Spotlight On: World of Color
June 14, 2010
My very first trip to Disneyland was at the age of 2 (with pictures serving as my only memories). I’m old enough to remember PeopleMover, the Main Street Electrical Parade, and the Country Bear Jamboree (if you look behind you while riding The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, you’ll see three of the bears overhead). I remember when Disney’s California Adventure Park was being built and Mickey’s Toontown was just a dream. I have so many memories from the resort. And while there is a familiarity when visiting, there is also excitement and anticipation because something is always being imagined.
World of Color debuted this past Friday at Disney’s California Adventure Park. I saw the show on Thursday night and was captivated for the entire 25 minutes. World of Color combines lights, water, music, fire and animation to tell some of Disney’s most cherished stories. Walt Disney himself was the inspiration for the World of Color, which has been in production for five years. Walt Disney’s first color television series entitled Wonderful World of Color aired from 1961 to 1969 and combined classic storytelling with innovative artistry (as the show does today).
Just the backdrop alone (animation projected on massive screens of water) is impressive. World of Color engages 1,200 powerful and programmable fountains, and a vast underwater grid with more than 18,000 points of control. The fountains can send water up to 200 feet, and when combined with the lighting, makes for a truly magnificent display. The fountains literally come to life and tell their own story.
Many people identify with Disney because of their timeless stories. You’ve likely seen The Lion King, Toy Story, and The Little Mermaid. But not quite in this way. I particularly enjoyed the familiarity of the stories combined with the “newness” of how they were presented.
Technically, the show is a masterpiece. The combination of color and water is a work of art. The transitions are smooth, the music is moving, and the scenes captivating. My husband has yet to see the show, but I can’t wait to for his reaction.
There are several numerous hundreds of videos on YouTube of the show. But that will only give you a taste of how spectacular the show is. You Must. See. It.
Recommendations for viewing…
It’s going to be a busy summer at the resort. And I have a lot more to share with you about “What’s Next” with Disney. I highly recommend obtaining a FASTPASS for primary viewing (although I was told you can see the show from multiple locations around Paradise Bay). You can obtain a FASTPASSat the Grizzly River Run FASTPASS terminals (you can line up at 7 am). If you don’t get a FASTPASS (at some point during the day, they will run out), you can select from one their World of Color dining options as follows:
Picnic Meals
- Beginning June 11, guests can go online (or via walk-up purchase at Sonoma Terrace and Golden Vine Winery) and order a special boxed picnic meal that includes “World of Color” Reserved Viewing. Price: $14.99
- Picnic meals may be picked up at the Sonoma Terrace from 2 p.m. to 8pm. Reserved viewing tickets will indicate return time, location and show time.
Price Fixe Dinner Packages
Prix fixe meals are available at both Ariel’s Grotto and the Wine Country Trattoria restaurants, and they come with “World of Color” Preferred Viewing. Guests may order from a varied menu of seafood, meat and vegetarian options at Ariel’s Grotto (current price: $36.99 for adults; $20.99 for children ages 3-9) or a selection of Italian cuisine at Wine Country Trattoria (current price; $39.99 for adults; $18.99 for children ages 3-9). Restaurant seatings are at specified times and space is limited. Prix fixe meals must be reserved, at 714/781-DINE.
World of Color World Premiere at Disney’s California Adventure Park
June 9, 2010
Save the date. On June 11, 2010, World of Color will make it’s debut at Disney’s California Adventure Park. After five years of imagining, planning, and producing, World of Color will amaze guests this summer at the resort. Stay tuned! I’ll be attending the World Premiere tomorrow.
So what can you expect from the show?
World of Color is grand-scale entertainment that will transform Paradise Bay at Disney California Adventure Park into an epic stage for choreographed water and fire, lights and music. Guests will be immersed in favorite Disney and Disney-Pixar stories as animated scenes splash across an unbelievable wall of water created by nearly 1,200 fountains.
Be sure to follow on Twitter. I’m certain you’ll see a celebrity or two… For the exclusive first-look, come back later this week!
No compensation was received for this post. I was invited to attend the premiere of the show.
Disney’s Food & Wine Festival
April 7, 2010
Last year, around this time, I was pregnant…and sick, sick, sick! I had aspired to take my husband to Disney’s California Adventure Park to experience their Food & Wine Festival, but never actually made it. This year, I am definitely planning on leaving the kidlets with my parents for a couple’s day out!
This is the fifth annual Food & Wine Festival and the theme this year is “The Art of Flavor.” Chef Guy Fieri and Cat Cora from the Food Network will be spotlighted at the event along with Disney culinary masters and special guests. Many of the demos are complimentary with several options to participate in their paid signature events. My husband and I are foodies so we may just check out some of their signature events. Here are some of the highlights (please visit site for complete list of events offered):
Daily
- Complimentary demonstrations featuring culinary experts and celebrity chefs, including Guy Fieri, Cat Cora and Robert Irvine
- Seminars that feature wine, beer and spirits
- Locations: Festival Showplace, Hollywood Pictures Backlot; Sunshine Plaza; Golden Vine Winery and Pacific Wharf areas
Signature Events (additional fee required)
Taste Food-Wine-Life May 29, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
Eat, drink and celebrate in an immersive party for all the senses! Presented in “grand-tasting” style, this event offers delectable creations from Disney chefs, outstanding wines and live entertainment. Theme park admission not required.
Winemaker Dinners Fridays: April 23, 30, May 14 and 21
6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Award-winning wines paired with delectable culinary creations at Steakhouse 55, with Chef Jason Martin
Sweet Sundays April 18, May 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30
10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Enjoy Sunday morning buffets featuring elegant dessert items from acclaimed pastry chefs, at the Festival Showplace inside Disney’s California Adventure.
Napa Rose Cooking School Saturdays: April 17, May 1, 8, 15, and 22
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Executive Chef Andrew Sutton of Napa Rose leads guests in preparing a four-course gourmet meal. Guests receive a commemorative chef’s coat, embroidered with the Festival logo.
*Most events held in Disney’s California Adventure Park require Theme Park admission which is not included in the price of the event.
The Food & Wine Festival runs from April 16-May 31. Tickets for the Signature events are on sale now and would make a lovely Mother’s Day gift (hint, hint hubby!).
I did not receive compensation for this post. But we own season passes and are planning on attending the festival.
Happy Valentine’s Day To The Princesses Out There!
February 14, 2010
Thank you Disneyland, for making me feel like a princess today. I hope each and every one of you (especially you moms) enjoy this special day.
Holiday Magic At Disneyland
November 24, 2009
It was cool and brisk…a rarity in Southern California…and the perfect weather to celebrate the Holidays. There were lights and the biggest Christmas tree I’ve ever seen. We saw saw Santa and his reindeer. We drank hot chocolate and ate cookies. And it even snowed! It was a magical day at Disneyland. And while every day is sheer magic at the Happiest Place On Earth, Saturday was extra special.
I’m always amazed at the transformation Disneyland undergoes for the holidays. And while tradition holds strong, there is always something new… Like Tiana’s Showboat Jubilee, a show inspired by Disney’s new movie The Princess and the Frog. It takes place on the Mark Twain Riverboat and features singing and dancing that’s “all that jazz.” The show includes songs from the newly released movie (which I am aiming to see before our baby is born). Be sure to catch the show before it leaves, January 3, 2010.
Last year my husband and I took our little boy to Santa’s Reindeer Round-Up. Located in Frontierland, this is where you’ll find Santa, his reindeer, and various characters. This is the perfect place to “wind down” for a bit if you and your children are tired from walking around the park. You’ll find holiday arts and crafts (although I could not find the cookie decorating this year) and a sleigh that’s perfect for family pictures.
Speaking of reindeer…
Other holiday highlights include It’s a Small World’s holiday transformation (which is simply spectacular), Haunted Mansion Holiday (which I opted out of this year for obvious reasons), and the Christmas Fantasy Parade. An evening at Disneyland must always conclude with flare! Be sure to catch the holiday lighting and special-effects show at Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle which concludes with the “Believe…in Holiday Magic” fireworks and snowfall!
Photo Courtesy of Disneyland
Photo Courtesy of Disneyland
Photo Courtesy of Disneyland
Understandably, this time of year is busy for the Disneyland Resort. If your stay is limited, you’re from out of town, you have little ones, or you want the ultimate Disneyland experience, check out their guided holiday tour. Never mind waiting in line for it’s a small world holiday or Haunted Mansion Holiday…don’t worry about showing up early to get a good seat at A Christmas Fantasy parade…. Get a personal tour that will make the most of your stay at the Disneyland Resort this holiday season. More information can be obtained at Disneyland City Hall, Tour Gardens Kiosk in Disneyland Park, the Guest Relations Lobby at Disney’s California Adventure Park, or by calling 714/781-4400.
My son was so excited about our day that he never took a nap. So by dinner, he was fast asleep. Fortunately, he woke up in time to give big hugs to Mickey, Minnie and Goofy.
Last year my son ran away crying from these characters…
I always leave Disneyland with a sense of renewed anticipation for what’s to come. We never manage to “see it all,” and I think that’s perfectly ok, especially with a toddler. We have season passes (that we must hurry and use before they black out) and I think it’s the perfect way to go with little ones. Because we live so close, I prefer the half days taken at leisure. It’s much more enjoyable that way!
I could say a lot more about Disneyland (in fact, I have…just search my site!). But really, the best stories are told with photos…
WW: It Was a Disney Weekend
October 7, 2009
Goofy’s Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel
Trick Or Treating…Disney Style!
October 7, 2009
Last week we took my son trick or treating…at Disney’s California Adventure! We took my son to Mickey’s Trick Or Treat Party last year and what a difference a year makes. I don’t ever remember him staying up past 11 pm, but he did. He was so excited about the characters and the festivities. For the first time, we were able to see Mickey’s Trick-or-Treat-on the Street Cavalcade, a Halloween-themed parade. I wish I had pulled my video camera out in time to capture it because it was fun and my son was captivated by the music and the lights.
Some of the highlights of the night included seeing Minnie and Mickey (my son had been asking about them all week) as well as many other beloved characters, trick-or-treating for Craisins and Ghiradelli chocolate (mmm!), and riding the carousel. The music was lively, we were able to watch fireworks from Paradise Pier, and enjoyed a yummy pumpkin spiced latte at the bakery near the entrance to the park.
The event was a ton of fun and I really appreciated the healthy snacks offered (apples, carrots, Craisins). I only wish it would have started earlier because my little boy and his pregnant mama were tired! Next week, we’re using our season passes to check out Halloween Time at Disneyland! Stay tuned for a post on our experience.
Mickey’s Trick or Treat Party is a special ticketed event that runs through October 31 (October 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30 and 31). It always sells out so be sure to get your tickets early if you want to attend (Halloween night is already sold out). Plus, if your by your tickets in advance, you’ll save $7! Here is what you’ll get:
If you’re planning a holiday trip to the resort (which I highly recommend since Disneyland is gorgeous during the holidays), now is the time to book it! Now through December 19, 2009, you will save $400 when you book a 4-Day/4-Night Disneyland Resort vacation package, featuring Disneyland Resort hotel accommodations – Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa (I want to stay here!), Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Paradise Pier – and park hopper tickets. The offer is valid for arrivals through Dec. 20, 2009, with a final booking day of Dec. 19. Details are at disneyland.com/Save400.
Summer Nightastic…Fantastic!
June 16, 2009
Last Thursday, Jason and I had a Disney date night! We were invited to a special media sneak peak of Disneyland’s nighttime summer entertainment…Summer Nightastic! I have to start by saying how exciting it is to see how Disney striving to make the resort more enjoyable (not that they NEED to). That’s the magic of the park…there is always something new and exciting happening. Rather than bore you with a press release, I’d rather share with you our experience through the night through words, pictures and a little video!
JASON! : )
Hubby and I started the evening by riding Finding Nemo for the very first time. The ride was really a lot of fun and I can’t wait to bring our little boy to experience it. I know how excited he will be to see all the fish. I posted a video here. It was a nice way to “wait” for the entertainment at the Tomorrow Land Terrace (TLT), where we Jason had dinner (I was feeling rather green). We had decent seats in a sectioned off area reserved for media. Headlining the show was tween sensation Mitch Musso (think Hannah Montana). By the way, if you’re a teen or tween, or you just like to dance, be sure to visit the TLT where you’ll find live bands and DJ’s throughout the summer! Grab dinner and hang out while the lines on Finding Nemo die down (do the lines on Finding Nemo EVER die down?).
Once we rocked out, Disney style, it was off to watch the new fireworks show entitled Magical. Not only will you find Tinkerbell soaring over the castle, Dumbo joins her (Did you ever see an elephant fly?) and it’s truly magical. I love the music and fireworks are always a spectacular end to a fun-filled Disney day.
The above photos were obtained from the Disney Press Site
But that’s not all! Once the park closed…it was just us…the media. And boy there were a lot of us! We made our way over to the Rivers of America for my favorite part…Fantasmic. If you think it can’t get any better, just wait until you see it. There are new special effects and cutting-edge video projection technology that make it seem like the characters are leaping off the screen. We were so close, we could feel the mist from the water stream. There is something mysterious and awe-inspiring about seeing this show at night with the light effects, mist and fire against the backdrop of the river. I’m bummed we didn’t get to see the dragon but Mickey rocked the show! This IS my favorite show at Disneyland!
The 2 photos above were obtained from the Disney Press Site
The night ended with a preview of Disney’s Electrical Parade. Can you believe that there are over half a million lights used in the parade? With Tinkerbell leading the show and the return of Snow White and Pinocchio, the parade is sure to be a hit among adults and children alike.
The above photos were obtained from the Disney Press Site
Apart from the entertainment above, Disneyland’s newest attractions include Pixie Hollow Enchantment, Celebrate! A Street Party, and the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutiuqe.
Jason and I had so much fun, although it was bittersweet since I really would have loved for my son to be there. Our passes are blacked out for most of the summer but we’ll still be able to catch the tale-end of the summer entertainment in August since it runs through the 23rd. Don’t forget that you can get a 3-day park hopper ticket for $33 a day now through August 23. It’s perfect for out of town guests coming to visit! Be sure to check out the site for more special offers.
Disneyland Press Event Recap
April 29, 2009
As a season pass holder, I frequent Disneyland about 2-4 times a month. But last Friday, I had an opportunity to see Disneyland in a different light. I was one of “the press” at an exclusive Media Preview day along with Amanda from Mommy Mandy. Imagine my surprise when I was handed this:
After we “checked in,” we were escorted to a private Celebration Roundup and Barbecue Lunch at Big Thunder Ranch. They apparently knew the way to my heart.
Borrowed with permission from Jason (aka Disneygeek)
The restaurant even offers a Tofu/Veggie skewer, which was much yummier than it sounds!
Borrowed with permission from Jason (aka Disneygeek)
Did you know the restaurant has been closed for 9 years? That’s just one of the many interesting facts I learned last week. I had the opportunity to meet the amazing chef, Sean Layne, who developed the menu.
Borrowed with permission from Jason (aka Disneygeek)
For $28.99 ($18.99 for kids 3-9) you’ll be served a family-style meal including barbecue chicken and ribs, cole slaw, corn on the cob, beans, beverages, and an AMAZING cupcake platter (well, it’s more like a display). I only had 3 by the way.
After mingling, practicing my photography skills (thanks Jason), and getting serious with Jessie,
we headed over to a special “media” section near “Small World” to dance along with a cast of nearly 100 dancers, DJs, and Disney characters. (Videos coming soon!) Work it Tanyetta (it’s one of those…”had to be there” moments)!
After we danced the night afternoon away, we headed over to special auditorium (the name escapes me) over at California Adventure for a presentation on what’s up and coming with Disneyland. Now any other presentation would have been a great, big yawn. But not at Disneyland. There was music, dancing, and a lot of excitement.
We learned about Disney’s new summer entertainment called Summer Nightastic! You’ll see changes to Fantasmic! including intermixings of HD technology, Dumbo will join Tinkerbell for the Fireworks show, the Electrical Parade will light up with advanced audio and lighting technologies, and little girls will be enchanted at Pixie Hollow. And if that wasn’t enough, the Food and Wine Festival opened last week (which I have yet to experience).
Perhaps the most spectacular announcement was the return of the 3-day Fun Pass for Southern California residents ($99).
Overall, it was an extremely informative, lively, magical day done in true Disney style. Oh…and I met some fabulous bloggers, some of which have blogs entirely dedicated to all things Disney.
Thank you Disneyland!!!
I’m Going to Disneyland (Again!)
April 22, 2009
The Food and Wine Festival opens this Friday at Disneyland and I am going to be one of the mom bloggers at a very special press event. I am so excited because I get to see Amanda from Mommy Mandy. Along with getting a first look at the festival, we will be previewing the resort’s new entertainment, including Fantasmic!, Disney’s Electrical Parade, and the Fireworks show. I just love Disneyland (if you read my blog then you know that!) and I can’t wait to see what’s up next! We have annual passes so while we’re at the resort almost every week, we don’t get a “behind-the-scenes” look at the latest. I will take plenty of pictures and try to do some vlogging while I’m at the event so you’ll be up to date on the latest happenings at the Disneyland Resort!
