ANAHEIM, Calif. -- With the grand opening Thursday of Disney's
California Adventure theme park, Disney has completed the $1.4
billion transformation of Disneyland from a one-theme park,
two-hotel complex, into the full-blown Disneyland Resort.
Officials say agents now have a reason to use Anaheim as a base for
visiting Southern California.
In the opinion of this writer, one of several hundred travel
industry guests invited to preview the new park, the top ride alone
is worth the trip.
Soarin' Over California, in the park's Golden State sector,
offers an all too brief 7.5-minute simulated aerial tour of the
state, a virtual hang-gliding experience that ends with an up-close
view of Disneyland and its nightly fireworks.
Other sectors of California Adventure include the Hollywood
Pictures Backlot, focusing on popular films and TV shows, and
Paradise Pier, which features the California Screamin' coaster and
other rides.
The park also features a daily parade with outrageous
floats.
In addition to the new park, Disneyland now boasts the upscale,
750-room Disney's Grand Californian Hotel, as well as the Downtown
Disney entertainment, dining and shopping district.