Prior to this, the highest level annual pass available included unlimited admission to all the theme parks at a particular resort; this is the first ticket offering valid at both American resorts. The current pricing for these resort-specific annual passes are $439 for The Disneyland Resort and $619 for Walt Disney World Resort; existing annual passport holders may upgrade by visiting the annual passport processing center at any of the six Disney parks. Passes may be purchased at any park ticket booth.

-Story by William J. Nash-McAdam

From Universal Studios Hollywood Press:

In the new attraction guests will don special glasses as they enter a darkened soundstage aboard the Studio Tour trams and will be transported — via the magic of Surround Digital 3D projection — deep into the dark heart of the world of Skull Island. They’ll survive a close encounter with a swarm of monstrous bats, only to be confronted by the terrifying presence of Kong himself. Suddenly, an enormous, ravenous 35′ tall dinosaur will challenge Kong, and guests will feel their trams jolt, roll, and shudder as they find themselves caught in the middle of a ferocious showdown between the great ape and the giant lizard. The action will immerse guests in the battle between the two colossal predators!

Universal is making a big push towards the Kong ride-through; a rarity since a Studio Tram Tour experience hasn’t been the focus of major promotions since the 1988 opening of the Earthquake ride-through experience. In 2006, the Studio Tram Tour received small upgrades, including the conversion of the former Volcano experience into The Curse of the Mummy’s Tomb and a car demonstration based on “The Fast and The Furious”. After the June 2008 fire, which caused the loss of Kong along with most of the iconic New York Backlot, Universal added various mini-stunt shows to the remaining sets, including an encounter with Norman Bates outside of the Bates Motel and original “Psycho” house. Two former tram experiences were also returned to flush out the visitor experience: the Collapsing Bridge and the conversion of the Red Sea into King Kong Sea. It is expected that these last two experiences will be re-retired upon the completion of Kong and the new New York sets. The highly-anticipated Transformers: The Ride, which was originally slated to open in 2010, will open Summer 2011. The newest major attraction in the park is The Simpsons Ride, opened in 2008.

-Report by William J. Nash-McAdam

Header image and video are Copyright 2010 The Walt Disney Company.

Disneyland Guide Spotlight: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Attraction Type: Mining car-themed steel roller coaster.

Location: Can’t miss this attraction – the queue begins on the northern side of the Frontierland Plaza.

General Description: Hop aboard Big Thunder Mountain Railroad for an exciting ride on a runaway mine train through and around Big Thunder Mountain.

Will’s Review: A western mine-train ride has been a part of Disneyland since 1956. Originally developed as the Rainbow Caverns Mine Train, the slow-moving scenic mine train attraction rolled through the Living Desert, a large plot of land bordering the Rivers of America and the western side of Fantasyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. The Living Desert was also home to the Rainbow Mountain Stagecoach (1955-1960), Conestoga Wagons (1955-1960) and the Rainbow Ridge Pack Mules (1955-1973). A large feature of the Rainbow Caverns Mine Train was a ride through Rainbow Caverns – a colorful, stalagmite-filled cavern.

In 1960, additions were made to the Living Desert to transform a large section of it into a lush, lake-filled forest, and the whole area was renamed Nature’s Wonderland. Two major additions were Cascade Peak (a towering waterfall-inducing mountain that remained until 1998 along the Rivers of America) and Rainbow Ridge Mining Town, where the trains loaded at. The year of 1979 witnessed a major change to Frontierland, however, and Nature’s Wonderland was to be no more. A large new pathway was cut through the heart of the area, providing a direct link between the Frontierland and Fantasyland Plazas. The area just north of this walkway was converted to Big Thunder Ranch (the Window Rock replica featured since 1956 can still be seen at the Ranch), while the area to the west of the walkway was largely untouched, leaving various thematic elements in place along the river banks. This included Cascade Peak, a pond, and an abandoned mining tunnel which can easily be seen from the walkway even today. In addition, guests aboard any of the Rivers of America attractions can easily spot an old abandoned mine train that was “wrecked” sitting alongside some torn-up tracks; these tracks and train vehicle are left over from the old attraction. The centerpiece of this new development, however, were the towering peaks of Big Thunder Mountain. Designed after Utah’s Monument Valley, the brown rock towers immediately evoke the American Southwest.

A train pulling into Rainbow Ridge

The new theme departed from the Living Desert/Nature’s Wonderland theme, and the official back story of the attraction is one of those storylines that doesn’t translate too well to the average guest experiencing the attraction with no knowledge of its history. According to Disney legend, the old mining town of Rainbow Ridge was founded at the base of the ore-rich Big Thunder Mountain. The volume of valuable ore inside was so much that a special mining train was set up to easily haul the gold from deep inside the mountain. Unknown to the miners, however, Big Thunder was a sacred Native American site; the continual mining angered the Native American spirits to the point that they caused a large earthquake to strike the mining camp of Rainbow Ridge. Initially, the miners fled in terror. When they returned to gather their belongings they discovered that the spirits had possessed the trains and were running them wildly at high paces throughout the mountain. In an entrepreneurial effort to do something at Big Thunder under the mine, they decided to invite tourists (you) to ride on the runaway mining cars.

Guests board one of four runaway mine trains, and then make their way past the old mining town of Rainbow Ridge (the same mining buildings from the previous attraction) and then into a breezy bat cave that leads to an indoor cavern full of colorful boiling pools of water (the old Devil’s Pots from the previous attraction). Up past the main lift and under a waterfall, the adventure begins as the mine trains wildly race through, in, and around Big Thunder Mountain. Three different lift hills power this attraction; the last one features an earthquake effect as boulders begin to tumble down and the walls shake. Just as one of the main boulders give way, the train drops through a break in the mountain and then around the final pond and through a partially-exposed excavation site before pulling back in to Rainbow Ridge.

As a point of trivia, the Big Thunder Mountain runaway mine train concept was originally developed by famed Imagineer Marc Davis as one part of a massive multi-attraction complex intended for Walt Disney World’s Frontierland. For a complete description of this story, including the involvement of then-up-and-coming Imagineer Tony Baxter, read the Splash Mountain review in the Critter Country section of this guide (the connection between this attraction and Splash Mountain is examined in full there).

Touring Tips: This is one of the park’s most popular attractions, and while long lines can easily build, they move fairly quickly thanks to large capacity trains and relatively rapid arrivals at the station. Try to visit before 10am or later in the evening.

Warning: Guests with heart, back, or neck problems are urged not to ride; as are expectant mothers and other guests with conditions which could be aggravated by this adventure.

Family Info: Guests of all ages love this fun-filled attraction, although small children may be frightened. By theme park standards, it is a relatively mild coaster, but like Space Mountain it incorporates several thematic elements which make it seem much more intense than it actually is. Guests must be at least 40” tall in order to ride.

Variations: With minor thematic variances, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad can be found at every Disneyland-style park except Hong Kong Disneyland.

Explore Our Disneyland Guide!

Visit other exciting Frontierland attractions, or visit these other popular Disneyland mountains: Splash Mountain, Matterhorn Bobsleds, and Space Mountain.

HT: Crave

Headliner image Copyright 2010 Universal Studios.

The exhibit, as a collective whole, presents a level of suburban conformity at first glance, but with a spirit that breaks away from the O.C.’s conservative, wealthy, reality-tv-hyped image and digs into the roots of immigration, drugs, punk rock, and personal idealism far too oft drowned out in well-crafted isolationism that have made life in Orange County develop the true soul that constantly fights with the dichotomy of its television-ready, white-washed face.

Perhaps, after this exhibit, you’ll be more apt to recognize the O.C. while driving along PCH blasting Social Distortion and Suicidal Tendencies, or sitting alone in your Fullerton apartment watching “A Scanner Darkly”, then when you tune in to the self-imposed drama of the “Real Housewives” or eavesdrop on the well-written witty banter of Ryan and Seth on a moon-lit wooden pier off Balboa.

Regardless of your take on the county that has, until the last decade, lived in the shadow of Disneyland and Los Angeles, you’re sure to walk away with an awakened perspective on the people who make the O.C. breathe, even if they’re a world away. OsCene2010: Contemporary Art and Culture in OC, runs through May 21st. Visit lagunaartmuseum.org for more details.

-Review by William J. Nash-McAdam

This is the first permanent location to open up outside of Hollywood; a second, at LAX, will open later this year. The eatery is also expanding with temporary set-ups at county fairs this year in Los Angeles, Ventura and Orange, along with adding the signature hot dogs to the menus at Planet Hollywood locations across the Southland. The Buena Park location may be in a prime position to target out-of-state visitors, but the biggest market will be North County locals who are familiar with the brand. The original Pink’s opened in 1939; pop-culture aficionados will no doubt recognize the brand from television shows such as Joey, Nip/Tuck, Jackass and Entourage. Pink’s joins other eating establishments in Knott’s Marketplace, including T.G.I. Fridays, Berry Farm Bakery, and the landmark Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant.

-Story by William J. Nash-McAdam

2/25/2010 – After the tragic events at a live Shamu performance at Sea World Orlando, which claimed the life of a trainer, Sea World has announced the indefinite suspension of all shows and experiences involving the Killer Whales. This includes daily performances of the park’s signature show, “Believe … with Shamu!” and Dine with Shamu. Refunds for previously-purchased Dine with Shamu packages may be processed at Sea World’s Guests Relations Department. No announcement has been made when the show will return or in what form. This is the first whale-related death at any Sea World Park, but not the first time a trainer was in danger from an aggressive whale. The most recent incident, with minor injuries, occurred at Sea World San Diego in 2006. In addition, Sea World has announced the indefinite hiatus of its @Shamu Twitter account; for further updates, follow @CaliforniaGuide and @SeaWorld_Parks.

For a limited run, Captain E.O. is now back in Tomorrowland at Disneyland.

Read our full review of Captain E.O. Tribute on our Disneyland Guide.

]]> http://www.californiaguidebook.com/welcome-aboard-captain-e-o/feed/ 0 http://www.californiaguidebook.com/disneyland-in-the-rain/ http://www.californiaguidebook.com/disneyland-in-the-rain/#comments Fri, 19 Feb 2010 20:19:23 +0000 Will http://www.californiaguidebook.com/?p=5992 The weather in Southern California is going to be a bit gloomy and wet for the next few days, but don’t let this stop you for enjoying a visit to The Disneyland Resort. Every rainy day bears witness to hordes of tourists staying away from the parks, not wanting to have their special day compromised by inclement weather; locals with annual passes (whom make up the bulk of daily park visitors) are also less inclined to visit. What do I think? I actually plan my visit to Disneyland on rainy days! In my view, they are some of the most magical and enjoyable days at the parks.

While naturally drawn to rain and cloudy days as a personal preference, the weather, clouds and occasional rainbow offer unparalleled views and backdrops, perfect for memories or that truly unique vacation picture (ever see Sleeping Beauty Castle with a slate gray sky and rainbow, or the Tower of Terror against a lightning-filled night sky? Truly magnificent). The lack of crowds make almost any ride an immediate walk-on, especially with water rides like Splash Mountain and Grizzly River Run (hey, you’re already wet from the rain, what harm can there be?). One rainy afternoon about a year ago I walked through Frontierland and counted no more than twelve people in my sight, not including Cast Members; the feeling of having the Happiest Place on Earth all to yourself is unlike any other Disney experience.

Of course, a rainy day in the parks isn’t for everyone.  Those traveling with young children or senior citizens may want to take special considerations. Otherwise, there are a few tips to help you make the most out of your rainy day visit, and a few words on what to expect with attractions in the rain:

• At the first sign of rain, nearly every shop and vendor will suddenly pop out with piles of ponchos for sale, all sporting the “Disney Parks Worldwide logo”. One convenience is the ponchos are see-through, helping to keep parties together. If you become separated from your child, you can still identify them, as they won’t be lost in a sea of yellow ponchos. However, we recommend an alternative dressing style rather than buying the ponchos. The rain usually isn’t very heavy for long, and the ponchos seal in your body heat, creating a very humid, very uncomfortable greenhouse environment that will leave you feeling drained. Try this next idea instead:
• As an alternative to the ponchos, dress in layers. A thermal shirt, regular t-shirt and a hooded sweatshirt usually work best for me, followed by jeans and a good pair of shoes. Make sure the shoes are thick enough so water won’t bleed through easily, and also make sure to bring an extra pair or two of socks. Warm, dry socks can make your whole body feel instantly re-energized.
• Due partially to the exposed weather and partially to guest demand, not all dining locations will be open all day, or some (such as churro carts or New Orleans vendors) will close early. You’ll still be able to find food in the park, but you may be filtered into one of the park’s enclosed dining facilities, which is usually a bit pricier than just buying a hot dog and soda. Most gift shops will remain open all day.
• Some attractions will cease operation in the rain. This isn’t due to guest demand, but rather due to safety or mechanical issues that affect the operation. This will be in addition to attractions that are currently down for regular maintenance (call 714-781-4565 for a list of these attractions). The attractions to be closed during rain include: all Main Street Vehicles, Mad Tea Party, Alice in Wonderland, Storybook Land Canal Boats and Astro-Orbiter in Disneyland Park, and Maliboomer, Mulholland Madness, and Flik’s Fun Fair in Disney’s California Adventure.
• Some outdoor shows and performances, including parades and fireworks, may be cancelled.

This week’s header image is Copyright 2010 Disney-Pixar.