Buena Vista Street, which opened on June 15, 2012, offers guests at Disney California Adventure a nostalgic experience reminiscent of walking down Main Street USA in Disneyland. This immersive land transports visitors back to 1923 Los Angeles, envisioning the arrival of Walt and Roy Disney as they embarked on their journey to create animated motion pictures. The street culminates at the iconic Carthay Circle Theatre, a symbol of their realized dream and the venue where Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs premiered in 1937. A stroll down Buena Vista Street is more than just a walk; it’s a step back in time to the golden age of Hollywood and the dawn of the Disney legacy.
Meet the Citizens of Buena Vista Street
Adding to the vibrant atmosphere of Buena Vista Street are its delightful citizens, each with their own unique personality and story. These performers bring the街 to life, engaging with guests and creating spontaneous moments of fun and interaction. According to the park’s entertainment guide, these “eccentric citizens” live, work, and play on Buena Vista Street, eager to welcome everyone to their neighborhood. Available for meet-and-greets throughout the day until 6:00 p.m., they can be found strolling the street, occasionally venturing into Hollywood Land, and often near Elias & Co. department store.
Donna Linn De Larria: The Unofficial Mayor
Donna Linn De Larria, Buena Vista Street's unofficial mayor, poses with her dog Lady, embodying the welcoming spirit of the 1920s-themed Disney California Adventure land.
Donna Linn De Larria, the self-proclaimed unofficial mayor of Buena Vista Street, is a prominent figure known for her warm demeanor and charming canine companion, Lady. Donna (pronounced with a rolled “R” in De Larria) is a fountain of information and readily offers directions to any attraction within Disney California Adventure. With a twinkle in her eye and Lady by her side, she embodies the spirit of the era, even celebrating women’s suffrage while playfully dismissing any ambition for a real mayoral position, stating her current title is perfectly satisfying – earned, she jokes, by bringing cookies to all the neighborhood meetings. Donna is incredibly engaging and possesses an answer for every question, happily sharing details about her fellow citizens and the happenings on Buena Vista Street, often hinting at upcoming impromptu games after the Red Car Trolley Boys’ performances. This brings us to another beloved citizen, Molly, the Delivery Girl.
Molly and Millie: The Messenger Sisters
Sisters Millie and Molly, Buena Vista Street messengers, ride their tricycle loaded with packages, delivering telegrams and adding to the immersive 1920s atmosphere of Disney California Adventure.
Visitors might be fortunate enough to encounter both Molly and her sister Millie, the dynamic duo in charge of the Buena Vista Street Messenger Service. These sisters can be seen zipping around on their tricycle, overflowing with packages destined for various locations along the street. A truly special interaction occurs when Molly or Millie personally delivers a telegram. Imagine the delight of a younger guest receiving a telegram addressed to them from Mickey Mouse himself! This unique souvenir adds an unforgettable touch to any park visit. The Red Car Trolley Boys’ show, performed several times daily, cleverly incorporates Millie or Molly, who make a telegram delivery to Mickey Mouse during each performance, seamlessly blending the street’s theming with its entertainment.
Molly the delivery girl makes a cameo appearance during the Red Car Trolley Boys performance on Buena Vista Street, enhancing the immersive storytelling of Disney California Adventure.
Officers Calvin and Clyde Blue: Keeping the Peace with a Smile
Officers Calvin and Clyde Blue, Buena Vista Street's friendly police force, sport wide smiles, offering playful citations for good behavior in Disney California Adventure.
Perhaps the most recognizable citizens are Officers Calvin and Clyde Blue, brothers who patrol Buena Vista Street with infectious smiles. These high-profile figures are known for handing out citations, but fear not – these are always for commendations like “Best Smile” or “Lending a Helping Hand.” Officer Calvin explains their policing philosophy centers around positive reinforcement. When playfully questioned about his many keys, he jokingly lists keys for the Chamber of Commerce, his bicycle lock, a forgotten key, the jail (used only for storage, he assures), and his mother’s house – the Chief of Police, no less. Officer Clyde humorously mentions he’s been wearing his uniform since childhood, always destined for law enforcement, and enthusiastically points out the architectural details and charming shops of the neighborhood. Their ever-present grins are undoubtedly among the brightest in the entire Disneyland Resort.
Phiphi Farouk Francis: World Traveler and Photographer
Phiphi Farouk Francis, Buena Vista Street's globetrotting photographer, captures memories with her vintage camera, adding a touch of old-world charm to Disney California Adventure.
Phiphi Farouk Francis is a unique citizen who transcends the boundaries of Buena Vista Street, as a world traveler with her trusty camera always in tow. She represents the adventurous spirit of the 1920s and contributes to “World Traveler” magazine with her stunning photographs. Phiphi is delighted to take your picture, though she playfully warns that developing it might take a while due to her preference for older photographic methods. With a wink and a nod to the era’s humor, she even jokingly claims to have invented the “Self-Phi” – a vintage take on the modern selfie. Phiphi’s character embodies the vaudeville-era charm and wit that defines Buena Vista Street.
Experiencing the Magic Beyond the Characters
Phiphi Farouk Francis, Buena Vista Street's globetrotting photographer, captures memories with her vintage camera, adding a touch of old-world charm to Disney California Adventure.
The citizens of Buena Vista Street often come together for spontaneous, unscripted performances, enhancing the land’s immersive quality. Following a Red Car Trolley Boys performance in front of the Carthay Circle Theatre, the entire ensemble might gather. As the trolley departs with Mickey Mouse and the performers singing “California Here We Come,” Molly might wave goodbye, Donna, having just picked up Lady from the groomer, joins in, and Officers Blue and Phiphi assist Molly by pushing her tricycle. This entourage then heads down Buena Vista Street, pausing under the monorail bridge. Here, they often engage children in impromptu games, such as a package-passing relay, encouraging them to break the “Buena Vista Street record.” Molly, with her booming voice, directs the fun, while Donna times the participants, and Phiphi and Officer Blue offer enthusiastic encouragement.
Phiphi Farouk Francis, Buena Vista Street's globetrotting photographer, captures memories with her vintage camera, adding a touch of old-world charm to Disney California Adventure.
After these playful interludes, Officer Clyde and Millie often join the group, and all the citizens gather to pose for photographs. These moments, offering a rare chance to see the entire cast together, highlight their fantastic chemistry and individual charm. The joy on children’s faces as they participate and interact with these unique Disney characters is truly priceless.
While they may not be as widely recognized as Elsa, Goofy, or Minnie Mouse, the Citizens of Buena Vista Street bring an unparalleled energy and excitement to both children and adults. Their live entertainment, combined with the detailed theming and period-perfect costumes, elevates the Disney experience. It’s this dedication to immersive detail that sets Disney apart, making a visit to Buena Vista Street a truly special and memorable part of any Disney California Adventure day. Don’t be surprised to find yourself wanting a “Self-Phi” with these delightful citizens before continuing your adventure in this wonderful neighborhood.
