Disney California Adventure "Summer Nightastic"

Disney California Adventure (Name Changed earlier this summer) has added a bunch of new elements to the Summer season with the addition of World of Color and Glow Fest.  The concept started last year with Disneyland adding a new fireworks show and the re-launch of Fantasmic! and The Electrical Parade at California Adventure.  Here are some tips to get you through the busy summer season and still have some sanity. 

"World of Color"

Guests who want to maximize their day of fun at the park AND make plans to enjoy “World of Color” that night in Disney's California Adventure have some new options. To see the show, guests will obtain a special FASTPASS for “World of Color” or they can select from several Dining and Picnic packages that include reserved viewing. In addition, a new immersive “Summer Nightastic!” party, “Glow Fest,” will bring added evening excitement for Disney's California Adventure guests of all ages. “Glow Fest” will be filled with dancing, music and fun, highlighted by special color, sound and light effects, starting in the Sun Plaza at 6:00 pm nightly and continuing in Hollywood Pictures Backlot until park closing.

“World of Color” will be presented twice nightly throughout the Disneyland Resort “Summer Nightastic!” season, June 11 through August 29 (except June 16-17 when Disney's California Adventure will be closed for Grad Nights). Guests will stand during the shows – at 9:00 and 10:15 pm – and they may bring strollers into the viewing area.

 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VA4iRV_52_A
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOnaKB2tfUM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62RyhNop4R0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyN_XfuYNCI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRGQlxmytow

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZKOkVzwMRQ

A Few Tips To Help You Secure a Spot and Enjoy The World of Color:

• Seating is extremely limited. If you arrive without a plan, you aren't like to secure a spot.
  
• Option 1 - Make a WoC dining package reservation ($36.99 per person at Ariel's Grotto or $39.99 per person at Wine Country Trattoria), you'll get dinner and a viewing spot for the show. Call 714-781-3463 to secure your World of Color dining package.
  
• Option 2 - Book a Box lunch reserved spot. Buy a box lunch and receive reserved seating for World of Color (1st show of the night). Boxed lunch can be purchased online, Disneyland Resort | Welcome To The Magic! You may be able to buy a limited number of the picnic lunch boxes at the park on the day of the show which come with reserved tickets to the 2nd showing of the night. Walk-up purchase can be made at the Sonoma Terrace of the Golden Vine Winery for $14.99 (special passholder rate is $12.99). The World of Color picnic boxes offer an assortment of options:
  
  
  
  

  All American:
  
  

  • Cold-honey stung fried chicken
  • Green and red cabbage cole slaw with apple cider dressing
  • Old fashioned potato salad with sweet onions and dill relish
  • Apple pie
  • Choice of bottled Coca-Cola® product or Dasani® water

  European Antipasto:
  
  

  • Cured meats, regional cheese, pepperoncini, artichoke heart and sun-dried tomatoes
  • Carr's® water crackers, balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil
  • Caprese salad skewers, fresh mozzarella and baby heirloom tomatoes
  • Chocolate-dipped tiramisu
  • Choice of bottled Coca-Cola® product or Dasani® water

  Taste of Asia
  
  

  • Chilled miso-glazed salmon, Asian greens, soy-rice wine dressing
  • Vegetable spring roll with Thai mango sauce
  • Soba noodle salad and julienne vegetables with sesame dressing
  • Mandarin orange cake
  • Choice of bottled Coca-Cola® product or Dasani® water

  Mediterranean Vegetarian:
  

  • Marinated grilled vegetables in a whole wheat wrap with roasted garlic hummus
  • Raw zucchini and squash spaghettini with first-press lemon-infused olive oil
  • Vegetable couscous with toasted coriander vinaigrette
  • Lemon layer cake
  • Choice of bottled Coca-Cola® product or Dasani® water

  Here is the All American lunch.  You get a nice re-usable tote bag and the food was very tasty.
  
  
  
• Option 3 - The FASTPASS for “World of Color” will be available each morning at the Grizzly River Run FASTPASS terminals. Guests can insert their park tickets into the terminal to obtain a FASTPASS ticket for the show, and they will be assigned a specific show time. As with other FASTPASS attractions, a limited number of passes are available for “World of Color.” When all of the day’s “World of Color” FASTPASS allotment has been distributed, Grizzly River Run terminals will convert back to distributing the Grizzly River Run FASTPASS tickets. Guests arriving before park opening to line up for the “World of Color” FASTPASS may park in the Pumba parking lot on Disney Way and, beginning at 7:00 am, gather at the Main Entrance to Disney's California Adventure. When Disney's California Adventure opens to the public, guests lined up for FASTPASS will be walked into the park and over to the FASTPASS terminals.
  
• Option 4 - If you don't mind a severely limited view, wait for the 2nd or 3rd showing and attempt to watch the show from the bridge near Ariel's Grotto Restaurant. You might also watch the show from behind near Midway Mania, the Sun Wheel, or even on the side by Silly Symphony Swings. You won't see as much or experience the show as it was intended, but you will get a sense of the size and scope of the show and see some pretty fountains. 
• Spots nearest the Golden Zephyr offer the most restricted viewing experience. Gravitate toward the water play fountain in the center of the stadium or even up toward the upper levels of the stadium. Boardwalk viewing is more immersive and WET (especially toward the right hand side of the boardwalk - as you are facing the lagoon)
  
• Be prepared to queue up in the Hollywood Pictures Backlot for hours before your show time. This will also be the location for a special glow party, so you will be entertained and food will be available for purchase.
  
• Although only 2 shows may be on the schedule, keep your ears open for an added 3rd show. It will be added on busy nights and may be your best shot at viewing the show.
  
• Be prepared for VERY busy conditions. This may well prove to be a packed and uncomfortable crowd situation. Pack your best attitude and just go with the flow. There is no use fighting a mob, you'll only succeed in ruining your own evening and possibly that of others. If it isn't important to see the show as soon as it opens, you may wish to wait until later this Summer. 

 

"Glow Fest"
Music, dancing and “drumming down the sun” will launch “Glow Fest” every night through August 29, beginning at 6:00 pm in the Sun Plaza in Disney's California Adventure. After 8:00 pm, this newest addition to the Disneyland Resort “Summer Nightastic!” entertainment lineup will move into Hollywood Pictures Backlot, providing the kind of immersive excitement for adults and children alike that can only be found in a Disney theme park.

Souvenirs and Treats
Guests who prefer a treat or snack, perhaps with a souvenir “World of Color” takeaway, may choose from a number of bright and colorful options available at food locations inside Disney's California Adventure:

·         “Spectrum Splash”: Beverages in light-up souvenir glasses with a colorful choice of flavors – strawberry red, blueberry blue, or sour Granny Smith apple green.

·         “Light-Up Cotton Candy”: White cotton candy with a colorful swirl, on an illuminated wand that lights the cotton candy from inside.

·         Multi-Colored & Flavored Popcorn: A delicious treat that comes in three flavors – red cherry, blueberry and purple grape – and mixed in with regular kettle corn, all served in a Disney California Adventure see-through “World of Color” souvenir popcorn bucket.

·         Tropical Mist Cocktail (for adults): A passion fruit and mango liqueur with coconut rum – and a light-up swizzle stick. Available at the Cove Bar and Ariel’s Grotto restaurant.

·         Even More Fun: Light-Up Balloons – transparent balloons with light-up “World of Color” art inside; Light-Up Bangle Bracelets; and souvenir “World of Color” travel mugs and sipper cups. 

*Reserved Viewing:
Each guest entering the reserved viewing area must have reserved viewing area admission. Children (ages 3-9) must be accompanied by an adult. Guests may only enter the viewing area during designated times and no early or late admission will be allowed. Guests in large parties may not be guaranteed admission within the same reserved viewing area. Separate theme park admission is required.

*World of Color Road Show*
During the month of July Disney took the World of Color Show on the road to four cities in California.  Here are the videos from their presentations.

San Francisco

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCtw0xOlhd4

Sacramento

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-2xiEXTK-A

San Diego

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OXTHpfM_xY

Los Angeles

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2tlc9NVr1c

Park Maps and Inserts

Each Park offers a map to help you guide your way through the park.  If you are unfamiliar with the park it is a good idea to grab one, establish a meeting location if someone gets lost and take a moment (outside of a walk way) to get to know the park. 

Inside you will find:

- Description of FASTPASS

- Description of PhotoPass

- Newly featured items in the park

- A long list of services and ammenities of the park

- Current Promotions

- Detailed Map of every area in the park (restraunts, rides, parade routes, restrooms, etc.)

Even if you know the park and don't need a map, make sure to grab the inserts that explain what is happening at the park on the day you will be there. 

You will find:
- New experiences at the park
- Times for parades, firework shows, and special events
- Music and performances in each land
- Helful tools for a successful stay in the park

- Disney Character locations (Even though not listed on this flyer, you will almost always find classic characters on Main Street, right as you enter from under the train tracks.)

Easter

With Spring comes the beautiful flowers and warm weather in the parks. During Easter you will find these two characters hopping in with the regulars.

Disneyland has had this visitor since the park opened. Here are Flower and Thumper visiting children on Easter in 1963.

Along with the seasonal visitors you will find a lot of Easter merchandise and candy sold in the parks.

At Tokyo Disneyland they have a fun-filled Easter Parade. Check out both videos below to see their spirited parade!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iR-LplaxMZM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftDtrIrkInA

St. Patrick's Day

Here is some of the merchandise you will find in the parks during St. Patrick's Day.

St. Patrick's Day is celebrated more commonly at the Disneyland Resort in Paris.  Here is their fireworks show, a listing and pictures of their event.  Enjoy! 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVEDHhKaCsc

Guided Tours of the Disneyland Resort

The following information is taken from Disneyland's Official "Guided Tours" pamplet.

The image of the Tour Guide became synonymous with the wholesome image of Disneyland.  Through an extensive survey of park Guests, which reflected a desire to be toured around Disneyland with a knowledgeable Tour Guide, the program debuted in September of 1958. 

Tour Guides were Walt Disney's personal representatives and exemplified the standards of excellence for the rest of Disneyland to follow.  Not only were tours informative and entertaining, but proved to be a good value to Guests when experiencing attractions and learning the best way to navigate through their day.

Today, the Guest Relations department takes pride in upholding the standards set for us in 1958.  Although our tours have changed and grown to reflect the growth of the Disneyland Resort, each of our guided tours has something that will appeal to everyone.  Whether you enjoy Disney history, uses of todays technologies, having fun with children or simply wanting to know the best way to experience the Disneyland Resort, we have a tour for you!

Current offerings...

A Walk in Walt's Footsteps
- $64 a Guest; Premium & Deluxe Annual Pass Holders, AAA & Disney Visa Members receive 20% discount.
- Approximately 3.5 hours

• Take a historical look back into Disneyland Park and understand the vision, challenges, and hard work that went into creating everything we associate with Walt Disney.
• Hear Walt Disney talk about Disneyland in is own words.
• Have a peek into the Lobby of the exclusive members-only Club 33.
• Enjoy a private lunch on Main Street, U.S.A.
• Take home an exclusive, collectible tour pin.

Discover the Magic
- $59 for the first two tickets, $49 for each additional ticket in the same transaction.
- Premium & Deluxe Annual Pass Holders, AAA & Disney Visa Members receive 20% discount.
- Approximately 2.5 hours.

• Sharpen your sleuthing skills as you work with your guides to discover clues, explore with a treasure map and hunt for hidden treasure!
• Become a part of the magic as your entire party works together to save the day and have a fun-filled experience!
• Enjoy 6 classic Disneyland attractions.
• Receive a delicious frozen treat and a soivenir collectible pin.
• This experience is recommended for kids ages 3-9 and the young at heart!
• Guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult of legal guardian.

Welcome to the Disneyland Resort!
- $25 a Guest; Premium & Deluxe Annual Pass Holders, AAA & Disney Visa Members receive 20% discount.
- Approximately 2.5 hours

• Get a Disney-style welcome as you journey through Disneyland Park and Disney's California Adventure Park learning fun facts and great tips for making the most of your visit.
• Enjoy priority seating at one of our sensational stage shows and dining locations for any day of your stay (selected locations).
• Utilize Disney's FASTPASS service with instruction and receive two bonus FASTPASS tickets!

Cruzin' Disney's California Adventure Park
- $99 a Guest; Premium & Deluxe Annual Pass Holders, AAA & Disney Visa Members receive 20% discount.
- Approximately 3 hours.

• Embark through Disney's California Adventure Park before it opens and learn behind-the-scenes information as you cruise around on a Segway Personal Transporter.
• Relax and learn the basics of how to ride the Segway while enjoying a light breakfast.
• Take home a complimentary tour photograph and exclusive, collectible pin after your adventure.
• This tour has specific requirements.  Please inquire at the Tour Gardens Kiosk in Disneyland Park or the Ticketing & Reservation Line for further details.

Do you love visiting the Disneyland Resort during the holidays?  Then don't miss out on these seasonal favorites!

Disney's Happiest Haunts
- $64 a Guest; Premium & Deluxe Annual Pass Holders, AAA & Disney Visa Members receive 20% discount.
- Approximately 3 hours.

• Follow your mysterious Guide through the Disneyland Resport at dusk and prepare for a night of chilling tales and eerie, other-worldly attractions, sights, and suprise "treats"!
• Enjoy 4 thrilling attractions and take home a special "rememberance" of your visit.

Holiday Time at Disneyland
- $64 a Guest; Premium & Deluxe Annual Pass Holders, AAA & Disney Visa Members receive 20% discount.
-Approximately 2.5 hours.

• Discover the holiday history of the Disneyland Resport and learn how this season is celebrated around the world.
• Experience 2 classic holiday-themed attractions.
• See our "Christmas Fantasy" parade with reserved seating while enjoying a holiday treat.
• Take home an exclusive, collectible tour pin.

Please call Ticketing & Reservations, go online at http://www.disneyland.com/, or visit the Tour Gardens Kiosk loacted in Disneyland Park for current prices and to book your guided Tour experience!

Ticketing & Reservations
714-781-4400

General Information
714-781-7290

Disney Parks Online Videos

We found this great channel on YouTube.  This channel has every parade, ride, and firework show.  It even has interactive maps that you can click on and see videos from each section of the parks.  Click here to check it out! 

http://www.youtube.com/user/HV10N90

Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years

From 2005 to 2009 "Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years" was played in the Main Street Opera House at Disneyland.  It was replaced in early 2010 with the remastered "Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln."  Check out this great movie that was made for the 50th Anniversary of Disneyland.

Part One

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFUaQs9Z7m0

Part 2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3X8gY3WaX2A

This show still plays in the lobby of the Opera House.  To read more about the remastered "Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, click here.

While waiting for either show to begin check out the great displays they have of Disneyland over the past 55 years.  They are amazing!

Did You Know?

Walt Disney was the first filmmaker to explore the idea of actually including scents with his 1938 film Fantasia, but eventually decided against pursuing this for cost reasons.

In the 1980s, Disney publically announced a newly-designed "Smellitzer" system that’s still in use today. The system was created by Bob McCarthy. The system, featured in dozens of Disney rides across the world, blasts smells up to 200 feet across a room in a ride using air-canon technology. The smells exit via exhaust systems and are computer-controlled to go off when a new set of riders approach.

See how many of the following your sniffer can spot:

Disneyland

Main Street, USA

Candy Palace

The Secretary for the Vice President of Disneyland confirmed to us that a Vanilla Scent is pumped into the candy store to entice people to purchase items in the store.

New Orleans Square
The Haunted Mansion
During the holidays The Haunted Mansion is transformed into The Nightmare Before Christmas and the ballroom is tranformed into a Christmas Party with a strong Gingerbread scent.

Fantasyland
It’s A Small World, Christmas Edition
Cinnamon is introduced to create a generic holiday smell that’s festive for all.

Calfornia Adventure
Hollywood Backlot
Monster's, Inc.; Mike and Sully to the Rescue!
As you are on the ride and enter the Harryhausen's Sushi Bar you smell a faint ginger smell that puts you in the middle of an argument with Mike and Celia.

A Bug's Land
Heimlich's Chew Chew Train
As the train enters the watermelon you will smell the sweet smell of the freshly chewed melon.

Also, as you enter the animal crackers section of the ride you will smell yummy crackers!

It's Tough to be a Bug
This 3D experience not only has bee stings, bugs that crawl at your feet and across your back, but you will get sprayed with a stink bug.

Condor Flats
Soarin’ Over California
Citrus oranges, pine trees, and a hint of the ocean are experienced on this Hang Gliding motion-simulator ride over a variety of terrains.

Disney World: Magic Kingdom
Fantasyland
Mickey’s PhilharMagic
Disney World has confirmed their is a scent, but we do not know what smells you will experience, but it is rumored that jasmine, cherry, and pastry scents are used in the show.

Tomorrowland
Stitch’s Great Escape
Stitch blows his chili burp in your face.

Disney World: Epcot
Spaceship Earth
The smell of smoke in the Roman ruins scene puts you in the middle of history.

Universe of Energy: Ellen’s Energy Adventure
Disney World has confirmed their is a scent, but we do not know what smells you will experience. It is rumored that the scent used as you first enter the diorama is officially known as "Damp Earth." Another scent officially named "Volcano" can be smelled near the volcano at the end of the diorama.

The Land: Soarin'
Citrus oranges, pine trees, and a hint of the ocean are experienced on this Hang Gliding motion-simulator ride over a variety of terrains.

The Land: Living with the Land
Disney World has confirmed their is a scent, but do not know what smells you will experience.

Journey into Imagination With Figment
Take a rollicking ride through the Imagination Institute, where that playful purple dragon Figment really puts you to the test! Climb aboard a train of thought in the Sound Lab. Use your Common Scents in the Smell Lab. Watch your world turn upside down in Figment's house. The stink of a skunk (among other smells)

Disney World: Animal Kingdom
Discovery Island
It's Tough to be a Bug
This 3D experience not only has bee stings, bugs that crawl at your feet and across your back, but you will get sprayed with a stink bug.

DinoLand U.S.A.
Dinosaur
Disney World has confirmed their is a scent, but do not know what smells you will experience. It has been suggested that jasmine is used in this ride.

Here are some other scents that you may recognize that are not pumped through the "Smellitzer"

Popcorn

One of the most distinct smells of the park. As you enter the park you can't help but realize the buttery flavor engulfs you and puts you in a completely different world.

Corn Dogs

There are only two places at the Disneyland Resort that sell these treasures but the smell of these fried dogs make your arteries clog.

Turkey Legs

The smell of the famous turkey leg is pure heaven. They entice you with their rich "meaty" smell but don't taste that great.

Churros

Can be found at several locations throughout all the parks. Their sweet aroma is unmistakable.

Roasting Coffee

Whether you like the smell of coffee or can't stand the smell there are certain areas of the park that have this strong aroma as a staple.

Burrrbank and Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlors

The freshly made waffle cones are the constant smell that makes your body go into diabetic shock while walking through these parlors.

Sour Dough

Nothing beats the smell of freshly baked sour dough bread from the Boudin Bakery and Tour at California Adventure.

Tortillas

Take a stroll thru the "Mission Tortilla Factory" and get a sample of their delicious tortillas at California Adventure.

Bengal Barbecue
As you walk by Indiana Jones you will realize you are hungry for some nice BBQ.

Disneyland Railroad, Trams and Autopia

The diesel used to power these park experiences is unmistakable.

The Monorail
The smell of the the ice-cold air conditioner has a unique smell that sticks in your nose.

Star Tours
A very unique alkaline smell. You can even get a good whiff of it while just passing by the entrance of the attraction. This distinct smell permiates the waiting cue and the ride itself. Makes you feel like you are flying through space.

Pirates of the Caribbean and Splash Mountain

Many people say they can smell a faint hint of sea salt in the air – especially in the full-scale pirate ship battle. Of course, it could just be the 2,000 tones a-minute of stale chlorinated water rushing by.

The Haunted Mansion

A cold, musty scent persists inside the house – meant to conjure images of an abandoned old house – with hints of dirt in the graveyard.

Jungle Cruise

The pop from the gun not only scares the guests on board but it creates a small plume of gun powder scent.

Last but not least, here are the terrible smells you may experience while at the "Happiest Place on Earth":

Sewage, Cigarette Smoke, and the Rivers of America.

If you’ve never been or never noticed when you were there, pay close attention to the smells of some of these attractions on your next visit to Disneyland or Disney World.