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Yay first post! I was also here for opening day. Did Mind Eraser two separate times and I definitely agree its a better ride the closer towards the back you are. First time I was in the middle and found it enjoyable, second time I waited for the front and ended up regretting it lol. I did see that Predator was up and running before I left but it immediately got a huge line so I decided I'm saving it for next trip At this point I typically skip Viper and Boomerang because both just make me sick so I can't comment on those Tantrum was down for a while when I got there but when it came back it was running with two trains. I hope it stays that way all season I really hope they're not doing the thing they've been doing where Motocoaster doesn't open until later in the season but we'll see ig Darien Lake has so much potential if SF would just properly invest in it and this seems like a step in the right direction. Hopefully later in the season we'll see the second trains getting used because they could definitely help a lot.

Tomorrow is Opening Day at Playland(PNE), Vancouver ... finally! But - weather isn't going to be clear and sunny. More rainy most of the afternoon, etc. But rain or not, I planned to get there at opening and get my printed pass (no cell phone, so .....pffft.) and then tour the grounds. See how the north side of it all looks like, now that they're building the new Amphitheatre for 2026. Lost a sit down bar there (R.I.P. Ride Side Bar), but they have a few 'Beer Cabins' (don't know what else to call them) with seating near by. So, hopefully, I will be able to hold up, for standing in line and waiting, etc. Fingers crossed! What used to be, at the north end of Playland. Great spot to cool off, relax...and drink a beer or three, lol.

Not sure if it's a permanent change but Ministry virtual queue was dropped today. Wait time according to the app was 2-3 hours for most of the day. I'll be happy if this change is permanent. It will be comforting knowing my chances of riding when I am there in 2 weeks don't rest completely in the hands of a flawed lottery system. I know there are a lot of other obstacles but it will be my choice on whether to wait out the issues and the long line.

I also went today and against my better judgement rode Mind Eraser. It has been over 10 years since I rode a SLC, so I was very nervous to ride as I have learned to hate these things. The first ride was front row and I was in defensive mode the full ride expecting maybe just a little improvement. I am pleasantly surprised on how NOT painful it was and 0 headbanging. I did ride it again towards the back and found this was kinda a fun ride when there is no pain involved. So, good job, I did not think it possible. The new paint job does not hurt either. Tantrum was Tantrum. viper was running slow (not full trains). Purple Predator train looks great but as mentioned not running today, lots of new Titan track. Another ride I have not ridden in over 10 years but I will give it a try next visit. I have heard ROPS is getting a new train although the current train looks to be in very good condition and it was for some reason really hauling a** today. Ops on the other hand were typical opening day ops, clearly still Six Flags operated as ROS was delivering 6-8 minute dispatches, even with 1 train, ouch. Mind Eraser Same, ect., ect. Also, my pass is from Cedar Point and other than employees never seeing the Cedar Fair App before, they worked seemlessly, even on pass discounts throughout the park and parking. All in all, I have not been to my home park in a couple years and feel that there is now hope that they will at least continue to improve on what they have. Good job.

Universal Orlando Resort has shared new details regarding Summer entertainment offerings, experiences, anniversary celebrations and more! https://blog.discoveruniversal.com/guides-and-tips/everything-to-experience-at-universal-orlando-resort-this-summer/ There are lots of reasons to love summer. Pool and beach days, more excuses to eat ice cream, the money I’ll save on self-tanner… I could go on. But, as an Orlando local, I think the biggest reason to get excited for the summer is the fact that this year, Universal Orlando Resort is pulling out all the stops for an entire season of fun! I’m talking entertainment and attractions that will make your whole day and night a blast, celebrations of your favorite summer blockbusters, and more exclusive merchandise, food, and drinks than you can shake a (popsicle) stick at. And I’ve compiled all of them below in a handy-dandy guide! Read on for everything to experience at Universal Orlando Resort this summer. All-Day (and Night) Summer Fun Universal Mega Movie Parade – April 12–November 13 Watching a T. rex prowl the streets of Hollywood at Universal Studios Florida never gets old. And that’s why I’m so excited to watch Universal Mega Movie Parade this summer! Get ready to show your true colors to the Trolls, laugh at the Mini-Pufts plaguing the Ghostbusters, and insist to Mayor Vaughn that you and Chief Brody really do need a bigger boat. Cinesational: A Symphonic Spectacular – Select Dates April 14–August 24 Da-dum. DA-DUM. DA-DUM. Those suspenseful notes can only mean one thing… it’s time for Cinesational: A Symphonic Spectacular! This nighttime show will cap off your day in Universal Studios Florida on a perfect note — literally. Embark on a journey through your favorite movie moments as the soundtracks of “Harry Potter,” “Jurassic World,” “Jaws,” and more sync with dancing fountains and pyrotechnics. Hogwarts Always – Select Dates April 14–August 24 The Hogwarts Always nighttime projection show is the perfect way to end a summer day in Universal Islands of Adventure. The show takes you on a magical journey through a school year at Hogwarts. Enjoy unforgettable music and relive incredible moments of wizardry — receiving a Hogwarts acceptance letter, attending a Quidditch match, a House Cup celebration — all set against the majestic backdrop of Hogwarts castle. Celebrate Your Favorite Summer Blockbusters Jurassic World: Rebirth – In theaters July 2, 2025 It’s not every summer that a new “Jurassic World” movie comes out! To celebrate, Universal has loads of special offerings for you to sink your teeth into. In Jurassic Park in Islands of Adventure, you’ll find themed photo ops as well as exclusive food and beverage items at The Burger Digs. Starting May 23, you can also pick up some exclusive “Jurassic World: Rebirth” merchandise in Jurassic Outfitters and Dinostore. PRO TIP: Got some extreme dino fans in your family? Book a Jurassic World Kids’ Suite at Loews Royal Pacific Resort to take your summer vacation to prehistoric new heights! How to Train Your Dragon (Live Action) – In theaters June 13, 2025 Over in Islands of Adventure’s Lost Continent, you can gear up to be a dragon-rider. Near Doc Sugrue’s Desert Kebab House, you’ll find a themed shopping experience in celebration of the upcoming live-action adaptation of “How to Train Your Dragon.” If you’ve ever wanted a miniature version of Toothless to carry around on your shoulder, good news: It’s time for your (and my) dream to come true! Wicked Rejoicify! We’re only a few months away from the release of “Wicked: For Good” — why not pass the time in Wicked: The Experience in Universal Studios Florida? This magically immersive experience features enchanting film costume replicas, Elphaba and Glinda-themed photo ops, bewitching merch, and — from June 23–August 10 — the thrillifying opportunity to take a photo with Elphaba and Glinda. M3GAN 2.0 – In theaters June 27, 2025 You’ve seen her kill it on the big screen, and from June 10–30, you might just see her in Universal Studios Florida. I’m not at liberty to share any more details. No, she isn’t standing over my shoulder while I type this. Jaws (50th Anniversary) For the last half-century, “Jaws” has made children all over the world think twice before going in the pool. Or maybe that was just my experience. In Universal Studios Florida, you can celebrate 50 years of “swimmin’ with bow-legged women” in the San Francisco area of the theme park, which will be transformed to feel like the Amity of old. Snag limited-time food and beverage offerings along with a ton of exclusive merchandise, including the bucket hat and popcorn bucket that I am absolutely obsessed with. Back to the Future (40th Anniversary) Time flies when you’re in a flying time machine! And believe it or not, it’s already been 40 years since “Back to the Future” premiered. We’re marking the occasion with tons of exclusive merchandise, including apparel, a snazzy license plate, and even a (non-flying) hoverboard (pouch). Biff, eat your heart out! 15 Years of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Over the past 15 years, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Orlando Resort has taken theme park immersion and thrills to the next level — and it all started in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade on June 18, 2010. Whether you want to join Harry and fly above the castle grounds in Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, fly deep into the wilds of the Forbidden Forest with Hagrid on Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, or grab your Second Generation Interactive Wand to cast some spells around Hogsmeade, there’s no wrong way to celebrate this anniversary. Plus, beginning in mid-June, you can take home a commemorative glass plaque commemorating 15 years of Hogsmeade at Universal Orlando Resort! Extra Perks for Passholders Universal Orlando Passholders know that Universal Orlando Resort is the place to be in the summer! And that’s why we’re celebrating our Passholders with plenty of exclusive perks this season, including: An exclusive viewing area for the Mega Movie Parade Exclusive seating areas in select dining locations Exclusive menu items Exclusive merchandise commemorating the 35th anniversary of Universal Studios Florida 3-Park Passholder Early Park Admission at Universal Volcano Bay Fun All Summer Long Whew! If you made it this far, it’s safe to say that you take summer fun very seriously. Believe it or not, there’s even more excitement coming to Universal Orlando Resort in the coming months! At Universal CityWalk, enjoy classic blockbusters as part of our Summer Movie Series, including: “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial”: May 17 and 21 “The Mummy”: May 31 and June 4 “The Fast and the Furious”: June 7 and June 11 “Kung Fu Panda”: June 28 and July 2 “Trolls”: July 12 and 16 “Shrek”: July 26 and 30 If you’re more of an audiophile than a cinephile, we’ve got you covered there too. The Summer Music Series will run on Saturdays from June 21 through August 9! On the Fourth of July, sparks fill fly with characters and a DJ in the Music Plaza and a pyrotechnic show from the roof of TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D, as well as music and entertainment throughout CityWalk. I feel like I’m forgetting something… oh, yeah. A brand-new theme park! Like I said: we’re pulling out all the stops. Now close this blog post, pack your suitcase or grab your Annual Pass, and get ready for summer! What are you most excited to experience in Universal Orlando Resort this summer? Comment below and let us know!

There are new rumblings that a buyer from Florida might be lining up to take another stab at reopening Ghost Town in the Sky as a new attraction... https://www.facebook.com/NationalAmusementParkHistoricalAssociation/posts/1111008691062973?ref=embed_post Ghost Town Village in Maggie Valley may soon see a revival, as a potential buyer from Florida has expressed interest in purchasing the long-closed amusement park. Owner Jill McClure, who inherited the property, hopes to sell it for entertainment purposes rather than housing. The buyer envisions a venue featuring country music, rodeos, and festivals, aiming to keep the park family-friendly. McClure had a professional appraisal valuing the 285-acre property at $6.4 million1. If the deal doesn’t materialize, she plans to put it on the market. Locals are optimistic about the revival, believing it could boost tourism and revenue for the town. Movement on the sale could happen within months. The potential buyer first became interested in the property after delivering hurricane relief supplies to the area. McClure has full discretion over the sale following legal maneuvering after the passing of previous co-owner Frankie Wood. While some residents prefer Maggie Valley to remain a quiet town, others see the revival as an opportunity to restore its tourism-driven economy. The amusement park, originally opened in 1961, was once a major attraction featuring Wild West shows and celebrity performances.