It’s hard to believe that Disney California Adventure is coming to the end of its 5 year remodel and expansion. Even though June 15th is the “official” grand opening date, things are slowly starting to soft open (Mad T Party is in full swing), and the construction walls are finally coming down.
Carthay Theatre & Fountain
This weekend marked the revealing of Carthay Circle Theatre and the Carthay Fountain. Here are a few photos for you to drool over. It’s gorgeous.
Carthay Circle Theatre
A fitting tribute to the place where Walt Disney debuted his first animated feature film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, in 1937, The Carthay Circle Theatre in Disney California Adventure will house a table service restaurant featuring “Premiere” (get it???) cuisine. I was very excited that the menu was already posted! I’ll take the House Biscuits immediately please…
Carthay Circle Menu
Carthay Circle Restaurant Menu Close Up -- click to read larger version
Although we couldn’t peek inside the windows, the outside was still amazing to see. For such a long time all we could see the was tippy top, but now you can get a glimpse of some of the fabulous details that have gone into imagineering this beautiful establishment…
A view walking up to the front doors.
To the right of the “ticket” window is a plaque that reads:
At this theater on the night of December 21, 1937, Walt Disney introduced the world to the first full-color feature-length animated motion picture; Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The rest, as they say, is history.
Historical Snow White Plaque
The front entrance looks exactly like the original theatre. The double door main entrance is patterned in a mirrored symmetrical design with an art deco mosaic on the floor. There are “ticket” windows on each side of the entrance. I’m curious if these are just “for looks” or if they will be a place to check in upon arrival for meals.
Carthay Main Entrance
Carthay Ticket Windows
In this same area, the ceiling is lined with individual art deco light fixtures.
Entrance Lighting on the Ceiling
Walking around the perimeter of the building, I noticed lots of fun details. I love the mosaic tile work — especially the boarder at the bottom of the building. The Spanish dancer is lovely too. Is that Griffith Observatory in the background???
Mosaic Tile Border
Spanish Dancer Mosaic
The back side of Carthay has me very curious. There are some balconies as well as a gated private entrance. Is this the entrance to the exclusive Club 1901?
Backside of Carthay
Gated entrance to....
Would have loved to have peeked inside, but alas, lace curtains were blocking the view.
No peeking!
Carthay Fountain
Right across the way from the theatre was the fountain. Fortunately, we got to see it during the day and again at night. It is such a lovely area. I really can’t wait until the rest of the walls on Buena Vista Street are down.
Carthay Circle Fountain
Carthay Circle Fountain
Fun Fact: The panels on the fountain are actually speakers! The new Buena Vista soundtrack was already being played!
Stay tuned for our upcoming reviews of Carthay Circle Theater dinner, the Mad T Party, and more from Buena Vista Street!
Have you had a chance to see the “unveiled” area yet? Which part of Buena Vista street are you most excited about?
Heather Sievers is the Disney Food Blog’s Dining in Disneyland columnist. See more of her columns here!
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I am so bummed that the walls weren’t down during my visit a couple of weeks ago after our DCL Hawaii cruise. It was our first visit to DL, so this just means we’ll have to go back to see this, CarsLand, and ride the Matterhorn!
Christa — YES! You have to go back. I do, too! Let’s make plans! 😉
I’m waiting for the Red Car Line to open. That should be such fun :).
@Wendy S. – The Red Trolley does look fun!
I just found your website in planning for our upcoming trip over July 4 week. I love the menus and photos – you increased the excitement level of the whole family!
Thanks for the work you do with the blog!
Katie — Thanks for joining us!! Are you traveling to Disneyland or Disney World? (I’m guessing Disneyland?)
Do you have the dinner menu?
We have 7pm reservations for 6 on June 23. I’ve only seen the lunch menu.
@Janet – As of right now, the menu in this post is the only menu on display at the restaurant. We’ll keep the blog updated if we learn anything new! Have a blast on the 23rd!
hi, thanks for posting this! We are really excited about the restaurant and of course seeing Chef Andrew Sutton offer up something with a different twist for this location.
Its a tall order to win me over from Napa Rose 🙂
Really curious to see the dinner menu. Please keep us posted Heather. Great blog BTW.
@James – I’m right there with ya, Nape Rose is my absolute favorite. Will keep you posted for sure, I have three reservations for dinner lined up in the next month!
Disneyland and California Adventure. We haven’t been to those parks in years. It’s perfect timing with CarsLand opening right before our arrival. I’ll do my best to review the restaurants we visit and foods we try while we’re there.
Will Carthay Circle be open to the public? Nice article in Sunset Magazine.
Jill
Jill — Yep; Carthay is open to the public. The lounge behind it — Club 1901 is reserved for club members only.