As a lifelong fan of the Disney theme parks, I’ve always enjoyed seeing other guest’s home videos of their time spent at the parks. In the past, it was rare to be able to view someone else’s home videos. Then came the internet.
With faster dial-up connections and broadband access, viewing video online isn’t as difficult as it used to be. In fact, if you have broadband or DSL access, it’s quite easy. So easy that Google has introduced a new service appropriately titled, “Google Video.” The great thing about Google Video is that most of the content is user created and free.
From the main Google Video interface, you can search for any topic. So, curious, I put in the word, “Disney.” What appeared was a plethora of fan made Disney videos covering everything from Walt Disney World to Disneyland to Disneyland Paris.
What this offers fans is the chance not only to see the parks through another guest’s eyes, which is something that has always fascinated me, but it also gives people the chance to see international parks that they might not have been able to visit. In fact, one of the best videos featured on the search comes from Disneyland Paris:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4378568976212207573&q=dineyland
A little over 16 minutes in length, this video covers many of the popular rides at Disneyland Paris including Phantom Manor (Paris’ own version of the popular Haunted Mansion ride), Pirates of the Caribbean, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Though some of the portions of the video are dark, you can still see the many similarities and differences between the Disneyland Paris park and the parks here in the United States. It’s also quite amusing to see how much the guests are enjoying their time at Disneyland Paris.
One that’s my favorite is a video taken by Lee & Cathy Jones. The video captures the Disneyland 50th Anniversary Fireworks spectacularly. I have to admit, I teared up a bit when the Main Street Electrical Street Parade music began. Ah, memories.
Another fun one is the 2006 countdown at Disneyland California. I, personally, have never been to any of the Disney parks on New Years Eve, so it was fun to see how Disney does New Years and, honestly, it makes me want to make the trip this year!
Disneyland 2006 New Years Countdown
There truly is a variety of Disney fan videos at Google Video ranging from twenty second ride clips to full, edited vacations. If you’re getting ready to go to any of the Disney parks soon, simply follow the search page here and enjoy your stay. Or as they say at Disneyland and Disney World, “Keep your hands and arms inside the vehicle.”
See ya real soon!