The Unexpected Journey

[devores 382]

Another quick update before I head off to work.

 

We left off waiting on some friends.

 

Not just any friends.

 

They are mutual friends that we all have.

 

Its the Pixar Pals.

 

And they have a parade at CA too.

 

We lined up for the parade and heard the music start.

 

5, 4, 3, 2, fun......

 

Well pooh, its the same failed parade from HS.

 

We contemplated leaving before the parade reached us so we were not stuck in the crowd, but decided to stay.

 

And we are glad we did.

 

Though the music is the same, the parade was different.

 

 

FUEGO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One note. In the photo above, you see the rope stretched across the road. In between parade segments, they would let people cross the road. This is mainly due to the layout of the park and the parade route. There is no way to get from one side to the other unless you cut across the parade route. So they open the cross walk up while the parade is going on to let people cross.

 

 

 

The army men at HS are way better.

 

 

 

 

 

 

After the parade, we decide its time to change cloths. Remember I said it got cold at night? Well, it was starting to get chilly. and we had done pretty much everything for now, so we headed back to the resort to change into warmer cloths.

 

We had talked to a CM and heard that they do a special show at dusk on Rt 66 to light up the neon in Radiator Springs.

 

It sounded cool, so we headed over there.

 

 

It wasn't quite dusk yet, so we wandered around.

 

Like mentioned earlier, the cars in carsland drive around like they live there. It would be nothing to see lightning driving down the street.

 

Well, apparently, they have other cars too.

 

 

This was another dance party.

 

The DJ car played music and the women sang and danced to it. It was mostly 60s type music, and the kids had no idea what most of the songs were, but they still danced.  

 

 

After the party was over, the car drove off down the street.

 

 

One ride we did not ride was the Luigi Tire Spin, this thing

 

 

It was down most of the day and had a 50 min wait when it did work.

 

You sit in the tires and air blows up from the ground and the tires float on the air. You steer the tires by leaning in the direction you want it to go.

 

I guess the object is to ram the other tires.

 

Seems like allot of work.

 

 

And the neon is lit up

 

 

 

 

The wife is wearing her Glow with the Show ears.

 

They work with the world of color and fireworks shows and fantasmic.

 

But they also react to other areas.

 

Like by the cozy cone, they turn orange.

 

I think they should bring these to WDW and they are missing a huge market with these.

 

Illuminations, Fantasmic, Wishes, MSEP, you name it. The possibilities are endless.

 

To give you an idea of the "show", watch this

 

http://youtu.be/J1UqXI43zWs

 

 

It was time to head to cash in our World of Color FPs.

 

During the show, all of this area is shut down. Every ride and most shops.

 

 

This is so they do not diminish the show quality.

 

Now, remember we had FPs, for a show.

 

I was skeptical on how this would work at first.

 

I know they are testing the idea here at WDW for some things.

 

I am here to tell you, it worked pretty good.

 

We were assigned the blue section.

 

At the time on our FP, we arrived at the blue section entrance and was allowed access to the area. We then found our spot. We could claim any spot in the blue section.

 

The viewing area was standing only and tiered like a theater. So the section behind you is higher than the one you are in. Made for great viewing.

 

This was our view

 

 

We were right on the railing of the third tier back. We did not want to be too close as we wanted to see everything and the closer you are, the wetter you get.

 

Now, 10 mins prior to show time, they open up all sections for those without FPs. If youre lucky, you can still get a good spot. But for the most part, you will have people standing in front of you or be way in the back.

 

I can see this beneficial to Fantasmic or illuminations but would be a logistical nightmare with all the extra staff needed at EPCOT to man the different areas.

 

Coming up next, the World of Color.........

[AC in A2......Aaron 693]

The neon is cool.

The tire ride seems like a lame version of bumper cars.

We have never seen the pixar parade.

Maybe we'll have to do that.

That's cool how the cars drive around in Cars Land.

[Judy in Texas 150]

I watched Luigi's Tire Spin and it looked like LOTS of work that most couldn't figure out. Didn't look fun.

[DaveInTN 3,247]

The tire spin ride seems like a cool concept, in that it reminds me of an air hockey table.  But it doesn't sound like it's very good in reality. 

[Judy in Texas 150]

The tire spin ride seems like a cool concept, in that it reminds me of an air hockey table.  But it doesn't sound like it's very good in reality.

There were two teenage girls who had it figured out; but, most everyone else pretty much just sat there. I think teamwork and communication are important on that ride.

[Nicki aka Rebelstand 272]

Fists Up is the www call to ride Dave

this is what happens when you try to catch up and post quickly on a cell phone between all the activities during a visit with my sister

 

Punctuation is very important Nicki. I don't think Dave wants to be ridden every time someone's Fist goes up.

you know alot about dave's ride preferences?  do tell....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

again,  ?

 

 

Glad it wasn't just me that thought this TR just took a wrong turn.

 

 

i will apologize for my bad cell phone typing punctuation.  However wrong turns are the way most TRs go .... with or without my bad cell phone typing punctuation.

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

The pixar parade looks great.  Love the Nemo puppets and the tinker toys!

 

The wife is wearing her Glow with the Show ears.

 

They work with the world of color and fireworks shows and fantasmic.

 

But they also react to other areas.

 

Like by the cozy cone, they turn orange.

 

I think they should bring these to WDW and they are missing a huge market with these.

 

 

 

Yes please!  I promise to buy some if they do.  :)

[Beckers 1,136]

I'm glad your wife got the glow with the show ears. They look awesome. We were considering a trip to Disneyland and they were on my list o things we must get, even if they are like $25. But we decided to wait until Adam was taller since we think we will probably only make it out there once.

I know I should have asked this earlier, but which airport did you fly into? Did you rent a car? If not how did you get from the airport to the hotel?

[DaveInTN 3,247]

I know I should have asked this earlier, but which airport did you fly into? Did you rent a car? If not how did you get from the airport to the hotel?

 

Southwest flies into John Wayne Airport in Orange County.  Easy and convenient to DL without having to deal with LAX.  That's how I go if I have to go out there for work. 

[Beckers 1,136]

Southwest flies into John Wayne Airport in Orange County. Easy and convenient to DL without having to deal with LAX. That's how I go if I have to go out there for work.

Good to know. southwest is our chosen Airline. They have a good peanut policy.

[Big Kahuna aka John 71]

Dave,  Thanks for John Wayne Airport...   I'm working on a little family magic...  Hope it works out...

[Judy in Texas 150]

I used John Wayne Airport, also. There is a bus company with a dedicated space at the airport that will pick you up and drop you off at your Disney or Disney Neighborhood hotel. We stayed at the Hampton Inn which is about 100 yards from Space Mountain as the crow flies. It is about a 10 minute walk to the hub area with Disneyland, California Adventure and Downtown Disney. It has a McDonald's in the parking lot which is good for breakfast. Lots of hotel options on that street.

PS: unlike WDW, there is no Disney Magic Express. All options from the airport are at your expense.

There are several excursion companies that offer day trips. We took a day trip to The San Diego Zoo. They picked us up and dropped is off at the hotel.

[devores 382]

The neon is cool.

The tire ride seems like a lame version of bumper cars.

We have never seen the pixar parade.

Maybe we'll have to do that.

That's cool how the cars drive around in Cars Land.

I loved Carsland. It is where we spent most of our time at CA. Im not sure why, maybe because it was new, but it was very well done.

 

The parade was a pleasant surprise. We weren't going to watch, but had the time so decided to.

 

I watched Luigi's Tire Spin and it looked like LOTS of work that most couldn't figure out. Didn't look fun.

Too much work to be fun. We passed.

 

 

The tire spin ride seems like a cool concept, in that it reminds me of an air hockey table.  But it doesn't sound like it's very good in reality. 

That's what I thought when I first saw it. Air Hockey. Now if they made the ride like that. Two teams and two goals. Knock the opposing team into your goal. That may be fun. But just floating around on a lame tire, not so much.

 

 

There were two teenage girls who had it figured out; but, most everyone else pretty much just sat there. I think teamwork and communication are important on that ride.

Teamwork is a must. If you ride alone you don't have a chance.

 

 

this is what happens when you try to catch up and post quickly on a cell phone between all the activities during a visit with my sister

 

you know alot about dave's ride preferences?  do tell....

 

 

 

 

 

i will apologize for my bad cell phone typing punctuation.  However wrong turns are the way most TRs go .... with or without my bad cell phone typing punctuation.

 

No apologies needed.

 

 

The pixar parade looks great.  Love the Nemo puppets and the tinker toys!

 

 

Yes please!  I promise to buy some if they do.  :)

The parade turned out to be good. And the ears would be a great addition to WDW.

 

 

 

I'm glad your wife got the glow with the show ears. They look awesome. We were considering a trip to Disneyland and they were on my list o things we must get, even if they are like $25. But we decided to wait until Adam was taller since we think we will probably only make it out there once.

I know I should have asked this earlier, but which airport did you fly into? Did you rent a car? If not how did you get from the airport to the hotel?

 

 

Southwest flies into John Wayne Airport in Orange County.  Easy and convenient to DL without having to deal with LAX.  That's how I go if I have to go out there for work. 

 

 

Good to know. southwest is our chosen Airline. They have a good peanut policy.

 

 

Dave,  Thanks for John Wayne Airport...   I'm working on a little family magic...  Hope it works out...

 

Yes, we flew into John Wayne, Orange County. We took Super Shuttle from the airport to the resort. Took about 15 mins to get there.

 

There are allot of shuttles that run from Orange County airport. We chose Suppershuttle because of price and convenience. The busses run on a schedule and if you miss one, must wait for another to come then wait for its departure time.  

 

They have cabs, but the price for them were a bit high.

 

The shuttle we took you could make a reservation for both arrival and departure so when you get to the shuttle, you are on your way. No waiting. The price was $18 a person for a round trip paid in advance so no worry about payment after a long flight.

 

The day of departure, meet the shuttle in front of the resort and you are on your way.

[devores 382]

I used John Wayne Airport, also. There is a bus company with a dedicated space at the airport that will pick you up and drop you off at your Disney or Disney Neighborhood hotel. We stayed at the Hampton Inn which is about 100 yards from Space Mountain as the crow flies. It is about a 10 minute walk to the hub area with Disneyland, California Adventure and Downtown Disney. It has a McDonald's in the parking lot which is good for breakfast. Lots of hotel options on that street.

PS: unlike WDW, there is no Disney Magic Express. All options from the airport are at your expense.

There are several excursion companies that offer day trips. We took a day trip to The San Diego Zoo. They picked us up and dropped is off at the hotel.

John Wayne is the closest airport, but is not the cheapest. You can find cheaper tickets to other airports but must weigh all your options and choose whats best for you. We felt the shorter drive when we got there and the cheaper shuttle services outweighed the cheaper ticket to LAX.

 

John Wayne is a smaller airport and easier to navigate then the larger LAX as well.

 

There are hotels all around DL property, but you don't get the benefits of the extra hour if staying at one of those.

[devores 382]

World of Color was an awesome show.

 

As with any Disney show though, pictures just do not do them justice.

 

I will post some I took of the show, but you really must see this in person to fully appreciate the show.

 

It has a Fantasmic/Illuminations feel to it and images are projected onto the water curtains to tell a story.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They use the circle in the California Scremin ride as part of the show too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

FUEGO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you want, here is a video of the entire show

 

http://youtu.be/Yf9f-ODOxqY

 

In some of the scenes you see a gazebo type structure to the left of the screen. We were just to the left of that structure.

 

Im pretty sure Im close to the pic limit, so I will continue in another post.........

[devores 382]

Ok, we are going to wrap up day 3 now.

 

After the world of color, we headed back to Carsland.

 

I wanted some pictures of the neon when it was dark and the wife wanted to pick some things she had saw earlier.

 

On our way, we saw the line for the second showing of World of Color.

 

Or what should have been a line.

 

The first show was at 9pm. It lasted about 30 mins.

 

The second show was at 10pm.

 

And they had ropes set up to direct the crowds of the second show. But there were maybe 100 people in line.

 

Not sure if it got more crowded later, but note that the second show maybe the way to go.

 

Now carsland

 

 

 

 

 

While taking the above pictures, lightning McQueen photobombed me.....

 

 

 

 

 

After this, we headed back to the resort. We were cold and tired and we still had one more day......

[GaDawgFan.....Kelly 799]

I want some of those glow ears!!!! Why doesn't WDW have them. It's rare for them to miss a money making opportunity!

[devores 382]

I want some of those glow ears!!!! Why doesn't WDW have them. It's rare for them to miss a money making opportunity!

 

We were told that though they wont be synced up to the show, just simply having them around music will cause them to flash to the beat. We still have to try it. The wife also wants to take them to MK for wishes one night just to see what they do.

[Beckers 1,136]

I want some of those glow ears!!!! Why doesn't WDW have them. It's rare for them to miss a money making opportunity!

I don't get it. They could sell a crap ton of them.

[alexwyattmommy 181]

I love that Lightening McQueen photo bombed you. LOL

The show looks great.

[devores 382]

I don't get it. They could sell a crap ton of them.

It is more than simply having ears that light up. They are synced up to different triggers. There is a signal broadcast that triggers the ears to do what they want them to. So, they would have to design the show sequence and install the infrastructure then sell the ears at WDW. This would have to be done across all areas/shows they want the ears to react to. So it really is a huge undertaking. DL is a much smaller park so the undertaking isn't that bad. But at a place like MK, you could run into signals bleeding into areas they are not wanted (i.e. if they are synced to MSEP, there may be signal contamination from another area along MS that triggers the ears.)

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

While photos may not do World of Color justice, those were some great photos.

 

And the neon of Carsland was very cool too.

 

As for the glow ears...I am optimistic that, since there really is a crap ton of money to be made on them, WDW will find a way. 

[CCIntrigue...aka Gwen 547]

World of Color looks amazing!

 

Your nighttime shots are awesome!  What camera/lens did you shoot them with?  Did you use a tripod?

[devores 382]

While photos may not do World of Color justice, those were some great photos.

 

And the neon of Carsland was very cool too.

 

As for the glow ears...I am optimistic that, since there really is a crap ton of money to be made on them, WDW will find a way. 

Thanks. And I feel WDW will eventually have the glow ears, but Im afraid they may fade out before that happens. Kinda like Avatar land being made after the hype is over.

 

 

World of Color looks amazing!

 

Your nighttime shots are awesome!  What camera/lens did you shoot them with?  Did you use a tripod?

Thanks,

 

I have a Sony a580 with a Tamron 28-80 lens. I did not take my tripod this trip so all of the photos were shot free hand.

[CCIntrigue...aka Gwen 547]

Thanks for the info.  I'm looking into possibly upgrading my Nikon P7000 and getting back into the DSLR world.  While my P7000 has all the functionality of a DSLR, it doesn't allow interchangeable lenses. I currently have a Nikkor low-light lens (A 1.4 - ?), a macro lens, and a long zoom that I'd love to be able to use again.  I'm not into auto focus ... would rather have creativity than simplicity ... so many choices!