Condor Flats

June 2012 – March 2015

BACKGROUND

Before California Adventure’s major expansion and refurbishment, the park had a huge land known as “Golden State”. But when the park’s transformation was complete, Golden State broke off into three separate lands: Grizzly Peak, Pacific Wharf, and Condor Flats.

Based on the mid 20^th century Mojave Desert, Condor Flats kept the early days of commercial aviation alive. This land was full of nostalgia, charm, and excitement for the future. While Condor Flats wass California Adventure’s smallest land, it was one of the most heavily visited, and guests couldn’t seem to get enough of the excitement of flying.

THE EXPERIENCE

Upon entering Condor Flats, guests immediately left the hustle and bustle of Buena Vista Street and found themselves entering the past. Cast members in flight attendant and pilot outfits welcomed visitors into the golden age of flight, and the desert rock formations surrounding the flats provided the perfect environment for a trip through the skies.

With churro stands, vendor carts, and the Taste Pilot’s Grill, Condor Flats always smelled delicious. Many guests flew through the flats as they rushed from Grizzly Peak to Buena Vista Street, but the famous Soarin’ Over California kept guests coming back for more adventures through the California skies.

CHARACTERS

• Minnie Mouse
• Pluto

ATTRACTIONS

• Minnie’s Fly Girls
• Soarin’ Over California

DINING

• Taste Pilot’s Grill

SHOPS

• Coming soon!

CLOSURE

When Condor Flats split into its own land, it was the smallest land in California Adventure. This area always drew in crowds with Soarin’ Over California, but never fully formed its own identity. Part of the problem was the massive Grand Californian Hotel and Grizzly Mountain in the background, which gave off a rustic northern California vibe to an otherwise desert-style airfield. In 2014, Imagineers announced plans to absorb Condor Flats into Grizzly Peak, becoming the “Grizzly Peak Airfield”. Instead of standing as its own land, the Air Field would instead be just a part of the larger Grizzly Peak landscape.

TRIVIA

The number 47 was hidden in a number of places in Condor Flats. This is a reference to 1947, the year the sound barrier was broken.

On a similar note, the clock in the gift shop was stopped at the exact time Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier in 1947.

During the construction of Buena Vista Street, Condor Flats served as the temporary entrance to California Adventure.