iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

John @solimander.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

19 straight years of home games with the UCLA Band!

The image shows the entrance to the Rose Bowl stadium, featuring a large sign that reads "Rose Bowl" with a rose graphic. Palm trees are visible nearby, and the foreground includes a crowd of people, some in blue UCLA clothing.

John @solimander.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

I had an amazing 6 years at Pixar and I'll miss it tremendously. I made this timelapse of photos I randomly took over the last year that I figured I'd share with you all. Also, if you've got a Pixar question that won't violate an NDA or get me into trouble, I'll try to answer it.

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John @solimander.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

Toy Story 5 is out today! Yeehaw! Photo taken: 2025-12-06 at Disney's Hollywood Studios

A large, colorful statue of a Jessie from Toy Story. She has red hair and a cowboy hat, with a yellow shirt and blue jeans. She's pulling on a string of colorful Christmas lights against a blue sky.

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John @solimander.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

Yesterday "Win or Lose" won 5 Emmy's including outstanding editing!

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John @solimander.bsky.social · 08/02/2026

Hard to believe California Adventure is 25 years old. I was lucky enough to see it a couple weeks before it officially opened. So much has changed since then, as you can see from this panorama I took back when they started building World of Color. Photo originally taken: 2009-10-28 #DCA25

A photo taken in Disney California Adventure of a drained Paradise Bay. The photo is taken from near the carousel and shows the Orange Stinger, Golden Zephyr, Golden Dreams theater, and Ariel's Grotto restaurant. In the drained area there is ongoing construction of what will eventually be the fountains for World of Color.

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John @solimander.bsky.social · 14/12/2025

@robyeodesign.com A couple pictures of "Toy Story Mania" at Hollywood Studios from last week for your #emptyqueueproject

The empty queue for Toy Story Mania at Disney Hollywood Studios. Posters on the wall feature playful designs and text, including "Chuckles the Clown" and "Lenny" binoculars. Blue railings separate the lines, while the ceiling has a red and black checkerboard pattern.

The empty queue for Toy Story Mania at Disney Hollywood Studios. Colorful carnival-themed indoor area with blue railings and vibrant murals of characters and games. The ceiling features stars and lights as decorations.

The queue for Toy Story Mania in Disney Hollywood Studios. A cartoon character lifts a barbell labeled "2000" in front of a colorful carnival backdrop with tents and a spinning prize wheel. The area is enclosed by blue railings, suggesting an indoor amusement setting.

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John @solimander.bsky.social · 13/12/2025

Just doing my part to help. Much like the time I found this barrel of "H squared O" in California Adventure.

Two stacked blue barrels incorrectly labeled "H2O" that reads as "H squared O" rather than "H two O." They support a wooden water tower that has "Cold Shower" written on it. It stands on a wooden platform surrounded by a wire fence, with lush green trees in the background, at Disney California Adventure.

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John @solimander.bsky.social · 13/12/2025

We found a typo on a poster in "Battle at the Ministry" in Epic Universe. Item 3 should read "Agree on security questions..." The book text is correct, but the movie poster at the link below is also wrong. Both book & movie also include an extra item 2. harrypotter.fandom.com/wiki/Protect...

A photo of a sign in the queue for "Harry Potter and the Escape from the Ministry" in Epic Universe. The poster is similar to one featured in the movies, with a public notice from the Ministry of Magic to "be vigilant" with a list of suggestions.

The typo is on item number 3 which states "Agree security questions..." and is missing the word "on."

Full text of the poster:

MINISTRY OF MAGIC PUBLIC NOTICE BE VIGILANT!
MoM. DOLORES UMBRIDGE UNDER TRIAL ON THIS DAY, CHARGED WITH UNLAWFULLY SENTENCING MUGGLE-BORN WIZARDS TO. AZKABAN
1. You are advised not to travel throughout the ministry alone. Particular care should be taken on the lift network and in the Wizengamot courtrooms department.
2. Remind yourself of defensive spells and make sure anyone you are travelling with are aware of emergency measures such as Shield and Disillusionment Charms and, in the case of under-age family members, Side-Along-Apparition.
3. Agree security questions with friends and family so as to detect Death Eaters masquerading as others by use of Polyjuice Potion.
4. Should you feel that a family member, friend or colleague is acting in a strange manner, contact the Magical Law Enforcement Squad at once. Ther may have been put under the Imperius Curse.
5. Should you get any sense of deja-vu, or have a suspicion you may be reliving any experience, contact the Auror Office immediately.
6. Anonymous owl-post suggests that Death Eaters may be working for Umbridge. Any sighting or encounter of a Death Eater, should be reported to the Ministry IMMEDIATELY.

IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION CONCERNING MoM. UMBRIDGE PLEASE CONTACT YOUR NEAREST AUROR OFFICE.
MINISTER OFFICIALS HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMOVE AND DESTROY ANY TIME-TURNER BROUGHT INTO THE MINISTRY OF MAGIC

REWARD: THE MINISTRY OF MAGIC IS OFFERING A REWARD OF 1.000 GALLEONS

A screenshot of Chapter 3 of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince which is the source of the text seen on the posters. Item 4 is highlighted which includes the correct text "Agree on security questions..." Also unlike the poster in the ride, it includes an additional item, here numbered 2, about taking caution during hours of darkness.

Full text from the book:

1. You are advised not to leave the house alone.
2. Particular care should be taken during the hours of darkness. Wherever possible, arrange to complete journeys before night has fallen.
3. Review the security arrangements around your house, making sure that all family members are aware of emergency measures such as Shield and Disillusionment Charms, and, in the case of underage family members, SideAlongApparition.
4. Agree on security questions with close friends and family so as to detect Death Eaters masquerading as others by use of the Polyjuice Potion (see page 2).
5. Should you feel that a family member, colleague, friend, or neighbor is acting in a strange manner, contact the Magical Law Enforcement Squad at once. They may have been put under the Imperius Curse (see page 4).
6. Should the Dark Mark appear over any dwelling place or other building, DO NOT ENTER, but contact the Auror office immediately.
7. Unconfirmed sightings suggest that the Death Eaters may now be using Inferi (see page 10). Any sighting of an Inferius, or encounter with same, should be reported to the Ministry IMMEDIATELY.
Harry grunted in his sleep and his face slid down the window an inch or so, making his glasses still more lopsided, but he did not wake up. An alarm clock, repaired by Harry several years ago, ticked loudly on the sill, showing one minute to eleven. Beside it, held in place by Harry's relaxed hand, was a piece of parchment covered in thin, slanting writing. Harry had read this letter so often since its arrival three days ago that although it had been delivered in a tightly furled scroll, it now lay quite flat.

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John @solimander.bsky.social · 23/11/2025

Today marks the end of my 18th year of attending every UCLA Football home game. It's going to be very weird if we're not back at the Rose Bowl next year.

A neon sign in the shape of a rose and a bow illuminates a dark background. The sign reads "Rose Bowl" in blue and yellow lights.

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John @solimander.bsky.social · 07/11/2025

Oh and I guess they also did it in 2019. But based on my visiting schedule, that number must not reset annually and is cumulative over multiple years of renewed passes.

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John @solimander.bsky.social · 07/11/2025

Back in 2014 they used to show that stat for your annual pass. I'm not sure how I broke the system to get a negative number of visits.

A digital screen displays a welcome message for a person named John, featuring a blue Mickey Mouse icon. It shows a "Premium Annual Passport" expiring on May 18, 2015, with an option to "Renew Passes." A badge indicates "-48 Park Visits," set against a light blue background.

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John @solimander.bsky.social · 03/11/2025

Went and a saw the 40th Anniversary of Back to the Future in IMAX earlier today. One of my favorite things about rewatching movies on an large screen is how your eyes are drawn to different parts of the frame you might not normally notice.

Illuminated "IMAX" letters rest on a blue wall in a dimly lit room. The letters cast a bright reflection on the glossy blue tile floor.

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John @solimander.bsky.social · 31/08/2025

This is my 18th year with the UCLA Marching Band. I joined the band when I was 18 years old. Which means I've now been doing this for half my life!

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John @solimander.bsky.social · 07/08/2025

His name is Tom. See him in Pixar's Hoppers, March 2026

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John @solimander.bsky.social · 25/07/2025

@tvaziri.com I'm reading Paul Hirsch's book and noticed this paragraph about the "shooting star" in "Jaws." I thought it might interest you.

As I watched the film, I noticed something odd in one of the later reels. In a low-angle close-up of Roy Scheider showing the early evening sky behind him, I saw what looked like a brief fiery streak in the sky. Later that evening at a party at Steven's hotel to celebrate the opening, I asked him about it.

"Hey," he called out, "Paul Hirsch saw it! He saw the
UFO!"

As I had suspected, that streak was deliberate; it was a little foretaste of Steven's next picture, Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

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John @solimander.bsky.social · 13/07/2025

Decided to rewatch Jaws last night. I'm still blown away that Spielberg was 27 when he made it. Photo originally taken 2024-07-05 at Universal Studios Hollywood

A large, suspended shark model is displayed outdoors, hanging from a wooden structure. The shark is depicted with an open mouth showing sharp teeth and is positioned above wooden crates and barrels in front of a backdrop of a body of water.

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John @solimander.bsky.social · 14/04/2025

I've been busy for the last free weeks working on something Incredible at work. But this weekend I finally got to watch "Win or Lose" with my parents! If you're looking for something lovely and fun to watch this Sunday evening, check it out on Disney+ Artwork by: Keiko Murayama

A colorful illustration featuring a diverse group of animated kids in softball gear, engaging in various softball activities. The title "Win or Lose" is prominently displayed in the center. The characters show different expressions and poses, highlighting enthusiasm for the game.

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John @solimander.bsky.social · 21/03/2025

Coco 2 is officially happening! Photo taken on 2023-08-08 at Disneyland #Coco #Pixar #Disneyland

A costumed character version of Miguel from the film Coco, riding a parade float at Disneyland. He's wearing a maroon mariachi outfit and a large sombrero, and smiles while playing a guitar. He stands on a stage decorated with flowers, with an audience visible in the background.

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John @solimander.bsky.social · 12/03/2025

It's finally time! The last two episodes of #WinorLose are now on Disney+ *the legal team would like me to clarify that the attached gif is in no way a guarantee or implied promise of episode length.

A gif from Muppet*Vision 3D. Sam Eagle is in the background, opening a door and saying "yes, it's a glorious three hour finale!" In the foreground Kermit, Fonzie, Gonzo, and Waldo C Graphic are turned to look at Sam.

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John @solimander.bsky.social · 02/03/2025

@jason.parkendium.com I've got about a 10 issues of the "Buena Vista Bugle" and a copy of the "Martyland News" (I don't remember what it's from). Any interest to you? It looks like Parkendium has some photos of the front page, but not the contents.

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John @solimander.bsky.social · 01/03/2025

A brief pause from reminding everyone to watch "Win or Lose" on Disney+ to share an old theme park photo. Photo taken on 2010-07-30 at Universal Islands of Adventure

A close-up of a realistic dinosaur head, resembling a Tyrannosaurus rex, surrounded by lush green foliage. The dinosaur has an open mouth showing sharp teeth and an intense expression.

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John @solimander.bsky.social · 18/02/2025

Today is officially the final day of a world without "Win or Lose!" The first two episodes premiere on Disney+ tomorrow! #WinorLose #Pixar #DisneyPlus #GoPickles

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John @solimander.bsky.social · 16/02/2025

Did you know: Disneyland actually started a stealth marketing campaign for "Win or Lose" last summer. Photo taken: 2024-07-06 #WinorLose #GoPickles #Pixar #Disneyland #DisneyPlus #SignageSunday

Photo of a sign on a pickle stand at Disneyland. The sign is in the shape of a pickle, it's wrapped in a ribbon that says "Disneyland pickles are a dill-ight!"

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John @solimander.bsky.social · 27/12/2024

Hopped in the car as soon as I read your post and made it here just in time.

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John @solimander.bsky.social · 20/12/2024

Currently watching "Muppet Christmas Carol" which has one of my favorite magic tricks: making a muppet appear to exhale!

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John @solimander.bsky.social · 11/12/2024

I had a strange moment this morning when walking by the awards cabinet, where I suddenly remembered that I work in a building with a bunch of Oscars.

An Academy Award (Oscar) statue, gold in color, displayed on a wooden surface. The engraved plaque at the base reads: "Academy Award to Wall-E for Animated Feature Film, Andrew Stanton."

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John @solimander.bsky.social · 26/11/2024

Moana in Tokyo Disneyland's parade "Disney Harmony in Color". Photo taken: 2024-10-31

A woman dressed as the character Moana in a colorful costume adorned with leaf and flower motifs stands on a parade float shaped like a boat, smiling and posing. An animatronic Hei Hei, Moana's rooster companion, is visible on the ground next to her, with greenery in the background.

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John @solimander.bsky.social · 22/11/2024

And here's what it looked like on TV. You can even spot me holding up my phone at the end of the clip.

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John @solimander.bsky.social · 22/11/2024

Tomorrow is UCLA Football's rivalry game against Southern Cal. In honor of that, here's the greatest slow-mo video I've ever taken. I just happened to be on the field at the perfect spot when Dorian Thompson-Robinson leapt his way to an incredible touchdown. Original Video: 2021-11-20

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John @solimander.bsky.social · 18/11/2024

Very true! I'll have to get a picture of it next time I'm there. Fun Fact: my hands are almost the exact same size as his.

A hand is placed on a bronze plaque commemorating Disney Legends, featuring the handprint of Marty Sklar, along with his name and the date, December 9, 2001.

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John @solimander.bsky.social · 18/11/2024

I forgot it's #SignageSunday! In that case, here's another photo where it was still up as of 2011-07-23. I'm not sure when the sponsorship ended, but I know I checked after Galaxy's Edge opened and the sign was no longer there.

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John @solimander.bsky.social · 18/11/2024

Hey new followers! Here's something that's a mix of the two things most people follow me for: Disneyland and UCLA. This is from the Hungry Bear Restaurant at Disneyland. I believe it's gone now, but it was a nice taste of UCLA whenever I visited. Photo taken 2010-02-15

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John @solimander.bsky.social · 09/11/2024

@jasonsheridan.bsky.social Has anyone shown you this NanoBlock set they sell at Tokyo Disneyland?

Photo of a box containing a NanoBlock (similar to a smaller version of Lego) set of the Mark Twain Riverboat from Tokyo Disneyland.

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John @solimander.bsky.social · 09/11/2024

One of the suits (it appears to be similar but not identical) is on display in the DVC Lounge above the Star Wars Launch Bay in Disneyland.

A shiny silver fictional astronaut suit showcased in a glass display case. It was worn by cast members at Disneyland in Tomorrowland during the early days of the park.

A plaque next to the space suit that has the title "K7 Space Suit - Tomorrowland Astronauts." Below it reads "From the opening of Disneyland Park in 1955 until the land was reimagined in 1967. Tomorrowland was home to its own pair of intrepid space travelers. Guests from around the globe enjoyed the opportunity to meet and greet these explorers, who played dual roles as icons of Tomorrowland and ambassadors for Walt Disney's optimistic vision of the future." The bottom credit says "From the Walt Disney Imagineering Collection in Glendale, California."

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John @solimander.bsky.social · 09/11/2024

Back at the Rose Bowl with the UCLA Marching Band! It's helped create a bit of a feeling of normalcy after this past week (even though it's a bit weird being here on a Friday night instead of a Saturday).

A large group of UCLA Marching Band members in matching blue shirts and overalls rehearsing outdoors on a sunny day. A drum major stands on a platform, directing the ensemble. The scene captures a vibrant and organized band practice on a grassy field.

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John @solimander.bsky.social · 14/09/2024

Back at the Rose Bowl for my 17th year with the UCLA Marching Band!

A football stadium scene featuring people on the field and in the stands. The blue and gold UCLA branding is visible, along with a large video board and various attendees, including families and staff. It's a sunny day with a clear blue sky.

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John @solimander.bsky.social · 18/08/2024

For the 60th Anniversary of the Tram Tour, Universal Studios put a DMC DeLorean from Back to the Future on display. I'm not sure if this is an actual picture car, or a replica. If it's canonical, I really want to know what the Xmas Tree switch is for.

A silver DeLorean car with gullwing doors is displayed on a circular platform surrounded by lights.

A DeLorean car with open gull-wing doors is displayed against a backdrop of colorful lights and backgrounds, emphasizing its iconic design.

A close-up image of a control panel featuring various buttons and switches, including labels like "MAIN," "POWER," "FREON," "XMAS TREE," and a large red button. There is a transparent section showing internal components and a black handle for operation.

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John @solimander.bsky.social · 11/08/2024

I'm still in mild shock that you all finally get to see "Win or Lose" starting December 6th. I spent 3 years working on it and both the experience and final result are truly incredible! Trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONFr...

Poster for Pixar’s first original series called "Win or Lose," premiering on Disney+ on December 6. It features a yellow chicken character lying on its side next to a softball.

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John @solimander.bsky.social · 09/08/2024

Exciting news about Pixar's "Win or Lose" is coming today!

Promotional poster for Disney and Pixar's "Win or Lose" series, announced at D23 fan event in Anaheim, CA on August 9-11, 2024.

Green hat with an embroidered cartoon pickle holding a softball bat.

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John @solimander.bsky.social · 27/06/2024

Carnage, Karma, and a Kuka arm From the Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift on the Universal Studios Hollywood Tram Tour. Photos taken on 2011-03-22 and 2010-12-15

A prop car pretends to drive away from a large explosion with flames in the background.

A white car with black designs is airborne, jumping a ramp with a large explosion in the background. The car is attached to a large mechanical arm.

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John @solimander.bsky.social · 15/06/2024

Joy, Sadness, and Anger from the Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind at Disney California Adventure. Photos taken on 2019-07-14

Statue of the animated character Joy from Inside Out, with blue hair and a yellow dress, smiling and raising both arms.

Statue of the animated character "Anger" from the movie "Inside Out." He's wearing a white shirt and a tie, with a furious expression on its face.

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John @solimander.bsky.social · 14/06/2024

Will Bing Bong and his candy tears make a return in Inside Out 2? The only way to find out is to go see it in theaters this weekend! Photo taken on 2019-05-19 at Disney California Adventure at Bing Bong's Sweet Stuff

Photo of a statue of the character Bing Bong from Inside Out. He's in front of a rainbow and he's crying candy tears.

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John @solimander.bsky.social · 12/05/2024

Pluto is actually the center of the solar system. Photo taken on: 2023-08-08 at the Tomorrowland Terrace at Disneyland

Pluto the dog wearing an inflatable tube. Attached to the tube are small planets orbiting him.

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John @solimander.bsky.social · 05/05/2024

A couple photos during the solar eclipse. Photos taken on 2024-04-08

A solar eclipse, with the moon covering the sun, against a dark sky.

A large lens flare against a cloudy sky with sunlight filtering through.

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John @solimander.bsky.social · 07/04/2024

Got the chance to visit Six Flags Over Texas, the first Six Flags ever built. And I got to ride the world's first log flume. #SixFlagsSucksAndILoveIt

Entrance of Six Flags Over Texas amusement park with flags flying above and a sign for a 'Viva La Fiesta' event.

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John @solimander.bsky.social · 15/01/2024

Finally got to see Soul in a theater, and I wore a very special sweatshirt to celebrate.

Embroidered depiction of a cat's soul from the movie Soul with gradient coloring on a dark fabric background.

Torn movie ticket stub for "Soul" on a table.

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John @solimander.bsky.social · 10/01/2024

@lentesta.bsky.social I'm a couple weeks behind, but I found a few pictures I took of the Safari Adventure at the Disneyland Hotel back on March 21, 2009

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John @solimander.bsky.social · 08/01/2024

Oh, pardon madam, that whistle was for my good friend, Fritz. Photo taken on 2019-04-11 at Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room at Disneyland

An animatronic parrot with red and white feathers on an adorned perch in a dimly lit setting.

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John @solimander.bsky.social · 24/12/2023

Abominable. Photo taken on 2019-09-25 at Matterhorn Bobsleds at Disneyland.

Photo of the animatronic yeti/abominable snowman on the Matterhorn Bobsleds attraction at Disneyland.

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