jedimaster1227 Posted June 20, 2015 Share Posted June 20, 2015 (edited) Two weeks ago I returned to California for my annual Disneyland Resort trip, but this time around, we actually rented a car and ventured outside of the Anaheim city limits to visit a few additional highlights in California, some that I've never been to before, and others that I hadn't seen in many years. Sure, there'll be tons of Disney photos ahead, but let's start with the new and revisited experiences first... SeaWorld San Diego was a unique experience for me. I grew up with SeaWorld Orlando in my backyard and I've had an annual pass there since the age of four. I remember the park in its old days--the days before Antarctica, Manta, Blue Horizons, Kraken, Journey to Atlantis, the Waterfront, Key West, even Wild Arctic. SeaWorld Orlando has evolved over the years and it with it, almost all of the park feels like it has been updated to match the times. SeaWorld San Diego has a VERY different feel. This park felt like I was trapped in a time warp... But only half the time. New'ish additions like Explorer's Reef at the entrance, Manta and Journey to Atlantis stand out as more modern experiences dropped in place in the middle of more dated areas of the park that make you feel like you're back in the early 90's--things like the Aquarium de la Mer, Shark Encounter and Penguin Encounter. This isn't to say the park is bad, nor that it is lacking in charm. I really liked SeaWorld San Diego. It was just so strange to see all of the differences in the park when compared to SeaWorld Orlando. You could say I felt like a fish out of water. Driving into the parking lot I was greeted by a very different looking Journey to Atlantis. The park's new entrance... Explorer's Reef is pretty neat! The cleaner fish touch pond was seriously one of my favorite things in the park! They have a shark touch pond! What's this I see? A very different Manta. Very picturesque though. I love how the ride weaves in and out of guest pathways. Manta was much more fun than I expected! It was my first Mack launched coaster and for a ride that isn't even 30 ft tall at its peak, it packs in some quick airtime and two nice launches! Definitely a surprise hit for our visit! And fun for me to photograph too! Dolphins just taking it easy! Very interesting! The park's Skytower is very old school, complete with the Christmas tree-style popcorn lighting in use year round. SeaWorld Orlando's Skytower complex was rebuilt from scratch when The Waterfront was being developed, but I strongly remember riding that Skytower when it looked much more like this. This was totally a blast from my past! Okay, I can't stop. Do you blame me? It really does take up a sizable plot of land in the park. I can't imagine what this park was like without Manta! Aquarium de la Mer is an old-school SeaWorld aquarium tucked in the back of the park. I loved revisiting the old-style black lit fish tanks! I may have an addiction. I was thrilled to get the chance to explore the park's former Hospitality House because I had so many fond memories at the one in SeaWorld Orlando. This one sports a beautiful interior! The old Hospitality House features several historic displays from the company's 50 year history. I was in awe of this place! I miss Shamu Rocks so much... The infamous Baywatch at SeaWorld show! Time to try this out... Journey to Atlantis was also an odd surprise for me. The ride was fun... Just very bizarre. There is no explained story for the elevator lift or anything that happens. But as long as you ignore the lack of story, the ride itself is really fun! I couldn't really figure out what was going on in here... Or why a ghost was hovering over my mouth. Journey to Atlantis has one main aquarium at the exit of the ride. I figured Wild Arctic would be pretty similar to the one in Florida, but I wanted to check out the animal exhibits, so we took the Walking Tour option... I was amazed to see that a full room has been designed to look like the inside of the simulator pods so guests could enjoy a stationary ride on Wild Arctic before moving into the animal exhibit space. Florida's Wild Arctic has a viewing space for the ride film, but it is nowhere near as themed as this, as far as I know. It was surprising to see the Wild Arctic animal exhibits are open air and not enclosed like the ones in Florida. Here's a polar bear. Baby... Baby beluga... Whoa! Very old school! They even have penguins outdoors! Turtle Reef is a newer addition to the park... I was a little concerned to see this was the area's entrance as I felt like I was being led backstage. It has a nice space for the turtles though. Didn't get to ride Riptide Rescue this time around as it wasn't operating during my visit. Time for something very different... You start out above the surface of the water looking down into the tank in SeaWorld San Diego's Shark Encounter. The tank is far lighter inside and a much shorter experience than the one in Florida. He's just staring down his lunch. The sea lion space was a little small. Not this trip. The Killer Whale viewing area was nice. Sesame Street Bay of Play looked nice from above. An overview of the Explorer's Reef entrance complex. It amazed me that Shamu Stadium does not offer any covered seating. I'd imagine the Hospitality House would be the next thing to go if a new expansion were to be planned for the park, based on the sized of the land it occupies. Manta really was awesome! One last visit to the cleaner fish fondle pond! So fun! It was such a fun visit to SeaWorld San Diego... But this was just the start of our trip! Edited August 2, 2015 by jedimaster1227 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sirchubs33 Posted June 20, 2015 Share Posted June 20, 2015 Awesome TR! I really enjoyed my visit to SeaWorld San Diego when I went a few years ago. I was also surprised by how much I enjoyed Manta as it really does pack a punch for a coaster that looks pretty tame. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cfc Posted June 20, 2015 Share Posted June 20, 2015 I haven't been to SeaWorld San Diego since I was a kid, so it would be pretty much all new to me. Manta looks great, and the Atlantis-themed aquarium looks pretty cool, too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dylanreich Posted June 20, 2015 Share Posted June 20, 2015 Ready for part 2! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
certifiedcoastergeek Posted June 23, 2015 Share Posted June 23, 2015 Awesome TR! When I visited San Diego 2 years ago, I was pleasantly surprised by Manta. It's definitely in my top 15 coasters and may be one of the most underrated coasters that I've been on! The theming is out of this world and the coaster itself has some intense but smooth turns, not too forceful but not forceless. The best part is probably the unexpected second launch. This ride is (what I assume to be) a mini-Maverick, although I've never been on Maverick ; the first half is focused on airtime, dips, and banked turns, while the second half is focused on quicker transitions and tight turns. Here's a POV I found from TPR for more information: One of the (few) things that SeaWorld does well at its parks is installing really good family multi-launch coasters (Verbolten, Cheetah Hunt, Manta). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DJeXeL Posted June 23, 2015 Share Posted June 23, 2015 Fantastic report Adam! The GF and I will be visiting SWSD this coming weekend. Manta is a fantastic little coaster. Nice burst of speed, pops of airtime. In my opinion that is what KBF needed in lieu of Pony Express. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MICHAELRG Posted June 23, 2015 Share Posted June 23, 2015 I wonder what happened to the three Commerson's dolphins in the Atlantis aquarium tank? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TBpony414 Posted June 23, 2015 Share Posted June 23, 2015 I went to SWSD almost 20 years ago and the last time I went to SWO was 15 years ago. Even though it's been so long I was able to spot a lot of differences between them based on reading TRs on TPR! Manta looks like a really fun little coaster. I'll take a fun, launching coaster without crazy transitions any day over an intense ride that I can only tolerate once or twice per visit. Excited to read part 2! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gisco Posted June 25, 2015 Share Posted June 25, 2015 I visited the park earlier this year for the first time in a long time. Enjoyed the visit but I liked Orlando better. Can't really put my finger on as to why except most of the people here are pretty much locals and in Orlando they are on vacation. Did like the new coaster a lot. Even my chicken wife rode it multiple times. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StealthFan Posted June 25, 2015 Share Posted June 25, 2015 I really like the new entrance area it looks great! Plus the nods to the history of the park were pretty cool, wish more parks would do that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jedimaster1227 Posted June 29, 2015 Author Share Posted June 29, 2015 Continuing in my new'ish California Adventure was a visit to the San Diego Zoo, something I had never done before but had been eager to check out for a while. Growing up with Disney's Animal Park and Busch Gardens Tampa in my back yard, I've truthfully never been to a major zoo (short of the Lowry Park Zoo and Bay Meadows Petting Farm), so this was an experience of interest for me. The San Diego Zoo is absolutely huge! Sprawled out over a mountainous corner of San Diego not far from Mission Bay, it amazed me just how big the park really is. Even more impressive is the park's current effort to expand, with one new exhibit opening a day after our visit and several major expansions clearly under construction within view during our visit. Overall, I'd highly recommend the San Diego Zoo for any animal lovers or for anyone looking for a good hike. The park has nearly no rides, save for a classic Von Roll-style sky ride and a 4-D theater, so don't expect this to replace a theme park for thrills. Fortunately enough, it is close enough to SeaWorld San Diego that you could split your day (like we did) between the two if you plan your day out well enough. We're here! I see pandas... I'm sold. Is that a sky ride I see? It is! And it provides a great view of all of the new projects going on at the San Diego Zoo! Its a little cold up here! In here, Dr. Grant and Billy fight off pteranodons all while trying to get to the shores of Isla Sorna. From above the park is lush and filled with vegetation. A free bus tour of the park is available for those that don't want to trek the mountainous terrain on foot. More expansion in the works here! Just a peacock hanging out on top of one of the zoo's buildings... Nothing to see here. I don't know that I've ever seen an anteater this close before. I've got her attention... Clever girl. I found the Maelstrom polar bear! Reindeers are better than people... Sven don't you think that's true? Yeah, people will beat you and curse you and cheat you. Everyone of em's bad except you. But people smell better than reindeers. Sven, don't you think I'm riiiight? That's once again true, for all except you--you've got me, let's call it a night... Goooooodnight! Don't let the frostbite bite! Sleepy zebra... This eagle was amazing to see in person! You guys! Pandas! YOU GUYS!!! PANDAS!!! Okay, so the pandas were all sleeping and because of where they passed out, there was no good vantage point for photos, but PANDAS. And here's a sleeping Red Panda. So yeah, sleeping panda. But with a name like Gao Gao, how could you be mad that it was asleep? Here's another sleeping panda... Sleeping in a tree. But seriously, they have an escalator ride here. It isn't Parque Espana Escalator Ride-good, but it is still good. You can see another section of the park that that is about to be revamped for a new expansion... In the meantime, it makes for great The Lost World: Jurassic Park-style photos. Somewhere in here lurks a dormant pod of raptors. Other guests on the Escalator Ride. The Pteranodon Aviary! (or just an aviary for regular birds)... When elephants still ruled men. They are incredible to see in person. And the San Diego Zoo has quite the collection of elephants. And we were able to see them at feeding time! Baby cheetah! So pretty! Those tusks though! What day is it? What day is it? You can't help but melt over this sleeping koala bear. Lots of giraffes here too! Its a carefree day here at the San Diego Zoo. This gorilla took it upon himself to smile for the camera... See? And this tiger stalked us as we made our way out for the day... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StealthFan Posted June 30, 2015 Share Posted June 30, 2015 Wow that looks like a really great Zoo and it looks huge! Great photos as well! Shame they didn't have any giant guinea pigs though Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cfc Posted June 30, 2015 Share Posted June 30, 2015 I found the Maelstrom polar bear! I'm so glad he found a new job. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nrthwnd Posted July 4, 2015 Share Posted July 4, 2015 Haven't been there since the mid-1970s! Beautiful park and zoo, back then. Miss seeing it, but this is a great TR to remind me of what made it awesome. Thanks for it, Adam. And as well - Happy 100th Birthday San Diego Zoo! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bert425 Posted July 4, 2015 Share Posted July 4, 2015 I was there back in 2005 (during San Diego ComiCon). . beautiful zoo. hope you took the trams to help save your feet a bit! do they still have these guys? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jedimaster1227 Posted July 18, 2015 Author Share Posted July 18, 2015 Following our day in San Diego, we spent a whirlwind day in Hollywood, visiting Universal Studios Hollywood, Oceanic Arts, Canter's Deli, Hollywood Boulevard and Fire + Ice. I had last visited Universal Studios Hollywood the year King Kong 360 opened. I really liked the park, particularly the unique experience that is the Studio Tram Tour, where there really isn't anything comparable around (no, I didn't consider Disney's Hollywood Studios' Backlot Tour comparable). The park's tiered layout (yay escalator rides) and unique versions of attractions found at the Universal Orlando Resort (like the bizarre version of Revenge of the Mummy) all make for more reasons why, when we were planning this trip to California, returning was a must. I seriously love Universal Studios Hollywood's CityWalk! I also love the classic Universal globe still in use here. Last time I was here the Universal House of Horrors was still operating. There's no shortage of character in this park! First stop! The Studio Tour queue comes with a great view! Jimmy Fallon hosts the tram tour currently, which is all kinds of awesome! Almost time! This wasn't here last time! Ready for a tramtastic tour! Courthouse Square still takes my breath away. I love this so much! I just want to stay here forever. Time to visit Skull Island! Bummed the falling bridge wasn't in use during our visit. I would've liked to see the Nighttime Tour during our stay, but the daytime tour is still amazing! The miracle of Dino DNA! Flash flood! In the middle of the Big One! Flash flood! EARTHQUAKE! Just reminds me how much I miss Jaws in Orlando... But this is just so fun! And such a simple, cool effect! Not as cool as a shark being electrified, but it'll do. That'll do Bruce. That'll do. I miss this so much. Still my absolute favorite part of the tour. I hadn't noticed this last time around... My favorite moment of the entire tour. The War of the Worlds set has held up well after all these years. Have a Tramtastic Day! The best. This version of Jurassic Park: The Ride is far more wet thanks to the Summer jets! I can't explain it... But I really do enjoy Revenge of the Mummy in Hollywood. I would never say it is better, but it is still very fun and unique. This caught my eye... And was well worth the visit! So much Universal history! This game... Memories. You were just a hole in the ground the last time I was here. Also very new since the last time I was here! Different but oddly familiar. I really love how they worked with the extra space they had here for Springfield. What have we here? Proper satirical representation found! Hogsmeade looks so close to being ready to open! Here you won't turn a corner to get your first view of Hogwarts Castle... It will tower over Hogsmeade from almost any angle! Super Silly Fun Land is a really incredible realization of a kid-friendly land concept. BEE-DO-BEE-DO-BEE-DO! Looks like fun! Awesome details all over! I so badly wanted these cupcakes but had to save room for lunch... The expanded street where Gru's house and other notable locales from the Despicable Me franchise is brilliant! They have an evil Minion!!! Oddly familiar... Neat to see this very different location. The replacement complex for the previous House of Horrors plot looks like it is topped off. A really cool character interaction here! Donkey spoke Korean in our presence!!! Universal Plaza looks gorgeous! The old entrance to the Gibson Theater remains quietly blocked off. Waterworld is still amazing! A limited selection of merchandise The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is already available for purchase near the entrance of the park for those interested. They're happy to take your money now... They wouldn't want you to wait to give it up until next year when Hogsmeade opens. Standard wands already for sale (not interactive). Jurassic World merchandise aplenty! I love this entrance fountain! The classic Universal Studios sign... I so dearly miss the one in Florida. Oh yeah... I was actually here. They actually do live productions consistently at this Universal! Can't get enough! This place was incredible! I couldn't help but to bring back a giant amount of birthday cake popcorn home with me. I love this place so very much. It is just so different from what we have in Florida! And they have a Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., so it is even better! Butterbeer soda! Not official, but delicious! Seems like something I should've gotten for Robb! Oy vey... No words. TACO TOWN GUMMIES!!! A neat display in front of AMC. A very tiny Hard Rock Cafe by comparison... I love the set up of this iFly location at CityWalk with the clear flight tube! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jedimaster1227 Posted July 18, 2015 Author Share Posted July 18, 2015 (edited) Oceanic Arts was a new must-visit on my list for this trip... And well worth the drive to Whittier, California! Time to go Tiki crazy! So if you didn't know, I have a particular fascination for all things Tiki and Polynesian, and with my collection needing some more additions, this was the place to go. I was in Tiki Heaven! So recognizable imagery that you can find throughout Adventureland and the Polynesian Resort at Walt Disney World can be found in the store. Oceanic Arts is actually the primary supplier of the custom-made Polynesian theming found in the Disney parks around the world. Most recently they worked on the hanging glass floats that reside in the refurbished Polynesian Resort lobby. This original Trader Vic's sign was up for sale in the store during our visit... But sadly, well out of my price range. This place is overwhelming! I need these... Like all of these. So many mugs to choose from for my mug shelf! This place is incredible! An actual sign from the Polynesian Resort! Oceanic Arts has actually provided props for a significant number of movies and TV shows too... Lunch during our day in Hollywood was at Canter's Deli, which was highly recommended by some family in the area. This was quite the knish! Corned Beef and Pastrami piled high! We stopped by Hollywood Boulevard since I hadn't been since I was 13 (12 years ago). I forgot just how much Disney dominates the Hollywood Walk of Fame! I mean... Disneyland has its own star! I had never been in the Disney Studio Store and Soda Fountain (now Ghirardelli) so we went inside to check it out. I was surprised that it was a pretty standard Disney Store inside... But it did have a unique selection of home video options. Yeah... I liked the movie, which was probably the kiss of death for Tomorrowland. Sadly they didn't have a themed ice cream sundae for Tomorrowland, so I skipped out on ice cream altogether for this visit. And we're moving on... YAY! I would've liked to have seen it here but we had to keep moving... The underside of the entryway to the El Capitan is absolutely gorgeous. The Dolby Theatre complex is awesome! And it isn't a trip to Hollywood Boulevard without stopping by the TCL Chinese Theatre... Which isn't blocked by a sorcerer's hat. I can't wait! So beautiful! I really love this place! Delicious and refreshing! Hiya Jimmy Kimmel! The Dolby Theatre courtyard was dressed up with this insane marketing design promoting Jurassic World... I absolutely love it! After driving back from Hollywood we were able to visit Fire + Ice Grill + Bar for the first time ever, based on Robb's strong recommendation. You choose your noodles, veggies and protein along with a sauce... Give it to the chefs to cook on the hot plate... And then you can enjoy so you can go back for plenty more! A Grand Marnier Margarita? Consider me sold! And it is all you can eat! Edited July 18, 2015 by jedimaster1227 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jew Posted July 19, 2015 Share Posted July 19, 2015 I love that your trip report is nothing but geeking out as a tourist. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PixelRush Posted July 22, 2015 Share Posted July 22, 2015 We're the dragon s dueling when you where there? Also, I love that psycho moment in the tour, really cool :0 I wish I could go Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cfc Posted July 22, 2015 Share Posted July 22, 2015 "Fire & Ice," eh? Might have to check that joint out myself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nrthwnd Posted July 23, 2015 Share Posted July 23, 2015 Great TR Adam. Yo what's up, TPR? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Double0Kevin Posted July 23, 2015 Share Posted July 23, 2015 One thing I like about USH vs. USO is how completely different they feel. While I can't say USH is the better park over the ones in Florida, I definitely think their City Walk is superior. Awesome report. I lived in California the first 26 years of my life and still have never walked around Hollywood or seen the walk of fame. USH was always good enough for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jew Posted July 23, 2015 Share Posted July 23, 2015 ^I take offense to that... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guy T. Koepp Posted July 26, 2015 Share Posted July 26, 2015 I haven't been to Oceanic Arts in a very long while. I need to get out there the next time I am in town. I am looking to start a Moai ranch in my backyard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jedimaster1227 Posted August 2, 2015 Author Share Posted August 2, 2015 (edited) After our new adventures in San Diego and Hollywood, it was finally time for my favorite part of the trip, the Disneyland Resort. With the 60th Anniversary of Disneyland taking place this year, there was plenty of new entertainment, updated attractions and a few special experiences that I had never had before... Nothing more welcoming than seeing the Disneyland Resort sign for the first time of the trip... We were hungry (when am I not) so we started with a visit to my favorite Jolly Holiday Bakery on Main Street USA. Nothing beats their Jolly Holiday Combo! Since this was my girlfriend's first trip to Disneyland, I made sure to cover all of the experiences she would be interested based on her favorite Disney movies. Tarzan is one of them. Tarzan's Treehouse is always worth at least one visit if you have the time and don't mind the climb. Some cool details. Next up was dinner (shortly after lunch) at Cafe Orleans, an absolute favorite of mine. We shared a bowl of Gumbo as a starter, which is always a great choice. But the real reason I come here is for the classic Monte Cristo sandwich, and it never disappoints. That evening we were able to catch a viewing of the brand new Paint the Night Parade. This parade is absolutely incredible. These high resolution screens and LED lights really glow down the parade route in a way that the Main Street Electrical Parade never did. The parade features many contemporary Disney and Pixar classics mixed in with the traditional characters of the earlier Disney animation successes like Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid. The costumes on all entertainers have unique elements that can display a full range of beautiful, glowing color. The Mack truck float is absolutely stunning in person! The lighting patterns inside are mesmerizing! The Little Mermaid float lead-in characters have neat coral affects that glow with the music. King Triton's face uses projection tech to allow him to be fully animated with eye and mouth movements. It is a really neat float. These twirling jellyfish were awesome to watch in action. The Slinky Float features cool spinning lights as well as glowing lite-bright pegs. The princess float is led by Belle from Beauty and the Beast, with an incredible rose flanked by powerful video screens depicting imagery from the screen. Unlike the Hong Kong Disneyland version of the Paint the Night Parade, this one features two additional floats. The first is the variation of the classic Main Street Electrical Parade drum (seen earlier in this report) and this Frozen float featuring Elsa's ice palace... And of course, Olaf. Another throwback to the classic Main Street Electrical Parade is the inclusion of these personal whirlybugs that Goofy, Donald and Minnie ride in advance of the finale float... The finale float features Sorcerer Mickey dancing to the music with a dangling LED string screen spelling out the words to the Mickey Mouse theme song. This stunning orb is impossible to describe its motion... So here's a vine to show it off! [vine] [/vine] The following morning we returned to see my favorite daytime parade, Soundsational. As much as I love Festival of Fantasy at the Magic Kingdom, and I dream of seeing Happiness is Here in Tokyo, this is my favorite daytime parade that I have seen with my own eyes. And some of the floats are really impressive even when compared to some of the newer parades that have debuted since Soundsational. I always love that Terk is included in the parade... I really appreciate how certain characters and films are used in California (Mary Poppins and the Heffalumps and Woozles similarly) when compared to how little they are used in Florida. Hands up if you love this parade as much as I do! The Princess and the Frog is one of my favorite Disney animated films and this specific section of the parade is easily my favorite. I absolutely adore this float! Always fun to see Pan clash with Hook... Step in time! How often do you see Bert in Florida? The Mary Poppins float is an incredible final to Soundsational. If you know Steve Davison's work, you know that he has a thing for including the Man in the Moon in his parade designs. I followed Frank Walker's steps into "it's a small world..." I was looking for Athena but no luck... The alternate track leading to my trans-dimensional trip to Tomorrowland never activated, so I was stuck at normal Disneyland... We decided to give the Wine Country Trattoria a a shot for dinner. I've dined at Trattoria plenty of times before, but always as a part of the World of Color dining package. I don't remember what exactly I ordered, but it had clams, pasta and a nice kick to it so I was satisfied. I never get tired of looking at this. That evening I showed my girlfriend the California version of Fantasmic!. Interestingly enough, she liked the Florida version more. I'm torn myself. I like both for different reasons. Edited August 2, 2015 by jedimaster1227 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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