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.

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…

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…

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.

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.

In this same area, the ceiling is lined with individual art deco light fixtures.

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???

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?

Would have loved to have peeked inside, but alas, lace curtains were blocking the view.

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.

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!