Yosemite, Monterey and even Disneyland. Near Soarin' Over California at Condor Flats' is Taste Pilot's Grill, a fast food location featuring ribs and build-your-own burgers. Also near by is Fly 'n' Buy serving Soarin' Over California and other aviation inspired merchandise.

The Tractor Yard in the Bountiful Valley Farm
(c) Disney

The center piece of the Bountiful Valley Farm district is It's Tough To Be a Bug. This attraction made its debut at Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom in 1998. It's Tough To Be a Bug is a 3D theater presentation with in-theater special effects and animatronics. This district will also feature live, rotating crops, an Irrigation Station farm-themed play area, a Tractor Yard featuring Caterpillar tractors, a Farmer's Expo with seven hands-on exhibits and a Farmer's Market with fresh produce and fruit, baked potatoes and turkey and chicken legs. Also located here is San Andreas Shakes and a shop called Santa Rosa Seed and Supply.