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Disney Park Launches $1B Redo

Mouse to make California Adventure more like Disneyland

By Will McCahill, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 18, 2007 9:25 AM CDT

(Newser) – Disney is launching a $1.1 billion overhaul of its California Adventure theme park in a bid to boost smaller-than-predicted earnings and make the park more like big brother Disneyland. The Anaheim park, opened in 2001, drew 6 million visitors last year—a million less than predicted and far fewer than the 15 million who hit Disneyland.

The makeover will cost more than initial construction of the park. Attractions based on popular Pixar movies—like "Cars" and "Toy Story"—will be added, as will references to the late founder Walt Disney. "They're trying to give it some heart," one source told the Los Angeles Times. "Now, you go through California Adventure once, and that's about it."

Walt Disney Co. executives speak during a news conference, Wednesday Oct. 17, 2007 in Glendale, Calif., where they announced plans to overhaul the California Adventure theme park. Seated from left, are... (Associated Press)

The Walt Disney Co. will do a major overhaul of its disappointing California Adventure theme park, seen here in a file photo taken Dec. 8, 2000, in Anaheim, Calif., to add more attractions based on Pixar... (Associated Press)

Disney CEO Robert Iger speaks during a news conference, Wednesday Oct. 17, 2007 in Glendale, Calif., where he announced plans to overhaul the California Adventure theme park. Beset with lukewarm attendance,... (Associated Press)

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Steve Jobs Re-Elected to Disney Board

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Disney Reinventing Stores as 'Imagination Parks'

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But different sources give widely varied estimates

After Disney, Eisner Thrives Online

Eisner believes internet programming is entertainment's future

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Pixar • Disney • Anaheim • Michael Eisner • Bob Iger

MOST POPULAR STORIES

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More Newser Stories

Steve Jobs Re-Elected to Disney Board

Despite health fears after he missed 75% of meetings in 2010

No Oscars Broadcast for 3.1M

Cablevision-Disney spat yanks signal in NY area

Disney Reinventing Stores as 'Imagination Parks'

Apple's expertise will help transform shopping into entertainment

Going Up ? 9.4M Balloons Should Do It

But different sources give widely varied estimates

After Disney, Eisner Thrives Online

Eisner believes internet programming is entertainment's future

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

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