Introduction to Disney's California Adventure - Part Two, Golden State 2

Introduction to Disney's California Adventure - Part Two
Page 2 of 8

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Grizzly Peak
(c) Disney

The next district, the Grizzly Peak Recreation Area, features the most noticeable of all of DCA's landmarks. Grizzly Peak features waterfalls, a water wheel and other items associated with the California Gold Rush as well as the signature Grizzly Bear shape of its peak. Winding in and around Grizzly Peak is another of the major attractions of DCA - Grizzly River Run - a whitewater rafting ride that culminates with a 22-foot spinning drop.

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Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in late October

The Redwood Creek Challenge Trail is the other attraction here which is a large exploration area with bridges, towers and a slide. There's also a Story Circle for Native American storytelling, wildlife demonstrations and question and answer sessions about nature. Next to Grizzly Peak is Rushin' River Outfitters featuring outdoor-themed clothing and outdoor sports gear.

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The Rotunda in the Bay Area
(c) Disney

The centerpiece of the Bay Area district is 45-foot tall replica of the Rotunda at the Palace of Fine Arts which was created for the 1915 Panama Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco's Marina District. Next to the Rotunda is the entrance to Golden Dreams, a 23-minute film narrated by Whoopi Goldberg as "Califia" showing the history of California. The film closes with a new song, Just One Dream, played over a montage of images representing California's diversity. Golden Dreams will be shown in a 350-seat theater and was directed by Agnieszka Holland (Europa, Europa and The Secret Garden) and its score was done by Bruce Broughton (Tombstone and Honey, I Blew Up the Kids). Also in the Bay Area is Golden State Park, a landscaped area inspired by San Francisco's Golden Gate Park that will host artists and entertainers. Events can also be held at the Rotunda, the nearby North Bay Exposition Plaza or the small amphitheater on the edge of Paradise Bay.