This week is a special week for the Disneyland Resort. On February 8, California Adventure turned 20 years old. Over the last 20 years, DCA (Disney California Adventure) has grown, changed, and evolved dramatically – adding new lands, merging old ones, and re-designing vast areas more than once.
Though at first the park lived in the shadow of its neighbor, today DCA is a partner park to Disneyland. Crowds roll in to visit the attractions, drink (since DCA is NOT a dry park!), and enjoy snacks and treats from all of its restaurants and annual festivals. COVID-19 may have impacted the 20th anniversary celebration this park deserved, but guests will undoubtedly celebrate in their own ways once they enter the gates sometime in the future.
To celebrate 20 years of adventuring, here are 20 of my favorite snapshots from my own visits over the years. Happy 20th DCA – we look forward to seeing you again real soon.
DCA opened during an era when I’d stopped visiting the US (doing other things/going other places) for a few years. So when I first visited, it was well and truly popular with some great attractions, and I lucked out with a one-on-one with Minnie Mouse in front of “Soaring”. I was enchanted. Now on my annual visits (pre-COVID at least) I always buy a multi-day pass for both parks so I can go back and forth as the mood fits. I especially love the architectural details in many parts of DCA.
That’s a wonderful memory! I used to be fairly indifferent about DCA, but as it’s grown and really come into its own, it definitely won me over 🙂
DCA proves not everything Disney touches is magical or golden. It is still a step-child even at 20.
Great photos though!