Disneyland Resort (DL, DLR, DCA) Discussion Thread

[gisco]

Those pictures of the food are making me hungry! Now to figure out when I have time to get down there for a visit.

[rollercoasterbuff]

I have to agree on the Trip report given. Racers is a great ride. Definitely a good time! Gave me chills every time you hit the big reveal to the waterfall.

 

Mater is hilarious. Lift your legs up and smash into each other. You whip around so fast! It was probably the most enjoyable ride experience because you have fun, laugh a lot, and it allows you to be social while you are enjoying it.

 

Luigi's Flying tire offers great ride viewing while you are in line and it is definitely fun to watch people hitting the giant beach balls around! The ride is fun to. We tried it both riding together and riding separately. We decided that riding separately is a bit more fun because you know other people riding. Riding together is fun too, it just requires you to work together a bit more so you spend more time talking about what direction to lean rather than just doing what you want to do.

 

Cozy cone is definitely the most popular food location in Carsland. The cone serving popcorn was the most popular of all. The pickle flavor popcorn is AMAZING!!! Flo's V8 Cafe was a great Diner. Definitely a fun place to grab dinner with your family. The cast members have great costumes and the music is fun to listen to.

 

Being in Carsland really feels like you stopped off in a small town off Route 66. Fun shops, food, people, and attractions to keep you busy.

 

Though RSR line moves pretty consistently, be prepared to wait at least 2 hours if you go during the summer. Even during our preview the lines hit an hour and a half for RSR, 45 minutes for Luigi's, and 10 minutes(not bad at all) for Mater's. Cast members told us that during their preview they had an hour and a half wait as well for Racers. I would almost recommend planning your day to do Carsland Last. Enjoy shorter lines for the other attractions and then finish out your day at Carlsand. At night, there is NOWHERE in Disney that looks that spectacular. Definitely not a sight to be missed!

 

Cyrus

[Rastuso]

I don't see how this ride could have too many issues, in fact I think it has to be pretty freakin solid.

 

The ride vehicles are almost exact to Test Track, so reliability should be at least as good as that. As far as show elements, I don't think any of the animatronics are any more complicated than Buzz from the Astroblasters queue or Mr. Potato head from Toy Story Mania. Actually despite that some of them are on a track, they are probably less complicated. Disney does seem to have a history of problems with show elements that reset for each vehicle. Even if the movement of them fails, their eyes and in some cases their mouths can still operate.

 

I'm sure there will still be breakdowns for various reasons though.

 

That's not a good example to use, like Elissa said. The more complicated "star" AAs in rides do break down regularaly. HOwever, it seems RSR has multiple complex AAs, and odds are one will always be malfunctioning. It's hard to tell, and I'm not going to watch the whole video over and over, and totally ruin it, but it sure seemed like they were moving pretty big AAs around pretty fast, and pretty quickly. It seemed like the "show" time was only 10 seconds, or even less. That's pretty quick to reset constantly all day every 10 seconds. Even Buzz and Potato are stationary, and take breaks. Plus, with a ride having a "star", they will obviously work on that one the most. With RSR, what are the top ones? They really put a LOT of big ones in, which really surprised me. This is much more ambitious than I thought it was going to be.

 

However, I still see the inside portion s really just a high tech Mr. Toad. That's a good thing, but the ride is pretty low on thrills inside, and even outside. Its getting glowing reviews from teh Disneyphiles at closed, low crowd events. We'll see what a normal person thinks after waiting 120 minutes in the sun. To me, a true E ticket has to deliver thrills. Even Journey lacks a little, until the very end. I love JTTCOTE, but it is way too short. RSR's dark portion looks even shorter. And the outside portion looks VERY slow. This could be the first E ticket that focuses on the younger crowd, and doesn't really deliver to the older crowd. Indy can wow anyone. Is a 18 year old couple on a date going to be wowed by RSR? I just don't see it.

 

Obviously the $200 million went to all the AAs, but is that really a good investment? We'll see.

 

 

-RO

[rollercoasterbuff]

There are GREAT thrills to it. Unfortunately from the videos it looks really slow and you don't see the kind of forces the ride really gives you. You get a bit of airtime on the bunny hills and when you take the turns, you get pushed into your seats pretty well! They ride does offer fast pass and single rider lines. Due to the ride being a show, you really can't interact with your part on the ride like you can on Luigi's and Mater. So when you are on the ride, it really doesn't make a difference if you are with your friends/family or not.

 

As far as reliability goes, I got stuck on RSR twice in about a two hour time frame. Once in Luigi's tire room and the second time at the very beginning of the ride before going into the dark ride section. We had to get e-vac'd. It was very quick and easy process to be taken out of the ride. and we waited at the exit and then were put on the next available car.

 

The ride seems really reliable, but it will not be without breakdowns similar to test track. Especially with all of the animatronics in the ride, you know disney will not run the ride even if the smallest character isn't working.

 

It seems they have the downtime dealt with. What I mean when I say that is, when the ride goes down, they have it back up really quickly!

 

Cyrus

[coasterfreak101]

^^If the 18-year-old couple is going on a date to Disneyland, I imagine they know what to expect and will enjoy it for what it is. It's a well-rounded ride from the looks of things. Looks better than Test Track to me, and there aren't hoards of people getting off that one upset.

[Double0Kevin]

I haven't been on it yet so I can't say for certain, but RSR reminds me kinda of Superman at SFA. I say this meaning that every video I ever watched made the ride look incredibly boring, yet when I rode it, it was pretty damn awesome. We are spoiled with YouTube, but watching a video will never compare to actually riding something.

[Wes]

That's not a good example to use, like Elissa said. The more complicated "star" AAs in rides do break down regularaly. HOwever, it seems RSR has multiple complex AAs, and odds are one will always be malfunctioning. It's hard to tell, and I'm not going to watch the whole video over and over, and totally ruin it, but it sure seemed like they were moving pretty big AAs around pretty fast, and pretty quickly. It seemed like the "show" time was only 10 seconds, or even less. That's pretty quick to reset constantly all day every 10 seconds. Even Buzz and Potato are stationary, and take breaks. Plus, with a ride having a "star", they will obviously work on that one the most. With RSR, what are the top ones? They really put a LOT of big ones in, which really surprised me. This is much more ambitious than I thought it was going to be.

 

As per the video, I'd say more than half of the Animatronics have projected mouths and eyes (all have projected eyes), so you're only really dealing with the car rocking back and forth and the wheels. Sheriff, Mater (x3), the VW, the Army Car, and Doc all have basic animatronic mouth elements. Only Sheriff and two of the Maters move on a track.

Edited June 11, 2012 by Wes

[kelfsu]

Thank you for your reviews. My sister and I are going next week. RSR sounds awesome!

[Rastuso]

I think Doc moves too, maybe not, I only saw a bit of that section. The Maters and Sherrif are teh WOW animatrons through, as are the tipping tractors. If they stop working, the ride is really just Toad with 3-D cardboard props. And some of them have actual moving mouths, not all are projected.

 

It just seems Disney lets things break now, before fixing. I really wish I could hit RSR now, before it becomes a jumbled mess with no spinnign rock, a frozen snake, and no projected rats. Indy can make up for those things with the motion base and amazing rooms. RSR can't.

 

-RO

[SharkTums]

^I actually really agree with you on everything you've said. Disney will have to maintain the hell out of this to keep it looking so impressive.

[Manic Monte]

Wow, this thing is amazing...holy moly. I don't even want to imagine the crowds for this.

[cymonster-rex]

a least it's better than monster inc the ride or what ever it's called.

i wish i could get out there when i go to disneyworld but i'll wait about six seven years til i can get out there again

Edited June 12, 2012 by cymonster-rex

[Erik Johnson]

Indy is in serious need for an extensive refurb.

[OldJJman]

Indy is in serious need for an extensive refurb.

 

You noticed that huh? Yeah, it's not doing too well.

[Meteornotes]

^Wasn't it just closed for a refurb? Or am I confused?

 

Will be curious to see all the changes at DCA whenever I get out there again. I was not a fan of the park before, but perhaps all the updates will change my mind. And I have to eat at that restaurant!

 

dt

[OldJJman]

^Wasn't it just closed for a refurb?

 

Minor refurb. Updated the two Indy's to look more life-like (and they do), and a few minor things. When I went Sunday with Divv, lots of lights weren't working,timing was a bit off in the blowing darts, rat room was seriously messed up, etc... F

 

On our first ride, the ball room didn't move. Second time, the room moved, but the ball wasn't rolling. It really needs a good 3-4 month rehab, and add the damn smoke ring!!

[Meteornotes]

^Ah, OK. I knew it was closed for some reason! Yeah, sounds like it does need a good long rehab. And I also vote for the smoke ring!

 

dt

[OldJJman]

And I also vote for the smoke ring!

 

While we're at it, might as well do the Pharoah's Fury thing and add more snakes and a crapload of fire!!

[Meteornotes]

^This is the sort of quality thinking I approve of.

 

dt

[gisco]

And I also vote for the smoke ring!

 

While we're at it, might as well do the Pharoah's Fury thing and add more snakes and a crapload of fire!!

 

You have my vote for adding the smoke ring!

[cfc]

^I vote for a smoke ring and a full margarita bar.

[ernierocker]

It does seem a little silly to worry about how easily elements of the ride may break down BEFORE the ride has even officially opened. Let's enjoy the brand new attraction, and then worry about the AA breaking down once they do. But I don't know, I guess I am not a pessimist about those sort of things.

[COASTER FREAK 11]

I don't think the AAs are actually as complicated as some other the other recent ones. I would think that all the AAs in Ariel are more complicated actually. In Racers, its a solid, non-flexible body, and wiggly tires. A 3-4 point hydraulic system could easily move the body (same as a normal motion simulator ride) and the tires are all single axis movement. Even all the mouths are either projected, or 3-4 point movement jaws.

 

The most complicated would be mater with such a large mouth, but even then, with the size of his body, there's more room to make things easier.

 

Now, I know I'm not an engineer, I didn't build anything, and I am just guessing here. But with lots of interior room, simple body designs, and no appendages, Id would guess the AAs are decently less complicated then a lot of the other recent AAs.

[Erik Johnson]

^Wasn't it just closed for a refurb?

 

Minor refurb. Updated the two Indy's to look more life-like (and they do), and a few minor things. When I went Sunday with Divv, lots of lights weren't working,timing was a bit off in the blowing darts, rat room was seriously messed up, etc... F

 

On our first ride, the ball room didn't move. Second time, the room moved, but the ball wasn't rolling. It really needs a good 3-4 month rehab, and add the damn smoke ring!!

 

The rat room was seriously messed up. I think that they forgot to turn on the "on" switch. Some of the other rooms were so dark due to missing lights. On the other hand Pirates looked quite good. This trip has been the first time my folks have been to the park and I had to laugh that they both commented how abrupt the ending is on Snow White. So far, it has been a good visit.

[jedimaster1227]

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/06/ghirardelli-soda-fountain-and-chocolate-shop-is-now-open-at-disney-california-adventure-park/

 

This morning, Disneyland Resort President George A. Kalogridis and Disney California Adventure park Vice President Mary Niven joined Ernst Tanner, CEO, Lindt & Sprüngli AG, to officially open Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop at Disney California Adventure park. It was a sweet ceremony, complete with chocolate, sundaes, confetti and Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse! Take a look:

 

 

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/06/disneyland-resort-guests-can-now-purchase-park-tickets-through-their-smart-phones/

 

Disneyland Resort guests have a new way to purchase theme park tickets – from their smart phones! Starting today, the Disneyland Resort will begin testing this technology at the Main Entrance during busy times, all in an effort to help guests get their tickets and get into the parks faster to start enjoying their day. This is just one more option for guests, in addition to purchasing tickets at Resort ticket booths or from Disneyland.com.

 

From your smart phone, go to m.disneyland.com and select “Buy Tickets” from the home page. Right now, only 1-Day 1-Park, and 1-Day Park Hopper tickets are available, but 2-Day tickets will be added to the service later. After entering the number of tickets you want (up to a maximum of 15), and your credit card information, you will receive a confirmation with a barcode that will be scanned as you enter the park for which you’ve purchased your ticket. From there, you will be given a paper park ticket, which is still needed for park hopping or re-entry if you should leave the park and return later.

 

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/06/carthay-circle-restaurant-at-disney-california-adventure-park-to-open-with-92-sommeliers/

 

Carthay Circle Restaurant will be the first restaurant in the world to open its doors with 92 sommeliers, according to Gary Maggetti, General Manager of Food & Beverage and Store Operations at Disney California Adventure park.

 

The Carthay Circle Restaurant team passed their introductory level sommelier exam, which is the first of four arduous levels required to attain the coveted rank of Master Sommelier.

 

“We have 250 international wines, with 30 wines available by the glass in the restaurant and lounge,” says Joy Cushing, Carthay Circle Restaurant manager, an Advanced Sommelier working toward her Master Sommelier status.

 

The sommeliers will staff both the 256-seat upstairs restaurant and the 68-seat lounge on the ground floor of the beautiful Carthay Circle Theatre.

 

Wines have carefully been chosen with a strong emphasis on California vineyards to match the “Southern California cuisine—breezy, light and fresh,” says Chef Andrew Sutton, describing the menu. Sutton, executive chef at Napa Rose restaurant at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, is also executive chef of Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge. Gloria Tae, Sutton’s protégé at Napa Rose, is chef de cuisine.

 

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/06/creating-the-sounds-of-radiator-springs-racers-in-cars-land/

 

Each ride vehicle on Radiator Springs Racers is a moving mini-theater that delivers a show to our guests as they travel through the attraction. And – as with any theatrical experience – dialogue, music and sound effects play a key role in telling our story.

 

This is where Joe Herrington, Principal Media Designer for Walt Disney Imagineering, comes in. Joe is the Imagineer we called on to help us design, record, edit and install a compelling audio track for our attraction. He started making recordings of car engine sounds and other sound effects more than a year ago and he has been onsite with us full-time since early March, riding the attraction over and over as he sweetens and perfects the audio experience.

 

Joe has ridden Radiator Springs Racers in rainstorms, the middle of the night, on weekends – any time he can get access to the attraction to get it just right. There’s no one more dedicated to his craft, and we’re lucky to have him. Click on the video and get just a little taste of what I’m talking about as Joe explains what he’s been up to.

 

 

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/06/were-getting-geared-up-for-cars-land-at-disney-california-adventure-park-what-are-your-questions-for-the-cast-of-cars/

 

Ka-chow! Just a few more days until Cars Land opens at Disney California Adventure park! We’ll be celebrating big, starting the evening of Wednesday, June 13. Join us here on the Disney Parks Blog and on Twitter at @Disneyland for live coverage starting at 6 p.m. Pacific time.

 

We’ll also be tweeting LIVE from the red carpet at the Cars Land Grand Opening Ceremony Wednesday evening! Do you have any questions for the cast of “Cars”? Let me know in the comments and I’ll try to get them answered – follow along on Twitter @Disneyland to see your questions answered by the voice talent from “Cars”!

 

In the meantime, check out the latest Cars Land spot and get ready to be floored!

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSKydZ2xE50

 

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/06/from-cars-to-cars-land-at-disney-california-adventure-park/

 

I highly recommend watching the Disney•Pixar film “Cars” before you visit Cars Land at Disney California Adventure park. It will refresh your memory of all the charming details of Radiator Springs, from the blinking light in the middle of town to Luigi’s Leaning Tower of Tires outside his shop. Watching it in 2D will do two things: 1) remind you of how lifelike Pixar animators made Radiator Springs look through animation, and 2) enhance your appreciation of how Imagineers made Radiator Springs a reality. Watch this video and you’ll see what I mean.

 

 

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/06/from-the-ground-up-at-disney-california-adventure-park/

 

It’s been nearly three years since the groundbreaking of Cars Land on that hot July day back in 2009. This video shows a time-lapse of Cars Land and Buena Vista Street, from the ground to nearly finished. It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come and how close we are to opening! Enjoy!

 

 

Tune in to the Disney Parks Blog Wednesday, June 13, at 8 p.m. PT for a LIVE webcast of the Cars Land Grand Opening! And keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog and Disney California Adventure park on Facebook, and follow @Disneyland on Twitter for complete coverage of all events this week at Disney California Adventure park! While you’re on Twitter, join in the conversation by using the hashtags #CarsLand, #BuenaVistaStreet, #MadTParty and #JustGotHappier.