Disney California expanded from the classic theme park built in 1955 to the Adventure Park in 2001 across the street. It doubled the size of the original park.
The original is the standard by which all American theme parks are measured.
Great, a local (at one time). I was from the central valley.
I was four years old when I first entered Disneyland in 1955. And even though it was “dwarfed,” (sorry), by today’s park(s), to a four year old, it was a monster in size.
I think a real good example of their desire to change is best illustrated by the opening of California Adventure you mentioned. It started as Hollywood land in 2001 and lasted on that until 2012. With a list of changing “rides” that were based upon low attendance: Superstar Limo, 2001-2002 which now houses Monster Inc., ABC Soap Opera Bistro, 2001-2002 which converted to a theater, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, 2001 to 2004, now a special events area, Disney Playhouse, 2003-2010, went to Disney Junior, Glow Fest, 2009-2010, went to ElecTRONica, Mad Tea Party, 2012-2016 closed, Muppet Vision 3D, one of their longer ones, 2001-2014, now houses Sunset Showcase Theater, and the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, 2004-2017 which was converted to the Guardians of the Galaxy. I could go until next year by displaying the animation changed rides as there were many changes to Bug’s life, Golden State, Condor Flats, Grizzly Peak, Soarin’, Cars’ Land, Paradise Pier….
I’ve always been surprise with/at Disney as they know where the crowd is and where to get the money out of them. I’ve said for years that if they were foolish enough to cryogenics Walt to bring him back to life in a later date, with his conservative ideals on what HIS park would always be, some heads would roll when his eyes re-opened and he sees the way they have converted from the best people oriented attraction in the world to getting by based upon money especially since the parks no longer support the studios. (No matter who owns them) The “guests” are no longer the most important, just their money.
rwood