Part 1 of the story left our trio off at Main Street U.S.A. on the way to Disney California Adventure. Jules had a checklist of things to see and do, and Soarin’ Over California was right near the top; fortunately the line wasn’t too long. I’ve been on it a ton-o-times and it still manages to exhilarate me each time. The sense of flying over each area of The Golden State and the smells that accompany some of the scenes...what an amazing attraction!
Next up: HOLLYWOOD! We were greeted by the banners, signage, and kiosks for GLOWFEST. Apparently, this little street fair with food and entertainment has been a surprise runaway hit for California Adventure; we passed by it quickly on the way to Tower of Terror. I’m happy that DCA is turning the corner and starting to show more appeal to guests, but I do feel that when it comes to theming, this overlay is a dud. Walking down a street that is supposed to evoke 1930’s Hollywood, I was wondering how these neon-colored banners and mod-graphics were supposed to fit in.
When they say ignorance is bliss, this could definitely be applied to Jules and The Tower of Terror. Knowing that she wouldn’t ride it if she was aware of what happened once she boarded the elevator, I decided instead to entice her with a description of the detailed theming and attention to detail that Imagineers lavished on this recreation of an old Hollywood Hotel.
Jules' eyes-bulged as we walked towards the attraction, not knowing about the 13-story drop that she was about to experience.
By the time we got to the boiler room, she began to realize that there was more to this attraction than just a tour of some dusty old hotel.
Is this sign new or had I just missed it before?
I sure hope there weren’t any children nearby that could hear the f-bombs she was gushing out as each unexpected lift and drop scared the bejesus out of her.
After the elevator returned us back to safety and she regained her exposure, she admitted it was a ton-o-fun. She sure is a good sport!
Seeing this makes me excited for the future of California Adventure! I had to move a stroller to get this shot.
It was time to make our way back to Disneyland for our Club 33 dinner. First, I stopped off at the Disney Gallery to see some of the new way-cool merchandise that Kevin Kidney & Jody Daily have created for the 55th Anniversary of Disneyland. As usual, they have outdone themselves.
This piece is a faithful reproduction of the sign that used to hang over at the Golden Horseshoe:
There are plenty of other little tributes around Main Street for Disneyland’s past and a few nods to the 55th Anniversary.
We also stopped at the Penny Arcade so that Jules could experience the wonders of the occult with Esmeralda. Love the recent tie to Madame Leota here!
Naturally, we also had to take a look at what was being made inside the Candy Palace; couldn’t stay too long as we didn’t want to spoil our dinner and the temptation was huge!
The Matterhorn sure looked good enhanced by the golden glow of sunset:
We had just enough time to enjoy the beauty of the Court of Angels:
And then we headed to Club 33 just in time for our reservation; more to come! View more Disneyland photos at my main website.
7 comments:
Hah, there's an equivalent sign in the Tower of Terror in Orlando, which I found fascinating as well: See here
I'm so enjoying reading and viewing pics of your most recent Disneyland and California Adventure trip shared with your dear friends. Can't wait to see and hear about Club 33!
Hey, I have that Haunted mansion card deck! Cool!
Dave what a great story, especially the part when Jules begins to realize the "tower" will actually involve a bit of "terror".
ToT scared the bageebies out of me on my first trip. It's great reliving it through someone else's inaugural fall. :)
Love it!!
Nice report.
Sure, Caramel Apples are easy to find everywhere these days, but what has happened to the good old fashioned red 'Candy Apple'? They're harder to come by!
Feel like I'm there with you guys. Can't wait for the Club 33 part!
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