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Yes. I'm done with "Better the devil you know than the devil you don't know." Let's just stay in an abusive relationship, because we're afraid we won't find anyone else. Seriously screw SF. I thought at least when CF took over they would give us the resources to 100% finish the carousel. I'm not joking this time. Yes, the refurbishment is great. Good on them. New horses. Make is beautiful. I get that. Poor execution though. SF could have given us the resources to help make it beautiful in one off-season, like they should have. Cedar Flags didn't pick up the ball and run with it, like I was hoping they would.

The retrack is being covered by the official social networks, here's a short video showing the removed sections: https://www.facebook.com/reel/25595168206759393

This is what everyone has been asking for!! Better Lightning on the Fudd Machine!!! too damn funny

We got to see a preview of this last night at Disney Springs complete with a Q&A with director Leslie Iwerks! It was incredible what they were able to put together with all of this lost footage! The documentary covers the construction of Disneyland leading up to the park’s opening date. For a documentary style film, the pacing was great, the historic footage was a lot of fun to watch, and this is going to be a “must see” for anyone interested in the history of Disney theme parks! We heard from film director Leslie Iwerks on the making of the documentary and the film received a standing ovation at the conclusion! Was a great night of Disney history and hanging out with friends! Our post on Instagram covers a little more from the event last night: https://www.instagram.com/p/DTfnq_Rjf3w/

But when are they going to finally announce the HRRR replacement? That's what we REALLY need to know.

The Universal Orlando Resort has released a comprehensive guide on all events they have planned throughout 2026 for guests and passholders alike to enjoy throughout the year! https://blog.discoveruniversal.com/events/complete-guide-to-events-experiences-at-universal-orlando-resort-this-year/ Universal Orlando Resort just announced the dates for every. single. event in 2026, so you can get to planning your theme park vacation right away. I don’t think I’ve been this excited since I was picked as the audience participant for the Animal Actors on Location! show back in the early 2000s. From our award-winning Halloween Horror Nights to Universal Mardi Gras and everything in between, there’s always something happening at Universal Orlando Resort. Mark your calendars (or get your day planners, if you’re like me) because here we go! Here are all the 2026 events coming to Universal Orlando Resort. Bonus Benefits | January 5–31 Exclusive menu items, hotel discounts, a giveaway and more. Get ready, Passholders, because Bonus Benefits are back from January 5–31. That’s nearly a month for us to show you some extra love! Rock the Universe | January 23–24 Rock the Universe is Florida’s biggest Christian music festival. At this separately ticketed event, fans can gather to enjoy live music, worship experiences, and thrilling rides at this event that Christian music fans have looked forward to for over 25 years. Find out more here: Rock the Universe: A Christian Music Festival | Universal Orlando. Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval | February 7–April 4 It’s a Mardi party — and you don’t want to miss it! Honestly, this is one of my favorite events because it’s just pure vibes. Plus, it’s included with your admission to Universal Studios Florida! Let the good times roll and catch beads at the famed Mardi Gras Parade, which is just pure spectacle. Groove along to amazing live concerts on select nights with your friends. Oh, and you’ll want to eat and drink everything in sight, from classics like freshly baked beignets doused in powdered sugar to international dishes that change every year. Need I say more? This event should definitely be on your spring itinerary. Find out all the details here: Universal Orlando Mardi Gras 2026 | Parade, Concerts, Food, Beads & More. Grad Bash | April 17, 18, 24 & 30 I wish I could say I love going to these events, but, alas, I haven’t been eligible for a graduation event for many (many) years. But I can guarantee high school seniors will have a blast with their friends at this grad celebration with exclusive, private access to both Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. Plus, they’ll enjoy thrilling rides and attractions, street entertainment, and more. This is a separately ticketed event — get your grad on here: Grad Bash 2026 | Universal Orlando Youth Grad Events. Volcano Bay Nights | Stay Tuned for Dates I’m low-key obsessed with Volcano Bay during the day. It seriously has some of the best water park attractions I have ever experienced. But add in nighttime lighting (like, have you seen how gorgeous that volcano is lit up at night?), seriously reduced wait times, and some uniquely Universal entertainment and I’m ready to dive right in. Another hot tip that I’m selfishly hesitant to share (but I won’t gatekeep from you): I’m going to book a Volcano Bay view room at Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort so I can truly maximize everything about this event. This is a separately ticketed event: Volcano Bay Nights 2026 in Universal Orlando Resort Gradventure | May 1, 8, 15 & 21 Oh my goodness, now we’re really going way back. Middle school grads can celebrate with their friends as they enjoy complete, private access to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure all night long at this separately ticketed event. I’m pretty sure I just went to the local diner when I graduated, so you go, teens! Bonus Benefits | May 1–21 You became a Passholder for all the fun in our parks, and we’re sweetening that wise decision with even more Bonus Benefits from May 1–21, with exclusive offerings in the parks, Universal CityWalk and at select Universal Orlando hotels. Summer Fun at Universal Orlando Resort | May–August School is out and good vibes are in. Head to Universal Orlando to celebrate the movies! Experience the thrills and chills of your favorite attractions across all four theme parks, see your favorite movies come to life in the Universal Mega Movie Parade, sway to the scores of stirring films and watch the fountains dance in CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular — all happening on select dates throughout the year! Plus, dance to the Summer Concert Series at Universal CityWalk and grab your popcorn for the Summer Movie Series at Universal Cinemark. Stay tuned for more details about what’s sure to be a jam-packed summer! Fourth of July Sport your red, white, and blue and grab your sunscreen so you can spend the whole day celebrating independence with special activities sprinkled throughout Universal Orlando Resort — all included with your admission. Passholder Appreciation Days | August 15–September 30 Gosh, I love a perk. It’s so VIP. And UOAPs are the VIP-est of them all. Passholder Appreciation Days are an annual celebration of the UOAP family — exclusive to Passholders! — with over six weeks of offers, special events, and more. It’s our way of returning the love to our favorite people. And here’s more good news: Passholder Nights will be returning too! Join the UOAP family for a night where Passholders get the park to themselves. Enjoy favorite rides and attractions, character appearances, live entertainment, and more. Stay tuned for more information. Passholder Nights | Stay Tuned for Dates It’s UOAP’s park after dark. Join the UOAP family for a night where Passholders get the park to themselves. Enjoy favorite rides and attractions, character appearances, live entertainment, and more. Don’t forget to book a stay at your favorite Universal hotel, too! Stay tuned for more details and dates. Halloween Horror Nights | Select Nights August 28–November 1 There’s a reason this event has been named the Golden Ticket Legend Award for Best Halloween Event — it’s because it’s the best of the best Halloween events around. If you are into the best jump scares, production quality of haunted houses, and honestly all-around-vibes, then you HAVE to get your tickets for this event early — especially if you want to participate in any of the lights-on “Behind the Screams” tour or specialty VIP tours! If that’s not temping enough, you’ll also venture through next-level scare zones, experience thrilling live shows, and stock up on themed food and beverage offerings and merch. PRO TIP: Book a stay at a Universal Orlando hotel and the fear will follow you home in the form of specialty themed bars and lobby experiences. Holidays at Universal Orlando | November 14–January 3 The Holidays at Universal deliver traditional holiday fun wrapped in a big irreverent Universal bow. It’s Holidays the way only Universal can do it. Laugh along with the antics of the Grinch (or sing “Fah Who Doraze” with the Whos) during The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, experience the excitement of the holidays across the theme parks, see larger than life balloons soaring in Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, and enjoy seasonal entertainment, limited-time food and merchandise offerings, and decor throughout the destination, as well as holiday cheer and decor at all the Universal Orlando hotels! PRO TIP: The Holidays at Universal include the New Year, too! Between the theme parks and CityWalk, Universal does New Year’s Eve excitement like nowhere else. This event takes place in Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Universal Epic Universe, and it’s included in your theme park admission! Get in the holiday spirit here. Universal Orlando Resort Hotel Events | Year-Round A visit to Universal Orlando isn’t complete without checking in to one of our fabulous hotels. Not only do you get exclusive theme park benefits (walking paths or free transportation to the parks? Early entry? Yes, please!), but they also have their own slew of fun events throughout the year to make your vacation feel like nothing but fun from sunup to sundown. Check out all the upcoming fun listed below: January Wantilan Luau: Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Every Saturday Acoustic Brunch: Universal Hard Rock Hotel, Every Sunday February Wantilan Luau: Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Every Saturday Acoustic Brunch: Universal Hard Rock Hotel, Every Sunday Harbor Nights Romantico: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, February 13 March Wantilan Luau: Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Every Saturday Acoustic Brunch: Universal Hard Rock Hotel, Every Sunday April Easter Dining: Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Universal Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, April 5 Wantilan Luau: Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Every Saturday Acoustic Brunch: Universal Hard Rock Hotel, Every Sunday Harbor Nights Primavera: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, April 17 May Mother’s Day Dining: Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Universal Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, May 10 Wantilan Luau: Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Every Saturday Acoustic Brunch: Universal Hard Rock Hotel, Every Sunday June Wantilan Luau: Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Every Saturday Acoustic Brunch: Universal Hard Rock Hotel, Every Sunday July Wantilan Luau: Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Every Saturday Acoustic Brunch: Universal Hard Rock Hotel, Every Sunday August Wantilan Luau: Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Every Saturday Acoustic Brunch: Universal Hard Rock Hotel, Every Sunday September Wantilan Luau: Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Every Saturday Acoustic Brunch: Universal Hard Rock Hotel, Every Sunday October Wantilan Luau: Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Every Saturday Acoustic Brunch: Universal Hard Rock Hotel, Every Sunday Harbor Nights La Dolce Vita: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, October 16 November Thanksgiving Dining: Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Universal Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, November 26 Wantilan Luau: Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Every Saturday Acoustic Brunch: Universal Hard Rock Hotel, Every Sunday Holiday Harbor Nights: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, November 27 December Christmas Dining: Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Universal Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, December 25 New Year’s Eve Dining and Ticketed Events: Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Universal Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, December 31 Wantilan Luau: Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Every Saturday Acoustic Brunch: Universal Hard Rock Hotel, Every Sunday Throughout the Year Velvet Sessions: Hard Rock Hotel, various dates Velvet Unplugged: Hard Rock Hotel, various dates Universal CityWalk Events | Year-Round Head to Universal CityWalk to dine, shop, and enjoy entertainment year-round. Honestly, my vibes are definitely the Dead Coconut during Halloween Horror Nights and grooving to the Summer Music Series! February Mardi Gras After Party at Pat O’Brien’s: Fridays & Saturdays, February 7–April 4 Cursed Coconut Club: Wednesdays–Sundays, February 7–April 4 Bob Marley’s Birthday Celebration at Bob Marley – A Tribute to Freedom: February 7 Watch NBC and Peacock’s Super Bowl at NBC Sports Grill & Brew: February 8 National Margarita Day at Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food and Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville: February 21–22 March Mardi Gras After Party at Pat O’Brien’s: Fridays & Saturdays, February 7–April 4 Cursed Coconut Club: Wednesdays–Sundays, February 7–April 4 St. Patrick’s Day at Pat O’Brien’s: March 17 April Mardi Gras After Party at Pat O’Brien’s: Fridays & Saturdays, February 7–April 4 Cursed Coconut Club: Wednesdays–Sundays, February 7–April 4 May Kentucky Derby at NBC Sports Grill & Brew: May 2 Cinco de Mayo at Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food: May 5 Mother’s Day Brunch at Vivo Italian Kitchen: May 10 June Love is Universal Nights at Red Coconut Club: Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays, June 4–27 Father’s Day at Bigfire: June 21 Summer Music Series at the Waterfront Stage: Saturdays, June 20–August 15 Summer Movie Series at Universal Cinemark: Select Dates June–August 15 July Independence Day: July 4 Summer Music Series at the Waterfront Stage: Saturdays, June 20–August 15 Summer Movie Series at Universal Cinemark: Select Dates June–August 15 August Summer Music Series at the Waterfront Stage: Saturdays, June 20–August 15 Summer Movie Series at Universal Cinemark: Select Dates June–August 15 Jamaican Independence Day at Bob Marley – A Tribute to Freedom: August 8 Dead Coconut Club: Wednesdays–Sundays, August 28–November 1 Halloween Bash at the Plaza Stage: Fridays, August 28–September 25, Fridays & Saturdays in October September Dead Coconut Club: Wednesdays–Sundays, August 28–November 1 Halloween Bash at the Plaza Stage: Fridays, August 28–September 25, Fridays & Saturdays in October Jimmy Buffett Day at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville: September 4 October Dead Coconut Club: Wednesdays–Sundays, August 28–November 1 Halloween Bash at the Plaza Stage: Fridays, August 28–September 25, Fridays & Saturdays in October November Dead Coconut Club: Wednesdays–Sundays, August 28–November 1 Green & Red Coconut Club: Wednesdays–Sundays, November 20–January 3 Earl the Squirrel Meet and Greet: November 21–January 3 Thanksgiving at Bigfire: November 26 December Green & Red Coconut Club: Wednesdays–Sundays, November 20–January 3 New Year’s Eve 2027 Celebration: December 31 Whew! And I think that’s it…I mean, in addition to all the awesome thrills you can find at all four Universal Orlando Resort theme parks. And grabbing a slice at Pizza Moon. And meeting some of your favorite characters. And collecting digital coins with a Power-Up Band. And I didn’t even tell you about new my favorite rooftop bar, Bar Helios. And I can’t forget about my personal goal to go down the water slides in every hotel. And…well, you know what? You’re gonna have to just come and see it all for yourself. We’ll be here waiting for you!

I went here for my birthday and had a great time. I went on Doctor Doom even (it wasn't that bad except for the airtime at the top.) I rode everything I wanted to except for ET, Trollercoaster, and Hagrid's. I also met Megatron, Squidward, and Patrick! And I have a crush on the Camouflage Alien on MIB... "SIX AGAINST ONE, EH? FIRE!!"

Bobbejaanland has announced that the children's area of the park will be revamped to feature three new attractions in a new land themed to Nickelodeon properties. This new land is scheduled to open at the park in 2027. https://nnieuws.be/artikel/2027-zet-bobbejaanland-3-nieuwe-attracties-neer-met-nickelodeon-grootste-investering-ooit A few weeks ago, Bobbejaanland confirmed that 2027 would be a significant year for investment. The children's area at the park entrance is getting a complete makeover with three new attractions, in collaboration with Nickelodeon. The Nickelodeon characters have been a fixture at Bobbejaanland for several years, with a successful dance show and meet & greet. Starting in 2027, Nickelodeon will also have its own zone with three family attractions, a souvenir shop, a food and beverage station, and much more. In addition to SpongeBob SquarePants and the friends from Bikini Bottom, Garfield will also be there this time. Biggest investment ever "Next year, Bobbejaanland will have been a true family park for exactly 65 years. With the announced investment, we confirm that we want to remain that way. There's always something for the whole family to enjoy," says Yves Peeters, the park's General Manager. "We have the ambition to continue growing, and we're convinced we can, especially with a partner like Paramount combined with one of the largest investments ever." 3 new attractions: spectacular water ride, a wild swing and a free-fall tower Bobbejaanland will begin major renovations in the fall of 2026. The Flying Orca—which has been happily spinning with the youngest visitors since 2002—will be removed from the park. The carousel will make way for something much more impressive: a "Wild Swing" by ART Engineering, which will propel 18 guests simultaneously through the air up to a height of 12 meters. This attraction is tailor-made for Plankton. He's still striving for world domination. To this end, he's invented a gigantic machine powered by the electrical charge of a tank full of jellyfish. Plankton hopes the machine will create a superpower that will allow him to first destroy Bikini Bottom and then conquer the world! Take part in Plankton's experiment and swing through the air in "Plankton Power." A little further on, the Kettingmolen (Chain Mill) currently stands, but it will be relocated to another beautiful spot in the park. The nostalgic swing carousel will be replaced by a 21-meter-high "Big Wavez" from manufacturer Zamperla. The latter is a unique water attraction – unique in Europe – in which 20 guests sit side by side and are lifted into the air, only to plunge back down. This creates a 10-meter-high tidal wave, making even bystanders part of the spectacle. It sounds just like SpongeBob SquarePants. He's organizing a diving competition at Mussel Beach. Larry Lobster competes against a handful of volunteers, while Patrick watches from his comfy lifeguard chair. Or is he asleep? Who will create the biggest wave with a high dive? Take a seat in "Splash Down" and give it a try. Bobbejaanland is adding another experience to its lineup of new attractions. It's a 15-meter-high free-fall tower for the whole family, from the same builder as "Big Wavez." Garfield is the one who's making this attraction his own. From now on, he'll be celebrating his birthday every day at Bobbejaanland. His friends Odie and Jon have organized a surprise party for Garfield and hidden a giant cake at the top of the free-fall tower. Children are invited to retrieve the cake along with Garfield's friends. Only then can the party really begin. Welcome to "Garfield's Birthday Surprise." New zone will be a cozy and active place to spend time for the whole family “In addition to the new attractions, there will be much more to experience in the new zone,” says Peggy Verelst, commercial and creative director. On the way to "Garfield's Birthday Surprise," guests will encounter fun photo opportunities, and on the way to "Plankton Power," they'll have to navigate dangerous jellyfish. Next to "Splash Down," Sandy Cheeks has built a "hydro lab" where you can shoot water pistols at targets. The new family zone at Bobbejaanland will be a complete experience. Opening is expected in spring 2027.

Question for the group... is it true that staying at Helios does NOT come with complementary Express Pass like the other Signature level hotels? That seems crazy. Am I missing something? Helios is $300 more expensive per night than the other Signature hotels on the week I'm looking at, but it comes with fewer perks?