Things to Watch For in 2001
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Visitors Will Travel Across State--in Anaheim
On Feb. 8, the theme-park world will focus on Anaheim, where Disney will open California Adventure, a companion park to Disneyland that celebrates state icons such as Hollywood, the beach and the Bay Area.
The new park is the centerpiece of a $1.4-billion expansion that Disney hopes will turn the Disneyland area into a multi-day resort. The refurbished Anaheim Convention Center, now 40% larger, will complement Disney’s additions, which include a separate entertainment and retail zone, Downtown Disney and a new 750-room luxury hotel, the Grand Californian.
Disney chief Michael Eisner plans to bring “A-list” celebrities to the January opening of Downtown Disney, designed to combat complaints that Anaheim lacks night life. Visitors can chow down at a Joachim Splichal tapas restaurant or take in a show at House of Blues.
If successful, the new scene could bolster tourism throughout the state. But arrive early on holidays or weekends: Disney will allow only 30,000 guests inside California Adventure at any time, ensuring turn-aways on busy days.
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