Originally Posted By TDLFAN TDL celebrated it's 23rd Anniversary on April 15th, 2006 and TDLFAN was there to witness the chaos. Also, this was debut day for TDL's brand new special event "Lilo's Panic: FIND STITCH!", featuring the spectacular rolling show and parade "Huli Huli Ohana Bash!" The story behind the event is about Stitch getting loose at TDL and literally trashing the place. We must try to find Stitch (who is hiding in some places around TDL) and stop him from causing any more further damage to TDL's lovely surroundings!! Sadly, we are too late. Stitch has taken up to repaint and trash the park mercilessly. Armed with paint and brush, Stitch destroys everything in sight and leaves an unsightly mess everywhere he goes. Graffiti is everywhere as Stitch does not leave a stone unturned, turning TDL into a messy kingdom of artistic proportions. He even paints graffiti all over the parade floats!! Terrible!! Terrible!! TDLFAN here almost had a heart attack when he arrived at TDL this glorious anniversary morning!!! Now to some real comments... Trashing TDL must have been a huge undertaking for those in charge of planning this event. Its a thin line to walk when you trash TDL for show purposes. They succeeded beautifully.... sometimes a bit too realistic at times... I was going "OMG!! OMG!! What has happened to *my* park!?!?!?" But I do appreciate the approach they took...that of the point of view of a child. Most of the graffiti looks like it was painted by a preschooler kid, and at times... it's cute to look at the final result and the amount of thought it took to design and strategically place it. That's what redeems the effort for me. Details are everywhere in the graffiti. If you don't look twice, you will miss the hidden Mickeys and other jokes. The funny thing is... when I saw it in person.. I actually did like what they had done a lot, but once these pcitures came back... I was truly HORRIFIED at how realistic all this mess looks on photos!! KUDOS to the crew of artists who were able to recreate this entire show and challenge us to look pass the mess and find the small beauty and whim of the final product. But I have to confess... I am glad this "look" will only be there until late July... and I am looking forward to seeing TDL return to it's former glorious state. As for the main event... the brand new "Huli Huli Ohana Bash!" parade/show... an impressive effort that again, challenges us to NOT to take it at face value. The parade is impressive because it features a FUN FUN FUN musical soundtrack that makes guests clap and tap along with the music, but also features a collection of Disney characters that feel appropriate for the show. It also has the distinction of debuting some new rubber head characters never seen outside Japan before... mainly characters from the Lilo and Stitch TV series, and these new characters translate well into rubberhead form here. The floats... which you will either hate or love due to the graffiti smeared on them, are quite well designed and feature TONS of details that any regular guest will miss with just one viewing of the show, or if you simply do not pay attention. The floats also feature such elaborate extras, like inflatable props, bubbles, exploding confetti streamers and many many many inside-jokes and details worth talking about. It was that level of surprise that exceeded my expectations and reason why I am rating this new parade/show quite highly. It must have been a serious brain-storming session when they put this rolling show together folks, because I was blown away by the sheer amount of details and attention to color placement here. This parade is a huge Hawaiian Rainbow gone MAD right in front of our eyes. Probably one of TDL's most colorful and thoroughly enjoyable parades I have ever seen at that park. Anyways... without further ado... I sure hope you will find this photo album enjoyable (even with all that mess around TDL). In it, I tried to document the colorful damage caused by Stitch, where he is hiding around the park (why do you think the event is called "Find Stitch??") while also highlighting some lovely new tees and stuff on sale at the park, how crowded it got, a tiki bird doing Cross-U in Adventureland, and many many other sights brought on as a result of this most interesting special day at TDL. With that in mind... please explore this most colorful (and untidy) look at TDL. Oh yes... HAPPY 23rd TDL!!! We love you!!! <a href="http://albums.photo.epson.com/j/Albu...3&a=32160645&f=" target="_blank">http://albums.photo.epson.com/ j/Albu...3&a=32160645&f=</a>
Originally Posted By SuperDry Great pics as always. (the above link appears broken - I had to go to another of your albums from another thread and navigate from there) Were they able to do all of the changes (put up all of the graffiti, change the entrance flower bed) in overnight? That would seem to be a lot of work to get done in just a few hours.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN Link fixed. Try this one: <a href="http://albums.photo.epson.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=4334673&a=32160645&f=" target="_blank">http://albums.photo.epson.com/ j/AlbumIndex?u=4334673&a=32160645&f=</a> Thank you for alerting me. As for your question SuperDry... I honestly do not know howlong it took for them to put up all of that "decor" and make changes. I was not there the days preceeding the 15th.
Originally Posted By Faith Thanks as always for the great photos, TDLFAN! I wish I could get to TDR to see all the events but until I win the lottery or something, I'm grateful to at least be able to live vicariously. Some of the new T-shirts are very cute. p.s. the "What's his name" in the floats with Hamsterviel is Gantu. (sp?)
Originally Posted By irishfan Thanks for the report. In a previous message you mentioned: >>Worst, I noticed some issues with cleanliness at TDL this week that bothered the heck out of me, but will discuss that later as I am short on time and catching my flight home from NRT in an hour... Later!<< Any heads up to what issues you had?
Originally Posted By TDLFAN Thank you Faith!!! Gantu sounds about right. There are 2 or 3 more characters in the show I do not know the name... >>Any heads up to what (maintenance) issues you had?<< Besides the park being covered in graffiti?? Yes... Lately, there have been a lot of cracks opening up in the floors around TDL. Not sure what is going on here.. if this is due in part because of the tremors they have had lately or settling down of the landfill below or simply lack of maintenance...which I'd like to doubt. Some were fixed but they leave a so-so mark on the floors. The other issue was about sediment on the bottom of the Tomorrowland entrance pond. This pond features stone tiles at the bottom, and is meant to be appreciated thru the crystaline waters in this area. However, a mildewsy residue could be seen at the bottom on April 15th. I have never seen that before at TDL ever! Lastly... some dirt spots are rearing their heads around high traffic benches in the park. This concerns me terribly..as this is how the MK's cleanliness started going downhill in the late 80s.. I did not document these "infractions" because I want to give TDL the benefit of the doubt and will check for these issues again on my next visit. If I see improvement, I will let it drop, but If I don't... watch out! I will be ranting like there is no tomorrow. UPDATE!!! I have been told the castle front side scaffolding now features graffiti as well. But no pics from me on that.
Originally Posted By Mr X >>>This parade is a huge Hawaiian Rainbow gone MAD right in front of our eyes. Probably one of TDL's most colorful and thoroughly enjoyable parades I have ever seen at that park.<<< Sounds great! And...what other offerings are going on at the other Disney parks throughout the world? Oh yeah. A lot less (I didn't even have to check to be sure lol). >>>The other issue was about sediment on the bottom of the Tomorrowland entrance pond. This pond features stone tiles at the bottom, and is meant to be appreciated thru the crystaline waters in this area. However, a mildewsy residue could be seen at the bottom on April 15th. I have never seen that before at TDL ever! Lastly... some dirt spots are rearing their heads around high traffic benches in the park. This concerns me terribly..as this is how the MK's cleanliness started going downhill in the late 80s..<<< I swear, if Disney IS monitering internet chat...they should find TDLFAN at all costs, and offer him an executive position as "vice-president in charge of world-wide quality control" for their parks. No joke!
Originally Posted By smctopia What a cute parade/event. What makes it all the more amazing is that this is only for a few MONTHS. WDW would run it for 5 YEARS if they ever got it. Visit Walt Dated World <a href="http://waltdatedworld.bravepages.com" target="_blank">http://waltdatedworld.bravepag es.com</a>
Originally Posted By TDLFAN TDL's special event parades are always of very superior quality for the most part. They never wager on quality even if these events are temporary. Another reason why I love TDR.
Originally Posted By Inspector 57 Thank you for sharing this special event with us, TDLFAN! I don't care for Stitch at all. I have issues with Disney glorifying his bad behavior. Given that, however... I LOVE the idea of graffiti'ing the Park! It's wonderful that they were inventive and brave enough to seize on an unusual and risky concept and then execute it so thoroughly. As smctopia observed, it's amazing the thought and expense TDL puts into its months-only-long events. (How long did Parade of the Stars run at Disneyland again?) What are they doing to the Castle? The only "bad" thing I notice on your TDL pictorials is how wildly successful TDL is. I can't imagine waiting in those lines for attractions or food.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN >>Thank you for sharing this special event with us, TDLFAN!<< My pleasure. >>I don't care for Stitch at all. I have issues with Disney glorifying his bad behavior.<< You and me both. One reason why I have learn to detest Stitch is because of the way he is presented at WDW. In regards to TDL... yes, he trashed the park but Stitch does NOT spit to guests, does NOT burps chili dog or other unpleasant aromas, and does NOT make questionable noises like those heard on the monorail at WDW... For that, I am quite greatful. Furthermore, the way they portray Stitch on the event's merchandise and marketing is simply fun! Therefore I give my stamp of approuval. But Like I sad before... I am glad the graffiti will be gone by the end of july. >>How long did Parade of the Stars run at Disneyland again?<< 5 long and tedious years. >>What are they doing to the Castle?<< Beats me. I am assuming dismantlelation of the Mystery Castle Tour inside while doing some major renovations to the facade... new paint, cleaning, etc etc... A rumor was circulating about fiber optic lights being added to the strobe system to enhance the look of the castle at night or during events.. but that is only rumor. With the 25th coming in 24 months... you never know. >>The only "bad" thing I notice on your TDL pictorials is how wildly successful TDL is. I can't imagine waiting in those lines for attractions or food.<< Piece of cake. Lines move to the best of their capabilities and capacity which is plenty, plus TDL is much much better staffed than the other DL parks, so they move more poeple thru than what you are used to seeing in DL. Seeing and participating in the crowds is part of what makes TDL unique. I think you would be surprised as to how smooth everything goes when the park is this crowded..
Originally Posted By stitch84 For TDLFAN and everyone else who isn't an expert in the world of Stitch and his cousins, here's a guide to the new characters in this parade. Jumba, Pleakley, and Gantu - from original film Hamsterviel - from series/sequels, pretty easy to identify Experiment 010 (Felix) - green, brush on tail, vacuum-like nose Experiment 221 (Sparky) - light yellow, dragon like, long antennae Experiment 258 (Sample) - bright orange, Koala-like, female Experiment 624 (Angel) - pink, looks like Stitch, female Experiment 625 (Reuben) - yellow, looks like a fatter Stitch Experiment 627 - red, looks similar to Stitch If that still doesn't clarify it, here's which floats they appear on... Gantu and Hamsterviel float: Experiments 010, 625, 627 Donald, Goofy, and Timon float: Experiment 258 Lilo, Mickey, Minnie, and Pluto float: Experiment 624 Jumba and Pleakley float: Experiment 221 As a North American-bound Stitch fanatic, I can only ever dream of seeing these characters. Are they doing any meet and greets outside of the parade/show?
Originally Posted By Mr X >>>Are they doing any meet and greets outside of the parade/show?<<< I would say that's unlikely. TDL follows a pretty strict schedule for character greetings and adding all those other characters would probably effect the regular gang too much. However, I wouldn't be surprised if Stitch is appearing in World Bazaar these days (don't really know though...TDLFAN, did you see him?
Originally Posted By gurgitoy2 Yeah, I am a fan of the series as well, and it would be nice to get these characters stateside, but the chance of that is probably 0%...
Originally Posted By TDLFAN Since he won the 2nd American Idol!! HAHAHAHA!!! Ok... Stitch84.. thanks so much for thr handy guide to everything Stitch. Mr X, I didn't see Stitch at all doing meet and greet. But if Nezumi says Adventureland...then it's got to be true.
Originally Posted By trailsend TDL is beautiful. It looks spotless. Everything looks clean. Everything is neat. Even though this is "planned" grafitti, it also looks under control! The people are clean. I cannot get over how clean the walkways are. It looks brand new. I'm very impressed. These pictures are so good.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN You read my report and saw my pics. Now see the short video clips from "Find Stitch!". Click on the left for the TV commercial or the right for a quick serving of the special event... videos load and play automatically and take about 15 seconds for those with broadband service.... Enjoy!!! <a href="http://www.hulihuli.jp/movie.html" target="_blank">http://www.hulihuli.jp/movie.h tml</a>
