New Orleans Square is themed around 19th century New Orleans. A similarly themed area can be find in Tokyo Disneyland. Interestingly, New Orleans Square is not actually a square - rather a collection of streets that twist and turn around shops, restaurants and the original Pirate's of the Caribbean building. Attractions in New Orleans Square include the Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion and Princess Tiana's Mardi Gras Celebration. There are also a great range of shops and restaurants in the land, that we'll explore futher in New Orlean's Square (part II that will follow this post).
If you haven't caught at least one of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, you are definitely in the minority. This was the very last attraction that Walt Disney himself participated in designing. It opened in spring 1967 just three months after his death. Guests board boats amongst glittering fireflies in a quaint bayou. As you set sail, on your right you will see the Blue Bayou restaurant (see the second part of the New Orleans Square blog for info about this). You pass quiet houseboats and on the verandah of one is an old man, rocking gently back and forth. There is the quiet strumming of a banjo playing famous tunes like "Oh! Susanna" and "Camptown Races." I won't tell you exactly what happens next except that you will pass many famous scenes from the movies - except that the ride was built long before the first movie!!! Let it be known, my favourite part of this 15 minute ride is cruising along between a pirate ship and a fortress with "cannon balls" splashing in the water, lighting and air effects simulating a fight! You'll just adore this ride - young children may be a little frightened, but a little forewarning that it is "just pretend" will probably help you along. Generally, the during busy periods, this ride has excessive queues and will be quietest early mornings and late evenings - especially during the evening parade times and Fantasmic! showings. However, during quieter days, the queues will rarely be longer than 15 minutes.
The Haunted Mansion has been another family favourite ride since 1967. Many people will be familiar with the Haunted Mansion movie starring Eddie Murphy that was released not too long ago, and like Pirates of the Caribbean, the film was based on the ride. Guests enter the queuing area through a pair of beautiful gates and queue along side beautiful gardens and some rather funny tombstones (make sure you read them, they are so funny!). Guests enter the mansion and stand in a portrait gallery - and the portraits start to stretch. Is the floor lowering or the ceiling raising? I'm not going to tell you, but it's a pretty cool effect regardless. What happens next in this room is something you have to be there for - I don't want to ruin the surprise. A wall opens and you exit the portrait gallery to board your 'doom buggy.' The 'doom buggy' will take 2 adults or 2 adults and a small child through the Haunted Mansion where you will see some amazing special effects, awesome audio-animatronics and will be singing the tunes of the Haunted Mansion for the rest of the day. I'd love to give you more details but I really don't want to spoil what I think is the most visually spectacular attraction at Disneyland! Although you would anticipate the ride to be quite scary - it isn't too bad and will mainly leave you smiling from ear to ear. You would be wise to warn small children about potentially 'scary' things - but all in all they will probably enjoy everything once you are beyond the portrait gallery!
Princess Tiana's Mardi Gras Celebration is a street parade and party featuring characters from "The Princess and the Frog." There is a small marching band that set up overlooking the Rivers of America and Princess Tiana, the band and some dancers parade down from the back of New Orleans Square. The show lasts 15 minutes or so and the Princess often stays to sign autographs and for photos after the show! Check the show times - as it's great to see!
Stay tuned for the shops and restaurants in New Orleans Square! The Blue Bayou is a not-to-be-missed restaurant and I'll give you some details in the next post!
Until next time, Have a Magical Day.
Love,
Michelle
xx
No comments:
Post a Comment