Tuesday 31 May 2011

Cafe for the Cars

While we're at the Walt Disney Studios, we may find ourself a little peckish. In that case, perhaps we should stop at Flo's Cafe over at Cars Quatre Roues Rallye.

This is the best place to grab some Lug Nuts, Gas, Oil, Coolant or Grease, at pretty reasonable prices. And, as you can see, it's also home to the 'infamous' Free 55-Gallon Dinner*!

*if used within one hour...there's always a catch!

Monday 30 May 2011

The Adventure Continues

Today's post comes to you direct from California, with Chuck Canzoneri (of the fantastic Disneyland Gazette)  providing us with his review of the thrilling new Star Tours ride update.

Star Tours is back with a bunch of new upgrades that will definitely increase my desire to ride the attraction, and not just because of the different destination possibilities. This was a much needed refurb, since the original Star Tours was beginning to film like a rickety nostalgia piece. While it's fun to help lead the rebel troops in an attack on the Death Star, by this point I'd run out of small details to discover.

Now there's a lot to look for, and with two possible introductions, six destinations (of which you get 2 each ride) and a brief hologram intermission, it'll be a long time before I get tired of the journey(s).

As for the overall ride mechanics, your ship gets rocked around, but it's much smoother than before. Plus, with the hologram break in the middle, I expect there will be a lot fewer "protein spills". There's a new pre-show, with some amusing droid comedy. A new queue, including a very funny intergalactic potato head type to help your wait. There's even a new pilot, one of the series classic favorite characters.

Of course, with all the different possibilities, everyone will have their favorite combination ride experience. Here I will have to get spoilery, so if you want to go in fresh I'll end by saying that Star Tours: The Adventure Continues is once again an E Ticket Attraction.


Still With Me... Okay... Now I'm still not going to give everything away, but here's my brief breakdown of your adventure possibilities.

Your adventure begins with either Stormtroopers or Darth Vader himself. Now the Stormtroopers is fun because you quickly become part of a battle against Tie Fighters, but with Vader your only escape is to blast BACKWARDS. That's right, you quickly leave the ship bay in reverse which is really neat. This one is close, but I give the slight advantage to Lord Vader.

Then you go to one of your first three planets and get involved in a podrace, help out some Wookies or take part in the Hoth Ice Battle that opens Empire Strikes Back. The podrace is okay, but not much different from a 3D version of the scene from the movie. The Wookies are very disappointing. Aside from a hilarious bit involving Chewbacca, you just fly around for a bit and then leave. The Hoth ice battle is easily the best option here. You fly around and under AT-ATs as the rebels make you part of the attack formation.

Next up, you get a message from one of three holograms. Admiral Ackbar is fun only to listen and see if someone in the vehicle says "It's a Trap!". Leia is weird because it's obviously not recent, probably an image from the film with a digital voice, which doesn't sound a thing like her. (She does deliver her "you're my only hope" line, but it's a groaner.) I guess the best one here is Yoda, who looks and sounds perfect.

Then comes your final destination, which are all quite good. Perhaps most disappointing is Death Star because it's full of Lucas' recent overstuffed CGI, so the whole thing looks like a cartoon. You even face off against Boba Fett, but he's kind of dumb and a really poor shot. I would have preferred the original Star Tours Death Star battle to this. Another possibility is a giant space battle above Coruscant. I got this one twice and grew to like it more the 2nd time. It's still too cluttered, but there's a great power dive into the crowded skies of the city and some exciting close calls.

Strangely, my favorite destination was underwater Naboo. And yes, the moment our ship flew past a waving Jar Jar I rolled my eyes. Disappointingly, the vehicle does not run him down. The constant nattering of the Gungans is annoying, but the journey (complete with bigger fish) is exciting and it has what is easily the best of the possible endings.

So my ultimate Star Wars ride experience is Vader, Hoth, Yoda, Naboo. I hope as people ride they email back with their favorite combinations.

Sunday 29 May 2011

Enjoying a Moment...in Mania

To finish off our week of travelling throughout the World of Disney Theme Parks, today's moment is courtesy of Disney's California Adventure. To celebrate all the changes that are happening in California's second gate, we are spending a moment in Paradise Pier as it was, shortly after Toy Story Midway Mania had opened its doors. Enjoy!

DL 2009 - Mania On The Pier

Saturday 28 May 2011

Buy Buy Buy!

On our last day, for now, in Hong Kong Disneyland, I think it's only fair that we treat ourselves to some souvenirs of the 5th Anniversary!

Let's have a look at some of the merchandise we can buy for the Celebrations in the Air...







Friday 27 May 2011

A Quick Bite...in Hong Kong

When you visit a new Disney theme park, it can be quite overwhelming. All the attractions, the sights, the shops and the characters can be a lot to take in. And then there is the thought of where to eat!

Luckily, Hong Kong Disneyland have produced this handy Dining Guide, to allow us to see where looks good enough to eat.


It has each restaurant broken down into the different lands, and the leaflet folds out to a map to show the Guest where everything is. They also show the different types of food available, which is handy as I am in the mood for some Spaghetti!

Thursday 26 May 2011

Time for Hong Kong Fun

Staying in Hong Kong Disneyland, DF'82 is going to have a look at the Times Guide to see what time the Parade is on, or any other shows we can see during our visit.

As you can see, the Times Guide is in English but also in two other Eastern languages (which I believe to be written Chinese and Cantonese, but perhaps our readers could advise?), due to the international location of the Disney park.

Wednesday 25 May 2011

Celebrations In The Air

For the next few days, DF'82 is going to take a trip over to Hong Kong Disneyland and partake in their 5th Anniversary celebrations!

As you can see, the Celebration is in the Air and many of the Disney characters have turned out to celebrate along with us. How many can you spot?

The park guides have also had a touch of magic, with Sorcerer Mickey making an appearance.

For the 5th Anniversary celebrations, there is also the Flights of Fancy Parade, Tinker Bell Castle and you can meet Tinker Bell in the park too! You can also take home some of the magic with their "Magic Coin Press Machines" scattered throughout the Park, with 3 unique designs for the 5th Anniversary itself.

Tuesday 24 May 2011

Beware Pirates

To celebrate the release of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides here in the UK (and almost worldwide!), DF'82 reminds you to have a good look around all the areas of Disneyland Paris.

For example, when you are perusing through the shop at the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction in Adventureland, you might just happen to bump into this scary looking fireguard.
Yet another fantastic hidden treasure!

Monday 23 May 2011

Oops!

You may remember last year we visited The Curious Giraffe (la Girafe Curieus) in Adventureland, in Paris?

Unfortunately, it looks like they might have had a bit of an accident on their way to sell some bric-a-brac or Disney related goods!

Oops!

Sunday 22 May 2011

Enjoying A Moment...In Sequoia

In honour of Princess Fee's father, the King's, birthday, today's moment is going to be in the peace and quiet of Disneyland Paris's Sequoia Lodge grounds. One of the Royal Families favourite Disney resorts.

Around Sequoia Lodge (DLP 09)

Saturday 21 May 2011

Boarding in Japan

After yesterday's visit to one of the many boarding houses in Disneyland Paris' Hotel Cheyenne, we head over to Asia and Tokyo Disneyland's popular boarding house.

If you need accommodation when you visit Westernland, why not try the Elias Hotel.

Established in 1883, I'm sure this hotel will be a magical place to stay - and they even have public baths attached to the premises. How convenient!

Friday 20 May 2011

Beware when you are visiting Disney's Hotel Cheyenne in Disneyland Paris. You may end up on the other side of Billy the Kid.

That is you, might stay in Billy The Kid's Boarding House. And if so, well, I would be sure to mind your Ps and Qs and don't make any sudden movements. He's good with his gun!

Thursday 19 May 2011

Deal or No Deal

It's been a while since DF'82 has visited the named windows of Main Street U.S.A. in Disneyland Paris. Today, we have a look at a real deal of a window!

Big Deal

General Supplies

Paul Mullée
Herb Schley

Looks like we should be able to get some supplies at a great deal in this place!

Unfortunately, I cannot find any information relating to Mullée or Schley with regards to Disneyland Paris. Maybe some of the DF'82 readers can help us out? Leave your ideas in the comments section!

Wednesday 18 May 2011

It Is Time

The wonders of Walt's Restaurant in Disneyland Paris never cease to amaze me. While the dining itself is nothing extraordinary, the location and the detailing within the Restaurant make it a must-see.

Like this item from inside the walls of Walt's:

This TIME Magazine, dated December 27th 1954, looks at Walt Disney "To enchanted worlds on electronic wings". You can have a look at the original cover on the TIME website here and the cover story here. Whilst the article entitled The Mouse That Walt Built can be read here. These articles are a real must for any Disney fan or Walt Disney admirer.

Tuesday 17 May 2011

A Quick Bite...At March Hare

Fantasyland in Disneyland Paris has so many hidden treasures in the scenery, the attractions and the buildings. It also has a great one in the small quick service location of the March Hare Refreshments.
This food stand is situated close to the Mad Hatter's Tea Party attraction, and is a great place to grab a snack and a drink or two. The March Hare is not always open and has irregular service hours and days. DF'82's opinion would be to make sure you detour nearby, just in case it is open. But if not, you can still enjoy the beauty of the Refreshment stand.

There is a cute outdoors eating area, so you can rest your tired feet whilst you decide where to go next. And there is also a teapot with a very special surprise!

Monday 16 May 2011

How Far To Go

When you are travelling by car, one of the most exciting things can be seeing how far you have to your destination and watching it get smaller and smaller every few miles.

Once you enter the Cars' attraction in Walt Disney Studios, be sure to be on the lookout for the answer to "Are we almost there yet?" on this great sign:

It appears that Wheelwell is quite close, but we still have ages to go before we get to Cranknshaft. But the best 'pun' of them all - obviously Tailfin Pass. Classic!

Sunday 15 May 2011

Enjoying a Moment...With Buzz

The newest area of the Walt Disney Studios in Paris is the Toy Story Playland. Don't worry, DF'82 is going to give you a very detailed tour of the area over the next few weeks!

But for today, let's enjoy a moment with Buzz Lightyear, who welcomes all to the land of Play!

Welcome to Playland (DLP 2011)

Saturday 14 May 2011

Horror of the Handles

DF'82 adores the Disney Details throughout all the Disney Parks. Today, we will have a close look at these fantastic details. Can you tell where they are from?

Of course, these are the handles from the main doors of the Phantom Manor in Disneyland Paris. Don't they look scary to the touch?

Fantastic and frightening!

Friday 13 May 2011

The Dentist's Adventure

One of the first posts here on DF'82 we looked at Dr. Bitz the dentist in Disneyland Paris - and it is still one of my favourite areas of the park!

If you head over to Westernland in Tokyo Disneyland, you may find another Dentist, but with an equally interesting name...

Painless Dentist
Dr. I. Teeth

He, or she, sounds like a very interesting dentist. Let's hope,  however, we don't need to pay them a visit during our trip to Tokyo!

Wednesday 11 May 2011

A Place To Rest

If you are in Radiator Springs, in the Walt Disney Studios, you might need a place to rest your head for a night or two.

Well, look no further than the Cozy Cone Motel!


Looks like Sally will be there to welcome us for our stay.

Tuesday 10 May 2011

Buy Your Veg Here

There are plenty of different businesses situated throughout and just-off Main Street U.S.A. in Disneyland Paris. Last week we had a look at a great place to purchase various foods and drink. Today, we will have a look at another 'natural' business.

Conrads
Seeds &
Garden Supplies

Growers
Vegetables
Trees
See Our Catalog

This looks like a great place to purchase some fresh and organic vegetables, or perhaps the seeds needed to grow our own! Maybe we can purchase an Orange Tree or two.

Monday 9 May 2011

Toad-Rooms

If you are near Toad Hall in Disneyland Paris, be sure to watch out for the restrooms.


I'm sure you don't need to be related to Mr Toad to visit them!

Sunday 8 May 2011

Enjoying a Moment...From the Treehouse

Following on from yesterday's post, today's Sunday Moment will be an image from the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse in Tokyo Disneyland.
View from Treehouse
Relax, and enjoy!

Saturday 7 May 2011

Tokyo All Around

We visited the insides of the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse in Tokyo Disneyland several weeks ago. But I would like to re-visit to have a look at the outsides!

Today's post is going to share a selection of shots, to celebrate and appreciate the views from around the Tokyo Disneyland resort, taken from the Treehouse itself. I feel the Treehouse attractions in the Disney Parks are always under appreciated - whilst they have fantastic detailing throughout, they give such beautiful and unobstructed views of the Parks in their glory!