nerdboyrockstar
here to change the world.
- Joined
- May 1, 2005
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- 2,036
Just got back after my first few days at the glorious Disneyland Resort for the first time since 2008, so that means I missed it so and also that there were a few new things to see. It was my fifth visit overall (my first time was in 2006) so here's what I thought about my visit to the resort on 12/10-12/13.
The Little Mermaid: I was really looking forward to this ride but I have to say I was disappointed. This (along with Nightmare Before Christmas) is one of my favorite Disney movies and yeah, I was one of the nerds who wrote a letter to Disney begging for them to make this ride years ago. So I finally got to ride it and I felt like the scope of the scenes were a bit small and some of the figures were bordering on store display-quality. I think the estimated cost for this was $100 million but I don't see that anywhere (unless $100 million doesn't buy you much these days).
Jack & Sally: Finally, I got to meet Jack & Sally for the first time! I'd seen them only in pictures and video (on here most likely) and they used to only make appearances during Halloweentime. I was so happy they started to do meet and greets during the holidays. They talked to me for so long. I walked up and was like, "I'm obsessed with you guys." Jack replied, "A healthy obsession I hope!" lol It isn't.
ElecTRONica: It's amazing what they did with the Hollywood Backlot area for this. The music, lights, and theming gives the area such an energy and everyone really seems to enjoy it. Laserman was also incredible to see. Although TRON is moving out, I'm excited to see Mad Tea Party when it starts next year.
Aladdin: I watch this show on every visit and I'm so not ready for it to leave! I can't get enough of it. It always feels fresh due to the Genie's jokes and I already can't wait to see it again next year if it's still there. It really is the best theme park show out there. (Note: A Whole New World was a bit awkward with them singing half the song off-stage now after the recent malfunction. They should find a way to have them on for that number)
Star Tours 2: Wow. This ride is incredible. It's the best 3D I've ever seen either in a theme park attraction or in film. I rode it about four times during the trip. My favorite stops were the wookie planet and the underwater one. I've never been a huge fan of the Star Tours attraction (it already felt outdated 15 years ago) but I can't get enough of this. I don't think I saw all the scenes either so there's still more to look forward to.
It's a Small World: I saw the newly added Disney characters on the ride for the first time and while cute, I didn't think it added anything to the attraction at all. It didnt take away anything from it either, I just didn't really think it was necessary.
Sleeping Beauty Walk-Through: I was really impressed with this attraction! There are some awesome effects here.
Good Eats: Had a great meal over at the new Paradise Garden Grill. So yum! I got the steak stewer and also got to try all the sauces and I liked them all except the spiced yogurt, really. The Monte Cristo over at Blue Bayou is as deliciously indulgent as always and we had some good appetizers (and the Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Rum drink for me) at the new Trader Sam's bar. A REALLY cool place for drinks.
Early closings for Cast Member parties: I don't know if it was the early Disneyland closing at 6pm for the CM parties or the little bit of rain, but the crowds were nowhere to be found on those days. I mean compared to Saturday and Sunday, when it was filled with folks but completely bearable, the parks were deserted. Almost all the FastPass machines around the park were turned off and the waits were short to non-existant. If you're worried about your trip falling on or around these dates next year, GO!
World of Color: So before I had seen it, I wasn't sure how yet another water screen-based show would work right across the way from Fantasmic and yes, I kind-of grew annoyed that this new show would basically be closing a good chunk of the park's attractions early on nights that it's showing. But then I saw it and it is an incredible, incredible show. I must've gotten lucky because I saw it on the deserted/early DL closing nights but the experience of waiting in line and being let into the viewing areas was a breeze (but I hear I got really lucky on that). The fountains, the music, the whole thing was just awe-inspiring. Pirates, Buzz and the Fantasia 2000 segments were among my favorites. The only part I felt was a bit disjointed was the Lion King scene. That didn't work at all but the rest of the show was absolutely flawless.
Okay this was so long. I'm sure I had more to say but I really had a great time. I can't wait for my next visit (which will hopefully, hopefully, hopefully be) next year!
The Little Mermaid: I was really looking forward to this ride but I have to say I was disappointed. This (along with Nightmare Before Christmas) is one of my favorite Disney movies and yeah, I was one of the nerds who wrote a letter to Disney begging for them to make this ride years ago. So I finally got to ride it and I felt like the scope of the scenes were a bit small and some of the figures were bordering on store display-quality. I think the estimated cost for this was $100 million but I don't see that anywhere (unless $100 million doesn't buy you much these days).
Jack & Sally: Finally, I got to meet Jack & Sally for the first time! I'd seen them only in pictures and video (on here most likely) and they used to only make appearances during Halloweentime. I was so happy they started to do meet and greets during the holidays. They talked to me for so long. I walked up and was like, "I'm obsessed with you guys." Jack replied, "A healthy obsession I hope!" lol It isn't.
ElecTRONica: It's amazing what they did with the Hollywood Backlot area for this. The music, lights, and theming gives the area such an energy and everyone really seems to enjoy it. Laserman was also incredible to see. Although TRON is moving out, I'm excited to see Mad Tea Party when it starts next year.
Aladdin: I watch this show on every visit and I'm so not ready for it to leave! I can't get enough of it. It always feels fresh due to the Genie's jokes and I already can't wait to see it again next year if it's still there. It really is the best theme park show out there. (Note: A Whole New World was a bit awkward with them singing half the song off-stage now after the recent malfunction. They should find a way to have them on for that number)
Star Tours 2: Wow. This ride is incredible. It's the best 3D I've ever seen either in a theme park attraction or in film. I rode it about four times during the trip. My favorite stops were the wookie planet and the underwater one. I've never been a huge fan of the Star Tours attraction (it already felt outdated 15 years ago) but I can't get enough of this. I don't think I saw all the scenes either so there's still more to look forward to.
It's a Small World: I saw the newly added Disney characters on the ride for the first time and while cute, I didn't think it added anything to the attraction at all. It didnt take away anything from it either, I just didn't really think it was necessary.
Sleeping Beauty Walk-Through: I was really impressed with this attraction! There are some awesome effects here.
Good Eats: Had a great meal over at the new Paradise Garden Grill. So yum! I got the steak stewer and also got to try all the sauces and I liked them all except the spiced yogurt, really. The Monte Cristo over at Blue Bayou is as deliciously indulgent as always and we had some good appetizers (and the Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Rum drink for me) at the new Trader Sam's bar. A REALLY cool place for drinks.
Early closings for Cast Member parties: I don't know if it was the early Disneyland closing at 6pm for the CM parties or the little bit of rain, but the crowds were nowhere to be found on those days. I mean compared to Saturday and Sunday, when it was filled with folks but completely bearable, the parks were deserted. Almost all the FastPass machines around the park were turned off and the waits were short to non-existant. If you're worried about your trip falling on or around these dates next year, GO!
World of Color: So before I had seen it, I wasn't sure how yet another water screen-based show would work right across the way from Fantasmic and yes, I kind-of grew annoyed that this new show would basically be closing a good chunk of the park's attractions early on nights that it's showing. But then I saw it and it is an incredible, incredible show. I must've gotten lucky because I saw it on the deserted/early DL closing nights but the experience of waiting in line and being let into the viewing areas was a breeze (but I hear I got really lucky on that). The fountains, the music, the whole thing was just awe-inspiring. Pirates, Buzz and the Fantasia 2000 segments were among my favorites. The only part I felt was a bit disjointed was the Lion King scene. That didn't work at all but the rest of the show was absolutely flawless.
Okay this was so long. I'm sure I had more to say but I really had a great time. I can't wait for my next visit (which will hopefully, hopefully, hopefully be) next year!
We went the 9-12th. 
