Disney Channel Rocks (December 2010 - December 2011)

This show takes place on the on the Pacific Palisades Stage on the edge of Paradise Bay. It features a mix of Disney Channel songs performed by a group of dancers and singers.

Drawn to the Magic (?? - 2011)- Takes place on the Hollywood Backlot and features "animators" singing some Disney movie tunes and then the characters appear and are available for autographs.

The Magic of Brother Bear (Redwood Creek Challenge Show)(2003 - 2010)
Overall I was not that impressed with the show. It is geared toward young children with an emphasis on audience participation. What ever happened to the old Disney entertainment that was fun and entertaining for all without being geared to a specific audience. The show is a live story telling cast member comes out and talks with the audience. He interacts with several props on the stage. Eventually Koda shows up and they talk a bit then Kenya (sp?) shows up and the shows ends and you are able to take pictures with the characters and around the stage.

Disney's Electrical Parade (July 3, 2001 - April 2010)
The parade is back and is brighter than ever. It is the classic Main Street Electrical Parade, renamed and transplaneted to the new park. There are a few units missing, but overall its still one of the best parades Disney has done and continues to entertain the masses.

If you have never seen it is a one of a kind experience. Basically the parade is a bunch of battery powered floats covered in Christmas lights with a synth. sound track. But that really does not do it justice. This is a must see event.

Its still a little weird for me to see this familiar parade going down DCA's performance corridor with a bears head above Elliot, but I am sure I will get used to it. I am just glad something is there to entertain people at night. I really hope DCA can get a night time spectacle of its own someday soon.

High School Musical 3: Senior Year - Right Here! Right Now! (October 2008 - 2010)
Thoughts from 10/31/08 - I caught the High School Musical 3: Senior Year - Right Here! Right Now! show at the Sunshine Plaza and then partially at the Golden State Park. Its pretty much the same concept as the first two shows. The stage rolls out with a group of dancers/singers and they perform a medley of songs from the film and then it rolls on to the second stop, does the same show, then continues on down the parade route and out of the park. They are running it three times daily. The crowd at the Sunshine Plaza was fairly dense at probably ten deep or so and the one out at the Golden State Park was much lighter maybe 3 or 4 deep only. Unlike the HSM2 show they do not have as many opportunities to bring the audience into the show and they do not revisit any of the music from the first two films (that I could tell).

Block Party Bash (May 5, 2005 - January 6, 2008)
This parade/celebration was launched as part of Disneyland's 50th Anniversary celebration. It took place daily along the parade route (performance corridor). Originally it had three stops then it was down to two. The parade would roll out, then stop and perform for several minutes before moving on. It consisted of a Toy Story , a Monsters Inc, and a Bugs Life unit, with guest appearances by the Invredibles. After its run at Calfiornia Adventure the parade was packed up and shipped off to Florida to run at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

High School Musical Pep Rally (early 2007/late 2006 -> July 2007)
This show took place a couple times per day at both the parks entrance and out across from Golden Dreams and featuring about a dozen performers going through many of the songs and dance routinces from the Disney Channel Movie. If was shuttered in July 2007 to make way for a new version based on the second film

Chance to Shine (Outside Hollywood & Dine and then later in front of the Animation Building) (2001- 2004)

These three women are "extras" in the movie business and they share some of their stories through song and an improv act right in front of the Hollywood Drive & Dine. Its a great show for adults and kids seem to enjoy it too. They interact with the audience and pull people out to help them during the act.

Goofy's Beach Blanket Bash (July 2001 - 2003)

This show out on the backlot stage is a decent Disney Character show. The kids will love it and there are enough jokes if you listen to keep the adults entertained too.

Disney's Eureka Parade (February 2001 - September 2002)
This parade usually occurs twice daily. It starts near the entrance plaza and winds it way through the park and ends up in Paradise Pier. This is truly an unique Disney parade. The music is much more "hip hop" and louder. The parade features several floats each depicting a different region of California. The parade stops several times along its route to put on a short show. There is also a VIP viewing option available, for around $40 you get to site above the Pacific Warf Cafe and sip wine and eat while watching the parade. Usually there is not a crowd to watch the parade, if there is a second parade the day you are there go to that one, there is usually no one around... Another cool place to view the parade is from the Sun Wheel. It gives you a great view of the parade route, but timing it can be tricky. Overall we rate this parade pretty good. Its interesting and the music is "catchy". Its not the Lion King Parade, but it blows away the Parade of the Stars....
Overall I thought this parade was pretty good. The floats were nothing to write home about, but the performers really made the parade. They have everything from standard dancers, to roller bladers, to drummers suspended on cables, to puppets that look like they should be in the Tapestry of Nations at EPCOT. We agree that the floats look like they can pass for Rose parade floats, but without the flowers and on a smaller scale. We also liked how the parade stopped for a couple performances along the route. The music for Eureka is an interesting mix that worked real well. It seemed to energize the crowd for the most part. My only complaints on this first experience with the parade has nothing to do with the parade, its the route. I think it can lead to some really bad traffic problems in the main plaza. The other thing I did not like was what the route looked like. Just lined with those ugly light/speaker poles for the most part. (Check out our picture update for a shot of what I mean). I wish they could have hidden them somehow. I know this is a minor problem for most, but remember this is a "geek page"...

Mickey Mouse (Bountiful Valley Farm)(2002)

This character show features one person playing a farmer, Chip, Dale, and Mickey. Its a great show for young kids and all the ones in attendence seemed to enjoy it quite a bit. As the show ends it turns into a standard character photo/autograph session. The actress playing the farmer was excellent. She sure had her hands full the show we went to. She - acts as the narator, an entertainer (sings throughout), interacts with the characters, and does some crowd control moving kids around and trying to keep them seated. My only complaint with this show is that the characters do not have any lines. I think its annoying and they should be given a few lines. If you have yound kids at the park, this is probably a must see. I think they will enjoy it.

This is a great show in the Hyperion theater. It does a few numbers from the Broadway (and touring) production. The group is a combination of a marching band, drill team, and broadway musical. They are hard to describe, but very entertaining and worth checking out if they are playing when your in the park.

LuminAria (Seasonal: Nov. 2001 - January 2002)

This show on the lagoon in Paradise Pier each night at closing during the holiday season. The first scheduled show is Nov. 9th and the geek will be there to check it out. I have posted extended and revised comments in several geekspeak columns if your interested. Basically my advice on this show is if you are in the park go see it (nothing else is usually open so its your only choice). It is not that bad, but its not that good either. The best views are looking toward

California Screamin' and the Sun Wheel. This is where the finale effect works the best. For a great view close to showtime the area in front of the Screamin' Queue usually has standing space. The show can be thought of as an Illuminations type show, but not nearly as impressive. The biggest problem I think with the show is the limited space. The Bay (lagoon) is relatively small for a large firework show, so it relies a lot on lights and low level effects that just are not that interesting after a while.

Lights, Camera, Chaos! (Feb. 2001 - May 2001)
This disjointed little show takes place on the Hollywood backlot. It is basically a stunt show with a very loose plot. We enjoyed the stunts and for the most part the show. We wished some of the sequences were shorter, they seemed to drag on. Also the storyline was annoying, but we do not know of anything better. This show ended its short run in early May.

Disney's Steps In Time (Feb 2001- Oct 2001)
If you have been reading around the internet you have probably already heard about this show... if not... this is the stage show that takes place in the Hyperion Theater at the end of Hollywood Blvd. Most people, myself included, find the show very poorly done and hard to sit through (I have forced myself to do it twice so far only, mostly because I wanted to compare the balcony to the main level). The cast members try their hardest, but the storyline is terrible and the songs are pretty annoying too. They have taken Disney classics and remixed them... the basic storyline is: older brother is having problems with younger brother -> older brother learns lesson -> everybody compromises and goes home happy. If you want to stay more involved with the show sit on the main level, do not go up to the balcony. You feel much more removed and its even harder to sit through the show up there, but viewing the video clips was a little better from up there.

There have been several groups that have gone through the park. These include a cappella groups like Groove 66 and Jondo, improv groups, bands, and other characters. We highly recommend giving a listen or stopping to observe one of these. These groups can really add to your DCA experience.

Surf City Allstars (Hollywood Blvd., Golden Gateway, Sunshine Plaza)
Throughout the late afternoon and evening you will see a traveling band going around the park. They have three "concert" stops and do the route a few times. These groups are ok... they are fun to stop and listen too, but if you miss them you will not be missing much.These performances used to be called Road Trip from 2001 - 2004.

Vocal Flight featuring "Jondo" (Condor Flats) (May 01?? -> Nov. 2001)
I really enjoyed this group.... they were really great to listen to... This was an a cappella group that performed across from Soarin' Over California. They did a wide variety of songs.

Pacific Wharf Stage

On selected days there are bands performing on the small stage in the middle of the Pacific Wharf dining area. This really makes sense and it really adds to the area. Before you could walk through the area and there would be a couple small groups of people eating. With the stage active peoplee were sitting and enjoying the entertianment and in the process probably ended up eating and drinking more than they had planned. The evening we were at the park there was a Jazz band performing on the stage.

Various Groups (near Paradise Bay, across from Golden Dreams)
In the amphitheater that looks out on the Bay there are several groups that perform through out the day. We have seen a bicycling group and a limbo group out there on recent trips. So far I have not seen a posted schedule for this area, so as you are wondering around the park, if you see people gathered there stop by

and see what's happening.

Minnie "Earhart" (Condor Flats)

This character apperance takes place near Soarin' Over California several times a day. The premise is Minnie is just returning from a trip around the world to all four Disney resorts(Orlando, Paris, Tokyo, and Anaheim). A couple CMs come out and "warm up" the crowd. There is some guest interaction, then Minnie comes out. It works pretty good and I like the concept. I only have three issues with the show. One is Minnie does not speak. The CMs ask her questions and she has to mime the answers, this just seems bad. Secondly Minnie's arrivial is built up for several minutes and then she is wheeled in from backstage on a luggage cart. Why can't she be wheeled through Condor Flats more, or come in on something better looking than a luggage cart. My third concern is the traffic jam this show causes in the area. Its a narrow walkway leading to GRR but with Minnie there drawing a crowd its even tighter.

Chip n Dale (Redwood Creek)

This is one of the best character greeting/interactions I have found. I do not know if it was just dumb luck or what, but we went to the 5:30pm greeting and it ended up being Chip and Dale roaming around the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail interacting with guests. They were not surrounded by "tourists" and it was great to sit back and watch them "goof around". Of course they would do pictures and autographs if asked too. I still think a better memory is one of a character "playing" with you, not your parents pushing you in front of some other kid to get your picture with one, or waiting in a long line for your 30 seconds with one.

Cruella De Vil (Hollywood Backlot)

This was an ok mini show. The idea is Cruella is filming her next movie and you get to watch her do a scene and then autographs and photos. All three actors in this show were really good (great facial expressions). Also a hand full of kids get to be in the scene and they really seemed to enjoy it. Overall I think this is something that is worth seeing, but I would not make an extra effort to be there.

Mulan's Chinese New Year Cavalccade(Golden Dreams)

This mini-parade using left over outfits and what seems set pieces marches out to the front of Golden Dreams several times a day. It features a great oportunity to get pictures with Mulan and Mushu. There are probably close to a dozen CMs dressed up that interact with Guests all around the area.

De Vine (near GRR)(2001 - 2002)
This is a CM up on stinks dressed like a plant(tree). The person will "blend" in with the surrounding then start to move around. Its weird, but entertaining. In this picture you can see the character in front of a GRR sign. There are also some other organic characters that hang around the farm/wharf area.

Three Bags Full (Bay Area)(2001 - 2002)
Speaking of weird... they remind me of the carpet from Aladdin. Basically they are CMs in large bags. We have seen them a couple times in the grass area across from the Golden Dreams theater. I have not seen them in the park for several years. No good pictures either...

The Ugly Bug Ball (Bountiful Valley Farm)(2002 - 2006)

This little show is out on the stage in the Farm area. The show itself is 15-20 minutes in length and really geared toward the younger set.