5/26/08 - Monday in the Parks - News, Photos and Tips
Today is Memorial Day, so before we get to the news, don't forget that most of you have the day off to remember the members of the United States Military that gave their lives to protect and honor their country.
Memorial Day started 140 years ago, in 1868, originally called Decoration Day, to honor the soldiers who were killed in the Civil War. It is a day to give thanks to those who serve in the Military, and the families that support them.
So we pay tribute to them today here at "Monday in the Parks" with a sincere "Thank You"!
SUMMER IS HERE, A LOOK AT SOME OF THE NEW ATTRACTIONS.
Let's start with some of the new summer Theme Park offerings around Southern California.
Can't be everywhere at the same time, so over the next few weeks, we will take a look at the new offerings. Some of the new attractions, and even one new park haven't yet open.
Three offerings opened last Thursday.
At Disneyland, The Indiana Jones Summer of Hidden Mysteries! opened up in Adventureland. Dateland Disneyland did a good job of previewing the event Friday.
http://micechat.com/forums/blogs/dateline-disneyland/394-5-23-indy-fever-grad-08-merch-project-round-up.html
I had a chance to check out the additions Thursday and Friday.
One worry was that Adventureland, already known for traffic congestion, would become even worst. Well, Disney took that into consideration when they designed the events, and decided to offer a few short (a minute or so) events near the main path.
Basically the street events are offered shortly after the Indiana Jones and the Secret of the Stone Tiger stage show ends.
The first of the three events is held above the Tropical Imports Fruit Stand.
The second is held above the South Seas Traders shop.
And then the third and last event is held on the Tarzan Treehouse bridge.
All three of this short events feature 2 stunt men, one dressed as Indiana Jones. The pace and timing of the events does stop traffic for a couple of minutes, but once the event is over, traffic returns to normal, and most folks will leave the area before the next event happens. The one drawback is the fact that they have to close down Tarzan's Treehouse for the third event.
What might make traffic back up is the new Adventure Map. This quest requires guests to find six symbols placed around the main Adventureland path to discover a message, and a chance to get some digital wallpaper when you get home and back to your computer. So watch the paths, as you might run into someone staring up at the walls.
The Jungle Cruise has had some minor Indiana Jones references added, basically 4 items placed in the attraction, and some revised jokes that the Skippers use. But it is basically the good old Jungle Cruise, still featuring the Michael Eisner tribute after the backside of water.
One of the "hidden" Indy items in the Jungle Cruise
The stage show, "Indiana Jones and the Secret of the Stone Tiger" has a new script, and just 2 actors, a female archaeologist and the "Indiana Jones" stunt person. But the show is designed to be just as kid friendly as the former Aladdin Oasis show. Kids are allowed to sit up front on carpets, and many kids are picked to participate in the show. I wouldn't recommend the show to just adults, but it does a good job being a replacement to Aladdin's Storytelling.
Sonya Smith over at the Orange County Register talked to Joey Michaels, the Senior Producer of the new Stage Show.
http://ocresort.freedomblogging.com/...show/#more-558
Knott's Berry Farm Pony Express opens to the Public
Had a chance to ride the new "tween" coaster, Pony Express Friday, and really enjoyed it.
Yes the ride is short, just 36 seconds in length, but the seating arrangement really makes the ride. You end up sitting on a "pony", and the restraints are behind your knees, and on your lower back. This really gives you a sense of "freedom", even though you are very secure.
Brady MacDonald over at the Los Angeles Times is another fan of the new attraction.
http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal-blog/?p=1923
"X2" opens up at Six Flags Magic Mountain
And while I haven't had a chance to ride it yet. (I will report my personal opinion next Monday, as I will be getting my turn in next Sunday), but Brady MacDonald over at the Los Angeles Times calls it "America's Best Coaster".
http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal-blog/?p=1924
Universal Studios Hollywood opens up "The Simpsons Ride"
Once again, another attraction on my list to see and do next weekend, but Kevin Yee has written a review of the Orlando version of the attraction here at MiceAge.
http://miceage.micechat.com/kevinyee/ky042908a.htm
Sounds like Universal spent a lot of time and money theming the queue, something that has been lacking lately at the Southern California Theme Parks. Of course, lots of photos will be available next Monday.
And there is more opening up later this Summer
Coming up next is the new Pacific Wheel opening at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier. Originally scheduled to open last Thursday, construction delays on the Solar Powered Ferris Wheel have pushed the opening to Wednesday, May 28th. If you are in the area, Pacific Park is offering free rides to the public from 9:15 PM to Midnight on the 28th.
One of the highlights of the new Pacific Wheel is 160,000 LED's that will produce some amazing images on the wheel.
Here is a link to the live Web Cam for the park.
http://www.pacpark.com/webcam.php?location=webcam
And of course, June 17th is the official opening of "Toy Story Mania!" at Disney's California Adventure Park. For those Disneyland Annual Passholders, don't forget you have until Friday to sign up for the chance to attend a special AP preview event.
www.disneyland.com/ap
An image of the new TV Commercial airing in the Southern California area.
July 1st is the opening date for a second park at LEGOLAND California Resort.
SEA-LIFE Aquarium is designed to be interactive and should be a good mix to join the Main Park, along with the 2 hotels that are part of the resort area.
http://www.legoland.com/sealife/
Business News - Could SeaWorld get a new owner?
Interesting news item this week, especially for somebody with my nickname. Anheuser-Busch might be bought out for $50 Billion.
InBev, the world's largest brewer by volume, is seriously thinking about trying to buy the maker of Budweiser, and the owner of the Anheuser-Bush Adventure Parks, which include SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and the Sesame Street parks.
InBev, whose best known beers are Beck's, Bass and Stella Artois are not a shoe-in, as it would more than likely be a hostile takeover.
The Anheuser-Busch management are looking into other options, including buying out the Mexican Brewer, Grupo Modelo. Currently, Anheuser-Busch owns half of the company, which is best known for its Corona brand, but is looking to buy the other 50%.
(Personal comment, they better not mess with Negra Modelo, one of the best beers in the world!)
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/to...cle3998901.ece
Should be interesting to see what happens in the next few weeks.
Also, Knott's Berry Farm Food Products, which have been owned by ConAgra for many years has been sold to the J.M. Smucker Co.
Smucker will move all the production to its facilities in Wisconsin, so the current Placentia, California plant will close down.
http://www.ohio.com/news/top_stories/18963994.html
Selected Photos from Darkbeer.Smugmug.com
Anaheim GardenWalk is scheduled to open this upcoming weekend
Mark VII Monorail Red continues testing, and still is not available to park guests.
The refurb walls are down in front of the Hubcap at DCA
The Hot Dog Hut is now open in the Paradise Pier area of DCA
The Create your own Ear Hat area is now open at the Gag Factory in Toontown.
Donald's Boat is closed for Refurb in Toontown
That should do it for this week, stop by and say Hi later today at Disneyland's Flag Retreat at 4:30 if you have a chance.
Memorial Day started 140 years ago, in 1868, originally called Decoration Day, to honor the soldiers who were killed in the Civil War. It is a day to give thanks to those who serve in the Military, and the families that support them.
So we pay tribute to them today here at "Monday in the Parks" with a sincere "Thank You"!
SUMMER IS HERE, A LOOK AT SOME OF THE NEW ATTRACTIONS.
Let's start with some of the new summer Theme Park offerings around Southern California.
Can't be everywhere at the same time, so over the next few weeks, we will take a look at the new offerings. Some of the new attractions, and even one new park haven't yet open.
Three offerings opened last Thursday.
At Disneyland, The Indiana Jones Summer of Hidden Mysteries! opened up in Adventureland. Dateland Disneyland did a good job of previewing the event Friday.
http://micechat.com/forums/blogs/dateline-disneyland/394-5-23-indy-fever-grad-08-merch-project-round-up.html
I had a chance to check out the additions Thursday and Friday.
One worry was that Adventureland, already known for traffic congestion, would become even worst. Well, Disney took that into consideration when they designed the events, and decided to offer a few short (a minute or so) events near the main path.
Basically the street events are offered shortly after the Indiana Jones and the Secret of the Stone Tiger stage show ends.
The first of the three events is held above the Tropical Imports Fruit Stand.
The second is held above the South Seas Traders shop.
And then the third and last event is held on the Tarzan Treehouse bridge.
All three of this short events feature 2 stunt men, one dressed as Indiana Jones. The pace and timing of the events does stop traffic for a couple of minutes, but once the event is over, traffic returns to normal, and most folks will leave the area before the next event happens. The one drawback is the fact that they have to close down Tarzan's Treehouse for the third event.
What might make traffic back up is the new Adventure Map. This quest requires guests to find six symbols placed around the main Adventureland path to discover a message, and a chance to get some digital wallpaper when you get home and back to your computer. So watch the paths, as you might run into someone staring up at the walls.
The Jungle Cruise has had some minor Indiana Jones references added, basically 4 items placed in the attraction, and some revised jokes that the Skippers use. But it is basically the good old Jungle Cruise, still featuring the Michael Eisner tribute after the backside of water.
One of the "hidden" Indy items in the Jungle Cruise
The stage show, "Indiana Jones and the Secret of the Stone Tiger" has a new script, and just 2 actors, a female archaeologist and the "Indiana Jones" stunt person. But the show is designed to be just as kid friendly as the former Aladdin Oasis show. Kids are allowed to sit up front on carpets, and many kids are picked to participate in the show. I wouldn't recommend the show to just adults, but it does a good job being a replacement to Aladdin's Storytelling.
Sonya Smith over at the Orange County Register talked to Joey Michaels, the Senior Producer of the new Stage Show.
http://ocresort.freedomblogging.com/...show/#more-558
Knott's Berry Farm Pony Express opens to the Public
Had a chance to ride the new "tween" coaster, Pony Express Friday, and really enjoyed it.
Yes the ride is short, just 36 seconds in length, but the seating arrangement really makes the ride. You end up sitting on a "pony", and the restraints are behind your knees, and on your lower back. This really gives you a sense of "freedom", even though you are very secure.
Brady MacDonald over at the Los Angeles Times is another fan of the new attraction.
http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal-blog/?p=1923
"X2" opens up at Six Flags Magic Mountain
And while I haven't had a chance to ride it yet. (I will report my personal opinion next Monday, as I will be getting my turn in next Sunday), but Brady MacDonald over at the Los Angeles Times calls it "America's Best Coaster".
http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal-blog/?p=1924
Universal Studios Hollywood opens up "The Simpsons Ride"
Once again, another attraction on my list to see and do next weekend, but Kevin Yee has written a review of the Orlando version of the attraction here at MiceAge.
http://miceage.micechat.com/kevinyee/ky042908a.htm
Sounds like Universal spent a lot of time and money theming the queue, something that has been lacking lately at the Southern California Theme Parks. Of course, lots of photos will be available next Monday.
And there is more opening up later this Summer
Coming up next is the new Pacific Wheel opening at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier. Originally scheduled to open last Thursday, construction delays on the Solar Powered Ferris Wheel have pushed the opening to Wednesday, May 28th. If you are in the area, Pacific Park is offering free rides to the public from 9:15 PM to Midnight on the 28th.
One of the highlights of the new Pacific Wheel is 160,000 LED's that will produce some amazing images on the wheel.
Here is a link to the live Web Cam for the park.
http://www.pacpark.com/webcam.php?location=webcam
And of course, June 17th is the official opening of "Toy Story Mania!" at Disney's California Adventure Park. For those Disneyland Annual Passholders, don't forget you have until Friday to sign up for the chance to attend a special AP preview event.
www.disneyland.com/ap
An image of the new TV Commercial airing in the Southern California area.
July 1st is the opening date for a second park at LEGOLAND California Resort.
SEA-LIFE Aquarium is designed to be interactive and should be a good mix to join the Main Park, along with the 2 hotels that are part of the resort area.
http://www.legoland.com/sealife/
Business News - Could SeaWorld get a new owner?
Interesting news item this week, especially for somebody with my nickname. Anheuser-Busch might be bought out for $50 Billion.
InBev, the world's largest brewer by volume, is seriously thinking about trying to buy the maker of Budweiser, and the owner of the Anheuser-Bush Adventure Parks, which include SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and the Sesame Street parks.
InBev, whose best known beers are Beck's, Bass and Stella Artois are not a shoe-in, as it would more than likely be a hostile takeover.
The Anheuser-Busch management are looking into other options, including buying out the Mexican Brewer, Grupo Modelo. Currently, Anheuser-Busch owns half of the company, which is best known for its Corona brand, but is looking to buy the other 50%.
(Personal comment, they better not mess with Negra Modelo, one of the best beers in the world!)
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/to...cle3998901.ece
Should be interesting to see what happens in the next few weeks.
Also, Knott's Berry Farm Food Products, which have been owned by ConAgra for many years has been sold to the J.M. Smucker Co.
Smucker will move all the production to its facilities in Wisconsin, so the current Placentia, California plant will close down.
http://www.ohio.com/news/top_stories/18963994.html
Selected Photos from Darkbeer.Smugmug.com
Anaheim GardenWalk is scheduled to open this upcoming weekend
Mark VII Monorail Red continues testing, and still is not available to park guests.
The refurb walls are down in front of the Hubcap at DCA
The Hot Dog Hut is now open in the Paradise Pier area of DCA
The Create your own Ear Hat area is now open at the Gag Factory in Toontown.
Donald's Boat is closed for Refurb in Toontown
That should do it for this week, stop by and say Hi later today at Disneyland's Flag Retreat at 4:30 if you have a chance.
Total Comments 14
Comments
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great as always!Posted 05-26-2008 at 08:26 AM by arielchica
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I want to see the commercial for TSM. Is it on youtube or something? HmmPosted 05-26-2008 at 08:46 AM by WDWizard -
Where did you take the pic of the white ducks? Because I've never seen them at disneyland.Posted 05-26-2008 at 09:16 AM by mstickmanp -
Great update as usual. I spent yesterday in the park and got to catch the indy "scenes" in adventureland. They're very fun, although anyone wanting to get through adventureland while its going on has a rough time of it. If you are in a hurry to get somewhere, (like first aid), go through Frontierland. (This is a more of a helpful hint, not really a complaint). The kids around me loved the show, and it wasn't too bland and "cutesy" to make the adults want to run to the nearest bar for a martini.
Thank you to all the veterans and those currently serving!Posted 05-26-2008 at 09:34 AM by Walt's Girl -
One Disneyland security officer described monitoring Adventureland during one of these 'performances' as being a nightmare. I have to say, my 7 year old was swallowed up into this swarm of 'guests' all looking upward and not realizing they were stepping all over
her. Mine IS a complaint. There is real potentail danger in that mob, and the stampede of folks chasing 'Indy' as he makes his way THROUGH THE CROWD to get backstage.
Main Street looked truly lovely with all the buildings festooned with flag bunting.
I was amazed at just how empty the park was Saturday. I don't know if it was high gas prices, or the threat of rain, but the place was quite comfortable.Posted 05-26-2008 at 10:43 AM by ttrocc7007 -
Oy... They're even changing the sign in the TV spots to be "Mania" and not "Midway Mania." What is wrong with Orlando?Posted 05-26-2008 at 11:30 AM by BassBone -
There is one thing I don't understand in all of the above. If the "Sun Plaza" area is soon to be torn out for all the changes coming to DCA, why spend money to refurb the railing and fountain as they are being torn out soon anyway. Or has all this been put on hold once again by the suits who I understood would not be allowed to interfere with this project once the budget was approved, an agreement made between Lassiter and Iger, but have done nothing but interfere since the whole thing was announced.Posted 05-26-2008 at 01:42 PM by Lost Boy -
Awesome, as always!Posted 05-26-2008 at 04:44 PM by DonDuck -
The Ducks are located next to the Independence Hall at Knott's Berry Farm.
And as for the replaced railing. It was determined that the old design had a safety issue (small gaps where kids got limbs stuck), and they needed to replace the railing with a more traditional design, even if it only lasts one summer. The costs of replacement wasn't much, and it allows the main entrance area to look nice during a busy time periodPosted 05-26-2008 at 04:49 PM by Darkbeer -
David, did they restore the part of the graveyard that was destroyed during the Pony Express construction? Does the coaster theme attract or detract from the detailed theme of Ghost Town?Posted 05-26-2008 at 10:53 PM by Dustysage -
They tore apart most of the Old Town for a 36 second roller coaster? How much sense does that make? At least make it worth while. The only positive thing I see about it is at least it's ride capacity will be high which Knott's absolutely needs.Posted 05-27-2008 at 09:33 AM by hollywood1939 -
Thanks for the update!Posted 05-27-2008 at 09:52 AM by disneyhound -
I'll be at USH this Saturday, the 31st, to check out The Simpsons Ride. Maybe I'll see you there.Posted 05-27-2008 at 10:14 AM by Jon Autopsy - I love the irony that the owners of a "Solar Powered" Ferris Wheel will be offering rides until Midnight.Quote:the Solar Powered Ferris Wheel...Pacific Park is offering free rides to the public from 9:15 PM to Midnight on the 28th.
(The days must be getting longer.)
Posted 05-27-2008 at 01:18 PM by FredSimmons
