You guys are being way too harsh on California Adventure. Yes, DCA and DisneySea were developed along different philosophies and using different teams, but the end result is pretty much the same. All this complaining about how much stuff is at DisneySea is just another attempt to find something wrong with Disney and just more Eisner-hating.
Just read the following excerpt from a review of the amazing Orange Stinger attraction at California Adventure and see if it doesn't stack up against the review of 'Journey to the Center of the Earth':
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Walt Disney had a name for the visual icons in his park. The buildings and show elements that defined an area and beckoned visitors to explore the various "lands" of
Disneyland were called "wienies."
During the development of the hip and edgy California Adventure, such old fashioned notions were tossed aside. DCA represents as new level of Disney® development and the Orange Stinger attraction is a stunning example of what this modern, updated and cost effective thinking has brought to Anaheim. Long gone are those annoying phony castles, fake rock walls and trees.
Orange Stinger utilizes the same spinning technology that has been employed by Six Flags, traveling carnivals, state fairs and petting zoos for generations. The difference here is that DCA Designers have been freed of the constraints imposed by imagination, showmanship, quality and effort and were able to create an experience unlike any that has been seen in a Disney park before.
Loosely based on an experience that occasionally is enjoyable, the Orange Stinger attempts to recreate
well, it spins a lot. From the moment that the guests enter the queue from the concrete walkway there are fabulous touches to be found. The way the metal and chain stanchions are sunk into the concrete, to the stunning concrete effect built into the concrete, the view of the towering concrete walls of the Paradise Pier Motel, all leading up to the concrete stairs to the concrete platform.
Without giving away too many spoilers, the preshow builds the excitement of the attraction as the single cast member attempts to determine if the guest is less than 48 inches tall or weighs more than 200 pounds. Lucky guests occasionally get the special treat of watching a family explode in anger that little Johnny is once again too small for ANY ride at DCA.
Guests are then whisked to their individual bucket seats attached to very authentic looking chains. Again, no expense was sparred here to make the ride look as close as possible to every other carnival ride. But those in the know will understand all about the orange scent that used to work or the bee coverings that used to be on the chairs. Its looking for all these little missing touches that makes a repeat visit so interesting. Each trip to DCA is an opportunity to discover something else that has been removed.
SPOILER WARNING Those of you who wish to experience Orange Stinger as a surprise, please skip over this section where we explain the entire ride.
You spin.
END SPOILERS
This attraction truly represents a home run for Disney Accounting. Orange Stinger combines an off-the-shelf ride with an extensive creative process that took nearly the entire coffee break. Perhaps the best indicator of how good this attraction is that 15 to 16 guests ride this attraction every day. Some even enjoy it briefly. Orange Stinger demands a four shinny penny rating and is a prime example of why Disneys® California Adventure is the theme park it is today.
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So lets stop all this whining and understand all the good things that Disney still builds.
, Maliboomer, a giant ferris wheel, a farm, some attractions already in place at WDW and .... the Orange Stinger. I'm going no matter how doubtful I am but this doesn't inspire my usual excitement.
