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 | There are lots of exciting things happening in the parkosphere. My World of Color coverage continues with a review of the spectacular new show. And I've got some pictures and info to share with you from the opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. | |
Wonderful, Wonderful (World of) Color
The world my be a carousel of color, but there was a time not all that long ago when the world was broadcast in glorious black and white on television. Starting in 1961, those fortunate enough to own a color TV gathered around their sets on Sunday evenings to watch Tinker Bell spray splashes of colorful pixie dust at the start of Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color (and spurred the children of color TV-deprived families to nag their parents for one of the newfangled sets). The program heralded the emergence of color television technology and helped forever change the entertainment medium. Similarly, the new World of Color (whose name is inspired by the iconic TV program and whose soundtrack includes its theme song) at Disney California Adventure takes the concept of a monochromatic dancing fountains show, such as the one presented at the Bellagio Casino in Las Vegas, infuses it with dazzling color, overlays a judicious selection of colorful Disney and Pixar animated scenes, and creates a production that trumpets new technology and heralds a new era in nighttime spectacular shows. Read my review of World of Color.
| Hooray for Harrywood
In an industry that knows no bounds and suffers no shame when it comes to hype, Universal Orlando has been relentlessly hyping The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, calling the new "theme park within a theme park," among other things, a "mind-blowing experience," "the most spectacular themed entertainment area aver created," and "a revolution in theme parks." To me and the jaded journalists who attended last Friday's grand opening of the new land, the hyperbole sounded like yet another heap of self-congratulatory hogwart-wash. But you know what? This time, it's pretty much all true. I'll be posting my take on the new land, a complete review of the Forbidden Journey of Harry Potter attraction, and other Potter-iffic content shortly, but suffice it to say that I did, indeed, have my mind blown. Universal's attention to detail and level of immersion into the world of Harry Potter was staggering. And the Forbidden Journey ride was pure magic--a technical tour-de-force that sent me flying along with Harry and his wizarding friends for an incredible journey. The grand opening event, which featured the stars of the films and a spotlight-shunning J.K. Rowling, was also spectacular. See my photo gallery of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter kickoff for some great shots of the celebs, the stars' reactions to the new park, and other grand opening hoopla.
| Talking Parks with Beatrice
I had the pleasure of being a guest on a podcast hosted by Beatrice Leonard of Travelers with Disabilities Having Fun. We chatted a bit about the history of amusement parks, the emergence of indoor water parks, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and other park-related topics. Beatrice even coaxed me to talk about how I developed my crazy passion for amusement parks. (Hint: It all started at Revere Beach.) You can catch our conversation at the Travelers with Disabilities Having Fun podcast.
| Swing High, Sweet Chair Ride
See Vienna's wacky new StarFlyer ride.
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