Leaderboard

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.”

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!

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

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 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.

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

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?

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!

Another one bites the dust.

We rode Goldstriker at the beginning of August. It was not a smooth coaster, but the roughness was not enough to detract from how much of a powerhouse it is. I don't think I am particularly tolerant or intolerant of roughness either.

We went to the park yesterday for the first time. CGA and SFDK are the last of the domestic legacy Cedar and Legacy Six for us to finally visit. We went into CGA with Fast Lane which was worth its weight in gold given the Labor Day crowds. What wasn’t worth its weight in gold was Gold Striker. What a disappointment to an otherwise great day. This ride is a 10/10 on pacing, layout, intensity, etc. - especially for a GCI. Even the luxury cushioning on my beloved Millennium Flyers couldn’t keep me from pulling a muscle in my neck mid ride from being jostled just right. Ended up in First Aid with an ice pack which I wore up until getting an epic front seat ride on Railblazer. Thankfully that didn’t bother my neck. As someone who doesn’t mind the roughness of Mine Blower, most SLCs, and the late Arrow mega loopers, Gold Striker scarred my ego a bit lol. Has it been too much for anyone else as of late? I thought we’d be safe in row 3. Really loved that Sky Buckets are on Fast Lane - did several laps. The old school B&Ms gave all the feels. Even Patriot was smoother than Penguin Trek. Having a full Starbucks was nice, which we are missing from Worlds of Fun. Glad we were able to experience everything and the park seemed to be firing on all cylinders. Not sure we’ll ever need back, but glad to get here for the history and nostalgia factor.

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!

Interesting about Chance. Obviously, they priced the market just wrong. I figured they might be significantly cheaper than RMC and Gerst or other "cheaper" competitors, but obviously not enough. Shame. I don't entirely buy the staffing shortage idea, only because Holiday World somehow manages it, and has a much smaller labor pool than downtown Louisville. It has something to do with pay and atmosphere. I know KK can only pay so much, but surely they can find a grand total of 4 more employees (2 more for Lightning Run and 2 more for Wind Chaser (as needed)).

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.

Ooooooh crap. More awesome food to drool over. The 20,000 Leagues & Haunted Mansion bar setups looks great, too. And yeah ..... the food.

Glad you had a good time. Yeah, FR though.

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.

I’ve spoken to 15 ppl both at corporate and local parks, including a response from Park Manager of the Texas parks. Legacy dinning and benefits will be valid at all parks including the cedar side.

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.

So............per my previous posts I've been a dog with a bone over trying to find someone who can give me an answer about the future of the meal plan that is currently on the DE VIP memberships. Well I was finally able to speak to an actual customer service person at the corporate office today and got an answer. Maybe. According to her the current meal plans on memberships will still be available in 2026 at all legacy SF parks but not legacy CF parks. However, I'm somewhat skeptical because 1) She did not immediately know that answer and had to go "find out" 2) That is the same as this year if you did the all park passport add on and 3) She seemed really unsure about the whole thing. In the end I think the only way to know is to try it out next year and see if and where it works

In their defense, SF did keep Monster Mansion at SFoG operating wonderfully, even pre-merger. And yes, it is going in the Boo Blasters building, which is where the original Phantom Theater ride was.

Assuming it is operational by then.

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?

While I get Six Flags doesn't own the park directly, isn't it still part of the Six Flags chain since they manage the park? I think it could be a good opportunity for them to relocate something like Joker's Jink to the park since they still manage it at least.

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

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.

Walt Disney World has announced the opening date for thew 4D show, Zootopia: Better Zoogether! The new show will open in the Tree of Life Theater on November 7th, 2025, replacing the former "It's Tough To Be A Bug" show inspired by "A Bug's Life." In addition to the new show, Judy and Nick will begin meeting guests in the park in a designated location near the Tree of Life. https://disneyparksblog.com/wdw/zootopia-better-zoogether-opening-date-announced-at-disney-world/ Zootopia: Better Zoogether! brings some of our favorite stars to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park from the Walt Disney Animation Studios films Zootopia and Zootopia 2, including your favorite ZPD rookie cops, Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde. Zootopia: Better Zoogether! Opening Date It’s time to clap your paws and click your claws because the all-new new 4D show Zootopia: Better Zoogether! opens Nov. 7 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. What to Expect at Zootopia: Better Zoogether! When you migrate over to the Tree of Life Theater, you’ll find you arrived just in time to the main stage for the Zoogether Day festivities with familiar furry faces and new friends, like Heidi Howler – a slick-talking wolf who hosts the Zoogether Day LIVE! broadcast with excitement, energy, and quite a bit of howling. Awooooo! Zoogether Day, a celebration of unity amongst the diverse biomes across the city, will be recognized with special performances such as ice-skating spectaculars from the heart of Tundratown! Synchronized swimming direct from Marsh Market! Tiny mouse drone shows soaring over Little Rodentia! And of course, a musical finale by superstar Gazelle – all of which we’ll see from the livestream watch party. With talented cast from the films like Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman returning to lend their voices to these beloved characters, and contributions from filmmakers Jared Bush (who helped write the script) and Byron Howard (who directed the animation – all of which was done by the talented artists at Disney Animation) working closely with the Walt Disney Imagineering team to bring the attraction to life, Zootopia: Better Zoogether! brings us all deeper into the beautiful world of the animal metropolis explored in the original Zootopia as well as the new feature, Zootopia 2, coming to theaters November 26. Speaking of diving deeper into the world of Zootopia, keep an eye out for more information coming later this fall about special previews for cast members, Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members alike. Now that’s something to howl about! Judy and Nick Character Greetings at Animal Kingdom Not only will you see Judy and Nick at Zootopia: Better Zoogether! but the pair will be greeting guests at Discovery Island near the Tree of Life at the Zoogether Day Gathering Spot. You’ll find them sporting new looks from Zootopia 2, and they’ll be delighted to give you a hug and shake your paw. Fun Fur the Whole Herd This new 4D show at the heart of the Tree of Life is the perfect addition to a wild day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Zootopia: Better Zoogether! is a reminder that the natural world is profoundly interconnected, and we are no exception. We are called to take actions and make choices that benefit our worlds – from Savanna Central and Tundratown to the far-flung corners of our beautiful planet. So, get ready to slither, crawl, stampede and swim to Walt Disney World this November … all Zoogether!

^ 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 didn't see anyone post, but Kumba was spotted cycling! I am absolutely thrilled about this news! My number 1 is coming back! A lot of track work and concrete/footer replacing has been completed. This reel was posted a few days ago. Likely around Friday.

The adventure isn't so great anymore.

I wonder how much is management vs training. Bugs can happen anywhere with improper cleaning, but I still can't imagine 5 inches of coleslaw on my arm. That would have to have gotten into the glove as well, right? *Side-eyes bacon pretzel fury, or whatever it's called now*

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

There's no delay. Construction appears to be on schedule. The official announcement should be late August or early September.

Glad you had a good time!

Can we pay extra for that? Because it sounds awesome. If Flying Turns is a credit, so be the log flume. Instagram.

Looks like the Hard Rock Cafe rides are homeless again: Source It'll be replaced by an entertainment complex and Vietnam's second-tallest building. A lot of the concept art shows the Ferris Wheel, suggesting there are plans to keep it as a separate attraction. Some reports also claim they will keep the Vekoma SLC and Hard Rock mine train, but I'm a bit more skeptical about how that would be developed into this high-scale area on their own. Sun World have a lot of parks in Vietnam so perhaps the rides could show up at some of the sister parks. Source Source