Buena Vista Street, while shorter in length, is fully the equal of Main St. USA. It is charming and detailed beyond belief. My only complaint so far is that the interior of the “Pig Cafe” is super noisy because of all the hard surfaces. I really don’t have a problem with the restrooms–they were one of my favorites in the original DCA and I think the color palette meshes well with BV St., despite the somewhat contemporary border tiles with palm trees.

The scale of Cars Land is incredible. I’ve only been inside during daylight, but even then it was extraordinary. I disagree with criticism of the merchandise mix in RS Curios–between the three stores, there was a good mix. We ate at Flo’s and snagged THE prime center table on the huge window wall overlooking RS Racers. The food was very good, portions were huge, and the decor was as good as Disney does. RS Racers is so much fun and I can’t wait to ride it several more times. Mater’s is a great super-size of Ladybug Boogee (which I love). The Flying Tires are a bit of a disappointment for me because I was never big enough to ride the old Flying Saucers alone before it closed. Basically, it was like a slow, sluggish bumper car ride–but the theming was incredible!

Overall, I would say that Disney got their money’s worth for $1.5 Billion. I can be as critical as anyone–from Lite Tragic to re-using castles and Haunted Mansions in other parks, to Tomorrowland ’98 and Rocket Rods, to Superstar Limo to cheap video sequels produced offshore, I can be as critical as anyone (and then some).

I truly believe that DCA now fully qualifies as a Disney park. I still disagree with some of their decisions as to the use of their finite real estate–Grand Californian and Cars Land have HUGE footprints and they have wasted a lot of acreage on support buildings that could have been basements or second stories. And the imagineers only got 90% of what they wanted (signage in Hollywoodland and Paradise Pier, California Screamin’ queue, Carousel canopy, etc.). But honestly, they have done FAR more than I ever believed possible.

Bottom line–I’m thrilled with the result. I can’t wait to see it with the construction fences down and after dusk. Before the AP blackout, my out-of-town friend and I will be outside the gates at 7 am. Enjoy!!!

Timekeeper

Quick review: Cozy Cone: A, Ramones: B+, Sarges & Curios Shops: B+, Maters Junkyard Jamboree: A-, Luigi’s: A, Flo’s V-8 Cafe: A+, Radiator Springs Racers: A++.

TIPS: Get your FastPass for RSR Early! Then get in line and ride. You will want to go twice. Have Lunch at Flo’s, the food is great and there are great views of the land from the dining room. Don’t be in a rush, even if it’s crowded. There is a lot to see and it’s worth it.

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