Disneyland Expansion Part 2



PART 1 | 2
So, shortly after Westcot was shot, Eisner called a meeting to create this new second gate. What will it be? It can’t compete against Disneyland, it can’t be too flashy (like Westcot), and it needs to make money. Imagineers thought up a Hollywood theme park, which seemed odd because people could visit Hollywood if they drove 30 miles north.

The Imagineers considered another angle for an idea. After people leave Disneyland, they go either: A: home or B: to more sightseeing in California. California!?! For a moment, the Imagineers & Eisner thought they had a great idea… “let’s do it” Eisner said!

Thus, on July 17, 1996 an announcement was made stating that “starting in 1997, construction will begin on Disney’s new ‘California Adventure’ theme park.” (you can read the press release, by clicking here)

As construction began, 55 acres of Disneyland’s parking lot was plowed away. Revealing soil beneath it, which hadn’t seen sunlight for 41 years!

The park design grew into having it divided into 9 “districts”

  • Entry Plaza
  • Hollywood Pictures Backlot
  • The Golden State
    • Condor Flats
    • Grizzly Peak Rec. Area
    • Bountiful Valley Farm
    • The Bay Area
    • Golden Vine Winery
    • Pacific Wharf
  • Paradise Pier

The following is an aerial view of Disneyland’s parking lot (from October 3, 1995), with an overlay comparison of Disneyland Resort expansion.


Check some other California Adventure websites:

  • DCA Central
    This site offers a wealth of knowlege, plus many photos from the park. Updated quite often
  • Mouseplanet.com
    This site offers new material every day. The “DIG” section often has news and photos from the park.

2021 Disney Pin Donald Duck Christmas Cuties Mystery picture

2021 Disney Pin Donald Duck Christmas Cuties Mystery

$5.99



Vintage 1971 Walt Disney Productions Donald Duck pink Figure Louis Marx. 109 picture

Vintage 1971 Walt Disney Productions Donald Duck pink Figure Louis Marx. 109

$9.00



3 Disney pin Hidden Mickey  Donald Duck 3 Amigos picture

3 Disney pin Hidden Mickey Donald Duck 3 Amigos

$18.00



2023 Disney Parks Happy Halloween Donald Duck Chip & Dale OE 2 Pin Set picture

2023 Disney Parks Happy Halloween Donald Duck Chip & Dale OE 2 Pin Set

$15.99



Disney Pin 153028 Donald Duck - Disney 100 picture

Disney Pin 153028 Donald Duck - Disney 100

$10.25



FUNKO POP DISNEY: Donald Duck Trick orTreat [New Toy] Vinyl Figure picture

FUNKO POP DISNEY: Donald Duck Trick orTreat [New Toy] Vinyl Figure

$11.91



Disney Pin Lanyard - Buy 1 and Select Another 1 Free  picture

Disney Pin Lanyard - Buy 1 and Select Another 1 Free

$8.49



2023 Disney Parks Video Game Day Kingdom Hearts Sora Goofy Donald Duck LR Pin picture

2023 Disney Parks Video Game Day Kingdom Hearts Sora Goofy Donald Duck LR Pin

$24.95



Disney Donald Duck original sketch by Tony Anselmo w/ Beckett CoA  picture

Disney Donald Duck original sketch by Tony Anselmo w/ Beckett CoA 

$150.00



DONALD DUCK, MICKEY MOUSE, UNCLE SCROOGE lot of 7 WALT DISNEY comic books + FREE picture

DONALD DUCK, MICKEY MOUSE, UNCLE SCROOGE lot of 7 WALT DISNEY comic books + FREE

$29.95