Earlier this month, Disney World celebrated the 50th anniversary of Disney Parks as it kicked off its 'Happiest Celebration on Earth' extravaganza. But if you missed being there, no fear -- the celebration is only beginning.
The title, 'Happiest Celebration on Earth,' is only appropriate because Disney World has imported new attractions from all over the world - from Paris to Tokyo to the place it all began 50 years ago, Disney Land in California.
Here's an overview of the new attractions that debuted, and more!
'Soarin' Over California'
I can say without hesitation that 'Soarin' Over California,' located at Epcot, is one of the best -- if not the best -- ride I've ever been on. It's a perfect ride for the rollercoaster-impaired, such as myself, that likes the thrill of rides but not necessarily the turbulent motion that goes with them.
Walt Disney World
'Soarin''
Instead, it's similar to sitting on a porch swing, except one that dives and turns as it navigates its way over the spectacular landscape. It's an absolutely inspiring and breathtaking ride.
With 'Soarin',' the rider essentially is seated in a hang-glider like seat which securely hoists you up to 100 feet in the air, from which you are plunged into staggering vistas of California that surround you via the wonders of big screen film technology. But it's not just a visual experience: Your others senses will be in for thrill, too!
From snowcapped mountains to the sprawling forestland to a voyage over the Pacific Ocean (where you soar above such things as an aircraft carrier), 'Soarin'' allows you to experience an array of the state's wonders, which ends up at the Magic Kingdom at Disney Land. But you don't need to wait to get the end of the attraction to experience the Disney magic -- that magic is with you all along.
Perhaps more exciting about this attraction is the wonder of what the Disney imaginers will come up with next. With the technology already in place, it is my hope that the geniuses behind the attraction will pick up their cameras and head out soon -- so we can all go 'Soarin'' over different parts of the world.
Walt Disney World
'Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show'
You don't have to be an extreme sports or stunt fanatic to get an adrenaline rush out of the 'Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show,' a thrilling new attraction at Disney-MGM Studios that was inspired by the show in Disneyland Paris.
Like the theme park's 'Indiana Jones' adventure, 'Lights, Motors, Action!' has a movie stunt theme. Using highly experienced stunt drivers, the attraction demonstrates different car, watercraft and motorcycle stunts (and in one case, a stuntman does a freefall off the top of a building) as construction of an action movie sequence happens right before our eyes.
While the stunts features well choreographed chases, jumps and explosions, it doesn't take away from the thrill element of the show -- as even the slightest miscalculation could result in disaster.
The great part about 'Lights, Motors, Action!' action is that its much more than a spectacular display of cool stunts. The show's hosts, stunt coordinators and stunt people themselves walk us through the steps of how stunts work within the filmmaking process, and a large display with video playback gives us an up-close view of the scenes. The attraction takes place in a state fair-like grandstand, so every seat gives a perfect view of the action going on below.
Walt Disney World
'Cinderellabration'
Appropriately staged in from of the castle at the Magic Kingdom, this live stage show, imported from Disneyland Tokyo, features a spectacular array from Disney princesses and countless other Disney favorites enact the coronation of Cinderella.
Like one of my personal Disney theme park favorites, 'The Festival of the Lion King' (at the Animal Kingdom), 'Cinderellabration' soars
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