ANAHEIM, Calif. -- When the 55-acre $1.4 billion Disney's
California Adventure theme park complex opens here Feb. 8, the
average length of stay at the Disneyland Resort should double to
four days, according to Cynthia Harriss, president.
In addition to the second Anaheim theme park, another reason for
visitors to extend there stay will be the 750-room Disney's Grand
Californian Hotel, which will open in the theme park Jan. 2, about
one month before the park opens.
Another draw will be the Downtown Disney entertainment, shopping
and dining district, making its debut Jan. 12.
"California Adventure, unlike any other park," celebrates the
"fun and diversity of the Golden State," said Claire Bilby,
Disneyland's vice president of sales and travel operations.
The park will have three themed districts: Paradise Pier, a
beachfront amusement zone; Hollywood Pictures Backlot, devoted to
moviemaking, and The Golden State, focusing on California's
wilderness areas and vast cultural riches.
Noteworthy rides include Grizzly Peak, a white-water rafting
trip with 360-degree turns and two drops; Condor Flats, a hang
gliding ride over Yosemite Valley, and a roller coaster that loops
through Mickey's ears. There also will be a Disney animation
experience and a tortilla factory tour.
Downtown Disney, occupying some 300,000 square feet, will
include the Avalon Cove by Wolfgang Puck restaurant, which will be
part of the Pacific Wharf seaside area. It will have 250 dining
seats and 100 in a second-floor Cove Bar. Seafood will be
featured.
Downtown Disney also will have 12 theaters, a House of Blues and
a Rainforest Cafe.
The opening of a second theme park has spurred other hotel
building in the area, Bilby said, and existing properties also are
undergoing major renovations that will benefit the destination.
In fact, the Anaheim area is the scene of $4 billion worth of
improvements, including a 40% expansion of the Anaheim Convention
Center to 1.6 million square feet by 2001.
The public will not see much advertising for the second
Disneyland park, the hotel and Downtown Disney until late summer,
when some "teaser ads" are planned, Bilby said, explaining that
heavy promotion before the fall might encourage visitors to
postpone their summer visits.
Disneyland is celebrating its 45th anniversary with the
presentation of its 45 Years of Magic Parade through late fall and
the nightly 45th anniversary fireworks spectacular, called Believe
There's Magic in the Stars, through Sept. 4.