Islands of Adventure - Universal Orlando 2000 Cartarsauce Theatre 2021-06-14 | You never forget your first visit. When Islands of Adventure opened up just the year before, this was known as the next best thing. So much so a bunch of us Disney nerds were convinced it was the best theme park in the country. It might have been that new theme park smell hitting us hard but it was actually pretty amazing. We didn't even go into Universal Studios Florida, just hit up IOA in this week long WDW trip. It was something we knew we had to leave Disney for and check out, which is exactly why they built it. So much has changed in 21 years at this park. Glad I happened to video tape a lot of it. Shout out to whoever was playing that role in the Dr Suess restaurant, he seriously made our day and we quoted him for the rest of the trip. These were the best times, the definition of "good ol' days".
A Christmas Fantasy - Disneyland 2023 Cartarsauce Theatre 2023-12-20 | This thing has really evolved into a holiday staple at Disneyland. I've said the MSEP feels like an attraction since it's been running for decades, this parade is certainly in the same vein since it premiered in 1995. Love it or hate it, this catchy ear-worm of a song is a welcomed sound blasting down Main Street. I hope it continues to run for years to come. I do have to mention that this year's version is a little trimmed down. There are a a bit fewer performers and minus one of the Toy Block floats for some reason. (They cut the Buzz block, a rather new float, and put him on the massive Toy Factory float) And if they want to do anything new with a xmas parade concept they save it for DCA.
Wondrous Journeys IASW Cartarsauce Theatre 2023-08-28 | Next to "Remember, Dreams Come True" (the incredible 50th Anniversary fireworks spectacular), "Wondrous Journey's" is the best fireworks show the park has ever done. The impressive goal of the show to include every animated feature the company has had in the past 100 years seemed like something that might be exhausting, but they found a way to make it not seem overlay jam packed. Like with most shows that need to have a lot of content put into it, they were able to group different movies together and show off the history of animation though different type of artistic mediums. Some of which might go over most heads, but if you pay attention you can see rough sketches, some water colors, some Earle Eyvind backgrounds, the Herb Ryman concept art of the castle and even some anime styled art. There is also a continuing visual of a butterfly that is used to weave it together, starting with the butterfly on Bambi's tail all the way to the butterflies from Encanto. My favorite part though is that there isn't a traditional villain, the antagonist in this show is self doubt of the main characters. It's a beautiful show that I hope stays around for a very long time.
Wondrous Journeys (Sleeping Beauty Castle) - Disneyland 2023 Cartarsauce Theatre 2023-08-28 | Next to "Remember, Dreams Come True" (the incredible 50th Anniversary fireworks spectacular), "Wondrous Journey's" is the best fireworks show the park has ever done. The impressive goal of the show to include every animated feature the company has had in the past 100 years seemed like something that might be exhausting, but they found a way to make it not seem overlay jam packed. Like with most shows that need to have a lot of content put into it, they were able to group different movies together and show off the history of animation though different type of artistic mediums. Some of which might go over most heads, but if you pay attention you can see rough sketches, some water colors, some Earle Eyvind backgrounds, the Herb Ryman concept art of the castle and even some anime styled art. There is also a continuing visual of a butterfly that is used to weave it together, starting with the butterfly on Bambi's tail all the way to the butterflies from Encanto. My favorite part though is that there isn't a traditional villain, the antagonist in this show is self doubt of the main characters. It's a beautiful show that I hope stays around for a very long time.
My friend Captain Hook, Disneyland 2000 Cartarsauce Theatre 2023-08-15 | Nothing too crazy but definitely some footage I'm glad I discovered on one of these old tapes. My GF at the time was nice enough to video tape nearly a full set of MY VERY GOOD FRIEND Captain Hook for a solid 14 minutes. I appreciate her giggling throughout the video. Bonus wizzing noises from the Rocket Rods zooming by in the background. The things we did for overtime, so surreal.
Rio Masquerade 1998 Cartarsauce Theatre 2023-07-27 | In case you were wondering this is the best show in the history of Las Vegas. What a tie to be alive.
She Works Hard For The Money Donna Summer - Disneyland 30th Anniversary Celebration 1985 Cartarsauce Theatre 2023-06-22 | Another iconic moment from the Disneyland 30th Anniversary Celebration TV special. This was already my favorite song at the time, so to see it part of the show got me very excited. Even as a kid, my favorite part was seeing guys in drag playing the Stepsisters and Stepmother. They should really bring that casting back to the parks. I got a kick out of the set dressing of the Castle to be Cinderella's chateau. Also get a good look at some of the floats and push units from the Flights of Fantasy parade with the Snow White Section.
NeuTRON Dance Pointer Sisters - - Disneyland 30th Anniversary Celebration 1985 Cartarsauce Theatre 2023-06-20 | I was raised on this TV special from 1985. The 30th anniversary of Disneyland seemed like the biggest deal in the world to this 7 year old kid. But this part especially blew my mind. The joyous combination of the Pointer Sisters, The Main Street Electrical Parade and TRON!
ART of the EXPERIENCE Episode 6 - Robin Hall Cartarsauce Theatre 2023-06-05 | Had a great chat with a theme park designer I was wanting to talk with for years. We go deep into the very beginnings of #CampSnoopy at #KnottsBerryFarm as it celebrates its 40th anniversary. Can't stop there though, we go into the favorite attractions of the past like Kingdom of the Dinosaurs and Mystery Lodge. But the part that still blows my mind is the expansion plans that never happened for the Farm. Thank you to my guest Robin Hall, please check out his amazing collection of designs and artwork from all over the industry. http://www.robinshall.com0:00 Intro1:40 Camp Snoopy16:00 Kingdom of the Dinosaurs24:33 Mystery Lodge34:36 Expansion
World of Color ONE - Disneyland Resort 2023 Cartarsauce Theatre 2023-04-25 | It's nearly impossible to top the original #WorldofColor. There have been a handful of attempts, and whether it is a holiday show, or something special for an anniversary, none have been as successful until World of Color One. Any show you see using this water and fire tech in the Paradise Bay Lagoon is a site to behold, it's hard not to be in awe of any performance there. Having said that, this show is the most successful at being as great as the original show.The first very notable thing about this version, is it is the first time Disney Animation, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars have been featured in the show together at the #Disneyland Resort. Since by now, most Park going regulars have seen a WoC show by now, so all of the effects that slowly appear throughout the original show don't hold back from their reveals, we see things like the lights on the Coaster, or the fire effects early on and almost as often as the fountains themselves, which is great. The show features Walt at the beginning and end, which is always a bonus, especially considering this is tied to the Disney 100th. (It actually acknowledges Roy!) There are gorgeous segments featuring from Encanto, Coco, Soul, Ratatouille, Mulan, Moana & Lion King that all steal the show. They do a good job at letting the fountains dance to the powerful scores and get creative playing with the lyrics, and doesn't rely on the screens to just show scenes from the films as much as the original WoC. The show has a catchy and beautiful original theme song that will be in my Disney Nerd music rotation for a long time. Although I haven't wrapped my brain around the flow of each of those creative studio silos, and how and why they go from each one to each one, it is still a draw dropping show experience. I will say that this show is the very best use of this incredible WoC tech to date, I love it and hope it hangs around long after the #Disney100. If I was to put my creative critique hat on...I don't think it needed so much Pocahontas at the beginning, it feels too much like the original WoC, but I suppose it was because of the water drop and ripple story line. Which is fine. It's not a bad scene, so I guess it works. I would give Star Wars more time in the show. This would have been an incredible opportunity to see the fountains do their thing to Duel of the Fates, and/or the emotional Princess Leia theme. I don't think that each of the four studio silos needed equal time, but the music of Star Wars is begging to be featured more here, maybe it should get its own limited run show someday. I love how there was original art created to depict the characters from a galaxy far far away. The art style reminded me of the end credits to Mandalorian. Speaking of, I would have featured him in it as well (more so if he was in it, I missed it if he was, I did see Grogu though).Speaking of show flow, Lion King comes right after Star Wars. Maybe it would have been cool to have a James Earl Jones Darth Vader line lead into Mufasa. I'm only half serious, I think. That might be stupid, but I would like to see that, maybe.As for the Marvel part, (they make sure to say "Avengers" in descriptions because of the Universal IOA theme park agreement) I am confused why they only show silhouettes of all the characters. I have to assume that they couldn't get likeness rights to show the actors. But in that case, since it all comes from comics, I would have LOVED to see artwork created for the show, like Star Wars had, but done in a comic book style. I would also liked to have created it, call me. The only way to really know who each Avenger was, was if you happened to know their symbol or theme song. And I would have loved to see something done to represent the Thanos *snap*. Bonus if they can someday approve drones and fly them backstage high up over the Incredicoaster, similar to what they do in the Avengers show at Disneyland Paris.The show rocks, bravo to the Creative Team. Go check it out if you can.
Magic Happens (Evening parade with lights) - Disneyland 2023 Cartarsauce Theatre 2023-03-14 | Had to catch the last evening performance for a while before day light saving time makes the second parade a "day time" performance. The parade is great in the day or night, but those lights make it a little more awesome. Plus, unlike the first performance I captured on its first day back, this performance includes the beautiful Tiana and Naveen float in the finale section. One note about my placement of recording, some of the performers don't start choreography until it makes the turn. It's the most notable for the small character floor starting off the finale. But the trade off is we get the dancers at the very beginning coming out to do their thing. This parade nails it, i love everything about it. Crank it up and enjoy.
Magic Happens 2023 Cartarsauce Theatre 2023-03-01 | This is more than a parade, it’s the heart and soul of the happiest place on earth. It takes me back to the weeks before the shutdown, with no idea of what was to come. I always felt so bad for this cast, crew and creative team who for years brought this amazing piece of entertainment to life had it disappear. I’m curious how many original cast were able to come back. This homecoming has a full circle feeling, after 3 long years of waiting for this one to return, we are overjoyed to be able to see in in person again. This recording is the first parade back after the pandemic closures. It’s hard to believe that it only ran for a few performances then gone for so long. You may notice in this parade the Princess and the Frog float is missing, poor me will need to go back and record it again to get the complete show. It’s an incredible parade with some of our favorite music. Enjoy.
Mulans Lunar New Year Procession 2023 Cartarsauce Theatre 2023-02-24 | Lunar New Year grows bigger each year, and for good reason, it's awesome. This is the first time that the procession went through the entire parade route. And very cool that Oswald got some VIP status since it was year of the rabbit.
Believe In Holiday Magic - Disneyland 2022 Cartarsauce Theatre 2022-12-26 | Is your Magic Key blocked out for you too this Christmas? Well, fear not and enjoy this classic Christmas firework show, it's become a tradtiion at this point after running for multiple decades. It's only had a few tweaks over the years, like the narrator's voice was changed, I don't recall when tho. The older version had a grandma voice, this one sounds like a Blue Fairy type. Maybe the changed it when they added the lights on the castle, because I "believe" this is the same narrator. Anywho, here are the #Disneyland #Christmas #fireworks, recorded in front of Plaza Inn, Christmas 2022.
Fantasmic! - Disneyland 2022 Cartarsauce Theatre 2022-12-24 | Say what you will about the new version of Fantasmic, it's still the granddaddy of them all. And even though the Peter Pan section was better than Jack Sparrow, the ship coming around the bend is a jaw dropping spectacle. I've grown accustomed to the newer version of the show and it's a must see every chance we get. Unfortunately the show has some glitches here and there, and my luck from this recording Mickey's gloves didn't spark at the beginning. And there were some performers missing in certain spots. But besides that I'm glad I got to add this version of the show to the channel. Enjoy.
A Christmas Fantasy - Disneyland 2022 Cartarsauce Theatre 2022-12-14 | Recorded on Sunday December 11, 2022 with the fam. It was a bit breezy so the snowflakes did not have their flakes on. Hard to believe this parade has been around as long as it has. At this point it is just as much a tradition as MSEP, they can't just retire it now. They'd almost have to do a farewell season of it if it ever went away. But to be honest I wish that it would stay, and get loaded back up with more cast and plussed when needed. Save the new Xmas parade for DCA, please and thank you.
World of Color Season of Light 2022 Cartarsauce Theatre 2022-12-09 | World of Color in general is amazing, the show definitely knocked the whole park of a few pegs by simply by it's existence. Here is the 2nd version of a World of Color holiday show. Recorded November 2022, enjoy.
Fantasmic! Disneyland 2000 Cartarsauce Theatre 2022-09-01 | It’s still the definitive nighttime spectacular of any Disney park. Although there have been some changes over the years to the original #Fantasmic, I still love this #disneyland show. Yes I miss Ursula and of course Peter Pan is better than Jack Sparrow, but that dragon and finale scene are perfection.
Tale of the Lion King - Disneyland 2022 Cartarsauce Theatre 2022-08-29 | Having worked the #LionKing Celebration parade in the 90s at #Disneyland, and knowing that the Animal Kingdom Lion King Show is my favorite show at WDW, I was very excited to see that we were getting a LK show back at DL. The #TaleoftheLionKIng is a new take on telling the story, no actual fuzzy characters, similar to the Broadway version but instead of pretending to be animals they are humans retelling the story as humans. And it works beautifully. It also prides itself on being the first all black cast and production team to create and perform a show at the Disney Parks which I think is amazing. It features some awesome live drummers, one of which I worked with back in the original Lion King parade back in the day. There is a new mash-up take on two iconic LK songs, "Just Can't Wait To Be King" and "Be Prepared" that works surprisingly well, also there is a new harmony introduced to the beginning of "Can You Feel The Love Tonight" that is gorgeous. This show is so good, I wish there was room for it in Adventureland in a beefed up permanent indoor theater similar to DAK. But since there is no room, I'd be more than ok with it living in Fantasyland. Non European international properties work really well around Small World. This Cast is amazing, enjoy.
Tokyo Disney SEA - Fall 2005 Cartarsauce Theatre 2022-07-29 | It should go without saying that it #TokyoDisneySea is the best theme park in the world. My first trip out there was in 2005 when I stayed for 3 weeks. Here is a collection of memorable moments I captured on video from that insanely fun trip. Be sure to see part one of this trip linked here....youtu.be/GL9rnjNBVDI
Disneylands Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Cartarsauce Theatre 2022-07-18 | All three kiddos are tall enough, and brave enough, to hop on their new favorite ride #ThunderMountain. This was recorded on #Disneyland's 67th birthday, July 17, 2022.
Main Street Electrical Parade 50th Anniversary - Disneyland 2022 Cartarsauce Theatre 2022-06-05 | At this point the #mainstreetelectricalparade is more of a #Disneyland attraction than a #parade. It may come and glow as it pleases but that's not a bad thing. There have been many updates over the years, some good and some bad, but as long as the changes that come still fit the vintage feel that is fine with me. Here's an example, a new float should not feel like it is for Tokyo Dreamlights. The high tech style of lights clash with the traditional light bulbs. The added Tinker Bell float was added a while back which used to lead the front of the parade for a short time. Now she is back with the Peter Pan unit. The lights on it just don't match the old school style. Save that stuff for when the bring back Paint the Night in DCA. That parade is better suited for all the flashy new style of lighting in a parade, a la Mac the Truck, etc. What DOES do a good job at being new is the added Small World finale, even though it features all the latest characters it still feels like it was there the whole time. Happy 50th to the world famous MSEP.
Disneys Festival of Fantasy - Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World 2022 Cartarsauce Theatre 2022-04-27 | Had the chance to get a good viewing of this gorgeous parade on my last trip to #WaltDisneyWorld. Though the #FestivalofFantasyParade is not new to the #MagicKingdom, the intro builds it up to be the WDW 50th Anniversary parade. It recently returned after its 2+ year pandemic hiatus, some changes have been made since it premiered. Missing is the Merida / Brave unit and some various dancer positions. And on this performance I have to assume Beauty and her Beast called in sick, allowing Tiana and Prince Navine from Princess and the Frog to take up the front spot on the opening parade float. Still, it's a very vibrant and high energy parade with beautifully detailed floats that I hope hangs around for a long time. Magic Kingdom is lucky to have it, Disneyland has yet to have its big day time parade return since the pandemic closure.
Art of the Experience: Episode 5 - Don Dorsey, The Lagoon Shows of EPCOT Cartarsauce Theatre 2022-02-13 | Had the pleasure of sitting down with my friend Don Dorsey to discuss several of the amazing shows that took place throughout the years at my favorite theme park in the world, #EPCOT Center at #WaltDisneyWorld. Don certainly wrote the book on spectaculars and creating the most memorable experiences. He had an incredible 45 year history of working for the Walt Disney Company. Huge thanks to him for letting us get a peek and some insight of some incredible theme park history. You can find more of Don at his website http://www.dondorsey.com and on his facebook fan page facebook.com/groups/5728693249600:00 Intro01:17 MSEP05:35 EPCOT beginnings06:00 Le Carnival De Lumiere06:48 Aquatechinic Spectacular7:30 Festival of Festivals13:30 New World Fantasy15:12 Laserphonic Fantasy19:50 IllumiNations26:25 Millennium Show27:50 Reflections of Earth34:25 Post Disney
Spirit of Disneyland Awards - Disneyland 1998 Cartarsauce Theatre 2022-02-01 | A very rare Cast Member award ceremony in 1998
Viva Navidad! - Disney California Adventure, Disneyland Resort 2021 Cartarsauce Theatre 2021-12-13 | There is something insanely amazing about this small but mighty feel good show. I think it was mostly because it was a pleasant surprise. It gave me an expected joy when I first discovered it, and I never stopped loving it. You might think I'm crazy but currently, this is the best Christmas show at the Disneyland Resort. It's the perfect storm of 3 lovable underused classic characters, amazing live music with the mariachis and drummers (plus for the intro travel music, it took 2 of my least favorite Christmas songs and made them some of my favorites), and some actual high energy Mexican and Brazilian Christmas culture. I look forward to this one every year.
A Christmas Fantasy - Disneyland 2021 Cartarsauce Theatre 2021-11-28 | It’s hard to believe that #ChristmasFantasy parade is still going, but not in a bad way. For a while I thought that they should freshen it up but with the way the Company has been going lately I worry that it wouldn’t be as good as what we currently have. This #Disneyland parade has seen a lot of changes and a lot of cuts over it’s 25 year run. If I could update it with anything it would be the return of more live musicians and carolers. Luckily they still have the iconic Toy Soldiers playing live music while marching.
Villains Grove at Oogie Boogie Bash - Disney California Adventure 2021 Cartarsauce Theatre 2021-10-05 | There have been a ton of parades and shows over the years at Disneyland, but none of them have been able to create this type of euphoric experience. This is not something that leaned on the villain characters themselves, but touches up the ora that each one gives. To me this is a walk thru attraction that allows you to walk thru the spirit of our favorite baddies. And I don't think it would have worked as well with characters who weren't scoundrels. Each section oozes with subtle nuances that make them who they are. And yes of course I am getting a little deep on all this, but it is just incredible how Disney transformed a somewhat drab location like the the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail into the heart and evil soul of an entire Halloween event in a Disney Theme Park. Some people I overheard were wondering where the actual villains were, to them I say, they are all around us. Even while in the queue, a CM was making sure that everyone knew there where no characters in this attraction, feeling the need to managing expectations I suppose. There is a possibility that this is not for everybody, and that is ok. Plenty of actual characters to personally roast you as you walk by all over the park. I'm glad they kept the actual characters out of it. It just wouldn't have hit the same way. Bravo to all involved on this ground breaking experience.
Frightfully Fun Parade Oogie Boogie Bash - Disney California Adventure 2021 Cartarsauce Theatre 2021-09-29 | The return of #OogieBoogieBash at DCA means the return of a new favorite, the super awesome and upbeat #FrightfullyFunParade". Maybe it's because it's been a while since I've even seen a parade, but this year's Halloween parade, and the cast especially, is incredible. I was starving for something like this after the shut down. Easily a highlight of the event and a must-see entertainment offering if you get a chance to check out the special ticket event at the #DisneylandResort. It starts out with the rare characters Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman in a pre-parade. Then the parade itself starts with Mickey and Minnie, as they introduce a Nightmare Before Christmas unit. Then my favorite part, a very cool Haunted Mansion unit and a classic Disney Villains finale unit to close it out. Fun fact, the finale float is the same float featured in the Disneyland 50th Parade of Dreams. This parade is so good that I hope they expand upon it even more next year. Since the HM unit is so great, I'd like to see a Pirates unit added just after it.
ART of the EXPERIENCE - Episode 4 Walt Disney Imagineering & Disney Gallery Artist Larry Nikolai Cartarsauce Theatre 2021-07-22 | I've always looked up to and aspired to work for #WaltDisneyImagineering and be a #DisneyGallery Artist, and #LarryNikolai has done both. It was an honor to talk to him about his professional creative journey, proof that it doesn't happen over night. But even the projects along the way can be exciting and energizing as well as paving the way to making your dreams come true. Join us as we dive in and chat about some highlights of an incredible career. Hope you enjoy. And a sincere thank you to Larry for spending time with me. Larry's Website larrynikolaiartist.comLarry's Instagram@LarryNikolaiSam's Websitesamcarterart.comSam Carter's Twitter & Instagram@Cartarsauce 0:00 Intro1:44 Splash Mountain Attraction Poster5:40 Magic Mountain Map9:23 Monster Plantation13:12 Bullwinkles14:50 Looney Tunes Review16:49 Tex Critter's Pizza Jamboree18:41 Bullfrog Bayou Review21:36 Circus Playhouse24:45 An American Tale 27:45 Euro Disney Small World28:15 Figment puppet29:10 Adventures Club31:00 Tokyo Disneyland Small World Holiday33:50 Tokyo Disneyland Haunted Mansion Holiday34:55 Tokyo Disneyland Stitch Tiki Room39:00 The Little Mermaid
Enchanted Tiki Room Under New Management - Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World 1999 Cartarsauce Theatre 2021-07-13 | Sorry not sorry, these things need to be documented. Maybe not for posterity in this case but wow. TBH I didn't hate this when I first saw #TikiRoom #UnderNewManagement at #WaltDisneyWorld, it was in a weird way refreshing since being from CA I have only ever seen one version of this show my entire life. I was fascinated by something new done to this classic show. I love Lion King and I love Aladdin, but ...wow. Just wow. In hindsight, yes of course this wasn't ideal. Way too much Gilbert screaming. But can we talk about that Uh Oa Animatronic. Luckily that figure lives on at the Trader Sam's Grog Grotto at the Poly. But I don't think it actually animates anymore right, just lights up Does anybody know? Also worth noting the pre-show featured a couple of gone but far from forgotten LEGENDS, Phil Hartman and Don Rickles. Anyway, try to enjoy these... um "highlights"?
Festival of the Lion King - Disneys Animal Kingdom, Walt Disney World 2000 Cartarsauce Theatre 2021-07-12 | I will never grow tired of this show. Not just because it's my favorite animated Disney movie or that I worked on the Lion King Parade at DL, but it's just the best theme park show in the history of theme park shows. You can't beat the music, the live singers are incredible. That aerialist part especially for Can You Feel the Love Tonight is always perfection. Notice this is when the theater wasn't enclosed yet, so no AC. Something else to consider, the finale when they bring the little ones into the show. Um, they are old enough to drink now about might even have kids of their own. Not sure if the two are related but most likely. How cool if some family spotted them selves in this footage.
Believe! Theres Magic In The Stars - Disneyland 2000 Cartarsauce Theatre 2021-06-25 | Moment like these are time capsules. When Believe opened 21 years ago it changed the fireworks game. Not just the choreographed pyro to music, but NINE LINE had an emotional punch to "You will be in my heart". Funny to think Tarzan was brand new at the time for that. Plus of course all the shapes and especially the 3 forming a Mickey. 60% of the time it worked ..every time. Thanks to everybody's favorite Disneyland entertainment costumer Steven Zavala for this fun footage of a favorite.
ART of the EXPERIENCE - Episode 3 Knotts 100th with Eric Lynxwiler & Christopher Merritt Cartarsauce Theatre 2021-06-23 | Brace yourself for a JAM packed episode where I sit down with the authors of the #KnottsPreserved and the upcoming Bear-y Tales books, Eric Lynxwiler and Christopher Merritt, as we gush over one of our favorite places, #KnottsBerryFarm. We dive deep into our thoughts of California's first real theme park, discuss the #Knotts100 Celebration and reflect on what makes this place so special. We discuss some of the folks who created artwork throughout it''s history that helped make the Farm what it is today. One of the biggest hits out of the Knott's Grand Reopening after the pandemic pushed back it's big year, is the opening of a beloved classic, "Bear-y Tales - Return to the Fair", a new 3D reimagining of something we never thought we'd get to experience again. We discuss the attraction's origins and all the Rolly Crump goodness that helped create the original attraction and of course give our thoughts on the new one. (spoiler, we are BERRY happy with it). I'm thankful for Eric and Christopher for taking the time to chat, hope to have them both back on again soon. All images and video, unless called out otherwise, are credited to Knott's Berry Farm, Knott's Preserved, Rolly Crump, Eddie Soto, Bud Hurlbut and/or the Orange County Archive. Cover art of the Knott's 100th piece is by the amazing Jeff Delgado. The 100th Anniversary Edition of "Knott's Preserved" book is only available at Knott's Berry Farm, (you might be able to reach out directly to them to order it, worth a shot) but you can always order the original version here. amazon.com/Knotts-Preserved-Boysenberry-Theme-History/dp/1883318971Sam Carter @Cartarsauce Eric Lynxwiler @jericl Christopher Merritt @cdylanm0:00 Start0:57 100 Years of Knotts1:55 Media Night3:25 Pandemic & Knotts6:54 Started with a Chicken Dinner8:37 Pimp the Book10:43 Maps11:15 Trolley11:49 Claude Bell20:43 The Lands of Knotts23:10 Pete Winters & Whittles24:07 Ghost Town28:53 Dave Shipman & the Log Ride30:08 Bob Bates attraction posters31:03 Bud Hurlbut & Mine Train33:35 Roaring 20's36:05 Eddie Soto & Wacky Soapbox Races38:00 Kingdom of the Dinosaurs40:40 Bear-y Tales is BACK42:48 Rolly Crump45:40 The gypsies46:20 The fire47:55 The arcade49:16 Closing thoughts
EPCOT, Walt Disney World 2000 Cartarsauce Theatre 2021-05-25 | Part of a Disneyland Entertainment Cast Member group trip in 2000. It's crazy how much of this place simply isn't there anymore, this video is full of attractions that have been erased from existence. Also a good peek at some entertainment offerings around this beautiful park. Just a great moment in time captured of what EPCOT was like in the year 2000, especially because this park was the focal point of the huge Millennium Celebration at Walt Disney World. I apologize ahead of time for being obnoxious, but I WILL NOT APOLOGIZE for my puka shells. ;)#EPCOT #MillenniumCelebration #WaltDisneyWorld0:00 start0:36 Ellen's Energy Adventure1:42 Wonders of Life2:57 Cranium Command4:52 Imagination 7:24 Maelstrom8:10 Morocco 8:41 Imagination again12:45 Beatles cover band13:26 American Adventure - "Fever"14:41 Illuminations15:24 Leave a Legacy 16:00 Test Track
The Country Bear Christmas Special - Disneyland 1998 Cartarsauce Theatre 2021-05-20 | If you know anything about me by now, hopefully one of them is I'm down with the CBJ. I recall recording this back in 1998 and thinking, this is one of those things that is so special they could never get rid of it. Little did I know that a few years later Winnie the Pooh would evict my beloved #CountryBears. Especially the #CountryBearChristmas overlay to the Bear Band was one of the biggest traditions in my family. Every year we knew we had to see it a few times. I'm proud to say I've seen the Bears in Japan and of course at WDW every trip. It's always a highlight. Hard to believe the Bears in WDW are turning 50 years old. Next time you are there please give them some love so management doesn't get any ideas to maybe someday give them the same fate that they had at #Disneyland. Regardless, glad I video taped them, enjoy.
ART of the EXPERIENCE - Episode 2 Disneyland Mulan Parade Retrospective with Kali Chung Cartarsauce Theatre 2021-05-11 | In the highly anticipated episode 2 of #ARToftheEXPERIENCE, we give you more information about Disneyland's #MulanParade than you ever wanted to know. Join my guest Kali Chung and I as we dive into a deep discussion and retrospective of one of our favorite parades. Continuing the trend of parades/shows in the 1990's based on the latest Disney animated feature like Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, Lion King, Pocahontas, Hercules and Hunchback, both #Disneyland and Walt Disney World performed this unique processional daily starting in the summer of 1998. In this gushing chat, we talk about how this parade came to be, how we were a part of it, compare the two versions on each coast, and discuss what this parade and #Mulan in general means to us. In addition to the commentary of the parade itself, we discuss the Mulan Parade from a performer and crew point of view and then as an artist perspective and how it inspired several paintings, including one special piece of mine that I premiered at the WonderGround Gallery in 2013 at Disneyland and Walt Disney World.Kali Chungtwitter.com/worldofkaliSam Cartertwitter.com/cartarsaucesamcarterart.com
Aladdins Royal Caravan - Disneyland 1993 Cartarsauce Theatre 2021-05-06 | This appears to be professionally shot footage of the #AladdinRoyalCaravan at Disneyland that aired for some reason on KCAL channel 9. Although the audio is not ideal, it really shows some great little details. It surprised me that the music is not just a looping of the "Prince Ali" song from the movie like I remembered but a longer more embellished with instrumentals version. The theme of this one is perfect depicting the parade scene straight out of the movie. It's interesting to realize that this premiered 6 months after #Aladdin did in theaters, playing it safe once they knew the movie, Genie especially with him featured several times in this, was a smash hit. Hard to believe it only ran from April 1993 to June 1994. It didn't seem to have a huge budget and (to me) has a early days of #Disneyland "mom & pops" entertainment department feel, but I have a feeling this parade is exactly what gave them the confidence to lean hard into their next parade based off an animated feature, The Lion King Celebration, which opened the following summer in 1994. WDW also had a version of this parade that opened closer to the movie opening in December 1992 and much longer until 1995 when it was replaced with a parade based on Toy Story. Both of those I'm looking to get my hands on if you have good footage of it. Thanks to everybody's favorite costumer Steven Zavala for this classic VHS footage. (cover photo enhanced from the Dan Alexander Dizmentia Collection)
New Tomorrowland / Rocket Rods Construction Progress & Grand Opening 1998 Cartarsauce Theatre 2021-04-22 | In the mid-1990s we all new that Tomorrowland was way out of date and needed something new. Especially with all the hoopla around WDW’s New Tomorrowland. It’s definitely a fascinating (heartbreaking) story of the journey of the concepts Disneyland’s New Tomorrowland took. To think that Alien Encounter, TimeKeeper or even Plectu’s Fantastic Intergalactic Revue could have been a part of the DL remodel is something that I try not to dwell on. Regardless around 1996 and 1997 things started to change. The concept of the Rocket Rods had everyone’s attention. We all loved the PeopleMover, but knowing that it took 16 minutes to circle the track, and the Rocket Rods took less than 4 minutes made us willing to wait in any line to hop on that. Just seeing testing going on once the fence went around the track was mind blowing. In hind sight, of course the People Mover should have been saved, but of course hindsight is 20/20. Fast forward to opening day, May 1998, I was lucky enough to be a media host the day before the grand opening. Which meant we got to attend the preview party. Had the best luck and was able to spend some memorable moments with Disney Legends Wayne Allwine and Russi Taylor, and WDI Disney Legend Marty Sklar. Which is easily the biggest take away from TL98 for me. What do I think of the land now? It feels abandoned, the Rocket Rods track has been sitting there unused in the middle of the land for ONE THIRD of the entire Parks existence. Some of the buildings of Star Tours and Buzz date back to 1955 original Disneyland, I think it’s time to do a clean slate and let WDI’s imagination go wild from scratch, minus Space Mountain of course, I think that should stay.
Mulan Parade - Disneyland 1998 Cartarsauce Theatre 2021-04-19 | The more videos I come across of the #MulanParade the more I appreciate how unique it really was. This was the summer that followed the infamous summer of Light Magic, and just after that, the final season of MSEP. Both of those years the spotlight was on the Parade route, so with that in mind, a lot of pressure went on this #Disneyland parade to pack a punch. Having a parade that wasn't meant to be a huge spectacular was different, but in hindsight refreshing. But the way it did hold its own went to the #ChineseAcrobats that were sprinkled throughout the finale unit. The good thing about TDA knowing that the guests would expect more out of this one meant the budget went to the parade to have some great lighting effects on the floats. It was treated as a night parade resulting in some creative lighting effects appropriate to the time period. Lots of lanterns and glowing type of lights rather than the xmas lights or fiber optics we've seen before.
Light Magic: A Spectacular Journey - Disneyland 1997 Cartarsauce Theatre 2021-04-15 | I have no problem changing this channel to a #LightMagic only channel. I never get tired of seeing any rare footage of this summer, probably the most fun I've had working #Parades (and the OT was incredible). In this video, you get a good shot of the float arrival and parking. Most of the nights that summer I was one of the crew in black making sure that these 4 massive floats parked within 6 inches of a certain spot on the route. You can see what might be me doing just that. We would talk to the front float driver (there were two drivers per float) through the floats lead up and slow approach. Each float had their own guide there to make sure the floats parking in the ideal spot for the film portion scene that would be projected on the screens that would rise up. And I know a lot of people enjoy trashing this show, and TBH some of it is deserved. But when you take a watch of these videos notice the cheers and applause at the end. Just saying. Want to thank everyone's favorite #Disneyland entertainment costumer Steven Zavala for the great footage.
Woodys Round Up at the Golden Horseshoe Saloon - Disneyland 2000 Cartarsauce Theatre 2021-04-12 | Hey Howdy Hey! Back when #ToyStory2 came out, we got a little more backstory to Woody's roots and his pals from his own 1950's show #WoodysRoundUp. #Disneyland had a fun little recreation of that show inside the #GoldeHorseshoe Saloon, putting us in the studio audience of a broadcast of an actual episode. Seeing anything being performed in the Horseshoe reminds me how much I miss actual entertainment inside that landmark of a theater at the Park. I'd love to see a recreation of the original show someday. It's why I love the Calico Saloon show at Knotts Berry Farm, reminds me of what they used to have at #Disneyland. This glorious footage is provided by everyone's favorite entertainment costumer Steven Zavala, thank you so much!
Disneys Eureka! - Disneys California Adventure, Disneyland Resort 2002 Cartarsauce Theatre 2021-04-08 | Season 2 of #DisneysEureka! at #DCA brought along a few costume changes. Most notably the opening dancers lost their odd body suits and bicycle helmets. And some of the fancy headgear was made smaller in the finale unit. This turned out to be the parade's final season. Unfortunately when the 3rd year of Eureka was getting cast and into rehearsals they added appropriate characters to the proper units. Before they got the chance to open in Summer 2003 they decided to pull the plug and focus on (spend the entertainment budget) X Games Xperience that summer at #CaliforniaAdventure. Although the Eureka parade was great without it, I think it would really have been elevated to something special with the added characters. If you're curious, this is my #2 favorite parade I've ever worked at DL, right behind Lion King. So I think that's saying something. Enjoy.
ART of the EXPERIENCE - Episode 1 Disneyland Forward with Kristen Carr Cartarsauce Theatre 2021-04-06 | My very own podcast, been waiting a long time to jump into this scene. "ART of the EXPERIENCE" will be a place to do some deep dives into the making of some of our favorite experiences, exploration into future projects with some fun unofficial speculation and brain storming on whatever is next. Also planning on chatting with various friends from the industry to see what makes them tick creatively and breakdown past projects, look at what worked and more importantly what did not work. I'm obsessed with theme park concept art, always have been. Expect a lot of chats about our favorite art pieces. If you haven't guessed, art will be the central theme here. I hope to give some insight to how to get into the experience design industry, something I wish I had when I was getting started. I love reflecting on all the design projects and gigs I've worked on over the past 25 years, hope you enjoy hearing about it. This first episode kicks off featuring myself and Kristen Carr trying to wrap our brains around the hot and fresh "Disneyland Forward" announcement. Enjoy. (All logos, trademarks, concept art, images and photos shown are property of their respective owners including the Walt Disney Company, GardenWalk and OC Register) #ArtoftheExperience #DisneyPodcast #CartarsauceKristen Carrinstagram.com/thehappiestclubonearthSam Cartertwitter.com/cartarsaucesamcarterart.com
The Hunchback of Notre Dame: Festival of Fools - Disneyland 1996 Cartarsauce Theatre 2021-03-30 | My jaw dropped and I made a "squeeee" sound when I found what looks to be gorgeous B roll type footage of the show, unfortunately it is not the entire production but it's just enough to remind us how good we had it with this "little" show, tucked away in the back of Big Thunder Ranch. Side note about the theater area, when this show premiered they renamed the little ranch house near the goats to be Esmerelda's Cottage, which now that I think about it makes a lot of sense since her sidekick character was Djali the goat, along with the BBQ area, in a way re-theming this whole section of Big Thunder Ranch into a temporary extension of Fantasyland. Huge thanks to everyone's favorite Disneyland entertainment costumer Steven Zavala for the endless VHS tapes of these jewels. THANK YOU!!
Disneys Eureka! The California Adventure Parade - Disneyland Resort 2001 Cartarsauce Theatre 2021-03-26 | Here's an amazing video courtesy of my friend Steven Zavala (everyone’s favorite dresser in costuming) who I worked a ton of parades with back in the day. Steven was awesome enough to let me upload multiple old VHS, look for a bunch of new footage coming in the next few months. (THANK YOU!) This version is a pre-DCA-opening preview of the Eureka Parade. Out of the entire brand new second gate, nothing summed up the spirit and theme of a Disney Park themed to California better than Eureka. It was ahead of its time, even without any Disney Characters featured in it. Ironically when it was being rehearsed for its 3rd season they did plan on adding characters in it, but sadly the parade was canceled for the X Games Xperience in 2003. (plus some footage of me in this one! I'm the guy guiding out some of the floats, no pressue) Come away with me.....
Mulan Parade - Disneyland 1998 Cartarsauce Theatre 2021-03-22 | I'm still a bit surprised when people tell me Mulan Parade was one of their favorite parades at Disneyland. I did like it, but it was just one year after the huge spectacle of Light Magic, and the last year of MSEP just the year before that. Mulan Parade seemed like a cop-out at first, another commercial for the new animated movie. Would you believe people complained about that? That was something that was common throughout the whole 1990s, but they gave up on the single film parade after that, and I miss it. But I grew to really love Mulan Parade, partly because of the cast and crew that I worked with on it, but also because it was just so different than anything we've ever seen or worked on at Disneyland. This is partly due to the Parade being rather slow and simple. I was worried guests would think it was too boring but it turns out everyone who saw it raved about it, especially the Asian acrobats. That team was the most memorable part, both on and off stage. They knew a couple of words in English and tried to teach us some Chinese, but the real human connection came at a ping pong table we had in the Parade Float Warehouse. And yes, that dragon was HEAVY. It was meant to have a routine that was wild and flowed like a snake through the parade route. But it weighed more than expected and was so delicate that all they could do was walk down route and sway once in a while. And don't forget all the walking architecture, this thing had buildings with feet. I'm glad the Parade had some lighting effects since it replaced two light parades. This one did look great at night, but the day time parades that came in 1999, to me it kind of felt a little too elegant in the sun light, but I guess that's not really a bad thing. Regardless, the Mulan Parade at Disneyland was our very first taste of "Authentically Disney and Distinctly Chinese".
Disneyland Presents Animazement The Musical - Disneyland 1998 Cartarsauce Theatre 2021-03-16 | Summer 1998 at #Disneyland, the first show in the brand new double peaked tent structure in the back of Fantasyland, #Animazement (the Musical). In hindsight, we had it pretty good with this show. To this day, it defined what a Disney theme park show was. It also defined the 90's with its line up of characters and songs, highlighted by the #AnimazementTrio of Hercules, Pocahontas and Hunchback. At the time those three movies weren't nearly as huge as the blockbusters that came out earlier in the decade, so it made me like that part even more to have them grouped together. Nothing has really come as close to being as phenomenal as when those three sang together. It has even developed a cult following in tributes on youtube ( youtube.com/watch?v=8_iufyi-Hr8 ). And I'm super grateful that I was able to record a performance with Eden Espinosa as Pocahontas. In the most recent show to be in that theater, almost as if done in tribute, there is another trio that sings in "Mickey & the Magical Map" that does the same formula. Which is still awesome, but hard to top Just Around the Riverbend, Go the Distance & Out There.00:00 intro03:18 Be Our Guest06:53 One Jump Ahead09:50 Under the Sea12:50 Part of your world14:14 Animazement Trio17:35 Festival of Fools21:18 Circle of Life
Walt Disney World 25th Anniversary Party 1997 Cartarsauce Theatre 2021-03-06 | Hard to believe that this year WDW is turning 50th. So glad I still had this VHS tape of the TV special for the 25th, it's full of cheesy jokes and amazing footage of good ol' fashioned late 1990s WDW. This epic special features Gloria Estefan, Michael J Fox, Donna Summer, Village People, Rosie O'Donnell, Melissa Joan Heart, Will Friedle and Drew Carey. But to be honest, my favorite part of this is the commercials. Glad I kept them in. Enjoy.
