Disney’s California Adventure – Bountiful Valley Farm
The story of “a bug’s land” dates back to February 8th, 2001 — the opening date of Disney’s California Adventure (now Disney California Adventure). With the promise of celebrating everything California, of course there had to be a farming section. Bountiful Valley Farm opened as part of the Golden State District with such amazing attractions as Caterpillar products, including a tractor to climb on, and a display of crops that really drew the kids to this section. But right next door was an import from Disney’s Animal Kingdom that was a hit for that park: “it’s tough to be a bug,” a 9-minutes 3D film that took guests to the size of a big and made them scream like they had just seen one from some of the in-theater effects. So fast forward a few months to a very slow summer and the overwhelming chant from the early days of the “world wide web” of lack of attractions for kids and the so began the work on “a bug’s land.”
Disney California Adventure – a bug’s land
Opening October 7th, 2002, the land incorporated “It’s Tough To Be A Bug” (closed March 19, 2018), Bountiful Valley Farm (closed September 7th, 2010), and the new Flik’s Fun Fair. Flik’s Fun Fair would consist of five attractions, restrooms, and some food carts. The entrance to the land has guest walk through a Cowboy Crunchies cereal box, made famous from the Toy Story films.
Once inside, the theming was above what we had seen in this new park with lights, benches, and even themed restrooms. My favorite was the canopy of clovers to help add shade — including one 4 leaf clover that hopefully will find its way somewhere else in the park as the expansion happens.
Some of you familiar with “a bug’s land” may be asking yourself about my listing of the “5 attractions,” well let’s take a look at them.
Princess Dot’s Puddle Park
One of the first water play areas in a Disney Park, this little splash zone takes up one of the largest spaces in “a bug’s land.” With water everywhere, it was always a draw for the little bugs.
Flik’s Flyers
This attraction added some fun theming to the classic carnival flying spinners, making it look like one of Flik’s inventions. It also had a safety spiel voiced by the main ant himself, Dave Foley.
Francis’ Ladybug Boogie
Ladybug Boogie was a different take on the Mad Tea Party attraction across the esplanade in Disneyland. But instead of spinning in circles, guests were transferred from turntable to turntable, giving the feeling of almost colliding with the other ladybugs. At the time of opening, this seemed like just a small attraction. Looking back, this was actually a groundbreaking experience as it was the precursor to Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree in nearby Cars Land, Woody’s Round-Up in Toy Story Land at Shanghai Disneyland, and most recently Alien Swirling Saucers at Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ Toy Story Land.
Tuck and Roll’s Drive ‘Em Buggies
This attraction was one of the slowest moving in all the land, which made it perfect for the little ones. Of all the attractions in the land, this one was likely the least favorite of anyone over the age of 5 because the cars were very small and you were lucky if you could actually “bump” any of the other cars. Because the speed was so low, most times guests would just end up driving forward without being able to catch any of the other cars on the floor.
Disney California Adventure – a bug’s land Tuck and Roll’s Drive ‘Em Buggies
Before we move on to the last (and best) attraction, let’s take a look at some of the theming added in 2012 when Cars Land opened to the back entrance of Flik’s Fun Fair.
Heimlich Chew Chew Train
I have no idea why a slow moving train burping and making silly jokes is one of the best attractions, but it is. This attraction was the answer to all the other theme parks, fairs, and mall trains that ever existed. But, in this case, the narration provided by the late, great Joe Ranft created an exceptionally fun time. Adding smells and water effects definitely took this attraction to the next level and was always a must do for me.
I hope you enjoyed this final tour of a bug’s land. Sadly, it’s time to say goodbye to this fun little area of Disney California Adventure. But don’t be sad as we have been promised SUPER things to come in the future.
Disney California Adventure – a bug’s land
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