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Day 3 - Night-time back at Oktoberfest Faire - with a lot of time spent in the "Old Oktoberfest Museum" area after a break for foot resting, and a shower, some of us met down in the lobby to head back to Oktoberfest for some Sunday evening fun. i was determined that I wanted to go to the section I had seen the prior days - a sectioned off area, that SEEMED to be an Oktoberfest museum of some type - or "old Oktoberfest". It cost 4 Euro to enter that area, but it seemed large, with a covered bandstand, a beer tent, and a large outdoors section. looking it up online, showed that my assumptions above were pretty spot on, so I really wanted to do that, and a group of folks who were also interested joined me on this quest tonight. since it was way in the back (behind the ferris wheel) on the main "street". . we once again came thru the main gate. not nearly as busy as it had been, since we were here on a Sunday night now. but still not empty. and it was cold - so had put on a few layers. this is where we'd be tomorrow, as we had reserved tables in the Lowenbrau tent. (and yes, the lion is animatronic, and takes drinks of beer ) Andrew giving "Andrew face". . . LOL . . . standing at the entrance to the "Old Oktoberfest" area (I'm just calling it that. . no idea if that's what it's officially called). Looking back towards the main entrance - we're seeing the back side of the Ferris wheel. Tickets bought, we enter into this section (again, it's only 4 Euro. . .but turned out it was WAY worth it. not only was it much less crowded back here, but once in this sectioned off area? all rides (fair classics) were only 1.50 . . .a hell of a deal, and they were running great cycles). right away, I knew I was gonna love this place, just from the outside display of old tractors/carts. scattered food stands around too.. not much business tho, as there turned out to be food available with sit down service inside the main building (with music and a bit warmer, so most did that). the entrance into the main building in this area. . .where the Museum portion is, the food service, the bandstand. . and a classic, CLASSIC carousel. I was in heaven. from in front of the Carousel, getting a layout of this building. on the left is the bandstand, in the middle is the restaurant, straight ahead is an enclosed area where one could rent and ride old bikes in the ring. on the other side of the carousel is a large section with old props from classic attractions at the faire - and there was history all along the outside walls. Some went to get beer and grab a sit down right away. . my ass was going directly to the Carousel. but there wasn't anyone in the operating booth at the moment, so I went around the back of it to take a look at the classic props. many of them from old "Ghost Train" attractions. sexy! I wish I could read German. . . but I was able to get the gist of most of the signs. by the time I got back around to the Carousel, the guy was in the booth, and sold me a ticket. and then ran if just for me I rode a horse. then got off, bought another ticket and rode again, this time in a carriage - which did actually rock! (I was afraid to rock the horse, as the carousel is so old, and i"m not exactly "light" happy as hell on a classic carousel. . . after my two rides, I joined the rest of the gang I was hanging with, at the table, and ordered beer and food along with them. Pic courtesy of the waiter when he came back to take food order. Lunch had been big, and I wanted to snack in the fair as well.. .so wasn't too hungry. they also were out of several things on the large menu (hadn't restocked for the coming week yet, and it was on Sunday evening, remember), but of what was avail. everything was good. the band was quite loud in the enclosed space, but they were good. and it was a lot of fun. I think we hung out in here for a good hour plus, and I posted to the group about the food and atmosphere available back here in this section in case anyone wanted to check it out on a fairly quiet night. after eating, I took a walk around the front part of the building to check out some of the displays - while the others had another beer. the sign by the Bicycle rink. these were a big draw back in the day! the history of the Oktoberfest posters. many of them were available for purchase (but I have neither the wall space, nor the $$ to get em). Some were great tho, and I got magnet versions. classic ride vehicles. hey. .some more TPR folks came out to this section. hiya Christopher, Erik and Chuck! enough time hanging out in the main building, we ventured outside to check out what else was on offer. this is the back of the Beer tent. . which according to the information I could read, was supposed to be full of folks in traditional Oktoberfest garb, and music/atmosphere. as we had just experienced basically that in the main building, we walked around this one rather than go thru, to see the lined avenue back here. (don't think we really missed much, as they seemed to be shutting it down due to lack of big crowd on Sunday night, and if folks wanted beer they could get it in the main building). several smaller flat rides were out here lining the avenue. classic older rides. and carnival type games and attractions. this made me giggle so hard. . I think it's the look on the dummy's faces. another classic carousel. . tho this one seemed to be a kiddie, so didn't even try. it was lovely tho. . . I adore that "Elephant" can get an old timey photo too. all done with cardboard cut outs. not creepy at ALL. ok. . now THIS is what I'm talking about. a Calypso.. running a fantastic and long cycle. for 1.50. many of us got a ride. even had that cheesy 70's artwork that has nothing to do with the ride (other than the name is kinda tropical) really is a beautiful ride tho: this cabinet of classic prizes was just for display. . which is a shame, as I would have tried to knock over those stupid cans to try to win some of these. these looked to be hitting HARD. not sure if Knoebels level, but probably pretty close! this Waltzer had the biggest crowd, and after watching for a bit, we saw why. they sold tickets and you had to hover around and hope that a car stopped near you, and the folks riding got out (some bought multiple tickets and stayed put). .and then it was a mad dash to get your ass into an empty seat. the music was BLASTING loud, classics - we rode to Hot Chocolate "Every one's a Winner" plus another song. . and the annoyance on the operators face when the fair came on the loudspeakers to make an announcement was hysterical. the operator, was speeding up and slowing down based on a hand crank. . that he would crank based on the riders reactions. Oh, all while chugging beers. it was so freaking awesome. .and just might be my best memory of the whole trip. (if not, it's really really close) in fact, I just pulled up Hot Chocolate on Youtube while typing this up, and it brought me RIGHT back to this ride. awesome. just for show, as noted they were blasting 70's classics thru the speakers inside the ride. straight back, you can see the operator by his crank (long coat and hat) . . watching the crowd. after hanging out back here for probably 2 hours total, we finally exited and made our way back into the fair proper. a last look back. . this area was so worth it to me. where should we go in the fair? why of course! and some snacks. . . but not these. I was worried they'd be the same consistency I hadn't cared for from the meal the other night. but . . c'mon. . balls! gotta take a pic hey, got a different face out of Andrew! and walking by my favorite place - the Carousel Bar - spotted a big TPR group on the Carousel. with room, so we joined them for some fun hangout time PROST!! a princess balloon in the center of the Carousel bar ceiling. . . going around and around for several pints. . . if I wasn't just loving being on the actual carousel? I totally would have gotten off it to grab this seat once the lady left. it looked a little awkward. . but c'mon.. you sit on the horse AT the table. . . that's so freaking awesome. ok. .enough drinking.. time to get a few more rides in. I think we headed to Alpen Bahn and Voodoo Jumper again. but no, wasn't drunk enough to want to pose like Marilyn (but I wish I had been.. that would have been such a great pic) getting to be late, and things were starting to shut down. . so we headed towards the exits going out the main gate tho, I noticed that the memorial I had seen yesterday lights up, and truly is worth a look at night. and then it was time to head back to the hotel. . . as it had been a long day, was slightly buzzed, and tomorrow was our BIG day at Oktoberfest - reservations in the tent, a meal, and all the fun and excitement.

I will miss the intense airtime you get on those steep ups and downs, but honestly it’s time to move on to something better. RRR ride vehicles are uncomfortable and have been problematic to younger and older riders, the ride is sensitive to wind (not good in Florida), the capacity is poor, it can be rough, and it has more downtime and other coasters. I sure hope the replacement comes in swiftly. Entertainment offerings at USF may be the best in years but the park is really relying on Diagon and classic faves like Mummy, MIB, and ET to carry the rest of the park’s fun. IOA needs attention too - since Velocicoaster the parks have been taking away more than they have added, not counting Epic.

Legoland Deutschland Miniland:

Day 3 - Daytime at Peppa Pig Park & Legoland Deutschland ! today was a two-fer sorta. . . we hopped on the bus early and headed out to Legoland Deutschland. . .but a bonus park had recently opened in the parking lot there - Peppa Pig Park! it's literally across the parking lot. after taking a quick pic of the main gates of Legoland, we headed across the lot to go to Peppa Pig Park, as that opened 1/2 hour earlier than Legoland. Having never seen or heard of Peppa Pig. . this was a WHOLE new experience for me. But was told that it's "cute" and they have a coaster credit (not really my thing to count, but why not?). I was amused by the murals on the side of the park walking over. the entrance to Peppa Pig Park is on the left. . as you can see, the Legoland entrance is back there behind it up on the hill. TPR group shot. . . we were excited to be there. no, really I was informed this was "Pig Daddy" (or Daddy Pig), so of COURSE I wanted a pic with him. the park, tho fairly small, was beautifully landscaped and looked brand new (probably because it is, as it opened in late May 2024). most "grass" surfaces were Astroturf, and they actually did cram in quite a bit into the space they had. including this Zamperla family coaster, which I believe was called Pig Daddy's ride (Papa Wutz´ Achterbahn) LOL. . .I got very amused reactions when I posted on facebook that I had ridden Pig Daddy in Germany from the coaster queue, I took a look around and snapped some pics. a covered show area / playground area a short Balloon ride, a single rail "horse" ride, tho what one rode was dinosaurs, a "fair" area with some games a large waterplay interactive area (was not on, as it was cold, and the park wasn't really open just yet, it opened as we queued up for the coaster) there was another area on the left back there, called the mud pits (or something like that). . I got the idea it was an area with small trampolines in the ground). but here's the Pig Daddy coaster, with some happy TPR riders. it actually has two "launches" - you can see the 2nd set of wheel launch in this pic. and had a nice little pop of air. oh, by no means anything much more than a junior (possibly a kiddie), but a fun one. whee! ADORABLE front car. as noted, it was chilly, so I had on my gold jacket. . LOL. . makes me easier to spot in pics, I guess. after getting the coaster rides, and some quick looking around (I wanted to ride the dinosaur ride, but was afraid to ask, as I feared it was not for adults), the group headed over the Legoland gates for the official park open. and posing for Robb's TPR pic. Not quite ready to open just yet, so we chatted and visited. Johnathan and I did, while Hans just stood and made a "Hans face" before too long, there were costumed characters and cast members doing a dance / presentation to open up the park for the day and we were off - but not before stopping to grab some quick pics before we left the area (while the rest of the group was scanning tickets to enter) we were headed to the back far corner of the park - straight for the newest ride: a B&M family Wing coaster called : "Maximus: flight of the Guardian" that opened in 2023 of course, as we powerwalked back over that way, I snapped pics as we went we passed right by (for now): Das Große LEGO Rennen - the park's Mack Wilde Maus along with assorted other rides. this is now the 3rd Legoland I've been to and while it's not the largest park, all of them seem to be pretty spread out and have a lot of walking. so certainly got my steps in. we're headed way back here. . to the newest "land" called, I believe "Mythica" but to get thru it, we have to go thru the Land of the Pharaohs section of the park. the shooting dark ride the entrance to Mythica is this giant Lego sculpture - one of several in the area and here's the newest coaster - strangely considered a "family" B&M Flyer - but it has two inversions. the Lego sculpture that welcomes you into the ride queue is impressive as hell. and they load both sides from one line, by sending some folks over this bridge to get to the other side of the tracks. the train is sorta adorable, sorta funky. it's weird to me they went so "lack of detail" for Maximus' head on the train. here's a train full of TPR riders. some of them are smiling. it's a VERY strange coaster. on paper? it's not a family coaster - it's a B&M wing with inversions. but it's also completely force-less. It's kinda hard to explain. . but it LOOKS like it's gonna be somewhat intense, and instead it does. . nothing. you feel the inversion of course, but it's nothing intense or "fun". let's put it this way. . I never made it back to this part of the park again during our visit to ride it again. I'm glad I got to ride it, but it wasn't anything I'd personally seek out. Especially since there are much better rides (in my opinion) in Legoland here. but I DID ride it. . whee? think these pics are courtesy of Andy or possibly Jack Crouse we were then cut loose for 5-6 hours in the park, and I ended up falling in with the group of guys my age and we spent most of the visit together. first we headed back thru land of the Pharaohs. so of course stopped to ride the dark shooter. I had permission from the ride ops, to take pictures on the ride. so I did. I find these more fun looking at the targets react, than shooting anyways at the exit was this Lego Alligator. ooo. . a skytower. that's right up my alley, and most of the folks I was hanging with wanted to go to, so we headed there next for an overview of the park. that's "FireDragon" - the classic Castle/Dragon Coaster that the Legoland parks have straight ahead coming out of the castle. and on the lower right - hidden in the trees - is Dragon Hunt, a smaller mine train type coaster. better angle to get a view of both coasters mentioned above. here's Maximus - the B&M flyer we had just ridden - and I believe that's the Legoland Hotel back there (as there was a hotel guest entrance in the Mythica area) lower right is one of TPRs favorite rides - the Lego Fire Academy. (where you can work up a sweat while beating other teams) after getting the lay of the land, we headed to the Dragon Hunt mine train as was seen from the observation tower, it's really right next to the dragon/castle coaster we'd been cut loose in the park, but we still kept bumping into other TPR groups roaming here's Chuck, Johnathan, Barry and Ryan on the ride while we were in queue. and this is a pic of us, taken by (I think) Chuck, as they were a row ahead of us in the ramps. I returned the favor a few moments later when saw another group of TPR folks behind us in the queue and they even took pics of us on ride. Since Chuck has a camera in the above pic, gonna assume this pic is courtesy of him and then right over to Feuerdrache (Fire Dragon) I just love these Halloween decorations they have up! no phones allowed on this ride. . so only got a queue pic. . . and a pic of the adorable train (tho I think all Legolands use the same train design) leaving Fire Dragon, the mascot was milling around outside. should I get a pic? damn right! I don't know what these rides are called - they're kinda like a caterpillar crossed with a Bayurn Kurve, and just go faster and faster, forwards and back - but I LOVE em. this one was built to look like Legos (of course). and had a Bear in the center it was walk on if we split up the group across the open seats - so we did. howdy Nick! Jon paying attention, Andrew just . . . being Andrew and mulling clouds and me and the bear! it was a very gay and happy Bear. . of course I wanted to ride. and it was a great ride too! Waving to the folks that don't like spinning rides, and waited for us. ah yes, they have "plane on a stick" here too I didn't ride this one, just snapped pics (but I've ridden these before) and then we headed over to Ice Pilot training. shockingly, it was not at all busy, and they weren't even using one side of the ride set up! another thing that surprised me, was the only prior version of this that I've ridden? the rider programs it and then hands it to the operator. this version, you just told the operator what level you wanted (think it was light, heavy, extreme) and he just pushed the button to start your cycle. it was still fun, and I loved it, but it was a short cycle. and then after that extreme ride? was time to pee. I do adore the way the toilet signs are in Germany. we decided to stop for lunch and we ended up in a place that does Totchos (tho they don't call it that. . just options to put stuff on top of potato crisps). I "Texaned" mine up a bit and asked for some changes so my chicken one got jalepenos and spicy jelly on it. and I treated myself to this strawberry tart with a graham cracker crust. sit on a bench with a punk? sure! after the food settled a bit we went for the Wild Mouse. . that was actually a lot of fun. whee! we headed back to the NinjaGo section. . so I could suck (once again) at that shooting ride they have. But also back here was this more adult "spinner" ride, that had buttons to control the flipping forwards or backwards as the ride rotates. I passed on the Splash battle, as was still a bit too cool to be wet - tho it was warming up. lovely park, and so spread out it never really felt too busy. was gonna pass on the flume, but it was recommended and was told not too wet (true) - so we took a spin on it. I can't recall if this Legoland has a flying theatre - I really don't think they did, as can't find a mention of it anywhere online. . . .so after I took a quick detour thru the "Police Station". . which in theory was supposed to be hunting clues, and catching criminals (never did figure that out) - but was so crowded, I just enjoyed the hall of mirrors and funhouse type stuff in there. I believe that Andrew did that with me. we then met up with some folks again for the only remaining ride I was interested in getting on before the time I had set aside for Miniland and shopping. the Jungle Expedition Safari. I just love these things at Legolands Hans & Andrew Nick crammed in together (there was a line, so we shared instead of taking a car each) such attention to detail! and next to the Safari, was a single rail Joust ride. this one was clearly noted "no adults". . . .which made me sad, but I still got a pic of it! to be continued in next post with pics of miniland in Legoland Deutschland

Right now it has a 2 hr 20 min wait which is the second longest on Universal property behind 2:30 for Velocicoaster. Possibly anecdotal, but a couple weeks ago when I was there VC was about 35 minutes and RRR was under 5 minutes, which is more or less what it typically is outside of a shitshow holiday week. I think it draws the GP a little bit due to the way it soars over that entire end of the park, but the new thing will probably do much better numbers based on how popular Velocicoaster is amongst everyone.

I think being able to choose the music is fun and the ride has some good forces and is weird to the point of being interesting, but I can't deny it's rough as shit and pretty uncomfortable. I used to skip it a lot of the times I was there but I think I have a new found appreciation for it after Bill told me to ride it with the ramblings of Kermit in the background. It's really a good time late at night during HHN sailing over the sea of people in the lines. I'll kind of miss it but its replacement is pretty much guaranteed to be eons better. On an unrelated note, I saw someone post on Twitter yesterday that Poseidon's building should be turned into a Chamber of Secrets experience and I really don't hate that idea.