What's New to Do: Complete Itinerary

By: Andrew Bermudez

     Just as Sarah Thunder mentioned in her entry, I won't be writing in here for a little while, since I'm currently in summer school. However, while you wait for my next entry, I just wanted to hear from you!

     If you look at the title of this entry, you'll see that this is a What's New to Do article. No, this isn't my review for Transformers: The Ride - 3-D (that will come next month or the month after). Instead, I've compiled a list of everything new this year! After you're done reading through, give us your thoughts on any of the experiences below. If you've checked out any of these experiences or if I forgot any, please let me know in the comments.
July 10th Update: This list has been updated to reflect attractions that are now open. Also, to start a discussion, each new experience name will become a link to a relevant video by the end of the month. Note: all videos are the property of their owners, whom do not authorize, endorse, or sponsor this list.

What's New to Do:

Cars Land at Disney California Adventure (Now Open)

Buena Vista Street at Disney California Adventure (Now Open)

New Matterhorn Bobsleds at Disneyland (Now Open)

Transformers: The Ride - 3-D at Universal Studios Hollywood (Now Open)

Manta at Sea World San Diego (Now Open)

The LAIR at the Los Angeles Zoo (Now Open)

Tierra de las Pampas at the Santa Ana Zoo (Now Open)

Cheetah Run at San Diego Zoo Safari Park (Now Open)

Pirate Reef at LEGOLAND California (Now Open)

Lex Luthor: Drop of Doom at Six Flags Magic Mountain (Now Open)

Storybook Circus at the Magic Kingdom (Now Open)

Fantasyland Forest at the Magic Kingdom (Opens December 6th)

Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom at the Magic Kingdom (Now Open)

Phineas and Ferb: Agent P's World Showcase Adventure at Epcot (Now Open)

Test Track 2.0 at Epcot (Opens November 30th)

The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow at Disney's Hollywood Studios (Opens Fall 2012)

Disney's Art of Animation Resort at Walt Disney World (Now Open)

Turtle Trek at Sea World Orlando (Now Open)

Universal's Superstar Parade at Universal Studios Orlando (Now Open)

Universal's Cinematic Spectacular: 100 Years of Movie Magic at Universal Studios Orlando (Now Open)

Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem at Universal Studios Orlando (Now Open)

LEGOLAND Water Park at LEGOLAND Florida (Now Open)

Verbolten at Busch Gardens Williamsburg (Now Open)
Iceploration at Busch Gardens Tampa (Now Open)

     Now for new things outside the United States for our international readers!

Toy Story Midway Mania! at Tokyo Disneysea (Now Open)

Grizzly Gulch at Hong Kong Disneyland (Now Open)

Sesame Street Dark Ride at Universal Studios Singapore (Opens October 21st)

Polar Land at LEGOLAND Billund (Now Open)

Atlantis Submarine Voyage at LEGOLAND Windsor (Now Open)

Flying NinjaGo at LEGOLAND Guzenburg (Now Open)

LEGOLAND Malaysia (Now Open)

     WOW! Business is certainly booming, isn't it? Just look at that list! On top of that, I'm pretty sure that I forgot a few along the way. If you know of something has opened earlier this year or will be opening by the end of the year, just let me know in the comments. For anyone who has already checked out one or more of the above attractions, give us you're thoughts on it in the comments.

     For this article, I would like to thank Theme Park Insider for their award-winning news and advice. They've really helped with this article. Well, that's it for today. Be sure to check out the above experiences and happy travels!

Sarah Thunder's World Travels: Buckingham Palace

By: Sarah Thunder

     Hi, everyone! Sarah Thunder here, with an all-new travel journal! Andrew won't be writing in here for awhile (he's busy at the moment, and might not be writing until late July, which would be his review for Transformers: The Ride - 3-D at Universal Studios Hollywood), so I've decided to add my own travels here! Let's get started!

     Right now, I'm on the set for Johnny Thunder and the Wisdom of the Ancients. In particular, we're outside Buckingham Palace in the heart of London! It's so peaceful here, with the gardens and wildlife, especially now that filming is done here. However, we were a little late on heading to the next set, so my partner Lance Spears had to ask for directions. In hindsight, I think he may have asked the wrong person!

     However, we were able to get directions from a tourist, so we're now off to the next movie set! Right now, we're getting ready for the next scene. Unfortunately, we can't provide photos from the actual set during shooting until after the film comes out, since the film is currently strictly confidential. In fact, the film is so secret, people who aren't involved with the film's development aren't allowed anywhere near the set.

     Well, that's it for today. I plan on doing another entry for London in general, but until then, happy travels!

     P.S. I heard that Andrew is supposed to be putting up pictures of Cars Land at Disney California Adventure sometime soon. I haven't experienced it yet (after all, I am in London), but from what I've heard, it sounds like a lot of fun!

What's New to Do: Cars Land at Disney California Adventure

By: Andrew Bermudez

     Note: Since this trip report is from the cast member/annual passholder preview, no photography was allowed, hence the lack of pictures. In a strange twist of irony, though, my brother and I seemed to be the only people without a camera. It's perplexing, but oh well. I'll add pictures in the future. Besides, with a little detective work, I'm sure you can find accompanying pictures online.

     Back in 2007, Disney announced that it had planned a $1.2 billion refurbishment and expansion of its troubled California Adventure park. The plans involved bringing more Disney characters into the park, replacing the hip and edgy decor with timeless themeing of a "California that never was," and introduce more big-budget E-ticket attractions. The refurbishment has brought along several popular attractions and has so far been successful.

     This Friday, June 15th, the refurbishment will officially end with the openings of both Buena Vista Street, the park's new entrance area reminiscent of 1920's Los Angeles, and Cars Land, a 12-acre land recreating the town of Radiator Springs from the Disney/Pixar film Cars. However, since my brother Daniel Bermudez works as a cast member, we were allowed to explore the two new lands early.

     We did not spend much time in Buena Vista Street, since our preview time only lasted four hours. We did stop here and there along the street, looking at several of the shop windows. From what we did see, I must say that I was very impressed. It'll certainly be a great beginning to a day at the park.

     However, what really impressed was Cars Land, which is what I'll be focusing on. To make a long story short, the land makes you feel like you're actually in Radiator Springs. They spared no dollar in making sure every detail matched the film. They even went beyond by making areas not seen in the movie, like Stanley's Oasis, for example. Here is a breakdown of every attraction, shop, and restaurant in the new land.

Radiator Springs Racers (Attraction): The main attraction in the land is also one of the best attractions around. It uses the ride technology created for Epcot's Test Track to take you through memorable moments from the first Cars film. There's also a side-by-side racing finale that takes place entirely outdoors. I don't want to reveal too much about what happens since Cars Land hasn't actually opened yet, but what I can say is wow! Disney has really done it again with another excellent E-ticket ride that is sure to become a Disney Parks classic attraction, amongst the ranks of Pirates of the Caribbean and Indiana Jones Adventure. It's a great attraction that you must go on during your next visit to Disney California Adventure. Both FastPass and Single Rider services are available for this attraction.

Luigi's Flying Tires (Attraction): We did not go on this attraction, since the wait time was a consistent 60 minutes during our visit. However, from what I've heard, the ride isn't supposed to be that good. Generally speaking, it's a reboot of the old Flying Saucers attraction from Disneyland, this time themed to tires. However, when the line is shorter, I'll give it a try.
Update: I've been on the attraction now, and I must say that I agree with a majority of the guests. It's just too frustrating to get your tire to actually move to have any fun. Leaning back semi-worked in getting the tire to move, but overall I sadly cannot recommend this attraction. The line is well-done, though.

Mater's Junkyard Jamboree (Attraction): This ride was the pleasant surprise of the day. On this attraction, guests sit in trailers pulled by tractors. The tractors then spin around on large circular discs, with tractors moving from disc to disc. With these sudden changes in direction, the trailer with the guests inside whips around. While there's not much to it, it's actually a lot of fun swinging around out of control in that trailer.

Flo's V8 Cafe (Restaurant): The premier dining location in Cars Land, Flo's V8 Cafe serves up pies, ham, turkey, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and other favorites from 1950's diners. Now I know that 1950's style diners have become sort of a cliche at theme parks, but this one at least takes it up a notch. The music may be similar to you local shopping center's Johnny Rocket's restaurant, but the decor and special vinyl records make it something only found in Cars Land.

Cozy Cone Motel (Restaurant): If Hollywood Land's hotel is an attraction (The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror), then Cars Land's hotel is a restaurant! All of the food options here usually involve cones, like the Chili Cone Queso, cone-shaped cups, or Popcone (the flavored popcorn from Tokyo Disneyland). We tried Red's Apple Chiller, which was a very good drink.

Filmore's Taste-in (Restaurant): We did not try any food options from here, as we ran out of time. From what I've heard, they serve soft drinks, fruit smoothies, and fresh fruit.
Radiator Springs Curios (Shop): The main pin trading and Vinylmation location for Cars Land, this shop features t-shirts, mugs, and other souvenirs that... uh, can be found elsewhere in Disney California Adventure. The merchandise here seems to be the generic products found elsewhere in the resort (why are there Star Tours pins here?), but the highly detailed decor in the store makes up for it.
Sarge's Surplus Hut (Shop): This Quonset hut-themed store features Cars toys, including exclusive toys of the Radiator Springs Racers vehicles and LEGO Cars sets.
Ramone's House of Body Art (Shop): We did not enter this store, since we ran out of time. However, I've heard that this store features tons of exclusive merchandise, including exclusive hats and shirts.
     Well, that's all that this impressive land has to offer. Because of this, you may be fooled into thinking that every nook and cranny can be scoured in just under two hours. However, this is not the case. The Imagineers have really put a lot of thought and detail into this land. There's so much to it that we weren't able to check everything out during the preview time. We will certainly go back into this land the next time we're in Disney California Adventure, and you should too. You won't be disappointed.
     Cars Land and Buena Vista Street open publicly on June 15th, 2012.

Photo Journal from Sea World San Diego

By: Andrew Bermudez

     To continue on the same note from yesterday's review of the new roller coaster Manta, here are some photos from throughout the rest of Sea World. Located in San Diego on the shores of Mission Bay, Sea World San Diego is part zoo, part aquarium, and part theme park that celebrates animals that make their home entirely or nearly so in the ocean. Unlike other theme parks, Sea World is not organized into individual lands, but the park remains consistent and provides something for everyone. Thrill-seekers will get a kick out of Manta and Journey to Atlantis, while the little ones can hang out in the Sesame Street Bay of Play. Also, don't forget about the star of the park, Shamu! Here is a collection of photos from our latest visit.

Scenery inside the Wild Arctic exhibit area.

Two-toed sloth at the animal connections exhibit.

Lots of sharks in the Shark Encounter.

Shamu and his family perform in the show "One Ocean."

Lots of sea turtles in Turtle Reef.

Don't forget to check out the hysterical antics of Clyde and Seamore in "Sea Lions Live."

Shipwreck Rapids does get you wet, but I personally prefer Grizzly River Run at Disney California Adventure.

Sesame Street characters meet and greet in the Sesame Street Bay of Play.

Outside Journey to Atlantis, a ride that's both a water ride and a roller coaster!

     If you want to visit Sea World San Diego, please check their website for admission rates, show times, hours, and more. Since Sea World has several shows, it is highly recommended that you plan your day around the show schedule. Don't forget to also "sea" (Get it? Get it? *GROAN*) the wide variety of animals as well. Also, if you do go to Sea World, remember that you may get wet!

     Well, that's it for today. As I type this, we're already planning our next outing: a preview of Cars Land at Disney California Adventure! Do note, however, that I won't feature photographs for that, as photography is prohibited inside the new land until it publicly opens on June 15th. Until then, happy travels!

What's New to Do: Manta at Sea World San Diego

By: Andrew Bermudez

     Are you ready to ride the ray and feel the rush? That's what the tag line for Manta, Sea World San Diego's newest attraction, promises.

     If you're familiar with the Sea World Orlando version of this attraction, this attraction's only similarity is its name. This version isn't a flying coaster and doesn't have any massive drops or a chain to pull the coaster up to the top of the highest drop. It's actually more like California Screamin' at Disney California Adventure without the massive drops than anything else.
     The ride starts of inside a 270 degree digital screen, where you drift in a coral reef while manta rays swim overhead. It's a very relaxing part of the ride, even if the drifting feeling feels more like you're vehicle is moving back and forth (which it is). Then, a screen at the end of the tunnel rolls away, and you accelerate out at 48 mph.

     The rest of the attraction is the roller coaster part, where you twist and turn around the line and the adjacent bat ray touch pool. After making some sharp turns, you come to the back half of the ride, which features a second acceleration. You then swing around in a helix, make a turn next to the flamingo exhibit, and hit the braking point. From there, it's just a slow roll into the loading area, ending the ride.

     While I don't consider myself a roller coaster person, I must say that I was really impressed with this attraction in that it seamlessly blends thrills with its themeing. The roller coaster part succeeds at being highly thrilling without overdoing it, and the beginning really brings the world of the attraction to life. My only real complaint about the attraction would be that there isn't any real landscaping in the back half of the ride, not even a few palm trees. However, this is only a minor problem that can be fixed with a little gardening. If you are planning to visit Sea World San Diego soon, I recommend that you make Manta part of your visit. Just remember that loose articles are not allowed on the attraction, but you can get a locker and put your loose articles in there before you ride.

     Of course, this is Sea World, so there are animals here, too! In this particular photo, you can see us posing at the flamingo exhibit next to the back half of the ride. They don't seem to mind the noise created by Manta, which actually isn't loud at all. The screams of the guests on board is almost always louder than the coaster itself.

     Near the entrance to Manta is a touch pool with a few bat rays and guitarfish. There aren't may animals in here, but the attraction just opened, so I'm sure more will come in later. There are also no manta rays in the touch pool, since an adult manta ray can be almost as big as this touch pool. There are also deep areas in the touch pool, which are only viewable in the underground viewing space. Part of the line for Manta also goes through this space.
     That's it for today. Next time, I'll share some photos from the rest of Sea World. Then, I'll get to experience Cars Land... early! Until then, happy travels!