A Taste of Epcot Comes to the West Coast

Are you a fan of all the cultural activities, music, and food that can be found in the various countries of Epcot's World Showcase pavilions? I am! Do you wish some of this could be found at the Disneyland Resort? Well, good news! Disney's California Adventure hosts the Lunar New Year festivities, and it brings the flavor of Epcot to California. Though not nearly as extensive as what can be done around the World Showcase Lagoon, at Disney's second California park, from Paradise Park down to  the Pacific Wharf and even Grizzly Peak, the cultures, music, and flavors, of China, Vietnam and Korea can be found. A colorful parade featuring Mulan and Mushu sets the park aglow with a blaze of color and music fills the air. 

Bringing other festivals to the forefront such as El Día de los Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day) makes California Adventure feel a bit like World Showcase few weeks a year. There's no matching architecture or even culturally based rides, but it is still with a visit when these are in the calendar. Perhaps one day that rumored Coco boat ride will debut, but for now these festivals bring some true diversity to a park that doesn't really know what its theme is anymore. I call it making the most of what you've got.

The great photo site Westcoaster provided the photos above and has tons more to see. Go there now to see more. 

(Photograph copyright Westcoaster.)

 

The Ultimate Rise of the Resistance Post

Now that it is open on both coasts, so much has been written and photographed about Disney's incredible new experience Rise of the Resistance. It is deserving of all the attention! In my opinion, no one has done a better job of telling the story and giving readers equally stunning photographs than Albert Lam at Westcoaster. Give your eyes a treat and go to this link now, but remember, there are spoilers galore!

(Photograph copyright Albert Lam.)

The Most Excellent Shanghai Disneyland Castle Photo

Until our friend Len Yokoyama visits Shanghai Disneyland for his own set of amazing photos, let me just share with you one of the most incredible photos of their castle! 

This Enchanted Storybook Castle belongs to many princesses, sort of a greatest hits compilation if you will. With the requisite shopping and dining already here, what exactly could the Imagineers add to satisfy the Chinese government who insisted on theirs being the most impressive edifice of all? How about it's own unique attraction, Voyage to the Crystal Grotto. 

From all accounts, what should have been a standout cruise falls short instead as guests journey around a series of fountains until they enter the underground side of the palace. Not too much enchantment to be found there, but no matter. This excellent photo by the folks at Westcoaster serves as a reminder that big and impressive are only one piece of what makes a Disney park special.

California Adventure's Spooky Transformation

Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort keeps getting more and more interesting. Used to be the Haunted Mansion's Nightmare Before Christmas and Space Mountain's Ghost Galaxy were the only real holiday focused attractions to be found. Not any more!

In an smartly designed effort to disperse the crowds- all the more important next year when Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge has opened- the suits and Imagineers have cooked up fresh ways to get guests to go to California Adventure instead of Disneyland. 

Granted, the original Twilight Zone Tower of Terror would have been a (super)natural one for a makeover, but Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout! now get transformed into something called Monsters After Dark. From what I can see from on line videos, guests only get to see Rocket and Baby Groot in this version- a definite step down from seeing all the Guardians. That said, it still looks like a fun diversion for the locals. 

Not to be left out in the sun, Cars Land and Buena Vista Street are transformed into spooking looking locations as well. If you can't make it to California to see it all, take a great photographic tour from the folks at the terrific Westcoaster site. The pics are just terrific! Take a look at their update. Be forewarned, though. You'll want to read every update afterwards!

(Photographs copyright Westcoaster.)

Dumbo Flies Again

Forgive me for being a Disney nerd! Every once in awhile, a photo from some other blog or site just grabs my attention. In this case, it is a recent photo from Westcoaster and their shot of the newly enhanced Dumbo the Flying Elephant attraction at Disneyland. Situated in the beautiful and quaint Fantasyland, the new extended queue with its delightful circus canopies makes for just a stunning shot. The Imagineers did themselves proud on this little project!

(Photograph copyright Westcoaster.)

Ready, Set, Go!

Can't get your fill go photos of Cars Land and Buena Vista Street? Dying for more pics of Radiator Springs Racers? Waiting for the latest shots on California Adventure? Well, Westcoaster has them today. Now, live, and ready for your viewing pleasure. Ready, set, head over here.

(Photograph copyright Westcoaster.net)

Westcoaster Update

The gang at Westcoaster has done it again. A wonderful update of all the most recent happenings at California Adventure. Go here to see the beautiful photos!
(Photo copyright Westcoaster.)