[RStar]

Why is a theme park based on California being in California a problem? Because locals who live in California are board with it because they live here? Because visiters to California can step outside of the park and see the real California?

I was born and raised in California, as was my mom. I studied the history of California because it is so interesting. It's a very unusual place. I love California, so I enjoyed DCA, but not as much as I would have had it not been done on the cheep.

When I first visited Hollywood as an adult in the 80's, I was shocked. It was not what I had in mind. Then I went to USH, and found it a lot more fun (Hollywood is in a lot better shape now, BYW). So, is there really that much wrong with people visiting the state and seeing a stylized or fantasy version as well? Would I go to Paris and visit a theme park based on France? I could see it. Disney Sea is by the sea. Aulani is a Hawaiian resort based on Hawaii (ok, it's not a theme park, but it is a Disney property in Hawaii based on Hawaii).

The fact that Walt had a connection to LA & Hollywood is a reasonable usage of the idea. And my complaint from 2001 was that DCA, unlike other Disney parks, did not transport you to another time and place. At least now it's another time. And the lack of the Disney touch (Like disney characters) sorely lacking when it opened has also been adressed, as well as more things for smaller kids to do.

One measure of "if it is enough" (besides ticket sales, which will be skewed by curiosity about Carsland for the first year or two) will be the lack of complaints. In my opinion, yes I think they will be down to the level that Disneyland gets (I'll call that the standard, or norm), therefore "enough" to be considered successful. And I think it will stand up to the same hours and admission costs as DL, thus stand on it's own.

The other measure will be "can it stand the test of time". Will it still be here in 10 or 20 years? Or will it be razed to be replaced by a whole new idea? That I cannot say for sure, but I bet the Disney company is expecting to amortize the $1.1 billion over at least that long withought starting over again.