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Sunday, January 17, 2010

Disney Magic

I know it's cliche and I know that many many people have commented on the wonders of disneyland, but I have to say that as far as lighting goes there aren't many things that are more impressive. I went to Disneyland last Saturday and had a phenomenal time, however I did find myself constantly trying to find the light sources throughout each ride. Possibly the most interesting thing for me was the fireworks, though not in the usual sense. During the show I found my eyes drawn towards the castle more often than the fireworks themselves. It seemed like each section of the castle had it's own light and each light could do any range of colors. When I saw dancing ghosts on the walls of the castle I immediately started looking around to try and find something that looked like a LEKO in the countless raised lights around the square.
It really boggles the mind to think just how much wattage is used during a single performance, and then to think that they do the same show night after night after night. During the show, there was one moment that really drove this home for me. There was a pirate themed portion, and as soon as the pirate music began, I saw a giant skull and crossbones illuminate the side of the matterhorn. I would really like to know just how powerful of a light it took to do this. Well, here's to happy light hunting. Till next time.

2 comments:

  1. I'm really glad you mentioned wattage.
    After the last class, I never would have thought about just how much power it must take to light up everything at Disneyland. Also, how many circuit breakers are there? It makes you wonder about all the inner-workings of Disneyland's lighting. Have they ever had a power outage? Another thing, since Disneyland is older, do you think they still use edison connectors/plugs?

    The people who work the lighting have one heck of a job, don't you think!

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  2. I have a bunch of friends who design for Disney and I will convey your thoughts - nice detail and I am glad you noticed the lighting even more than you may have before. There are many tricks to getting such intense beams and only part of it is wattage :)

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