Weekend Update: Anaheim Cruise, Disneyland Paris, and Universal Studios Double Whammy
First up this week, PhotoMatt takes us on a cruise around a small world, then CaptPhoebus finally gets us through the ticket booth at Disneyland Paris. We have a Walt Disney World update from Denise nbodyhome Preskitt followed by a super duper, double whammy Universal Studios report. sir clinksalot shows us the Hollywood version and TDLFAN takes us to the Osaka, Japan version of Universal Studios. Finally this week we visit Six Flags Magic Mountain with MiceChatter brand42.
Be sure to come back next week. We're going to announce a photo contest with some cool prizes.
This week our trip starts out on the West Coast:
Disneyland Resort
Anaheim, California
You may have been on this cruise around the world before, but I'll bet you haven't seen it like this. PhotoMatt shares these unusual images of the It's A Small World makeover.
Last week CaptPhoebus took us right up to the entry of Disneyland Paris, then left us to stew for a week waiting for the rest of his visit. So without any adieu, or further commercial interruptions, entrer . . .
Disneyland Paris
Paris, France
The artistry of the admission booth.
Through the arches which announce, "Main Street, U.S.A."
The money shot.
Wait, this guy looks familiar!
A couple of shots of a much more comprehensive "America" set.
And from here, you can see . . .
. . . Paris?
And, who is that coming around the bend? DLRP_bopazot and DOOM BGI?
Well, it really is a small world, after all!
Denise nbodyhome Preskitt takes us on a trip around the Disney world. Looks like there is lots of stuff going on in Florida!
Walt Disney World
Orlando, Florida
The Disney Studios "ESPN The Weekend" was held this past week. I will have 200 photos on my own site (mousesteps.com), but here are just a few:
I went Sunday, which started out looking threatening (the morning brought a cold front with it):
Even Dennis Eckersley looked cold:
Jim Palmer:
Scottie Pippen during a star conversation:
Shane Victorino is interviewed live:
A few days later, some photos from Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It!
One photo from the Celebrate a Dream Come True parade:
The Disneyland Marching Band reflected:
Stitch's Supersonic Celebration:
The Epcot Flower and Garden Festival is nearly 2 weeks away, but there is much to see now!
Butterfly tent:
This scene is behind some potted plants, but not hidden too well:
Canada:
Lady and the Tramp in Italy:
There is a Fantasia theme in the Innoventions hub area:
sir clinksalot recently took a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood and thanks to the miracle of modern digital photography we get to take a trip there too!
Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal City, California
The statue at the front of the park is quite interesting. Can you notice what's different in each shot?
[
It took me a long time to figure this one out! - Rick]
This area needs a show. How about a Wild West Stunt Show?
The backlot reconstruction is coming along nicely.
Some new effects have been added to the Collapsing Bridge to make it more exciting. Gone are the "Oh no we aren't supposed to cross the bridge" lines.
The cars are still dancing.
They also do a little stunt show on Denver street now. It's not a replacement for King Kong, but it's a nice to have.
Skull Island
Norman Bates is still looming around the Psycho house.
Now that we've seen what's going on at Universal in Hollywood, let's take a trip across the ocean and visit Universal Japan, courtesy of TDLFAN.
Universal Studios Japan
Osaka, Japan
USJ has unveiled its newest live entertainment extravaganza to celebrate the park's 8th anniversary, the new nightime "Magical Starlight Parade". TDLFAN however did not attend on the parade's debut date of March 5th, but will offer more parade related decor, special parade menus and merchandise next week inn the second part of this photo report.
Arriving at Universal Studios Japan's CityWalk.
"Magical Starlight Parade" ad, announcing the parade's debut performance on March 5th, 2009.
Universal Studios Japan's CityWalk.
The logo at the top of the entrance's archway.
Each Universal Studios park has one of these revolving globes.. USJ is no exception.
Popeye meets guests at USJ's Hollywood Blvd.
Even Bert hangs out around Hollywood Blvd.
Guests soar above Hollywood on the "Hollywood Dream: The Ride" coaster.
USJ's Confectionary Store is the biggest one in Japan, even bigger than TDL's.
Schwab's Pharmacy houses the Pink Panther's Pink Cafe.
Yes, everything is pink inside the Pink Cafe, even the desserts.
Orlando FL's Mel's Drive-In? Don't be fooled..as this version of Mel's in Osaka is 4 times bigger inside than Orlando's version of the same restaurant.
An USJ exclusive area.. Snoppy Studios, featuring a huge indoor soundstage complete with small coaster (think Gadget Go Coaster) and many other interactive adventures, plus gift shop, and restaurant and water slide coaster ride nearby.
Another USJ exclusive area.. Land of Oz!
Land of Oz features "Magical Oz-go Round" carrousel and a special version of the Broadway hit "Wicked" in the theater seen behind ths carousel. Land of Oz also has one restaurant, gift shop, and "Toto's Animal Friends" show featuring many talented pets.
Newly opened Sweet Waffle Factory shop in the San Francisco area of USJ.
Yum! Yum!
Universal Studios Japan has the only "Back to the Future: The Ride" still in operation.
TDLFAN managed to catch this behind the scenes shot of the Fairy Godmother float from the new "Magical Starlight Parade", getting some finishing touches from the technical staff...just 48 hours before it's scheduled premiere performance.
The New York Sets at Universal Studios Japan are "grand". (Ok ok... it's a trick photography set up station, where guests can create their own cimenatic shot and pose in the photo as well..)
There will be 20 more photos from Universal Studios Japan in the next edition of the Micechat Weekend Update, so be sure to come back and check the Update again next weekend.
TDLFAN has posted a detailed review of Universal Studios Japan's Magical Starlight Parade including several videos. Read it HERE.
MiceChatter brand42 took a trip to Six Flags Magic Mountain recently and shares these great images of the park that you either love or hate.
Six Flags Magic Mountain
Valencia, California
Quote:
Despite a forecast of rain showers, I took a brief trip out to Six Flags Magic Mountain with the primary objectives of picking up my AP coupon booklet, taking some Terminator construction pics and doing my part to keep SFMM afloat.
brand42
Check out the entire trip report HERE.
There's a great vintage Magic Mountain brochure posted on the Vintage Disneyland Tickets blog:
See the entire brochure at Vintage Disneyland Tickets.
Looking for up-to-date reports from Disneyland
including photos, gossip, park schedules and more?
including photos, gossip, park schedules and more?
Visit these MiceChat columns each week:
Andy Castro's Dateline Disneyland
David DarkBeer Michael's In the Parks
Al has another great update this week, you'll want to read it now:
Ian Parkinson will return to the Weekend Update next week.
And that brings us to the end of another week. Our photographers have just enough time to reload their cameras before we see you all again next weekend. Thank you to all of our wonderful readers, and as always, a huge thank you to our amazing team of global photographers, spies, and gossips:
Jack Hollywood 1939 Wixom
TDLFAN
Denise nbodyhome Preskitt
SummerInFl
PhotoMatt
Fishbulb
sir clinksalot
MickeyMaxx
BigPigletFan
Abominable Snowman
A very special thank you to our wonderful guest photographer CaptPhoebus and brand42 for sharing their vision with us.
Your Editor - Rixter
Where have YOU been recently? We invite you to share your photos of theme parks or any other destination that may be of interest to our readers. Please feel free to contact me via MiceChat Private Message (screen name Rixter)
or send me an email: oceansiderick@gmail.com.
or send me an email: oceansiderick@gmail.com.
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Total Comments 30
Comments
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But I heard DLP still is not doing well, or it it seems so, what's the problem now? Just want to know...Posted 03-08-2009 at 07:11 PM by Disneykin Kid
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DLP is doing very well, in facxt the last two years have been amazing. The issue is the debts are dragging the resort down. But last year the place was rammed even in the off season.
AS for USJ, it looks like it has been going down hill since opening with the maintenance of the New york backdrops, and of course that stupid coaster ruined it.
Also the Oz land looks so cheap and nasty compared to the awesome sets of the western town that used to be there.
Thanks for sharing guys.Posted 03-09-2009 at 03:59 AM by davewasbaloo 
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Wonderful update, as always. And PhotoMatt, you've now set the standard for photos of the dim interiors of rides. What kind of camera, what settings? Really beautiful shots!Posted 03-09-2009 at 08:30 AM by danyoung - Thanks for the update! I have to deliver some sad news. The Denver Street stunt demonstration at USH is no more. Their last day was March 1st.Posted 03-09-2009 at 10:46 AM by 9oldmen
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what a fab group of pics!! wish I could download, hopefully I will soon!Posted 03-09-2009 at 11:34 AM by wdwnut4life -
That guy did look familiar. Hmm... ;-)
Thank you for posting the pictures of DLP because how else would we see DOOM BGI's wonderful travels?
I need to go back to Universal and need to put USJ on my list when I go to Japan.Posted 03-09-2009 at 01:41 PM by Disney1978 -
Agreed on that Oz comment, as well as how they ruined the Hollywood Facades.. still, this is the best Universal experience around.Quote:Originally Posted by DavewasbalooAS for USJ, it looks like it has been going down hill since opening with the maintenance of the New york backdrops, and of course that stupid coaster ruined it.
Also the Oz land looks so cheap and nasty compared to the awesome sets of the western town that used to be there.
But.. have you see the New York facade at USF lately???Posted 03-09-2009 at 08:16 PM by TDLFAN - Well since most of the parks in Florida are pretty tired and run down since the tourists don't know any better, sadly I have missed out. I have always loved USH because it is the real deal, but I will be sure to check out USJ when we eventually make it over to Japan.Posted 03-10-2009 at 01:26 PM by davewasbaloo
- I agree USH is the "real" deal, but with most of the "real" backlot having been destroyed by fire at least twice, well.. how "real" is it? Most of the facades you see in films like "Back to the Future" are not the ones we actually saw in the film, since they had to be replaced by new one that resembled the old ones. So to me, I do not place much emphasis on that aspect of the Hollywood park. Besides, most of the time, the actual facdes most people want to see (like the Desperate Housewives street) are closed off to guests in the tram tour. Only once did I see that particular street out of at least 20 visits to USH.Posted 03-11-2009 at 12:40 AM by TDLFAN
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Hey guys!! Long time no see! I've been trapped by my job for many a month.....but I have some good news! I'm engaged! Plus, I get to go to DLP in May. I was so excited when I logged on and there were pics of the DLP castle. How awesome.
Posted 03-23-2009 at 06:46 AM by Risa
