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Universal Orlando has announced details for this year's Universal's Mardi Gras, which will feature concerts, a parade, food, live music and new offerings that extend the fun beyond Universal Studios Florida to the other parks and resorts! https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/things-to-do/events/mardi-gras We’re Going Beyond the Bayou for Mardi Gras! What’s even more exciting than Mardi Gras? Universal’s Mardi Gras! We’re going beyond the bayou with an awesome party inspired by Carnaval celebrations from around the world. Watch a parade (on select nights) of spectacular floats. Sample flavors from the bayou to Brazil and beyond. Enjoy live music all around and concerts (on select nights), then go ahead and get your beads and your party on! Prices, times, dates, entertainment, event and/or experience details are subject to changes and/or cancellation without notice. Daytime and Nighttime Fun at Universal Studios Florida At Universal’s Mardi Gras you’ll enjoy a glittering parade and some of the biggest names in music live in concert (both select nights only), along with unforgettable food from around the world (food available for purchase). Don’t Miss the Spectacular Parade The dazzling floats will be rolling, the colorful performers will be moving to the beat, and the beads will be flying. This year’s parade features traditional floats plus six all-new floats straight from New Orleans and the party will bounce! Float Riding You haven’t experienced Mardi Gras until you’ve experienced it from atop one of our spectacular floats. Toss beads to the crowd while you make your way through the streets for an unforgettable time. A limited number of spots are available per night. Reservations will be accepted in-park via the Virtual Line™ experience in the Official Universal Orlando App. Note: There is no Mardi Gras parade on March 31. Food & Beverage Universal CityWalk The Mardi Gras festivities extend to CityWalk with specially-themed food and drink offerings in a number of venues. Must be 21+ with valid photo ID to purchase and consume alcoholic beverage. Mardi Gras Dining at Universal Orlando Hotels The best way to experience Mardi Gras is with a stay at one of Universal Orlando Resort’s spectacular hotels. Whether you’re actually staying as a guest or just stopping in for a delicious meal, you’ll find a variety of tantalizing menu items specially themed for Mardi Gras. Must be 21+ with valid photo ID to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages. Loews Portofino Bay Hotel Trattoria del Porto CAJUN JAMBALAYA PASTA Shrimp, Smoke Sausage, Chicken, Onions, Peppers, and Mushroom in a Creole Sauce with Fettuccine Pasta MASQUERADE CANNOLI Mixed berry insalada The Thirsty Fish BOULEVARDIER Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Campari, Sweet Vermouth Splendido Bar & Grill MOJITO LAMPONE (Lampone is Italian for raspberry) Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Chambord, simple syrup, raspberry, mint Hard Rock Hotel® The Kitchen BOURBON STREET BEIGNETS Bourbon Caramel Sauce, Powdered Sugar FRENCH 75 Hendrick’s Gin, fresh lemon juice, sugar, champagne Velvet Bar N’AWLINS PO’ BOY SLIDERS Smoked Andouille Sausage, Sautéed Peppers and Onions, Cajun Remoulade, Toasted French bread FRENCH 75 Hendrick’s Gin, fresh lemon juice, sugar, champagne beachclub HURRICANE Papa’s Pilar Rum, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, grenadine, pineapple, and orange juice Loews Royal Pacific Resort Islands Dining Room KING CAKE PANCAKES Lemon and powdered sugar glaze, spiced walnuts (breakfast only) Orchid Court Lounge & Sushi Bar ORCHID Nikka Gin, St.Germain, Crème de Violet, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Pea Flower Float Tuk Tuk Market CHOCOLATE BOMB Choose from: chocolate and caramel with spiced pecan with Mardi Gras purple, green and gold decor, s’mores or cookies & cream Loews Sapphire Falls Resort Amatista Cookhouse SHRIMP & ANDOUILLE SAUSAGE GUMBO POT PIE Vegetables and Okra Strong Water Tavern CUCUMBER HURRICANE TWIST Light rum, lime juice, midori, sliced cucumber New Dutch Trading Co. TRADITIONAL KING CAKE Universal’s Aventura Hotel Bar 17 Bistro CRAWFISH ETOUFFEE Classic dish of crawfish, the holy trinity of onions, celery and bell pepper served over rice MUFFULETTA SANDWICH Genoa Salami, Mortadella, ham, provolone and swiss cheese, and olive salad Bar 17 Bistro and Bar Ventura HURRICANE Bacardi Superior Rum, Myers’s Original Dark Rum, passion fruit, tropical juices SAZERAC Rye whiskey, absinthe, simple syrup, Peychaud’s Bitters Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort Galaxy Bowl Restaurant SHRIMP PO’ BOY WITH ZAPPS CHIPS Crispy Cajun fried shrimp piled on a French baguette and topped with a creole inspired creamy remoulade sauce – add $7 for a choice of 16-ounce Abita draft beer or 12-ounce Abita king cake soda (Also available a la carte) LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULER HURRICANE Let the good times roll with Bacardi Light Rum, Cruzan 12yr Single Barrel Rum, passionfruit puree, orange juice and grenadine – served with a 32-ounce souvenir Galaxy Bowl cup Universal's Endless Summer Resort - Surfside Inn and Suites Beach Break Café NEW ORLEANS BBQ SHRIMP & DIRTY RICE A classic creole dish. Sautéed shrimp in a rich butter and Worcestershire sauce on a bed of flavorful Cajun spiced rice with andouille sausage Sand Bar THE ENDLESS CARNIVAL Castillo Silver Rum, Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, Chinola Passionfruit Liqueur, pineapple juice, orange juice, a pinch of dried blackberries, pineapple wedge and a green sugar rim Universal's Endless Summer Resort - Dockside Inn and Suites Pier 8 NEW ORLEANS CAJUN ROASTED CHICKEN & DIRTY RICE A classic creole dish of Cajun spiced oven roasted half chicken on a bed of flavorful Creole rice with andouille sausage topped with spicy sweet candiedbacon Sunset Lounge, The Oasis Beach Bar and The Wave Maker’s Pool Bar THE ENDLESS CARNIVAL Castillo Silver Rum, Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, Chinola Passionfruit Liqueur, pineapple juice, orange juice, a pinch of dried blackberries, pineapple wedge and a green sugar rim

After unveiling it in 2022, Merlin has put out all the full details of World of Jumanji, opening this year! https://www.chessington.com/jumanji/jungle-journal/world-of-jumanji-full-details/ Chessington World of Adventures Resort has today announced World of Jumanji - set to open in spring at the Surrey Theme Park and Zoo - will include the World’s ONLY Jumanji rollercoaster. The World’s first Jumanji themed land will also feature two further rides and much more, as Chessington brings the box office hit film franchise to life in its wildest adventure yet! World of Jumanji will see families follow in the footsteps of Dr. Bravestone, through a whole world of adventures to locate the Jaguar’s Eye Jewel, lift the curse and save Jumanji. The first adventure, and the World’s ONLY Jumanji rollercoaster, Mandrill Mayhem, will sweep up riders in the long arms of a mandrill, as the horde whisks those from just 1.2m tall around the sites of Jumanji, all while dodging the hazards of the jungle. The most fearsome of all the wild animals, the mandrills are unpredictable and will launch at full speed through the treetops, flipping upside down on a hair-raising adventure, spiralling to the summit of the 55ft tall Jaguar Shrine. Glimpse the Jaguar’s Eye Jewel glow before falling and braving the adventure again… backwards. Not just the World’s ONLY Jumanji rollercoaster, Mandrill Mayhem is a winged, launch, shuttle ride, with an inversion – a first for Chessington, which last introduced a rollercoaster back in 2004. Two further adventures in the World of Jumanji will await families… Dodge the fangs of the black mamba on a dizzying, untameable ride in the bazaar, Mamba Strike. Then swerve a herd of stampeding ostriches on a whirlwind ride in the dunes on Ostrich Stampede. The single largest investment in Chessington’s history, World of Jumanji will also feature a maze of pathways – some trickier to navigate than others – based on the iconic Jumanji board game. Themed food, drink and merchandise will also be on offer. Complementing the above, six NEW Jumanji themed bedrooms will be introduced to the Chessington Safari Hotel as well. Scott O’Neil, CEO of Merlin Entertainments, which operates Chessington, said: “We look forward to Welcome-ing you to the Jungle this spring, as the amazing World of Jumanji opens at Chessington World of Adventures Resort. Families should prepare to be turned upside down… literally, as the first NEW rollercoaster in nearly 20 years at the Resort has a twist, turn and flip that will have you holding on to your seat! This is the Next Level for families wanting to explore the ultimate adventure together.” Keep checking the website for updates and to book to be the first to sleep in the NEW Jumanji themed Hotel bedrooms from Saturday April 1, ahead of World of Jumanji opening. World of Jumanji at Chessington World of Adventures Resort follows a global agreement between Resort operator, Merlin Entertainments, and Columbia Pictures Location Based Entertainment Ends.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. It.

Death, taxes, and Sean Paul playing a concert at Universal during Mardi Gras.

When I saw the coaster stuff paired with the horses, that was the moment I realized the rumor probably wasn't true, or just a practical joke. No way we're getting season passes without Slushy Sundays.

New photos have been released by Disney, in celebration of the company's DISNEY100 year(s). It's photos of a wonderful model of (Frozen)Arendelle, and the Slidin' Sleighs coaster. And as well a couple of art concepts, one of which hasn't been seen before, to the best of my knowledge. I have no idea where this display is located. Maybe in one of the Main Street 'shops' as a Preview Center? Dunno. Enjoy... Love how they've lit this model. Very curious how it's night lighting will be, when it all opens. Different angle shot. Note how the Sleighs coaster "mountain" is made up. Looks like the "outdoor" overhead sections of the mountain, are where the track travels? Maybe? Maybe not. From above, looks like a cinnamon roll.... or a pretzel, lol. Cast members' costumes, and the artwork on the right, we've seen before. But - not the one on the left. Could be a variation of the end scene of Frozen/Norway in EPCOT? It could still be the end scene again for the new flume ride, or this scene could be located prior to the lift hill, with "Sven and Olaf helping you up the hill" (quote from Disney). And to finish it all, small models of both ride vehicles for both attractions. Awesome! Thanks for all this info, Disney!

^RMC manufactured the track for the Skywarp at SFDK. It wouldn't surprise me if Skyline continued to outsource the manufacturing of the track to RMC.

Howdy Friends, I apologize for the quality of the pic, but yes…one of the first pictures pulled from my collection was this one. A rare site indeed. I was fortunate to have ridden both Batman and Robin during its reign at Great Adventure. In fact, we even had the opportunity to ride both tracks during its all to brief “opening season” - which consisted of two days, a Saturday and Sunday (if I recall correctly). Enjoy the pic. Please do not reproduce without my approval. Thank you! CJM

Thank you for the very flattering photo of me shoving ice cream into my mouth with the guys ass hanging out nearby!

...

But. . . why wouldn't but more importantly, why shouldn't they reply and interact with each other? Behind these park and coaster accounts are people who have created bonds and friendships within the industry. Why do we feel that because X and Y communicated in a public forum that something is brewing or why is X commenting on Y's seemingly teasing something when it's not them supplying. This is why I giggle every time someone takes something the park or designer literal and get all excited for nothing lol lol.

This was in the Six Flags St Louis group on Facebook

So El Toro is my number 1 coaster after 15 years. I still haven't ridden a bunch of RMC's and other newer Intamins, but I feel like it would still compare favorably with newer classics like Steel Vengeance, Iron Gwazi, and VelociCoaster (will hopefully ride the latter two in the next month or two). As someone who has struggled with their weight, being able to fit on El Toro was tight back in 2008. When I returned to visit in 2014, I got denied. I haven't bothered to return to the park since. I am happy to report that, in the midst of a weight loss journey, today I weighed in at my "El Toro weight". 258 lbs was what I was when I rode in 2008 and I hit that mark today. Here's hoping SFGADv figures things out and I can ride once again in 2023!

Day 7, evening. . . so we loaded up the bus, in the rain, and waved goodbye to Hotel Charles Lindbergh (and Phantasialand), and headed out towards Wavre, Belgium. that would be where our hotel for the night would be - only 1 night, as we were loading up the bus in the morning to spend the whole day at Walibi Belgium. Scenery as we were driving, it's always comforting to see a Nuclear Power plant. . . James and I mostly sat in row 3, so we got a nice view of the road - and this little guy (who's name I can't recall) that Robb purchased at Europa Parc where he's part of the Pirates ride. lovely countryside, as we moved from Germany into Belgium. And the sky had completely cleared up too. as we exited off the main road, into Wavre, the bus made some tight turns down some narrow (and jungle covered) roads towards our hotel for the night. excellent driving by our bus driver another really tight turn - the entrance gate at our hotel seemed REALLY surprised at the size of the bus about to attempt this turn in. but we made it in, and started unloading. our hotel for the night was another Ibis (same brand as the 1st hotel at the airport) with very similar looking rooms. we put our bags up in the room, and made plans to meet some folks down in the lobby. We had left Phantasialand before dinner, but were getting to Wavre by 8pm or so, so many in the group planned on heading out to grab some food and do some exploring in the charming smallish town. while waiting for the group I was going to grab food with, I snapped some pics of the lobby area and the breakfast area of the hotel. the hotel was pretty full - a football (soccer) team, that was passing thru, if I recall - tho we didn't really see any of them tonight. in the morning at breakfast we interacted with them quite a bit tho. Nice guys. and then once we had everyone who wanted to go check out the local fast food place - the Belgium version of McDonalds. . we headed out for the short walk into town. and here it is. . . not sure if it's specific to Beligum, or a European chain. Tho I can't recall if I ever saw another one on the trip, so maybe it *is* Belgium specific? basically a McDonalds: "Quick" for what it's worth? the name LIES. there are no counter folks to take orders. . all orders are placed at the touchscreens by the entrance doors. then you stand and wait until they call your number to go pick up your food from the counter. yeah. .it's *exactly* as much of a clusterfuck as one would think it was. Especially when busy at dinner time (which I guess this time of night was dinner time). it was absolute chaos. . . and, if I'm being honest, I loved every moment of it . . . LOL. . . . Eventually we got our food, and headed upstairs to a "quieter" area to eat. I don't really recall what I got, tho it looks like cheese balls, a poutine of some kind, and a burger that looked like this. it was ok, I suppose. But really no lasting memory of it, so i guess it was just a standard burger from a fast food place? we had planned to walk over to the Supermarket in the parking lot there and get some bottled water, but by the time we finished eating, the market had just closed for the evening. (I think they closed at 9 perhaps?). . . but as we slowly made our way back towards the hotel, someone in the group that had gone towards the city center (in search of nightlife/bars I believe) had posted to the TPR trip group chat that they had stumbled across a random Breakdance in the downtown area. even tho we had just spent a full day at Phantasialand. . . c'mon, I'm on a trip with TPR folks. . of COURSE we immediately detoured towards the center of town to see if we could find said breakdance. I double-taked on this sign at least 3 times, before I decided I just had to take a picture. "Immotheker finotheker". . . .has made it into my cursing lexicon we had passed a parking lot full of what looked like "Carny" vehicles. . and we started to hear music, so we continued heading that way, and finally came across this. (insert angelic singing here) wasn't super busy - but again, it was a Monday night, but it appeared an entire funfair had been plopped down over two city blocks in the center of Wavre. we weren't gonna cross illegally - gotta follow traffic rules in other Countries - so we headed down to the crosswalk. only to be pleasantly surprised that they were Rainbow Crosswalks. yay! Belgian Pride! while most of the games and rides, seemed targeted towards the way younger crowd. . there were a few "big" rides mixed in. (the stuff on the next street over seemed to be mostly closed this night tho, including a small kiddie coaster. . so we stuck to this main intersection for our exploring) Kiddie Bumper Cars - and no, I still didn't ride them. I was mesmerized by the floating kid's heads on the sign for this one (but I believe everything is independently owned, so it must be the owner's kids?). certainly didn't attract me to the place to purchase anything - tho I was full as I had just eaten a lot of fast food. that spotted donut doesn't look too happy tho! a funfair street cart selling Escargot? how intriguing (and a big ol HELL NO from me). . . but Smisty wanted to try them, so she and Erik got some. and to be fair? they SMELLED amazing. . . but . . . nope for me. the guys at the funfair (James, Erik, Andrew and me), waiting for Smisty to finish her snails some pics of the games. . lots and lots of stuffed animals to (attempt) to win. tho some booths had lots of typical American carnival crap on offer (this Duck Game) seemed to offer prizes as one would find at a ticket redemption counter in a Dave & Busters, or Pinballz arcade oooo. . very tempted. A Frozen Mirror Maze! . . I'm sure 100% officially licensed Disneyland Belgium! If I didn't think my fat ass would break it? I would have ridden on Aladdin's carpet. (tho the Woody Woodpecker confused me. maybe Donald broke and they needed a quick replacement?) it really is a Small World after all. ohhh. . . a big Adult ride. I love the Mexican Hat Dance. should we ride? YES! Funfairs tend to run insane cycles. . but this one ran rather lame. but I'm kind of glad it did, because as we were starting to go, Smisty noticed that the "arms" weren't bolted shut. yup.. they were all held together by color - coordinated bungee cords, not bolts! Really. . .. so I was pretty glad it didn't run a good cycle, as I didn't wanna die at a Belgian Fun-fair. but it was pleasant, if not exactly extreme. (pic courtesy of Erik) so why did I want to ride? (and convince others to ride with me?). this was the ride operator. . .. who spent a LOT of time making eye contact with me before we bought tickets. yeah. . sex sells it was starting to get a little darker, and the Breakdance that had originally attracted us was right around the corner. . so we went to take a look at it. yeah. . THIS one was running a super EXTREME "carnival" program. So intense that Andrew begged off and only Smisty and I rode. SO intense (and such a long cycle) there were periods where we could NOT lean forward in the seats. it was awesome. . all the while, the operator was yelling things out to us in Dutch (I think that's what it was). Could not understand him at all, but I imagine it was something along the lines of "Do you want to go faster??? make some noise!!!" because when we screamed, he sped it up. (pics courtesy of either Andrew or Erik) eventually the ride stopped, and dizzy as hell, I was ready to head back to the hotel and crash. as was everyone else. . . so we made our way back - I think we came this way? grabbed some water from the bartender on the way up to the room, and crashed for the night. Think it was around 10:45 pm at this point. Tomorrow we were headed out at 8:15 sharp for Walibi Belgium for day 8 of the trip. but this had been a fantastic day 7, and it's always fun to spend so much time with great people.