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Thread: miscellanous food and experiences

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    miscellanous food and experiences

    We rode Soarin' Over California today, and we were all thrilled to be able to ride the original again. I realized a week or two ago that one of the things I don't like about Soarin' around the world are the transitions, which are abrupt and try to jolt you. Once or twice is fine, but every single time is just tedious. I also noticed today that the original version has many more smells than the newer version. Also, I know one of the complaints about the Eiffel Tower section in the newer version is that unless you're sitting in the middle section, it curves way too much and looks weird. I did notice that the closer tower of the Golden Gate Bridge bends a little but otherwise, the vistas aren't tall things that could bend because of the technology. There was quite a bit of applause at the end of the ride. Many of us are hoping that they go back to the original version, or, if possible, have each film run in a dedicated theatre.

    We also had a chance to do the walkthrough of Sleeping Beauty Castle. Some of the enhancements are quite nice, though there's one I'm not fond of. It was pretty crowded when we went through, so that was nice to have so many people interested.

    I noticed there are new banners in the esplanade. I was happy that the Mickey's birthday ones are gone. I wasn't fond of those. But I love the new banners with the Disneyland attractions! I don't think the DCA ones are quite as iconic, but it's still cool that they have the banners placed so they advertise things in the park that you're heading towards.

    I also got to try the Sweetarts ice pop, available from most ice cream carts at DCA. I really enjoyed the tanginess of the popsicle, and it was a nice mix with the not-very-sweet parts.

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    I knocked on the door in the walkthrough and then ended up startling myself when it quickly jerked back faster and with more force than I was expecting

    The distortion was always in Soarin Over California, it's just that it doesn't matter as much with the mostly natural scenes. It also happens with some of the hot air balloons, but there isn't a single one that's the focus, so you're not drawn to it. It's when you have really recognizable structures like the Eiffel Tower or Taj Mahal that it becomes so distracting. I don't know why they chose some of the locations they did anyway. I wish they'd stuck with more natural things because the world is so eco-diverse. I like Iguazu Falls, Greenland and the Matterhorn (even with the distortion) for that reason. I'd rather see Uluru than Sydney Harbor as an example of Australia. In addition to the transitions being jarring, I find the CGI animals kind of a misstep. At least if they did natural landscapes, some of the transitions could seem more natural like they are in the original.


  4. #3

    To me Soarin' Over The World looks 50% CG and not even real footage unlike the original which is great.

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  5. #4

    I rode Soarin' Over California. The screen was still lit when we went up and back. I remember it being dark in the room, especially on the way down. Maybe the new screen can't go completely black like before. I also through the scents were different, like they were in a different carrier, or something. They also seemed to dissipate quicker. Not necessarily bad, just not what I was expecting.

    I also saw Philharmagic, which wasn't at Disney World the one time I was there many years ago. That's 12 minutes of my life I'm not getting back. I'm sure it was cool when it first opened, but...

    I guess the fact that there were only about 25 people in the theater says it all.


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    Quote Originally Posted by AnotherJenny View Post
    I also saw Philharmagic, which wasn't at Disney World the one time I was there many years ago. That's 12 minutes of my life I'm not getting back. I'm sure it was cool when it first opened, but...

    I guess the fact that there were only about 25 people in the theater says it all.
    I liked the Muppet show that was there originally. From what I've read about it, Philharmagic is nowhere near as good. How much $$$$$ did they spend redoing the theatre for the new show?

  7. #6
    Quote Originally Posted by SoCalDisneyLover View Post
    I liked the Muppet show that was there originally. From what I've read about it, Philharmagic is nowhere near as good. How much $$$$$ did they spend redoing the theatre for the new show?
    Likely nothing. It's just some speakers and curtains in a couple of places that used to have Muppets. Neither Muppets or Philharmagic are new shows for DCA, both came from Florida. It's Tough to be a Bug and that movie that was replaced by Turtle Talk with Crush were from Florida too. Maybe by the time it gets to 20 years old DCA can get something original instead of a hand me down.

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    Saw the new Tale of the Lion King at DCA and absolutely loved it. Loved the performers and the costuming and the choreography and the re-workings of the songs. The only problem I see is the blazing sun. That's gonna be not fun for both performers and audience.

    Here are some pictures, and here's a video near the end and here's a video of the finale.

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    Quote Originally Posted by AnotherJenny View Post
    Likely nothing. It's just some speakers and curtains in a couple of places that used to have Muppets. Neither Muppets or Philharmagic are new shows for DCA, both came from Florida. It's Tough to be a Bug and that movie that was replaced by Turtle Talk with Crush were from Florida too. Maybe by the time it gets to 20 years old DCA can get something original instead of a hand me down.
    Did they skip the ending with the animatronic of Donald's butt and feet hanging out of the back wall when they imported this to DCA?

    Be careful what you wish for. Superstar Limo was an original, was it not?
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    Quote Originally Posted by Dave1313 View Post
    Did they skip the ending with the animatronic of Donald's butt and feet hanging out of the back wall when they imported this to DCA?
    They have his feet and butt though it's not on for very long, and his butt doesn't stick out too far from the wall. There's also a puff of smoke from him hitting the wall. The last time I saw it, it seemed like there was less smoke so you could see him better. He's not out for very long, though. They close the curtain even though the entire audio continues to run through to when he presumably falls through the other side as he's trying to unwedge himself.
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    I have always liked the California one better.

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    I went to Jolly Holiday Saturday night looking for the lemon blueberry bundt cake that Disneyland tweeted about a week or so ago, only to find out they had nothing and didn't even know anything about it. I was pretty disappointed. But, I had a smores brownie instead. That was pretty good.

    On Saturday, we went back for classic afternoon tea at the Disneyland Hotel, which for the rest of the summer is themed to Alice in Wonderland. We had a good time as usual. The sandwiches were a bit smaller than usual, skewing the tea even more to the sweets over savory side, but we still enjoyed it.

    Please don't ask me how I feel, I feel fine.
    Oh I cry a bit, I don't sleep too good, but I'm fine


    Pancake, pancake, pancake, pancake, pancake, pancake, pancake, pancake, pancake...

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    Glad to hear the original Soarin is back. That was one of our favorites. I really didn't enjoy the CGI fest that was the newer film. Here's hoping they listen to the public and it stays the original version.

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    Disney just announced that Soarin' over California has been extended through August 31.

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    Quote Originally Posted by cstephens View Post
    Disney just announced that Soarin' over California has been extended through August 31.
    NICE! The two times I have tried so far has either broken down or the fastpass return line was out past Smokejumpers
    "[Disneyland] has that thing - the imagination, and the feeling of happy excitement - I knew when I was a kid." - Walt Disney

  16. #15
    Quote Originally Posted by cstephens View Post
    Disney just announced that Soarin' over California has been extended through August 31.
    August 31st 2049 I hope.
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  17. #16
    Quote Originally Posted by cstephens View Post
    Disney just announced that Soarin' over California has been extended through August 31.
    Need... this... in WDW... too...!!!

    (I know, it makes more sense in DCA, but it was in FL for so long before the new version, and it's not like people didn't go on it just because it was a CA theme)


    I'm off topic since this is the DL section/thread, I know.... Sorry! But I couldn't resist. The 3 theaters down there would seem to make it easier to try out before knowing just how popular it may be.
    -Dave

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    Disney posted on the blog

    Bonus: Annual Passholders can enjoy an extra hour at Soarin’ Over California after park closing every Thursday night, beginning June 27 through the end of July. Blockout dates apply.
    A crowded day at Disneyland beats a busy day of housework!!

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    miscellanous food and experiences

    Excellent news on the extension. We are about 6 weeks out from our visit.

    -- Cindy

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    Had lunch yesterday at French Market. It's been quite a while since I was last there. The cajun chicken caesar salad was good - it reminded me a bit of the one they used to have at Cafe Orleans many years ago before it became a table service restaurant. It was one of my favorite things to eat. I also had the mini dessert trio - oh my goodness, that key lime pudding was soooo good.

    Later in the day, we also went to Pacific Wharf Cafe to try the current seasonal bread pudding - cherry cheesecake. That was good too.


    We saw both of the Soundsational parades to say goodbye to a parade we love. Because it was Disneyland's 64th birthday yesterday, they also had a birthday cavalcade before both parades. I was wondering if this is what the cavalcade would be like the next two weeks, minus the part where they sing happy birthday. The cavalcade yesterday was actually a bit more than I expected once I heard they were having them. Pictures of the cavalcade here, and video here.

    Please don't ask me how I feel, I feel fine.
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    Quote Originally Posted by cstephens View Post
    Had lunch yesterday at French Market. It's been quite a while since I was last there. The cajun chicken caesar salad was good - it reminded me a bit of the one they used to have at Cafe Orleans many years ago before it became a table service restaurant. It was one of my favorite things to eat. I also had the mini dessert trio - oh my goodness, that key lime pudding was soooo good.

    Later in the day, we also went to Pacific Wharf Cafe to try the current seasonal bread pudding - cherry cheesecake. That was good too.


    We saw both of the Soundsational parades to say goodbye to a parade we love. Because it was Disneyland's 64th birthday yesterday, they also had a birthday cavalcade before both parades. I was wondering if this is what the cavalcade would be like the next two weeks, minus the part where they sing happy birthday. The cavalcade yesterday was actually a bit more than I expected once I heard they were having them. Pictures of the cavalcade here, and video here.
    Ive tried the Cherry Cheesecake bread pudding and enjoyed it too (though more cherry sauce/cherries would be great). Im sad I missed the blueberry lemon. calling something a seasonal item and only available for a couple of weeks. Oh well. I'll have to try the dessert trio.

    Seeing Soundsational one last time late yesterday was great. I read from previous designers that the float units will be repurposed for a new parade so we wont see Soundsational again a la MSEP. Unfortunate - as I think the designs, energy, music, and easy transitions between units was some of the best in a Disney parade in a while.

    I dont know if the Cavalcade over the next two weeks will be like the one we saw yesterday. There were some characters there (like Merlin, Clopin, Esmerelda, Flora, Fauna, etc.) that may not be thought of for regular parade work - but maybe we will be surprised. Yesterdays also included "cast members" but seeing many of them dance in a choreographed manner made me think it was entertainment with CM costumes.
    "[Disneyland] has that thing - the imagination, and the feeling of happy excitement - I knew when I was a kid." - Walt Disney

  22. #21
    Quote Originally Posted by olegc View Post
    ... Seeing Soundsational one last time late yesterday was great. I read from previous designers that the float units will be repurposed for a new parade so we wont see Soundsational again a la MSEP. Unfortunate - as I think the designs, energy, music, and easy transitions between units was some of the best in a Disney parade in a while...
    I'll miss Soundsational, too -- one of my favorite DL parades -- this one holds a special place in my heart. Really hope the floats come back, especially the calliope. And I hope Disney finds a way to keep the drummers around -- so fun -- and I loved the way their diversity evolved throughout the life of the parade.

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    Quote Originally Posted by olegc View Post
    Im sad I missed the blueberry lemon. calling something a seasonal item and only available for a couple of weeks.
    More than a couple of weeks - the blueberry lemon bread pudding debuted about 2 months ago. And when I bought the cherry cheesecake one, I think my receipt referred to it as the "rotational bread pudding".


    Quote Originally Posted by olegc View Post
    I dont know if the Cavalcade over the next two weeks will be like the one we saw yesterday. There were some characters there (like Merlin, Clopin, Esmerelda, Flora, Fauna, etc.) that may not be thought of for regular parade work - but maybe we will be surprised. Yesterdays also included "cast members" but seeing many of them dance in a choreographed manner made me think it was entertainment with CM costumes.
    Yes, they were entertainment folks in CM costumes. Ops CMs wouldn't be able to be in the parade. I did love seeing all the different costumes. And, we noticed that there weren't any Pixar characters in the cavalcade. Maybe because it was DL's birthday?


    They posted a short video clip of the current cavalcade, and no, it's not like the birthday cavalcade. I actually liked the birthday cavalcade better. This one, the costumes for the Fab Five are ... weird.
    Please don't ask me how I feel, I feel fine.
    Oh I cry a bit, I don't sleep too good, but I'm fine


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    Quote Originally Posted by cstephens View Post

    They posted a short video clip of the current cavalcade, and no, it's not like the birthday cavalcade. I actually liked the birthday cavalcade better. This one, the costumes for the Fab Five are ... weird.
    I think those are the Mickey Birthday outfits.

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    Quote Originally Posted by olegc View Post
    I think those are the Mickey Birthday outfits.
    Yeah, that's what someone on a thread on FB said too. I only vaguely remember them, but I do remember thinking THEY were weird at the time too!
    Please don't ask me how I feel, I feel fine.
    Oh I cry a bit, I don't sleep too good, but I'm fine


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    Quote Originally Posted by olegc View Post
    Ive tried the Cherry Cheesecake bread pudding and enjoyed it too (though more cherry sauce/cherries would be great). Im sad I missed the blueberry lemon. calling something a seasonal item and only available for a couple of weeks. Oh well. I'll have to try the dessert trio.
    It was around for a while. We had it in May for one of our trips. But can't wait to try the new one!
    Planning 3 trips at once...

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