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I know the answers to most of your questions BUT I will let Bert speak for himself! However, on the age issue; I am 57 my son is 22. We started riding big stuff together as soon as he was tall enough so around 7 for him and 42 for me. I hadn't ridden much in my 30's and it was kind of a rediscovering of a love for theme parks and such. Needless to say the first few trips took some getting used to it all again and I found myself bracing and holding on too hard, that was exactly the wrong thing to do and made me sore as hell. As soon as I started riding more like a drunk person and just allowed my body to move around more naturally I stopped having issues. Now that goes along with some good judgement, I don't really ride SLC's (or hang and bangs as a fellow older enthusiast lovingly calls them) or things that wack me in the ear (looking at you Ninja at SFSTl), or super spinny that I know will make me sick (some motion sickness issues have gotten worse as I aged). In other words as you age you will also know your tolerances and body limits better and better and learn it's beneficial to skip this or that so that you can enjoy almost everything else. Also, needless to say the better shape you stay in and the healthier lifestyle you lead the better your body handles it all. I mean my son and I did a two week Europe theme park trip with ACE last summer for his 21st birthday; 14 parks in 14 days and I was fine without taking daily pain meds like some people there. BUT I also didn't try to ride every single coaster like he did and took breaks when I needed too.

I just canceled my gold legacy memberships, I'm going to just buy the season passes in full now. The price differences simply weren't worth considering I'm saving $100+ now a year. The 3 main differences are... I had 20% merch discount down to 10%. I don't buy enough merch to warrant paying extra for 10% difference. 2 bring a friend free ticket down to 1 bring a friend free ticket per pass. Not worth paying extra for me. 1 refillable drink bottle down to 0. I don't drink that much soda to begin with and usually bring in water bottles anyway so I'm fine with this. I'll also have access to all the Cedar Fair parks now too and for less money than I've been spending per month. They had raised the memberships 2x in the span of like 8 months and it just became not worth it at that price point. Now with it being cheaper and I can go to Dorney a few times a year as well it just made sense to cancel and get the new season pass. I'm also owed $20 back per membership because of a refundable deposit so it's going to be interesting to see how long and how much of a headache they make that for me. It's also a reason I'm not interested in buying new memberships since it says the $20 is non refundable per pass now. I just don't see any benefit anymore in getting a membership over just paying in full for the season pass.

Disney has shared new details about the new magic coming to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad when it reopens at Walt Disney World in 2026! https://disneyparksblog.com/wdw/new-magic-coming-to-big-thunder-mountain-railroad-at-disney-world/ Howdy, pardners… you folks oughta keep all hands, arms, feet, and legs inside the train, ‘cause this here’s the wildest ride in the wilderness! In 2026, the iconic Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will reopen with new magic – and today, we have new details to share about what to expect the next time you take to the tracks in search of adventure. There’s Gold in That There Mountain The story of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad dates back to Olden Times, or rather, Golden Times, during the early days of America’s first major gold rush. When Barnabas T. Bullion struck gold in the Big Thunder region, he saw a future full of riches and hustled to start the Big Thunder Mountain Company. However, them shiny dreams rarely come without a cost, and Bullion quickly found himself in a battle with the forces of nature and in a whole heap of trouble. One day, strange and unexplainable things started happening. Machines failed. Cave-ins shut mines down. No matter how deep the miners dug into the heart of the mountain, the forces of Big Thunder fought back. And when the attraction reopens next year, the unsuspectin’ passengers who board the runaway trains will learn just how wild the wilderness can get. Shine and Polish on a Magic Kingdom Classic The mountain attractions at Disney Parks around the globe are iconic for a reason – they are beloved by fans old and new for the stories they tell, the thrills they give, and the memories they make. The rumblin’, rollin’ fun of Big Thunder Mountain here at Disney World is currently undergoing a mountain-top to cavern-deep refurbishment meant to keep the classic attraction in tip-top shape, ready to delight guests who want to ride the rails for years to come. New Magic Thunderin’ In In addition to the action and adventure we know and love, Big Thunder Mountain will reopen with new magic for fans to discover. One such moment comes when the trains rattle their way underground to spectacular natural caverns full of phosphorescent pools, shimmering and illuminating iridescent stalagmites (the ones on the floor) and stalactites (the ones on the ceiling). The Rainbow Caverns certainly are beautiful… but they ain’t as friendly as they first appear. In fact, that menacing rumble from deep within the mountain may be a sign that we ain’t welcome. There’s more new magic for guests to discover once Big Thunder Mountain Railroad returns in 2026, but you’ll need to hang on to your hats and keep an eye out on the Disney Parks Blog for more news, comin’ soon! Disney has also released a first look at The Beak and Barrel, the new Pirates of the Caribbean-themed tavern opening this week at Magic Kingdom Park! https://disneyparksblog.com/wdw/the-beak-and-barrel-photos-and-details/ Ahoy mateys! Let’s raise a toast to The Beak and Barrel, officially open to sailors of all ages starting August 29, 2025. This “Pirates of the Caribbean”-themed tavern at Magic Kingdom Park will unite swashbucklers and buccaneers alike from across the Seven Seas to enjoy seaworthy sips and snacks while being immersed in the pirate life! To get ready for yer experience, I’m here to tell ye the tale of all the fantastical details to be found in this here tavern, giving you a ‘sneak beak’ into the space … if you will. So drop anchor and get ready for yer next adventure! Aaarr ye ready? I know I am! The Mess The first large and lively space ye’ll find is The Mess, so named as it was once a mess hall for Spanish soldiers before it was claimed and repurposed by a cunning crew of pirates. Be sure to look up as ye enter to see a ship’s bell. Rumor has it this bell was from Captain Redd’s first ship gifted to Merry at the tavern’s founding. Some say they’re close friends, or perhaps fierce rivals. Ye’ll also see long tables perfect for pirates to gather ’round and tell tall tales. A hefty old anchor covered in candles makes for a fine chandelier. Ye will also see the detailed Mermaid Windows to ye side, salvaged from the wreckage of an infamous pirate ship, caked with barnacles and filled with mystery. At the far end of the room, the dark corner known as The Brig still bears the bars and framework of its past life – though the door rests nearby, pried off its hinges long ago. Should ye find yourself seated here, best mind your manners … for some say the walls remember every rascal they’ve kept. Cursed Bar Brimming with an impressive collection of rare bottles and prized spoils kept behind lock and key, the massive skull-shaped bar – anchored to the side of The Mess – is the eye-catcher of the space and has heard many, many shanties sung in its shadow. At its heart rests the Enchanted Rum Bottle, an ornate bottle of grog, which sits in a place of honor in its own special cove. Gifted by a powerful enchantress, the tavern’s barrels and the pirates’ cheer will never run dry as long as the bottle stays full. Let’s hope ye won’t be left asking, “Why is the rum gone?” Perched atop the bar, Rummy welcomes patrons and keeps an eye on the crew, quick with a story, joke, or song as he wobbles out from his main roost in the hollow of the skull’s eye. Captains’ Quarters As ye step into the Captains’ Quarters, expect a taste of the finer life. Once the private residence of the Spanish Comandante, its walls were lined with grand artwork and rich drapery. Yet time – and the rowdy hands of pirates – have left their mark with slashing blades and hot embers. In the center of The Captains’ Quarters, an elegant fireplace provides a warm glow, and atop the mantel rests miniature ships in glass bottles. Yet ye need to be on the lookout, as these here small vessels are known to come alive and engage in a fearsome bottle-bound battle for any who dare to watch. Captains’ Booths Along the wall, find four grand booths with intricately carved wooden panels. Each booth tells stories of the exploits of notorious pirates, whose legends still echo across the seas. Tucked further in the space, venture into a private sitting room where pirates partake in their favorite games of skill and chance. Ye may spy the telltale signs of past matches … and perhaps a warning for any bandits thinkin’ of bending the rules. Mapmaker’s Room The Mapmaker’s Room is filled to the brim with rolled up maps, pieces of parchment, spilled ink and many treasured secrets that belonged to a (some may say) crazed pirate cartographer. Now, pirates gather round the sprawling worktable in the center of the room, where the Mapmaker would have spread out his tools and set to work. On the adjacent wall is a large painted map of the known pirating world, with many pirating secrets to be discovered … will ye be the one to bring them to light? Arrgh, now that’s not all! There is so much to discover, so much that no matter how many times ye visit The Beak and Barrel, yer experience will differ! Are me fellow pirates hungry and curious to learn more about the grog and grub served up at The Beak and Barrel? Take a gander at the First Look on Disney Parks Blog. Ready for a jolly good time? Reservations for The Beak and Barrel are highly recommended. Keep a weather eye open for reservations on yer My Disney Experience app or visit DisneyWorld.com.

This hasn't been shared yet, but considering this massive amount could it be possible that this isn't just a waterpark expansion? Here's what I'm thinking. Next year for 2026 the new water park opens with new entrance, name, and slide complexes. The park celebrates its 50 year anniversary, and teases something bigger coming our way. Then in 2027 we get a new coaster plus a celebration of VF's 50th operating year. Cedar Point did something similar for their 150th from what I recall so I wouldn't be surprised if this is what they end up doing for VF.

"Although, since that works on a wristband and not digitally I'm not sure what a one time will look like. May just be a paper pass." (Some of?) The legacy Cedar Fair parks now have FL wristband scanners. The single shot FL is automatically added to your pass when you scan into the park. All you have to do is scan your pass at the FL merge point, and you're good to go. I've already done this a couple times at KI. TT2 is the exception; you'll need to pick up a paper ticket in the gift shop across the way.