Disneyland Resort Gearing Up for Fall

Autumn is in the air, and there's so much going on at the Disneyland Resort that I just had to share some of them here!

First is the October 7 debut of "A Bug's Land" at Disney's California Adventure (the companion park to Disneyland in Anaheim), featuring "Flik's Fun Fair." If you haven't seen "A Bug's Life," you might want to watch it before making the acquaintance of Flik and the other endearing critters in their new home!

Bug's Land gives visitors a look at the world from the viewpoint of a bug as you wander through such things as giant blades of grass, a watermelon archway and gargantuan clover.

Designed to meet a demand for more children's attractions at the new park, Bug's Land will feature four rides geared to small fry. Among them: Flik's Flyers-a bug-size hot air balloon ride; Tuck & Roll's Drive 'Em Buggies-a bumper car ride; a bug-sized version of the Mad Hatter's Tea Party called Francis's Ladybug Boogie and (my favorite in concept) Heimlich's Chew Chew Train-a caterpillar-shaped railroad that munches its way through a valley of food, complete with the smell of fresh cookies and other tantalizing delights.

Water-based play areas are big with kids these days, and Princess Dot's Puddle Park, featuring a giant sprinkler hose, should be a popular place on hot days (and there can be plenty of those in September and October).

The opening of A Bug's Land follows the debut of Who Wants to be A Millionaire: Play It! last summer, in which park patrons try their hand at the hit TV game. Of course, only prizes are doled out here, not money. But the fun twist is that stumped players can call a complete stranger for help! ("Cast members" carry pagers in case their services are in demand!)

The next big attraction slated for California Adventure will appeal more to thrill-seekers when the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror freefall ride-already under construction--debuts in 2004. The much-anticipated ride, popular in Orlando, will get some changes in the California edition and it almost included a name change.

The Walt Disney Co. debated last fall whether to rename the ride after the World Trade Center fell, but decided its loose link to the "Twilight Zone" series was enough to distinguish it.

In November, the Disney folks will again present the show "Luminaria"-a holiday laser show in which holiday designs fashioned by children at workshops around the park are then featured in the nightly show set to music over Paradise Pier Lagoon. A little slow moving in its debut last year, the show is sure to have some new features and be worth a peak. And Disney's Electrical Parade-the perennial favorite-runs through the park at dusk.

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