Looking Down the Street in Disney California Adventure Park

Michelle Harker

by , Manager, Event Programming

My friend and fellow Disney Parks Blog author Erin Glover was the first to give you a glimpse at some of the locations that will line Buena Vista Street, when it opens this summer. While your excitement for these new stores is probably through the roof, get ready for what I like to call a virtual tour of what else you can expect to see when these charming shops officially open their doors.

First up is Oswald’s, which is bound to set your California adventure off on the right foot. All of your road-trip essentials, including autograph books, hats, bags and souvenirs like “Cars”-themed antenna toppers, key chains and travel mugs “fill up” the shelves of this gas station-themed store.

Just down the way and most reminiscent of a bygone time will be Los Feliz Five & Dime. This one-stop shop is where you will find just about anything you need for the entire family. Within its walls, you’ll find collections of t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, figurines, souvenirs and more inspired by railways and trolleys as well as character merchandise featuring Mickey Mouse and friends in retro mood styling. What does it look like? Well, where would the fun be if I gave it all away today? But I promise you won’t have to wait too long – in fact, you might even see something from me later this week.

As we continue, next door you’ll find Big Top Toys, which it has to be said, this circus-themed toy store is going to be an extravaganza! Offering a playful environment for kids and kids at heart, you will find shelves lined with innovative and interactive toys, games and plush inspired by many of our famous Disney Parks attractions and characters to get you “on with the show!”

Elias & Co. on Buena Vista Street in Disney California Adventure Park

Finally, you will find yourself paying tribute to the opulent art deco department stores of yesteryear, with Elias & Co. As you take a moment to step back in time, envision yourself standing in an idealized version of 1923 Los Angeles, as a young traveler named Walt Disney steps off a train, a fedora on his head, luggage at his feet, his best pal at his side, and a dream in his mind that one day would become a reality. As you continue through the store, be sure to take note of the retro-style attraction posters that will also appear on a wide variety of clothing, souvenirs and collectible items. Now, before you depart, I encourage you to embrace the spirit that Walt Disney showed during his early days as an eager young producer and complete your ensemble with a selection of men’s period fedoras and executive-style accessories.

I know, I’ve probably teased you too much but I promise sneak peeks of some of the amazing merchandise will be posted shortly. I hope you enjoyed our trip! It’s time to start making a list of all those things you want, because it will be here sooner than you know it.

Comments

  • Will there be a meet-and-greet with Oswald The Lucky Rabbit? I am a huge fan of Micky’s brother!

  • I just finished reading “Walt Disney an American Original” by Bob Thomas, on my favorite parts of the book is when Walt arrives to Los Angeles, I believe it will be an amazing to experience the standing in Los Angeles in 1923.

  • Michelle–
    Thank you, I try to answer questions sometimes If I’m able to. I didn’t mean to steal your thunder. 🙂

    I’m really looking forward to Buena Vista Street and Cars Land!

  • I was under the impression that Oswald’s was going to be themed after the Lucky Rabbit himself, am I wrong?

  • My son will think he has his own personal department store, excellent. I can’t wait to see the new store fronts and I hope they transport one like Main Street at Disneyland. I’m so excited to see the transformation.

    What is the sketch representing, Elias & Co.?

    • The concept above gives inspiration for the look and feel of the outside of Los Feliz Five & Dime, Big Top Toys and Elias & Co.

  • @lorraine… the golden gate bridge is not going to be in california adventures anymore. Instead it’s going to be replaced with a simple bridge. The reason for doing so is because the new entrance is trying to replicate what LOS ANGELES looked like when walt disney first arrived in the 1920’s. Therefore, they cannot have an emblem of san francisco as part of their los angeles entrance.

  • Lorraine, no it’s not returning to the entrance of the park, but the original is only 7 hours away…and believe me it’s much bigger!

    The bridge will be re-themed as the Glendale-Hyperion bridge which is a Los Angeles landmark with which Walt would have been familiar considering that 1926 Walt Disney Studios at 2719 Hyperion Ave. was located nearby.

  • @Byron the ice cream shop will still be there, but is getting its name changed to Clarabelles. @Lorraine Unfortunately, the golden gate bridge is gone for good

  • …Sorry, I meant “Los Angeles”

  • Lorraine–
    The Golden Gate Bridge will not be back. It will be replaced with a replica of the Glendale-Hyperion Bridge from Los Angles.

  • Raja–
    I’ve got good news for your friend! The giant clown head outside the stores in Paradise Pier has been removed, the store facades are finally getting a makeover. 🙂

    • Fred,
      Thanks for responding to some of the questions asked. It is true, the clown outside some of our Paradise Pier stores is going away. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to post sooner. Have a great day.

  • I can’t wait to see the transformations. We are coming down in October and I am already counting down days!!!

  • Pam, having Johnny Fedora and Alice Bluebonnet in the window of the department store is the best idea ever!

    And I like this idea of selling Twenties/Thirties-style menswear as well. I need a good wide-brim fedora ^_^

  • I’m really hoping that the absence of the Golden Gate Bridge is a temporary thing. Does anyone know if it will be back?

    • Hi Lorraine – The removal of Golden Gate Bridge is permanent since it did not fit in with the theme of Buena Vista Street (Los Angeles in the 1920s and 1930s). To read more about the replica Glendale-Hyperion Bridge, which will be taking its place, click here.

  • Will there be a really good ice cream shop like Burrrbank ice cream? I miss that a lot. I had to go to disneyland main street cones, and it doesn’t have much of a selection.

  • will there be clowns in the “Big Top Toys” shop? I go to Disneyland with one of my closest friends and he is absolutely terrified of clowns (which is why we try to stay away from paradise pier as much as possible due to the massive clown head above one of the stores) I would hate if he had to miss out on this store as well. Or at least if it did have a clown, I could make sure to keep him away from it. So far i’m loving all of the updates for the new buena vista street. Thanks for getting back to me.

  • Any chance that we will see an opening date for Buena Vista Street and Cars Land in the very near future? The work seems to be progressing at such a nice rate that the proposed date or month should be in mind.

  • I would LOVE to see Johnny Fedora and Alice Blue Bonnet in the window at Elias & CO.

  • Looks great!

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