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07/03/12 - My thoughts and observations from Tuesday at the Disneyland Resort.
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Welcome to the disneygeek.com Geek Speaks section. In this section I will post my comments on trips to the parks or other Disney related events.

07/03/12 - My thoughts and observations from Tuesday at the Disneyland Resort.

Hello all,

To kick off the fourth of July holiday I headed to the Disneyland Resort to see what was going on. The crowds around both parks were healthy but wait times were average for summer. Even Cars Land is slowly creeping down to a more sustainable/normal level.

Jason

Trip logs and mileage reports are in the Park Miles section.

Thoughts and Observations:

  • First stop of the day was California Adventure because I wanted to pick up a World of Color Fastpass. This sounded good and looked great as I approached there was no line at all. 10 minutes later I was still standing there next in line!! They only had three machines going for WoC and one broke down as I walked up. The second machine the person had three envelops filled with tickets, appeared they had bus loads of people and each envelop was a full bus. Then the third machine the cast member appeared confused or something and not quite sure what was going on there. In the end ended up with Blue for the 10:15pm showing.. not the best option but it works. Still curious if they offered people the choice of time if any of those early ticket folks would go for the later show.. I am betting yes.

  • Next up headed for Cars Land since I was on a question to purchase the CD titled The Music of Cars Land. First stop was the curios store since I was directed there by someone. They were out and said to try Ramones. Walked across the street and they said they were out and to try the curios. I explained I just came from there and the cast member asked if I would mind waiting and they would make a few calls to see if there were any around. I said no problem. Within a few minutes she located one in Elias & Company for me. So I headed off to pick it up. I also asked a Disney spokesperson and at this time there are no immediate plans to release the CD online, it is a park exclusive as is much of the Cars Land merchandise.

  • On the way home I popped the disc into the CD player in the car and listened to it all the way through (guess one advantage to living a good drive from the parks!). My first reaction was mixed at best. I really enjoyed the clean audio of the Racers ride through as well as from Maters Junkyard Jamboree. I would have liked to have heard the background music that is actually played during the Flying Tires, actually a full version that included the safety spiel would have been great.

  • If you read the park miles section you noticed I spent a lot of time hopping back and fourth on Tuesday since it seems the time schedules did not line up in a way to keep me in one park for an extended period of time. Speaking of the schedules I really like the expanded offerings, but would like to be able to pick up the other park without having to walk over to it. I thought it was create how they both had a celebrating Independence Day section, Disneyland had a full range of offerings, DCA only the World of Color add on.

  • Speaking of picking up there is a new edition of the Buena Vista Bugle out. Guess it is a monthly newspaper? This edition features the glow with the show ears. Great to see, hope this lasts and keeps getting updated. If you wanted a date stamp on your paper you can take it to the Chamber of Commerce (guest relations) and they will stamp it, it is a regular date stamp, no Disney additions...

  • Stopped by the Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree and it still appears to be suffering from low attendance. The Billies had a small gathering but the characters were once again roaming. It is great for those who find this hidden gem but seems to me this will not last if more guests do not find it and spend time there. If you are looking for a spot to take some character pictures, listen to some entertainment, or relax a bit stop by. There has been plenty of shade on each of my visits and mild crowds. They are currently advertising the pin related games/trading/etc.. in the park time guide so maybe that will help.

  • Discovered the All American College Band plays a set over at DCA in the afternoon. At 3:25pm they perform on the Backlot Stage in Hollywood Land. This is to replace their traditional Plaza Gardens set since it is not available this summer. I did not see the set listed anywhere, not even at the stage. I had to ask one of the techs setting up the show time.
    Here is a video clip from their show:


  • Back to Disneyland to catch the Voices of Liberty. They were one member short this time. My understanding is they only have one large group of singers so there are no alternates as of now. So if one is out they perform down a member, which is what happened Tuesday. This time around the show featured a different selection of music. Including a great Armed Forces Medley and the conclusion was the Star Spangled Banner. This time I sat near the back and had a great view. The audio was good, not nearly as good as the front row I experienced last time around. After the Voices of Liberty finished I ended up leaving the theater before Lincoln started because I had a choice of dinner or Mr. Lincoln and dinner won out.. on the way out the Voices of Liberty were in the exit area and had a minute to chat with them. I asked if there was any talk of them doing the Flag Retreat (the medley followed by the National Anthem sort of sparked that idea in my head) and they said no one has brought it up. Also learned one member had a USC connection FIGHT ON! One other group ended up leaving right after the performance too. I am curious if this number will grow for those that want to see several sets of the Voices seems they will not sit through Great Moments that many times.
    Here is a video clip of their performance, the Armed Forces Medley:


  • Has anyone been in DCA when they take down the flags at night? Do they do a retreat ceremony?

  • I headed out to Downtown Disney to check out their activities surrounding the celebration of California Avocado Week. Several of the restaurants and Sephora are participating with special offerings. Nightly there are events on the main stage near ESPN/Rain Forest featuring a demonstration, contest, DJ, and more. The demo I saw was brief and kept moving. All those who had a seat were able to get a sample. Seating was not a problem Tuesday and anyone who wanted to could pull up a chair for the demo or contest that followed. It was great to see many of the Downtown Disney chefs and management were out for the event.

  • I spent a good chunk of time photographing the new Disney Gallery Exhibit. I thought the artwork was great as usual. The model of the Disneyland Paris castle was an interesting center piece. I really enjoyed seeing the concept art for the international parks. Some of the concepts for Shanghai were there as well as early drafts for Hong Kong.

  • The rest of my evening was a ping pong between the parks to see the 4th of July offerings. Both seemed to be the same as last year with no noticeable changes jumping out at me. The versions I saw run the 1,2 and 3rd of July and my understanding is slightly longer shows run on the 4th. Here is a video clip featuring the fireworks before World of Color from Tuesday:


Interesting Web Finds/Notes:
Below are some interesting links, notes, and rumors I found/stumble across/or have been informed of since the last Geekspeaks column.

Be sure to check out the picture update that goes with this Geekspeak column, it can be found in our Disneyland Resort Pictorial Update section

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