Disneyland is testing a new measurement system for attractions with height requirements. For a limited time, the system is being tested at various locations around Disneyland. One instrument is moved from one location to the next over time. Here's how it works:

A child stands under a sensor device that emits a sound wave. A Cast Member holds a paddle over the child's head. The device measures how long it takes the wave to bounce off the paddle and back to the sensor. Based on this timing, the machine determines how tall the child is. The instrument then reveals what color wristband to issue the child (shown below). All the attractions with height requirements have, or will have, signs to indicate which wristbands are required to ride. For example, with a green Goofy wristband, a child can ride any attraction in Disneyland, including the Indiana Jones Adventure.

What will this mean in the future? Well, if the test goes well, expect to see these devices installed at all attractions with height requirements as well as in City Hall and at the Information Booth at the north end of Main Street. Visitors would only need to be measured once and then issued their wristbands. The devices would be regularly calibrated to make sure they're accurate.

Special thanks to a MousePlanet reader for the above - Art © Disney

I hope that the test proves successful. When visitors are issued wristbands, their waits in line will be shorter because they won't need to be re-measured at every ride with a height requirement. I'm sure that this system will also be popular with Cast Members. With the measurement sticks, if a child is close to the height but still a bit short, guests may get pushy, even rude, to CM's who make judgment calls against allowing their children to ride. This device removes the potential for human error.

Hopefully, it will also remove the opportunity for errors with traditional measurement sticks and consistency errors. On a recent visit to Disney's California Adventure, my good friend Exceptional Mom Mary took her adventurous daughter on Soarin' Over California. Soarin' has a 40" height requirement which Erin now meets. Armed with the knowledge that she was tall enough for rides with the 40" requirement, Erin headed for the Jumpin' Jellyfish attraction. Imagine their surprise when the measurement stick at Jumpin' Jellyfish showed Erin a full inch too short for the attraction!

This made no sense to Mary, but thanks to a recent Ikea shopping trip, Mary pulled a handy measuring tape from her purse. The measuring tape showed that the stick the cast members were using to measure Erin was indeed 41" high, not 40". The CM's still refused to allow Erin to ride Jumpin' Jellyfish. I would like to see problems like this mishap end with the new sensors and wristbands in place.

Special thanks to a MousePlanet reader for the above - Art © Disney

With several devices throughout the parks, wait times to be measured should be short. If any readers, whether cast members or parents, tested this system recently, I would like to hear what you thought. You can e-mail me or post a message on MousePad.

Minnie's ToonTown tree is well, um, colorful...

Recently I promised a list of local Christmas Tree farms. Here is a list of farms I have compiled:

From reader Scott:

The closest one to Disneyland is this one in Stanton. I've been there. It's under some high-voltage lines and it's pretty big. I think they have flocking available if you want it.

Pines West (714) 527 - 7107

10701 Magnolia Ave, Stanton, CA 90680

Reader Bud supplied the following info for the above:

One block north of Katella.

From 22 Fwy North 3 miles off ramp Magnolia

From I 5 South Magnolia off ramp, South 4 miles

Open: Nov 24, 25 & 26 9 am to 5 pm

Nov 27 thru Dec 23, 9 am to 9 pm

---

Reader Alan gave directions to another farm that he described in an open area with no powerlines. It is about 20 miles south of Disneyland at Hwy 133 and Sand Canyon Dr:

Take the fwy 5 south to hwy 133 south (note: do not take the toll road) About 2 mile from the off ramp on the right side there is a small Christmas Tree farm.

---

For more Christmas Tree farms, try these websites:

Peltzer Pines has three locations in Irvine and Tustin. For more information, you can visit their website.

The National Christmas Tree Association's list of California farms

The California Christmas Tree Association. Here's their list of farms in the Orange County area.

Wanted: Your questions and feedback! They will help me plan future columns! Write me at: AdrienneK@mouseplanet.com

Adrienne gathered experience taking kids to amusement parks when she worked as a day camp counselor and director. She was an elementary school teacher before she started her favorite job, being Matthew and Spencer's Mom.

Adrienne, Matthew and Spencer visit Disneyland several times a month, usually with Daddy, too.

Besides Matthew & Spencer, Adrienne and her husband Kevin created and maintain The Happiest Potties on Earth website.