Disney magic made it's way to San Francisco and I was lucky enough to see it. I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I squealed like a child when we spotted Minnie and Mickey walking arm-in-arm as we drove up to the Legion of Honor to see Disney's World of Color Roadshow. I composed myself quickly...I hope.
The World of Color Roadshow is fabulous. It's meant to give online viewers a taste of the real World of Color show in Disney California Adventure.
Of course there weren't fountains spraying up to 200 ft in the air forming a massive water screen, in fact there wasn't water at all. Instead they transformed the facade of the Legion of Honor into different styles of architecture before showing some famous love scenes from Disney and Pixar movies using really high-tech projections. The Legion of Honor is beautiful in any light, but the way Disney transformed it was stunning.
I loved how it looked covered in flowers, especially.
The roadshow is making its way through California, stopping next in Sacramento's Old Town where it will feature a nature theme, San Diego where the theme will be water, and ending in Los Angeles with a sky theme. Following the iconic song, "I Left My Heart in San Francisco," San Francisco's theme was love, which is why the love scenes were featured for this stop only. Even though the locations are changing, the show is meant to be viewed online (show times listed on the website), but there is interaction for online viewers through a nightly vote for a featured color. The three colors - blue, green, and red - represent the three Good Fairies from Sleeping Beauty. The winning fairy will appear to fly from computer screens to the live venue to transform the landmark using the selected color. I voted for green (Fauna) and green looked awesome last night. But, hey, vote as you wish. The roadshow was only three months in the making, almost as long as it takes me to plan one of my kid's birthday parties, which is a testiment to the talent at Disney.
When we visited Disney California Adventure in April, we were wondering what was up with the bay. We could see what appeared to be lights and other equipment, with some work going on, but it looked strange. It all made sense last month when we'd heard that the World of Color show had opened. It took five years to bring the show to fruition, featuring a platform that rises out of Paradise Bay, nearly 1,200 fountains, 36 fire cannons, over 100,00 images, and 28 high definition projectors, 14 of which are submersible. That was why Paradise Bay looked a little strange. By the time we visited, the water had returned to Paradise Bay, but during the construction, the water from Paradise Bay was pumped out, stored and returned, helping to earn Disney a 2009 Governor's Environmental and Economic Leadership Award from the State of California.
We haven't seen the actual World of Color, but I've heard it's amazing and that those sitting close get wet. For best seating, guests can obtain a FASTPASS during the morning of the show or through dinner options, including a picnic meal with reserved viewing or a prix fixe dinner package at Ariel's Grotto and the Wine Trattoria restaurants. Of course availability is limited on all options.
As can be expected when mouse ears are around, the talk at the roadshow turned to Disney parks and cruises. Finally, Disney cruises are coming to the West Coast! Heading to both Mexico (from Los Angeles) and Alaska (from Seattle). Woot! And just in time for the kids cruise free special offer! Kevin recently asked when I'd be ready to cruise to Alaska with the kids and I brushed the question off, but now that it involves Disney (with its top notch entertainment for kids), and this limited time special offer, I'm tempted. Although Mexico sounds more alluring right now. A new cruise ship will be added to the East Coast, which has this one feature that I find exciting and scary: the AquaDuck, a clear, curvy water ride that GOES OUT OVER THE OCEAN! You can look down at the water - that is if you're brave enough to open your eyes! For the record, I would not be brave enough...probably not even brave enough to get on the ride at all. Actually, it looks amazing. I'd suck it up for the kids. They've also created virtual portholes to make interior rooms appear to have a window using a live feed from outside. Goodbye closterphobia!
More my speed is the addition of some new rides at Disney California Adventure. I've only been to DCA twice and it appears to be approving greatly with age. It used to be fun for kids and worth a few hours, but on the last trip, it was definitely worth an entire day. Next year Ariel's Undersea Adventure will open, followed by Cars Land, a 12-acre re-creation of Radiator Springs hosting three Cars-themed rides.
Disclaimer: Disney gave me a cookie and a Vinylmation Mickey Mouse figure following the Legion of Honor viewing. The items must have carried some Disney magic because my kids did not fight over them. Rocket grabbed the cookie, while Clover went for the Mickey.
DCA World of Color photo courtesy of Disney.
