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I don't really do trip reports but here's what I got... The last week in April I made my first Florida trip since November 2006. I visited both Universal Parks on Tuesday 4/25 and Thursday 4/27 (I went to Busch Gardens Tampa on 4/26 and Sea World on 4/28). I had purchased a Power Pass on the fall 2022 and intended to go sometime in November-January but life got in the way, including the passing of my dad. So this trip was just what I needed after a hectic fall and winter. VelociCoaster may be my new number 1. It definitely overtook Intimidator 305 as my favorite steel but, given I haven't ridden El Toro since 2008, I think I have to claim it as my current favorite. The combination of theming, inversions, ejector, sense of speed, and just all-around fun make it the most complete roller coaster experience, in my opinion. I was probably anticipating Iron Gwazi a little bit more (it was over-hyped in my mind by a certain other YouTuber) on this trip but VC just blew me away. Other highlights... I'm not a huge Harry Potter fan but in the spirit of the trip, I watched all 8 movies leading up to the trip. All the HP stuff is wonderfully executed and it was fun to watch the die-hard fans enjoy themselves. My main regret is that I only rode Hagrid's once. The wait in line was over 2 hours and I just couldn't bring myself to go through that again. So, instead, I just waited for three more weeks to get in line for Darkoaster for 3 hours. Incredible Hulk with the new track seemed... about the same as 2006. (Kumba, on the other hand, still kicks all types of ass) I ate lunch at Mythos which was really good. Did Poseidon's one last time. Mummy was still fun as hell. I ate at Hard Rock and Chocolate Emporium and had a good time in those places. Also fun to learn that even though I bought the Annual Pass last fall, the pass time frame starts with my first time using it so I have another year to use it. Some random pictures...

I haven't ridden Grizzly since 2018 and I can't remember if that's because it was too brutal to ride or just too much of a shadow of its former self to give it any regard. Most likely... both. So tonight I made the trip to see what the Gravity Group did to my childhood favorite coaster and I think their mission to "restore the roar" was largely a success. It probably hasn't run this well in 25-30 years. To me, the first drop was always kind of nerfed a bit because the subsequent ascending hill up to the turnaround sapped all that speed. It still largely does that but with reprofiling you really feel that first drop and get some good airtime going over it. The rest of the ride just runs great. Smooth, forceful journey in the woods. Although not quite the journey it was during Grizzly's first decade, thank you very little, Hurler. You can definitely notice the parts Gravity Group didn't give attention to. But you know what? I'm fine with that. I don't want my Grizzly TOO smooth. Also of note, a friend texted me after I left for the night that one train seems to run a little more sluggish through the course. My initial couple of rides were slightly underwhelming and I left to go ride TT and I305. When I came back my rides all had a lot more zip. I did not pay attention to the color of the trains as I boarded each ride because I'm not a psychopath. Also, it was overcast and rainy with temperatures in the mid 60s when I rode. Would love to try Grizzly again on a hot summer night. And that might be the biggest takeaway. Grizzly is relevant again. I haven't ridden Dominator or Flight of Fear in awhile, but Grizzly now makes a strong case for third best coaster in the park. Slight touch of emotion tonight as I first rode Grizzly with my dad back in 1983 when I was 6 or 7. As mentioned in my post in the Universal Orlando thread, he passed away back in November.

Strange. The other vortex is in heart of 5 Points, the hippie/artsy part of town next to a huge thrift shop. And looks more cool on the outside. Homegrown in a great morning spot in Atlanta. Home cooking, thrift store in the dining room, and usually someone playing music. It's unique.

Hmm....I am not a big public transit person at all. But I'll try to make it work! And I think I'll have to check out Bulldogs too!

it's easy walking distance from the Midtown MARTA stop. . so you could park at any MARTA station and take the train then walk the few blocks (up to Peachtree, then 2 blocks down). the Midtown location is connected to the Vortex Live Comedy Club, and has more of a 'biker bar / outlaw" feel. . . even tho both locations are 21+, the Midtown location is the one I'm way more comfortable at. (and it's directly across the street from "Bulldogs" - one of the better known gay bars in Atlanta, so you could always look up Bulldogs and know you're across the street from the Vortex

I was able to quickly pop into SeaWorld for a ride on Pipeline and I was very impressed. When it was announced and under construction, I was never too hyped for it since I'm so-so about stand-ups (I really only like Riddler and Scorcher) so I was skeptical of bringing the concept back. I will say it is vastly improved with this design. The 2 across seating, vest restraints, and dampening do wonders for the ride experience. I love the open air trains and how you "jump" on the airtime hills. The train design really make a great ride that otherwise has a pretty bland and boring layout. Even after just a single ride, I can pretty confidently say it's my second favorite in the park behind Mako. I'll be back for more rides in a few weeks, hopefully once Mako reopens from refurbishment. I am also very happy to see B&M expand their horizons, particularly with this coaster and Mandrill Mayhem at Chessington. I think those are the two most unique B&Ms ever built and I love to see it. It's also worth noting that the area looks great. It was reminding me of HangTime's theming at Knott's - a very similar vibe (obviously). The color scheme is gorgeous and the kinetics of the area is great. They placed it in a perfect location. I was worried they would "pull a Pantheon" and just plop the ride down with no immersion but I would say they did a fine enough job for what it is.

the only place I make a point to eat at (multiple times) when in Atlanta is Vortex, and you're aware of it. . tho I would highly suggest the location on Peachtree (Midtown) over the little 5 points location. People will try to sell you on Varsity. . but I've found them just to be. . . ok. as to Dollywood? absolutely get your main meal at Aunt Granny's. It's a "family style" place. . so you might need to meet up with others to go - tho they might serve single diners. best food in the park. (it's all you can eat).

2 days with timesaver at Dollywood seems excessive unless you like watching all the shows. I'm guessing no interest in Carowinds? Seems like it would be easy to hit on your way. I'd recommend hitting Fun Spot when you get into Atlanta. It's great at night in the dark. That 9-10pm hour is prime. Fox Bros has great BBQ. We love Ponce City Market with the variety and access to the beltway. That's a great way to walk around downtown.

As a former ride op, it takes about 5 seconds to yell out for single riders, and the filled seats more than make up for the seconds lost searching for singles. Unfortunately it’s something that rarely happens at any park anymore.

@redfoot12That's great to hear about Grizzly. Though I don't plan on getting back to KD until Haunt (I actually skipped a CF pass this year. *gasp!*), I hope it keeps the newness until then. Avalanche/Reptilian would like to have a word.

Gas station pizza should not be this delicious. This is one of Casey's limited time specialty pizzas with 3 kinds of pepperoni.

Don’t even speak such evil into the world.

This past Friday was the opening of 'Batman Gotham City Escape'. It has been a surprise both in intensity and in the theme of the preshow and the station

^Let us know how it is!

Japan is VERY strict on loose articles. Your glasses/googles combo will NOT be allowed on most rides. You can use a simple strap on some, and some they will make you take EVERYTHING off. Operations wise, most rides don't run in rain or high wind. Ops are also slow and meticulous. There are still a MILLION awesome arcades all throughout the country and especially in Akihabara. Also a big new one just opened in Shinjuku.

I think it'll be more interesting if this is planned as an expansion team, or a relocation of say, the Tampa Bay Ray's. TBR desperately needs a new stadium and it's doubtful they'll get one in the Tampa area. At the same time, 1.7B is a lot of money--especially when DeSantis is in a pissing contest with Disney right now.

Fast Lane + is gone. There is only Fast Lane. The former FastLane + rides are now included in FL. I have had each meat option at Grain and Grill, my faves are the beef and pork. The couscous salad is the best side they have! They did downsize the indoor seating to accommodate cashiers and drink machines. Pull pork fries at Potato Works is on the meal plan! You will not be disappointed.