Originally Posted By AutoPost This topic is for Discussion of <a href="http://www.LaughingPlace.com/Lotion-View-1197.asp" target="_blank"><b>LP Lotion: The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel's Undersea Adventure</b></a> Pictures and a complete video ride-through from Disney California Adventure's newest ride, The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel's Undersea Adventure.
Originally Posted By Dr Hans Reinhardt The Embarcadero Gifts store looks kind of temporary, but maybe in person it has more detail. As for the Mermaid attraction, well I think it looks superb. Although I'm still thrown off by the color scheme on the rotunda the design and execution of the attraction's building is wonderful. I especially love the nod to Spanish Revival architecture in the loading area. Most of all thank you for posting a picture of the entire building at night. I can't wait to see this view in person: <a href="http://www.laughingplace.com/Showpic.asp?filename=http://s231432788.onlinehome.us/lotion/pics/SS20110601-DLMermaid/big/P14-0005.JPG&caption=" target="_blank">http://www.laughingplace.com/S...caption=</a>
Originally Posted By CuriousConstance Wow that picture looks amazing. I think the ride looks really fun. I just watched the video with my daughter and she was so excited and singing along.
Originally Posted By wc I'm really looking forward to this. I'm really interested in noting the similarities and differences with the concept video that appeared on the DVD. One thing that I thought was kind of fun was something that I said to myself when the concept video was released. Those of you who have that, know that the ride cars on the video were on a over head monorail like the Peter Pan ride. I thought to myself at the time, why not just use the Omnimover (Doombuggy) system. That way they can direct where the guests look. Obviously the Imagineers though so too. Thanks for posting all this stuff on the Little Mermaid!
Originally Posted By crapshoot I got over to experience the attraction at 8:30 last night. I am very impressed with the exterior of the show building. It's very befitting to an early century aquarium one would find tucked away in a seaside amusement park. The frieze panels of mermaids and the bronze bust of Triton are very powerful on the exterior. Plus the chandeliers throughout the main gallery are nicely theme executed and very elegant. A huge plus for the Paradise Pier area is the change in BGM. It has made a huge impact as to the emotional connection to the era now being protrayed. Gone are the strangely stylized 1960's beach songs. Now is very subtle 1930's era pop music piped throughout the area. It brings such a legitamacy to tha area of park now. And for the attraction itself, all I will say is that I am so pleased with the overall execution. Using the onmi-mover ride system is a stroke of genius. Those reported ridiculous wait times won't last, as the ride system pulls people through the line very quickly. My wait time was exactly 40 minutes. But it is clear that anything longer than a 15 minute wait will be out of the ordinary. Once the opening hype is over, everyone will realize that this attraction needs no pre-planning strategies in order to ride. As for the show within the attraction itself, I found it to be very immersive and charming. For me, the transitions from surface to under the sea and back were very well executed given the type of ride system used. The overall theme execution was very well done. The tableaus chosen were relevant to the story. The scene transitions were coherent. The color pallete was spot on. The set pieces were very well sculpted and themed. The soundsystem was crisp and had great fidelity. The various degrees of animation used on the different figures I found appropriate for this type of attraction. I even enjoyed the "hot" lighting in the Under The Sea jamboree tableau. Sure the viewer can see mechanical elements in the ceiling, but that is only if the person is willing to look away from the scene itself. I glanced up once, but was then drawn right back to the action of the scene. What else can I say other than the omni-mover ride system is the brilliant choice for this attraction. The queue line never stops moving forward. As for the execution of this attraction; I will just say that the Walt Disney Company has definetly turned a very positive corner for this once dismal park. Disney California Adventure is going to be amazing twelve months from now.
Originally Posted By wc crapshoot; I read that the Little Mermaid building is a "tribute" to a building from a previous amusement park. Not sure which one. Once Car's Land is open, DCA will be packed.
Originally Posted By crapshoot << I read that the Little Mermaid building is a "tribute" to a building from a previous amusement park.>> I wouldn't doubt that one bit as it certanly has that appeal. And yes, DCA will definetly be shutting off its turnstiles on days to come. Yoweser! I'll be over at Trader Sams.
Originally Posted By Dr Hans Reinhardt "I read that the Little Mermaid building is a "tribute" to a building from a previous amusement park." It's the Dragon's Gorge indoor coaster at Ocean Park. Apparently there was a similar version of the attraction at Coney Island as well. <a href="http://www.cardcow.com/images/set77/card00051_fr.jpg" target="_blank">http://www.cardcow.com/images/...1_fr.jpg</a>
Originally Posted By Dr Hans Reinhardt Correction: the California coaster was outdoor (the building pictured was just a facade) and the NY attraction was indoors. Here's the Coney Island building: <a href="http://www.usgwarchives.org/ny/kings/postcards/dragon.jpg" target="_blank">http://www.usgwarchives.org/ny...agon.jpg</a>
Originally Posted By SafariRob >>I want to watch, but i dont want to spoil it.<< Me, too. Five days to go! I will be looking for hidden Mickey's.
Originally Posted By DlandDug Did you say Hidden Mickey??? <a href="http://www.laughingplace.com/Lotion-View-1202-2.asp" target="_blank">http://www.laughingplace.com/L...02-2.asp</a> (Scroll to the bottom of the page.)
Originally Posted By CuriousConstance I think those King Triton chariots for wheelchairs are the cutest things I have ever seen.
Originally Posted By Sparrow The Embarcadero store carries mainly The Little Mermaid and World of Color stuff. It suckered me in and I got the Ariel shirt for adults. Loved the hoodie but didn't want to spend the $54. And all of the merch is also available in World of Disney in DTD.
