Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
What it is
3-D film with special effects.
Scope and scale
Major attraction.
When to go
Before
noon or after 4 p.m.
Special comments
Adults should not be put off by the sci-fi theme or rock
music. The loud, intense show with tactile effects frightens some young children.
Duration of
show
Approximately 17 minutes.
Preshow
8 minutes.
Probable waiting time
15 minutes (at
suggested times).
DESCRIPTION AND COMMENTS
In response to pop music star Michael Jackson's death
in 2009, Disney brought back Jackson's 3-D space-themed rock music video,
Captain
EO,
for a limited engagement in its theme parks.
Captain EO
originally ran in Epcot
1986-1994. There's no telling how long it'll last on its second run in Disneyland, but
showings have been sparsely attended during our recent visits, so it's possible that Disney
may posthumously pull the plug on the King of Pop at any point. The film has an excep-
tionally loud soundtrack and a propensity to frighten small children.
Captain EO
is sort of the ultimate music video. Starring Jackson and directed by
Francis Coppola, this 3-D space fantasy is more than a film; it's a happening. Action on
the screen is augmented by in-theater lighting and hydraulic moving seats that enforce in-
voluntary audience participation, though the original laser and fog effects have sadly not
returned. There's not much of a story, but there's plenty of music and dancing performed
by some of the most unlikely creatures ever to shake a tail feather. If nothing else,
Captain
EO
reminds us that music videos once contained more than young urbanites dancing in
clubsorfiveill-dressed,unshavenguyswhiningonstage.Unfortunately,the70-millimeter
film looks fuzzy and faded compared to modern projection methods, and the aggressive
bouncing with every bass beat grows bothersome.
TOURING TIPS
Shows usually begin every 20 minutes. The sound level is earsplitting, fright-
ening some young children. Many adults report that the loud soundtrack is distracting,
even uncomfortable. Avoid seats in the first several rows; if you sit too close to the screen,
the 3-D images don't focus properly. If the bouncing floor bothers you, ask for a station-
ary seat in the last row.
Disneyland Monorail System
What it is
Scenic transportation.
Scope and scale
Major attraction.
When to go
During the
hot,crowded period ofthe day (11:30a.m.-5 p.m.).
Special comments
Nice, relaxing ride with
some interesting views of the park; take the monorail to Downtown Disney for lunch.
Dura-
