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After 357 postponements, we're hoping to actually have a wedding next year but we've said that for... how many years now? Initially we were planning on a honeymoon in Europe but at this point we're probably avoiding international travel so we might push that out another year since nothing matters anymore anyway, If and when that happens, it will be 99%-not-a-coaster-trip since it's a honeymoon but I'll totally throw just one park in somewhere. Most likely though, we're staying domestic because it's easier with travel. We have Disney World APs for the first time, and since we were forced to buy the most expensive pass since we're out-of-state we're using them a ton to get our money's worth. Aside from tons of Orlando trips, we've also booked a quick weekend trip in early February to Fiesta and SFOT and a fall LA trip to hit Scary Farm, HHN, Disneyland, Magic Mountain and finally get to Dodger Stadium. That's all we have so far, but more trips are in our future for sure.

Correct, was a very good opening day might I add to that

This will be a bit lengthy of a post. I spur of the moment decided to head back to Germany last weekend to kill two birds with one stone: Get back to Phantasialand to get some night rides (the park is open until 8pm for the Wintertraum!) and checkout the Christmas markets in Köln and Düsseldorf. With the temperature around 5C and cloudy, I wasn't too surprised to find Taron and FLY running a little sluggish. They both seemed to be running faster after night fall, but that could just be the dark messing with me . Rookburgh looked great with a lot of steam/fog. Minimally placed Christmas stuff was a smart choice I think to keep with the theming. There are number of cute little areas with snow scenes around the park. It was around 5C and cloudy so the snow wasn't melting much. One of few Wintertraum chalets - flame grilled salmon. It was actually pretty good, very juicy and cooked just long enough. There's nothing worse than overcooked salmon Upside tree is a nice touch outside Hotel Tartuff Gluhwein! A few visits to chalet helped keep me warm throughout the day Hard to see in the photo, but there is a santa with a sack and gifts up in the little tower in front of Black Mamba. I thought it might not be a bad idea to go on Chiapas Die Wasserbahn. It's maybe my all-time favorite flume and a water ride in the middle of a cold December day seemed adventurous... yeah, I got soaked... maybe not the best decision. But nothing more Gluhweinn can't fix! Taron looked wild at night back on Halloween and was even better this night! Oh foggy night 20211218_173855.mp4 Berlin was basically a Christmas market! Last time at the park after sunset, Rookburgh didn't have much for lighting besides the normal lanterns and white lights. This time there were a lot of red, green, and blue lights, with some alternating from the tunnels. The two night rides I got were easily the best experience I've had yet on FLY. Killer night ride. The park really came to life at night. I'm tempted to take the train back out there in January before the Wintertraum ends. And for Bonus content. The Phantasialand bus departs from Bruhl station, just outside the center of town. I had a bit of time to kill before the first bus so wandered a bit. If you are taking the bus, it isn't a bad idea to take a look around. The Augustusburg Palace is right across from the bus stop and is a UNESCO site (I didn't take photos because of construction and poor lighting, but it's a site to walk around) and the center of town is pretty. The Christmas market was small but very charming as well. Heading into the center of Bruhl Bruhl Christmas market On to Koln: A stay in Koln wouldn't be complete without visiting a few Kolsch breweries! (After all my Kolsch experiences, Reissdorf is still best!) There are a number of Christmas markets spread throughout the city. I visited 3 of them over the coarse of the weekend (I think that means I need to go back to check out the rest... ) First up is the Koln Cathedral Market: Pretty good backdrop! Maybe my favorite thing of the markets: Raclette! Stellar board of cheese from the Swiss Alps Wood fire BBQ pork and chicken! Good food was abundant. Koln Harbour market: The harbour market was pretty unique and looked fantastic (plus the place to go for seafood), though my favorite was hands-down the Heinzel's WinterMarchen in Altstadt: Buble Alpe was a great spot to stop for a half litre of lager and enjoy watching the skaters. The mini ski lift of gnomes was adorable (and it moved and everything)! Mühlen bear with a tray of Kölsch Delicious Apfelkrapfen Brass section performing Lastly I stopped in Düsseldorf Sunday afternoon for some Altbier and more Christmas markets. First stop Schumacher brewery, the first brewery to use the name Altbier for the unique local beer back in 1838. Fuchschen hosted most of the markets in Dusseldorf. It's good too! More Gluhwein in a mug I had to have. Glass blowing Uerige Brewery. Claimed to use the most 'bittering constituents' of any beer in Germany. I'm not sure if it is the most bitter, but it is certainly bitter and absolutely delicious. My favorite Altbier in Dusseldorf. A magical weekend trip. I would highly recommend anyone that can to experience Koln and Phantasialand in December!

Thanks!! Out of all the varieties, probably the simple Neapolitan with fresh mozzarella, basil and a raw/fresh tomato sauce. Simple and so delicious! And especially delicious if I fire it up in the Kamado at 600F+ over hardwood. Second to that, would probably be supreme in the "Detroit Style" for me with the freshly made Italian sausage. I like to throw in some more robust cheeses as well, like Asiago or aged Gouda for sharpness. So good! It's fun each week deciding what style of pizza we want to do, then figure out the toppings/flavors. Our next up is on Christmas, in which we are planning a nice Chicago-Style Deep Dish of some sort. We make pizza once a week, on the weekend. Sometimes we throw in a second night, but usually it's just the one! But trust me, we could eat it every day that's for sure! So a trio of the latest pies... Tried something new we saw... I forget if it was Argentinian or something like that, but basically a style of pizza that is really just a giant calzone, if you will. Basically made a dough, placed a pile of cheese in the middle (mix) and laid another dough on top, pressed the edges and topped with a garlic butter/olive oil blend, onions, fresh rosemary and salt and pepper. It was HEAVENLY. Absolutely will do again! The other two feature the same 3-day sourdough crust, but in traditional form. One pizza was sausage, pepperoni and black olive... While the other was broccoli, olives and goat cheese. If you can't tell, we love black olives on pizza!

lots of plans. . but don't wanna jinx any of em! so will just list for sure: SFFT, SFOT, SeaWorld SA (since all are close driving distance and I have passes to all for 2022), SFOG/FunSpot (since I'm in ATL for Dragon*con anyways) & probably Dollywood/SDC trip with a friend in late Summer.

^ Zach cracks me up in this pic every time I see it. . such fond memories!

we rode and the queue clearly notes it's a "moist" ride. but those who invested in the "in queue" ponchos? got significantly less wet (from FREEZING cold water) than others

Yes. They’re removing 3 adult flats for swings and 7 kiddy rides. Also, “Hit or miss” is a generous way to put it with Palace.

there's a big, open, spot where the Wild Mouse coaster was.

Hmm lots of supports... I'm excited for whatever they are adding. Honestly it's a tiny ass park with 4 amazing adult coasters in a few flat rides. It really needs more substance despite having 4 amazing unique coasters.

This is great news because now I’m going to save a lot of money by not going there ever.

there were whispers about this park maybe going year round. . . but who knows what the state of that is with the giant Corporate restructuring. that said, it USUALLY opens in early March. . and I believe this year, it opened up March 6th?

Lockers are not required for any rides. The ride ops will often take your stuff and put it away for you while you buckle up.

It's because corporate hates our park so much they want to make sure we don't have another HITP event, even if it means canceling them chain-wide.

That was the most frightening moment of airtime ever.

I agree that is doesn't make sense. I'm just relaying what I heard and what the ride ops said. She couldn't have been nicer and knew I wasn't attacking, but just notifying. And she seemed to deliver it as it might be more the norm. WHich, as I said, is sad to hear.