Leaderboard

^You're going to be close. Do you have someone to come help staple you in? The ride ops sometimes won't help. Also make sure to wear thin shorts, have NOTHING in your pockets, no belt or anything.

Dollywood has announced that they are building on-site housing for employees that could support seasonal hosts throughout the year. https://fox17.com/news/local/dollywood-building-on-site-housing-for-750-employees-at-pigeon-forge-park-holtz-builders-tennessee-gatlinburg-smoky-mountain-travel-industry-events Dollywood leaders have announced plans to build on-site housing for more than 750 employees at the iconic theme park in the Great Smoky Mountains. The company will be partnering with Holtz Builders, a Wisconsin-based builder, to develop a $20 million residence hall-type housing facility. At 136,000 square feet, the four-story building is expected to be complete next spring. Temporary seasonal hosts—including students—are among residents who can stay at the facility through a variety of Dollywood's hiring programs. Dollywood's VP of Human Resources said Smoky Mountain traveling continues to grow, and the company is eager to hire and house workers as needed. "The Smoky Mountains region has proven to be one of the most popular vacation destinations in the country, and with the growth of businesses and attractions in the area, we need more employees ready to support all of those jobs," Tim Berry said. "Employee housing is a crucial piece of the employment equation in this area, and we are glad to partner with Holtz to create this new opportunity here at Dollywood."

^ yup. . there's a reason no one mentioned it here, even tho it happened a few days ago. and I'll say here what I said online when someone posted it to Twitter - kudos to the guy who got the girls out of there. He's the only one classy in that whole thing (which appears to have been started due to line jumping)

Imagine being there for 7 hours with a skip the line pass. How would you fill 7 hours? You would have to ride Mako like 25 times.

Wait a sec. Looking at this new info tonight. They are trying to get ~$100 to skip the lines on 4 houses and 2 rides? And up to $150 on Saturdays to skip lines unlimited times on 4 houses and 2 rides? Who is buying that? If I can't get through 4 houses and get a few laps on Mako in 7 hours, something is seriously wrong with the park, operations and the event. Maybe if I only had an hour or two and wanted to do everything.

It is also exciting to see Cedar Fair work with S&S. I believe the last time was the Screamin' Swings at CP and VF back in the mid-2000s? Someone correct me if they're worked with them recently. A Six Flags park is adding a B&M Dive Coaster, and a Cedar Fair park is adding a Free Spin. The world really has turned backwards...

This really is an amazing park. KT has been asking to go back and we're looking at booking with the FL Resident deals they have. For all of you out of state peeps, they have deals where you can get admission here and to Sea World and Busch for a great price so think about it!

Complimentary barf bags at the tables like mission space? Lol

yes.. if you get a locker, take off your belt and leave it there! it will make a big difference!

In the past, the free FL+ for the fall season was only valid on Fridays and Sundays. Not sure if that is still the case. With all of the weird decisions they have made lately, I wouldn't be surprised if they were valid on Saturdays.

There are enough FL holders at CP as it is. The world doesn't need more. Step up and pay the price or wait in the 2 hour lines like the plebians you are.

^ While that fight that took place is certainly unacceptable and doesn't belong at an amusement park, calling it a "huge brawl" seems to be a bit exaggeratory.

Walt Disney World has announced that the Space 220 restaurant at EPCOT will be opening in mid-September! They have also released a sneak peek about the music that will be featured in the new nighttime spectacular 'Harmonious,' which will debut at EPCOT on October 1st, 2021! Space 220 Restaurant Lifts Off at EPCOT in September https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/08/space-220-restaurant-lifts-off-at-epcot-in-september/ Are you ready for an out-of-this-world dining experience at EPCOT? Then prepare for liftoff, because Space 220 restaurant at EPCOT is scheduled to begin service in mid-September… another milestone in the transformation of EPCOT underway at Walt Disney World Resort. The Space 220 restaurant is located adjacent to the Mission: SPACE attraction, and takes fine dining to a whole new level. Your immersive experience begins as you check in to the Space 220 Departure Lounge in Future World. From here, you’ll board one of two “Space Elevators” that will transport you in what seems like 220 miles above Earth to Centauri Space Station. As you begin your ascent, you’ll look down through a viewport to see EPCOT shrink away; looking up you’ll see the Space Station come into view. Once you’ve docked, you’ll head through the Centauri Space Station-themed dining area. Inside the dining area, you’ll experience a panoramic view of Earth below, and a variety of work and leisure activities taking place beyond the windows of the Space Station-themed restaurant. And the views are just part of the experience. Our Disney Imagineers are excited to have created this experience for Executive Chef Marc Kusche to showcase his culinary wonders. The Space 220 restaurant menu will feature stellar dishes and gourmet recipes, with a two-course prix fixe menu for lunch, and a three-course prix fixe menu for dinner. The upscale, contemporary fare will bring new meaning to “the height of dining!” Rounding out the meal will be unique beverages – from fine wine to atmospheric cocktails and more. 'Harmonious' Brings to EPCOT a Global Ensemble of Musical Artists from Around the World https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/08/harmonious-brings-to-epcot-a-global-ensemble-of-musical-artists-from-around-the-world/ Music is at the heart of any celebration. It can bring the world together across boundaries and borders, and Disney music is recognized no matter where you are in the world. It touches people’s lives through powerful melodies and memorable lyrics that are inspiring and moving in any language. “Harmonious,” the all-new nighttime spectacular coming to EPCOT, celebrates the music of Disney and its ability to unite us all, bridging cultures and generations to unlock the magic of possibility. The soundtrack for “Harmonious” was produced remotely through more than 100 separate recording sessions in nine different countries and five states. In total, nearly 240 musicians, artists, composers, arrangers, cultural consultants, and vocalists contributed to the unique and wholly authentic sound of the show. “Harmonious” takes us on a journey through new interpretations of familiar Disney songs, performed in more than a dozen languages by a cast of talented singers from around the world. Some are recognizable names, either in the United States or their home country, while others are rising stars being heard by a global audience for the first time. Award-winning Puerto Rican artist Luis Fonsi, responsible for several global hits including “Despacito,” joins Mexican singer-songwriter Joy for a rousing, pan-Latin version of songs from “Coco” and “Saludos Amigos.” A fresh and vibrant arrangement of “Dig a Little Deeper” from “The Princess and the Frog” features vocalist Bryson Camper and legendary Gospel artists Karen Clark Sheard and Kierra Sheard, and musical selections from “Mulan,” “The Jungle Book,” and “Aladdin” are highlighted by the vocal talents of Wang Liuqi, Hollie Hammel, Aditya Rao, Gaayatri Kaundinya, Jorgie Shkara, and Sanaa Marahati. The Ndlovu Youth Choir from Johannesburg contributes a medley of favorites from “The Lion King,” performed in both English and Zulu. We also hear a duet with French pop singer Damien Sargue, belting “Out There” from Disney’s “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” and the music of Disney and Pixar’s “Brave” gets a Celtic kick from the dueling violins of Grammy and Emmy-nominated violinist Máiréad Nesbitt and platinum-selling electronic artist, violinist, and multi-talented entertainer Lindsey Stirling. Here’s a look at some of the amazing work that went on behind the scenes to create the music of “Harmonious.” “Harmonious” opens with an inspiring medley of “How Far I’ll Go” from “Moana” and “Go the Distance” from “Hercules,” performed by “American Idol” finalist and three-time Grammy nominee Danny Gokey and vocalists Elisha Garrett and Ninet Tayeb. The show builds to a finale that unites everyone around World Showcase and from around the world, as many of the musical artists come together to perform a poignant and powerful song, bringing “Harmonious” to an emotional close. Throughout the soundtrack, there’s also a musical motif in the form of the soaring melody of composer Pinar Toprak’s new EPCOT anthem, and all these diverse pieces of music are artfully woven together by arranger Mark Hammond and Walt Disney Imagineering Senior Music Producer and Creative Director Yaron Spiwak. The resulting ensemble is a magnificent cultural symphony unlike anything heard before. “Harmonious,” one of the largest nighttime spectaculars ever created for a Disney park and a key milestone in the transformation of EPCOT, is set to open October 1 as part of the celebration of the Walt Disney World Resort 50th anniversary. Keep reading Disney Parks Blog for regular updates on “Harmonious” and The World’s Most Magical Celebration!

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/08/the-magic-is-calling-you-to-come-celebrate-the-50th-anniversary-at-walt-disney-world-resort-starting-october-1/ It’s almost time. The anticipation is building. We’re less than 50 days from the start of an event 50 years in the making – “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” in honor of the 50th Anniversary at Walt Disney World Resort. It promises to be a spectacular, once-in-a-lifetime 18-month-long extravaganza unlike anything ever seen before, immersed in sparkling EARidescence and with Disney cast members at the heart of it all. It’s going to be quite the celebration. And what’s a celebration without music? Platinum-selling songwriter and music producer Alana Da Fonseca answered the call to create an original anthem for the 50th Anniversary, collaborating with award-winning composer Emily Bear and singing phenom Journi on “The Magic Is Calling.” Da Fonseca’s pop music style, Bear’s soaring orchestrations and Journi’s magical vocal performance come together to create a song that is all at once nostalgic, inspirational and contemporary. “It’s such a tremendous honor to write something that celebrates a place that brings so much joy to so many people,” said Da Fonseca. “There’s magic all around us, and when you’re there, you are feeling it at every turn.” You can start hearing the anthem soon in a variety of ways, calling everyone to join the celebration. “The Magic Is Calling” will connect to all four parks, as different arrangements of the song will be heard when each Walt Disney World theme park icon transforms into a magnificent Beacon of Magic at night, beckoning all to come and celebrate. Cinderella Castle, Spaceship Earth, Hollywood Tower Hotel and the Tree of Life will each shine like never before and come to life on select nights with their own unique EARidescent glow. Throughout the 50th Anniversary Celebration, “The Magic Is Calling” will also be included in special live entertainment moments across Walt Disney World Resort. You’ll hear the anthem during Mickey’s Celebration Cavalcade, featuring the “EARidescent 8” each day at Magic Kingdom Park, and listen for custom arrangements of the song performed by everyone from the Main Street Philharmonic and Dapper Dans to the Discovery Island Drummers and Voices of Liberty. “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” begins October 1. Will you answer the call?

This looks great! Also, I haven’t been in a few years so I’m not sure if this is new for this year or not but it’s great to see Scorpion running for the event.

Summarized that for you

Aw, that's sad to hear. It was the third best theme park holiday event in the state.

Nice report. Love this park and we are planning a trip back very soon in fact.

I'll still go, but my hype-level for this did drop quite a but just now. I'm shocked they're not running all of their coasters since they only have three and Busch Tampa is running eight this year. With 4 houses and 2 rides (and only one that anyone really wants to ride at 1:00 in the morning) what exactly are you supposed to do for 7 hours?

I am trying to say something good, but I am so tired of seeing these rides get built. It might as well be a boomerang in my opinion, that actually is slightly more thrilling at least! I am one of the crazy people who liked Green Lantern at SFMM, but that is because it could actually be intense! Good to see investment, sad to see it is another lame free spin. I'd call this one a gut punch, KD deserves better.

That's a nice thing. Very nice to see something positive in this thread.

I know it's old news at this point, but I still love how the supports are painted to look like bamboo rather than some generic solid color. Really helps the aesthetics.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg has released a ton of new details for this year's Howl-O-Scream! https://buschgardens.com/williamsburg/events/howl-o-scream/haunted-attractions/ HAUNTED HOUSES WITCH OF THE WOODS Legend tells of the old Witch of the Woods, who descended upon the ancient village and wreaked havoc. Nobody alive has seen her, but if you’re brave enough to travel the woods at night, it’s said that you can hear her chanting and crying out to the skies. Those who give in to her control become her disciples, and those who don’t…inevitably meet the same fate. But this is only a story, right? KILLARNEY DINER What say, Daddy-O? Word around town is that something landed in the forest right behind our favorite sock hop. Will you make it through your meal before becoming the flavor of tomorrow’s blue plate special? NEVERMORE An unearthly plague ravages the land. You cry out for help, and the nobility turns a deaf ear. You perish in the streets, and the nobility turns a blind eye. You are reborn, and the nobility is silent forevermore. Welcome to the gothic nightmare of Prospero, last heir to the House of Usher – inspired by the works of Edgar Allan Poe. DYSTOPIA Will you submit to the new dystopian world order? You may not have a choice. https://buschgardens.com/williamsburg/events/howl-o-scream/haunted-attractions/dystopia/ In the wastelands, help is given to those who seek out the new utopia. The final bastion of hope lies with the new society who has scavenged together the last remnants of technology and power. Not all who seek shall find, but all who find shall join… or perish. The entrance to Dystopia is located at the Escape from Pompeii queue, just past Italy and before Sesame Street® Forest of Fun™. Special effects include strobe lighting and fog machines. CIRCO SINISTRO What lies within the mysterious billowing tents of Circo Sinistro? Find out if you dare. No one knows when or where the tents will rise, but all who see them are drawn to find out what lies inside. This haunted house is not of this world and not of this time. Beware! What you see, you soon will be. The entrance to Circo Sinistro is located in the terror-tory Sideshow Square, just past The Trade Wind in Festa Italia. Special effects include black and strobe lighting and fog machines. TERROR-TORIES HEXED HOLLOW This village, and all who travel through it, are cursed by an ancient magic. Dark magics flow freely in the Hollow, and nothing is ever going to be the same. Hexed Hollow is located in Rhinefeld Village. MEAT MARKET Fresh meat! The denizens of this devious dwelling are serving up delectable delicatessen and gorging on human hors d’oeuvres. Meat Market is located in New France Village. GARDEN OF THE SOULS A ghastly transformation has taken place in the Gardens, where the graves of the deceased carry a dark secret, and grieving spirits wander freely. The Garden of the Souls is located in Italy. RIPPER ROW Don’t wander the streets of Whitechapel after dark – you never know who you might run in to. Murder, mayhem and mistaken identities abound in the back alleys of this English town. Ripper Row® is located in England. https://buschgardens.com/williamsburg/shows/halloween/ HALLOWEEN SHOWS Don't miss our four spirited productions that are said to be "worth dying for." Guests can enjoy showtimes throughout the day in indoor theatres and in Ireland village. PHANTOMS OF THE FESTHAUS This isn’t your typical singing contest. Join the living audience as your favorite ghouls take on spooky hits, and the winner is put to vote. The more spirited the audience is, the more exciting the competition is. SKELETONES These lively musicians and singers leaves nothing but bones on Il Teatro di San Marco located in San Marco Italy. Take a break from the scares with this spooky ensemble. JACK IS BACK The popular disco dance celebration returns to Ireland village with pumpkins, scarecrows & Howl-O-Scream’s leading character, Jack. MONSTER STOMP ON RIPPER ROW This modern rock and rhythm spectacular features Jack the Ripper like you’ve never seen him before. Electrifying percussion, dynamic dance and sensational singing return to Globe Theatre stage in a pulse-pounding revue. Monster Stomp on Ripper Row opens Oct 1.