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Go Under the Sea with Ariel

Review of The Little Mermaid – Ariel’s Undersea Adventure

by Magic Maker® Larilyn Hanson

For over two decades, little girls have watched as Ariel sang about her desire to be part of our world. Teens and young adults empathized with her heartache and yearned for Ariel to achieve her dream. How wonderful would it be if she was able to spend her happily ever after with the prince of her dreams? They wanted her to become part of our world and share in the experiences that we have. How many of these same little girls do you think have wanted to be able to spend time discovering Ariel’s under water world?

Well now every mermaid lover, young or old, can have their chance. At the Disney California Adventure® Park at the Disneyland® Resort, there is a brand new ride that opened in June. The Little Mermaid – Ariel’s Undersea Adventure is a dark ride, similar to the original ones found in Fantasyland®, where the guest can embark on a journey through a life size storytelling of one of their favorite fairy tales. As guests wait in line, everything from the sea shells atop the railing posts to the shimmering shells embedded into the cement walk way let you know that this is going to be an experience that completely transports you away from Paradise Pier.

Once inside the main building, guests board consistently moving pastel colored clam shell cars (think Haunted Mansion style). As you settle into your seat and travel forward, you hear Scuttle beginning to tell the tale that is so familiar to most of us. Then your shell starts to dip back as you are “submerged” into the ocean and see this story come to life before your eyes. You travel through the grotto, filled with gadgets and gizmos aplenty! You take a turn amongst Sebastian and all of his musically inclined fishy friends singing about life under the sea. And then you come upon one of the most amazing audio animatronic figures that Disney Imagineers have ever created when you come face to face with that monstrous sea-witch: Ursula! Her movement is so fluid and lifelike, you really feel as if you are in the middle of the movie! The Imagineers who worked on this ride definitely outdid themselves.

The story continues to unfold, and there are many more things to see. As the familiar songs are sung, you can hardly keep yourself from singing aloud. It really reminds you why so many people fell in love with the Disney telling of this story to begin with. The ride ends with all of the characters waving goodbye and sending you back out into the real world. Don’t be surprised if once you exit the ride, everyone wants to head right back in! The magic that can be found within this beautifully executed ride is almost tangible.

And what better way to conclude this journey into Ariel’s world? Take the short walk across the pier and dine with her and many other Disney Princesses at Ariel’s Grotto! This is sure to become a can’t miss duo for many families and little girls!

Click below to book your vacation to the Disneyland® Resort to experience this attraction for yourself!

Visiting the Walt Disney World® Resort next year? Then be sure to head to the Magic Kingdom® Park to experience this attraction as part of the Fantasyland® Expansion. Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid is currently scheduled to open late in 2012.

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:23:37-05:00November 17th, 2011|Categories: Disney News, Disneyland News|Tags: Ariel in Disney World, Ariel in Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, Disneyland California, The Little Mermaid attraction|0 Comments

Drive through Cars Land

With the recent release of Cars 2, we are even more excited about the opening of Cars Land. Scheduled to open in 2012 in Disney California Adventure® theme park, the land will recreate the iconic town of Radiator Springs. Check out great attractions like Radiator Springs Racers where you find yourself in a race with other guests of hairpin turns and steep banks. Join Mater at Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree and fly on Luigi’s Flying Tires at Casa Della Towers. Then grab at bite at Flo’s V8 Cafe or the Cozy Cone Motel. Check out this virtual fly through of the new land:

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:23:50-05:00July 11th, 2011|Categories: Disney News, Disneyland News|Tags: Cars Land, Disney California Adventure, Disney Radiator Springs, Disneyland Cars|0 Comments

New for Summer at the Disneyland Resort

Excitement of all kinds – from under the sea, to down Main Street, U.S.A., and to a galaxy far, far away – arrives at the Disneyland® Resort in summer 2011. Several highly anticipated attractions and entertainment experiences will make their debuts, enhancing all the fun and adventure that create memories for guests throughout the year at the Disneyland® Resort. Highlights of this Soundsational Summer include the latest milestone in the expansion of Disney California Adventure™ park, The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, plus the sensational new 3D excursions of Star Tours and the exciting new “Mickey’s Soundsational Parade” in Disneyland® park.

The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure – The adventures of Ariel will unfold in colorful scenes filled with Audio-Animatronics characters and memorable music from the Disney animated motion picture hit “The Little Mermaid” when this modern version of the classic Disney “dark ride” premieres in Disney California Adventure™ on Friday, June 3. The attraction brings the popular motion picture to life in magnificent scenes where guests will sing along with Sebastian and friends, keep an eye out for the evil Ursula, and experience the romance of Ariel and Eric. Special effects will transport guests “under the sea,” taking them into Ariel’s world in ways never before seen.
Star Tours – The Adventures Continue – Guests will never know where the Force might take them as they embark on thrilling new Star Tours journeys, now enhanced with the breathtaking immersion of 3D. Premiering Friday, June 3, in Disneyland Tomorrowland, the new journeys will feature more than 50 different story combinations, bridging that “long, long time ago” between the two “Star Wars” trilogies. At the bustling new Spaceport where droids run the show and excursions to the stars are advertised overhead, eager travelers will board fully reimagined Starspeeders for interstellar treks to Coruscant, Hoth, Naboo and many more destinations in the “Star Wars” galaxy. In the course of their adventures, voyagers will encounter characters from the “Star Wars” movies, some of them making their first appearances in the refreshed attraction.
“Mickey’s Soundsational Parade” – Explosions of dynamic rhythm and bold percussion will accompany beloved Disney characters as they stomp and strut along Main Street, U.S.A., in the new “Mickey’s Soundsational Parade,” premiering Friday, May 27. The parade brings characters and melodies from Disney films to life with a syncopated drum line, flashing cymbals and more than 90 performers, as Mickey Mouse and his pals get the Disneyland crowd into the beat of this giant jam session. “Mickey’s Soundsational Parade” features nine parade floats, each designed in the style of a children’s “pop-up” storybook with eye-catching visuals and whimsical details.

At the Disneyland® Park:

“Magical” Fireworks Spectacular – Tinker Bell and Dumbo will take to the air over Sleeping Beauty Castle as the “Magical” fireworks spectacular returns for its third consecutive summer. Tink waves her wand to awaken a pyrotechnic spectacular inspired by Disney’s most magical characters, including Pinocchio, Mary Poppins, Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother, and the Three Good Fairies from “Sleeping Beauty.” Dumbo makes a “Magical” summer appearance, too, as the enchanting storytelling of a fireworks show creates memories for guests of the Disneyland Resort.

At Disney California Adventure™:

Goofy’s Sky School – Joining the fun along Paradise Pier beginning June 3, this coaster attraction is inspired by the classic Goofy “How-to” shorts of the 1940s and 1950s as well as the cartoon short “Goofy’s Glider.” The theme is a flying academy with your pal Goofy as the wacky instructor. Guests will enjoy all the dips, twists and thrills as Goofy tries to teach a group of novice pilots how to soar through the sky.
“Disney Junior – Live on Stage!” – “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” are now appearing at Disney California Adventure™ as part of “Disney Junior – Live on Stage!” – a theme park show that is a favorite of young guests. Co-starring in the production are characters from “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse,” “Handy Manny” and “Little Einsteins” – other shows that are part of the Disney Junior schedule on Disney Channel. Children and families are invited to dance and sing along as “Disney Junior–Live on Stage!” is presented several times daily.
Paradise Pier – New restaurants, shops and attractions will open this summer as Paradise Pier completes its transformation into a vintage beachside playland. New dining locations will include Paradise Garden Grill and Boardwalk Pasta and Pizza. The popular Corn Dog Castle returns, along with Seaside Souvenirs (formerly Souvenir 66), a restyled merchandise location. These additions will be adjacent to the new Goofy’s Sky School and Little Mermaid attractions.
“World of Color” – The award-winning “World of Color” water spectacular continues for a second summer of nightly performances on Paradise Bay. The show combines nearly 1,200 versatile, performing fountains, popular Disney music and a kaleidoscope of audio and visual effects, including both classic and new animation projected on giant screens of water. “World of Color” floods the senses and takes the audience on an imaginative, emotional journey into the colorful worlds of Disney classics such as “The Lion King” and “The Little Mermaid” along with Disney?Pixar films including “Toy Story” and “Finding Nemo.”
“ElecTRONica” – The party on “The Grid,” inspired by the Disney movie, “TRON: Legacy,” will continue nightly throughout the summer. “ElecTRONica” features music, live performances and interactive experiences, and it has become the place to dance the night away. Inspired by the computer-world environment of “TRON: Legacy,” ElecTRONica comes to life in the Hollywood Pictures Backlot. DJs keep the energy going with electronic party music while dancers costumed as “Sirens” and “Programs” from the movie rock out at locations throughout the party.

At the Disneyland® Hotel:

Disneyland® Hotel Enhancements – Phase Onerenovations at the Disneyland Hotel will be completed in time for summer 2011, including new décor in the rooms, a new pool-and-slide water play area, and three new themed suites – Fantasy, Big Thunder and Adventureland.- joining the existing Mickey Mouse and Pirates suites. Also opening this summer will be the poolside Tangaroa Terrace restaurant and Trader Sam’s bar, inspired by classic features found in Adventureland in Disneyland® Park. Phase Two renovations, scheduled to open in the fall will include enhancements to the existing pool, the main lobby, the porte- cochere and the façade of the hotel convention center.

*Image: Walt Disney Imagineering Concept Art

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:23:55-05:00May 7th, 2011|Categories: Disney News, Disneyland News|Tags: Disney California Adventure, Disneyland, Disneyland Summer 2011, Little Mermaid ride, Mickey's Soundsational Parade, Star Tours Disneyland|0 Comments

Coming Attractions

New experiences are headed your way this summer at the Disneyland Resort.

At Disney California Adventure™ park, get ready for an all-new voyage with one of Disney’s most beloved characters, Ariel. The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure will invite guests to take a journey under the sea to experience all the fun and adventures in Ariel’s world. From the great songs to state-of-the-art animatronics and special effects, guests will become a part of her world in a way that’s never happened before. It is scheduled to open June 3.

The Little Mermaid attraction is the next big milestone in the expansion of Disney California Adventure™ park. World of Color debuted last year and continues to wow guests every night with magic that combines choreographed fountains, lights, lasers, music, animation and storytelling. And on the horizon, guests can see the awesome Cadillac Mountain range taking shape as the backdrop to the 12-acre Cars Land, which opens in 2012.

Across the esplanade at Disneyland® park, guests this summer will be dancing to the beat of a whole new parade and jetting off to new galaxies far, far away.

“Mickey’s Soundsational Parade” officially steps off for Memorial Day weekend, with an explosive musical score, thrilling rhythms and bold percussion that will have people dancing to many of their favorite Disney tunes. Look for whimsical float units, live musicians and some of your favorite characters. Mickey Mouse and his pals will be jamming like never before and creating an atmosphere that will be…soundsational!

And for those who dare to venture into the deep, dark corners of the universe, Star Tours®– The Adventures Continue officially launches in Tomorrowland at Disneyland® park on June 3, taking guests on interstellar adventures to Coruscant, Tatooine, and other destinations in the Star Wars galaxy. With the return of favorite Star Wars characters and the addition of more familiar faces and destinations, guests are going to experience Starspeeder travel in an all-new way…in 3D!

Star Tours® – The Adventures Continue also launches at Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ at Walt Disney World® Resort on May 20.

Star Tours © Disney/Lucasfilm Ltd.

Banner Photo: Walt Disney Imagineering Concept Art, actual construction may vary

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:23:58-05:00March 3rd, 2011|Categories: Disney News, Disneyland News|Tags: Disney California Adventure, Disneyland, Little Mermaid ride, Star Tours Update|0 Comments

The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure

Since the expansion of Disney California Adventure® park was announced, Toy Story Mania!, Games of the Boardwalk, Mickey’s Fun Wheel, Silly Symphony Swings and of course, the nighttime spectacular, “World of Color” have all opened. Now, Walt Disney Imagineering has turned its sights to the next highly-anticipated opening: The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, coming soon in 2011. In this video, Imagineer Lisa Girolami takes you behind the curtain to give you a first look at Ariel’s world. From the drawing board to the incredible scenery, this is an attraction sure to make a splash with guests.

*Ariel’s Undersea Adventure Image: Walt Disney Imagineering Concept Art, actual construction may vary

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:24:00-05:00February 11th, 2011|Categories: Disney News, Disneyland News|Tags: Ariel's Undersea Adventure, Disney California Adventure, Little Mermaid ride|0 Comments

Pixar Play Parade on Hiatus

The first Pixar-themed, roaming show started last week at Disney California Adventure® theme park, which is giving an entertainment alternative while the Pixar Play Parade is on hiatus. The park plans to host shows using characters and props from the Pixar Play Parade for most of this year.

The Disneyland® Resort put the parade on break until November while major construction is ongoing in the park. A show based on “The Incredibles” movie, called “The Incredibles: Heroes in Training Squad,” is set to begin Friday, said John McClintock, a Disneyland® Resort spokesman. It will run six times, five days a week. The tentative schedule is: 11 a.m., noon, 1, 2:15, 3:15 and 4:15 p.m.

The show will go on in front of the ElecTRONica stage near the park’s entrance or in front of the cloud-painted wall of the Hyperion Theater in Hollywood Pictures Backlot. The second show based on “Monsters Inc.” is scheduled to start Jan. 28.

Click below to request a quote for the Disneyland® Resort in Anaheim, California.

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:24:12-05:00January 29th, 2011|Categories: Disney News, Disneyland News|Tags: Disney California Adventure, Disneyland Parades, Pixar Play Parade|0 Comments

Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival Canceled

Disney California Adventure® park is in the middle of a multi-year expansion. Due to the construction, they have had to make some changes to accommodate the growth including not being able to be host the 2011 and 2012 Disney’s California Food & Wine Festivals in Disney California Adventure® park. This was not an easy decision, but expansion work over the next two years in some areas of the park present significant logistical challenges around scheduling the hundreds of festival offerings. This work includes transforming the park’s entry plaza as well as the hub area where the event main stage has been located. When the work is completed, it will be reminiscent of the Los Angeles that Walt found when he arrived in the 1920s, complete with Red Car Trolleys. Below is a rendering that shows what the area will look like when completed.

The Cast Members at Disney California Adventure® Park feel it’s most important to ensure our park experience is the best it can be during this exciting time. After the expansion is completed and we Cars Land opens in 2012, other opportunities for special events and festivals will be explored.

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:24:17-05:00November 8th, 2010|Categories: Disney News, Disneyland News|Tags: California Food and WIne Festival Canceled, Disney California Adventure, Disney California Adventure Expansion, Disney's California Food and Wine Festivals|0 Comments

Talking Mickey Mouse in Disneyland

A high-tech, talking Mickey Mouse character will begin making regular appearances at Disney California Adventure® Theme Park as part of a new show. This is the first time that the talking Mickey will routinely appear in front of visitors at the Disneyland® Resort. Mickey will play a central role in “Disney Dance Crew” that debuted last Friday at California Adventure. Until now, the talking Mickey has only showed up on a limited basis at the Disneyland Resort.

In May, Disneyland tested out the talking Mickey, who greeted guests by name and had conversations, during meet-and-greet sessions. The talking Mickey already performs at Walt Disney World in the “Dream Along with Mickey” show.

While the new Mickey is not expected to greet guests at California Adventure, the character is slated to dance and talk during the show.

Disney officials declined to discuss the details of the talking Mickey in the new dance show, reluctant to give away any of the “magic.”“We are introducing and featuring Mickey in a brand new way,” said Randy Wojcik, show director with Walt Disney Parks and Resort’s creative entertainment. “We’re really excited to bring Mickey’s new performance style to guests.”

The new 10-minute “Disney Dance Crew” is inspired by popular T.V. shows, “So You Think You Can Dance”and “America’s Best Dance Crew.” The Disney show is choreographed by Tessandra Chavez of “So You Think You Can Dance” and Dave Scott, who also works on the show and the “Step Up” movies, Wojcik said.

The music will be a fresh arrangements and mash-up of Disney tune. The show will feature two dance crews who are competing against each other when they are interrupted by Mickey Mouse, who reveals his own hip moves and brings the two sides together, Wojcik said.

“Disney Dance Crew” is set for six performances a day, five days a week on the Hollywood Pictures Backlot stage. The dance show will replace “Drawn to the Magic,” which ended a few weeks ago.

The schedule is 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:20 p.m., 3:10 p.m., 4:25 p.m. and 5:15 every day, except Mondays and Tuesdays*.

*Schedule to subject to change at any time without notice.

By Off to Neverland Travel|2010-10-26T19:06:31-05:00October 27th, 2010|Categories: Disney News, Disneyland News|Tags: Disney California Adventure, Disney Dance Crew, Disneyland, Talking Mickey|0 Comments

Radiator Springs Racers at Cars Land

Check out this sneak peek at the vehicle testing for Radiator Springs Racers. This thrilling new attraction is set to open in 2012 with the debut of Cars Land at Disney California Adventure™ park. Testing is expected to continue through the end of July, then the car comes off the track while construction is completed.

The bright cars you see here will each carry six guests through the twists and turns of Ornament Valley. Radiator Springs Racers covers a lot of ground – nearly half of the 12 acres in Cars Land! Check out our video and imagine what this high-speed adventure will be like.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9e8g4KYt2A4

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:24:35-05:00July 2nd, 2010|Categories: Disney News, Disneyland News|Tags: Cars Land, Disney California Adventure, Disneyland California, Radiator Springs Racers|0 Comments

Silly Symphony Swings

Imagineers have revealed an attraction, Silly Symphony Swings, as part of the overhaul of Paradise Pier in Disney California Adventure™ Park. These swings replaced the Orange Stinger, a swing attraction that looked like a partially peeled orange.

Check out these photos of the completed attraction and some fun facts. The attraction officially opened June 11.

Here’s the symphonic scoop on the tuneful addition to Paradise Pier:

The attraction features 32 single-seat swings for guests, and eight pair of tandem seats for smaller riders and their responsible companion.
The name Silly Symphony Swings pays homage to one of Walt Disney’s greatest creations – a series of cartoon shorts, called “Silly Symphonies,” which historians say revolutionized animated films. Relying mostly on music to tell their tales, this series of cartoons was honored with multiple Academy Awards and introduced audiences to several beloved Disney characters, including Donald Duck. Walt Disney Studios produced 75 “Silly Symphony” cartoons from 1929-1939. (“The Band Concert” was not among these cartoons, but it was associated with them because of its similar style.)
Standing atop the crimson and cream-colored carousel canopy is a sculpture of Maestro Mickey Mouse, just as he appeared in “The Band Concert,” with a conductor’s baton in hand and clad in his crisp, fire-engine red bandleader’s uniform.
The opening of Silly Symphony Swings in 2010 coincides with the 75th anniversary of the release of “The Band Concert.”
In addition to Mickey Mouse, “The Band Concert” features several Disney character favorites, including a fife-playing Donald Duck, a flautist cow named Clarabelle and a clarinet-playing Goofy.
A wooden deck surrounds Silly Symphony Swings, allowing non-riders to watch the fun and enjoy a restful and shady spot amidst the excitement of Paradise Pier.

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:24:35-05:00June 28th, 2010|Categories: Disney News, Disneyland News|Tags: Disney California Adventure, Disneyland Refurbs, Silly Symphony Swings|0 Comments