Happy Birthday, California Adventure!

Today, just 13 years ago, Disney California Adventure (then Disney's California Adventure Park) opened its gates for the first time.

I was only 5 years old, but I remember my first trip to DCA. Many of the attractions were forgettable. The theme was a bland, rehash of California stereotypes. Vibrant colors and cheesy signage reminiscent of the 90s were scattered all over the place. It was hardly the amusement park that I anticipated, standing at the gates of Disneyland for months, just able to catch a glimpse of Grizzly Peak. But it had great potential that never wavered.

By 2014, DCA has established itself as a premier Disney Park. It has captured the Disney dream of moving forward, innovating new experiences that have changed the amusement park experience. It is a constantly-improving and ever-changing monument to the state of California.

Disneyland Park is a place to escape into worlds of fantasy, history, and the future. California Adventure boldly exhibits the challenging landscapes we'd never find in Disneyland. The transformation from a once-tacky, now beautiful manifestation of our state's less conventional postcard-landmarks: the Carthay Circle Theater, Route 66, Hollywood backlots, wine country; proves that a few small changes can go a very, very long way.

While it's still young, I think the future holds great things for this grand domain. Happy 13th, old friend.