Thought I'd better get my thoughts down before Testrack gets back with his binder full of note. Looks like a number of us will have visit DCA this summer. Be interesting to compare notes. My assessment and some thoughts for a make-over.
I give about half the park passing marks. This clearly makes it lacking as a stand-alone effort, but the ease of park hopping makes all the difference. With our multi-day hoppers and the short walk across the esplanade, DCA was a welcome respite to escape the afternoon crowds at DL. While not deserted, the shorter wait times (except Soarin) and upbeat atmosphere provided us two enjoyable afternoons entertainment. As an illustration, it is practical to hop parks just to maximize your FP portfolio (different systems).
The California theme? I think most people kinda forget about it. The theme should create a positive baseline for the quest experience. Ill call DCA a neutral. If they dont stay true to it (the what do bugs have to do with CA refrain) it probably wont matter. It offered us about the same number of activities as DAK, but without the escapism punch. Which is due in part to the subject matter, part to the many micro-environments, and part due a less detail.
IMO many of the concerns about lower standards and modest ambitions have merit. The park is not completely devoid of charm and did end up being a nice compliment to our DL visit. It would influence our length of stay, but not to the degree it should have. From a business perspective I walked away thinking it was a needlessly missed opportunity.
ENTRANCE (OK) - I didnt realize the murals were mosaics for sometime. From more than a few feet away they look like 2D paintings (marginal ones). The GG Bridge is cute, but too narrow to make a grand statement. Maybe, this was done intentionally so the Plaza seemed more expansive? The Plaza didnt get much use. The sunthingy is nice, but only a momentary diversion.
CONDOR FLATS (Good) - I liked this area. The deserted airstrip theme didnt strike me as cheap. It probably helps that is not that big an area. Soarins pre-show elements are basic, but it wasnt a hot button for me. Maybe, I enjoyed the ride too much (especially row 1). I love new experiences and this came in just behind Indy. It was the only ride with 60 minute waits and scarce FPs. Evidence that people still appreciate novel experiences.
HOLLYWOOD (OK) Starts off feeling like USF or MGM. The painted backdrop creates perspective for a moment, until you take a few steps in and the effect is destroyed. A sloppy transition from glamour HW to a back-lot look. Enjoyed Blast, Millionaire and Muppets (again). Parts of animation were very good. A quality reincarnation of Superstar Limo and ToT a big help. However, with still have a been there done that feel.
PACIFIC WHARF (Fair) A nice outdoor food court when fully open. Tortilla and bread making exhibits should be restaurants décor elements, not taking up precious attraction space. The tortilla making exhibit seemed especially lame. Does recreate a cannery row type feel if you like faded/aged buildings.
BOUNTIFUL ACRES (Poor) What is the point? A lot of wasted space surrounding TTBAB. Lets keep our fingers crossed Fliks Fair is decent.
PARADISE PIER (OK/Poor) - Screamin is a very enjoyable coaster. Probably the right thrill level for a Disney park. I might concede this being a mini-land? Have Screamin, the Sunwheel, maybe the Maliboomer in a much smaller footprint. The gaudy food and game stalls reminded me of the Jersey Boardwalk (not a positive). Remove these along with the two swing rides (Stinger and Zephyr) and the mouse coaster. Ill include Golden Dreams here. Not a bad film, but felt out of place. Did little to reinforce the park themes.
Grizzly Peak (Very Good) The peak is a great icon and the mountain theming very well done. The raft ride was good (reasonable mix of wet and dry), as was the play area.
Other (Good) We did enjoy the hipper? feel. Lots of music, and the upbeat mix a good contrast to the more traditional DL fare. Lots of small street performers. We saw many people singing along, dancing as they walked. It created a nice mood. We talk about their repeatability factor, but I was still surprised how small the crowds were for Muppets & TTBAB. Worse, for Golden Dreams. We did two Millionaire shows and both were over 75% full. Is it closing due to lack of interest or network issues?
It doesnt make sense to start over, so here are some transformation ideas.
1. Drop Bountiful Acres. Becomes a wilderness themed extension to Grizzly Peak. TTBAB in a Redwood forest. Fliks Fair a meadow.
2. Drop the whole HW backlot look. Everything gets themed to glamour HW. Fix SSL. Muppets becomes Philarmagic.
3. Shrink the Pier as noted and make it a part of the Wharf.
4. The vacated PP space becomes a new land with a new C and E ticket attraction.
I give about half the park passing marks. This clearly makes it lacking as a stand-alone effort, but the ease of park hopping makes all the difference. With our multi-day hoppers and the short walk across the esplanade, DCA was a welcome respite to escape the afternoon crowds at DL. While not deserted, the shorter wait times (except Soarin) and upbeat atmosphere provided us two enjoyable afternoons entertainment. As an illustration, it is practical to hop parks just to maximize your FP portfolio (different systems).
The California theme? I think most people kinda forget about it. The theme should create a positive baseline for the quest experience. Ill call DCA a neutral. If they dont stay true to it (the what do bugs have to do with CA refrain) it probably wont matter. It offered us about the same number of activities as DAK, but without the escapism punch. Which is due in part to the subject matter, part to the many micro-environments, and part due a less detail.
IMO many of the concerns about lower standards and modest ambitions have merit. The park is not completely devoid of charm and did end up being a nice compliment to our DL visit. It would influence our length of stay, but not to the degree it should have. From a business perspective I walked away thinking it was a needlessly missed opportunity.
ENTRANCE (OK) - I didnt realize the murals were mosaics for sometime. From more than a few feet away they look like 2D paintings (marginal ones). The GG Bridge is cute, but too narrow to make a grand statement. Maybe, this was done intentionally so the Plaza seemed more expansive? The Plaza didnt get much use. The sunthingy is nice, but only a momentary diversion.
CONDOR FLATS (Good) - I liked this area. The deserted airstrip theme didnt strike me as cheap. It probably helps that is not that big an area. Soarins pre-show elements are basic, but it wasnt a hot button for me. Maybe, I enjoyed the ride too much (especially row 1). I love new experiences and this came in just behind Indy. It was the only ride with 60 minute waits and scarce FPs. Evidence that people still appreciate novel experiences.
HOLLYWOOD (OK) Starts off feeling like USF or MGM. The painted backdrop creates perspective for a moment, until you take a few steps in and the effect is destroyed. A sloppy transition from glamour HW to a back-lot look. Enjoyed Blast, Millionaire and Muppets (again). Parts of animation were very good. A quality reincarnation of Superstar Limo and ToT a big help. However, with still have a been there done that feel.
PACIFIC WHARF (Fair) A nice outdoor food court when fully open. Tortilla and bread making exhibits should be restaurants décor elements, not taking up precious attraction space. The tortilla making exhibit seemed especially lame. Does recreate a cannery row type feel if you like faded/aged buildings.
BOUNTIFUL ACRES (Poor) What is the point? A lot of wasted space surrounding TTBAB. Lets keep our fingers crossed Fliks Fair is decent.
PARADISE PIER (OK/Poor) - Screamin is a very enjoyable coaster. Probably the right thrill level for a Disney park. I might concede this being a mini-land? Have Screamin, the Sunwheel, maybe the Maliboomer in a much smaller footprint. The gaudy food and game stalls reminded me of the Jersey Boardwalk (not a positive). Remove these along with the two swing rides (Stinger and Zephyr) and the mouse coaster. Ill include Golden Dreams here. Not a bad film, but felt out of place. Did little to reinforce the park themes.
Grizzly Peak (Very Good) The peak is a great icon and the mountain theming very well done. The raft ride was good (reasonable mix of wet and dry), as was the play area.
Other (Good) We did enjoy the hipper? feel. Lots of music, and the upbeat mix a good contrast to the more traditional DL fare. Lots of small street performers. We saw many people singing along, dancing as they walked. It created a nice mood. We talk about their repeatability factor, but I was still surprised how small the crowds were for Muppets & TTBAB. Worse, for Golden Dreams. We did two Millionaire shows and both were over 75% full. Is it closing due to lack of interest or network issues?
It doesnt make sense to start over, so here are some transformation ideas.
1. Drop Bountiful Acres. Becomes a wilderness themed extension to Grizzly Peak. TTBAB in a Redwood forest. Fliks Fair a meadow.
2. Drop the whole HW backlot look. Everything gets themed to glamour HW. Fix SSL. Muppets becomes Philarmagic.
3. Shrink the Pier as noted and make it a part of the Wharf.
4. The vacated PP space becomes a new land with a new C and E ticket attraction.