December 15, 2000

California Adventure prepares for February debut

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) -- The weeks ahead will bring curious rumblings to Disneyland's newest neighbor, the much ballyhooed California Adventure theme park.

As the Walt Disney Co. prepares its new $1.4 billion theme park for a Feb. 8 debut, workers will perform extensive test runs on its towering Ferris wheel, roller coaster and other rides.

That may confuse some Disneyland visitors into thinking the expansion park is open, says Disney spokeswoman Casi Smith. She warns that people shouldn't start waiting in line just yet.

Meantime, theme park experts predict Disney will open the gates of California Adventure early to give people a sample of the attractions and test the staff for the grand opening.

More likely, Disney executives, builders and workers will have first try at the new rides followed by Disney Club members and Disneyland annual pass-holders, park officials say.

The company's Grand Californian Hotel is also scheduled to open Feb. 8 and the Downtown Disney shopping mall is set to debut on Jan. 12.

The Downtown Disney mall, located between Disneyland and California Adventure, will have shops and restaurants, including a 12-screen theater, House of Blues, La Brea Bakery, Rainforest Cafe, ESPN Zone and World of Disney.

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