Back to Disney California Adventure

Summertime means a visit to a Disney park, usually Disneyland. As a Californian now in Colorado, it takes more effort, but it is worth a day at the world's beloved original kingdom of Walt. Disney California Adventure may have its charms, but after my last visit there in 2028, I'm just not that motivated to go back since my last visit in 2018. Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout was fun, but I'm in no rush to see Avengers Campus in its current state or even San Fransokyo, although I love Big Hero 6. It's going to take Coco to get me back. I'm a sucker for boat rides! But it had better be good!

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Inside The Science Behind Pixar Exhibit

Were you one of the fortunate ones who got to see the "The Science Behind Pixar" traveling exhibit before the Coronavirus shut everything down? We were blessed to get in while it was at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. 

A "Wallpaper" of characters.

As a guest, you begin- where else?- in a theater that introduces the process animators use to create a film. Everything from story and character development to backgrounds. Our hostess explained that before she could work there, she had to become familiar with every Pixar animated film; more than enough to be able to answer questions of anyone attending the museum's exhibit.

The variety of artwork displayed was Incredible!

A life size Buzz Lightyear greets you just outside the theater, creating the perfect photo opportunity; one of many placed throughout so visitors can get a taste of what it's like to encounter characters at their favorite Disney theme park. 

Next, it's on to the individual displays highlighting the process. How did they create surfaces? How did they make special effects? How could viewers get a bugs eyed view of the world? How did characters stretch, move, and display emotion? So many questions to answer, and the folks who bring it all together instruct the audience using film and hands on activities to teach in a very entertaining manner. All this learning going on and not one complaining kid (or adult) to be found!

Each of the different Pixar films brought unique elements that had to be created. To tell the story of each process, the displays use different interactive elements, everything from puzzles and games, to bug eyed lenses and more. Visitors are given the opportunity to create their own sound effects, change colors on background landscapes to evoke a particular mood, and more. 

The tapestry above, for Brave, is actually just a high gloss piece of very large paper with a design created entirely on the computer. I wouldn't have believed it for myself unless I was able to touch it.

On the way out the exit, the last wall displays one of the most mesmerizing pieces. A huge mural recreates Miguel from Coco as he first gazes upon The Land of the Dead. The brilliant colors dazzle your eyes! 

What will the experts at Pixar have to think up next as they flesh out each individual film? It's hard to say. But one thing is certain, it will be amazing! And it will make for even more behind the scenes stories for traveling exhibits such as these. 

(Photographs copyright Mark Taft. "Flying Buzz" right from Pixar.)

Incredible Family!

What an Incredible family! Yes, the Parrs are quite the crew, but in actuality, I'm speaking of my family. 

In thinking about my youngest daughter's birthday today and how amazing she is, I got to thinking that I've been blessed with an entire family of incredible people. From my wife on, each of my kids and their spouses (and their kids) are just amazing... and so are yours! I often express thanks for each member of my family as I pray for them, but truthfully, not as often as I should. Be better than I am, would you?

(Art copyright Disney/Pixar.)

Underwhelming Incredicoaster

Watching the on line videos and reviews of it all, it's pretty clear that the quick revision of California Screamin' into the Incredicoaster is seriously underwhelming. Score another serious misfire following the half-baked transition of Twilight Zone Tower of Terror into the ill conceived Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout. Man, I hope the next thing they do to the park is a win! After the opening of Buena Vista Street and Cars Land, I was hopeful for the park. Now, not so much.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Love the Incredibles?

Love the first movie. Love the poster. Will probably love the second Incredibles movie. Here's the trailer:

Love the Incredicoaster coming to Pixar Pier at California Adventure? Probably, even if it is shoe-horned into the park. At least Mickey is still on the Fun Wheel!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Geek's Goodbye to Paradise Pier

Paradise Pier gives way to Pixar Pier, and the great Disney Geek site is there to photograph the change. Good or bad, the opening day attraction California Screamin' is transforming into the new-ish Incredicoaster, a forced but probably fun, character overlay. If you want to watch the land change, start your park photographic journey here. And the next chapter is here.

(Photograph copyright The Disney Geek.)

The Definitive Ranking of Pixar Movies

Warmly, but with absolutely no apologies to Kelly Lawler at USA Today who posted a totally different list with the same title, here's my ranking of the greatest (and least) of Pixar films. With an agreement that we can all lovingly disagree, your list will probably vary:

You're cute but your story is too heavy handed.

15. Wall-E
A preachy, mostly charmingless tale of two robots with only eyes for each other. The human race be damned. I'll take my Starbucks and my computer when I choose, thank you very much.

Oh no, there's some, ugh bugs, to work out of the story.

14. A Bug's Life
Even for an attraction that has to use film as its main medium to tell a story, I find this Animal Kingdom attraction based on this movie pretty terrific. But then, it's only 6 minutes at best. This film is boring, boring, boring. Had it not followed up Toy Story, it would have flopped.

I am woman. Hear me roar.

13. Brave
Beautiful scenery. Good main character but undeveloped secondary ones. Convoluted tale of feminism. Merida does win points for being a strong female in spite of some bad choices to accomplish her independence and make her point.

In my beautiful balloon.

12. Up

The powerful but depressing opening scenes give way to a tale of two odd friends. There is so much potential but it's wasted as the story becomes a fantasy filled with speaking dogs and an entirely unnecessary villain. Kudos for using an old man as a lead character.

 I see dead batteries.

11. Cars 2

Loses some points for a less than original script, but the cars are lovable, making it a great daddy and son Saturday matinee movie. Not sure if chapter three is even necessary. Out of gas?

That was it?!?

10. Inside Out

There was much potential for this to be a truly great film. But as I said a few posts earlier, the film just isn't much fun. So much for the second wave of Pixar greatness... at least for now.

Who needs a dog when you have Bullseye?

9.  Toy Story 2

Terrific storyline and characters we all know and love. Jessie's sour attitude is quite annoying, but Bullseye saves the day. Ride on cowboys!

Frat brothers.

8.  Monsters University

What's not to love here? Collage age Mike and Sully are just as much fun as their older selves. If there ever was a buddy movie with plots twists and turns we didn't expect, this is it. Not quite as good as the original but every bit as creative.

Buddy movie of a different kind.

7.  Cars

Is is Doc Hollywood in car form? Sure, but that storyline has been told for decades. Owen Wilson is terrific as the lead ego propelled racer who learns the lessons of true friendship. A winning film for those who don't care about being politcally correct. Bonus points for being the film that produced one of the best "lands" from Disney Imagineering since New Orleans Square at Disneyland. 

You've got a franchise in me.

6.  Toy Story

The first and perhaps the best loved. Buzz Lightyear is a revelation.   Optimistic and lighthearted with a good dose of nostalgia tossed in. The heartstrings don't get fully pulled until two sequels later, but boy, what a tug!

Ah, Paris!

5.  Ratatouille

One of my personal favorites. The story is unexpected, the main characters strong, and the atmosphere and musical score totally mesmerizing. If you've been to Paris, you understand. 

Could strong fathers be a key to Pixar's success?

4.  Finding Nemo

A strong loving father and a special needs son that both find their way home. You have to have a heart of stone to not like this film. Populated with an oceanful of great characters.

Who says you have to be young to be cool?

3.  The Incredibles

A Pixar film for adults that have survived (and thrived through) a midlife crisis. Discovering yourself and your partner amidst marriage drama, changing bodies, and the sometimes joyless responsibilities of being a parent. Sophisticated stuff for an animated film made enjoyable by a great plot line and dazzling environments. The perfect Pixar film for a series. Can't wait for the second one!

Is it just me or should this be a Disney roller coaster attraction?

2.  Monsters Inc.

Billy Crystal in the part he was designed for! Turning an old story on its head, Monsters Inc. creates a charming world all its own. One we are sad to leave when the time comes. 

It's ok- we've all grown up, Andy.

1.  Toy Story 3

By the time this film came out, the characters were beloved world over. The climax of the film is as gripping as anything Disney has ever done. It's at that moment we viewers realized these characters had a well earned place in our lives. The art of storytelling at its Pixar best.

(Art copyright Disney/Pixar.)

It's Incredible- Sequel Finally Announced

At today's shareholders' meeting of the Walt Disney Company, Robert Iger finally announced that Incredibles 2 was in the making! It's been a long time coming for fans of the popular superhero Pixar film. Also announced was Cars 3 (no surprise), but the news of the return of Pixar's favorite empowered family means Brad Bird will return to the helm and bring viewers another great adventure. Now, if that proposed but never built attraction based on the film would come to California Adventure...

(Art copyright Disney/Pixar.)

Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln, Baxter, and Trowbridge

MouseInfo has one of the first videos of the new "Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln" at Disneyland.

However, even if you don't want the sneak peek, there is also a question and answer session with Tony Baxter (Senior Vice President, Creative Development at Walt Disney Imagineering) and Scott Trowbridge (Vice President, Creative, Walt Disney Imagineering Research and Development) about the development of the attraction.

You'll discover a few surprises as they share about their hearts to create the ultimate tribute to the man and to America. Pieces of Epcot's American Adventure and the Magic Kingdom's Hall of Presidents in Liberty Square made an appearance in the preshow area. The interview is fascinating and well worth your time. And why is Dash from the Incredibles brought up??? You'll just have to listen for yourself!

(Photo from Disney.)