Golden Zephyr – June 6, 2009 – Disney’s California Adventure

This home video is more like a vacation video rather than my usual documentation footage. This was a video I took in 2009 of the Share a Dream kids’ first trip to Disneyland. Since the kids were younger we did most of the preschool rides in Disneyland and California Adventure. We went back in 2015 when they were older and rode more thrilling rides.

Golden Zephyr is a classic Paradise Pier opening day attraction. It opened on February 8, 2001. Influenced by science fiction stories of the 1920s, these nostalgic rocket ships spin guests for about two minutes around an elegant 90 foot tower. The ride has six gold and chrome trimmed rockets with four retro fins on the back and flashy strobes underneath. Each rocket has six rows of two seats. It was built by D.H. Morgan Manufacturing. This attraction may not operate if wind speeds are a constant 10 mph or higher, or during World of Color. Golden Zephyr survived the 2007-2012 redesign of California Adventure and was not rethemed or removed. In 2018 the section of the park it is located changed its name to Paradise Gardens Park.

In 2003 I rode on the Golden Zephyr and documented almost the full experience, so here is the link to that footage: https://youtu.be/PnypTPP5guI.

Let’s compare the sights of Disney’s California Adventure from 2003, 2009, and today (2022)…

Tower or Terror. This attraction opened on May 5, 2004. In my 2003 video, the tower was under construction. In this 2009 video it is open and operating as The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Today it is Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! Breakout opened in May 2017, and the Tower of Terror version closed on Jan. 2, 2017.

Paradise Bay. In my summer 2003 video nothing too spectacular was going on in Paradise Bay. Disney’s LuminAria had a short run before that with some fountains, low-level fireworks, and a light up Christmas tree. That finished in Jan. 2002. In this 2009 video, something major was coming to Paradise Pier, but it won’t be until next summer. World of Color made its wonderful debut on June 10, 2010. In 2009, the bay was drained and all you saw was dirt and construction walls. Today, World of Color is still playing, but for a year and a half after the shutdown in 2020 the show was not operating. It returned in April 2022. I have seen this show only once in 2015 when it was “World of Color – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney!” I got wet.

Golden Dreams. This attraction debuted on opening day, Feb. 8, 2001. In my 2003 video it is open and educating guests about California’s history. It closed on Sept. 7, 2008. In this June 2009 video the theater is still there, but one month later it would be demolished. The Beaux-Arts style rotunda is still seen, and remained as the entrance to The Little Mermaid – Ariel’s Undersea Adventure. That attraction opened in summer 2011, replacing Golden Dreams, and is still there today.

Souvenir 66. This Route 66 themed gift shop opened in February 2001. In 2003 guests could find sundries and souvenirs like autograph books, keychains, pins, shirts, and hats. In June 2009 a construction wall was around it, but it survived the wrecking ball, unlike poor Dinosaur Jack. It reopened in May 2011 as Seaside Souvenirs. Today it is still Seaside Souvenirs, where guests could have their Mickey ears embroidered.

Corn Dog Castle. This small permanent structure opened in February 2001. In 2003 it was doing fine with McDonald’s Burger Invasion and Pizza Oom Mow Mow nearby. In June 2009 it was closed while Ariel’s Undersea Adventure was being built, but it reopened Sept. 7, 2010 with a new billboard. The cute ketchup and mustard awning out front remained. It is still operating today.

Dinosaur Jack’s Sunglass Shack. From opening day guests could buy some cool California shades in this 33 foot tall pink Apatosaurus gift shop. In October 2006 Jack was painted green. In my 2003 video he is pink, and in this 2009 video he is green and about to be extinct. May 2009 construction walls went up around him and later he was sadly demolished. Today, the more popular churro carts are now where Dino Jack stood.

Orange Stinger. This 4-story orange opened in February 2001 and contained a 48-seat swing ride. It was operating in 2003 and in 2009 you can see its final days with the orange peel. It closed in July 2009 and on June 11, 2010 it reopened as the Silly Symphony Swings, sans orange peel. Silly Symphony Swings are still there today.

Mickey’s Fun Wheel. This Ferris wheel opened in February 2001. In 2003 it was the Sun Wheel, with a giant sun on the front. In June 2009 it was the “NEW” Mickey’s Fun Wheel, with a Mickey face on the front. Today, it is now the Pixar Pal-A-Round with Pixar characters on the gondolas, but with Mickey’s face still on the wheel.

Reference:
California Dreamin’: Disney’s California Adventure: An Insider’s Journey, Lisa Baxter, 2019, Theme Park Press.
Yesterland.com (Werner Weiss is awesome!)

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