Walt Disney World and Disneyland(s) Discussion

[Centurion]

One other thing for anyone planning a trip... it's worth watching the World of Color at California Adventure at least once. It's a nighttime lights and pyrotechnics show using water as a background/backdrop. I've seen it only once myself. The Paint the Night Parade with the fireworks show immediately after is what I enjoy watching at night. I couldn't even tell you how many times I've seen it. I've memorized the entire routine. I know... Sad.

 

[Coheteboy]

There is merit to watching from the castle too! But there are pros and cons to all locations.

Here's some Roger Rabbit Car Toon Spin. Unique to only Japan and California.

Hyperspace Mountain

Main Street, USA

Tower of Terror

Radiator Springs Racers

 

[Coheteboy]

Every afternoon, the Disneyland Security remove the flag from Town Square in a Flag Retreat Ceremony that honors veterans past and present. The disneyland band plays marches and patriotic tunes. It's a really cool thing if you've got time to spare.

Sailing Ship Columbia is docked while Frontierland makes way for Star Wars Land.

Star Tours detail

Disneyland Forever fireworks is great from several locations. If you're in Frontierland, they projected images on a mist screen (now closed though). From it's a small world, projections go on the face of Small World while the fireworks are the closest view from any where in the park. From Main Street, the projections surround you. But in front of the castle... you have the magic of specific imagery that you don't get else where, as well as a better view of Tinkerbell and Nemo. Here's just a handful of images from the castle.

 

[Coheteboy]

Last bit of pics from January...

Spider-Man Caramel Apples

Musicians and Singing at Club 33's Le Salon Nouveau lounge.

Mark Twain is docked for awhile, which makes for nice peaceful pics.

I can't help but see the broken lightbulbs. The Disneyland of our youth no longer exists, where lightbulbs are replaced when they reach 80% of their life span.

 

[MegaPrime33]

I'm glad I was able to take and save this picture. Sad that it's going the way of Frozen.

 

[Coheteboy]

Sad indeed.

In other news, Universal Hollywood "soft opened" Wizarding World of Harry Potter this past Friday and I was able to walk through and get on the ride without a wait. Very cool and they did a remarkable job, even though it's virtually the same as Orlando and Japan. The ride IS improved by having a 3D projection so it's more immersive and it seems to be better sync'd up to the ride (i thought anyway).

Missing is the dragon challenge roller coasters, but they have the flight of the hippogriff.

Biggest complaint would possibly be some site lines... you can see some Universal operations buildings at the back of the land near the castle. Grand opening is still April 7th

 

[Coheteboy]

Thought I'd change it up and share some pics from Universal Studios Hollywood. I don't go full days but just an hour here or an hour there.

First up, they most recently had some Lunar New Year Directions in the main Plaza. This is the area where the Grinch decorations get set up during the holidays.

Pics of the Special Effects Show, where all aspects of practical effects are explained and demonstrated.

 

[Coheteboy]

More from Universal.... Water World show.... still kicking after over 20 years. More people have seen this show than the movie!! This was actually my first time seeing the show and consider me impressed. I thought it was fun and the audience really got a kick out of it too.

 

[Henry]

More from Universal.... Water World show.... still kicking after over 20 years. More people have seen this show than the movie!! This was actually my first time seeing the show and consider me impressed. I thought it was fun and the audience really got a kick out of it too.

Thanks for posting the pictures! The Waterworld show looks pretty cool. I visited the Universal park in Orlando Florida back in 1998 when I was a kid, and I remember we went to a wild west stunt show which was really fun. The Waterworld show at Universal Hollywood looks like it might give it a run for its money though.

 

[Coheteboy]

Thanks for posting the pictures! The Waterworld show looks pretty cool. I visited the Universal park in Orlando Florida back in 1998 when I was a kid, and I remember we went to a wild west stunt show which was really fun. The Waterworld show at Universal Hollywood looks like it might give it a run for its money though.

No problem! Glad you like them.

And now.. Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hollywood. I have a ton of pics from my cellphone first, as the first time they soft opened, I just rushed there and didn't have any gear with me. These are going to be random as I just... walking around and really enjoying how empty it was.

By the Hogwarts Express, there's a photo opportunity to sit in the car and get your picture taken. It's like $30 though so I dunno how many people are going to bite.

here's where the sight lines are a little more hideous.

 

[Ondi]

Great pics as usual Coheteboy, thanks mate

 

[FriendlySamurai]

I'm glad I was able to take and save this picture. Sad that it's going the way of Frozen.

View attachment 246583

wow such a great memory, miss it already. Upon thee sir, I bestow yon honorable Malmsteen award

 

[Coheteboy]

More from Hollywood's Hogsmeade. In case I forgot to say, there's no Dragon Challenge and Hogwarts Express ride. Just Forbidden Journey and Hippogriff.

 

[Centurion]

The Waterworld stunt show at Universal Hollywood is definitely better than the movie. LOL! The pre-show antics alone are a lot of fun.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter looks pretty cool. I've experienced it at Orlando and it was fun to get immersed into the activities at Diagon Alley. I'm not a big fan of the franchise, but I'll definitely stop into Universal Hollywood for some butter beer!

 

[Rambler]

Great pics! Thanks for sharing

 

[Coheteboy]

More pics...

New Starbucks opening up

 

[Coheteboy]

Few more Universal pics.... or should I get back to Disneyland already? I have pics of the new ride in Cars Land.

Sunday Roast at three broomsticks

This is what they call a "TRIPLE". It's HOg's Head Brew, Guiness, and Strongbow Cider. It creates the three color effect.

Brand new Starbucks opened

Details on the outside honor past Universal folks

Not sure who this guy is though...

The studio store at the entrance added a new wing for Harry Potter. Pretty cool effort on the details.

Lower lot had a GREAT archives and props exhibit next to Transformers. Sad that it is now going to be yet another eatery.

Blaze was added on Citywalk. My favorite build-your-own pizza place.

And wizarding world on cloudy days.

 

[jra81984]

Amazing pics!!!

 

[Coheteboy]

Thanks!

here's pics of the latest attraction in Cars Land, replacing the Flying Tires.

Back to Radiator Springs Racers

Star Wars

And back to Luigi's Rollickin' Roadsters

Problem with the new ride... it don't work in the rain.

 

[Centurion]

Luigi's Rollickin Roadsters was not what I was expecting it to be. It's like a mild version of Tow Mater's Junkyard Jamboree. Rollickin Roadsters ride seems to target the younger fans (2+ year old) as it has a much lower height requirement compared to Junkyard Jamboree.