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Cool shot, but there's no way that was taken from AT&T stadium. There's a hotel and an old baseball stadium in between. That's the end of the one way drive between the parking lot and the Judge Roy Scream lake.

Photo by Josh Hitt who took this pic from AT&T Stadium.

Disneyland Paris has released a number of new updates focused on the changes big and small coming to the parks, resorts and beyond! https://news.disneylandparis.com/en/exciting-new-details-on-projects-coming-to-life-in-2026-at-disneyland-paris-to-elevate-the-guest-experience/ While transformation work is in full swing at Walt Disney Studios® Park – soon to be called Disney Adventure World – ahead of the opening of World of Frozen and Adventure Way on next March 29, many other projects are underway throughout the destination, elevating the guest experience when coming to life in 2026 & beyond. More magic for Rivers of the Far West at Frontierland® in 2026 By the end of summer 2026, guests will enjoy an enhanced experience at Thunder Mesa Riverboat Landing, thanks to new scenes added along the route of Rivers of the Far West, and inspired by the original drawings of Imagineer and Disney Legend Marc Davis. The new figures, including a buffalo on a prairie, and adorable racoons and a skunk on a floating log, have been specially redesigned and produced for the project by Walt Disney Imagineering Paris teams. Guests will catch a glimpse of these new additions while enjoying arelaxing cruise aboard the iconic Molly Brown boat, which has recently been renovated from stem to stern. New improvements around the Hollywood Tower Hotel In Walt Disney Studios® Park, work is in progress at The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ new covered outdoor waiting area, that will open in Spring 2026. This themed area will enrich the story of The Hollywood Tower Hotel, by representing the remnants of the Patio, that was once a relaxing courtyard with an outdoor pool, greatly appreciated by the show business elite, but fell into disarray. Every material element has been carefully selected to fit with the theme, and to echo the Pueblo Deco architecture of the premises. The props and elements of decor disseminated in the queue will give more clues about the tragic events that occurred at The Hollywood Tower Hotel – preparing guests for what’s awaiting them inside. Next door, the new merchandise location inspired by the 1930s flower shops will open early 2026. The existing structure have been completely reworked to create a boutique harmoniously blending into World Premiere Plaza and its Art Deco-inspired theatre district area. It will offer an authentic atmosphere thanks to an array of props scattered around the boutique, including flower bouquets, pictures celebrating its historical milestones, and even a fridge similar to those used by Californian florists at the time. The major refurbishment of Ratatouille: L’Aventure Totalement Toquée de Rémy, started in October 2025, is underway for Imagineers and Disneyland Paris teams. On the menu for this renovation is a generous serving of technical upgrades and scenic enhancements, all carefully crafted to offer guests an even more immersive experience into the world of the Pixar Animation Studios film Ratatouille. The queue will be enhanced with a new scene depicting a Parisian artist’s studio teeming with details and accessories such as canvases on the walls, paint splatters, and a fruit basket that may well whet the appetite of all the adorable rats in the neighbourhood. Inside the attraction, new props, enhanced projections, and larger-than-life props and set pieces – currently being produced – will add extra flavour to key scenes, and enhance guests’ perception of being shrunk to the size of Remy and his friends. Upcoming renovation of Annette’s Diner: Imagineers are getting ready to hit the floor! At Disney Village, Annette’s Diner will temporarily close on 5 January 2026, for a major refurbishment lasting several months. The renovation will focus on enlarging the kitchens and completely refurbishing the dining room, including floors and furniture, while preserving its charm and the retro atmosphere that has been so popular since 1992. Some iconic features will be completely reimagined, such as the bar, whose layout and aesthetic will be redesigned to pay tribute to the distinctive chrome look of classic diners. The booths will also sport a new design inspired by 1950s car seats, in colours typical of the era such as pink, blue and vanilla yellow. When it reopens, Annette’s Diner — with a slightly increased seating capacity — will continue to bring the golden age of Rock ’n’ Roll and the 1950s back to life, much to the delight of its guests. Major renovation of Disney Sequoia Lodge to begin soon! Starting January 2026, major refurbishment work will be carried out to enhance and elevate the experience offered at Disney Sequoia Lodge, while preserving its wooden décor along with its authentic and warm atmosphere. The design will elevate the tribute to the beauty of nature to inspiring new heights. while taking inspiration from the forests following the tradition started by Walt Disney and his team of animators. Every space, from the rooms to the lobby, as well as the shopping and dininglocations, will be reinvented as an ode to wildlife, offering the perfect environment to unwind and let one’s mind wander. As a reminder, the hotel will remain open during the refurbishment work, which will be carried out in phases. These various projects offer just a glimpse of the many upcoming works throughout the destination, and many other projects are being considered to surprise guests during their next visit to Disneyland® Paris. More information to come! https://news.disneylandparis.com/en/unveiling-the-source-of-disney-cascade-of-lights/ At Adventure Bay, the entire team behind Disney Cascade of Lights, the destination’s upcoming second night-time show, is busy getting everything ready for its official launch on 29 March 2026. Here’s your chance to learn more about the design and behind-the-scenes magic of this dazzling production created for Disney Adventure World, the second reimagined park of Disneyland Paris. A CASCADE OF REHEARSALS Darkness has fully settled over Adventure Bay. The construction workers who were still on site at Disney Adventure World a few hours ago have left. Around the lake, a surge of activity breaks the quiet, as the creators and technicians of Disney Cascade of Lights are hard at work. They are currently rehearsing the placement of the impressive structure that will be positioned in the centre of the lake each evening from 29 March 2026, housing key equipment for the show – fountains, lights, projectors, and pyrotechnics. This structure consists of five elements: a 14 m² central platform, connected to four barges whose extending arms form an almost circular shape, echoing the lake’s contours. All of this is done in total silence, with fully electric pusher boats moving the various components from the backstage marina, capable of handling the entire structure’s approximate 160 tonnes. The barge operators have received specialised training to manoeuvre the barges with maximum precision, especially when passing the iconic swing bridge from World of Frozen. Once the structure is securely moored and connected, all that remains are the 379 aerial and aquatic drones specially developed for the show, before rehearsals can begin. A NEW WAVE OF DRONES Producer Ben Spalding has been dreaming of this show for over 7 years. Back then, he was working on Disneyland Paris’ first drone shows, as part of the resort’s 30th anniversary celebrations. First came Disney D-Light, and the following year, Avengers: Power the Night. At both Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios® Park, the aim was to bring stories to life in the sky – reaching up to 120 m high. Soon, he was already thinking ahead to the next experiment, one in which the drones would fly lower and nearer to the audience. Truly revolutionary! The Adventure Bay lake project provided the backdrop for him to turn his vision into reality. Working closely with Dronisos, Disneyland Paris’ official high-tech partner from the outset of this adventure, new drones were developed: aerial drones that are more resistant to wind and rain, as well as aquatic drones, nicknamed ‘ducks’. Thanks to these groundbreaking innovations, the light show will come closer to the audience than ever before and be even more dazzling. ‘The water acts like a mirror that multiplies all our light sources,’ explains Ben Spalding. ‘Our aquatic drones light up the surface of the lake, combined with low-angled lights all around the edges of the lake. And then there are the fountains, each with its own light sources, and the various pyrotechnic effects. It’s a spectacular cascade of lights!’ All these elements come together to create an extraordinary display of water and light, adjusted down to the millimetre so that every component fits perfectly without disrupting the others. ‘The secret is teamwork.The entire show was previewed in 3D. As part of this programme, we used a detailed model of the park, from which each team member – responsible for drones, pyrotechnics, lighting, and more – developed their own plan. This made it possible to visualise, plan and choreograph things in advance so that everything came together perfectly when live.’ To bring this luminous festival to life, a team of 24 technicians will be present each evening. ‘That’s more than twice as many as for shows like Disney Dreams or Disney Illumination. That just goes to show the complexity and richness of Disney Cascade of Lights!’ A RUSH OF EMOTIONS All this technology would be meaningless if it didn’t serve the audience’s emotions, guided by a strong, engaging story. ‘Focusing on emotion and storytelling was a key priority. We wanted a concept that could resonate with all European audiences, and that’s how we came up with the idea of Inspiration,’recalls Ben. Like Peter Pan’s shadow in Disney Dreams, Inspiration has become a character in its own right and the show’s guiding light. It’s also the link between the audience and the characters in the story. And every one of these characters was carefully selected. Mulan’s commitment is driven by honour and family, just as Moana’s is guided by the ocean, inspiring her to embark on adventures for the good of her community. It is Hercules’ courage of heart that makes him a true hero, just as Judy Hopps’ sense of duty drives her to rise above prejudices and become part of the Zootopia police force. Each Avenger followed their own inspiration and path before becoming a hero, just as Carl Fredriksen did in his unique way, driven by the promise he made to a loved one. Director Susan Plyer (Minnie’s Dream Factory ) was particularly inspired by this concept and these characters. ‘Each and every one of them embodies an emotion that can strike a chord with every guest,’ Susan says. ‘They are an endless source of inspiration in our lives, whether in helping others, supporting family, or finding the courage to face daily challenges.’ The character’s visuals have been meticulously crafted, with both design and colour carefully calibrated to suit projection onto a water curtain. Music is both the emotional driver of the show and the metronome that keeps all its elements in perfect harmony. Composed by Mark Hammond (‘Lost in the Magic’) and produced by Jonathan Barr, the show’s score was recorded in the legendary Abbey Road studios in London by a 90-piece orchestra, and is accompanied by an original song, ‘We Can Be Heroes’, which in itself embodies the show’s spirit. A 360° VIEW The creators of Disney Cascade of Lights paid close attention to ensuring that spectators enjoyed the best possible experience from every seat – a major challenge given the scale of this massive 3-hectare lake. Not only was the design of the central structure crucial, but so too was the placement of 240-plus floodlights and light points directed at the lake, as well as the sound setup throughout Adventure Bay. Taking a 360° approach also requires addressing the environmental impact of a production of this scale. From the fully electric power supply for the boats, reducing the carbon footprint, to the lake’s filtration system employing different fish species, to the residue-free materials used in fireworks and pyrotechnics, every aspect has been meticulously planned. As a result, the show leaves a minimal environmental footprint, but a maximal emotional one, giving the audience unforgettable memories shaped by the flood of emotion poured in by every creator, from the initial concept down to the final technical detail. https://news.disneylandparis.com/en/a-new-original-soundtrack-for-adventure-way-at-disney-adventure-world/ From 29 March 2026, guests arriving on Adventure Way will be welcomed by an original soundtrack specially created for this promenade by composer Philippe Rombi. This brand-new theme, lasting more than 40 minutes and recorded at the legendary Abbey Road studios, will offer guests a magical interlude at the heart of Disney Adventure World. On Saturday 13 December, French composer Philippe Rombi surprised Disneyland® Paris fans during an event in the heart of the resort by personally unveiling the new musical theme written for Adventure Way, the new lush alley that will, from spring 2026, link together the immersive worlds of Disney Adventure World. Alongside Michel den Dulk, Portfolio Executive Creative Director at Walt Disney Imagineering Paris, he spoke about the inspiration behind the composition of this suite. While the music for worlds such as World of Frozen is naturally based on the animated films, an area as unique as Adventure Way could only have an original score — a first for Disneyland Paris since 1992 and the original soundtrack heard in Discoveryland. To rise to this musical challenge, and inspired by his distinctive style, the Imagineers decided to call upon a composer well known in French cinema: Philippe Rombi. Nominated four times for the César Awards, notably for the film Joyeux Noël, whose soundtrack was recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra at the legendary Abbey Road studios, he recorded the music for Adventure Way under the same conditions, during the summer of 2025, with the 84 musicians of this iconic orchestra. It was a return to his roots for the composer, who worked as a pianist at the Disneyland Hotel when Disneyland Paris opened in 1992! Building on creative discussions, concept reviews, and even a visit to the Disney Adventure World construction site, Philippe Rombi devised two main themes inspired by notions of adventure, travel, wonder, and distant horizons. From these two main motifs, he composed a magnificent suite of nearly 40 minutes that resonates throughout Adventure Way, including the various themed gardens that are part of it. For these gardens, he added subtle nods to Disney themes — Peter Pan and 101 Dalmatians for the Gazebo Garden, and Tangled for its dedicated garden. A special piano version can also be heard at The Regal View Restaurant & Lounge. The result is a perfect blend of Philippe Rombi’s artistic identity and Disney’s musical universe! “Choosing to create original music for an entire area of a Disney Park is extremely rare, and it’s even rarer to entrust this job to a French composer. It’s a true recognition of my work and a real honour. I’ve always composed from the heart, driven by my passion. The fact that my music moved the Imagineers to the point where they felt they could entrust me with this huge responsibility means a great deal to me”, declared Philippe Rombi. https://news.disneylandparis.com/en/exclusive-spotlight-on-minnies-dream-factory/ After six magical seasons, the Dream Factory is reopening its doors from 7 February 2026 for a reimagined show, this time starring Minnie and friends. A NEW ADVENTURE STARRING MINNIE AND FRIENDS After a short break, the dream machine at the Dream Factory is back in action and ready to turn dreams into magic. Everything began back in 2024, when director Susan Plyer had the idea of putting Minnie and all her Disney friends in the spotlight. ‘I wanted to give the show a new twist, so I suggested that Minnie and her friends should be in charge of the Dream Factory. Our Disney Characters are the very heart of Disney, so who better than them to nurture our dreams?’ In this new story, Minnie lovingly leads all her friends who work in the Dream Factory, including Chip & Dale, who are the comedy duo of the show. Meanwhile, Donald looks after each and every technical detail, while Daisy brings her energy and enthusiasm to the challenges and helps motivate her colleagues – a real dream team! ‘This is a new vision of the Dream Factory,’ explains Susan. We’ve kept the idea of this marvellous machine that transforms our dreams into magic, while offering a more up-to-date story that’s even closer to our guests. In this adventure, when problems arise, they’re solved as a team! Achieving your dreams is always a challenge, and it’s only by helping each other that you can succeed. That’s what this show is all about.’ A UNIQUE IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE As in any self-respecting musical, the songs take centre stage. They move the story along and allow the various characters to share their emotions with the audience. To create the soundtrack, Susan went through the Disney Channel music archives and selected the songs whose lyrics best suited the new experience. These songs were then specially adapted to meet the needs of each scene, giving the audience the chance to sing along with the Disney Characters to iconic tunes from the Disney Channel repertoire in new version, featuring a new original score. The show’s creators also wanted guests to feel closer to the action, with more opportunities for interaction. For example, Susan worked closely with lighting designer Adrien Mourey to highlight the front of the stage area, where much of the interaction with the audience will take place. ‘My aim is for visitors to feel even more involved in the show. Including the stage and the mezzanine, we now have three levels, three places from which to tell our story, with the front-of-stage area providing a privileged space for sharing.’ This strong bond with the audience is also expressed in the script, written in collaboration with the author of the very first show, Ludovic-Alexandre Vidal. ‘His approach matches this new vision perfectly. Since he is familiar with every detail of the first version, he was able to add a host of subtle touches to bring alive the proximity I was looking for.’ The Factory’s appearance has also been redesigned. From the moment they arrive, audiences will be immersed in a brand-new lighting atmosphere, then discover a set adapted by scenographer Tiphaine Bonin, filled with playful nods to Minnie. The new costumes worn by the Disney Characters in the show were designed and created at Disneyland Paris. The special effects are equally spectacular, featuring favourites like the dream bubbles, and introducing some brand-new surprises. A DREAM CAST On stage, alongside Donald, Daisy, and Chip & Dale, Minnie has a whole dream team to keep the Factory up and running. These exceptional colleagues are not only singers, but also actors and dancers. This is referred to as ‘triple talent’: a distinctive quality of musical-theatre artists, trained across all three disciplines. ‘I know this world well, and that is exactly the energy I wanted to give to our show. After all, this is World Premiere Plaza!’ To form this team, over 800 hopefuls took part in the auditions, including newcomers and veterans of the show, all determined to continue this adventure, at both an artistic and human level. The first selections focused on solo singing before concentrating on dance and then singing in harmony. Improvisation was also at the heart of the process, both individually and in groups. Finally, fourteen of the applicants were chosen to join the show’s cast. They are all rehearsing hard as we speak to be ready for the launch of the new season. ‘These rehearsals are very intense because all three of my teams – the vocal coach, the acting coach and the dance captains – are present at the same time to ensure that each discipline reaches its highest level. That’s why we had to recruit only the very best!’ The cast also includes actors who sign in French sign language (LSF). This season, they move beyond narrating, becoming fully integrated into the production itself. As in previous years, this ‘multilingual’ version will be available at weekends, on public holidays and during the school holidays. Join us on 7 February to dream together and discover a show that will appeal to young and old alike, brought to you by Disneyland Paris. ‘All too often, we tend to forget our dreams, letting daily life take priority over our aspirations,’Susan concludes. But you can dream at any age and in any situation. It might be something as simple as taking some time for yourself, or something magical … such as staging a show at Disneyland Paris! I really wanted this new story to inspire everyone. Because dreams have no limits …’

My Buddy just did the lights under Louisville and said the same thing that it was amazing.

just got our tix for "HadesTown" in Feb. and I'm trying to convince him to splurge for "Six" in Jan.

Thanks! Planning a trip in February during Broadway week when most shows are 2 for 1. On our list: Chess Ragtime Death Become Her (Had tickets last fall but both leads were out. Saw Gypsy instead.) Stranger Things (if we stay an extra day!)

And for today.... December 16 – Chocolate Covered Anything Day! Hmmm. Chocolate on ....cauliflower? Nope.

Have checked with Broadway.com for a list of upcoming musical openings for this 2025-26 season. Here's what found out, so far. And (R) is for a revival. Also noted is those that are already closing... Mamma Mia! (R) Aug.14/25 Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York Nov.20/25 Chess (R) Nov.16/25 The Queen of Versailles (closing soon) Nov.09/25 Ragtime (R) Oct.16/25 Beaches Apr.22/26 Cats: The Jellicle Ball Apr.07/26 Rocky Horror (R) Apr.23/26 Titanique Apr.12/26 The Lost Boys Apr.26/26 Schmigadoon Apr.20/26 Opening dates not announced, yet. Soon, soon... Wanted Dolly: A True Original Musical Dreamgirls (R) That's 14 productions, so far, who have already announced an opening, already open, or soon-to-close, etc. And possibly any of the new ones could fall by the wayside, so-to-speak. Stuff happens, on the stage. Stay tuned.....

You have to see it in person to get the full impact of just how big this thing is!

The patina of neglect!

Maybe they can send wonderlands worn out old trains to mia for parts cars? it was always fun to fly into the final brake run with half of the upstop wheels spinning because they dont all touch the track at the same time.

Another one bites the dust due to "urban development." I wonder if/how much the lane lease was raised to force them out for a more profitable lessee or buyer. I couldn't find any public record. Hopefully, they can use the land to build plenty of "luxury" apartments to accommodate the growing number of people in their 20-30's who don't have a financial incentive to have children, and can't afford to buy homes. Top end gray laminate vinyl plank flooring and gray press board cabinets for all! Hopefully, high priced retail stores and chain restaurants will be included in whatever development they're planning. This world is so full of character.

When you realize there are actually people on that lift, but the drop is so massive you have to zoom in to see them... What a monster.

Awwww.......I wish we could have been there! Enjoyed attending the event a few years ago, plus not only do I much prefer a holiday event in warm weather (btw, as I write this it's 11 degrees in the Lou ) but I'll never forget Joel and I getting an almost zen ride on IR, just the two of us on the train. Quietest thrill ride ever, lol.

That's too bad. I only got to visit the park once, but it was a fun time there.

The trend continues. Unfortunetly it isn't over yet. More parks are going to close.

^ I thought I had thoroughly checked your TRs on Europa. My oops.

yup. . look at Day 1. . . Raclette was day one.

Day 2 concluded: a trip to the Olympic Green Stacy has a great sense of direction, so i wasn't worried about getting lost. and we ended up with a small group that she led on the subway to the Olympic Green it's a very large park area, that's home to several well known sites from the Beijing Olympics: the Birds Nest (Beijing National Stadium), the Water Cube (Beijing National Aquatics Stadium), the Fan (Beijing National Indoor Stadium) , the Speed Skating Oval, the Fields, and the Promenade - home to the Olympic Tower and the Beijing Olympic TV tower. I liked that you could watch the operator of the train at the front of the car, if you chose to do so. stepping out of the Metro station onto the Promenade one of the multiple Olympic Mascots for the 2008 & 2022 Beijing Olympics. the tower in the back is the Olympic Tower (which you can go up to the observation levels) and the closer one is the Ling Long Pagoda (Olympic TV tower) that was used for Broadcasting here's the "Birds Nest". . .it just looks incredible at night and the "Water Cube" - also amazing. . tho now home to car/truck ads on the outside. thanks to Andy for these wonderful pics of the group of us that went to the Olympic Green this night. LOL. . we were trying to do "rings" and now attempting the Olympic Rings. hey. . it was an attempt! loved this sculpture in front of the Water Cube some Winter Olympics Mascot the base of the Ling Long Pagoda is home to a giant "Friendship Store".. . we didn't go in, but seemed to offer a lot of Russian themed things looking at the Bird's Nest from the Field next door (where the outdoor events were held) the Olympic Torch from across the field Anth and I sitting, while others with more energy walked to the Olympic Torch. (I was saving my steps for the Olympic Tower) here's "the Fan" . . where all the gymnastics were held not sure what this one is. . but it was all lit up, so must have been used for something (perhaps the Tennis Center?) walking the Promenade down to the Olympic Tower wasn't too expensive to go up. . and we walked all the way here, no way was I NOT going up. some of the floors have glass panels up here. . . oh my! gahhh!!!! incredible views up here. that blue blur is the speed skating stadium. . the lights on it are amazing. oh wait, that building next to it is the Tennis Stadium a bit overcast / pollution. . but great views of Beijing at night from here Birds Nest and fields on the left straight ahead, Water Cube and the Fan on the right, with convention center next to it. time to say goodbye and head back. . it had been a very long day, lots of steps. and the metro would take us about an hour to get back. it was a little busy, but once we got to the Universal Line? it was a TPR Train Takeover! the metro station at Universal was pretty neon. some folks rushed to get a last drink before everything shut down for the night, but Stacy and I were exhausted. . so one quick stop to ride the "Snail" sculpture in front of Dogfish at City Walk (thanks Sara for the pic!), and then it was back to the hotel for me. signing off with a great pic of Birds Nest from Andy that he shared with the group. he's such a great photographer! back in the room, a shower, and then collapsed into bed and out immediately. tomorrow was another packed day: Most of it would be spent at Happy Valley Beijing, but then some of us were gonna head to Tiananmen Square as our guide had managed to get us tickets to go tomorrow. but for now? sleep! hope you've enjoyed following along. SO MUCH MORE to come in future weeks.

Day 2 part 2: back on the bus, we were headed to lunch. This would be the first of many group meals we were gonna have on this trip (a change from many prior TPR trips I'd been on, in that we only had a couple of group meals. . . on this trip there would be many of them, mostly in office buildings that were set up to handle tour group style trips). I honestly really enjoyed these "lazy susan" meals. There were always lots of options, at various levels of "spice". . and if we wanted to go off and have truly specific types of Chinese food, we could always get a meal in the evenings. but these lazy susan meals were perfect in that there was always something that somebody liked to eat in the options. here is where our first group meal was pretty neat design on the building, I thought. Didn't get a pic before we all dived in. . but here's my one attempt at the main food on the table. I DID remember to take a picture of my plate. the winner here was that Bok Choy/ Chinese Cabbage, which I loved, and seemed to be on most lazy susan dinners. so I was glad I discovered I loved it early in the trip wasn't a fan of these dumplings, but I tried almost everything on the entire trip. (there was really only one thing I refused to try, and I'll get to that in Hong Kong (eventually)) the surprise in this first meal is that Elissa and the guide arranged for us to have true Peking Duck in China! the Chef wheeled it into the room and sliced it thin, right behind us here were the thin pancakes and the veggies that you are supposed to put on the strips of duck to eat them. to be honest, I didn't really care for it. oh, it was good, but a bit too fatty for my tastes. . . not to worry tho, as the Chef left the room and came back in with these two that he called "the Sisters" and these two were gloriously crispy and made up for anything I thought the first duck lacked in terms of texture. I absolutely adored this, and was only a bit sad that it came at the end of the meal and I was already pretty full. but the crispy duck was so, so good. Jonathan's pic of our happy table, most chewing food during pic. . LOL after the meal, and the culture, it was time for the theme park we were gonna go to today. a traditional Chinese park. very large, very spread out, and containing lots of individual rides, that were owned and operated by many different people. Sun Park. these were the "main gates" as far as I could tell. . . the park wasn't enclosed, and entry was really available from anywhere. it's a lovely setting. . tho so big, it really felt like we were the only ones in the park. Tho we did draw a crowd when we rode the Tagada as a group as we walked into the park from the lot, we spotted a star flyer, so I knew we were in the right spot (not that I don't trust Robb & Elissa to take us to great places regardless). this park is home to (supposedly) six operating coasters, and a couple of SBNO ones. we were gonna see what would operate for us, as it truly was a little hard to tell what was running and what had been abandoned. . . overall view of this large park. this was the first coaster we came too: Happy Journey Cars. there didn't really seem to be anyone around, but an operator came over, and spoke with Robb/Elissa, and they took a headcount on who wanted to ride, and the operator agreed to let adults ride, as long as it was only 1 per side. they looked like "spinning" cars, but they seemed to slowly rotate only once on the ride. it wasn't much of a layout, and to ME, this is a kiddie coaster. as I don't count credits, and don't tend to ride straight out kiddie coasters, I passed on this and just took pics as others rode. hey, it's got lions (for some reason) and Giraffes Anth was enjoying it. so were Steven, Colin, and Chris Johnathan was terrified, but Daniel is having a blast as were Colin and Adam Andy also took pics. as noted, the park seemed pretty empty on a Tuesday afternoon. . . this is the operator's wife, if I'm not mistaken, watching him run it for TPR. "Space Journey". . no idea what it was at one point, but it seemed to be abandoned now. this mini flume seemed to be likewise closed. . but I did see it running later that afternoon for a customer. oooo. . a wild mouse. well, actually this is "Jungle Mouse" and it has been sitting here SBNO (Standing But Not Operating) since 2023. so we weren't gonna get to ride this today. I think these had operators in case anyone wanted to ride, but no customers when we walked by. the large flume didn't quite look abandoned, but it didn't have any water or people around it either. so another no-go this is the largest coaster in the park, and tho it too, looked abandoned? there were people who appeared to be there to operate it if there were any takers. this is "Flying Coaster". . . tho it seemed to have a couple of different names, and is a Moto Coaster (underneath it was a tiny 4D theater experience called "Tsunami" that was operated by the same owner. . but passed on that as it did not look like a good time) yeah.. they were drying laundry in between the coaster track, so the exit was closed to keep people from going out that way) but it's a moto coaster. they fired it up for us, and I don't recall them even testing it - they just opened it up, and then discussed (a lot) about restraints while they decided if it was gonna kill us or not - I assume. LOL they only loaded up the front half of the train. . . but here we are smiling. (this was before anyone had ridden it, we were the first riders of the day apparently.. . possibly the month?) I mean, it LOOKED like it might be decent. I was thinking Pony Express at Knotts sorta and you ride it kinda like "Tron" style. here's Hawk & Dove, and Daniel and Elissa all smiles on the ride after ours. yeah..I felt for them. it was . . . um. . . . not good. for a ride with mainly Helixes? the transitions are rough, and it was really shaky. . but it IS a large coaster, and looks good. I will admit, being off ride for this run? the groans and grunts as the train passed over us WAS pretty funny. yeah. .that smiling Daniel pic from the launch? I caught him after the ride before he saw the camera and smiled. LOL. . true feelings on the ride two down. . apparently 4 to go! let's try to find them. I was tempted by this, but we were on a mission as a group, and since this isn't a pay one fee park, we had to stay together as Elissa was paying each operator for rides. so didn't even attempt to ride this tho it was running. I was impressed with how much signage they have in the park. and how most of it has English as well. next coaster found (also a kiddie, so I didn't ride this one either): Fruit Worm Coaster but most of the folks on this trip lined up to ride it interesting Seashell themed Tilt a Whirl next door, that looked to be in pieces. wow. .this is a FUNKY transition here. . . John and Bill enjoying the ride with Colin, Adam, and Andy bringing up the rear there were several of these in the park at different locations. . and none of them seemed to be operating. maybe they are busier on a weekend? but some folks were out fishing in the lakes not "Free Willy" but "Free Whale".. a kiddie whale themed swinging ship. that looked like it was about to fall apart, but DID have an operator standing by to run it if asked! coaster #4 was also a kiddie coaster: "Rainbow Children Coaster" tho honestly, it was more of a family coaster thank a kiddie and I should have ridden. but I was feeling a little shook from the Moto Coaster full, so passed on this one too. it had some interesting theming: with a monkey on the front (sharing it's Banana with Steve) I think I had a stroke reading this sign. . .LOL as a tourist, I made sure to read the notice before participating! there were several small trains I saw in this park. . all adorable, but none of them operating today the Carousel was a double decker set up to run in opposite directions (as this was the first one I'd seen "in the wild" in China, I didn't realize that the double decker, running in opposite directions - tho only one side at a time - was pretty standard in China). it sadly looked like it hadn't operated in a long while, tho it seemed to be in pretty good condition. saw this "game" at a lot of places. . . children "fishing" for gold fish. cute. it was getting late in the afternoon and the park was closing down, but we still had two potential coasters if we could find them. first a potty break tho. so yeah, another toilet pic at the big pavilion in the center of the park, there seemed to be a photo shoot going on for wedding planners. with lots of "brides" and "grooms" Robb found out where the last coaster was (the other one was not operating) and we headed over there, bypassing this Tagada. which was running - and we did end up going back as a group and riding after Robb/Elissa slipped the operator some cash to open up for us after close time. so I got to ride my first Tagada on this trip. it ran a really gentle cycle, but was perfect for my first one. and as noted earlier, we drew quite the crowd who came over to watch the "ghosts" ride this is the coaster that was "new" and not in operation. "Crazy Skateboard" apparently replacing the ride that had been there - seemingly the exact same model, also called "Crazy Skateboard" note the workmen on the lift hill. .they were not only painting, but *welding*.. . but with encouragement, Robb and Elissa went and talked to them and there was some discussion on if they could open it up for riders. (RCDB still listed it as not open/unknown) across from it was the last coaster in the park: "Space Scooter" - that one had already shut down for the day, but when they saw the crowd around the Crazy Skateboard while Robb and Elissa talked to them, the operator offered to open it up for us, if TPR wanted to ride. so they started testing it again. the Star Flyer also seemed to open back up. . tho we didn't ride it, several of the models from the wedding photoshoot did come over and ride. "Space Scooter" testing and with TPR on it! as mentioned. . Star Flyer now going too. . which started to draw some folks over to this part of the park. Robb and Elissa had worked their magic, and the coaster guys agreed to run Crazy Skateboard for us.. .and started testing it. the cars weren't set up to "spin" yet, so it was a non spinning coaster, but they tested it, and then gave the OK. notice our tour guide Paul, laughing in the bottom corner. that's likely because as you can see on the steps? the workmen just put the blowtorches down, and stepped away to see what would happen if they operate it. Robb and these folks are FAR more brave than I. I (and a couple of others) decided not to take a chance on this, and chose NOT to ride this. It was really the beginning of my trip, I didn't want to take any risks for any reason. . but good on them for giving it a shot. and absolutely hysterical watching the workmen "nod" as the car crested the lift hill with no issue. there are the workmen watching the first car with people in it. . . Barry has just noticed the Blowtorch sitting on the steps as they passed by it. they survived! yay!!! most everyone else on the trip gave it a whirl (tho not a spin, as the spinning wasn't working yet)..and the folks riding it drew more folks to this ride as well, as they eagerly lined up to ride something that had been "not operating" yet. after the Tagada ride, and with the sun starting to set, Robb, Elissa, and some in the group were headed back to Universal Resort. some went to dinner or to sightsee in downtown Beijing. and a group of about 10 of us wanted to go visit the Olympic Green - site of the 2008 Summer Olympics, and 2022 Winter Olympics. The metro would take us back to Universal later. lovely sunset made the buildings around Sun Park look very interesting to be concluded. . .

Fraispertuis-City has announced two additions to the park's lineup in celebration of its 60th anniversary! A new family coaster, Fireline Redwood, along with a family drop tower are scheduled to debut at the park in July of 2026! https://www.fraispertuis-city.fr/en/dans-le-parc/fireline-redwood/ Live the Hotshots Adventure Climb aboard Fireline Redwood, the new family roller coaster at Fraispertuis-City, inspired by the legendary Hotshots — the elite firefighters of America’s great forests. On a 208-meter course combining underground stretches and soaring ascents, experience a unique backward climb up to 22.5 meters before being released at high speed toward an impressive 28-meter spike nestled in the heart of a giant sequoia. Reaching speeds of 61 km/h and accessible from just 95 cm tall, this adventure invites riders of all ages to share thrilling sensations while discovering the heroism of those who protect our forests. Opening scheduled for July 2026 https://www.fraispertuis-city.fr/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/EN-Press-release-2026-Fraispertuis-City.pdf Fraispertuis-City, the Vosges amusement park, celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2026! To mark the occasion, two new family attractions will be inaugurated next summer. Among them are a new roller coaster and a drop tower. The elite American forest firefighting teams known as Hotshot Crews are on alert. They are looking for new recruits to help them protect the forest and raise the alarm at the first sign of a fire. Discover Fireline Redwood, the new roller coaster by Vekoma, starting next year. Accessible to riders 95cm and taller, the attraction will lift the 20-passenger train backward. It will then be released at high speed on a 208m long track with sections between sky and underground, culminating in an impressive 28m spike nestled in the heart of a redwood tree. The hostile terrain forces the train to reverse direction for a return trip to the station. Technical Data Name: Fireline Redwood Opening: Summer 2026 Manufacturer: Vekoma Model: Family Boomerang (208m) Speed: Up to 61 km/h Capacity: 1 train of 20 peoples Access : 0.95m accompanied/ 1.20m alone Fraispertuis-City benefits from a unique natural environment. This new initiative raises a major issue: the preservation of our forests and awareness of fire risks, while also highlighting the admirable work of those who protect them with courage and dedication. A second new attraction will be unveiled: an 11-meter-high family drop tower from the German manufacturer Zierer. This bouncy adventure will be accessible to those 1 meter and taller. The attraction will be located near Fireline Redwood, on the site of the Joly Jumper, which will be relocated to another area of the park. Technical Data Opening: Summer 2026 Manufacturer: Zierer Height: 11m Model: Family Freefall Tower Capacity : 10 passagers Access : 1m accompanied/1,30m alone Special feature: 360° rotation These two new attractions and the surrounding area development represent a total investment of €7 million and will complement the existing 38 attractions. They will be integrated into the lumberjack zone, near Timber Drop, the Rivière Castor, and Sawmill (New for 2025). Several local companies have been working since the end of September to bring this new project, led by the Fraispertuis-City teams, to fruition.

Day 2: Forbidden City, Lunch, and Sun Park! Bonus visit to Olympic park area this night with smaller group too. Day 2 part 1: up and ready to go, but first, breakfast! another character from Despicable Me. . one of the girls, no idea which one tho this time I remembered to snap a pic of some of the food on my plate before diving in and then it was everyone onto the bus, as we headed back into Central Beijing from the Universal Resort area. today was gonna start with Culture, and end with our first "traditional" Chinese park. view of some of the massive clusters of buildings as you approach the outskirts of Beijing this is where it starts to get interesting, as we get into the "inner walls" area of the City, over the Canal guardians. the building on the far left is the Southeast Corner Tower, of the Beijing Ming City Wall. it's over 550 years old, and anchors an area called "Beijing Ming City Wall Ruins Park" - that features an almost 1 mile long section of the Beijing City wall from the Ming Dynasty. we didn't stop to see it, but got a great view of it as we passed it on our way to the nearby Forbidden City. closer view of the southeast corner tower and some snaps of the actual wall, as we drive along side it. the tightening Security is VERY noticeable as we get closer to the Forbidden City Imperial Palace - a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is arguably the most famous palace in all of Chinese history, and is the largest preserved royal palace complex still standing in the world. (per Wikipedia). tour buses and cars are not allowed within a few blocks of the Forbidden City, so a tourism spot has sprung up in the blocks around it, as buses and taxis drop of groups that then walk to the front entrance. so these next pics are walking from the drop off, up to the palace walls. the "fruit on a stick" encased in Sugar seemed to be VERY popular in China, and saw it at every park we went to, and at many street stands. it basically is just fresh fruit and sugar, but it IS very good, and I had it several times. finally approaching the outside (side) wall of the Forbidden City. . tho we still had to go around to the front for entry we'd be heading up this way to go thru the gates around the corner for the main entrance / security screening but this is the inner canal that surrounds the Forbidden City. .the last line of defense against attack other than the high palace walls. TPR listening to facts from our guide about the Forbidden City. walking along the side wall to get to the front entrance it really is quite impressive from the outside. . and once you're inside, it's even more so - with courtyard after courtyard opening up, and seeming to go on for miles! some folks out doing photo shoots off the canal that goes around the Forbidden City still heading towards the main entrance and here are the main gates into the front of the Forbidden City - not into the actual palace, but into the area that gets you into the palace the "Door Nails" that the wonderful Dumpling I had the day before were named after! and NOW we're in the courtyard that serves as the main entrance to the Forbidden City complex. yeah and this was on a TUESDAY!!! just the crowds were impressive this is the security screening line to get it and have tickets scanned thru these main gates, you are then in the Palace grounds our guide, with her "fish on a stick" so we wouldn't lose her in the masses of people! to see it with your own eyes. . truly, you aren't prepared for the sight once you go thru this tunnel. breathtaking and this is just the first, of many, courtyards a quiet back alley off the main square (we had all gone to the side for a bathroom break) the people lined up in these stanchions are for entrance to the building just off to the right, and it's to view the Imperial Jewels. A separate ticket (and wait) was required for that, so we didn't do that on this trip - perhaps a visit back just for that in the future. . .but I saw enough stunning things to not miss at all not going into the Imperial Jewels building. up the stairs and thru these buildings to the next courtyard over the beautiful carved bridges. TPR at the Forbidden City - thanks to Robb for the picture up and thru to the next courtyard. and it's just as breathtaking and awe inspiring as the entry courtyard up the next set of stairs, and we come across flame pots to light and warm the complex and thru to another courtyard. this one including a building with intricate woodwork laced with gold, and containing a throne (it was gated off, but the doors were open to peek in. there were SO many people there tho, I got the best pics I could of said throne) these giant golden / bronze vats that were used to store oil were on either side of many of the "main" buildings in each square. Our guide told me that these are replicas, but they are all so worn from visitors rubbing them for luck. all of the buildings in the Forbidden City complex are beautifully detailed, and have intricate carvings on each corner, that represent many things (that I can't recall, or would share with you) going into the next courtyard - that building way, WAY off in the distance? is part of the complex. . that's how big this palace is. but that far back is not open to the Public, which only can view a portion of the Palace. Oh, it's a HUGE portion of the complex, but not even close to a third of it. stepping down into the next courtyard. it truly is awe inspiring and overwhelming looking down into yet another courtyard, as we made our way thru the areas open to the public this carving up the back side of one of the main buildings in this courtyard is made from just 3 giant pieces of stone. it's incredible. one of the many maps in the Forbidden City. This one just for the Inner court courtyards. our guide specifically wanted to bring us down this way - saying it would be less crowded, as many aren't aware it's here (and she was correct) she wanted to show us into this building/vault that contains some really amazing Jade carvings. just a sampling of the wonderful pieces on display here: and then it was off to the back of the "open to the public" areas - the Imperial Garden area - where the Emperor allowed his Concubines to relax, and play (since they were confined to Imperial Palace grounds) it really was a bit of surprise to turn the corner and find these amazing gardens back here! and with that, we had walked a (mostly) straight line thru the public areas in the Forbidden City, and headed towards the back gate. we were off to have our first group lunch on the trip before heading to the next stop. I am so thankful I got to experience this, it truly is a wonder to see in person. one of the other buildings off in the distance that's part of the Imperial Palace / Forbidden City the back exit gate is just as crowded, but less chaotic than the front entrance an overall map of the palace sections that are open to the public walking back towards the bus. . one final look back at the Forbidden City to be continued. . .

Word of The Day: Calendrical (or calendric) is an adjective meaning "relating to, characteristic of, or used in a calendar system or time measurement," often involving calculations about dates, cycles, or historical timekeeping. It applies to the study of calendars, rituals tied to time, or even savant skills in rapidly calculating days of the week, encompassing areas like astronomy, mathematics, and cultural traditions.

All those 'loop' sculptures in the display case ... those were awards? Interesting. And ....any raclette during this visit to the park? Thought I'd inquire.

Looks like a great coaster addition to the park!