Our Top 5 Disneyland Resort Foods!
Looking Back: Tower of Terror opens!
Yesterday, we reported on the 10 year anniversary of the DCA version of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Many could hardly believe that it had been 10 years, including us! But to sell just how long ago it was or to show just how far Disney California Adventure park has come in a relatively short amount of time, depending on how you look at it, I’ve compiled a list (thanks to the folks at yesterland, MiceChat and davelandweb) of 20 things available to guests about to ride the brand new E-ticket attraction!
1. The Timon and Pumbaa parking area was an option for guests
2. You could visit the golden dreams theatre
Check out the Golden Dreams film here:
Golden Dreams at DCA from Martins Videos on Vimeo.
3. Ride an orange stinger
4. Take a trip down Mulholland Dr.
5. Shoot up the MaliBoomer
6. Walk up to a shuttered “Hollywood and Dine”
7. Have a private entrance if you were staying at the Paradise Pier Hotel
8. Have McDonald’s at Burger Invasion Restaurant
9. Have a free tortilla
10. Watch “Seasons of the Vine”
Check out the “Seasons of the Vine” video here:
11. Play “Who Wants to be a Millionaire – Play It!”
12. Take a photo inside a real life postcard
Also visit:
DCA Mural Golden Gate Bridge Sunshine Plaza13. Shop at a California Zephyr
14. Eat some fish and chips on Paradise Pier
15. Take a photo at a location of your choice at Pacific Ocean Photo.
16. Take the kids to see the Playhouse Disney show
17. Stay late to see the Electrical Parade
18. Visit the bountiful valley farm
19. Check out Mulan’s Chinese New Year.
20. Shop at Greetings from California
Ten Years in the Twilight Zone
Today marks the 10th anniversary of one of the most popular attractions in all of the Disneyland Resort: “The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror”!
Opening 10 years after its original counterpart, the Tower of Terror possesses all the things that make a great Disney attraction. From every cob web to every leaky pipe, the details are fantastic.
I would now like to share with you a few photographs we have taken over the years showcasing the grand hotel in all its eerie glory.
An Interesting Survey
I was recently sent a follow-up survey for August’s Glow With The Show with Fantasmic! event. It was super short and I was confused about what the point was until I was put into a live-chat situation. While near the end I realized that this was being conducted by a 3rd party for Disney, it was still super fun to chat with someone in a very conversational way about Disneyland Parks, Glow With The Show plans, etc.
Here’s what transpired in that chat:
You are now connected to: Brianna
Brianna: Hi and thank you very much for chatting with me today. I’d like to talk to you about ‘Glow with the Show’ ear hats.
Guest: Sure
Brianna: To get started, what would you say about your experience with your ‘Glow with the Show’ ear hat? What was it like? How did you feel?
Guest: I love the technology of the show and seeing a complete sea of hats is absolutely an incredible sight.
Guest: Another of my favorite features is that the hat turns OFF inside dark rides like Pirates of the Caribbean and The Haunted Mansion
Brianna: 🙂 Tell me more about what makes the technology so appealing for you…
Guest: I wish all glowing items (swords, necklaces, bracelets, toys) had that same technology.
Guest: Seeing all the colors and patterns in sync with the music really plusses the show for me
Brianna: How do you feel during one of these shows?
Guest: Fantasmic! brings the goosebumps for sure. I’ll admit I got a little tear-y eyed with the premiere event and seeing all the hats in sync with the music. I had already seen the effect with the World of Color and didn’t think I would like it any better with Fantasmic! but it really nailed it for me
Brianna: What do you think Fantasmic! did that really ‘nailed it’ for you, if you could pinpoint it?
Brianna: *did differently
Guest: The music lends itself to an epic light display. As an AP, I kind of had expectations for what it might be like and it was that and more. I mean, the show area is so much smaller than the World of Color area so I thought it might be a bust, but it REALLY is incredible because it’s more of a horseshoe shape so seeing the ears near the Golden Horseshoe all the way from near The Haunted Mansion brings a whole other element I hadn’t anticipated. It really distinguishes the show’s setting with the edges of the rivers of america. In a normal show, you’re very much looking forward at the show the whole time, which I suppose is the point. But with the Glow with the Show, it’s like you’re IN the show, so you’re looking there, you’re looking next to you, behind you, left, right, all around you.
Brianna: Thank you sooo much for that detail! 🙂 And what do you like about the hat turning off inside dark rides?
Guest: Let’s be honest, the only thing more annoying than people reciting the Ghost Host’s dialogue in the stretching portrait room are those light-up toys. When I first heard about GWTS, I worried that there would be MORE light pollution and thought to myself, that technology should work both ways — control the timing for shows and extinguish the lights for moments like that. I try to ride the rides as if everyone else in the room is on it for the first time. The effect is lost on Pirates and Mansion (and more) when you see someone’s light saber or necklace blinking all over the place.
Brianna: Understandable! Now, I see that you had some issues with the design of the hat. Tell me more about that…
Guest: Well it reminds me of Glowfest which wasn’t the most elegant. I just am not a huge fan of the black-light coloring style — especially since I don’t know of any current use of blacklights with those hats. It’s just an aesthetics thing. When the technology allows for smaller receivers in the hats, I wouldn’t mind if every hat had the technology. Even if it were in the form of LEDs as opposed to an entire ear lighting up (although that may not be as dramatic for shows)
Brianna: Just to be clear, when you talk about the ‘black-light coloring style’, to which part of the hat are you referring?
Guest: Sorry, the fabric on the “dome” portion of the hat.
Guest: that’s the only part I am not crazy about. I wouldn’t have bought it probably were it not for the tech
Brianna: Got it; thanks 🙂 That said, how would a different design make you feel about the ‘Glow with the Show’ ear hats?
Guest: Like I said, I wouldn’t mind if every hat I have had the technology! I would love more designs for sure! I am not a huge fan of the Mad-T Party but I know people that are and would flock to a limited edition GWTS hat for that event since it utilizes the tech
Guest: Same with a Sorcerer’s Apprentice hat for Fantasmic or a WoC hat
Brianna: That would be cool! And how (if at all) would a different design affect how often you would wear your hat?
Guest: I would probably forget it at home more often. To be honest, I don’t wear hats that often, I just display the ones I love at home (club 33, paris 15th, dland 50th) although I’ll bet if I could get it embroidered, that might make a difference.
Brianna: Tell me more about the difference it would make if you could get it embroidered…
Guest: Well, if I could get it embroidered, it makes the hat more personal which would make me more inclined to wear it. Right now, my hat looks exactly like everyone else’s. If I were to drop it in a crowd, it’d be indistinguishable from anyone else’s.
Brianna: You’ve had some great ideas specific to people’s interests… What other types of designs would you want to see, personally?
Guest: Sorcerer’s Apprentice for Fantasmic! for SURE
Brianna: How about for the dome portion of the hat?
Guest: Keep it standard like the regular sorcer’s apprentice hats which I believe are just black felt. Outside of the ears lighting up, I don’t care that my hat looks like a GWTS hat in the daylight
Guest: I love the idea of any hat being GWTS in the future so there needs to be no real advertising it as such on the ones that are — if that makes any sense
Brianna: It does 🙂 In your opinion, how many different designs should there be?
Brianna: (with the current ears, that is)
Brianna: Sorry, let me rephrase that… how many designs for the dome should there be with the current Glow Ears?
Guest: I think 3. A MTP version, A WoC version, and a Fantasmic! version
Guest: Each themed after their perspective shows. I kind of consider the Genie the mascot of WoC and a Genie themed dome would be neat, I think but not sure that’s indicative of the entire show, really.
Brianna: Ok. And aside from the embroidery, which of these design options would encourage you to own and wear more than one pair of Glow Ears?
Guest: What do you mean? Like if there were a Genie themed one and a Sorcer’s Apprentice themed one, would I buy and wear both?
Brianna: Yes
Guest: ( for example)
Guest: Yes. Those two hats in particular I would buy
Guest: and wear
Guest: and likely give my old ears to a kid somewhere in the park to encourage more participation in the shows
Brianna: 🙂 Now switching gears a bit, have you brought your Glow Ears back to the Disneyland Resort since your experience at the AP Fantasmic! Glow with the Show Premiere on Tuesday, August 28?
Guest: Not that I can remember.
Brianna: Do you think you will take the one you have to the Disneyland Resort again in the future? Please explain why or why not…
Guest: Yes and mainly to participate in the shows. Like I said, they’re not my favorite design and I don’t care to advertise the fact that I have them as much as I care to take part in the shows. However, I might only do it if I planned on seeing one of the shows for sure (dinner plan, bringing guests, etc.) There are times I decide to watch the shows spontaneously but I might at that point think “oh, i should have brought the hat” but not think much beyond that
Brianna: For you personally, does it matter how much participation from other guests is present at the shows? (that is, how many others have the ears also)
Guest: Yes. I saw WoC shortly after the GWTS event and it was kind of a bummer to see it without full participation. It’s SUCH a cool technology I wish people could see that more
Brianna: So for you, would you go ahead and bring your Ears when you planned ahead to attend a show (if you didn’t know how much participation would be there)?
Guest: Correct. If I planned on seeing the shows for sure as a part of my trip, I wouldn’t think twice about it.
Brianna: On that note, you may or may not have attended the New Year’s Eve event at Disneyland Resort. Those wearing their Glow Ears were given ‘2013 clings’ (which are like see-through stickers to put on Glow Ears). What do you think of this special giveaway?
Guest: Oh I missed that!
Guest: I do remember seeing that offered and we thought about going SPECIFICALLY for that giveaway though
Brianna: What kept you from going?
Guest: We went last year, I got off work late, and we had guests in town that couldn’t attend
Brianna: Bummer! (Just wanted to make sure it didn’t have to do with the ears 🙂 Though it seems obvious from our conversation, how do special perks like this affect your likelihood to bring your Glow Ears back to Disneyland Resort?
Guest: In a positive way. I would bring them more and more. For example, if there were a day this year where instead of an extra Disney day, they gave away GWTS ears to regular park guests, I might try to get down just for that day to participate. Or giveaways for previous owners, etc. for sure
Brianna: And you may or may not have experienced special viewing areas for those with Glow Ears during the 12/20/12—1/6/13 Fantasmic!, fireworks, and World of Color shows/events at Disneyland Resort. Those wearing their Glow Ears were given access to a special viewing section closer to the action. What do you think of this?
Guest: I am super bummed I hadn’t hear about this. I had quite the holiday work load this year. 🙁 WDW, while amazing, really packed the back half of my year!
Guest: I think it’s incredible!
Guest: It goes with what I said earlier, there’s something incredible seeing the stark darkness of the rivers of america enhanced by the glowing of the ears on the shore. It really outlines the show-space
Brianna: And what do you think about guests with Glow Ears receiving this kind of privilege?
Guest: I think it’s incredible and a terrific idea. Although those without them may not like it so much (ie the people that camp out at 3pm (me and my family in ’93)
Brianna: True 🙂 Now, how would you describe ‘Glow with the Show’ ear hats to a friend or family member?
Guest: oof….
Guest: Depends on how technical they are but I would say that they’re special mouse ears that are controlled by the show and blink on and off with the music and SFX in patterns and colors. All you do is sit back and enjoy and the ears do the work for you. To someone more technical, I might describe how they work which I have tried but I can’t nail it down. I refuse to believe it’s as simple as IR
Brianna: Thanks! Now, this is how Disneyland Resort describes them: ‘Glow with the Show’ ear hats are Mickey ears that interact at various points at the Disneyland Resort. At Disneyland Park, Glow Ears interact with Fantasmic!. At Disney California Adventure Park, Glow Ears interact with World of Color and Mad T Party. They also interact in Cars Land at the Cozy Cone Motel, Flo’s V8 Café, and Luigi’s Flying Tires.
Brianna: Talk to me about these interaction points. What do you think about them? Do you like them? Why or why not?
Guest: Cars Land has always been a cool implementation of it but there’s not much that actually “happens” there other than the neon coming to life at dusk. Other than that it’s more elemental and environmental there. So while a cool feature, probably not AS noteworthy although I knew it was a part of it. I would say that Cars Land is a template for other lands to follow suit but in the grand scheme of things, less important. For musically interactivity like MTP, WoC, and Fantasmic!, it’s a no-brainer. I actually remember saying “I can’t wait until this gets implemented with ‘Remember, Dreams Come True!'” so I am among those ready for more and more implementations around the parks
Guest: And while at WDW, I couldn’t stop telling the interested cast members how cool it was if only it had more guest interaction, but the AP events were out of this world
Brianna: 🙂 And just to clarify, were you aware of ALL these interaction points mentioned?
Guest: Not Flo’s or Luigi’s but yes at Cozy Cone et al
Brianna: How interested are you in seeing what happens at Flo’s?
Guest: Absolutely! and Luigi’s, although are you suggesting that it’s not as cool?
Brianna: Not at all! (I don’t actually know; I’m an independent researcher unaffiliated with Disney)
Guest: Ah!
Guest: Now you know how crazy we Disney folk are O_O
Brianna: 🙂 In addition to the current interaction points, what other venues or entertainment offerings would you like to interact with your ‘Glow with the Show’ ear hat, such as Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, the fireworks, or parades?
Brianna: Not crazy, delightful 🙂
Guest: I was bummed when it wasnt (as far as I know) implemented with the Halloween or Christmas time fireworks so I would LOVE to see more of that. I think an implementation with Small World’s “Magic Memories and You” show is a no-braniner and I would love to see that. Also the castle would be great! I am interested in it all! Even Mansion and/or Pirates if implemented correctly but it REALLY has to work well and add to the shows for those rides
Brianna: Those are all the questions I have for you. Thank you so much for your time and feedback! Please click “NEXT” to continue…. Have a wonderful rest of your day!!
Pretty neat! How would you have answered some of these? Are there GWTS updates coming soon? We sure hope so!
Hidden Mickey List for Disney California Adventure Park!
Here’s another list hosted by Well for the Disney California Adventure Park. I started the list with more of a suggestion than a probable real HM but it’s still fun to see these. More lists to come!
The Art of Frankenweenie Exhibit
It looks as though Tim Burton has written a love letter to his fans. Considered by many to bo one of the greatest living film makers today, “Frankenweenie” seems as if he has returned to a form we haven’t seen in many years. His signature style shines bright in the film and Disney park guests are treated to a peek at the film’s stop-motion characters and props.
When touring the Art of Animation gallery, which is currently outfitted with an Art of Frankenweenie exhibit, one can’t help but realize that Burton is a man with a very clear and signature vision. The story, as well as the art direction, has the signature Burton / German impressionistic qualities. Noticeable throughout the gallery (and sneak preview at the Muppet Vision 3D theatre) are nods to past works which made looking at every little detail so much more exciting!
The painstakingly difficult task of animating a feature-length stop-motion animated film is chronicled well in pictures and production diary videos which play throughout the gallery in sporadic intervals. There are three distinct and very detailed sets complete with props, characters, and lighting of which guests are encouraged to peruse and snap photos. Each kiosk is equipped with a video which plays with information about the depicted scenes. We were unable to hear any of the audio from the videos as the exhibit seems very popular among guests but the screens seem equipped with speakers. Perhaps heading over first thing in the morning to catch these shorts is the way to go.
The attic scene where the re-animation takes place is also interactive. Kids and families seemed to really enjoy re-lighting the scene with the series of switches below the display case. It is truly an amazing feat of lighting, art direction, and set design, that scene. Every detail is perfectly executed and ready to be scrutinized by any and all that wish to delve into the darkest corners of the room to try to catch a piece of wasted space or thematic vacuum. Not the case in my experience. Parts of the scene with no light still had an old newspaper complete with headlines, articles, dust, etc. It’s really an inspiring to see these scenes in person.
This exhibit is a true treat. Really take a moment to take in each and every scene, workstation, video, and article there is to see because there’s so much detail and it’s really fun to play cinematographer and take up-close pictures of these masterful creations. Take a look below at some of the photos we were able to take while viewing the exhibit. And then, if you haven’t already, head down to Disney California Adventure park to experience it for yourself and to shoot the scenes with your artistic eye. I can only imagine this exhibit taking up most of your afternoon while you escape those remaining hot summer days! And be sure to catch the 4D preview across Hollywood Blvd. as the experience is thrilling and touching all at the same time.
Halloween Time has Arrived at the Disneyland Resort!
Well it has officially begun: the holiday season at the DLR! While weather-wise, Anaheim is still scorching, Haunted Mansion Holiday, Ghost Galaxy, the Halloween Tree and the giant pumpkin on Main Street have returned. New this year are the Halloween Carnival at the Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree and the Art of Frankenweenie Exhibition over at DCA.
Also new Halloween merchandise has arrived and we always get giddy about this stuff! Tombstones and mummies are among the many offerings!
Along with the special events that are for the public, there’s also Mickey’s Halloween Party (a separate ticketed event) and the Happiest Haunts tour which, while open to the public, fills up quickly. We hear nothing but amazing things about that tour and hope to take it some day soon — maybe this year! Be sure to contact guest services to reserve a spot!
What are your favorite aspects of the holiday season at Disneyland?
Throwback Thursday – Glow With the Show: World of Color
I can’t believe we never posted this video on our site! Perhaps it was our excitement over the new DCA with Buena Vista St., Carthay Circle, and Cars Land but I seriously forgot (unless I am just missing it completely) to post this.
Here’s our video compilation we threw together for the World of Color premiere of Glow With the Show this past June. This will whet your pallette for what’s to come with our epic Fantasmic! Glow With the Show video coverage. Be sure to check out my review of the show here!
Enjoy our video of WoC GWTS!
Grand Re-Opening of DCA – Part 2!
As promised, here is the second part of our DCA grand re-opening coverage. While I was not able to go on the 15th, I did go all day both Saturday and Sunday and let me tell you — first thing I noticed was that I did not get tired of being in the parks for the bulk of both days. This is no longer a half-day park as far as I can tell. This is a complimentary park that I have even seen begin inspiring trends over on Main Street, U.S.A.
Of course the first thing we did was rush to get Fastpasses for RSR as well as jump in line for the new E-Ticket attraction. Our impressions can be found in Part 1 of our coverage but let’s just say that it’s an incredibly large ride that’s full of visuals and incredible animatronics. I really really love this ride and at night it’s incomparable with the lighting the Imagineers and designers pulled off.
We then headed into the shops on Buena Vista Street and while they are definitely sparse to say the least and chock full of a lot of your standard Disneyland merchandise, their more period pieces like the Red Car Trolly Ears and Carthay Circle themed merchandise. One of my favorite details, though, are these classic looking mannequins. Can you spot some pseudo-celebs?
Then we just had to check out the Carthay Circle Lounge. Was there a bar right there in Carthay Circle? Yes — and it is GOOD! They also serve incredible food in not only the restaurant, but in the lounge as well. We will cover the food in the next post.
Next, we had to check out Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree. I had been hearing the songs playing from the ride for a while while walking by and seen the ride system making me cautiously optimistic about the ride. It was incredibly fun! It’s a super intricate ride system that I hear caused a lot of problems but in the end, WOW is this ride fun! It whips you to-and-fro along with some pretty funny songs from what’s arguably my least favorite character in all of Disney film history. Somehow, they made this ride and that character lovable and fun in this incarnation. Very very well done!
Next was a stop by the Cozy Cone as we had a little buzz from our drinks at the CC Lounge and that spin on Mater. So many great looking options! We decided to get both of the Chili Cone Queso offerings. We were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food! I got the standard Chili Cone Queso offering while Suzi tried the Chipotle Chicken Cone and both were wrapped in a fresh pretzel cone-shaped bun. What a great idea and great treat accompanied by a Pomegranate Lemonade!
Not to overwhelm ourselves, we left Cars Land and headed back to some classic DCA rides and around through what’s becoming our favorite spot – Carthay Circle. I just love the characters’ and their costumes here!
Luigi’s Flying Tires is another incredible time in Cars Land! This remaining of the Flying Saucers from Disneyland back in the 1960s returns with a revamped ride system that’s truly an incredible experience. Look at the detail that went into the queue — the best in all of Cars Land if you ask me.
This is a truly great ride but with an 8-minute start-stop-reload time for guests, prepare to wait a while!
At night, there are some incredible sights to be seen. One of which is the nightly lighting ceremony in Cars Land and a ride down Hollywood Blvd. on the Red Car Trolly as seen in our previous post. This is a beautiful park that is only just beginning to stretch it’s legs. More to come! Stay tuned!
The Grand Re-Opening of DCA! – Part One
A week ago, the all new Disney California Adventure opened its gates to the public!
We decided to make our way down to the park around 1am to get in line for the opening. Along with many others, we slept all night in between Disneyland and DCA. What fun is that! A Disneyland sleep over! There was a huge screen which displayed promos for the upcoming Buena Vista Street and Cars Land.
Around 8am, they finally let us in! Upon entering its gates on an overcast morning, we were treated to an incredible sight. The all new Buena Vista Street!
Buena Vista Street is a beautiful addition to Disney California Adventure with details around every corner. Whether it’s the Five & Dime store, Elias & Company, or the Chamber of Commerce building, you will be in awe.
Of course, motion is in effect in the new DCA. The Red Car Trolley made its way down the street complete with newsies singing their song. It was so fun to finally see the trolleys in action.
Near the end of Buena Vista Street, the new Storytellers statue featuring a young Walt and Mickey was finally unveiled. It’s an incredible work of art. Make sure you look all the way around the statue for the subtile details, especially on the suitcase!
Buena Vista Street ends with the new Carthay Circle Theatre which is a restaurant and lounge. Inside, I was shocked to see the amount of elegance and history. It was as if I had gone back in time to the 1930s and I was in high society, dining with the Hollywood elite. Entering Carthay Circle Theatre is one of the best examples of time travel Disney has ever given.
After walking down Buena Vista Street, we headed for Cars Land. Wow. I can’t believe the amount of detail the imagineers put into this place. It’s incredible. The best part about the new land is the mountain range. It’s shocking to believe you are in the middle of Anaheim, California with this beautiful huge mountain range. I was so surprised by the shear size and beauty of the range. I must admit that I was a bit worried that it was looking a bit flat from the areas that you could see while under construction. But boy was I wrong. I really can’t wait to go back and just look at everything.
Walking down the main street in Radiator Springs brings back memories from Disney/Pixar’s Cars. Every detail is here. Ramone’s is here. Luigi’s is here. Flo’s Cafe is here. It looks exactly like the movie and not one detail is missing.
At the end of the land is the grand new attraction, Radiator Springs Racers. This ride has the same vehicle as the cars in Epcot’s Test Track, but that’s the only similarity. You begin your journey by taking a cruise through the incredible mountain range and coming right up along side a beautiful waterfall. Soon you are in doors and parts of your favorite “Cars” moments are brought to life through the wonders of audio-animatronics. These are some of the best animatronics to date. The way they move is so fluent and natural. I couldn’t believe it. I never would have thought that bringing an animated film to life could be accomplished this well. Near the end of the interior section, you line up with another car and get ready to race. After a countdown, you are off! You are zooming through that great mountain range, making your way to the finish line. It’s awfully fun to see who is going to win. You never know who it will be. Finally, you enter Taillight Caverns and you exit your vehicle.
Radiator Springs Racers is a great E Ticket attraction. It combines thrill with detail only Disney knows how to do. The only thing that didn’t meet my expectations was Taillight Caverns. I had hoped that there would be lots of detailed caves with waterfalls that we would see on our journey. Unfortunately, the caves are only at the ride’s exit. Still, it’s a wonderful ride.
At night, a new sort of magic is in the air in Cars Land. Just like in the movie, 1950s music plays and each building’s lights come on, one at a time. It’s a special moment and the neon is remarkable. They do this every night, so be sure to be in Cars Land at dusk, right before they turn the lights on!
This is just the beginning of what’s new at Disney California Adventure. In part two, we will discuss the other new Cars Land Attractions, Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree and Luigi’s Flying Tires, we will discuss a sit down dining experience at Carthay Circle Theatre, and we will also talk about the interiors of all the Buena Vista Street buildings, among other things.
Disney California Adventure has always been a great park to me. It did have its problems, but now those problems have been fixed. It is an excellent park that Disney should be proud of. Just think of the great things you can do there now. Walk down Buena Vista Street and see what Los Angeles was like to a young Walt Disney. Enjoy a delicious meal at Carthay Circle Theatre. Take flight on Luigi’s Flying Tires. Zoom through the mountains of Radiator Springs. These are just some of the things you can do at the all new DCA. I can’t wait to go back and experience it for years to come.
Remember: Keep an eye open for Part Two of our DCA Grand Re-Opening Coverage!