Random Thread & The Interchangeable Inside Joke

[AmandaSparks730]

INTERESTING FACTS


Monsters, Inc. Mike and Sulley to the Rescue, officially opened on January 23, 2006.

The voice actors, including Billy Crystal (Mike) and John Goodman (Sulley) reprise their voice roles for the attraction.

The building was originally the home of the Superstar Limo attraction.

The taxis have different license plates, like "Peekaboo" and "Monstro". The cab company's phone number is 555-FANG.

As the cab enters Harryhausen's restaurant, smell the ginger!

The menu for Harryhausen's restaurant is posted on the wall of the queue, featuring specialties like Swill and Sour soup, Terrible Teriyucki, and Assorted Yukitori.

The name "Harryhausen" is a tribute to Ray Harryhausen, a pioneer in the field of stop-motion animation and special effects.

 

[AmandaSparks730]

INTRODUCTION


What if an ant tried to build his own amusement park? What kinds of rides would he design, and how would he landscape and decorate? Flik's Fun Fair answers all of those questions! Since ordinary building materials weren't available to him, Flik has come up with some very creative uses for everyday items like pie plates and umbrellas in the construction of his rides.

While this area contains a variety of attractions designed to appeal to younger guests, kids and adults will enjoy the opportunity to look at the world from a bug's point of view. Everything here appears oversized, like the huge four leaf clovers that provide shade and the bug lamps that are mounted on very tall drinking straws. Kids will have fun with the various kid-sized rides, and older visitors should enjoy some of the Imagineers' creative touches, like the use of discarded Chinese food take-out containers.


ATTRACTIONS

Flik's Flyers is a whimsical balloon ride that goes up and down and around.

Francis' Ladybug Boogie - take a gentle spin aboard a ladybug.

Heimlich's Chew Chew Train - Miniature train ride with Heimlich the caterpillar as he forages for food - enjoy the sights and smells!

Princess Dot Puddle Park - Water play area with giant hoses and sprinklers.

Tuck 'n' Roll's Drive 'em Buggies - Classic bumper car ride. Driver must be at least 48" tall, passengers at least 42". Riders should be in good physical condition.

 

[LondonUnderground]

MY COCCYX HURTS

that is all.

 

[AmandaSparks730]

INTRODUCTION

The "Wetter the Better" is the motto of this thrilling raft adventure that sends you roaring down an abandoned mine and rushing on a river through the scenic foothills of the Sierra Nevada. It's one of Disney's tallest, longest, fastest rapids rides yet!

ATTRACTION

Grizzly River Run is a wild, wet river-rafting adventure.


Charge down a churning California river through:

* Whitewater rapids
* Mountain caverns
* Thundering waterfalls
* Heart-pounding drops into river gorges!

 

[AmandaSparks730]

INTRODUCTION

This walk-through tour presents the history of the tortilla and passes through an automated tortilleria where visitors can see how corn and flour tortillas are made.


ATTRACTION

The tour begins with a video pre-show featuring children in an interesting and entertaining presentation on the history of the tortilla. Colorful murals adorn the walls. The doors open automatically and the next room contains dioramas and video displays which illustrate the labor-intensive process of making tortillas by hand. Finally visitors enter a modern tortilla factory, where behind glass walls the entire automated tortilla-making process can be viewed. Corn tortillas are produced on the left, and flour tortillas on the right. Cooking demonstrations take place in the demo kitchen located at the end of the tour.

 

[AmandaSparks730]

INTRODUCTION


The Disney Animation building features a number of exhibits and interactive activities that will appeal to both kids and adults. Inside the building there are several different areas which may be experienced in any order - spend as much or as little time as you wish. On a warm day it's an excellent place to get out of the sun and do something fun at the same time.

 

[AmandaSparks730]

ATTRACTIONS

The Courtyard Gallery is the main room, and all of the other attractions are accessed from there. There's a series of projection screens of various shapes and sizes all around the room which continuously feature selections of rough artwork and drawings, as well as fully animated scenes, from many classic Disney animated features. There are padded benches available for those who just want to sit and enjoy the sights and sounds.

The Animation Academy is a 15-minute session with a Disney animator who teaches guests to draw a Disney character, such as Mickey Mouse or Pooh. Paper and pencils are provided, and guests may take their artwork home.

The Art of Animation Gallery is located at the exit of the Animation Academy (it is also accessible directly from the Courtyard Gallery). This walkthrough exhibit features original concept artwork such as drawings and maquettes for a variety of characters. Sometimes the original concept bears little resemblance to the finished product. In the "Character Close-up" section guests may meet and greet various Disney characters.

The Animation Screening Room currently features Turtle Talk with Crush. This interactive show opened in July 2005 with a computer-animated version of the surfin' turtle dude from the film "Finding Nemo." Crush is able to directly interact with the "human dudes" and answer their questions - and ask a few of his own.

In the Sorcerer's Workshop there are a number of interactive activities available. You can create your own animation, or in Ursula's Grotto you can add your voice to an animated scene. In the Beast's Library sit down with one of the enchanted books and Lumiere will ask you a series of questions and tell you what Disney character is most like you.

 

[AmandaSparks730]

INTRODUCTION


Disney Dance Crew is a short live musical dance show featuring two rival "dance crews" engaged in a "who has the best moves" competition until an ultra-cool Mickey Mouse finds a way to bring them all together. Edgy arrangements of some classic Disney tunes provide the music for these hip modern dancers.


ATTRACTION

Disney Dance Crew takes place on the stage of the Hollywood Backlot Theater. The seating area has about 8 rows of shaded benches. Guests can also stand at the back or along the sides for the show, which is about 15 minutes long.

Before the show starts a DJ comes out onto the catwalk above the stage and starts the music and works the audience - he also provides some introductions and commentary during the show.



One of the most notable features of the show is the Mickey Mouse character - this one has the high-tech animated head which can blink his eyes and move his mouth when he speaks. Though in his initial appearance he wears his traditional tux and bowtie, he quickly demonstrates that he's a thoroughly modern Mickey with contemporary attire and dance moves.

The dancers perform to familiar songs with unfamiliar arrangements, such as "I Just Can't Wait to Be King", "I'll Make a Man Out of You", "Zip-ah-dee-do-dah", and "Heigh-ho (It's Off To Work We Go)". In the final number dancers come into the audience and guests are invited to "get your hands up" and join the crew.

Mickey Mouse returns after the show for a meet-and-greet - he might even show off a few dance moves.

 

[AmandaSparks730]

INTRODUCTION


Located in the Condor Flats area of Disney's California Adventure, Soarin' Over California takes you on a simulated hang glider ride over some of California's most beautiful scenery. Set to a "Soarin'" soundtrack, the experience incorporates the sights, sounds, and even scents of magnificent areas like Monterey Bay, Napa Valley, Yosemite and Disneyland.

 

[AmandaSparks730]

ATTRACTION

Soarin' Over California is located in the Condor Flats area, which pays tribute to California's history in the aviation industry. The queue extends both outside and inside the building. Once inside the building there are pictures devoted to aviation history -- both the pilots and the aircraft. There are two theaters, and at the bottom of the ramp the queue splits and goes left or right, but both sides feature an identical experience.

At the loading area, Cast Members will direct you to one of three boarding area sections - inside the theater these correspond to the left, center, or right seating areas. In the boarding area there are three rows: two rows of ten and one row of nine, corresponding to the seating area inside the theater.

The Pre-Show features Patrick Warburton (Kronk in The Emperor's New Groove) as the flight attendant giving you the safety spiel. He manages to be serious but entertaining at the same time.

Once inside the theater, place all bags and loose articles in the mesh bag under your seat. If you're wearing flip flops or "slide"-type shoes, put them in the bag or just leave them on the floor under your seat - your legs will be dangling and they could easily come off during your flight.

 

[AmandaSparks730]

Each row of seats is sort of like a wide ski lift chair that seats 9 or 10. It's higher than a standard theater seat so shorter people may have to hop up a little bit to get seated. You'll be required to fasten your seat belt. For kids, there's an additional loop that the seat belt goes through for some extra security. There are handles on each side of the seat, but NO bar in front of you. The seat is tilted slightly back so it's very hard to fall forward.

The lights dim and suddenly you rise into the air (about 40' for those in the top row, about 10 feet for those on the bottom) and find yourself "flying" through clouds that have appeared on the huge IMAX screen in front of you. Feel the wind in your face as you break through the clouds and fly over the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, then practically dip your toes into Redwood Creek in northern California. Soaring with balloons over Napa Valley is followed by a look at the magnificent California coastline of Monterey Bay. A winter scene takes you flying over skiers at Lake Tahoe (watch for the skier who misses on the jump) and you can smell the fresh pine. Then suddenly it's spring as you glide towards Yosemite Falls, and turn toward Half Dome. Moving to the southern part of the state you'll see and smell some of California's orange groves before flying over one of Palm Springs' golf courses -- FORE! It's like a scene from High Chaparral as you fly over horsemen in the rocky Anza-Borrego desert -- until you hear the unmistakable roar of the Thunderbirds in a fly-by. Next, glide over an aircraft carrier while enjoying the San Diego city skyline. It's late afternoon when you watch the Malibu surfers before taking a fast flight over the crowded L.A. freeways on your way to... Disneyland! Your journey ends as you fly over the nighttime parade on Main Street just as the fireworks begin over Sleeping Beauty Castle, and gently descend back to the ground.

Visit our pages on the Walt Disney World version of Soarin' HERE!

 

[AmandaSparks730]

INTRODUCTION

This two-acre play area contains a variety of wilderness-themed adventure activities that both kids and adults will enjoy.


ATTRACTION

Redwood Creek Challenge Trail is located on the edge of Disney's California Adventure in the Grizzly Peak Recreation area. This is a large area that includes lookout towers, bridges, and other wilderness-themed. There are multiple levels to explore. Guests can participate in a number of obstacle course-type activities at locations along the series of trails, including rock-climbing, traversing rope bridges, and exploring caves. There are slides, tunnels and even a zip-line-like cable swing to play on. Along the trails there are some educational opportunities as well, such as learning to identify animal footprints.

 

[AmandaSparks730]

Activities include:

Big Sir - walk-through redwood tree
Millennium Tree - cross-section of a tree that fell in a storm in 1937. Some of the rings of the tree are marked with the dates of significant events in California history.
Redwood Creek - bridge crosses a creek and small waterfall
Wawona Walk - signs along the path identify the footprints of the animals whose footprints can be seen in the path.
Mt. Whitney Lookout - climb the steps to the top of the tower, which connects via a suspended rope bridge to the Mt. Shasta Lookout.
Cliff Hanger Traverse Rock Climb - hone your rock-climbing skills as you use the foot and toe holds to traverse the rock wall.
Rock Slide - two slides down through the rocks
Boulder Bears - rocks shaped like bears
Kenai's Spirit Cave - place your hand in the glowing paw print and discover your inner animal.
Eagle's Ascent - climb a series of rope bridges to the top of the ranger lookout. Squirrel Scramble - bounce across this swaying suspension bridge
Mt. Lassen Lookout (Ranger Headquarters) - check out the rangers' equipment, including firefighting gear, ropes, and snowshoes.
Sequoia Smoke Jumpers Training Tower - hang onto the rope as you sit and swing zip-line style down an overhead cable. (Must be at least 42" tall).
Hoot-n-Holler Logs - slide down through a tree log
Shake-a-Log - crawl through a swinging, bouncing log
Pine Peril Bridge - this narrow log bridge crosses a stream
Quail Trail - follow the tracks of California's state bird.
Ahwahnee Camp Circle - Site of The Magic of Brother Bear, a 15-minute live show featuring Koda and Kenai, a storytelling woodcarver, and talking totems of Rutt and Tuke.

 

[LondonUnderground]

so if George and Sara have gone and Meg is doing wikipedia I'm going,
NIGHTTTT!

 

[AmandaSparks730]

INTRODUCTION

Learn how San Francisco's famous Boudin sourdough bread is made in this narrated walk-through bakery tour.


ATTRACTION

Upon entering the building there's a pictorial display of Isidore Boudin and the original bakery. The tour's hosts, Rosie O'Donnell and Colin Mochrie, appear on a video screen to present a brief introduction before the doors open to a series of glass-walled rooms looking into the bakery itself. Rosie O'Donnell and Colin Mochrie continue to provide amusing commentary as the tour passes by the rooms where the dough is mixed, proofed, formed into loaves and eventually baked.

 

[AmandaSparks730]

INTRODUCTION


Experience the sights and smells of Heimlich the caterpillar's favorite snacks as you take a slow ride aboard this hungry caterpillar's train.

ATTRACTION


Heimlich's Chew Chew Train completes its route in 1 minute and 35 seconds. The track is smooth and flat and slowly winds through a watermelon, a box of animal crackers, and past other delicious treats. There are nine seating sections to Heimlich, each will accommodate up to two adults. Passengers must wear a seatbelt.

 

[AmandaSparks730]

INTRODUCTION


Underneath P.T. Flea's giant red and white circus tent you'll find this bumper car attraction, Tuck and Roll's Drive 'Em Buggies. The cars are modeled after these Hungarian pill bugs. Good luck trying to figure out what Tuck and Roll are saying as you drive, they don't speak English.

ATTRACTION


You'll drive around slowly, crashing into other bugs, for 1 minute and 30 seconds. There are usually 15 buggies running per ride cycle, with up to two riders per buggie. Riders are encouraged to move counter-clockwise. A thick padded lap bar keeps you in place. The steering wheel and gas pedal are on the right. There is no brake: slow down by taking pressure off the gas pedal.

 

[AmandaSparks730]

INTRODUCTION


Join Flik, Princess Atta, Hopper and all your insect friends in this land inspired by the movie "A Bug's Life". To give some perspective on how it feels to be a bug, many of the fun features of this area are larger-than-life. The bugs take center stage in the live "Ugly Bug Ball" and in the 3D adventure "It's Tough to Be a Bug".

California's huge agricultural industry is showcased in "Bountiful Farm", which includes educational exhibits and a water play area as well as a tractor and other farm equipment. A variety of sample crops grow in the farm areas.

Flik's Fun Fair is designed with younger guests in mind, and contains a variety of whimsical attractions that will entertain and delight - and older visitors should enjoy some of the Imagineers' creative touches.

ATTRACTIONS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Flik's Fun Fair - Attractions for kids based on characters from A Bug's Life: Heimlich's Chew Chew Train, Flik's Flyers, Francis' Ladybug Boogie, Tuck 'n' Roll's Drive 'em Buggies, and Princess Dot Puddle Park.

It's Tough to Be a Bug - 3D Movie featuring Flik and Hopper, and a few surprising special effects. Not recommended for guests with bug phobias.

The Ugly Bug Ball - Live stage show with Flik and Atta - learn the latest bug dances!

 

[AmandaSparks730]

INTRODUCTION


Climb inside your choice of empty boxes of cookies, raisins, apple sauce or carry-out Chinese food. The boxes soar into the sky with the aid of bug-constructed balloons made of twigs, sticks, flowers, and leaves. You'll twirl around a pie plate and a container of Whip-o-Whirl at a comfortable speed.

ATTRACTION


Flik's Flyers soar for 1 minute and 30 seconds. There are 8 vehicles in the attraction, each seating up to 4 adults. Seatbelts are required on bench seating.

 

[AmandaSparks730]

INTRODUCTION

Blast-off with a screech from the beach! Then twist, turn and loop upside down through Mickey Mouse's silhouette. By the time you arrive back at the pier, you will know why this is the adrenaline rush of the century!

ATTRACTION

California Screamin' is a state-of-the-art, steel roller coaster that evokes the great thrills of wooden coasters from days gone by. Catapult from 0 to 55 mph in less than five seconds. Over the course of more than one mile of track, you'll experience a giant loop and a 108-foot drop, all set to music played by a state of the art sound system.