Sunday, May 25, 2008

Got Indy?

With the recent hype surrounding Indiana Jones, it was only a matter of time before Disneyland got involved. Now, in the land of adventure (Adventureland), Indy has left his mark in several places.

The Indiana Jones Summer of Hidden Mysteries, as described in a press release from the Disneyland Resort, began on May 22 and will last throughout the summer. The new attraction comes just as the latest Indy film, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, was released, and includes everything from a new photo location to a storytelling center.


Frantic scenes like this may quickly become more common in Adventureland. Disney, 2008.

Features of the Indiana Jones Summer of Hidden Mysteries

Random Acts of Indy: Where, you guessed it, Indy himself makes random appearances in every nook and cranny of Adventureland. Wonder if this would include his popular attraction, also in Adventureland?

Indiana Jones and the Secret of the Stone Tiger: Taking the place of Aladdin's Oasis (located between the Enchanted Tiki Room and Tropical Imports) is this storytelling session, where guests participate in code games in a quest to uncover Indiana Jones.

Indiana Jones Adventure Map: Just as the title reads, a map leading guests to find symbols and objects throughout Adventureland. Once the treasure is discovered, guests are able to go on Disneyland's official website to get Indy surprises.

Indiana Jones Meets the Jungle Cruise: The Jungle Cruise, one of Disneyland's original attractions, is getting a touch of Indy for the summer. What exactly is a surprise, but it's bound to be full of adventure.

New Indy Photo Location: Because there is no such thing as having too many photo locations, Disneyland has added a new, Indy-themed spot, where guests can pose next to a so-called "giant rolling boulder."

Rolling boulders, random acts of Indy, an Indy-themed Jungle Cruise? Sounds dangerous, but we've come to expect that from Indiana Jones.

Friday, May 02, 2008

Welcome to the Not-So-Happiest Place on Earth

For most people visiting Disneyland, the last thing they'd want is to commit suicide. Yet, just before noon today (Friday), a man jumped from his balcony on the 14th floor of the Disneyland Hotel.


Windows at the Disneyland Hotel. Brave Heart on Flickr.com, 2005.

Reports say the man was in Anaheim on business, but it is not said whether he visited Disneyland or was simply staying in the hotel.

Although this undoubtedly is a very unfortunate case, I myself am left wondering his reasons for committing suicide, and especially for doing so at Disneyland. Regardless, best wishes to his family at this obviously tough time.