Disney to revamp ailing adventure park

GLENDALE, Calif. — Disney’s California Adventure is taking a detour.

The Walt Disney Co. said Wednesday it will overhaul its underperforming theme park — a project that could even result in a new name for the property.

The company acknowledged that the park next door to Disneyland in Anaheim has not attracted as many guests as planned since opening in 2001.

Disney CEO Robert Iger and other executives would not disclose the cost of the overhaul, but it will exceed $1 billion, according to a person familiar with the plans who was not authorized to speak publicly about it. The figure eclipses the original cost of California Adventure.

The inability of the park to attract even half as many visitors in most years as its famous neighbor Disneyland is a misstep for the company.

Disney originally billed California Adventure as a more adult-themed experience, with a winery exhibit, tour through a sourdough bread factory and an upscale restaurant from Wolfgang Puck.

The overhaul is expected to take five years.