Here's a reminder of what Disney California Adventure looked like when it opened 15 years ago

When Disney California Adventure opened on February 8, 2001, it was supposed to be an adult-oriented (i.e. you could drink there) ode to the great state of California. Unfortunately, that turned out to mean a theme park with bizarre attractions and shops; California references and facsimiles that failed to inspire any magic; and seemingly more corporate tie-ins than Disney characters.

A few expansions, renovations and a $1.1 billion redesign later, the park has finally become the sort of charming and magical destination that Disneyland guests expect. But we thought that today, on the park's 15th anniversary, we'd take a look back to a time before California Adventure could boast about Cars Land, World of Color and some of the best Disneyland rides.

The entrance plaza, then and now.

 

California Zephyr shops (a few years after opening), now the Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Café.

 

Sunshine Plaza, now Carthay Circle Theatre. 

 

Soarin' Over California, then and now.

 

Golden Dreams, now Ariel's Undersea Adventure.

 

Paradise Pier then and now.

 

Orange Stinger, now Silly Symphony Swings.

 

California Screamin' and the Sun Wheel, now Mickey's Fun Wheel.

 

Disney California Adventure park map, then and now.

 

If you're interested in more throwback photos of Disneyland and California Adventure, we suggest taking a look a Yesterland, which has painstakingly preserved photos from each attraction and shop in the park's history.