Disneyland!

As our creative studio gets more into the world of amusement parks, attractions, and location-based experiences, I’m starting to look at these kinds of trips with a lot more curiosity. What did I love? What could be improved-upon? What was truly special? What would I do differently?

First off, I like the idea of creating a “Rollercoaster Face” that is the same for every photo. (See Above)

Secondly, here are my hot takes on the park in no particular order.

Space Mountain - What a delight for the senses! The upward tunnel with spiraling effect to start the journey…the glorious 80s pump-up song that plays in sync with the ride….the lights and the dark and the twists and turns…. I had a huge smile on my face the entire time. (Except for the 20 seconds when I was holding my Rollercoaster Face because I didn’t know when the picture happens.)

The Lion King Show - This was sweet and impressive with a cool set and background visuals, and some amazing voices. The woman playing the storyteller gave us goosebumps every time she sang.

Haunted Mansion - So incredibly creative from start to finish. This ride has been closed the last few visits, so it’s been 20 years since my last ride. And it was worth the wait! All of the small touches add-up to a very magical experience the entire way through. And the stretchable paintings make for one of the best entrance rooms of all time.

Genie Plus - This system helped us (on a Sunday in August!) breeze through a number of lines. I think our longest wait while using this was maybe 15 minutes. It is 100% worth it. That said, I reallllllly don’t love how this makes you need your phone a lot more. Part of the magic of Disneyland is truly escaping, not worrying about apps, texts, emails, the internet…. but Genie Plus makes you put your head down and into your screen a lot more. My wife Jade and I definitely noticed how many other people were on their phones more too. I bet that Walt himself would demand another way to do it.

Pirates of the Caribbean - I love a good boat ride attraction, and Disney is full of them! This one really transports you to another place. It’s just fun! I was surprised that they seem to have doubled (nay tripled)-down on Johnny Depp’s Captain Jack Sparrow. It’s kind of strange how much he’s still a part of the park, from this ride to multiple live shows. I’m not saying that all traces of him should be erased…I don’t really know the answer. But it stood out to us.

Peter Pan - Flying over the city in the airborne gondolas is enchanting. Even seeing the other flying ships is sweet. Love love love the art here. I just wish the ride was longer so I can hang out in that world more.

Sleeping Beauty’s Castle - Speaking of art, the dioramas throughout this castle are so cool. I’m a huge fan of analog and mechanical over digital…and these little scenes do it delightfully!

Lobster Rolls At Harbour Galley - One of the best lunches in the park. Sit along the water and watch a steamboat and pirate ship sail by, people rowing canoes, and the motorized ferry to Tom Sawyer’s island…all while eating a lobstah roll!

Rise of the Resistance - This is one of the most impressive rides (and lines!) I’ve ever been on. It has a lot of WOW factor from start to finish. That saaaaaaiiid… my wife Jade brought up a really good point: Why is Disney promoting the “war” part of Star Wars so much? This ride has you captured by the empire, put in a prison room, then you have to breakout and escape in a little vehicle as they try to get you. It’s crazy impressive and I had a lot of fun, but after Jade’s concern that it’s a real lightning rod for PTSD and overall kind of irresponsible…I have to agree. What about all the other magic in the Star Wars world? Couldn’t they make an incredible experience where you’re training to be a Jedi? With the amount of violence in the world, it would be awesome if a trip to Disney was truly an escape from all of it.

Indiana Jones - Amazing! The set they’ve created for this is so next level. And the idea of the car moving all over the place while the wheels stay steady on the track below is genius. So good!!

Radiator Springs Racers - My friend Abby described this ride as having 3 acts. This was my first time on the ride and she was right! I loved how they start you out with a scenic journey, then you meet all the other characters in a fun way, and then off to the races! Super clever and a total blast.

Overall I give Disneyland 8 thumbs up!?

Where did all these thumbs come from??