Walt Disney Imagineering Blue Sky Cellar
Attraction Type: Walk-through; exhibit.
Location: At Golden Vine Winery on the south side of Grizzly Peak.
General Description: Learn of the exciting $1 billion plans to renovate Disney’s California Adventure by 2012.
Will’s Review: A “must see” for nearly everyone who visits the park. No doubt, if you visited California Adventure from 2001-2008, you may have been slightly disappointed at the park’s contemporary style and lack of well-known Disney charm in most areas. If you’re visiting from 2009-2012, however, you may feel this way coupled with a puzzlement of the massive – and I mean massive – construction and renovation going on over almost every inch of the park, from the front entry plaza to the back of Paradise Pier. This engaging walk-through exhibit will help to address all of that. Housed in the former home of the “Seasons of the Vine” wine-making exhibit, the WDI Blue Sky Cellar features tons of conceptual artwork, models, and other treats explaining the park’s makeover. Filled with rotating exhibits as the make-over progresses, the current one explains, in detail, the conversion of the Orange Stinger into Silly Symphony Swings as well as detailed plans for the re-imagined Paradise Pier waterfront area, including a new viewing terrace and Victorian-style beer garden. Of special focus at the moment is Disney’s World of Color, the massive new water show being installed in the Paradise Pier Lagoon.
The current exhibit is the second rotation. The first rotation focused on now-completed projects, including the conversion of the Sun Wheel to Mickey’s Fun Wheel, re-imagined Games of the Boardwalk, and Toy Story Midway Mania. The current exhibit is expected to remain in place until Spring 2010, when both Silly Symphony Swings and Disney’s World of Color are set to open. The exhibit will then move to an increased emphasis on The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Adventure (opening June 2011) and Cars Land (opening Spring 2012).
Touring Tips: Visit anytime, as the crowds come and go.
Family Info: Nearly everyone in the family will enjoy this peek into what’s up-and-coming, but may leave some a little disappointed that it isn’t here now.
Variations: While this attraction is unique to DCA, it is not uncommon for Disney to set up preview centers in parks where a large amount of work is being done.
Soarin’ Over California - Grizzly River Run - Redwood Creek Challenge Trail - Walt Disney Imagineering Blue Sky Cellar - Mission Tortilla Factory - Bakery Tour
