Mouse Expedition

California Adventure: Monstropolis

2013-06-17T00:55:00.002-07:00

Not to be outdone by the latest news out of Walt Disney World. Disney is also set to announce the Monstropolis expansion for Disney California Adventure.

Expect the current Monsters Inc attraction to remain, but also a new E Ticket roller coaster attraction based on the door room sequence in the original Monsters Inc movie to take the place of the current Muppets show and former Who Wants to be a Millionaire building.. The only thing that could put a hold on this attraction is if the new Monsters University movie that comes out this week is a disappointment at the box office.

Disney Parks: Star Cars coming to Disney Hollywood Studios in Orlando

2013-06-17T00:43:00.001-07:00

We are now hearing that both Star Wars Land and Cars Land have been green lighted in a one, two combo for Disney Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World.

Expect Star Wars Land to populate the areas around the Star Tours attraction. While Cars Land with a Mater's Junkyard Jamboree and a new version of Radiator Springs Racers will take over the Lights, Motor Stunt show and Catastrophe Canyon.

The rumor also states that they want to have the Star Wars Land opened in 2015, which makes sense since the new Star Wars movie (Episode 7) will be out in theaters that summer. Expect Cars Land to be done by 2016 or 2017.

Consider this an answer to the increased growth at Universal Orlando and expect an official announcement during this year's D23 convention in Anaheim.

California Adventure: Soarin Over Planes?

2013-05-17T23:03:00.000-07:00

You might have heard of a new Disney Studio Film coming out this year called Planes.

Basically, take the idea of Cars, but instead of land vehicles the focus would be on air vehicles. In fact, it takes place in that same exact world. Word on the street is that this film was originally planned for a direct to video released, but has now been turned into a feature length film.

The last Disney film that was supposed to be direct to video, but later turned into a feature length film was Toy Story 2. So my hope is Lasseter or someone in the Disney company realized that this film was too good not to be a feature length film.

Here is the trailer:

Now this is where the parks come in...

There have been talks within Imagineering to update the Soarin film in Epcot and California Adventure and name it Soarin Over the Horizon. The first version should end up at Shanghai Disneyland and then at Epcot and California Adventure by 2016.

However, there are now going to be looking really hard at what Planes does box office wise and if it becomes a proven hit, don't be surprised to see the Planes characters within your Soarin Over the Horizon film.

Or perhaps a new attraction. See the recently released artwork on a patent Imagineering filed for what sure looks like a plane on a track type of attraction.

Disneyland: Enchanted Tiki Room 50th Anniversary

2013-04-07T11:24:00.003-07:00

Disneyland is set to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of its first Audio-Animatronic attraction, Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room.

On June 28th and 29th there will be a limited amount of merchandise being offered and special events. See the Merchandise Catalog HERE.

A nice tribute video from TheForceFollower94

Disneyland: Iron Man Coming to Innoventions

2013-03-29T07:43:00.002-07:00

It's official Tony Stark is coming to Innoventions. However, it isn't the long rumored Star Expo attraction, but a chance to see the props from the upcoming Iron Man 3 film. Starting on April 13th guests will be able to virtually try on the suits and play with some of Tony Starks gadgets.

Stark Expo Concept Art

I personally think this may be a way for Disney to gauge interest in an Iron Man attraction at Innoventions. However, from what I hear Disney and Imaginnering are hesitant because of their possible future plans of adding Marvel attractions to the Disneyland Resorts Third Theme Park.

Tip of the Week: Free Water Refills

2013-03-14T22:06:00.000-07:00

The weather is starting to get warmer in Southern California and with warm weather comes the desire to quench your thirst. However, buying soda and even water can have a strong effect on your wallet.

Why not take a cheaper approach and fill up your personal water bottle while you are at Disneyland for free.

Available at these locations:
The Plaza Pavilion
French Market
Rancho Del Zocalo
Tomorrowland Terrace

This is not the typical drinking fountain, but a separate fountain that is located near the condiment stand. If you need ice you can ask a Cast Member at the order window or pick it up for yourself if it is a buffeteria type of restaurant.

Disneyland: A Faire is Coming to Town

2013-02-12T19:05:00.000-08:00

The Magic Kingdom in Orlando recently opened and expanded its own Fantasyland. Disneyland is now set to do the same, but in a much smaller scale.

On March 12th, the historic Plaza Gardens will be transformed into a highly detailed character meet and greet area. Everything looks very good and I am interested to see how popular the area becomes during the day and the return of the swing dancers at night.

Here is a video from Inside the Magic:

Other Parks: Anyone want to visit Middle Earth?

2013-01-03T08:28:00.000-08:00

In a competitive move, Universal Studios Theme Park Entertainment will soon announce that they now own the theme park rights to the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit franchise.

This is an amazing move and a direct response to what Disney will be doing with Avatar, Star Wars, and its own Disney/Pixar franchises.

The future looks very bright to this Theme Park enthusiast.

Disneyland Resort: Fastpass Changes are Coming

2013-01-02T21:47:00.000-08:00

First it came to Walt Disney World and now Disneyland is getting ready to follow suit. Of course I am talking about the removal of the Fastpass leniency, aka known as being able to use a Fastpass any time after the return time that is posted on the ticket.

Guests will now be expected to show up between the designated time, but will also be given a 5 minute window to make it. Of course this all changes when an attraction breaks down as Cast Members will tell guests that they will be able to use their Fastpass after the posted time due to the closure of the attraction.

From my inside source you can expect the first official word to go out to the Annual Passholders this month and then an official launch in February.

My personal thoughts are that Disney is tired of giving away the Fastpass feature for free. Expect a paid Fastpass service to come to Hotel guests first, followed by a Annual Passholder system, a Day Guest option, and finally the removal of the current free Fastpass system as we know it.

Disneyland Resort: New Years Eve... What to Expect

2012-12-28T10:45:00.003-08:00

We are only a couple of days away from what could be the busiest day at the Disneyland Resort. Here is what to expect...

Huge Crowds: Expect at least one park to sell out. That is not to say you won't be able to go into a certain park, but you could see gate closures and reopens throughout the day.
Long Lines: Don't expect to ride your favorite attraction without a long wait. Even with a Fastpass the lines can end up quite long.
Entertainment: The typical night shows will be present with Fantasmic adding a 3rd showing, Fireworks crowds building in front of the castle and Small World early, and World of Color being the surprise hit of the night. However, there will be ways to avoid some of the crowds and that will be in California Adventure with the Live Bands and the Mad T Party.
Noise: With packed crowds and the addition of free noise makers for each guest, expect it to be very loud throughout the day. Bring some aspirin if you are prone to headaches.

Overall, avoid the parks if you are going to ride the attractions. If you want a new experience and don't care about missing an attraction, then enjoy what the day has to offer and take your time.

Disneyland: Dr. Jones Returns

2012-12-07T01:00:00.000-08:00

After months of refurbishment, Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye is set to reopen today at Disneyland.

As great as the attraction is, it really starts while you are waiting in the queue. This attraction started the trend in massive immersive theme park entertainment.

From the hieroglyphics on the walls to the spike room, this attraction takes you on an experience like few have done in the past or future.

In celebration of its opening I am including a Behind the Scenes video and the rare decoder, so that you can take the time in the queue and read what the walls are actually saying.

Decoder:

Behind the Scenes:

Disney Parks: Imagineering plays catch

2012-11-28T11:11:00.000-08:00

Walt Disney Imagineering keeps advancing robotic technology. This time, Imagineering shows that they have now made it possible for an audio-animatronic to play catch and show emotion when they miss the catch.

It's amazing technology. Here is the video...

Disneyland: Glow with the Snow

2012-11-14T02:00:00.000-08:00

You got to hand it to the Disneyland Resort, they are still trying. The Glow with the Show ears that work for Fantasmic and World of Color are now working with the Believe in Holiday Magic Firework show at Disneyland.

Now if only more people would buy them. Maybe a price decrease is in order?

Disney Parks: October 30th will be a Day Long Remembered

2012-11-01T01:48:00.001-07:00

In a galaxy far, far away...

I was born at the tail end of 1973, so you can say that I am a Star Wars kid. I grew up with Star Wars, I watched the movies, I collected the toys, heck I waited all night on the cold street to get my tickets for Episode 1. Only Disney can match my love of Star Wars. So the news that my two favorite franchises have joined forces made me smile like a little kid in 1977.

Sure new movies, television shows, and merchandise will come, but what I am most interested in what will become of the Theme Parks. Additional Star Wars attractions will come, but will they be a part of an existing theme park, or will Disney go all out and build an entire Star Wars Theme Park?

What to do about Star Tours?
Star Tours has become a Disney Parks classic. The update that the attraction received improved on the original, but it has also shoehorned that franchise to that particular park.

Disneyland:
Star Tours currently exists in Tomorrowland. However, would it be to much trouble to move the attraction to a third Theme Park? Or perhaps update Tomorrowland with more Star Wars attractions. A Iron Man attraction seems to be a guarantee at this point for Tomorrowland, but maybe this acquisition has put those plans on hold.

Disney California Adventure:
No Room

Disney Hollywood Studios:
DHS is in need of something big. The rumored Radiator Springs Racers and Monsters Inc. coaster seem to be close in coming to that park, but then again Star Wars is a HUGE name and space is available near the Star Tours attraction at this park. This could be the perfect thing Walt Disney World needs to combat the upcoming Harry Potter expansion at Universal Orlando.

Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney Studios:
WDS has the same issue as DHS, but DLP has a Star Tours attraction that is need of the upgrade and it has the space for it.

Tokyo Disneyland:
They will be receiving the upgrade to Star Tours next year and there is land behind it. I personally would love to see something done here because of Oriental Land Company's loose purse strings when it comes to its theme parks and attractions.

Shanghai Disneyland:
The park has not been built yet so I would say out of all of the "Disneyland" themed parks this one might have the best chance to have a Star Wars Land first.

Hong Kong Disneyland:
They have the room, but I have a better idea (read below).

Star Wars Theme Park:
Why dream small? The Star Wars Universe is vast in characters and locations. Every current resort has the room to build an entire Star Wars Theme Park.

Why Dream Small?

The upcoming D23 in Anaheim should be interesting when it comes to Star Wars Theme Park News. I cannot wait.

Disney Parks: Is this Pandora?

2012-10-29T19:24:00.000-07:00

Rumors have begun to swirl on what guests can expect when the new Avatar Land opens to the public in 3 - 5 years at the Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World.

First up is a simulator ride that will take you on a flying journey and the second is a water boat adventure through Pandora. In the following pictures you can see an example of the simulator experience and a small blueprint of the boat ride as well.

How the simulator and dome projection room will look

The simulator inside of the dome

Green, Blue, Pink, and Yellow = the Simulator Rooms. Red = the Queue

Like the picture above but more details on the queue

Color coated again, but this time you see a portion of the boat ride in the red section

Are these pictures real? I wonder when Disney will give us an official update. Until then enjoy the pictures.

Disney Parks: Epic Mickey at Disneyland

2012-10-26T10:44:00.002-07:00

The sequel to the popular Wii game Epic Mickey is about to be released and for those that do not know, the game takes place in a fantasy / nightmare version of Disneyland.

Epic Mickey 2 seems to be more of the same, but this time you will be able to play as Mickey Mouse and Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. The game will be available on the Wii, PS3, and the Xbox 360 on November 18th. It's all about the power of 2.

The video below shows the promotion that Disney did for the game at Disneyland.

Special: What to do in Southern California Part 1

2012-10-22T15:03:00.001-07:00

Starting today, I will begin a series based on a question that is constantly asked when I am showing people around the Disneyland Resort.

What else can I do in Southern California?

I believe this question comes up because unlike Orlando, the typical Disney guest is not trapped in a "disney world" 24 hours a day. You can easily see the outside world when visiting the Disneyland Resort and Southern California is very well known for things like Hollywood and its beaches.

So this series will give you some ideas on what to do when you want to get away from the Disneyland Resort and explore what the rest of Southern California.

Todays subject... The EL Capitan Theater
6838 Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA

The original EL Capitan Theater opened in 1926. In the beginning it presented live plays and in 1941 the movie Citizen Kane premiered there.

Fast forward to 1989, the Walt Disney Company came to a leasing agreement and after $14 million in renovations the EL Capitan Theater reopened in 1991 and quickly became THE destination for all movies that began with the Disney banner.

This theater gives Hollywood that Disney touch. From the Diner / Disney Store next door, to the organist that plays classic Disney songs before the movie.

If you are going to visit the Hollywood Boulevard area and you can spare 2 hours. I would highly recommend that you take that time to check out this beautiful movie theater.

It's an experience that will surely surprise you.

Disneyland: The Documentary

2012-10-19T12:56:00.000-07:00

I think we can all agree that Disneyland is a magical place that most people in the world know about. However, some may not know how it all came together.

This documentary was created by the Disney Company to celebrate Disneyland's first 50 years and it's a must watch for all Disney Park fans.

Enjoy

Videos from DisneyTube55
Part 1

Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8

Disney Parks: Imagineering the Be Our Guest Restaurant

2012-10-15T11:55:00.000-07:00

Imagineering has released their newest video that shows the detail and craftsmanship that went into this themed restaurant at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. Hopefully the food will match the quality of the theming and it will become a big hit for that park.

Disney Parks: The New Fantasyland Soft Opens in Orlando

2012-10-12T16:02:00.001-07:00

The second phase of the Magic Kingdom's "New Fantasyland" expansion is now going through it's soft opening routine. So if you are visiting Orlando make sure you check out the new enhancements. For those that won't be visiting Orlando any time soon you can view the videos below.

Who knows if it all goes well in Orlando you might see some of these additions make its way to California. ;)

Videos from Inside the Magic

Journey of the Little Mermaid

Enchanted Tales with Belle

Gaston's Tavern

Disney Parks: Tour Walt Disney Imagineering

2012-09-27T14:42:00.000-07:00

Walt Disney Imagineering has had a long history of being a hidden gem and something that Disney never liked to share.

However, the times have changed and in the current information world of the internet, Disney has been very active when it comes to promoting the process of creating your favorite Disney Park Attractions.

This week they give you a special tour of the Walt Disney Imagineering offices. This is must watch for any Disney park fan...

Disneyland: Wreck it Ralph Coming to the Starcade

2012-09-20T19:10:00.001-07:00

Disney Parks has announced that a Wreck it Ralph Meet and Greet and "Fix it Felix" arcade game will be coming to Disneyland's Starcade this November.

Disneyland: Fantasmic Glow with the Show Premiere

2012-08-29T09:23:00.000-07:00

Last night lucky Annual Passholders were the first guests to see Fantasmic with the "Glow with the Show" enhancement.

Here is the video (from Asianjma123)

Mouse Expedition: We are Hiring

2012-08-17T14:52:00.002-07:00

With the recent surge in our Mouse Expedition Tour requests we are looking to hire some people who have the desire to show our guests around the Disneyland Resort.

Before you send your interest in becoming a Mouse Expedition Guide via email you must know the following:

You must be 21 years old or older
You must be ok with working with large groups and kids
Tours are for the guest. So experiencing an attraction may not be possible
You need to know the Disneyland Resort inside and out. We will train you on how to do the tour, but you need know something about the Disneyland Resort
A high level of support and service expertise is a MUST
You must be able to quickly walk around the resort for the entire day. Some tours will only be for the Night Shows, others will be all day. For example... 8am-10pm
You must have a way to get into the Disney Parks. You basically need to be an Annual Passholder for this position
This will be a Part Time position and you will only be called on when a tour is booked

Please send your inquires to mouseexpedition@gmail.com and we will get back to you ASAP.

Thank you

Brian Salazar

Mouse Expedition Owner and Guide

Disneyland: Glow with the Show Coming to Fantasmic

2012-08-16T13:59:00.001-07:00

The very beautiful Glow with Show Mickey Mouse ears that currently work with The World of Color show, in Cars Land, and at the Mad T Party are going to be moving across the esplanade and into Disneyland to be a part of Fantasmic starting August 31st.

I am somewhat excited about this addition and it would probably get me to actually buy these special Mouse Ears, but the problem is... will anybody else buy them?

Here is the technology with World of Color