Today the crew go over their favorite Disney theme park queues and try not to tease each other too much over the attractions that still scare them today. We later discuss the ‘pun-filled’ Paradise Pier 1.0, what we miss most about 2.0, and explore if there are any redeeming qualities of Pixar Pier. This one is hopefully “Fun in the Sun for Everyone!”
Today the crew go over their favorite Disney theme park queues and try not to tease each other too much over the attractions that still scare them today. We later discuss the ‘pun-filled’ Paradise Pier 1.0, what we miss most about 2.0, and explore if there are any redeeming qualities of Pixar Pier. This one is hopefully “Fun in the Sun for Everyone!”
Interact:
The Hosts:
Hello and welcome to EPISODE 4 of the OFF HARBOR AND MAIN podcast. I’m Joel Covey, coming to you from the peaceful Tropical Lanai Studios here in Orange County, CA. This week I’m joined by my close friends Beth, Matt, Derick… and we have an extra guest today, our friend Braden has joined just for some extra commentary.
Alright let’s go around the room real quick. Hope everyone is doing well, how’s it going Beth? (Have each respond in normal order)
And does everyone have a drink tonight?
. . .Cheers!
With the announcements of WDW to open with a phased reopen on July 11th and July 15th, we know the days until we can get back to the parks on the west coast could actually be imminent. I know we expressed previously what we would want to see to feel comfortable at the parks, but we wanted to go over what are some rides we can’t wait to get back to.
Disney is known for typically being top notch with their queues and fully immersive experiences, I say “typically” because none of us are such shills that we cannot admit that other theme parks out there can have just as well done, immersive lines or experiences also. Ie. Harry Potter, Transformers, etc., BUT, let’s keep this one focused to our Disney stateside parks.
Let’s start with Derick
Joel:
Tokyo
So of all of those, are there any that you are truly afraid of dying on or how about the one that gives you the biggest “OH SHIT!” moment? I mean… let’s admit it, it’s still scary going on Big Thunder at Disneyland knowing exactly where and what happened during that incident. Anybody else have one they still get nervous about going on? I’ll keep this to Disney as there are plenty at some other parks I question unless you have any that really stick out. Like Ghostrider...
Not to encapsulate everything, but to talk about some key points that were the good, bad and ugly.
Paradise Pier originally resembled a modern seaside amusement park, similar to that of the Santa Monica Pier or Santa Cruz Boardwalk. As part of the DCA $1.1 billion expansion project, Paradise Pier was re-themed invoking the charm of Victorian era seaside amusement parks of the 1920s. Truly giving the land a cohesive theme and giving a timeless feel to it (Though California Screamin’ still screamed, pun intended, the early 2000s.)
Even introduced a new carnival owner or proprietor of Paradise Pier named Gustav Tinkerschmidt, which was really only featured in some of the safety spiels and listed on a window in the land… but man, I want to know more about Gustav.
June 17, 2008. The boardwalk games were then re-themed to incorporate more familiar Disney characters (completed on April 7, 2009), and the Sun Wheel was transformed into Mickey's Fun Wheel replacing the original sun face (completed on May 4, 2009).
Following these changes, the "Route 66" area was completely re-themed, with the removal of the "S.S. Rustworthy", and "Dinosaur Jack's Sunglass Shack”. The Orange Stinger completely redone to become Silly Symphony Swings, based on Walt Disney's short film "The Band Concert"... which is not a Silly Symphony.
Silly Symphony Swings opened on May 28, 2010
Also beyond a great deal of placemaking, we saw the removal of the Mickey Mouse ears from California Screamin’, which were replaced from I believe was similar, but not the same sign that once stood above Strips, Chips & Dips, and Malibu-ritos. Also, let’s not forget the removal of Maliboomer, which didn’t close until Sept 7, 2010. THIS RIDES A BLAST.
Pixar Pier opened during the limited-time Pixar Fest celebration, which began April 13, 2018. The celebration included the new “Together Forever: A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular” fireworks as well as the return of Pixar Play Parade and “Paint the Night” parade
Until our next happy hour, find us on Social Media. You can find our show handle on Twitter and Instagram at @OffHarbor.
Beth and Matt, where can we find you online?
Derick, you can find here
And for me, find me on twitter @TangaroaJoel and on IG @OCescapism.
We hope you have enjoyed this week’s show and that this can bring you a little joy. If you have enjoyed us thus far, please don’t hesitate to leave us an Apple Podcast review or share the show with your friends on social media. Ratings truly help bring visibility to the show. Regardless, we sincerely thank you for listening.
To Nick and Joshua, I’m sorry we just ran out of time this week.
Until next time, remember we all share the common bonds of hope and sorrow, dreams and joys. Stay well and cheers.
CHEERS!