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The time has come to move on from Columbia Pictures. Where to next, signpost? Excellent idea! No Gargamels allowed! It must be a sign! I had dreams like this in grade school.... Vanity? Is that you? Playspace = closed for COVID. Smurfs Shop = closed for attendance. But the outdoor playspace is open! If there were any children in this park at all today, you can bet some of them would be here, maybe! I spy a twisty slide! All aboard! Hey! It's Conductor Smurf! (Joke's on you... there is no Conductor Smurf!) It looks like a train station... ...but that doesn't look like a normal train! Hey, wait a minute! It's a roller coaster! Going up! Oh no! Not the Howlibird! Yep! The Howlibird has been here, all right! Let's move on to a less violent ride! The premise is that the Smurfs have opened a movie studio. But since there are only 100 or so Smurfs, the cast, crew and audience essentially are all the same. Lame! Cultural appropriation! Not cool, Smurfs. Not cool. Believe it or not, there really was an episode of "The Smurfs" in which nearly all the Smurfs turned into zombies who could only say "Gnap." Look it up! Fun fact: "Panic Undersmurf" was the first film with an S-13 rating. It's not quite the GlamorTram, but it'll do. We're on the list! "Welcome to my studio!" Of course Painter Smurf is in charge of the paint department! This ride actually incorporated some characters I didn't expect, including Wild Smurf and Baby Smurf. No Grandpa Smurf, Grandma Smurf or Smurflings, though. And forget about Johan and Peewit. Of course Handy Smurf is in charge of set construction! It's worth noting that, despite some static displays, there was enough limited motion throughout this ride that they weren't as noticeably static as the ones in "Hotel Transylvania." Such a diva! Oh no! It's Gargamel and Azrael! They're sneaking on set to cause expensive production delays and put Smurf Studios out of business for good! (No, really. That's the plot.) Look! It's Indiana Smurf in "Smurfers of the Lost Smurf!" "Huh? What's a 'pork sword'? Who writes this stuff?" Pivotal scene from "The Day the Smurf Stood Smurf." Time for the finale: "A Salute to All Imaginary Blue Creatures But Mostly Smurfs." "Ready for my close-up, D.B." Little did they know about Gargamel's paint fetish.... "Autographs! Just $50! Add a photo for only $100 more!" They apparently ran out of budget at the very end of the ride, so we get a "Monstars of Smurf" finish. Exit through the gift shop! Wait... the gift shop is so large that it has TWO exits! Does anyone know where I can buy a plush Smurf? If anyone sees any plush Smurfs for sale anywhere, please let me know, OK? Today's show: "Closed for COVID" starring Invisible Smurf! Am I the only one who finds the Smurf version of the "Thalia and Melpomene" masks more than a little disturbing? Time for a very Smurfy lunch! Just like the gift shop, the Smurfs Village restaurant is so large, it has two entrances/exits at opposite ends of the building. Let's take a look at today's Smurfy specials! Gargamel Burger FTW! #TheMoreYouSmurf Be sure to safe room for Smurf cream... er, ice Smurf... er, maybe we should just skip dessert. Smurf Snacks? More like Smurf NOT Snacks! Farewell, Smurfs Village. Legend tells that we'll never be able to find you again. But that's OK because next, we're going to find the DreamWorks section of Motiongate!

It should have been "an epic battle between The Wolf Man, Dracula, The Mummy, and Brendan Fraser".

Welcome to "Lionsgate," the final section of Motiongate. Featuring attractions based on such thrilling films as... well, I bet you can't name a single Lionsgate film, can you? That's OK. 90% of all attractions at Universal theme parks aren't based on Universal properties, and they seem to be doing OK. No one cares which studio is putting out this crap. Fun fact: "The Hunger Games" is a Lionsgate film. It's also the only "land" in the Lionsgate section that was open the day I visited (more on that later). I think we all know what "The Hunger Games" is, correct? I'd seen the first film in the series and had a passing knowledge of the rest, so I sort of got it. In the year fifty-two-bajillionty-eight, a communist government has united the North American countries into a single landmass called "Panem" and divided the area into 12 industry-related districts where the Panemian people more or less do as they're told or else. In District 6, for example, everyone's job is to chant, "Please stand clear of the doors. Por favor Mantenganse alejado de las puertas." Just kidding! District 6 is the Transportation District! Its people build and operate such incredible, mind-blowing, far-off future vehicles as trains. Because when I think of the 38th century or whenever this is supposed to be, I think "trains"! Also, the Transportation District is centered around the Detroit area because everything in Panem is based on what industries existed where in the 20th century. The future! The people of District 12 are charged with mining coal. Because nothing says "the future" like the continued reliance on the dirtiest, deadliest, most difficult-to-extract fossil fuel. After all, something's got to power those future-trains! (Also, District 12 is based around West Virginia and not Wyoming... which makes absolutely no sense if you know anything at all about U.S. coal reserves!) If my iPhone was better at capturing JumboTron images, you'd see that the Hunger Games are currently in session! Instead, you're seeing what it would look like if the Predator were watching the Hunger Games. Meanwhile, at the Hall of Justice.... Oooh! Panem Aerial Tour! This could never go badly! I had to Google the significance of these white roses. (Actually, they look yellow to me... but white roses apparently are significant in the franchise, so I assume that's what these are supposed to be.) Wait a minute... we're just one triangle away from turning the Hunger Games into the Squid Game! So regal! So intimidating! So... empty! Wouldn't it make more sense for the aerial tour to depart from the Transportation District? Or even the Capitol (which most of the ride is set, anyway)? WTF wants a tour of the most depressed district in Panem? If you had wings... had wings... had wings.... District 3 is the Technology District, centered around current-day San Francisco. Check out that high-tech pencil and clipboard! Also, everyone there wears Steve Jobs turtlenecks. That's how you know it's the future! District 10 (basically Texas, all of Mexico and what's left of Central America) is the Livestock district. Don't even ask what's in the pipe! Even children mine coal in District 12! Let's see a 5-year-old assemble a microchip over in District 3. Go ahead. We'll wait. Notice that in the future, Florida is underwater and New England is a wasteland where all the nation's trash is sent. There's a joke about Boston in there somewhere.... The future! Our pilot today will be Luke Skywalker. In District 1 (the Luxury District), people make fine perfumes and jewelry. In soviet Russia, fine perfumes and jewelry make people! "Help us, Obi Wan. You're our only hope." The concept is that we are the lucky winners of a free aerial tour of Panem. (Second place is TWO aerial tours of Panem!) Around the time we get to the Capital, rebel interceptors hijack the view screens to inform us that we've fallen for a trap, and they've come to rescue us. In the end, we're saved and receive an invitation to join the resistance. Then the pilot promises us that he'll do better next time and offers some lame excuse about how he's still getting used to his programming. Fin. Once again, no photos or video allowed in the simulator, so enjoy this sneak peek at the safety video instead. (Edited to add: For those who want to see the ride, there are a couple videos from others on YouTube... but I wasn't going to risk a date with the Dubai judicial system for your amusement!) Here we go.... The other "Hunger Games" ride is the "Capitol Bullet Train." Fun fact: It's a Mack coaster! (Coal powered, I assume.) All that tyranny got you down? Why not stop for a bite at Peeta's Bakery? Peeta's -- for the best cuppa coffee in beautiful downtown District 12? I mentioned earlier that "Hunger Games" was the only "land" open in "Lionsgate" during my visit. That's because the park's two newest coasters, "Now You See Me: High Roller" (land entrance pictured) and "John Wick: Open Contract" (seen in the distance behind the Lionsgate gate at the beginning of this post) weren't open quite yet during my visit. I'm guessing this is why the park was so quiet during my visit -- everyone was waiting for the big new rides to open. Regardless, this was the only day I had available in my schedule for Motiongate, so I was thankful for the thin crowds that allowed me to experience most everything else multiple times! Up next: The grand finale, with a dusk-time pass through Studio Central and a look at Riverland after dark.

This was the "entrance" to "How to Train Your Dragon"-land from the DreamWorks hub with the fountain... but how do you get in? I assumed this land was a "future attraction" or closed for renovations during my first pass through the park. On my second rotation, I discovered this entrance in the back of the "Kung Fu Panda" section. Most of the "lands" connected to each other in this way, but this one was the only one without its own separate entrance from the hub. Weird! "I'm craaaazy Viking statue! Give me your candy!" Oh... so it's THAT kind of party! I don't think Viking ships are supposed to move that way.... Hobbit hole! Much of "How to Train Your Dragon"-land consisted of Camp Viking, a sprawling play space that was... open! Indoors! In Motiongate! During COVID! What!? "I know! I can't believe it, either!" OK, so this ride, right here. This is the reason you need to visit Motiongate. Seriously, this instantly became one of my top five dark rides of all time. The ride system reminded me of "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey"... if the ending of "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey" consisted of the ride's bursting right out of Hogwarts Castle and taking you on a high-speed aerial tour of the entirety of Hogsmeade! Enter the Viking Circle! Because that's totally a thing. Dare you pass through the Door of Dragons? Because that's totally a thing, too. Welcome to Viking House! Where the questions are made up and the points don't matter! Unfortunately, right after this room, we were made to surrender all our worldly possessions (because otherwise stuff WILL fall out of your pockets on this ride). So no pictures of the ride itself. But take my word for it -- it was a thing of beauty! Exit through the gift shop! Er... workshop! "Hey! Dig my sexy tattoo!" Panda Jack Black says, "So long, DreamWorks visitors! Please spend more money next time!" Up next: a look at Motiongate's final section, Lionsgate.

HOnestly, you can do both. They both offer early entry options that can help maximize your eperience. I have never stayed past midnight at either as I had did everything by then. HHN offers early entry to the lower lot at around 4-5ish. That way you can make your way down to the lower lot (or sneak into hogsmead lol) they usually open a maze or two early down there. Knock out those maze and by that time, most would have made it to the lower lot and the upper lot is more accessible and less wait times. Knotts offers the dinner with the early entry. you get to be in the park before KSF opens and take advantage of the houses past ghostrider then head to the back by xcelerator, knock out dark ride and the one behind xcelerator and finish the rest. I would do KSF that sat and HHN that sun. but if you had to chose one, I would go to HHN because knotts recycles mazes for forever before changing out so you wouldn't miss it if you go the next year. oh and your platinum pass doesn't work for KSF so you'd have to eventually buy passes for each event.

Time to lower your Shrek-spectations! Ha! Get it? Because it's "Shrek"? Fun fact: I got to ride inside this, virtually, at Universal Studios. Bet no one else here can say that! "They make me stand here all day to guard the Baskin-Robbins." Be sure to social distance as you take the stairs! The Candy Apple, like from "Snow White"... but in a tower, like from "Rapunzel." I'm so confused! I'm not sure, but I think this area is for birthday parties or something? Or maybe a stage show? Character meet-and-greets? Regardless, it wasn't being used during my visit. Nope! Still not being used! I had to look this up becauseI had no idea what it was. Apparently it's the home of a character named Dama Fortuna, whose only screen appearance is in an alternate opening to the original "Shrek" that was never fully animated? Some of the details at Motiongate bordered on obsessive... and this is coming from someone who obsesses about details! The Swamp Celebration ride is tied to the birthday scene in "Shrek Forever After." Its a highly themed Zamperla Rockin' Tug, for the uninitiated. The highlight of this "land," though, is "Shrek's Merry Fairy Tale Journey," a dark ride that follows the narrative of the first "Shrek" film in puppet form. The queue is extremely detailed, starting with Shrek's house. Here's the prelude.... Well that's not very nice! Hello, Mr. Spooky Tree! Ha! They amended the sign! Geppetto's workshop The projection window allowed various "scenes" to take place outside. I would imagine it's a fun distraction when the line is long and slow (but not today). Pinocchio wants our money! Onward to the swampmobiles! (I have no idea if that's what these vehicles are really called.) Oh, I love a good puppet show! Here's the audience! Fiona and Shrek are the puppeteers! And now we've been shrunk down to the size of puppets for a unique POV of the show! "This is Farquard's forest now, holmes!" "Wipe your... face! Duloc is a perfect place!" Poor Mama Bear Well isn't that special? "I spy with my little eye...." It's like they're married already! Every dragon likes a little Farquard inside her! It's like Smash Mouth in puppet form! And they lived happily ever after... with some strings attached. Exit through the gift shop! "Buy my crap!" Gift shop theming! You also exit the entire "land" through a gift shop! But it's canon, so we'll allow it. Next stop: "Madagascar"!

The Motiongate fun continues in the Columbia Pictures section. Castle bigger than Disneyland's? Check! I know social distancing is important and everything... but did they really have to put the decal right in the middle of the logo? And what's the logo for, you may ask? Why, "Hotel Transylvania," of course! Theoretically, every line was a Q-Fast line today! "Hurry back! Hurry back! Don't forget to bring your death certificate!" This is what Wi-Fi looks like in Transylvania! I'm not sure that backpack is screen-used.... That's a wrap! No wait... the ride hasn't even started yet! Our Doom Buggy awaits! This is the scene you get while you're waiting for your ride vehicle. With the exception of a few video screens in one area, the ride consists almost entirely of static figures with lines from the movie piped in when your vehicle triggers a sensor. A little disappointing, but at least the sculpts and trackless ride system are well done. This yeti has exactly as much movement as the one at DAK! Remember those video screens I mentioned two captions ago? Savor them while you can! The attraction recreates the story from the first "Hotel Transylvania," in which Blobby is a very minor character, still a couple films away from achieving the fan-favorite status he enjoys today. But he's still here, nonetheless! "Come on, baby... let's do the twist!" This is one of the only scenes that features limited movement, with the spit turning over the fire. I have to assume that, once the motor burns out, they won't bother replacing it. Small crowd tonight at Oga's Cantina! This is the part in the movie where Johnny has to fill in for Chuck Berry's cousin on stage at the dance so his parents will fall in love and he and his siblings won't be erased from history. "I don't have enough pictures of myself on this wall. Someone go find a camera!" Nothing like a faux stained glass window to add some class to the ride! Back outside, the moat extends all the way around the side of the castle, which is excellent theming... though they probably could have hidden the fire escape on the "Ghostbusters" building a little better. Why, what's this quaint little inn? It's the Hotel Beastro, of course! Also closed the day of my visit. But Taco Vida was open for business! Featuring Mexican favorites like popcorn, slushies, snack mix and Baskin-Robbins ice cream (no tacos). Hey! It's Drac and Johnny! Out of my way, Johnny! I need to get to the gift shop! Up next: Even more Columbia Pictures!

It's been a while since I posted a trip report on TPR! To be honest, while I still include amusement parks in my travel rotation, my travel priorities in recent years have been a bit broader, including driving tours of Route 66 and the Florida peninsula, as well as some international destinations. When I do go to Busch Gardens Williamsburg or HersheyPark or Knoebels, it doesn't make much sense to follow up on here because these are the same parks everyone goes to, and has been to, time after time, year after year. So while I still use TPR as a travel planning tool, I don't stay as current on the message boards as I used to. So tell me... where did they finally end up relocating the Big Dipper? How's Freestyle Music Park doing these days? What are the big plans for Blue Streak's 85th anniversary? Anyway, back in January, I had the privilege of knocking a long-held travel goal off my bucket list: attending a World's Fair. And I traveled halfway around the world to do it! I enjoyed eight days at Expo 2020 in Dubai. But I couldn't take this one-in-a-lifetime trip without checking out at least one theme park. Based on everything I could find, it seemed like Motiongate was the one that best fit my park philosophy, in that coasters (especially woodies) are great and all, but nothing beats a well-themed dark ride. I wasn't disappointed. Since this isn't a park most Americans get to experience, I thought there might be some value in an in-depth trip report. I'll break it up into sections to make it easier to view, which was a thing back when I was a regular poster here. If it's not anymore, then... please forgive the dinosaur in the room! Mr. Stay-Puft says: "This way to Motiongate!" "Ready for my close-up, G.B.!" There it is! Get excited! We see you, giant old-timey camera building! This park was a lot smaller than I thought it would be (I was expecting something on par with the size of Universal Orlando), but they packed a lot of quality AND quantity in such a compact space. The "Main Street" section, called Studio Central, provided a short but well themed segue way into the park's "hub." Ring toss, anyone? First stop: Columbia Pictures! Time for a little "Green Hornet" action! Fun fact: J. Jonah Jamison's dislike of super heroes began when he was a young lad, reading about the exploits of the abominable Green Hornet in the Daily Sentinel. Funner fact: I just made that up. I approve of any cue that includes s car with machine guns! Biggest takeaway from this picture? Motiongate is a Pepsi park. You've been warned! Check out the Gerstlauer layout! Hungry after all that crime fighting? Stop for a bite at Kato's Coffee! (Nearly every attraction at Motiongate is accompanied by its own restaurant or snack stand -- or both.) With two exceptions, the first being "Green Hornet," the Columbia Pictures section is where Motiongate stashes all of its "ghost and monster" attractions. So next, we're on our way to the Ghostbusters' firehouse! Who ya gonna call? Wait, what's all this now? So, it turns out that no one is calling the Ghostbusters anymore. Because they've all retired, and their New York firehouse has been turned into a museum/historical landmark overseen by the not-for-profit Ghostbusters Historical Society. Or something like that. Spooooky! Larger-than-life portraits of the original Ghostbusters adorn the cue area. Vigo the Carpathian! And the painting that replaced him! This suit was once worn by original Ghostbuster Dr. Peter Venkman. It even comes with a certificate of authenticity, which I just printed and certified myself! I don't remember the proton packs looking quite like this. And I definitely don't remember them being made of used sewing machine parts! Though the original Ecto-1 isn't present at the "museum," its importance in "Ghostbusters" lore is evident -- and helps set up the ride! Wait... the Ghostbusters "franchise"? Dude! You're breaking the fourth wall! We're finally ready to start the ride! Time to board our "Ecto Pod." These are miniature Ecto-1s that will take us through the "Ghostbusters Experience," a shooting dark ride inside the Ghostbusters Museum that allows visitors to participate in a recreation of the Ghostbusters' most famous battles (Gozer, the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man, etc.). It's literally a dark ride-themed dark ride! No photos allowed on the ride (though they were on others), so here's a shot of the "safety instructions" area. Have fun blasting, everyone! Every major attraction at Motiongate included an exit through the gift shop. And many of them included a pressed "penny" machine. Except pennies aren't really a thing in the UAE, so it was more of a "pressed metal blank" machine instead. The final result! Hungry? Grab a Stay-Puft milkshake or Slimer signature hot dog at Slimer's Diner... when it's open. Which it wasn't when I visited. In fact, most of the restaurants were closed, and nearly every ride was a walk-on. I suspect they weren't setting any attendance records that day. Look out for that giant Stay-Puft hand! He's holding a giant "D"! What could it mean? Turns out it's the symbol for Etisalat, an Abu Dhabi-based bank with ATM service at Studio Central. The random Stay-Puft connection near the "Ghostbusters: Battle for New York" ride is just that... random. Up next: More Columbia Pictures!

After spending most of the last few years with minimal travel, the bug to get out of Orlando was itching and I set my sights on the Smoky Mountains... The last time I had been here was with TPR during the Deep South Tour in 2009. I'd kept up with the growth and development of attractions in the region during that time, especially of Dollywood which had nearly doubled in size since my prior visit, so I knew this could be an option to enjoy a long weekend. Our first day was focused on some of the nature, kitsch and touristy elements of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, saving Dollywood for our second full day. Why goats? Well Goats on the Roof was our first stop of the day... Due to a storm the night before, the alpine coaster here wasn't up and running but we'd be back later in the trip to give this one a go. On the drive to Gatlinburg from Pigeon Forge we witnessed the Shrine Fun Fest Parade under way on the main stretch. Next up was a ride to the peak of Anakeesta Mountaintop Park. This "adventure park" is not unlike a ski resort with shops, dining and activities, minus the skiing. It is a more modern buildout which definitely made it feel more comfortable/inviting and less "kitschy mountaintop attraction." They have an alpine coaster here (the region's only single rail alpine coaster) but unfortunately it was closed due to rain and fog during our visit. It is important to note that general admission to Anakeesta is required to ride the Rail Runner, plus an added cost to experience the coaster. Had this not been the case, we would have happily returned on a different day of our trip just to ride the coaster. Plenty of great views to enjoy here! They've done a really nice job dressing up the facilities to fit into the mountain setting. The path to the top of Anakeesta is certainly picturesque! Postcard worthy. AnaVista Tower is downtown Gatlinburg's highest point accessible to visitors. And the views of the Anakeesta complex it delivers are great! Tell me more. You can see Ripley's Mountain Coaster (formerly Rowdy Bear) in the distance. The Glider Coaster sits above it but is not currently operational. There are glass flooring sections at the top of the AnaVista Tower for those that like the thrill of having transparent flooring beneath them at heights. I was honestly very impressed with the design, landscaping and overall feel of Anakeesta. Time for a BearVenture! I definitely wasn't going to trip and fall on my face in an embarrassing fashion here. Definitely not. Not sure what to make of this but here it is. There are some fun treehouses for the kids to explore. No dancing on your toes here. The Treetop Skywalk ended up being our favorite activity at Anakeesta and it is included in your base admission price. You can go through it as many times as you'd like! It's like I'm in the Ewok Village on the forest moon of Endor!!! Seriously fun stuff here! In both directions you can take the "Chondola" to/from the mountaintop or you can ride the "Ridge Rambler" which is an all-terrain vehicle that takes you on a scenic road trip up/down the side of the mountain. This Rowdy Bear location recently became Ripley's Mountain Coaster. This is the shortest of the mountain coasters in the region (approximately 5 minutes long). Unfortunately the pricing options were a little unreasonable with only two rides per person for $25 or three rides per person for $29 available (no single ride options available per person). By comparison, Goats on the Roof was offering single rides for $10 and several others were between $12-$15 per ride (with coupons available to bring down that price). For this reason we passed on this experience. I was hoping to get to ride the Glider Coaster during this trip but it wasn't open and it isn't even referenced online or in the ticket office. Over in Downtown Gatlinburg I couldn't visit without experiencing Earthquake The Ride. Having grown up with the attraction at Universal Studios Florida, this piqued my curiosity. The entry to the attraction is decently themed and there are people in line already! (Spoiler: they're not real people, they're mannequins, which is a common trick at all of these knock-off attractions.) I'll give credit in that the ride entrance is cleverly themed. Sitting down in the "train" my life choices already seemed questionable. Also these seats tilt in all kinds of wonky directions as you move (back and forth) through the experience. The ride starts with another train coming at you from the subway... Which makes sense. The ceiling collapses from the earthquake, which also makes sense... But random other things like an attacking gator start to happen around you which... Makes less sense. Don't mind the angry gorilla trying to escape his crate in the subway station during the earthquake. It all makes sense. There's a couch (with a man sleeping on it) and a locker room in the subway station because that is exactly how subway stations are in San Francisco. It makes sense. Angry gorillas often break out of their cages that they were being transported in on the San Francisco metro... Authentic and makes sense. A flood of rats pour from the fallen ceiling... Totally logical and a great way to end our authentic, realistic, true-to-nature journey on Earthquake The Ride. We rewarded ourselves for surviving that realistic catastrophe with edible cookie dough. Also wine. The Moonshine Mountain Coaster ended up being our first alpine coaster of the trip. No photos allowed while riding but this one has a fun layout and solid speed (if you don't brake). The icing on the cake is that Mario Kart music starts to play right as you exit the lift hill to start down the track! We ended up riding this one twice during our weekend. We decided to visit the DreamMore Resort at Dollywood to explore the grounds and grab some lunch. The property is well designed with some solid resort amenities. Definitely going for a moderate-to-deluxe style feel when compared to the higher end properties at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando. Lunch was good and solid in The Lounge at Dollywood's DreamMore Resort. Dollywood's HeartSong Lodge & Resort is being constructed right by DreamMore and will open in the Fall of 2023. The Alpine Coaster Pigeon Forge was another great alpine coaster! We ended up riding this one twice as well. The layout is fantastic in that it has lots of turns, dips and helices! Plus night rides are awesome on this one! Back at Goats on the Roof... Goats on the Roof has the fastest alpine coaster in the region. I love the lift hill the brings the karts over the entrance to the parking lot. You can feet goats on the roof by pedaling food up to them on a conveyor bike. It worked. Baby goat! You can also buy goat feed from inside the shop for a more up-close goat experience. The real reason I came to Pigeon Forge. I love the trick of putting mannequins at the entrance of these knock offs to make it feel like people are going in. "Time... The ever flowing river..." The technology inside is astounding. Some of the dinos are actually pretty realistic... Others, not so much. My favorite part of the entire experience is a kid getting picked up by a Pteranodon and flown away. Meet this dino's biggest fan. I feel like I'm really there. Feaster's on Teaster's biblical dinner theater was definitely tempting... I saw it and kept moving on... Like anyone should. What happened to the other half of the ship? Could they only pick up one half from the ocean floor? I strongly debated trying Paula Deen's Lumberjack Feud (I'm ashamed typing that sentence) but the ticket price and the fact that all I really cared about was the zipline coaster deterred me from biting on the rough $40 per person price of admission. We ended our night at the Mountain Mile... Unfortunately all three of the thrill complex's attractions were closed. There's a drop tower... There's also a slingshot on this side and a more traditional skycoaster style experience (though seated instead of face down) that swings from the arch opposite side. Given that I couldn't experience any of these thrills for the evening, we pivoted to moonshine tastings at the Junction 35 Distillery in the same complex.

Went again on Sunday. Absolutely nothing going on at Scream Machine - ghost town over there. Lines weren't bad at all, but operations were pretty slow. That isn't to say that the staff wasn't pleasant; because everyone I dealt with was great as far as attitude. I think dispatches were slow because the crowd was being "special." In line for the Log Ride, I watched a couple 8 minute dispatches on Scorcher which were painful to watch (thank god I wasn't waiting on it.) It looked (from a distance) like people were being idiots about standing up and train had to be unlocked and locked repeatedly. Ninja/Blue Hawk is actually fun in the front seat and the Super Loop is more intense that I remembered. Oh the joys of going with a 6 year old. He's currently 49" so we are limited on what he can ride, but we make due. David

This is both a movie I would happily pay to see and a ride I would purchase admission to experience.

I cannot WAIT to experience this house then go get a meal from Monsters Cafe. . .

Universal Studios has announced the first house coming to Halloween Horror Nights 2022! https://www.universalorlando.com/hhn/en/us?__source=ag.TWITTER&linkId=165522378 Universal Monsters: Legends Collide If you thought one Universal Monster was scary, how about three? Better summon your scream squad, ‘cause you’re about to get caught in the middle of an epic battle between The Wolf Man, Dracula and The Mummy, together for the first time ever. Their mission: To find the amulet that will break their curse. And they’ll destroy anyone who gets in their way.

Whenver I go to HHN hollywood, I always take the red line and get there in no time. Not sure where the game is but I have learned that public transportation really moves you faster than private. As far as the HHN on each coast they are TOTALLY different. Hollywood is more in your face, black walls a plenty lol while orlando is more thematic and have movie set quality houses. Ironically, you'd get the best alcohol experience at orlando vs hollywood.

Of the two last year, I much preferred Scary Farm. For HHN, not all the rides are open and many that are open close early.

They're both very good, and a SoCal Halloween for us generally includes both. That said, the Knotts event has more character and charm. Universal appears more professional and high-budget, but you quickly see how the mazes are just variants of one another. Knotts is much more creative overall. Crowds can be brutal at both, so do what do have to do to either avoid them or get FOL passes.

The Boofet with early access to Ghostrider was excellent. I did Scary Farm in 2019 and HHN (Orlando) last year. Wife and I both enjoyed Scary Farm better. The puppet show is excellent and not something I thought I'd enjoy. The Hanging, if it returns, was pretty cool even if I didn't know half the jokes. I'm hoping to make the last day of Scary Farm this year and then spend the next day or two at Knotts and MM. In 2019, the were absolutely dead both days. Sat on Xcelerator for 7 or 8 laps without leaving the station.

Agreed! I was excited for the "Ghostbusters" and "Hotel Transylvania" rides, nostalgic for "Smurfs" and curious about the "Zombieland" area (even though I don't do multi-story drop towers); beyond that, I had either only a passing knowledge or none at all about the rest of the IP. But there wasn't a single attraction I didn't thoroughly enjoy. The theming was great, and the park had a good mix of rides, not just coasters, off-the-shelf flats and screen-based attractions that dominate so many corporate parks right now. As I mentioned, I'm a big fan of dark rides; Motiongate probably has the largest collection of them outside of Disney. Thanks to everyone else for the positive comments, as well. I'm glad I could provide a detailed look at a seldom-seen park and happy to be back!

^ Much better, than I ever would have gotten! Thanks for posting the shots.

There was a lunar Eclipse last night. Camera quality at that range is shit, but I think it gets the point across.

^^ That definitely sounds like "the right idea," in tackling both parks. Hope you have/find fun and enjoyment, too!

Who's ready to enter the world of "Kung Fu Panda"? I know I am! What up, turtle dude? Lots of lanterns! Zero people. Just the way I like it! Scary dragon! Scary... Yoda wannabe? Based on what context I was able to draw from this "land," I assume this is Mr. Ping. Only because he has a noodle on his nose. At least... I hope that's a noodle! "Hiya, kids!" Of all the DreamWorks "lands," this one had the most laid-back ambiance. Not what I'd expect from a Jack Black movie. Behold! The mythical bench! These character lanterns were super cool! "Kung Fu Panda Academy" = closed for COVID Hey there, Panda Jack Black! This "land"'s flat ride was teacups! Er... sorry. Noodle bowls! But "Unstoppable Awesomeness" is what we're really here for! Follow me down the ancient kung fu hallway! Please wait for the attendant at the mythical dragon tunnel. No pictures allowed inside the simulator, so this is the best you'll get today! Exit through the shrine and gift shop! Faux-jade Panda Jack Black says, "Hey you! Buy a tiger!" Not only does Mr. Ping have his own ride; he's also the proprietor of the restaurant in "Kung Fu Panda"-land. Coming up: Our visit to the DreamWorks section of Motiongate culminates with "How to Train Your Dragon"-land!

^I agree, do both and just don't stay super late!

HHN Hollywood is not worth the money they charge. They like to think they're Orlando but they're not. If you're lucky you'll get one soundstage haunt, the rest are in existing queues or tents. The budget is simply not there, either. Endless empty black hallways with occasional lightweight sets and the only scares are sudden loud noises, possibly accompanied with an actor or dummy and flashing lights. Scary Farm is the clear winner between these two options. You'll have much more fun at Knott's and they have almost every ride open for the event. HHN has maybe four rides operational if you're lucky.

So, "Madagascar" is a movie I haven't seen (Spoiler alert: The only movie in the DreamWorks section of the park I actually have seen is "Shrek"), but I know it has something to do with animals trying to escape the circus and return to Africa. Then I looked it up and saw it co-starred Chris Rock and Jada Pinkett Smith (among others). The whole thing smacks of coincidence.... All the ambiance of a circus with none of the smells! So, I guess one of the animals is musically talented or something? Fun house mirror! Evil kitty cat train! Or something. "I'm big, evil kitty cat train! Feed me people!" Such careful brush strokes. The artist really brought out his armpit hair! So, I'm guessing from the wear and tear on this poster and the general malaise on the characters' faces that these are the bad guys who used to be the most popular acts at the circus until those young upstarts started getting all the attention. So they convince the other animals they'd be better escaping captivity. And then once the others flee to Africa, these two can reclaim the center ring. Am I close? Most of the DreamWorks "lands" had one signature attraction, one flat ride, a gift shop and a restaurant. "Madagascar" broke the mold with two flat rides, including "Penguin Air." Pure craziness! This penguin approves! The other flat ride in "Madagascar" is the "Melman Go-Round." I prefer to call it the "Merry-Go-Ross." I have no idea who any of these characters are! We see you, Zebra Chris Rock! Personally, I thought the tiger jumping through the ring of fire was the coolest design on this carousel. I also thought it was cool that the carousel was "sunken" so the ride platform was flush with the floor; that would be a great ADA feature to bring to U.S. parks when feasible. But the main attraction here is "Madagascar Mad Pursuit!" Lots of space under this big top! The queue included a full-sized circus train car! Let's look inside! Are these contented horses characters in the movie, too? Or are they just part of the paint job? I want to say this framed test pattern probably is where the safety video appeared, but I was the only person in line, so I just zipped right by it. Oh, did I mention that "Madagascar Mad Pursuit!" is an indoor Gerstlauer launched coaster? NBD. Also, I read online that this is themed after "Madagascar 3." They made three of them!? Exit through the gift shop! "Hi! I'm Lion Ben Stiller! Wouldn't you like to sleep on my face?" Hey look! An open restaurant! I didn't know they did that kind of thing at Motiongate anymore! Lion guy and lemur guy were happy to see me! (Or anyone, for that matter.) Thus brings us to the conclusion of Madagascarland. But not to fret; we'll be back soon with a look in front of the scenes at "Kung Fu Panda"-land! Stay tuned!

Did you ever stop to think that the kid on the moon in the Dreamworks logo is actually fishing for humans on Earth? No, you didn't. Because you only ever think about yourself. "Welcome to DreamWorks! I'm a Scottish ogre for some reason!" "And I'm a martial arts panda with a camera!" "And I make more money for Ben Stiller than 'Zoolander'!" "And I'm a dragon behind a 'Please do not touch' fence. I'm so lonely!" No souvenir purchases from the DreamWorks Mobile today #sad This magnificent fountain greets guests inside the building in an area that serves as a "hub" for most of the "lands" in the enclosed structure. "Motiongate is grr-eat!" "They wouldn't let me do this at Epcot!" Even the ceiling is themed (though the Sistine Chapel it ain't). Come along as we explore each of DreamWorks' "lands" one by one!

Last of the scary stuff! Such a beautiful view! Hmm... I wonder what that tower with the big "Z" on top could be. Wow, the years have really taken their toll on Pacific Playland! Wait... that's not Pacific Playland! It's "Zombieland: Blast-Off!" No scream shields in Dubai! There are no restaurants in the park's small "Zombieland" section. Instead, there is a "midway" of games themed after Columbus' rules of Zombieland. Nothing says "family friendly" like a midway game with a chainsaw on the sign! "Braaaaiiiinnnns!" About half the rules are just blunt objects you can use to kill zombies. (Because "zombies" in this franchise are really living, breathing humans infected with a highly contagious brain disease and, thus, can be killed -- more family fun!) Zombies accept Apple Pay! "Mutated cabbage heads! Get your mutated cabbage heads here!" "Om nom nom!" I wasn't aware of the "Underworld" film series before this ride, but apparently it's quite extensive. I approve of any warning sign shaped like a tombstone! This crossbow display in the queue area was the only clue I had about what the storyline would be. No pictures or filming in the 4-D theater, unfortunately. I'm going to assume this is some sort of gift kiosk when it's open. It looks too small to be a snack stand or game... but maybe! I didn't get the chance to find out. Onward to our final attraction in the Columbia Pictures section: the "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs River Expedition." Note that Etisalat makes another appearance here. I've never seen this movie. I think it has something to do with a scientist trying to end world hunger by turning weather into giant food? Based on the theming in this section, I guess his father doesn't believe in science and wants him to go into the family bait business instead. Either way, that would make the river theming make sense. Bait, tackle and lockers! Indoor playspace = closed for COVID. No submarine for you! Oh, also, there's a character in the movie named Baby Brent. And he owns a luncheonette. What do you call footwear made from bananas? Slippers! So, just in case you miss the "Ghostbusters" gift shop... and the "Hotel Transylvania" gift shop... and the gift kiosk outside "Underworld"... and the small gift area as you exit "Green Hornet: High-Speed Chase"... there's also a Columbia Pictures Studio Store literally footsteps away from each of those venues! Noted! Up next: Time to get Smurfy!

I want to see a ground up GCI coaster with titan track. Imagine a park like DL adding a new modern GCI like Mystic Timbers but with less maintenance then a traditional wooden coaster

Six Flags Darien Lake is teasing the re-tracking work taking place on Predator!

Thanks!! Appreciate the compliments. Cooking is one of my big hobbies/enjoyments (focus on BBQ and Pizza if you didn’t notice!). Some people question or don’t understand why we never go out to eat unless on vacation, but we just have so much more fun cooking up whatever we want at home. Usually tastes better, too! So here are the pies from last night… This time, dough utilizes a touch of dark rye flour. Overnight ferment, high hydration to give it a bit more of that ‘Neapolitan’ style texture. It was so delicate/soft, minimal chew and just was like a pillow. Heavenly! Will likely make this again, but with a touch less yeast and perhaps a 2-day ferment to see how it influences the flavor/texture. Tried some new tomatoes I found at the store as well. While I typically use the Cento San Marzano tomatoes as my go-to base, tried out Bianco Organic California Tomatoes (with some fresh extra virgin olive oil, garlic, salt and oregano/basil added). So delicious! Nice acidity and freshness, bright flavor. Big fan! Cheese mix was whole-milk mozzarella, asiago and monterey jack blend. One pizza had broccoli, olives and italian sausage (ground pork with salt, paprika, fennel, garlic, onion, black pepper, Italian seasoning and chili flakes added). The other was pepperoni and black olive. Home run on these two. We couldn’t pick the favorite.

See? We're finally done with Covid! America is healing!

I dunno, I waited about thirty seconds in the single rider line, got pilot, even got the light speed trigger seat, and I still felt like I wasted my time. That ride is a snooze fest.

I love that ride as long as you don't wait 90 minutes to be an engineer.

Hey, I did Coasting For Kids at Knott's and that was on Jaguar and Coast Rider. I'm prepared.

Interesting because I disagree 100% with this. To me SV is by far the more intense/ thrilling ride.

I prefer SV too, and by a very large margin. But SV is too intense for some, so maybe that's the reason.

Yes, they basically almost always forced non-Florida residents into the most expensive pass to encourage them to buy tickets and not an annual pass.

What I like about Disney is that you can always get in line until park closing. If the park is set to close at 10pm, you can get in line until 9.59pm. So this means that even without FastPass (or a paid option) I can always hit the most popular ride by just going there shortly before park closing and I can be sure to still get on the ride. Lots of other parks close queues of popular rides way before park closing time but not Disney. I hope they'll never change that!