Tower of Terror Comparison

Because I was not a fan of drop rides, I avoided the Tower of Terror attraction like the plague. The first time I saw it was in 2002 when I was “backstage” at Walt Disney World in Orlando; it had opened July 22, 1994.



When three-year-old Disney California Adventure in Anaheim was struggling, the Tower of Terror attraction was viewed as the Park’s savior when it opened May 5, 2004. It was truly the first “wow” ride that Anaheim’s second gate could boast about. Still, it lacked the attention to detail and lavish opulence of its east coast counterpart. The exterior bore little resemblance to the Southern California landmarks that Orlandp’s version was based on (The Los Angeles Biltmore, The Chateau Marmont, and The Mission Inn). Compare the center balcony detail from Orlando:



…inspired by the Chateau Marmont in Hollywood:



Not so distinctive was Anaheim; just plain with purple paint representing the lightning damage:



According to Wikipedia, Anaheim’s architectural style was “Pueblo Deco,” but that was truly stretching it. The windows looked too modern and the odd large box-like shape on top seemed like a poorly planned addition. This place would look more at home in Vegas. Orlando definitely was superior at evoking an old Hollywood hotel. Orlando also had a more extensive outdoor queue, with a winding path and overgrown gardens that give guests time to build anticipation and suspense before entering the lobby area.







In Anaheim, you had a short queue area to the right:



…and to the left. And that was it.



What about the interior? Orlando:





…which was inspired by the Los Angeles Biltmore:



The Anaheim version:





At first glance, both seem ornate, but the Orlando version looks more authentic and less like a movie set. It has been years since I’ve been on either attraction (Anaheim’s closed for retheming in January 2017), but I do recall that the Orlando version’s “elevator” went  horizontal (taking you through the hotel) before it rose to the top for the big drop. That was a nice touch. I guess if the U.S. had to sacrifice one of these, it’s a good thing it was the Anaheim version. Here are the ghosts from Orlando beckoning me to return. It’s only been… thirteen years!



See more WDW Tower of Terror photos at my main website.

Watts Towers

Another bucket list item was crossed off when I finally made it to The Watts Towers in Los Angeles. Designed and built by Italian immigrant construction worker and tile mason Sabato Rodia, over a period of 33 years, from 1921-1954, this wacky collection of towers made of steel, concrete, porcelain, tile, and just about everything besides the kitchen sink has always fascinated me…from photos. I was excited to experience them in person.



In 1955, Rodia 'quit claimed' his property to a neighbor and left, frustrated from battling the city for permits. He moved to Martinez, California and never returned, passing away ten years later.



I have to admit I was slightly disappointed when I saw them. For some reason, I expected there to be more land around them, but they are smack dab in the middle of a residential neighborhood. I also didn't expect them to be fenced in, especially by a fence that is very closely constructed to the towers themselves. Still, I do understand the need for the fence, as otherwise this amazing piece of architecture would probably not survive the threat of vandalism.



When Rodia's bungalow inside the towers was burned down, the City of Los Angeles condemned the structure and ordered it to be destroyed. Actor Nicholas King and film editor William Cartwright purchased the property in 1959 for $2,000 in order to preserve it. King, Cartwright, architects, artists, enthusiasts, academics, and other community activists formed the 'Committee for Simon Rodia's Towers in Watts,' negotiating with the city to allow for an engineering test to establish the safety of the structures and avoid their demolition.



On October 10, 1959, steel cable was attached to each Tower and a crane was used to exert lateral force all connected to a 'load-force' meter. Unable to topple or even shift the Towers with the forces applied, the test was concluded when the crane experienced mechanical failure. As a result, the Towers have served as an influence for stability and endurance in architecture. Not bad for an unsafe condemned structure!



The Committee preserved the Towers independently until 1975 when they partnered with the City of Los Angeles, who then partnered with the State of California in 1978. They are now operated by the City of Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department and curated by the Watts Towers Arts Center/Charles Mingus Youth Arts Center.



I didn't have time to take the tour, so that still remains on my bucket list.

As a follow-up to yesterday's post, here are photos of Walt Disney World's homage to the Cross Roads of the World in Hollywood:







See more Daveland Watts Towers photos at my main website.

Trains, Monsters, and Pasta

Welcome to the Hollywood Studios at Disney California Adventure! On display at the gate to this part of the park was a train from "The Lone Ranger." I assumed it was part of the movie premiere that occurred on June 22.



I'm not sure what will happen to it once the photo opportunities are over, but I kept thinking that it sure would be cool if DCA had its own train...or if the Disneyland route was able to be expanded to encompass both parks.



Walt's original statement about Disneyland when he was concepting it was that he wanted a train to go around it...that was probably one of the most specific statements that he made in the early discussion stages.



Something about the movement of the train at Disneyland seems to bring it all together, as it circles around each themed area. That kind of movement is still missing from DCA. Sure, it is much improved since Buena Vista and Cars Land were added over a year ago, but having a transportation source that touches each area would bring both unification and a sense of movement. Just a thought...albeit a very expensive one.

I am sure I don't need to point out the not-so-hidden Mickey here.



Venturing through the gate, I came across the empty Mad T Party set, which appeared to be waiting for nightfall.



Just in time for a little movie promoting, Sully was making the rounds outside of the Monsters, Inc. attraction.



A few shots of the exterior of the attraction:





And then it's time to board our vehicle to take a spin through the attraction.





Going through the dark corridor where the news bulletin alerts us that there's a problem in Monstropolis.



A romantic date is about to go awry.



What Gladys Kravitz would look like if she lived in Monstropolis.



I wonder if Harvey "I'm A Lawyer" Levin was on the scene?



The entrance to Harryhausen's Restaurant.



In the early days, I seem to remember the aroma of food being pumped into this scene. Am I off my rocker?



I'd hate to see this restaurant's reviews on Yelp.





Kitty!!



The CDA is now on the scene, attempting to do damage control.





Had to zoom in to get a closer look at the "Wanted!" cards in his hand.



Another day at the factory...punch in...punch out.



Mike Wazowski, who is worried about the box office returns of "Monsters University;" he really shouldn't be.



I believe this stall is taken.





The Teamsters should be happy about this one.



Don't flip that switch!



My favorite scene of this attraction, and about the only one that really has a sense of excitement.





The doors weren't appearing at a very fast clip.



To give this attraction a little more life, there should be more doors opening and closing with the comedy-bit videos to bump up the energy level.



The Monsters Inc. version of "Make it pink...make it blue!"





Mike rejoices..."Monsters University" has earned a return on its investment!



Kitty says goodbye.



And so does Roz, who loved having her photo taken.



Lunch was at the Paradise Pier Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta.



The carbs really hit the spot after all the walking done that day.





Overall, it was a really fun time. In early, out early...a perfect summer visit. By the time I left, the temps were up and so were the crowds. A little shopping at World of Disney on the way out:





As the tram rounded the corner, I knew it was definitely time to head home.



Until next time!

See more Monsters Inc., Mike & Sully To The Rescue attraction photos on my Monsters, Inc. web page.