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Well, I FINALLY made my first visit to Holiday World. WOW. I will join the chorus of people singing its praises. What a charming, well-kept, well-run park. As I entered the park, I was greeted by all the team members in a super friendly way. And as I made my around the park, its cleanliness, fun themes, and overall operations were stunning for a such a small, family-run park. I was stunned they were running 2 trains on Voyage and Legend, despite minimal lines. AND the Voyage had like 6 team members checking the train -- although they still somehow managed to stack trains frequently, the operations were mostly smooth. I focused on the coasters. Sure wish I could have done night rides! The Voyage. I actually wasn't terribly impressed on my first ride. I was in the very front of the very first train and although I was impressed by relatively smooth it was, I just wasn't blown away: not a lot of air. Definitely partly the product of sky-high expectations. AND THEN I rode the back and THEN the coaster warmed up. Holy crap! To me, this is more a backseat ride (although there is no "bad" seat that I can find in 8 rides.). The spaghetti bowl turnaround at the back is one of the most out-of-control feelings I have ever experienced in a coaster. It's up there with the quadruple down on Lightning run and the end turns on El Toro, as great mayhem. Each ride I appreciated The Voyage more, focusing more on its unrelenting speed, floater (and pops) of air, and its incredible length and design. It's a top 5 for me now. And kudos for the loving care Holiday World shows this ride -- they spend a ton of time taking care of it, and it shows. Legend. As a sign of my old age, the back seat was just a little too uncomfortable for me, but I loved how raw and rough this coaster is (in the good way, as designed vs. rough b/c of crappy maintenance.). Enjoyed it much more in the front seat, especially the second half. But I didn't love it. My bias is more towards airtime machines than laterals and I still found myself having to ride a little more defensively than I'd like. Still, a very good ride. Love the backstory and the bell ringing. Raven. Man, I had waited for this coaster for a while, given its legendary status. Again, my expectations sorta messed with me, and having ridden it third, it was a hard comparison to the mighty Voyage. I imagine it is stunning at night. I loved the layout, especially the third drop into the woods (massive air in the back, but sadly I kept thinking about the enthusiast who fell). I see they have retracked big sections, but they didn't quite yet reach that final right hand turn before the final turn -- that thing is BRUTAL: literally flying into and out of a pothole. I only did 2 rides on Raven because the pothole was nearly a chiropractic spinal cracking everytime. Loved the station and it's a fun, excellent ride. Thunderbird. This was the surprise hit! Yes, the value of low expectations-- AND it's a great design! yes, I was one of the idiots on here complaining when this ride was announced 10 years ago, saying it was not a great fit for the park: too much money for a gimmicky ride. Happily I was wrong: the theming is great, the launch packs a bunch, and the layout is superb. Probably the best wing coaster I have been on, possibly except for Gatekeeper ( I have also done Wild Eagle and X Flight). Love the use of the valley and the woods. Really super fun and re-rideable. Overall, just loved the park and how it's run. I know Paula is long-gone and they went through some family drama, but I still found everything excellent

Kings Island has announced the replacement for Boo Blasters on Boo Hill, "Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare," to open in 2026! https://www.visitkingsisland.com/blog/2025/august/phantom-theater-opening-nightmare-coming-in-2026 The stage is set for guests to be ushered into a new but familiar chapter in Kings Island’s history as Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare will make its debut next spring. Located at the site of the park’s original Phantom Theater dark ride, the quirky characters and chaos from the original return, along with modern technology, enhanced scenic elements and expanded storytelling. The comedic and fast-paced family adventure begins with a dark and stormy night, setting the tone for the grand (and ghostly) re-opening of the haunted Phantom Theater. Inside, a long-awaited performance by Maestro, the theater’s resident organist, is set to begin. During the storm, a lightning strike unleashes the ghost notes – mischievous musical spirits that wreak havoc across the theater – from Maestro’s mighty pipe organ. With the help of head usher No Legs Larry, guests will take the role as a member of his team and ride in “enchanted opera boxes,” utilizing special spellbound flashlights to capture and return the ghost notes to the organ so the performance can begin on time. Along the way, the enchanted opera boxes travel through fully built dimensional scenes, including backstage areas, haunted hallways, dressing rooms and a fiery boiler room as they meet other performers who are ready to take the stage. From animatronic forms of Houdelini and The Great Garbanzo to Hilda Bovine and Lionel Burymore, the Phantom Theater’s beloved crew returns, getting caught in the chaos while guests simultaneously search for the ghost notes. New surprises await guests around every corner, including the introduction of Arpeggio, Maestro’s furry feline friend. In total, 26 interactive scenes feature added multi-sensory effects like wind and sound, hidden Easter eggs throughout and a grand on-stage musical finale with all cast members. Manufactured by Sally Dark Rides, the leader in indoor family dark ride experiences, Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare is a true nod to the original that made its home at Kings Island from 1992 – 2002. “Families who have visited Kings Island will remember how special the original Phantom Theater was, and they’ve always wanted it to return,” said Tony Carovillano, park manager of Kings Island. “While paying homage to the original ride, Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare’s modern and advanced features will help create new memories and stories for all who take their seat inside this amazing experience.”

To touch on this, it is now official: Peanuts licensing contract extended. Surprising absolutely no one, except the click-baity YouTubers who threw everyone into a panic over the contract "being allowed to expire because SFEC is going bankrupt!!!!!11!!!" https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250910481132/en/Six-Flags-Entertainment-and-Peanuts-Worldwide-Extend-Licensing-Agreement-to-2030

my Late Husband, Nick, passed at 63 (~3 years ago) and he LOVED coasters, but stopped riding them at about 55 due to medical issues (that would not have stopped most other people, but he tended to overreact. . so he just waited for me to ride anything more intense than the train or carousel, that he still felt comfortable riding). I'm 58, and my Boyfriend/partner, Jim (whom I met about 15 months ago) is 65. and he's just started riding coasters after we met. LOL. .his first coaster ever was Poltergeist (LIM launch spaghetti bowl coaster), and he does at least one "big" ride at each park. usually the last ride of the day, because he wants to participate in the "big" stuff with me. in regards to COASTERS: he's been rather limited (thus far), but his favorite is Texas Stingray at SWSA. He also really loved Steel Eel (SWSA), Judge Roy Scream (SFOT), Runaway Mountain (SFOT), Road Runner (SFFT), Aquaman Power Surge, and Mine Train (SFOT). he will TOLERATE a few other coasters at SFFT, and SFOT, but refuses to ride Iron Rattler (SFFT) again, as it terrified him. and I'd say he will absolutely not (anytime soon at least) ride Titan (SFOT), Great White (SWSA), Dr Diabolical, Chubacabra, or Superman at SFFT. but he loves flat rides, and we do all of those together.

The only thing worse than finding a cockroach in your cheeseburger: finding half of a cockroach in your cheeseburger.

Supernovae Productions on a theme park road trip to Sweden Summer vacation 2025 was all about a trip with the final destination: Liseberg in Sweden. To prepare, we used coast2coaster to plan out a route hitting several parks along the way. We kicked things off in Rotterdam and headed through Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and then back to the Netherlands. If you want to watch a vlog full of random nonsense, click this link: Let’s start with Day 1. Monday, August 11th First stop: Tier- und Freizeitpark Thüle, about a 4-hour drive from home. The park is a mix of a small zoo and an amusement park, mostly known for its Heege rides. None of us had been there before, so it felt like the perfect little stop on our way. We arrived around early afternoon, and first things first: food. No lunch yet, so obviously we went for currywurst – the ultimate German snack that you just have to try at least once when visiting our eastern neighbors. After filling up, time to check out the park. We started with the zoo section – nice, but nothing too special. On to the rides! First coaster: Lost World – a dinosaur-themed powered coaster by Wiegand. Cute little layout, fun theming, and you can tell the park really put some effort into it. Dinosaurs along the track, tunnels, and the tiny 2-person cars actually have a decent speed. Opened in 2022, it’s a solid addition for a park this size. We already decided we’d reride this one later in the day. Next up: Drachen-Achterbahn by Zierer. Honestly, nothing groundbreaking, but hey – if you’ve got a YouTube channel and need onrides, you’ve gotta ride these too. Been there, done that. Then Storchenturm, basically the same ride as Wirbelbaum in Toverland. Of course the teenager had to test how fast we could spin… let’s just say, we saw some beautiful stripes afterwards. Time for “slip ‘n slide” on the Rundbootrutsche, a round boat water slide with a helix in the layout. You never know if you’ll come out forwards or backwards since you spin the whole way down. On the way to the next ride we saw this random building – no clue what was inside. Funhouse? Haunted house? Walkthrough? The capacity was terrible, only four people at a time with a long pause in between groups. So we waited. And waited. Finally our turn! First part was a walkthrough with some guy on a screen talking about… well, no idea what. Then a room full of glowing special effects – cool, but we still didn’t know what the main attraction was. Finally, we got into a 4-person bench hanging from a track. Surprise! It turned out to be a dark ride + flying theater hybrid called Tiki-Tahiti Adventure. We “flew” past a bunch of screens with movement effects – nothing too wild, but if you’ve got a weak stomach, maybe skip it. Some masked dude was the main character, no clue what the story was, but it was funny. And hey, there was even a mine train coaster in the film. Does that secretly count as another coaster credit? When we got out, we all agreed it wasn’t worth the insane wait, but hey, sometimes you’ve just got to try things as a theme park fan. Plenty more flat rides and Heege attractions to hit, so we moved on. Wildwasserondell – basically a jetski ride – always fun. Supernovaejunior wanted to try the Nautic Jet, so he did that while the rest of us filmed some offrides nearby. Then the Kontiki swing boat by Zierer, followed by the Sindbad Schaukelschiff – a classic pirate ship, pretty much the same as the one in Toverland. After that, we hopped on Eiertanz, where you sit in half eggs swinging around on spinning arms. Fun ride, but it took forever to stop spinning afterwards – longer than the ride itself. Guess they forgot the brakes? Next door was Airboat, a Huss flat ride, but we had to wait since the same operator also ran Eiertanz. Not great for capacity, but hey, that’s just how the park rolls. We wrapped things up with another ride on Lost World and some of the typical Heege rides: Sailbahn, Schmetterling and Komet Schaukel. After that it was time to head out to our first overnight stop in Bad Oeynhausen. Final thoughts on Tier- und Freizeitpark Thüle Cute little park with a nice atmosphere. The addition of Lost World and Tiki-Tahiti Adventure are good steps toward becoming a “more serious” theme park. It’s not big enough to spend a full day (unless you’ve got small kids), but as a half-day stop on the way to bigger parks, it’s perfect. On to Day 2: Potts Park!

Last Friday I had the chance to attend one of two "UOAP Nights" at Universal Studios Florida, hosted for annual passholders at no additional cost (though reservations were required and did "sell out"). The event featured a significantly reduced capacity in the park, resulting in shorter wait times for the rides that were open. Also included was a pre-party event, a number of surprise meet and greets, speciality food and beverage options, a private showing of the Cinesational nighttime spectacular and a party atmosphere throughout the park. It was also notable that these two event nights took place during the last two days of operation for Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit before its permanent closure. Not previously announced or included in past events was this "pre-party" offering... At first glance this looks a little overwhelming but to Universal's credit, it is a well thought-out queue that leads guests to a number of neat meet and greets and other offerings to enjoy inside. Plus we were given a free UOAP button to commemorate attending the night's event. Beyond the special meet and greets in the pre-party, there were additional meet and greet options available throughout the park. In addition to many of the normal dining venues being open with their normal menus served, the event had a few special tastes available to order at key locations in the park. The pre-party featured a DJ playing lively music to keep the vibes going. While Doc Brown isn't uncommon to still find roaming Universal Studios Florida, it is incredibly rare to see him accompanied by Einstein! John Hammond was another rare character brought out for the event. The Ecto-1 from the Universal Mega Movie Parade was parked in the pre-party studio and served as a backdrop for a rare meet and greet with the Spenglers from Ghostbusters: Afterlife and Frozen Empire. It's easier to appreciate the little details on this float when it isn't in motion. This was a nice surprise and delight moment for the event. Woody and Winnie Woodpecker were available for meet and greets as well. The UOAP Nights event was presented by Coca-Cola and as such, they had a free sample bar for Coca-Cola Orange Cream as well as the zero sugar version. While not my favorite flavor, it was still a delicious and refreshing Coca-Cola. There was special event merchandise available to purchase as well. After the pre-party it was time to head back out into the park to enjoy all that was available to us. The app featured a narrowed filter on the offerings exclusive to the event. Exiting the pre-party studio presented me with a chance to snag a few more photos of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit operating during the daytime. Only a few more drops left in this one... Edgy angles for an edgy coaster. Given that we had our five year old with us for the event, our priorities were clear. I'm not going to complain that my son loves Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon. A look at the event's exclusive cupcakes. A must-do, especially when the queue is short. A pretty sunset and a reminder that there would be an exclusive showing of Cinesational later in the evening. A photo op for those who really wanted to flaunt their status as passholders. I went to go ride Rockit for the last time, only to find that it was temporarily closed with riders stuck in recline on the lift hill. On the other side of the park it was time to wait for something out of this world... \ When it comes to special meet and greets, I'm easy to please. I mean, this is awesome. "The world is a carousel of color..." Cinesational features a combination of water fountains, lasers, projections (on water and on buildings), fireworks and drones. Being totally honest it isn't my favorite show. The projected visuals are nearly impossible to make out clearly and the choice of segments is odd. That said, the fountains, drones and lasers paired with the fireworks make for an enjoyable spectacle. I just wish the content was more in line with the Universal Cinematic Spectacular--a show that highlighted some of Universal most iconic scenes and sounds on the lagoon. The show has a few highlights. A fun little nod to the event at the end of the night. Over in the Music Plaza there was a DJ playing the Cha Cha Slide for those who wished to dance along. Now it's time to say goodbye... After about a 35 minute wait, I hit it one more time with a final "Hasta!" in the front row. I'll give them credit... This shirt plays to my local nostalgia. This UOAP Nights was quite possibly the best passholder event I've attended at Universal to date. The unique pre-party, the extra meet and greets, the short wait times and the event showing of Cinesational really made for a great evening in the park... Not realizing the significance of the date, I got this souvenir to close out my saga with Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. While I didn’t plan it this way, it was kind of fitting that my last ride on Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit was exactly 16 years to the date from my first, during its first day of soft opening guest previews. I watched the track arrive in the staging land that now is Volcano Bay as I took the bus to high school every day. And at least once a week I’d visit Universal to document the construction progress, including the installation (and in some cases, removal and reinstallation) of each section of track. It wasn’t a particularly great coaster but it also wasn’t the worst. Some unique elements, and in the right seats, great airtime, all with the added benefit of a solid selection of default songs and a plentiful set list of hidden songs to Rockit through. The ride had a troubled start and a rocky lifespan but it was memorable enough. My favorite songs to listen to onboard were: Kickstart My Heart by Motley Crue Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger by Daft Punk Float On by Modest Mouse Moving Right Along by The Muppets Crocodile Rock by Elton John Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger was the first song I ever experienced while riding and Float On closed out my final ride at the UOAP Nights event. Something bigger, better, more reliable is coming in to replace Rockit and I’m fine to see it go. I’m thankful for the memories (rocky at times as they may have been) and ready for something new to take a spin in its place…

Dollywood has announced their new attraction, "NightFlight Expedition," an indoor family hybrid coaster and whitewater river raft ride. This new experience will open in 2026 in the Wildwood Grove section of the park. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250917317294/en/Dollywoods-Newest-Attraction-Revealed-NightFlight-Expedition-Soars-Into-Wildwood-Grove-in-2026 Eager Dollywood guests no longer have to wonder what’s taking shape inside the sprawling new building in Wildwood Grove, as officials today announced NightFlight Expedition, a more than $50 million attraction coming to the Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, park in 2026. It is the largest attraction investment in the history of Dollywood Parks & Resorts. “I’m just so proud that Dollywood has grown so much in its first 40 years that we’re able to add a ride like NightFlight Expedition. I have no doubt it’s going to be a huge part of Dollywood’s next 40 years," said Dolly Parton prior to the event. NightFlight Expedition, the first attraction experience of its kind in the world, combines four unique features into one groundbreaking thrill ride sure to delight guests of all ages. Created and built by Dollywood, Herschend Creative Studios and esteemed manufacturer Mack Rides, the custom-designed amphibious ride vehicle interacts with vivid multimedia projections, dynamic onboard and offboard audio, as well as special lighting effects, to immerse guests in an extraordinary Smoky Mountain adventure. Mack Rides recently won the 2025 Amusement Today Golden Ticket for Best New Innovation thanks to the ride system utilized in NightFlight Expedition. Dollywood Parks & Resorts President Eugene Naughton and Herschend President and CEO Andrew Wexler made the announcement on Wednesday morning at DP’s Celebrity Theater. Park namesake Dolly Parton—who had a last-minute conflict and was unable to attend the announcement—sent her best wishes and shared her excitement via video. As the world’s first indoor family hybrid coaster and whitewater river raft ride, NightFlight Expedition takes Dollywood guests on an unforgettable journey through the Smoky Mountains to search for bioluminescence in the nation’s most-visited national park. During the 5 1/2-minute experience, guests soar on a nighttime flight over the scenic Smokies, enjoy a thrilling whitewater rafting excursion through more than 500,000 gallons of surging water, traverse a mountain ridge on a roller coaster, and navigate a mysterious shimmering lake by boat. “I’m just so proud that Dollywood has grown so much in its first 40 years that we’re able to add a ride like NightFlight Expedition,” Dolly said about the attraction. “I have no doubt it’s going to be a huge part of Dollywood’s next 40 years. We’re always trying to take the natural beauty of the Smokies and make it part of everything we’re doing in the park, and they’ve definitely been able to do it with this ride. “A lot of people ask me about my favorite season in the Smokies, but no one ever asks me what my favorite time of day is. Our new ride sends you out into the mountains at night, which is the time that I think they really come to life! Obviously, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for the synchronous lightning bugs, but I also love to just sit and listen to the owls calling or the frogs croaking, and I love to see the stars sparkling like rhinestones up in the big old sky. It’s pure mountain magic.” Naughton expects the ride’s distinctive nature to generate significant excitement, positioning it as a must-see attraction for families and theme park enthusiasts alike. “NightFlight Expedition is truly exceptional, combining cutting-edge technology and immersive storytelling that stays true to the heart of Dollywood and the Smoky Mountains to deliver an experience unlike anything else,” he explained. “As the largest addition in our history, it not only represents a major milestone for our company, but it also sets a new standard for guest offerings. “The attraction is designed to engage families with its vivid storytelling and to delight thrill-seekers with its innovative elements. This expansion underscores Dollywood’s ongoing growth and evolution, and we’re proud to be considered among the best theme park experiences in the world. NightFlight Expedition allows us to celebrate our rich Smoky Mountain heritage, while creating a ride that helps us deliver on providing a world-class experience.” NightFlight Expedition—which features a 39” height requirement—is located inside a 44,000 sq. ft., temperature-controlled facility, allowing it to operate independently of the Smoky Mountain weather. At the heart of the ride’s adventure is the search for Secret Lake, the water source thought to provide Wildwood Grove’s Wildwood Tree with its colorful glowing canopy. Guests set out on their expedition to find Secret Lake with the help of twin scientists, Cora and Jasper Oakley, who just happen to be the niece and nephew of Wildwood Grove’s resident wilderness explorer, Ned Oakley. The twins, who work out of a hangar at Hidden Hollow Aviation, have invented the Bioluminator, a device designed to detect and amplify bioluminescence, the biochemical emission of light by living organisms. Cora and Jasper mount the device onto their family’s one-of-a-kind amphibious aircraft to illuminate the Wildwood Tree’s glowing roots and follow them to Secret Lake. NightFlight Expedition is anticipated to open in Spring 2026, so adventurers should begin preparing early to join Cora and Jasper on their journey. In recognition of their loyalty, current 2025 Dollywood season passholders can purchase a 2026 season pass now, the earliest time ever in the history of the park. Current passholders who renew now will be given the opportunity to experience NightFlight Expedition before it opens to the public. Non-passholders interested in a 2026 season pass can pre-register now through Oct. 5 at Dollywood.com/NewPass. Pre-sales for those registered begin Oct. 13. Season passes go on sale to the public on Nov. 1. Dollywood’s 40th anniversary season continues with the Harvest Festival presented by Humana (now- Oct. 27) which celebrates the beauty of fall with thousands of carved pumpkins, spirited performances from talented singers and the fun of Great Pumpkin LumiNights. Great Pumpkin LumiNights, which has been named the best theme park harvest event in the world, features elaborate displays that are fun for every member of the family. Creative culinary items, accomplished artisans and fall fun in the Smokies make this a picture-perfect time to enjoy Dollywood. Several headline artists visit the park during the festival including Triumphant Quartet (Sept. 15-19), Keith Anderson (Sept. 20-21), The Grascals (Sept. 22-24), Lee Roy Parnell (Sept. 28), Sidewalk Prophets (Sept. 29- Oct. 3), Rhonda Vincent & The Rage (Oct. 5-7; Oct. 13-14), Emily Ann Roberts (Oct. 8-12) and Dailey & Vincent (Oct. 15-19). The industry’s Best Theme Park Christmas event—Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana (Nov. 1- Jan. 4, 2026)—concludes the park’s 2025 season with six million lights, festive holiday shows and the warm Christmas atmosphere guests have come to expect during this joyous time of year. For more information about Dollywood events, please visit Dollywood.com or download the Dollywood app. For more information about NightFlight Expedition, please visit Dollywood.com/NightFlightExpedition.

Jack Is Back and so Is the Big Bad Wolf at Howl-o-Scream 2025 Fall is upon us, and monsters stalk the villages of Busch Gardens Williamsburg--at least on certain nights starting at 6:00. Yes, Jack is back, and he’s brought a few fiends with him for Howl-o-Scream (HOS) 2025. Theme Park Review was invited to a VIP Media Night to officially kick off this year’s scares, which started with a ghoulish spread and drinks in the lobby of the Globe Theatre in England (aka Ripper Row after 6:00 pm). The food at the Globe was good (I particularly liked the little roast beef sandwiches with onion jam and horseradish). TPR thanks Busch Gardens for inviting us, as well as for the unlimited Quick Queues for the rides and haunted houses. What’s new at HOS 2025? This year’s event boasts two new haunted houses and three new Terror-tories. Here are the houses. NEW Werewolves: The Wolf’s Revenge (Oktoberfest, across the tracks from The Wolf’s Revenge coaster): A group called the Lycan Project captures a werewolf and holds it for research, resulting in a plague of lycanthropy worldwide! It’s an improvement over last year’s Monster Manor, but I wish it had more werewolves and a few less paramilitary types in it. NEW Bloodshot Bar & Kill (Escape from Pompei building): BGW does a nice job with the “vampire bar/club” concept. Good sets, with plenty of biker vampires and victims who like to harass visitors--my favorite house of the night. Clown Town (Germany, behind the DarKoaster show building): It’s tough to go wrong with evil clowns and shady carnivals, and this maze is pretty entertaining. If you’re a long-time BGW visitor (like me), it’s fun to spot references to clown mazes from years past. Colorful and fun--my second favorite of the night. Death Water Bayou--Morte (Festa Italia): BGW tweaked this jazzy New Orleans voodoo maze since last year, and it’s much improved (particularly the “swamp room”). But be sure to visit after dark to get the full effect. KILLarney DInEr--Condemned (Ireland): This diner infested with mutant insects and exterminators is pretty much the same as last year. Good sets, but I think it’s time for something new. The three new Terror-tories are Bavarian Bloodshed (werewolves and victims lurking outside the Festhaus), Disgrotesque (glammed up demons and techno music in France), and Wicked Wunderland (a twisted version of Christmas in Germany, complete with Krampus and evil elves). Three shows--Fiends (Abbeystone Theatre), Skeletones in Your Closet (Festhaus), and Spirit Spellabration (Italy)--are running. Monster Stomp on Ripper Row (Globe Theatre) opens on September 26. Howl-o-Scream runs on select nights through November 2. It's included with park admission. Let’s have a look around. You might want to wear a wolf-bane necklace and carry a crucifix . . . just in case. Creepiest Uber I've ever had. But he had a good head on his shoulders . . . at one time. Let's check out the buffet. Aw, it was nice of the wolf to share some of his kill with us. He made a tasty prosciutto out of his victim, but I'm not sure where he got the cheese. There was merch, of course. I like the little Jack doll. Speaking of Jack, he doesn't have his dance party in Ireland anymore, but he's sill the official master of ceremonies for Howl-o-Scream. It's a werewolf . . . in lederhosen! "Werewolves must not wear lederhosen! It is ungodly!" "I dunno. I think I look pretty good. Now get me a beer before I rend you limb from limb!" One of the poor, luckless researchers of the Lycan Project in the Werewolves house. A chili competition! Oh boy! Can I come? I'll bring cornbread! Tough day at the Lycan Project office. Might as well check out the other new maze . . . agh! Medusa! It's good to see the troll bridge keeper back, just doin' his job. Anybody want to grab a drink? Nah! Let's just grab something here. It appears that I have been accepted as one of the "Ancient Ones." Oh boy! Get this ancient one a Bloody Mary! We Ancient Ones have a heavy burden to bear. Jack's spirit lives on in Ireland. I think this Terror-tory is a "work-in-progress." I think that this might be a space for a DJ. We'll see. I like the decorations in this Terror-tory in New France. Nice, old-school Halloween vibe. Spider Bridge is back. Have yourself a scary little Christmas. Oh, come on. Who doesn't bite off the head of a gingerbread man first? This will probably be Santa's Workshop in a few months. For now, it belongs to Krampus! Speaking of Krampus, he spent most of his time lurking in the dark, so I never snagged a picture of him. But he does have a nice Christmas tree. They're letting the good times roll . . . . . . over in Fest-Evil! Time to head out via the Trail of Terrifying Trees! With any luck, we'll survive Ripper Row. Good night, Wolfie! Again, TPR thanks Busch Gardens for inviting us to this year's VIP Media Event. Thanks for reading!

So some reporting from the ACE event last Saturday at the park: (and keep in mind I am just the messenger here) Screamin' Eagle was down for a lift hill motor issue. Awaiting parts, could be several weeks. Bummer for sure. All the other coasters were running two trains which was really nice on a low attendance day. Beautiful weather but after Labor Day and before FF so not a huge crowd there. Even so the park very generously added a second coaster and a second hour to ert for the group of 49 attending the event. It was Freeze and Thunder plus snacks. They gave us a nice long walk back of the Boss including a chance to climb part way up the stairs leading down from the mid course brake to get a very cool view of the coaster in action. I've done it before but it isn't always offered. Log Flume had a mechanical problem with the right side of the flume and was running the seldom used left side instead, which was kind of a nice treat. For those that don't know they don't often have the staff and/or crowds for both sides and usually run the right side as it is way easier to load fast pass and ada riders. They did have some temp tiny bridges to accommodate those riders. JL running the best all season that I have experienced. Fire effect back on and mostly working as intended. Final screen still f**ked up. Everything else running normally except TS and Spinsanity of course. And I really don't remember about Fireball, I don't usually pay any attention to it. All the FF props up and ready to go and we did see what were clearly FF cast members getting a walk around as some sort of training. At one point I did see them go to the little show area for the train so MAYBE something related to FF is going to happen there? We got a twilight group ride on the carousel. The horses are magnificent and the craftsmanship really shines through. The chariots are not yet on and are still being restored which explains the mysterious fb post regarding the "real opening". I was told by management that the reason they went ahead and opened it without the chariots was as compensation for the fact that the Joker funhouse part of the queue has never opened. Although I thought that a bit of a strange connection. The reason for the funhouse not yet being open is also apparently missing parts................no elaboration on what those parts might be. At lunch I talked to 2 members of the management team. One is the new entertainment manager. He is from the area originally but spent most of his career at SFFT, but he and his wife recently moved back. He stated that there would be enhancements to the entertainment for next year and that this was already underway. He also told us that park management was lobbying for new rides(s) and other improvements with Coaster Con 2027 in mind since SFSTL is one of the host parks for that. Of course he had a crowd that wanted to hear that, we'll see. Asked two different management bigwigs about the whole food issue with the legacy memberships. One told me that he flat out had no idea, the other just repeated the all add-ons will be good at all parks line. Of course these aren't add-ons they were included as part of the memberships and I know they aren't all the same. Bottom line - it will simply be a try it and see if it works situation next year. I was told they were well aware of the 50th anniversary of Eagle next year and that they are "working on plans to celebrate". Again, we'll see but they did promise to keep the organization in the loop.

Seriously. What's worse is how much some other forums will just take these 1-in-a-million unsubstantiated rumors and run wild with them. Example: There is a thread with 24 posts on another forum focused on a singular Legacy CF park, in the subforum "Coming Attractions" (which is described as "Discuss what's coming to [park name redacted] in 2024 and beyond!" to discuss actual announced projects) entitled "Looney Tunes Planet Snoopy Retheme Concept". The original post contains custom made graphics, a photoshop of the Looney Tunes mascots from a SF park in front of this park's most recognizable landmark, and suggested re-namings for every single ride and theater in this park's Peanuts section. It assumes that the contract was not being renewed as a fact. Though most of the responses were not on board with this idea, one person actually created their own crude photoshop instead turning Planet Snoopy into a DC-themed area. This is why I love TPR. Wild, ridiculous speculation is frowned upon here, like it should be.

Twisted Colossus is now open. It could not have been a broken lift chain. The moose was lying!

Our next-to-last day of the cruise was our final sea day onboard the Disney Treasure--a chance to enjoy the some more of the ship's many venues at a leisurely pace while savoring some of the best bites available. Palo Brunch is my favorite dining offering onboard. While it is an adult exclusive, additional-cost experience not included in the base cruise fare, it is absolutely worth the time and money. Everything you see on the above menu is included in an all-you-care-to-enjoy experience that is top notch! Elissa-friendly cheeses included! The brunch features some of the classic breakfast options like a mega Mickey Waffle... And fancy Eggs Benedict... But there's also lunch-ish options for those (like me) that would rather go for the savory, heavy options, like this fantastic Eggplant Rolatini. Palo's brunch Chicken Parmigiana (with a heavenly risotto below) is quite possibly one of the best things you could ever consume on a Disney ship. The traditional Lasagna Bolognese is amazing too! The Wild Mushroom Ravioli was right up my alley! And you can't go wrong with their pizzas and calzones! Don't forget to save room for dessert. Over in the Hero Zone, a live game was playing out like a human version of "Hungry, Hungry Hippos." Ever seen a DCL Keel Coin before? They had these replicas available to purchase onboard. Periscope Pub is one of the ship's themed lounges and becomes the vessel's sports bar when major sporting events are being televised. Inspired by Walt Disney's 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, the venue is filled with Disney details, some more subtle than others... The numbers on this gauge (5989, 5990, 687, 688, 705, 706 and 718) represent the hull numbers of each of the DCL ships in the fleet (plus one). This overhead display features the silhouette of fish and sharks overhead as time goes on... The image capture for this was recorded in the tank at The Seas with Nemo & Friends in EPCOT. I love the menu design! Look at these beer taps! I love this design. It wouldn't be a 20,000 Leagues lounge without a model of the Nautilus. Some very neat details line the shelves of the Periscope Pub... Lots of Jules Verne to be found throughout... Very unique details found within. "The Narwhal" features Kraken Black Spiced Rum, Cointreau, Lime, Orgeat and Ginger and it was very much my kind of drink. The Outis Daiquiri looked great too. Even the entryway is themed! I stepped outside to enjoy the sunset... It was dazzling. I enjoyed more opportunities to be a goofball. Our next night in Worlds of Marvel restaurant was the Marvel Celebration of Heroes. This is a new, second show for the venue that debuted with the Disney Treasure. Groot is hosting a celebration of heroes (as the title states) and while he prepares, the restaurant is filled with music from Peter Quill's Zune. They've got delicious skewers. And tuna poke! And pasta purseittes! Deadpool's first appearance on a DCL ship! Beef Wellington for the win! Can't go wrong with a rack of lamb! Wolverine!!! Dessert here was wonderful. Another new towel animal greeted us in our stateroom before the evening show. The Tale of Moana was our evening's show--a brand new retelling of the animated film's story brought to the stage at sea for the first time. The show was excellent! Very true to the original film with some clever staging, great sets and effects and even a new song brought in from the outtakes of the original album! Did I buy all of the Haunted Mansion Parlor sodas during my visit... Maybe... I finally sat in the chair! Tons of details hidden on this bookshelf... Haunted Mansion Parlor transforms throughout your visit in many, many different ways. There's a hidden drink on the menu that requires you to solve a Haunted Mansion-themed challenge to access... It is served on a very familiar piece... Very familiar indeed. Portraits in the Parlor are familiar to those found in the rest of the Haunted Mansion, but unique to this venue. They too transform over time. The ways they change vary throughout the evening... It wouldn't be the Haunted Mansion without some ghostly ballroom dancers floating around... Candle Man found (look it up)! Check out these beer tap handles! Haunted Mansion Parlor is not simply a lounge themed to the Haunted Mansion, but an extension to the Mansion itself. This door, the entrance to the venue on the ship, can actually be seen inside of the classic attraction's ballroom. We had some time to enjoy Jungle Cruise out on the Funnelvision... Another great day completed with one last day ahead of us!

Sawdust & Sand On my Day 4 of The Fair There were only two things I wanted to see on this visit to the PNE. The Farm Country Barns, which are really original buildings from very first PNEs. And the sand sculpture exhibit, behind the barns. And of course, another corn dog to enjoy. Near the main gate. A reminder of who was here first. Before colonization happened. Information about The Sanctuary, and where there used to be more PNE buildings. But, no more. Today's corn dog is from Coco's, which was in a new spot at The Fair. Along with a refreshing lemonade to enjoy as well. Dal Richards loved the PNE, and loved conducting Big Band music at the fair. He is missed. The PNE Express Train (trackless?) starting it's journey around The Sanctuary. We're riding it on Thursday. These buildings/barns haven't changed for decades. Not very busy today. Speaking of sawdust. A 'dusted' lama. Pony rides available for the young'uns. $!2 a ride. Um....? Where everybody was. For the noon running of the PIG RACES! I passed. Seen it all before. Early days. Every pigeon has it's own coop. C'mon, who doesn't love farm tractors? I was tempted, but chickened out. Maybe on Thursday, with David. Not exactly a "horse of a different colour," but still. It was something to look at. Kids Discovery Farm. Has some neat stuff for children to do, and enjoy. "Fresh Hot Chicks" under the heat lamp! Honey display. There was also a display of bees exiting the display via a tube, taking them outside to flowers to get pollinated, etc. Then they come back inside. The outside Warning Sign about the tube. Bunnies! Nice to get a different angled shot of the new Amphitheatre. Opening during next year's PNE. Self-explanatory. Who's organized it all. A-maze-ing! I get interrupted by the group from KC Bear's Party show passing by. They looked like they were enjoying the day. There is an upside down body in there. Truth! Bear love. Didn't see the little house in back, till now. This display is about as "Canadian" as you can get, eh? "Seals of Approval." I love it (not) that he's looking at his cellphone. A bit dark, but KC Bear says G'Bye! Also, Waste Not. Finally, a look at where the Prize Home used to be. Touring the actual house was great, then after the fair and the main draw, it was then moved to it's new location. Not any more. <sad> And that's it for this Tuesday visit, till tomorrow's visit with David.

my Day Number 3, at the PNE! Aug. 21 Was very early getting to The Fair, so besides seeing the Superdogs show, I took in one of the "Cultural Showcase" acts, this being a dance school in the city. There was some good spots, and other times, the HUGE stage just dwarfed what they were doing. But it was entertaining. The Superdogs show, this year called Wild, Wild, Woof! It's always a good time, but the antics and stunts, races etc. the dogs do, is pretty much the same every year. Even with different dogs after awhile, the show is still the same. But that's okay, Big place to show it this year, with plenty of seating for all. Before any of this, I did get my BBQ from Truckin' BBQ which started out last summer as a food truck, but now has expanded (literally) for better serving. The ribs were still awesome, as were the two sides (creamy slaw and corn bread). But - I was a little 'sticker shocked' at seeing the cost of this 'small meal'.... $50 Cdn - that's what? About $30 US? But I still got a lot of great food, and had to carry it home on the bus. Fun visit. Another visit, another "Win A House, Win A Car!" from the ticket kiosks. Me, too! And Thanks! All of it crocheted. Guess what I picked? The Metro Vancouver setup. It's mainly about how to separate and getting rid of ...waste. 'Nough said. Aren't seeing two cranes, a Japanese kind of good luck? Here we are! And I got the "Little Trucker" with the two sides, pulled pork, chcken, and four meaty ribs. And here it all is! So much of it, I had to take the 'leftovers' home on the bus. A fun ride. While eating, this was my view of the big BIG stage, From one of many, many Adirondack chairs. Another larger chair. For groups. <g> Only one boy doing the ballet numbers. And he was just as good as all the girls around him. Synchronicity = "Strike A Pose." Dancing With Red. IT was a fun number. This number was a bit more modern. Lots of squats, lol. What I called "The Sex Number". Loved the costumes. The number itself, was 'ok.' The rest of the boys, throwing fans here and there. Red ones, too. (my fave colour) Heading into the Agrodome for the Superdogs show. I was quite a distance from it all. Next year, a lot closer... Merch table. With $8 Frisbees. There was one in the entry lobby, too. I always enjoy how they do different things on the roof of the place. All moving slowly, too. Intro to the show. All the dogs are introduced to the audience. A pomeranian,taking it easy. The timed races. Ending with this to jump over. Notice that they added another rung to it? The dogs were really good at clearing it. Pretty good! With 7 rungs on it, there! A fan favourite. Weaving through the flag posts. Some dogs do it incredibly fast... And others just take their sweet time, lol. This is where the dogs race each other. Two teams: EeeHah! & YaHooo! I think EeeHah! won it all. Final bows. Wat I bought and brought back home with me. Couldn't resist... EAT ME! EAT ME! The other one reminds me of "Where The Wild Things Are," ... sort of.

On the way to The Fair, Day 3... When I catch the bus to go to the PNE, I see some interesting stuff along the one street (Victoria Dr) I walk. Here's a few photos of them... Starting from our house, on William St. Pardon the fuzziness. Across the street from us, there's a great pizza restaurant. Pricey, but good stuff. I've never seen a hedge, locally, trimmed this precisely. I mean, REALLY trimmed! Nice to see a rainbow here and there, along the way. Now, is this Cobalt Blue, or what?!! "I'll buy a "K". And I think I can solve the phrase!" It's a pretty messed up front yard, too. Made with drift wood, this is a nice rest spot. This is one of The Best Italian Grocery Stores in the city! Their Olive Oil section is a - may - zing! And as well, Bosa Foods has an 'Olive Bar,' big Deli, and just rows and rows of Italian foods. I always love this corner of Ferndale and Victoria Drive. Finally, another (of several) house with a lot of stuff in front. And greenery, too!

I had no idea Six Flags purchased this park, too.

Toxicity is a cool Halloween themed show at the Southern Palace. It features acrobatic performances.

Fright Fest Begins!!

That’s great, but not to be that person… They still need to get Kumba back online, Iron Gwazi back to a two-train operation and the rest of the park back to an operational standard that justifies the cost of admission, or the schlep of a drive for a passholder… Because right now, the park is a far cry from the quality experience for which it used to be prided.

Supernovae Productions on a theme park roadtrip to Sweden Summer vacation 2025 was all about a roadtrip with the final destination: Liseberg in Sweden. As prep, we mapped out the route with coast2coaster, hitting several parks along the way. Starting in Rotterdam, we drove through Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and eventually back to the Netherlands. You can read all about Day 1 here Tier-und Freizeitpark Thule Day 2: Potts Park If you’d rather watch a vlog full of nonsense, click this link: Day 2 kicked off at Potts Park, just a 15-minute drive from where we stayed. The park had just opened a brand-new family boomerang coaster called Braus &amp; Saus. It was still in soft- opening mode, so we weren’t even sure if it’d be running. Lucky us—it was open! This family shuttle launch coaster is honestly a really fun addition to the park. Unlike the classic “boomerang coasters” where you get hauled backward up a lift hill, here you actually get launched backwards. The whole thing is themed as a Stone Age car wash, which is kinda random but actually works. It’s not a super long track, but it’s got some nice little elements. We ended up riding it a few times in a row. Supernovaejunior also hopped on the Klippenschleuder—basically a top spin ride that doesn’t flip you upside down. Another unique coaster here is Turbo-Drachen by ABC Rides. It’s a dynamic swing glider, basically a suspended coaster with a twisty layout. Of course, when we got there it had technical issues, so we first killed some time on the Nautic-Jet. Luckily, Turbo-Drachen reopened and we got our ride. The fun bit is you can control the speed yourself. The not-so- fun bit? The ride slows you down halfway through the course before sending you back to the station. Why though?? Kinda disappointing… Next up: the log flume Pottwal. Only one drop, the rest is a chill boat ride through turns. The splash was pretty tame—would’ve been nice if it was bigger given the hot weather. Let's do another rollercoaster. The Potts Blitz, a family rollercoaster from Zierer. It's a nice one but not very special. Before leaving, we tried out Rondos, basically a human hamster wheel ride you can control yourself. Naturally, we went full chaos mode, and yeah—we now know how hamsters feel. Only downside: we were stuck going backwards the whole time. No option to flip forward, which was a bummer. We wrapped up the day with a frozen coffee and headed back to the apartment. Park verdict: small, family-friendly, and worth a stop if you’re nearby. It’s got some quirky, unique rides like Turbo-Drachen. Braus &amp; Saus is their first properly themed coaster, which hopefully means good things for the park’s future. Next stop: Day 3 – Rastiland!

I visited the park on Tuesday to get my final flume rides in. Even with the ride closing, it wasn't more than a 5 minute wait. I was planning on getting more than 3 rides in but I was soaked and had enough after that. I will miss the ride as it's my favorite non coaster ride in the park and hope a new water ride is added. With tidal wave removed around 8 years ago and now the flume going, 1 water ride is not enough for a park in Florida. Sheikra was closed and the person at the entrance said it was unlikely to open the rest of the day. It's been having some more downtime than usual over the past week. Cobra's Curse was only running 3 trains. The posted wait was 5 minutes but it was probably closer to 20 with the line barely moving. Not that 20 minutes is bad for Cobra's Curse but it was the same 2 weeks ago with a 10 minute posted wait and probably a 30 minute actual wait so I would not trust the wait time sign (that could also be said for most rides in the park). Iron Gwazi is running 1 train and had a posted 45 minute wait 15 minutes before closing. I didn't wait as I was concerned by the time I exited the ride, the stores would be closed and I had another $20 in Busch Bucks to spend. From the Sky Ride, you can see 1 of Cheetah Hunt's trains stuck on the MCBR. It had been like that for a while but supposedly was moved yesterday. 2 of the kids rides that were removed from Pantopia for Phoenix Rising are being re-installed where the RC boats and monster trucks were, next to the bumper cars.

Closing Day at The PNE Monday, Sept. 01 My last visit to The Fair, was also it`s last day of operation. And like Opening Day, I didn't have any need to revisit places like the Barns, or Super Dogs etc. I almost talked myself into seeing "For The Love of Drag" one more time. But I didn't go. Mainly, I wanted to try two edibles, that I'd missed in past visits... Japanese French Toast and Fish & Chips. And I picked up some more kettle corn and fudge. Both too good to pass up. I decided to come in "the back" way to The Fair. Through Playland, of course. Then I saw this - and gasped - this is the queue for Coaster?! Turns out the actual queue hadn't opened yet. And the line started moving once I passed through it. Amphitheater and ThunderVOLT for one last look. For those who want their inflatable hammers, in pink. A final WHEEEE! The Kettle Creek Mine Coaster is fun for adults as much as it is, for the kids. One of the "extra rides" in Playland. Whatever this was called here, it's still a Round Up to me. And a Himalaya behind the Round Up. That's 2 extra rides. And finally, an extra ride for the kids, and Extra Ride #3 .. the Tilt-A-Whirl. And that was it. Noted. Bought my BRIGHT Kettle Corn! Outdoor light was playing with my camera's settings. <sigh> Uh ....no. From Tornado Potato..... to Rotato (&) Potato. Mostly poutines, here. Here's my first thing to enjoy (I hope). How to put one all together. I bought the Half Serving. It looks like the Full Serving, but there were only two "toasts" in this, compared to four in the other. Extremely messy, but really, really good! Will look out for it again, next year's Fair. I also skipped the booze and had myself an iced coffee. Giant whatchamacallit dancers, I think, strolling by. And after a while, I headed over to this. For this. Two pieces of cod, seasoned fries...and still with the iced coffee. And it - was - excellent. The fish was perfect. And the seasoned fries were awesome! Even without a condiment on them This is around every year. And although it's about tunneling, it always looks like a mandala to me. And then into The Market, bought the fudge, and headed home out the front gate. When I take two busses to get home, my two block trek to it, passes by this great fence. We used to call these, the Three Little Pigs. Piggie #2 is apparently getting renovated, and repainted. Greeting me on our front walkway. Stella then followed me inside, to get treats and/or food from me. The Kettle Corn was flavoured Chocolate Caramel and Apple Caramel. The fudge was Strawberry Cheesecake and Black Forest. Both very good. And that's it for this year's visits to the Pacific National Exhibition a/k/a The PNE! And don't forget! FRIGHT NIGHTS is coming back to Playland in October! https://frightnights.ca/

Waldameer just announced that the Paratrooper is coming back in 2026 with new paint and a new (presumably LED) lighting package. The ride will now be located next to Steel Dragon and replace the West Ballroom Grove (which will be relocated): https://www.facebook.com/Waldameer/posts/pfbid02dky72g1D6E9EncdjahKtuQq3WsKMHCdvdpLu462a26hq8ND4WahLtpLTGrnbzvevl

The Tokyo Disney Resort has announced details for the 25th anniversary celebration of Tokyo DisneySea including new entertainment, decor, special food and beverage options and new merchandise! https://disneyparksblog.com/tdr/tokyo-disneysea-25th-anniversary-dates-and-details/ Since it opened its gates to the world, Tokyo DisneySea has been a fan-favorite park for many passionate Disney Parks enthusiasts. Whether you have your eyes set on your next trip to Japan like me or are already counting down the days until your next visit to Tokyo Disney Resort, next year’s celebration will be a memorable moment as the park prepares to launch its 25th anniversary festivities. From April 15, 2026, through March 31, 2027, get ready to set sail for a year-long celebration in honor of the park’s 25th anniversary, featuring new entertainment, colorful park decor, food and beverage items, and plenty of adorable merchandise that you’ll be adding to your collection. Do you have some questions about what to expect during this joyful party when it begins next spring? We’ve got answers for you – keep reading to learn more about what to expect when next year’s celebration kicks off at Tokyo DisneySea! What is Tokyo DisneySea Like? Whether you are planning your very first visit or 25th yearly vacation to the resort, Tokyo DisneySea is a special park for Disney fans to enjoy thrilling rides, delicious snacks, and experiences that can only be found in Tokyo (anyone else interested in a shrimp-filled Ukiwah Bun or a daring Journey to the Center of the Earth?). Opening in 2001 as the only Disney park in the world themed to the sea, Tokyo DisneySea is preparing to celebrate the 25th anniversary at each of the eight ports themed to Disney stories of adventure and imagination in the park. You may have seen the park featured on the Disney Parks Blog over the past year — Duffy and Friends celebrated 20 years at the resort this year, while the delightful Fantasy Springs recently opened in 2024, featuring three areas inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Frozen, Tangled, and Peter Pan. Big Question — Will Duffy and Friends Be There? Of course they will! Twenty years ago, Duffy made his big debut at Tokyo DisneySea, and he and his adorable friends have been fan-favorite characters for millions of guests around the world ever since. During your visit, make sure to spot Duffy and his closest friends at the park! In addition, check out an array of Duffy and Friends merchandise themed to the 25th anniversary that will be available at the park, while additional “Jubilee Blue” merchandise will be available throughout the celebration. What are the New Shows to See? Dynamic entertainment is endless year-round at Tokyo DisneySea, but the 25th anniversary will bring even more celebrations. Discover your next chance to dance along, featuring many beloved Disney characters in cheerful new attire: “Sparkling Jubilee Celebration” Bringing guests from every corner of the world together in a celebration of the quarter-century mark, Mickey Mouse and friends will sail into the Mediterranean Harbor aboard a specially decorated barge during the “Sparking Jubilee Celebration.” Look forward to seeing your favorite characters celebrate the anniversary in style during this cheerful gathering! “Dance the Globe!” This January, preparations are being made to launch a limited-time show, “Dance the Globe!” at Waterfront Park in American Waterfront, as Mickey invites his friends to dance to different music from around the world. During the anniversary celebration, Mickey and his friends will even appear in special outfits themed to the 25th for the show’s finale. The show will also feature a fantastic lineup of Disney characters and a variety of dance styles from around the globe, so here are a few pals to keep an eye out for during the show: "Dance the Globe!" Characters Mickey and his friends in special outfits themed to the event Rapunzel from Disney Animation’s Tangled Hiro from Disney Animation’s Big Hero 6 Mirabel from Disney Animation’s Encanto (making her Tokyo DisneySea debut) Additional Entertainment at Tokyo DisneySea Looking to hit the right note to end the night? When night falls, the facade of Tokyo DisneySea Hotel MiraCosta in Mediterranean Harbor will be transformed with special projection effects, accompanied by the theme song of the anniversary. Will There Be Special Decor Across the Park? In between your visits to Tower of Terror or Fantasy Springs, you’ll be able to spot “Jubilee Blue” decorations themed to the 25th anniversary at various spots throughout the park. Snap a picture to post on Instagram at the DisneySea AquaSphere (located at the park entrance) and Passagio MiraCosta, which will be adorned with festive blue decorations for the anniversary. Each of the themed ports at the park will be surrounded with bright “Jubilee Blue” decorations for the 25th. Pose with your friends at each of these locations and get ready to check some boxes off your Disney Parks bucket list. Fun Fact: Tokyo DisneySea 25th Anniversary Inspired by the seas of Tokyo DisneySea, the anniversary event will revolve around the signature color “Jubilee Blue.” Enhancing the joyful atmosphere during this sparkling celebration, the color will be featured in decorations across the park. Will There Be New Food and Beverage Items? Get ready to devour flavored popcorn, chilly shaved ice, and those iconic Little Green Dumplings that you’ve probably seen posted online; Tokyo DisneySea will be full of delicious delights during the 25th anniversary. Throughout the celebration, special food wagons and additional menu items will be featured at restaurants decked out in 25th decor. For a limited period after the anniversary kicks off, the Tokyo DisneySea Food & Wine Festival will also welcome hungry guests on a culinary journey. What Can I Do at the Park in the Meantime? In addition to this milestone celebration, there are plenty of things to experience at Tokyo DisneySea during every day of the year, including flying over famous landscapes around the world on Soaring: Fantastic Flight, witnessing spectacular fireworks on select nights, and choosing from signature menu items that you can only find at the park. There are still plenty of details in store, so make sure to keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog before the celebration officially kicks off at Tokyo Disney Resort next year – get out your Duffy and Friends gear, and start making plans for 2026 as Tokyo DisneySea gets ready for landmark celebration 25 years in the making!

Disney has released new concept art for the Napa Rose restaurant renovation at the Grand Californian Resort! https://disneyparksblog.com/dlr/first-look-new-concept-art-for-napa-rose-at-disneyland/ Today at Destination D23, Disneyland Resort culinary director John State unveiled a never-before-seen artist concept rendering of the enhanced patio space from Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, which is currently closed for an exciting renovation. Fans had the chance to get a first look at the restaurant’s al fresco dining option, with Disney California Adventure park serving as the backdrop for a unique culinary adventure. When it reopens, the award-winning Napa Rose will offer an elevated dining experience, blending timeless Craftsman design with a fresh take on modern Californian sophistication and warmth, and immersing guests in a way only Disney can do. Elegant New Patio Seating The outdoor patio is being thoughtfully enhanced to welcome more guests for al fresco dining. Imagine settling into a comfortable seat surrounded by lush greenery and soft lighting, the California breeze enhancing the flavors of your meal. The space invites you to relax and savor each bite while taking in the beautiful outdoor setting. Two new fireplaces will cast a warm, flickering glow across the patio, adding a cozy and inviting touch to the atmosphere. As the sun sets, you can gather around the fire, reflecting on your Disney day and enjoying the ambiance. About Napa Rose Napa Rose has long been celebrated for its refined California cuisine crafted from the finest ingredients, and the restaurant will unveil a brand-new menu designed to delight every palate. Over the course of the restaurant’s long-standing history of pairing exquisite food with the finest wines, Napa Rose is known for its extensive wine collection, featuring 1500 labels that range from rare vintages that are no longer sold to the general public to bottles from small, family-owned California wineries.

Hit Dollywood yesterday. I had been there once before in summer 2020 (Covid time). I forget how pretty the park is: they have done a great job preserving so many trees and greenery (except for by Big Bear Mountain - see below!). It's just lovely to walk through those hills and among those trees and not really be able to see what's around the bend. Super friendly customer service, but slow ops, especially on Mystery Mine (the one ride that could use quick ops!). They could take a lesson or two from Holiday World. Very solid, diverse coaster line-up. Couple observations: Thunderhead. Wow! I don't remember being as impressed by first trip, but I friggin' LOVED this ride. It was mostly a walk-on and so I got about 7-8 rides on it. Not a bad seat to be found, although I preferred the front end (and I am normally a back of the train rider.). Fantastic layout. It sustains speed the whole time, with great curves and transition. Tons of air, including a glorious sustained floater moment on a low profile speed bump near the end (after the station fly-by and left turn). And it was running GREAT. Super smooth, but still forceable. Don't know what Dollywood or the designer has done, but this thing runs gloriously. My favorite ride at the park. Mystery Mine. Horrific operations. 3 people to check 8 shoulder harnesses and they still stacked 5 trains repeatedly -- because they were having conversations, not running the ride. Love the theme. Love the song. Really enjoyed the ride, even though Gerst stuff feels "junky" to me -- I can't believe they spent $17.5M on it in 2006(?), even if the theming? But very effective drop and ending. Fun. Keep your head back. Lightning Rod. Had it's unusual downtime, but got about 6 rides in when it opened. It's a great ride, and I can't remember the changes in the track - felt the same to me. It's a great layout, I always love dropping into that valley and seeing the track in there, and the quad down and ending is just epic, out of control greatness. There IS a big of kink after the second drop, but not terrible. But, as good and relentless as it is, I found myself enjoying Thunderhead more. That surprises me. The Arrow Looper whose name I forget. Oh wait, Ten. Tornado! I thought it was excellent. Love the drop into the tunnel and that MASSIVE loop. A bit short, but very smooth, and had that Arrow charm from my youth. Big smiles for that one. Big Bear Mountain. Really fun, but I think my expectations were too high. Fun, great addition to make the line-up diverse, but didn't blow me away, although the second half was especially fun. Although the interior is well themed, I am really surprised that a park with such great beauty around everything, let this entire coaster sit on an open plot of grass and dirt -- it just looked open and barren. The ride would look amazing if they surrounded it with trees, which would really increase the sense of speed and surprise. Puzzling. BTW, the building for next year's attraction looks HUGE.

Part 2 of Our PNE Visit.... David wanted to continue browsing through The Market, so I left him in there and went to try one of these S'Lucious boozy slushies. Mine was nice. I also had bought a $30 (cdn) Mystery Candy Bag in The Market. I'd open it later, when we got back home. Took a ride on the PNE Express Train, around (what's called) The Sanctuary park on the fairgrounds. It's a lovely 15-20 ride through the 'forest' and really refreshing with all the shade, there. After that, we headed into the barns to check out any new stuff there, for David and myself. And after that, our final task, to get some RIBS! And Prairie Smoke & Spice again did not disappoint. And then ... we ere done for our day there. A total of five hours, including taking the bus there and back. And I had visiting on Closing Day on Monday, to round out my 6 visits there. Where I headed, after leaving David in The Market. Flavours. With your choice of Tequila, Rum, or Vodka (1 oz,) and the slushie. I got a Pina Colada with rum in it. Also note the $30 (cdn) Mystery Candy Bag I bought, earlier. I think the kid's trying to figure out what this Big Green Thing is, that Daddy won. To the Sand Sculptures again (for me). I took a couple of extra shots, of these that were in the shade, before. Much more detail to be seen, now. After this, we headed to the Express Train ride. Speaking of which. It does go through a public part of The Fair. Good for waving to the public. Where we ended up sitting. A packed trainload, every time, we noticed. You can go into The Sanctuary on foot, but this train makes it so much easier to see most of it all. As for sounds from The Fair, you hardly notice any noise coming from beyond the trees. View from the bridge. It was a very nice, soothing ride. Even children on board tend to quiet down during this. David wanted some kettle corn, so we got one of these. It was caramel and apple kettle corn. Another view of the new-to-be amphitheatre's construction. In the Country Barns, we went to The Bees, first. I wanted to get a shot of the Dome where the little guys are all pollinating what was in the middle of it. The sugar feeder jar was there, because no flowers were there outside... ....of The Tube, when they exited the building for the flowers. And came back through it, for pollinating. Remember this? I checked behind it, and there were no flowers to get pollen from. Hence the sugar feeder jar inside. Really beautiful work horses. Is this what they call a "dappled horse"? I think so. Chickens with strange hair-dos, lol. Now, who would enjoy riding a Hot Pink Farm Tractor ? Then we headed to here for our annual PNE feed of BBQ. Busy, busy with all those racks of pork. Mmmm. What we got. Ribs, pulled pork and brisket, and creamy coleslaw. $50+ (cdn) And David got a Jumbo lemonade for us. Lots of meat to eat. And we took the 'leftovers' home with us. After we got back home, I opened the Mystery Candy Bag. And got all this. And plenty of kettle corn to enjoy, too. This is what Caramel Apple kettle corn looks like. Pretty good stuff. And that's it for this visit!

This is my kind of update as I'm a huge Muppets fan. I'm sure there's going to be a ton of sight gags and jokey decor all around the queue and preshow and that will be the actual star of the show. The description makes the ride sound identical where it'll still be blacklight scenery with some Muppet updates. Personally I was hoping for a change in that regard, preferably something like Paris used to have before they butchered it into that Avengers ride. Either way, this sounds snazzy as hell and I'm excited to see all the details!

Did the Moose out front tell you?

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.

^ Speaking of TT2 one-shot FastLane's, here's some sound advice. Don't buy one through the Cedar Point app. The pass goes on your phone and of course, you can't bring your phone in, so they tell you to go to the TT2 gift shop. When you get there, they will tell you that they don't accept those and you'll have to go somewhere by Magnum. If it's close to park closing time, that location won't be open, and then you'll be told to go the Pagoda Gift Shop. By that time, we should have just waited in the standby line and saved $35. Lesson learned!

I figured I'd use this thread to recap my annual Jersey Jaunt last week. I almost didn't go after my car troubles on my way home from the Midwest and my bank account hates me for actually going, but it was a great time with excellent weather. Sunday 8/10: Six Flags Great Adventure and Gale Force On the way down I couldn't resist the magnetic pull of a quick ride on Toro and a few other things on my way to the shore. Started with Superman on the way in to check out the new footers being dug up and the absolute shithole that is the current Great Adventure boardwalk. I never ride this thing. Other than the pretzel loop it's a waste of time. Even with Flashpass it was a 20 minute process. It's making a weird metal on metal sound in the barrel roll, not sure why but I've never heard it before. After getting off Superman I made my way down the Boardwalk, past Green Lantern and the Parachutes before turning left towards the world's tallest coa....oh wait nevermind. I actually headed back to the other total disaster in the park which is Frontier Adventures. Log Flume closed, Mine Train closed, wanted to eat at Best of the West but closed. Absolutely nothing going on back there other than Medusa. And I really don't understand the rumors around it that have been coming up occasionally. Even with nothing else open within 1000 feet of this thing it had a big line. Glad I had Flashpass for this one. Back seat ride was excellent as always. I've ridden every Floorless east of the Mississippi and this is my favorite one, it just runs flawlessly with pretty good forces and is always a good time. Tackled the Bull next which was a walk on so no Flashpass needed here. Rode in the very back and it was running much better than when I rode in March. The track work in the turns has helped tremendously. I didn't even get a headache. The pacing feels better like the old days also. Rode this twice, why not when it's running so well. Had dinner at Yum Yum. Chicken was good, but if I didn't have my dining pass and bottle it would've been over $60 for two small plates of chicken fingers, a side, and a drink. Insane. Had to hit the road but a quick check of the Flash Flashpass line looked good so I hopped on real quick. Rode in back, it's good fun but after riding Sirens Curse it definitely feels a bit lackluster. Headed out for Ocean City and walked around on the boardwalk for a bit and also stopped into Castaway Cove for my annual Gale Force ride. The queue house was full and it was a good 30 minute line but this ride is so kick ass. I had just ridden El Toro 3 or 4 hours prior and you know...I think Gale Force is a better coaster. The ejector over every hill is insane, then there's bone crushing positives, and meanwhile it is glass smooth. I know it was a shitshow when it opened but it's really too bad that more of these were never built. Even though they removed the unique Squadron 33, I liked how they moved things around inside the park and it feels less crowded in now. The Bumper Cars are right next to the Gale Force queue which adds some entertainment. Monday 8/11: Watch the Tramcar Please After a day of bar hopping (Stubborn Bros might be my new favorite place in Wildwood), swimming, and indulging in lots of pizza, I ended up getting a wristband for $34 that was valid from 9:30-11:30. While it was a bit of a rush for those two hours, I rode most of what I wanted to. I started on Surfside which unfortunately had a closed Noreaster and a broken down Atmosfear. Rode Zoom Phloom which was excellent as always. Also rode It which is kind of overrated IMO but still a lot of fun with the lapbars. While I was waiting for Atmosfear to open I rode Doo Wopper to kill time. This thing sucks. It's slow and it has no airtime hills that its cousins have. I sat on a bench by the exit of the flume and watched Atmosfear test over and over. It's my favorite drop tower and if it was gonna open then I wanted to wait for it. Apparently I was within view of the guest service window and a guy, totally unsolicited, walked out and was like "I saw your Velocicoaster shirt...I'm sorry about the maintenance issues we're having tonight!" and handed me a coupon for a free wristband. I didn't have to sit around waiting for one ride, there was plenty else to do, but it was really awesome of the guest service guy to just come out and do that. Definitely will use it next summer! Anyway, after probably 15-20 tests the tower finally opened and I got my excellent ride! Unfortunately by then the clock was working against me as it was almost 11:00. Had to walk by Mariner's Pier and the world's best boomerang and went to ride my favorite Screaming Swing. Got a zen ride on it, excellent ride as always. It's not that big compared to some parks, but it's location flying out over the pier and the beach is really awesome. Finished up with 4 Great White rides which they kept running 15 minutes past closing, sweet! The millennium flyers feel like they don't pace quite as well as the old PTCs but it's still a really good ride and always fun to get night rides on this thing. Tuesday 8/12: Steel Pier and a mall Ferris Wheel on the ride home. After poking around Wildwood a little more in the AM, we started our way back up the Parkway, stopping into Atlantic City as I became aware that Steel Pier has a new credit and one of those insane Tropical Storm rides. First off, this city feels absolutely f*cking depressing after being in the much more lively shore towns to its south. Anyway, it was $4 ride day at Steel Pier (as opposed to the usual $16 per ride). Rode the new spinning mouse which is very similar to the old one except it absolutely sucks. It's trimmed to death and they also insist that you sit in the middle to balance the cars, so it doesn't really spin. What a shitty coaster. Tropical Storm though...insane. It spins almost uncomfortably fast, though thankfully it does it in spurts. I'm glad I got to ride one, I don't think there has been another one in America since Castaway Cove got rid of theirs 6 or 7 years ago. Not as insane as Scat at Bay Beach, but still a good time. On the way home, after driving past Palisades Park Mall hundreds of times in my life, we finally stopped in to ride the Ferris Wheel and check out the mall. The wheel was cool but weird for sure. Basically they meant to order their food court Carousel and f*cked up and ended up ordering a Ferris Wheel instead. It gets super hot up near the ceiling. The rest of the mall is huge, definitely a nice place. I didn't do anything else but they have Go Karts and even one store is just Bumper Cars.

SeaWorld Orlando has announced "SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep," a new suspended dark ride opening at the park in 2026. https://seaworld.com/orlando/rides/sea-quest/ SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep A Deep Sea Adventure Like No Other Prepare to dive into an unforgettable journey beneath the waves on the world's first-of-its-kind suspended dark ride. Opening in 2026, SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep takes families on an awe-inspiring voyage into the ocean’s most extraordinary realms. Step aboard a state-of-the-art submersible and discover dazzling ecosystems, legendary sea life, and breathtaking stories of resilience and wonder. SeaWorld Orlando’s Next Big Adventure Surfaces in 2026 Following the 2025 debut of Expedition Odyssey, SeaWorld Orlando is pushing the boundaries of family thrills once again. On SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep, guests will embark on a vibrant submersible adventure through dazzling undersea ecosystems, where they’ll encounter extraordinary lifeforms, breathtaking environments, and inspiring stories of the sea. This groundbreaking attraction plunges explorers into an environment of awe and mystery, guided by the SEA Collective’s Adventure Team. From an immersive feel and advanced special effects to a spectacular finale launch that celebrates the ocean’s resilience and beauty, SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep fuses science and spectacle into an extraordinary family adventure. Annual Pass Members will be among the very first to ride when this bold new attraction surfaces in 2026.

Yep, that's a Tower Of Terror vehicle if I've ever seen one. I'm curious if they're just gonna make another ToT clone with a new skin or if this will be a new use of the system.

If that includes park admission, $87 sounds a little low for a park haunt with a skip-the-line for the haunted attractions, a tiny bit high if no admission. I've paid $85 for a Fright Lane pass at Cedar Point before haha. It's a little high for an independent haunt, even with skip-the-line, but not too much higher (typically like $60-70 max for an independent haunt with 4 attractions and skip-the-line).

The 2163 is in meters, indicating 7096 FT. The thermometer reads 103°, this could only mean one thing- drop angle! The man in the suit I'm not sure about. Edit: I should have realized this. The 2163 is Husain Bolts bib number from the 08 Olympics. The man in the suit is Robert Wadlow. Tallest and fastest Dive Coaster.

You're right. When I open my 2026 pass and explore add ons it only offers me 2025 plans. Very odd. I have to navigate separately on the website to find the 2026 plans. I wasn't paying attention to the dates because why the heck would you add anything but 2026 plans to a 2026 pass? Anyway, gold and prestige meal plans are the same price and seem to have the same wording. Is there a difference I am missing?

It's always interesting hearing a bunch of people wishing for water slides and an adult swim up bar. This year for Christmas I want a Power Rangers coloring book and bourbon glasses.

Omg that health inspection report. Dude that's brutal. Dead roaches are bad enough, but live roaches in plain view indicate a pretty bad infestation. There are thousands of them.

Big Bear Mountain is a family coaster. It's designed for kids 3 foot 3 to enjoy. That's why it didn't blow you away. The land was cleared to make construction possible. It will eventually grow in.

Went for my first time today. What a pleasant surprise in many ways. First, it's bigger than I thought (despite a funky layout, with the cross over the road). Second, the cleanliness and theme/ upkeep efforts were notable. It's a nice looking park, for being regional and small (and formerly bankrupt!). Cool rides, and especially doing a good job for the young ones. Their coasters are very solid: Lightning Run. I will join the chorus of people wondering why no other smaller (or even larger) park has purchased a coaster like this, or others, from Chance. This ride is fantastic. It rides just like an RMC: great pops of air, snappy transitions, reasonably comfortable trains. I found it very re-rideable. Everyone seems to love it? Why aren't other parks snapping these up? Wind Chaser. LOVED it. That first drop is fantastic, and gives you some of the most bizarre airtime coming out of the spiral I have ever experienced. I honestly think it's one of RMC's most "fun" rides - very re-rideable. I feel this one is underrated? My RMC count is: Joker (SFDK), Twisted Colossus, Steel Vengeance, Iron Gwazi, Wicked Cyclone, Iron Rattler, New Texas Giant, Lightning Rod and Goliath. The only thing that I didn't love is RMC's patented bucking bronco finale: I just find those uncomfortable. But everything else was just fantastic. Woodland Run. Was running mostly good (a few potholes, but nothing horrible). I enjoyed it, had some good pops of air, but an odd design ( a fair amount of speed doing nothing, but I enjoyed it). There is promise to this park -- but they really need to clean up their operations. One train ops on everything (which was ok except for lightning run, which had 30 minute wait). But the real issue is PAINFULLY slow and understaffed ride ops. I really remain permanently perplexed why a park like this does not spend the extra $30-$40/hour to have 2 more people checking restrains (they would make it up by spitting people out of line toward concession purchases) and/or have a manager ensuring the staff are actually being efficient with ride ops.

Based on how things seem to be setting up for 2026 I’d wager it’ll either work at all or work at only the home park. It doesn’t make any amount of sense, IMO, to maintain a special ‘legacy only’ mode in the new unified system for only one pass type. It just doesn’t. That said - doesn’t mean they didn’t do just that. I’m just saying it’d be way easier to just add the IDs for membership as is across the board. Less effort. Less testing. Less to go wrong. More customer satisfaction when everything just works everywhere. They’d actually have to expend effort to make it work only at Legacy Six Flags after the system is unified. Long story short I suspect that they’re wrong about this.

Since this is now a Six Flags park, I wonder if we can expect half of the effects to be broken by 2028. This is the same location as Boo Blasters, right?

If anyone is looking for a discounted ticket, I have a cyber monday ticket I paid $33 for that expires Sept 7

Thanks for all that Amy. I would be interested in seeing the numbers over people who purchased the all-Season Fast lane Plus. Hard to see a Family of 4 Forking out $4000 for that.

PLENTY of people have purchased NEW passes from CF parks and used them at other parks first. There is an online activation. People were buying new CW passes immediately when they went on sale. Most didn't even bother with the online activation page. They just work. Same as last year year, the year before, etc. Addons work at all legacy parks despite what the website claims as well. Buy a meal plan at CW while saving money on your pass and you can use it at all CF legacy parks now. Everywhere Jan 1.

...or their FAQs. It's important to know there will be no blockout dates in 2022.

I never get food at the park unless there is a pass holder reward for a free item during a food festival but you may want to reconsider eating at the park. Dragon Fire Grill was shut down by the health department and the report is not good: https://www.myfloridalicense.com/inspectionDetail.asp?InspVisitID=10899193&id=6133177

Glad you had a good time!