sign in sign up
<<
Home , Critter Country, Disneyland Railroad, Mary Poppins (musical), The Bakery Tour

HOLLY WIENCEK

PHOTOGRAPHY by BILL SFERRAZZA and ERIC WEBER INTRODUCTION 8

DISNEYLAND PARK 10

HOTELS of the RESORT 165

DOWNTOWN DISNEY DISTRICT 171

DISNEY CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE PARK 204 IS A WORLD OF MAGIC, a place where and into Town Square, I was overcome with emotion. stories, fantasy and enchantment unfold. It is a playground for It was familiar, yet brand new, and possessed a vibe I could hardly the child who lives within all of us, a manifestation of one man’s explain. The Disneyland Band was playing familiar tunes, and I dream. “Here you leave today and enter the world of yesterday, stopped in front of the fire station — Walt’s home away from home tomorrow and fantasy.” Disneyland Resort is a place where today — taking in the lamp in the window that glows as a reminder of disappears and fantasies spring to life, an imaginative story told his presence. It was surreal, as if I had just stepped into a dream, by that inspires all who follow in his footsteps. but I was about to walk in the same footsteps as one of the most It is no secret that I am a lifelong Disney enthusiast. It has creative minds to grace our world. been a part of my life since I was a toddler. As I rounded the Emporium for my first glance of Sleeping Resort is a place where I escape my everyday world and immerse Beauty Castle, I was taken aback at how small it was. I grew up myself in the fanciful lands of enchantment and fantasy. Some say admiring the spires of the 189-foot in Magic I am powered by pixie dust; I just say it is my happy place. Even Kingdom Park, and was considerably though I grew up at Walt Disney World Resort, I always dreamed smaller, yet powerful and alluring enough to draw me to her of visiting and walking in Walt’s footsteps. pink elegance and charm. A magical first day exploring Walt’s It wasn’t until I was in my late twenties that the dream came imaginative world was shared with the man who, two years later, true, and it was well worth the wait. On a visit to with would become my husband. my then-boyfriend, Pete, I asked him if we could go to Disneyland Since that first visit, we have shared many visits to Disneyland Park and he replied, “Disney is for kids.” A shocking response to Resort with our daughter, Abby, who is following in Mom’s Disney-obsessed me. I resolved that a visit that trip wasn’t in the footsteps and growing up Disney. It is a gift to be able to create cards for me, but that I would get there one day. memories as Walt intended — parents and children having fun Fast-forward six months to another trip to Los Angeles, together — and each visit to Disneyland Resort is better than the where again, my continued requests to go to Disneyland Park last. Our most recent visit as a family was during the Disneyland were denied … until one crisp February morning in 1998. What 60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration, where we enjoyed I thought would be a day trip to the Orange County beaches commemorative events and savored the celebrations of Walt’s became a dream come true at the hands of the same man who life and legacy. That’s when the desire to create the Disneyland denied my past requests. We drove down Harbor Boulevard, Resort edition of Capturing the Magic came to life. chatting away, and I was not paying attention to my surroundings. Months later, Capturing the Magic photographers, Eric Pete nudged my arm and said, “Look up,” and much to my Weber and Bill Sferrazza, and I journeyed to Disneyland Resort, surprise, there it was … THE original Disneyland sign. I was and together we worked to honor the legacy of Walt Disney, his speechless and turned into a puddle of happy tears. extraordinary visions and the exquisite details of the “Happiest With excitement that could rival any youngster, we made our Place on Earth.” Join us on a photographic journey celebrating way to the traditional turnstiles, my inner child dancing in delight. the past and present of Disneyland Resort and the unforgettable I tried to play it cool, but once I walked under the portals of the mark left on the world by Walt Disney.

8 CAPTURING THE MAGIC

“I JUST WANT DISNEYLAND TO LOOK LIKE NOTHING ELSE IN THE WORLD, AND IT SHOULD BE SURROUNDED BY A TRAIN.” Walt Disney

DISNEYLAND RAILROAD

ALL ABOARD FOR A scenic tour of Disneyland Park. The authentic Canyon and Primeval World, before returning to the Main Street, steam-powered passenger trains take guests U.S.A. Station. The Grand Canyon diorama, featuring the work of on a journey encircling Walt Disney’s original prolific scenic artist Delmer Yoakum, offers a glimpse of the vistas with stations at Main Street, U.S.A., , Mickey’s and animals of the famous American landmark in realistic detail, set Toontown and . to the sounds of “On The Trail” from composer Ferde Grofe’s Grand Pass by en route to the New Orleans Square Canyon Suite. Following the Grand Canyon diorama, guests go back Train Station for a quick stop. Across the platform at the Telegraph in time a million years to catch sight of the in Primeval Cable Office, guests can hear tapping across the tracks — the World, an exhibit that originated from the Ford Magic sounds of Walt Disney’s opening-day dedication speech recreated pavilion at the 1964–65 New York World’s Fair. in Morse code. Continue your travels along the Rivers of America Walt Disney was an avid train enthusiast with a lifelong into the American frontier as it was more than a century ago. fascination of trains that inspired him to build the Carolwood Chug down the tracks to the Toontown Depot, the official stop for Pacific Railroad in the backyard of his home in Holmby Hills, Mickey’s Toontown and the gateway to , with splendid California. The trains of Disneyland Park are not just a culmination views of Matterhorn Mountain and it’s a small world before of one man’s fascination with railroading, they are a gift he shared stopping at the Tomorrowland Station. with the world as both a means of transportation and an immersive Complete your grand-circle tour with a journey into a tunnel way of telling a story. Walt Disney occasionally took the throttle for featuring two captivating dioramas, the south rim of the Grand excursions around his beloved park.

DISNEYLAND PARK 15 STATUE “I THINK MOST OF ALL, WHAT I WANT DISNEYLAND TO BE IS A SURROUNDED BY A BURST of colorful HAPPY PLACE…WHERE PARENTS flowers is the centerpiece of Disneyland Park’s central hub and one of the most AND CHILDREN CAN HAVE FUN, photographed icons, the Partners statue. TOGETHER.” Sculpted by animator and Disney Legend Walt Disney Blaine Gibson, the Partners statue Plaque on Partners Statue portrays a joyful Walt holding Mickey Mouse’s hand. Together they admire their magical land, as if to say, “Look what we accomplished together.” Blaine Gibson came out of retirement to create the sculpture, taking one year to capture the uniqueness of the real Walt Disney as he was in the prime of his life in 1954. Paying close attention to detail, Gibson included the initials “STR” often found on Walt’s ties, a reference to the Smoke Tree Ranch vacation home he owned in Palm Springs. On his right hand is the Irish Claddagh ring he and his wife Lillian wore in addition to their traditional wedding rings, purchased during their travels to . The Partners statue was unveiled on November 18, 1993, by Walt’s brother, Roy E. Disney, during a celebration of Mickey Mouse’s 65th birthday and Disneyland Park event “Mickey’s Worldwide Kids Party,” where more than 7,000 children from around the world were guests of honor. A rededication ceremony was held commemorating Walt’s 100th birthday on December 5, 2001. Today, guests can take a photograph encompassing the three most famous icons of Disneyland Park: Walt Disney, Mickey Mouse and Sleeping Beauty Castle.

38 CAPTURING THE MAGIC NEW ORLEANS SQUARE AREA JUST AROUND THE river bend, with winding, narrow streets and ornate wrought-iron balconies, guests will find the romantic settings of a nineteenth-century French Quarter in the legendary Crescent City. New Orleans Square evokes the vibrancy of The Big Easy with its delightful street cafés, quaint boutiques and quintessential Southern charm. Guests can swing in time to the rhythm of Dixieland jazz while taking in the exotic flavors of Cajun cuisine or relaxing under blossoming magnolia trees while savoring freshly baked fritters. New Orleans Square is the of the American frontier. The howls of a haunted antebellum mansion can be heard in the distance, beckoning guests to discover the mysteries of , while swashbuckling pirates plunder the loot of sunken pirate ships nearby at the . Tucked away on Royal Street is the secret entrance to the exclusive club, , a distinctive members-only experience, as well as the ultimate in rich dining experiences, 21 Royal, the lavish dining room where storytelling unfolds through culinary inspirations in the former Disneyland Dream Suite. Exclusive to Disneyland Resort, New Orleans Square was dedicated by Walt Disney and then New Orleans Mayor, Victor Schiro, on July 24, 1966. It was the first new land added since the park’s opening more than a decade earlier and the only area at the time not directly connected to the park’s central hub. During the dedication ceremony, Walt Disney named Victor Schiro the mayor of New Orleans Square who, in turn, gave Walt Disney the designation of Honorary Citizen of the city of New Orleans. The dedication ceremony would be the last major public appearance by Walt Disney at Disneyland Park before his untimely passing in December of that year.

60 CAPTURING THE MAGIC AREA

SET IN THE LUSH FOREST of Disneyland Park and themed to resemble the Pacific Northwest, Critter Country is full of Audio- Animatronics® creatures, shady trees and the sound of water flowing over rocks. Whether guests are exploring Chickapin Hill in search of a “Laughing Place,” frolicking through the Hundred Acre Wood or paddling frontier- style around the Rivers of America, they get to experience the down-home rustic feel that Critter Country offers. Located near the entrance of Critter Country, guests will find Fowler’s Harbor, named after Admiral , who was responsible for overseeing the majority of the construction of Disneyland Park. When they’re not cruising the Rivers of America, the and Mark Twain Riverboat dock at Fowler’s Harbor. Critter Country is small when compared with other areas of Disneyland Park, but the five-acre area is large in history. Originally part of , this stretch of land — called Indian Village — has undergone several changes. From 1956 to 1971, Indian Village offered guests the opportunity to explore Native American shows and attractions, including the Indian War Canoes. In 1972, the area was revived as Bear Country, featuring the delightfully charming , eventually replaced by another bear show in The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. Guests will find a nod to Country Bear Jamboree with Max, Buff and Melvin, the jamboree’s wise-cracking trophies, deep in the Hundred Acre Wood. In 1988, the area was renamed Critter Country ahead of the 1989 opening of the wildly anticipated .

76 CAPTURING THE MAGIC MARK TWAIN RIVERBOAT ATTRACTION AS GUESTS ENTER Frontierland, the stately Mark Twain Riverboat dominates the landscape, puffing white steam into blue skies as it rounds the bend. Embark on a voyage of the scenic Rivers of America for a 14-minute journey into America’s early frontier as it was centuries ago, narrated by American author Mark Twain. The nineteenth-century- inspired, steam-powered paddleboat offers lofty views of a Native American village, frontier settlements, the Disneyland Railroad and a menagerie of wildlife. Originally named the Mark Twain Steamboat when Disneyland Park opened in 1955, this majestic stern-wheeler was the first riverboat to be built in the in half a century. A replica of steamboats that navigated the Mississippi River between St. Louis and New Orleans, the Mark Twain Riverboat was built to 5/8 scale in two different locations and transported to Disneyland Park. The 105-foot hull was fabricated at the Todd Shipyards in nearby San Pedro, while the three ornate wooden decks were constructed at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, and assembled in dry dock in Frontierland. The Mark Twain Riverboat’s maiden voyage was on July 13, 1955 — just four days before the park’s grand opening — for a celebratory cruise for Walt and ’s 30th wedding anniversary. Today, the impressive “Queen of the River” continues its successful 60-year career churning the tranquil waters surrounding Pirate Lair on .

90 CAPTURING THE MAGIC it’s a small world ATTRACTION

SET SAIL FOR A PLAYFUL VOYAGE as the children of the Since the attraction was designed as a tribute to UNICEF for world take guests on an international tour spreading global peace the 1964–65 New York World’s Fair in the Pepsi-Cola Pavilion, Walt and happiness on it’s a small world. This fanciful tour begins when Disney summoned legendary illustrator and color artist guests board boats beneath the World Clock as wooden dolls in and designer Alice Davis to create a visually vibrant world as seen native costumes march every quarter hour. Glide past a parade of through the eyes of a child. The cheerful anthem, “It’s a Small World whimsical topiary animals and receive a colorful welcome for “the (After All),” penned by Academy Award-winning brothers Richard happiest cruise that ever sailed ’round the world.” M. and Robert B. Sherman, inspired the name for the attraction and Featuring more than 300 Audio-Animatronics® dolls singing has been heard and played more than any song ever written. an anthem of hope, the classic Disneyland Park attraction offers After its great success at the New York World’s Fair, it’s a a message of goodwill — that happiness is universal and laughter small world was moved to Disneyland Park and opened on May is contagious. It is a small world, after all, and no matter where 28, 1966. The timeless attraction is in every Disney theme park in the world we hail, we are all the same. around the globe.

DISNEYLAND PARK 115 MICKEY’S TOONTOWN AREA

WELCOME TO MICKEY’S TOONTOWN, an animated himself and his animated pals. When Walt Disney came to visit metropolis chock full of wacky, topsy-turvy architecture and in the 1950s, he told his pal Mickey about his plans to create a attractions. Bursting with color and imagination, guests will theme park, and it was Mickey who suggested the orange groves find three entertaining districts. Toontown Square features adjacent to the town, but he asked Walt to keep Toontown a Goofy’s Filing Station, City Hall and the “Clockenspiel,” which secret. After many years, the residents of Toontown wanted to whistles every half hour. The Downtown area is full of delightful share their charming hideaway with the world, and, with much discoveries such as The Gag Warehouse, the Fireworks Factory fanfare, Mickey’s Toontown opened on January 24, 1993. and the Toontown Five and Dime. Venture into Mickey’s In keeping with the tradition of the windows of Main Neighborhood, home to Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy, Street, U.S.A., a window dedicated to Walt Disney can be found where guests can tour the characters’ whimsical abodes. above the Library: “Laugh-O-gram Films, Inc., A Reel of Fun, As the story goes, Mickey Mouse created Toontown in W.E. Disney, Directing Animator,” a nod to his first venture in 1928 as an escape from the hustle and bustle of Hollywood for animation at Laugh-O-gram Films from 1921 to 1923.

120 CAPTURING THE MAGIC MICKEY’S SOUNDSATIONAL PARADE

FEATURING MORE THAN 100 performers, including Sebastian and Ariel float by and a playful octopus shakes dancers, musicians and favorite Disney characters, all eight of his maracas. Take off for Never Land as Captain the music-centric Mickey’s Soundsational Parade is a Hook, Mr. Smee and Peter Pan take to the streets in a sword celebration of melodies from beloved Disney films such as fight to the energetic beats of “Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me).” “,” “The Little Mermaid,” “,” “Peter Savor a spoonful of rhythm while a tribute to the 1964 Pan” and “.” The beats are rockin’ the streets film, “Mary Poppins” offers a practically perfect finale to this of Disneyland Park in this giant jam session of musical styles spectacular parade. “” with dancing from around the world. sweeps, as Bert and Mary Poppins lead the procession Join Mickey Mouse as he dances to the beat of his own bobbing up and down on their fanciful carousel horses. drum while leading a cavalcade of whimsical floats up Main Drop in on the huntsman from the scene as Street U.S.A. to the sounds of “Mickey Mouse Club March.” he steers a spinning carousel of playful penguins, while Watch in delight as the drum major Genie and his team of members of the Disneyland Band play “” harem dancers groove to the Bollywood rhythms of “Prince and “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.” Ali.” Dance to the calypso beats of “Under the Sea” while

DISNEYLAND PARK 147 HOTELS OF THE DISNEYLAND RESORT

LOCATED IN THE HEART OF THE MAGIC, the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort are an integral part of a Disneyland vacation, as they offer casual and luxurious accommodations and magical dining experiences. Located within walking distance to Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park and the vibrant Downtown Disney District, the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort are just steps away from everything. From a whimsical beach atmosphere to the timeless wonder of a classic Disneyland landmark to the majesty of Craftsman- style elegance, there is something for every family. The Disneyland Hotel, a timeless icon, was the first to be built at Disneyland Resort. Over the past 60 years, the resort has undergone numerous changes, but it still keeps its roots planted strongly in Disney’s past, with elements of classic Disneyland throughout. Be surrounded in modern elegance in the Adventure, Fantasy or Frontier towers, each paying homage to the “lands” of their namesakes. Delight in the pool area, which features the quintessential Disneyland sign overhead and two monorail slides. Savor a bounty of food alongside beloved characters at Goofy’s Kitchen, enjoy the elegant surroundings of Steakhouse 55 and discover an oasis of libations at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar.

DISNEYLAND PARK 165

“TO ALL WHO COME TO THIS PLACE OF DREAMS … WELCOME! DISNEY CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE CELEBRATES THE SPIRIT OF OPTIMISM AND THE PROMISE OF ENDLESS OPPORTUNITIES, IGNITED BY THE IMAGINATION OF DARING DREAMERS SUCH AS WALT DISNEY AND THOSE LIKE HIM WHO FOREVER CHANGED — AND WERE FOREVER CHANGED BY — THE GOLDEN STATE. THIS UNIQUE PLACE EMBRACES THE RICHNESS AND DIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA ... ITS LAND, ITS STORIES AND, ABOVE ALL, THE DREAMERS IT CONTINUES TO INSPIRE.”

Robert A. Iger Rededication of June 15, 2012 AREA

STROLL BACK TO YESTERYEAR along the crown jewel of Buena Vista Street, the Elias tree-lined paths of Buena Vista Street, where & Co. department store, which pays tribute the lively thoroughfare harkens to Los Angeles to Walt's father, Elias Disney. For a quick neighborhoods circa 1923, just as it was when bite, drop into the Fiddler, Fifer & Practical a young Walt arrived with big dreams and a Café, a nod to the “Three Little Pigs” from the cardboard suitcase. Named after Buena Vista 1933 Disney short film and part of the “Silly Street in Burbank — the location of The Walt Symphony” cartoon series. Disney Studios — Buena Vista Street is the At the end of the street, guests will find opening act of Disney California Adventure Carthay Circle, the hub of Buena Vista Street, Park, an idealized city full of opportunity and where entertainment is plentiful. Tap your feet teeming with life. Enjoy quaint shops and as The Red Car News Boys take over the Red charming cafés that are clever winks to the Car Trolley for a rousing performance of “A people, places and events that influenced Walt Suitcase and a Dream.” Dance in the streets as Disney’s life. the cast of colorful characters from the musical Stop by Oswald’s, a gas station-themed group Five & Dime arrive, hoping for their façade inspired by one of Walt Disney’s earliest big break as they fill the air with jazz. This is cartoon creations, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. Hollywood, after all, the place where dreams Browse the latest in Disney merchandise at the come true.

184 CAPTURING THE MAGIC — LIVE AT THE HYPERION

FOR THE FIRST TIME in forever, Disney debuted its most spectacular theatrical production in a theme park. Adapted from the 2013 Oscar-winning animated film, “Frozen,” the Broadway-caliber musical Frozen — Live at the Hyperion features a talented cast of actors, singers and dancers, as well as awe-inspiring stage sets, show- stopping special effects and imaginative scene transformations. The hour-long stage production immerses guests in the heartwarming tale of two sisters that is sure to melt anyone’s heart. Frozen — Live at the Hyperion had its World Premiere on May 27, 2016, thrilling audiences with state-of-the-art scenic designs and living backgrounds that transport audiences to the kingdom of Arrendale, the forests of the mystical trolls and Elsa’s sparkling ice castle. Performed several times daily at the , the show invites guests to join sisters Anna and Elsa, adored snowman Olaf, Kristoff and Sven, Prince Hans of the Southern Isles and the Duke of Weselton in a captivating re-creation of the most memorable scenes from the blockbuster film, accompanied by music from the multi-platinum movie soundtrack. Master puppet designer and Tony Award® winner Michael Curry brings Olaf and Sven to life.

198 CAPTURING THE MAGIC CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE 199 "a bug’s land" AREA

IN “A BUG'S LAND, ” which is inspired melded together by twigs and leaves, to by the Disney• feature film, “A Bug’s soar over this immersive land. Take a ride Life,” guests shrink down to the size of a with a hungry caterpillar on Heimlich’s bug to enjoy the world as seen from an Chew Chew Train as Heimlich chomps insect’s perspective, while surrounded by his way through a junkyard of discarded repurposed items from the human world. fruits and other sweets. Go for a spin in a Flik’s Fun Fair is crawling with fun, and it ladybug on Francis’ Ladybug Boogie, or be features whimsical attractions created by driven “buggy” as colorful pill bugs bump everyone’s favorite blue ant, Flik, and his and roll under P.T. Fleas Circus Tent on colony of ants. Set within a field of green Tuck & Roll’s Drive ‘Em Buggies. clovers, this colorful carnival features larger- Little bugs can splash with delight at than-life details found in a bug’s world. A Princess Dot Puddle Park under sprays from sharp eye will spot the luckiest hidden gem an enormous garden hose, a leaky spigot or of all: a four-leaf clover hidden in plain sight. bursts of water from sprinkler nozzles, as Crawl into Flik’s Flyers, fashioned out bigger bugs relax on park benches fashioned of take-out containers and raisin boxes out of oversized popsicle sticks.

212 CAPTURING THE MAGIC MATER’S JUNKYARD JAMBOREE ATTRACTION

PILE INTO A JUNKYARD CART hitched to Fans of Mater’s Tall Tales will enjoy the a baby tractor for a “tow-riffic” ride as guests memorabilia from Tow Mater and Lightning whip around Mater’s salvage yard for a good ol’ McQueen’s greatest adventures that cover the fashioned square dance emceed by Tow Mater, garage walls. No two baby tractors are alike everyone’s favorite tow truck. Mater’s Junkyard — each Holstein Heifer Chewall tractor has Jamboree delivers a truckload of thrills as different markings, eye colors and expressions, guests do the “tow-si-do” to seven original and each has a license plate with significant songs by Mater and Disneyland Resort’s own letters and numbers related to the initials and Billy Hill & the Hillbillies, which boom from birthdays of contributors from Walt Disney Mater’s personal Junkyard Jukebox built from Imagineering and Pixar Animation Studios. his prized possessions.

CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE 225 FLO’S V8 CAFE

CRUISE INTO FLO’S V8 CAFE and be transported to the bygone Inside the cafe, blue and pink neon lights glow against black- era of the car culture when 1950s drive-up diners were familiar and-white checkered floors, and the sounds of doo-wop songs and stopping places along Route 66. Fuel up on traditional comfort foods tunes from the glitzy “Motorama Girls” (Flo was once the headliner) at Carburetor County’s most popular pit stop before heading out on fill the air. Browse through the museum showcasing “Cars” racing the open road for adventures in Radiator Springs. legend Doc Hudson, the Fabulous Hudson Hornet. Flo’s V8 Cafe is designed to resemble a V8 engine with its The inspiration for Flo’s V8 Cafe came from a restaurant on circular air filter, tappet covers, pistons and connecting rods. The Route 66 in small-town Adrian, Texas, owned by Fran Hauser. vintage gas pumps and tailpipe light fixtures beckon guests towards Hauser was a guest of Disney at the official ceremonies for the the blinking neon spark plugs that fire the V8 engine, drawing them opening of in 2012. into the auto-centric 1950s diner. Outside on the open-air patio, guests have a view of the majestic mountains and desert landscape of Ornament Valley as cars from zoom past.

CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE 229 ATTRACTION SET OFF ON A SPECTACULAR adventure through the Sierra craggy mountain summit known as Grizzly Peak, named after the Nevada Mountains with The Grizzly River Rafting Company, giant bear Oo-soo’-ma-te, comes into view. According to ancient and explore the land that was once overflowing with gold and a legend, A-ha-le the Coyote turned Oo-soo’-ma-te to stone to magnet for miners in search of riches. Boasting the motto, “the forever watch over the sacred land where his roaring spirit is still wetter the better,” Grizzly River Run is the wildest, wettest ride heard by thrill-seeking adventurers. in the West with turbulent rapids, ominous caverns, thunderous Rush onto a raging river and hold tight as the circular raft waterfalls and a thrilling drop into the river gorge. descends the Grizzly River, splashing through a dark cavern, Board an eight-person river raft for a leisurely float through bouncing between boulders and a log jam. Churn into a rocky the remnants of an old California gold mining company. Climb cave as the wind howls. Plummet down the sloping bedrock and 45 feet up a clanging gold ore conveyor belt among dense zoom into an erupting geyser field before spinning safely back to evergreens and stunning vistas. In the distance, the muzzle of a base camp.

CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE 241 PACIFIC WHARF AREA

ACROSS THE PACIFIC WHARF BRIDGE and overlooking Paradise Pier, the south side of Pacific Wharf is a rest and refuel area inspired by Monterey’s famed Cannery Row and San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf. Stroll through the seaside warehouse buildings along the waterfront for a culinary showcase featuring tastes of California cuisine. Create customized rice bowls at the Lucky Fortune Cookery, sample authentic Mexican cuisine at Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill or indulge in piping-hot clam chowder served in a freshly baked sourdough boule at the Pacific Wharf Café. The Bakery Tour, hosted by takes guests through a working bread factory to see how San Francisco’s famous Boudin sourdough goes from the mother dough to a crusty bread bowl. The bread is prepared and baked on-site, offering tasty samples and take-away loaves to guests. Satisfy your sweet tooth at the Ghirardelli® Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop with ice cream specialties, freshly baked goodies and exceptional chocolate delights. A San Francisco staple since 1852, Ghirardelli® is America’s oldest continuously operating chocolate maker with premium chocolate as rich as the history of the company that created it. The north end of Pacific Wharf, inspired by the world-renowned vineyards of Napa Valley, features the Mission-style Golden Vine Winery with shaded terraces and charming outdoor seating reminiscent of a Tuscan villa. Dine on classic Italian and Mediterranean specialties at Wine Country Trattoria while surrounded by growing herbs, or sip on a variety of vintages from Northern California at Alfresco Lounge or Mendocino Terrace at the Golden Vine Winery. Whether visiting the waterfronts or the deep roots of California’s wine country, guests can enjoy the diverse flavors of the Golden State as showcased by Pacific Wharf.

248 CAPTURING THE MAGIC

MICKEY’S FUN WHEEL ATTRACTION

MICKEY’S FUN WHEEL, the impressive Ferris Wheel a more intense experience can choose one of the 16 “swinging” emblazoned with Mickey’s face, is the focal point of Paradise gondolas. The swinging gondolas coast freely back and forth on Pier, and it offers sweeping views and buckets of thrills. Hop on interior rails as the eccentric Ferris Wheel rotates and creates a one of the spacious gondolas and ascend 150 feet for a glimpse of swaying, exhilarating effect. the landscape of Disney California Adventure Park, the towering As night falls, Mickey’s Fun Wheel lights up Paradise Pier in landmarks of Disneyland Park and the distant vistas of the a medley of glowing, twinkling colors, reflecting in the waters of Southern California mountains. Paradise Bay in anticipation of the nighttime spectacular, World Guests looking for a leisurely trip above Paradise Bay should of Color. seek one of the eight stationary gondolas, while guests looking for

266 CAPTURING THE MAGIC www.capturing-the-magic.com