Disneyland Resort During Halloween: Trip Report

By Beemerboyz803

Recently, we went to Disneyland for the Halloween event they were hosting. It was fun. Everything was decked out in orange and black, and there was a big, fat pumpkin in the center of Main Street. We watched the Disneyland Band, which, along like Disneyland, changed its uniform colors, and performed a special service honoring the Navy, which was celebrating over 200 years of service that day.
 

Next, we got on Space Mountain: Ghost Galaxy. The line had to be at least 80 minutes long (Fastpass, anyone?). We got on the ride, and there was the usual stuff, but it was different music, and it was VERY SPOOKY AND VERY LOUD. Then, when we got into the main area of the ride, there was the usual track layout, but there were holographic projections that displayed spooky figures' faces. At the end of the ride, in the picture tunnel, this gigantic face of a spooky goblin that appeared on the ride's logo flashed on the tunnel's side wall next to us.

 

Next, we went over to Splash Mountain. Even though we were about 10 minutes away, it took us an extra half hour to get out of the way of the people boarding Haunted Mansion, oddly enough, pre-decorated for Christmas (???). 

Nothing about Big Thunder, still undergoing refurbishment, changed, except for the fact that trains have begun testing, and the original reopening date has been delayed from October 30 (this Wednesday) to February 14, 2014.
 

 

Lastly, the Halloween party was amazing. Even though I didn't go to the Halloween event, my sisters told me they had fun trick-or-treating at the different booths dotted around the park. 

The Disneyland transformation into Mickey's Halloween Party goes on until this Thursday (Halloween). As a result of the park's Halloween transformation, Space Mountain will be closed November 4 to remove its Halloween overlay. King Arthur's Carrousel will be reopening from its refurbishment also on November 4, and the holiday version of It's a Small World is scheduled to open three days later, on November 7. During that four-day period (November 4-7), California Adventure's newest attraction, Radiator Springs Racers, will also be undergoing minor modifications to enhance the ride.

Disney Magic: New Thrills and Excitments Waiting on Board

By D.Z. "Theme Park Specialist"

After months of being in dry dock, the Disney Magic Cruise Ship has finally set sail with its new additions:
 

1. AquaDunk: Located three stories above the main deck is the AquaDunk. This new "high-thriller" sends guests down 20 feet over the ships side.

 

2. Aqua Lab: For kids age 3 and up, you can splash around at the Aqua Lab. This interactive playground includes geysers and bubblers all throughout this 1,800 square-foot space.

 

3. Marvel's Avengers Academy: At the all new Avengers Academy, kids are able to express their love for superhero's by being trained on how to be like one.

 

This is just some of the many new additions to the Disney Magic Cruise Ship! Currently, the ship is on its first voyage. Stay tuned for more information as the days go by.

 

Photos by Disney



Sea World San Diego Responds to "Blackfish" Documentary

By D.Z. "Theme Park Specialist"

Yesterday evening, a documentary "Blackfish" premiered on CNN. Sea World San Diego responded about the film:

 

"Shortly after 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 24, 2010, a SeaWorld Orlando trainer lost her life in a tragic accident involving one of the park’s killer whales. The death of Dawn Brancheau was an occasion of almost unbearable sadness for those closest to Dawn — her family, friends and colleagues at SeaWorld. I was honored to know Dawn and count myself among those SeaWorld team members deeply affected by her loss.

Dawn’s death has been the subject of thousands of articles, broadcast news stories, blogs, books, and now a feature film called Blackfish. Many of these accounts trade in the details of Dawn’s death in graphic detail. They do so not to inform but, rather, regrettably, because of the desire to sensationalize. The three years since Dawn’s death have seen the emergence of individuals who have chosen not to honor her memory, but rather to use the events of Feb. 24, 2010 to advance their own interests. Some seek commercial gain. Others seek to forward a political or philosophical agenda. Still others appear to be engaged in self-promotion.

But anyone approaching this subject in good faith must recognize a simple fact: Our staff has interacted with killer whales — for veterinary care, training, shows, educational presentations, husbandry, exercise, play and enrichment — hundreds of times a day for nearly 50 years. The tragedy of Dawn’s death cannot and has not been ignored, but neither should the literally millions of safe interactions we have had with killer whales over that span of time. Blackfish focuses on a handful of incidents over our long history at the exclusion of everything else. Not a single interview with a guest who was inspired and enriched by their experience with killer whales at SeaWorld. Not one visitor who left SeaWorld more aware of the need to preserve the world around them. Not one word about the thousands of ill, orphaned and injured animals rescued by SeaWorld or the millions of dollars we dedicate to supporting conservation and research. There is no acknowledgment anywhere in the film of the great things SeaWorld does every day or the simple fact that our animals are healthy and passionately cared for.

I started at Sea World in 1975 and have witnessed the growth and changes that come with a company that is dedicated to understanding these magnificent animals. We have collected invaluable information about these animals that could not be obtained from observation in the wild. In the three years since Dawn’s death, we have again made significant changes at SeaWorld. We have altered how we care for, display and train these extraordinary animals. We have changed the facilities, equipment and procedures at our killer whale habitats. The care and educational presentation of these animals at SeaWorld has been made safer than ever before. Does Blackfish inform its viewers of that fact? No, it does not. And by that omission the film reveals itself not as a work of objective documentary filmmaking, but rather as something closer to propaganda. As we have said many times, there is simply no higher priority for us than the safety of our guests and staff and the welfare of our animals.
We understand that there will always be individuals and groups opposed to the care of animals in zoos and aquariums. We recognize that we must defend what we do and the manner in which we do it. Blackfish, like other works driven by the same agenda, ignores the extraordinary benefits to conservation, scientific research and education of America’s zoo and aquariums. But through it all SeaWorld remains the world’s most respected marine zoological institution. Our parks are staffed with skilled and caring zoological professionals, all of whom deserve to have their work celebrated, not dishonore d by things like Blackfish.

Despite what the makers of this film may suggest, SeaWorld is the kind of organization that draws dedicated and passionate people like Dawn Brancheau. These are the men and women who have built SeaWorld into an extraordinary place, one that provides inspiring, enriching and educational experiences to more than 11 million people each year. That, not the inaccurate and shamefully misleading account in Blackfish, is what SeaWorld really is."- SeaWorld San Diego's Vice President of Zoological Operations

Criss Angel BeLIEve TV Show: REVIEW

By D.Z. "Theme Park Specialist"

A few days ago, "Criss Angel BeLIEve" premiered on Spike TV. The show is about magician Criss Angel preparing for another one of his death-defying tricks. As Criss and his crew prepare for the trick, we get to see the process of what happens behind the scenes! Throughout the show, Criss also introduces other tricks and sometimes even tells how they can be done! BeLIEve is truly my favorite show! I am so excited to see what Criss has planned in future episodes!  

TV Show Rate: 10/10

2nd Annual "A Halloween Podcast"

On Friday, October 25, we will be hosting our second annual "A Halloween Podcast." We will be talking all about Halloween related topics. Here is what possibly could be in the podcast.

 

Reviews on Halloween movies,

Halloween Horror Nights

Howl O Scream

Scream Zone

Adventure Landing Haunt Nights

Mickey's Halloween Party

LEGOLAND Brick or Treat

& more

 

The show will be record at 6:00PM on our Ustream channel. Email us at infogeekcentral@gmail.com and tell us what you did this Halloween and we will feature you in the show!

Toy Story of Terror REVIEW

By D.Z.

I just got done watching Toy Story of Terror, a short film that premiered on ABC this evening at 8/7c. This 30 minute short is about the beloved characters of Toy Story getting trapped in a motel. The characters go through a terrifying experience including some of their worst fears. The gang almost gets split apart. I was actually a little disappointed in the short. I think it could of involved more action and more conflict. Because the characters were mainly toys, there wasn't many scary creatures featured in the film. The short also ended very abruptly. I was really surprised how it ended and how fast it did. Overall I would rate the short a 7/10. I recommend it for a younger age group, but not the parents.

"In Service to The Mouse" Book Review

By D.Z. "Theme Park Specialist"

A few weeks ago, I was able to read "In Service to The Mouse" by Jack Lindquist with Melinda Coombs. The book is about Jack's journey working for Disney, leading up to becoming Disneyland's first president. This is one of my favorite books of all time. Jack tells his story with humor, also containing very well descripted information. He makes you feel like you were there. The book mainly talks about Disneyland Park, but also talks about about Epcot and Walt Disney World! This is a must read for all Disney fans! You will learn so much about the company and why the Disney Parks are still in operation as of today!

Book Rate: 10/10

Avatar Renderings for Animal Kingdom Revealed

By D.Z. "Theme Park Specialist"

It has been two whole years since the announcement of Avatar Land at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The only time we have heard about the land was during the 2013 D23 Expo:
 

 

 

Just minutes ago, Tom Staggs posted on the Disney Parks Blog with some of the concept art for Avatar Land. It was first revealed during the D23 Expo Japan, currently going on now!

 

 

Pictured here is some of the concept art. Guests will be able to visit the world of Pandora.

 

 

Coming soon to Animal Kingdom, there will be a lot of nighttime activities including a water spectacular with water screens and projections. When I learned about this, I thought of World of Color!



You will also be able to visit the jungles of Pandora!

 

Avatar Land will debut at Disney's Animal Kingdom in 2017!

 

Artist Renderings: Disney

D23 Expo Japan LIVE Chat

During Japan's D23 Expo, we will be chatting all about what's going on in Tokyo. We can answer all your pressing questions about the expo.

The chat will go from 5:00-6:00pm Pacific on Saturday, October 12th.  

We will also be LIVE video streaming at the same time! (See below)

 

Catching Fire Filming Locations Found

By Beemerboyz803

          Hi Hunger Games fans out there! I have some good news! I found several filming locations of Catching Fire on Google Maps that gives us a hint on what life must be like living in Panem. 

As many of you know, Catching Fire targets Peeta and Katniss after they win the 74th Annual Hunger Games, after threatening to commit suicide in the arena after the rules have been changed. Since there were two winners, President Snow wants to take her out as a force, but as Plutarch Heavensbee says, "in the right way". Since it is the Quarter Quell, Snow decides to reap winners back into the arena. Now, Katniss is the only female winner, and there is only one winner. With Peeta on her side and a rebellion sparking, she's made herself a target and put her loved ones at risk as well.

Now anyways, back on topic. The most famous set I found was the Cornucopia and the beach clock at Clayton County International Park. Coincidentally, the park was used in the Atlanta Olympic Games for the volleyball matches. Oddly enough, the next location is Atlanta Motor Speedway,and on Google Maps it shows a picture of The Tribute Parade as a part of the Capitol in the corner of the parking lot. 

Now onto my favorite location, District 12 and the Reaping area. It is the Goat Farm Arts Center. Believe it or not, it's still in Georgia. Another location is The Georgia World Congress Center and Amicacola Falls. Amicacola Falls is predicted to be the woods Katniss hunts in for her family's benefit. I think the Congress Center is President Snow's Mansion. They are also filming the big Capitol Party at the Swan House. If you want to see more pictures, you can look up and personal on Google Maps. Happy hunting until November!

Resources:

Clevver TV

Google Maps

My Hunger Games.com

Google Images

YouTube

Legoland California: 2013 Trip Report

By D.Z. "Theme Park Specialist"
Monday, September 30th, 2013

Earlier this week, I was able to visit LEGOLAND California. I went to check out the Halloween decorations and enjoy some fun rides. I was at the park for 4 hours and had a great time:

 

I arrived at the park right when it opened, so it was not crowded at all.

 

 

Recently, Sea Life Aquarium added a large new model of King Neptune in front of the entrance. The model is about 10 feet high, all made of LEGOS.

 

 

While visiting, I was able to do a lot of spectating, creating one awesome video!



 

One of my first stops was the Adventurers' Club! This walkthrough experience takes guests on a quest to find 3 keys through the South Pole, a temple and even the jungle.

 

 

A full video walkthrough of the whole thing.
 

I then headed over to Pirate Shores. Recently, the park took out a few LEGO models by "Captain Cranky's Challenge" attraction and replaced them with plants.
 

The park also took out three LEGO Pirate musicians, but will return very soon. While they are being reconstructed, four mice provide the music.

 



I once again, took the plunge on Pirate Reef.

 

One of the newest attractions at LEGOLAND is Pirate Reef! On this ride, guests take a 25 foot plunge into the water.

 

I was able to capture a lot of Pirate Reef through video!
 

Pirate Reef was great for a hot day!

  

After Pirate Reef, I visited Star Wars Miniland!
 

Full video tour of Star Wars Miniland.
 

A little bit later, I was able to check out "Land of Adventure" and go on Lost Kingdom Adventure!
 

 

I then was able to take a nice boat ride on "Coast Cruise".

 

FULL POV of "Coast Cruise".

 

Until December, the park will be hosting the Star Wars X-wing Model Display! We were able to check it out and see it for ourselves.
 

 

Because of the season, the park was decorated for Halloween:

 

 

 

 

To end the trip, I was able to catch one of the showings of THE BIG TEST!

 

The show is about a wacky group of firefighters who train for disasters!

 

The show includes a lot of laughs, stunts and special effects!
 

 

 

 

 

Throughout the whole day, I was live streaming on Ustream. I was on air 30 minutes at LEGOLAND! Check out the replay video:

 

 

As you can see, I had an amazing time visiting LEGOLAND California. I hope all of you get out to the park. There is so much to do and so much to see!

Legoland Florida Announces DUPLO® Valley Toddler Area



By Zach 

Announced today, LEGOLAND Florida will be adding a few new attractions by redeveloping the  toddler section of the park.  DUPLO® Valley will include a water play area, and a mini tractor ride. The main attraction of it all is the DUPLO Train. This train ride will pass through a number of scenes including farms and campgrounds. Another "toddler favorite" will be the DUPLO Barn. Inside, parents will be able to relax and enjoy while their toddler is having the time of their lives, building with DUPLO bricks.   

DUPLO® Valley will officially reopen in Spring, 2014.

Photo by LEGOLAND Florida.