What’s Up What’s Next for Disneyland Park

The Disney imagineers continue to work on making significant changes to the California Adventure theme park.   On Paradise Pier, the goal has been to create an atmosphere similar to the ocean side amusements of the 1920′s and 30′s, but with attractions thrilling enough for today’s theme park guests.

Adjustments already in place with Silly Symphony Swings, based on the 1935 cartoon short “The Band Concert”,  has guests caught up in a tornado from their seats and with feet dangling free swing out to experience unique views of the Adventure park.

Likewise, Mickey’s Fun Wheel, the 150 feet high Ferris wheel blazoned with the iconic image of Mickey Mouse, boasts swaying gondola style rides for up to 6 guests.  A unique twist for braver guests are the “free-mounted” gondolas that slip and slide as the wheel spins.

It would appear that through these enhancements, along with the nightly crowd-thrilling World of Color, the goal is being met.  So as fans of the theme park continue to ask what’s new, what’s next, a few interesting details are leaking out to the public.

Just outside the Paradise Pier area will be the home for the new Ariel’s Undersea Adventure.  While Imagineers have already shared plans for the family attraction, a recent posting by the L.A. Times revealed even more.

The musical “underwater”  ride will be a journey through the animated movie, The Little Mermaid.  With nautical themed art and enhancements, aboard their clam shell car, guests will feel they are about to  enter the seaside castle of King Triton.  Playing on their senses, a blast of cold air and a tilting shell, the illusion for guests of going underwater is created.

As guests pass through scenes, they will hear many of their favorite tunes from the movie.  As Ariel experiences life as a human and meets Prince Eric, guests will likewise feel they have reemerged on dry land.

Though the final scenes are being kept a closely guarded secret, it is known that the ride will open to the public at Disney’s California Adventure (map) in 2011 and a similar ride at Walt Disney World‘s Magic Kingdom (map) in 2013.

The Little Mermaid is one of my favorite Disney movies, and while I don’t wish for time to fly,  I can say that I honestly can not wait for this attraction to open.

Photo and Image Selections:  Disneyland Resort News