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Posts
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By MKvillalba · Posted
Oh and also the newest attraction is the Aztlan 360 giant wheel at Parque Aztlan (what used to be La Feria de Chapultepec). You'll get amazing views of the city and a couple of coaster credits next to it. -
By Sportsdude360 · Posted
Proposed coaster coming to Six Flags Over Texas! 309ft coaster to be constructed between 03/01/2025 - 03/30/2026! Called "Project Rubi"! This information is credited to Austin James and Six Flags Over Texas Junkies. -
By MKvillalba · Posted
To the last poster: sorry I'm late, I hope you had a wonderful 2022 trip 😅 And to @KBrylczyk: Make sure to visit the Anthropology Museum, it's huge and it's amazing. I'm asuming you're staying somewhere close to Paseo de la Reforma, the museum is right on that same avenue. A visit to Chapultepec Castle is also great and very close too. I wouldn't reccomend the Frida Kahlo Museum, it's not that great and too expensive for what it is. A somewhat hidden gem is the Templo Mayor ruins next to the Cathedral, there is a pedestrian bridge that crosses over them and also a small museum. I'd reccomend you book the Turibus sightseeing tour, it's a hop-on hop-off double decker bus with various routes along the touristy parts of CDMX, with great photo opportunities and multi-lingual guides. Places to eat/drink: Tacos El Rincón de la Lechuza in the southern part of the city, Azul Histórico (very good gourmet mexican food), Templo Mezcalería (try the Oaxacan tlayudas, guacamole con chapulines and mezcal cocktails). AVOID: Tacos Orinoco and Restaurante Pujol. Very popular among visitors but really awful food. -
By abovethesink · Posted
I've read that the park filed permits for a 309' structure in the La Vibora plot. Obviously there can be unexpected hurdles and solid plans can change unexpectedly, but barring something unusual, the giga dive seems to definitely be happening here. -
Quick search says it was $82, $119, and $129 last year. I also remember the regular pass being less than 2 daily tickets. Now the cheap "Silver" pass is $170. My 2020 regular pass was only $129 (no blackout dates) and Gold pass was $214. -
Glad to see that something is FINALLY coming out of that rumor for Courthouse Square. I recall years ago seeing murmurings of them making it a regular stop for the backlot tour, but at night they'd re-enact the DeLorean being sent back via lightning strike, with an actual DeLorean (recreation, I'm sure) speeding through the street and disappearing in a flash of light and fire. This was back when I still lived in Vegas and I eagerly waited for an announcement that never came. Everything else listed seems rather mediocre, more or less a port of the things they do as USJ where you can look at some props and recreations of sets but nothing really engaging. I'm hoping the Star Trek thing is more or less a rebuild of the Star Trek Experience from the Vegas Hilton. Both attractions offered there were top notch, even though they ended in a simple simulator or 4D movie. The overall experience of being beamed up and walking through the Enterprise as it came under attack was extremely immersive and well-done. -
By Hilltopper39 · Posted
FYI Dollywood just listed their ticket prices for the upcoming season, I've been checking for a spring break trip we're planning. I don't know where ticket prices have been in the past but it looks like it's $92.00 for a single day, $122 for a 2 day and $132 for a 3 day ticket. Definitely more expensive than I remember for a single day but 2 day pricing still seems pretty reasonable relative to some other parks of it's caliber. -
By jedimaster1227 · Posted
Six years ago, I had a chance to embark on a grand European adventure, combining time at Disneyland Paris, in London and aboard the Disney Magic for a transatlantic cruise ending in New York City. It was one of the best (and longest) vacations I've ever taken, and ever since, my wife and I have been itching to do something similar. In years that followed, we set our sights on the Mediterranean, with Greece being on both of our bucket lists--anything else would be bonus. Knowing we had a more limited time this time around (thanks to having a young child back home, work obligations and other pending trips--see my Oktoberfest and Malaysia trip reports for more on that), we opted to skip out on parks at the front end of the trip, doing a "best of" stopover in London before heading to Rome/Civitavecchia to catch the Disney Dream for our 11 night Mediterranean cruise. We flew Norse Airways from Orlando to London Gatwick directly. On our prior transatlantic trip we flew Norwegian's long haul from Orlando to Paris and loved our experience. Norse Airways emerged from Norwegian's restructuring as a budget airline replacing many of Norwegian's prior long haul routes with their former planes. Fair warning, while the planes are comfortable, this is the equivalent of flying Spirit or Frontier on a long haul flight. Baggage requirements are smaller/more stringent and everything is an up-charge, to the point that the price difference, if you're packing for a long trip like we were, might not be far off from one of the more established, major airlines. In our case, their itineraries worked the best for us timing-wise, but they wouldn't be our first choice to fly again. Due to travel delays on our last transatlantic trip, we missed out on our reservation for the Michelin-starred Amaya restaurant in London. When planning this trip, we knew we had to make up for it. Quite easily the best oysters I've ever consumed, anywhere. I could have eaten this entire bowl of raita myself. If you're looking for stellar Indian food, Amaya is well worth your time! It felt so good to be back in London after six years. We were seriously tempted, but for this trip we had something else in mind... The last time we saw a show here, it was Kinky Boots and we loved it! The inside of the Adelphi Theater is lightly themed to Hill Valley California... Of course, they have merchandise. I've waited for this moment for such a long time! Here's my honest take on Back to the Future: The Musical... The show is pure fun. The music isn't particularly deep but it is ridiculously catchy (especially when listening again after seeing the show). The story is mostly aligned with what you know from the original film, though some story points have been updated to better align with the times (avid Back to the Future fans may be caught off guard, but it doesn't take away from the overall show). The cast is super talented and the effects are next-level. There's a moment at the end of the show that absolutely stuns. Avoid spoilers if you can because it is breathtaking, especially as a fan of the franchise. I'm super excited to see this show when it tours through the US soon and I've been listening to the soundtrack on repeat in the months since our trip concluded. We set reservations at our favorite speakeasy bar in Chinatown a few minutes' walk away from the West End... Though the drink menu has changed since our last visit, we both were very pleased with our choices. Good vibes only. It doesn't hurt that you can order fresh dim sum from one of the restaurants in Chinatown to be delivered to your table while you drink. I definitely recommend visiting Chinatown while in London if you can spare the time. The next morning we hopped in a taxi for our next destination, passing Big Ben to see it up close for the first time since I was in high school. During our last visit, the clocktower was behind scrims for an extended refurbishment, so it was neat to see fully restored after all these years. Our time in London was dictated primarily by our foodie interests... I could have bought it all. The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason was where we had one of our best meals during our previous trip and it was a must-do for this trip, knowing we were coming back to London. You can bet I finished this entire pot of Apricot, Honey & Lavendar tea. While the Salon offers prix fix menus, they do allow you to mix and match elements if your personal preferences cross the lines. This lobster omelette was one of my favorite dishes from our previous visit, so I had to give it another go and I was not disappointed. I opted for a savory tea lunch. My wife opted for sweet... What's great about getting both is that you can share, and as part of the experience, you can order more of any of the finger sandwiches, finger foods and sweets as you care to enjoy. After consuming our weight in food, we went down to the Fortnum and Mason shopping floors to buy things to send home. Shipping to the United States was a flat $25 for all of this and it arrived about a week after our visit. I was tempted to sample all of the ham, but knowing we would be ending our trip in Barcelona where I could try the best, I resisted the immediate temptation. Sadly not my favorite Fanta flavor I've tried... Would've loved to experience the London Trocadero when Sega World was still open inside. Also would have liked to try The Crystal Maze but we didn't have time during this visit. While in London, my wife asked for us to stop by the MinaLima storefront. We had seen their artwork in the Harry Potter films, in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter locations around the world and even met them in person at the Celebration of Harry Potter events at Universal Orlando over the years, so it was important for her to visit the store if we could. If you're a Harry Potter fan, this place will feel like a candy store for you. Cirque Arcanus is one of the new shows coming to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic section of Universal's Epic Universe later this year... After our brief stop in London it was time to fly to Rome... But not without stopping at our first ever Nando's! Sweet potato fries from heaven. Garlic & Herb Nando's sauce for the win! During our flight it felt appropos to watch My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3, considering where we were headed... The film was not worth the view. The next morning we would wake up and head to the port of Civitavecchia to catch our ship... -
By thepoint4life23 · Posted
I'm not 100% confident if one or both will be ready by then. -
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By jedimaster1227 · Posted
Mirabilandia has announced that Nickelodeon Land will be joining the park's lineup with new attractions, dining, shopping and character meet and greets! https://www.mirabilandia.it/en/nickelodeon-land Nickelodeon Land - 2025 Novelty - Mirabilandia's new themed area! Your favorite Nickelodeon characters will be the main protagonists of the new thematic area inside the Park, opening in Spring 2025! Check out the incredible new features for 2025: fantastic new attractions for the whole family, themed dining options to suit all tastes, and an incredible store where you can buy fantastic mementos of your visit to the Park. All this and much more coming at Nickelodeon Land! Purchase your open-date admission for the 2025 season now. Get ready for a new thematic area! SpongeBob and Patrick, the Ninja Turtles, Dora and PAW Patrol are waiting for you to enjoy unforgettable days together at Mirabilandia. Whether you are an adventure lover or an explorer looking for surprises, the Park's 2025 novelty is perfect for you! A season full of surprises Come and discover an entire area of the Park dedicated to Nickelodeon characters: 10 attractions 3 dining outlets 1 shop 2 meet & greet areas 25,000 square metres A world of fun comes to life Meet Nickelodeon characters in exclusive Meet & Greet inside the exclusive locations. Multiply the fun by trying out the Park's 10 new attractions, perfect for the whole family, from little ones to adults. And when you need a break, discover the new dining options with their tasty dishes and enjoy shopping at the area store, the perfect place to find unique gadgets and gifts. With more than 25,000 square feet of pure fun, Nickelodeon Land awaits you for an unparalleled 2025 season. Don't miss your chance for an unforgettable experience with your whole family! Meet SpongeBob and Patrick at the Park Pack your backpack with your appetite for adventure, a dash of adrenaline and a hearty dose of wonder... and get ready for endless fun! Don't miss the new SpongeBob-themed attractions and dining option! Come explore the world of PAW Patrol Dive into the streets of Adventure Bay with your favorite rescue pups and get ready for an experience like no other. Join Chase, Marshall, Skye and their friends to enjoy fantastic adventures firsthand! Dora is coming to Mirabilandia Live a unique adventure together with Dora and her friends and get ready for an unforgettable day full of discoveries and lots of fun. Pack everything you need and dive into this new journey at the Park's themed attractions! Join the Ninja Turtles on a quest Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo are waiting for you for unparalleled fun! Tackle their coaster and set out on a quest for their favorite pizza - here you'll find everything you need to become the perfect ninja. -
I actually got to meet Chef Rudy on Saturday. . . and the new pizzas looked amazing, as did the new chicken fingers. (didn't get to try the burgers). very nice guy who came over to SFFT from being the chef for the Spurs. -
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By jedimaster1227 · Posted
Walibi Belgium has announced that their new family coaster will be called Mecalodon and it will be the third longest coaster in the park! https://www.walibi.be/en/explore-the-park/attractions-family/Mecalodon ABOUT MECALODON Immerse yourself in the charm of a picturesque fishing village and experience our exhilarating new family attraction! Hold on tight as you speed through 925 metres at 65 km/h, gliding just above the water. With breathtaking thrills and stunning scenery, this is the park’s 3rd longest coaster. Get ready—14 airtimes will take your breath away! 925 meters long Picture 205 great white sharks lined up in a row, bursting with excitement, eager to embark on this thrilling attraction. 🙃 3 launches Forget the snorkels and goggles! 3 accelerations will have you gliding over the water at top speed! 🌊 65 km/h This family coaster is as fast as a great white shark darting through the depths! 🦈 Ready to ride the wave of adrenaline? 14 airtimes Hold on tight… we’re about to lift off – well, almost! Experience moments of weightlessness as gravity steps aside for a thrill-packed adventure. 🎢 Behind the Scenes of the Benelux’s Biggest Family Coaster! From dream to reality, top experts teamed up to create a true masterpiece — Mecalodon, the brand-new family attraction at Walibi Belgium! Thrill-seekers, brace yourselves! Get ready for surprises, intense moments, and endless fun. Mecalodon might just become your new favourite ride! -
By jedimaster1227 · Posted
Standard Amusements, the operator of Rye Playland has filed to end its 30 year operating agreement three years in, citing the Westchester County not completing their agreed upon investments as expected. https://www.lohud.com/story/news/local/2025/01/23/playland-park-rye-ny-management-deal-ending-as-standard-amusements-wants-out-westchester/77905072007/ The rocky marriage between Westchester County and Standard Amusements at Playland amusement park in Rye is heading for divorce. Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said the county this week received a letter from the private company seeking to end its 30-year privatization deal to run the famous park that began in 2022. Just three years in, Standard has called it quits. Standard Amusements co-founder Nicholas Singer, an investment professional who rode the Playland rides as a child growing up in Harrison, said the contract would be terminated on Feb. 20, almost three months before the start of the 2025 Playland season on May 17. The company is seeking $57 million in damages and repayment for its investment in the public park. "As we have made the county executive and his team aware over the last two months, if Playland is to open during the 2025 season, it will be operated by the county," he wrote. Jenkins, in an interview following his remarks at the Westchester County Association breakfast at Pelham Country Club, said his administration was prepared to move on, with the path forward yet to be determined. “The marriage is going to get dissolved,” Jenkins said Thursday, Jan. 23. “The question is: How is that going to work?” The Westchester Board of Legislators has scheduled a special meeting for 4 p.m. on Jan. 24 to discuss the issue. Westchester deal with Standard Amusements called a 'marriage made in hell' County Legislator Catherine Parker, D-Rye, said the agreement was troubled from the start. “This was a marriage made in hell,” she said. Parker said the deal hasn't felt right since it was proposed in 2016. "I think it would be the best if Standard went their way, and the county ran Playland," Parker said. "It has not been a good relationship. I'm not surprised by the news. As soon as possible we have to have this done and we need to cut all ties." “This was a marriage made in hell,” she said. Parker said the deal hasn't felt right since it was proposed in 2016. "I think it would be the best if Standard went their way, and the county ran Playland," Parker said. "It has not been a good relationship. I'm not surprised by the news. As soon as possible we have to have this done and we need to cut all ties." The resolution of some divorces often involve messy disputes over financial issues. That appears quite possible in the Standard-Westchester split. Standard says Westchester owes it a bundle of money In its Jan. 21 letter, Singer said Westchester had failed to complete 70% of its promised capital improvements by April 24, 2024, as required by the contract. He said failure to meet the target entitles Standard to $11 million in liquidated damages plus the repayment of funds invested by Standard, with 12% interest added from the time of the investment. The total by late January was $57 million. If the county failed to make such payments by May 21, Singer said, then the interest would escalate to 18%. Westchester County Attorney John Nonna, however, said in a Jan. 22 letter obtained by Tax Watch that the contract allows the county to cure the alleged default "as long as the county immediately takes steps necessary to remedy same and duly institutes and diligently prosecutes same to conclusion." A major early challenge for new County Executive Ken Jenkins Jenkins served as deputy county executive under George Latimer, now in Congress, until Jenkins was appointed county executive on Jan. 6. Standard's letter to the county seeks $57 million. He said the agreement struck by the Latimer administration called for a payment of substantially less in such circumstances. "They are trying to get that, and that's part of who's at fault and the dispute, and that's going to go back and forth," said Jenkins. Westchester Parks Commissioner Kathleen O'Connor, in a Jan. 22 letter to Singer, rejected Standard's notice of termination. She said the county had met its obligation to hit the 70% threshold before Standard sent the notice. O'Connor said that Standard's announcement that it would not manage the park in 2025 was an act of default by the private company. She said the contract called for the management company to honor its obligations until the issue was addressed in a dispute resolution process. Westchester official: Standard failed to operate many rides in 2024 She added that Standard also breached the contract by failing to keep the amusement park's rides in operation, citing back-to-back weekends in June 2024 when from 8 to 19 of the park's 40 rides were shuttered. Standard also failed to pay its 2023 management fee of $400,000, citing the county's failure to meet deadlines on infrastructure projects it promised to complete. Westchester said it completed the project in November, 2024, which O'Connor said fulfilled Westchester's obligations for the payment. That project to was to completed in 2023. "The manager must pay the management fee within 30 days," O'Connor wrote. Rob Astorino started push to privatize Playland in mid-2010s The stunning departure of Standard Amusements will end a process that started with former County Executive Rob Astorino's privatization push in the mid-2010s. The Mount Pleasant Republican insisted that the county government should no longer manage the historic amusement park on the banks of Long Island Sound in Rye. His successor, Latimer, the Rye Democrat whose home stands across the street from the park, attempted to end Astorino’s plan. But Standard persevered in federal Bankruptcy Court in litigation that cost taxpayers $5 million. Then Latimer struck a new agreement that put Standard in charge in 2022. "We ended up handcuffed to the bride," Parker said. That deal launched Westchester’s $150-million capital improvement plan at the park, with the requirement that Standard invest $30 million in the facility as well. That agreement, however, raised hackles in the city of Rye, which revoked the park’s tax-exempt status. Standard received tax bills estimated at $3.4 million for 2023. While a state Supreme Court judge restored the tax exemption, the litigation has continued, with Standard fighting Rye’s continued taxation for the former Tiki Bar restaurant. The judge’s decision on the tax exemption remains under appeal at the Supreme Court’s Appellate Division in Brooklyn. Despite the pending separation, Westchester County advises that they intend to operate the park for the 2025 season as planned. https://bronx.news12.com/westchester-county-to-open-playland-park-amid-legal-dispute-with-operator Despite ongoing legal challenges with Standard Amusements, Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins announced that Playland Park is set to open for the 2025 season. The announcement follows Standard Amusements' decision to back out of its 30-year contract just three years into the agreement, citing the county's alleged failure to meet construction obligations. Jenkins refuted these claims, emphasizing the county's significant investment in the park: "Westchester County has invested over $144 million, close to $150 million into the capital projects at Playland. There's no question about the investments that have been made. Everyone tells us the improvements make the park look beautiful, and we're going to continue moving forward." County officials counter that Standard Amusements has neglected its responsibilities and mismanaged the park. With Standard Amusements stepping back, it will not operate Playland for the upcoming season, leaving the county to manage the park's operations during this legal contention. Statement from Westchester County: The County has invested $150 million dollars to upgrade and restore Playland, while Standard Amusements has repeatedly neglected its responsibilities and mismanaged the Park. Standard Amusements’ poor performance is evident through the following failures: Inadequate Ride Operation: Numerous rides were closed throughout the seasons, a violation of industry standards. Insufficient Maintenance Staff: The lack of adequate staffing affected both daily operations and preventative maintenance. Unresolved Maintenance Issues: Several repairs identified in the October 2024 safety audit remain unfinished. Withholding Money from County: Standard Amusements is withholding money from the County citing delays in project completion. Despite the County providing proof that all projects, including the Switchgear, were completed. Statement from Standard Amusements: For over a decade, we have tirelessly worked to revitalize Playland. Unfortunately, Westchester County has once again failed to live up to its end of the bargain. And once again, the County is publicly pointing fingers and misrepresenting facts instead of working towards solutions. In November, we alerted the County that we were terminating our agreement based on their complete failure to meet the construction obligations under the contract. By its own admission, the County has missed the contractual deadlines, despite our consistent flexibility and patience, including a blanket one-year extension on all their project deadlines. While we will no longer be the Park’s steward, we are committed to facilitating a seamless transition of Playland management responsibilities to the County. We sincerely hope—for the sake of Westchester County residents and visitors, our 40+ employees, and ultimately the taxpayer—that the County changes its attitude and decides to prioritize the Park and stops wasting time and money trying to spin and misdirect the public.
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