In the Loop: Disneyland anniversary, ‘Simpsons’ land, other news

Welcome to another edition of In the Loop, the L.A. Times' theme park newsletter. I’m Funland theme park blogger Brady MacDonald and this week we take a look at preparations for Disneyland’s 60th anniversary celebration, the opening of the new “Simpsons” land at Universal Studios Hollywood and a host of new rides.

Under the sea

I take a sneak peek at Knott’s Berry Farm’s new Voyage to the Iron Reef and find the shoot-’em-up interactive dark ride fun, creative and visually impressive.

I applaud Knott’s for boldly taking on Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood with a themed dark ride that’s generally considered the specialty of bigger and better-financed competitors.

Voyage to the Iron Reef drops visitors into the middle of an underwater battle brimming with steampunk-inspired sea creatures determined to destroy Knott’s Berry Farm.

(Knott’s)

(Knott's)

‘Simpsons’ smorgasbord

The new ‘Simpsons’-themed land of Springfield officially opens at Universal Studios Hollywood with a gluttonous amount of food and drink befitting a burg Duff’s Book of World Records declared “America’s Fattest Town.”

Times TV editor Martin Miller offers a preview of the new themed land and deputy food editor Jenn Harris takes us on a culinary tour of Springfield’s eateries and watering holes through the eyes of Homer Simpson.

The new Springfield at Universal Studios Hollywood boasts nine places to eat, including Moe’s Tavern. The city block-sized neighborhood features a collection of landmarks inspired by “The Simpsons.”

(Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

(Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Diamond jubilee

As Disneyland prepares to begin its 60th anniversary celebrations, I preview the new “World of Color” water show, which pays tribute to Walt Disney and his original theme park.

I also review the subtly but significantly rethemed Grizzly Peak Airfield, the former Condor Flats land that recently underwent a modest makeover as part of Disney California Adventure’s continuing effort to reimagine the underperforming park.

Hugo Martin, who covers theme parks for The Times’ Business section, reports that Disneyland managers are testing several crowd-management tactics in anticipation of the crush of visitors expected for the anniversary celebration.

Just how much money will Disneyland rake in during the big anniversary celebration? An amazing interactive tracker calculates how much revenue every Disney theme park generates by the second. Check it out.

Visitors crowd into Disneyland‘s Main Street in January. The Anaheim theme park is preparing for even bigger crowds during its 60th anniversary celebration this summer.

(Jae C. Hong / Associated Press)

(Jae C. Hong / Associated Press)

Wild ride

Screamscape calls the new Batman fourth-dimension coaster at Six Flags Fiesta Texas “quite an incredible and wild ride.”

Point of view video bears out that assessment as the free-spinning seats tumble forward and backward along the serpentine track. I’m dizzy just looking at it.

Lego living

Times Travel blogger Mary Forgione takes us on a tour of the new Legoland Florida hotel, with rooms themed as pirate lairs and medieval kingdoms.

Every room comes with Lego models and a scavenger hunt that kids can complete to unlock an in-room treasure chest.

The Legoland Hotel at Legoland Florida Resort in Winter Haven opened its doors May 15, 2015. At the grand opening, little Lego figures were blasted from the roof.

(Brian Blanco for Legoland Florida/Merlin Entertainments Group Inc./Chip Litherland Photography Inc.)

(Legoland Florida)

And finally

Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom has banned selfie sticks on Big Thunder Mountain after use by riders forced the ride to be stopped numerous times.

Disneyland has posted similar bans on Big Thunder and Space Mountain.

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