miniviews

I'm here! I'm only in Munich for 3 short nights. My first night, I ka-ching on all the roller coaster credits (except the other half of the wild mouse) and I ventured in one of the beer tents on a cold and wet night. Quite an atmosphere!

It appears culture plays a big role regards to people's response to a disaster. Here in Hawaii, once a Tsunami watch was reported, the gas stations swell, people rushed to stores for supply of water and toilet paper, and eventually, people headed to higher ground outside of inundation zones. Because of Hawaii's isolation, people will panic to stock their supply of gas & water -- don't ask me about the toilet paper. One positive spin about Hawaii's culture is the respect to the ocean; no one was sweep out to sea when the tsunami waves, however "small", reached our shores. People here are aware a typically 20 ft wave from a storm differs significantly from a 6 ft tsunami wave. Regarding the nuclear reactor coolant problems, I'm monitoring very closely due to my day job. I hope this does not change for the worse the public's perception of nuclear power. All in all, I hope for the best and hope others incorporate lessons learned from this, and previous, disasters.

^ Wow, I missed Jungle Storm when I was in Bahrain in 2009. I'm wondering if I will fit the "adult" category on Jungle Storm. Great review of the operational coasters in UAE and the geography lesson.

^ Hey Richard, I was at USS the same day as you, although, we arrived at the height of lunch time. It was a crowded day. I missed Canopy Flyer credit due to the long lines. The line for Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure was 80 minutes. Unsure if this was reported, but I received various discounts, such as $5 off merchandise & food, when I purchased tickets at full price.

Last coaster I rode was Revenge of the Mummy at Universal Studios Singapore. Great ride in an air condition building! Store you loose items prior to riding Revenge of the Mummy with the 30 minutes free lockers; queue was only 20 minutes.

Photos of Happy Valley Shanghai coasters missing from TPR park index: Lele's Chariot (1 of 3) Lele's Chariot (2 of 3) Lele's Chariot (3 of 3) [more of a coaster nerd type photo] Spinning Coaster (1 of 5) Spinning Coaster (2 of 5) Spinning Coaster (3 of 5) Spinning Coaster (4 of 5) Spinning Coaster (5 of 5)

Yup, Hans took a picture of me. Much mahalo (Thank You)! Hans, I believe you will not hear the end from this night! "Are you American? Are you nice?" This will continue like Chris' "Is that a real Space Shuttle?" comment and Chuck's "Push the Red Button" (Japan!!!).

Much mahalo ("thank you") for the video & photos Edward! Nice to see another perspective, and folks pre/post tour plans.

I had a great time at Efteling -- and all the other parks we visited. Thanks Rob & Elissa! It was great to randomly "high five" several TPR members in the narrowest street in Amsterdam, albeit in the RLD. Safe travels all! Aloha, "Hawaiian Mike" Here's a group photo of several TPR folks that made the long journey to the donkey. As promised, original file avail at: ... and Morgan's attempt to catch the donkey's poo.

Congrats Richard! Since a return to China is inevitable, I suggest you conquer all of Golden Horse's roller coasters

Great report! Looking forward to more of your reports. Vietnam is a beautiful country with lovely people. If I'm in Vietnam again, I'm taking a 2 wheel adventure during the non-rainy season. And thanks for the link to my trip report. I wish I experienced the indoor snow hill at Dai Nam; my friend would have really loved it.

When TPR visited Shanghai and the surrounding areas in September 2009, the subject ride was not running.

Thanks all for your comments! I do hope Stratosphere Las Vegas open similar rides--Macau Tower is a base that could be followed. Although, I can't imagine the amount of "not my fault" disclosure forms you would need to sign for. For some folks, this ride would be thrilling, for others, meh! I'm on the thrilled/freak out column. The tilt is controlled by the rider and I've seen riders stay leveled throughout the ride. I myself won't count this as a coaster. The track is leveled around the perimeter of the hotel, and the "coaster" train is propelled by a tire on the train. See pic below.

The other attraction is the Skywalk. Apparently, next door is a residence tower being built by the same owner of Crown Regency Cebu City and the Skywalk may be extended to the other tower. Otherwise, enjoy the walk around the tower during the day, and at night -- romantic I tell you! Finally, trying my game at 40-stories high -- success? Here's my friend who had no fear (I feared) -- how can I be the man to sweep her off her feet? Pose that the Macau Tower's Skywalk X is famous for... On the edge overlooking Fuente Osmeña I survived the Skywalk! Twice!

"Hello sir" and "Hello madam" (normal greeting of a sales girl/guy at a megamall in the Philippines), I experienced a powered roller coaster credit (I won't count it) on top of the Crown Regency Hotel and Towers in Cebu City, Philippines. This ride is quite a thrill for folks afraid of heights (or the impact to the ground). The coaster track flirts around the edge of the hotel base for approximately 5 minutes and there's a choice of an insanity program where the speed varies and a normal program. The coaster cars tilt to a maximum degree of 55 degrees via a joystick on the lap bar restraint. Price is very cheap to Westerner standards: entrance P480 for two, and ride (edge coaster or skywalk) P500 for two. A photographer is also available to take photos of your reaction on the ride with an additional nominal fee ... The other attractions on the tower includes a restaurant with live music, kid's play area, a gentlemen's club (simply beautiful non-naked girls dancing "go-go" style), and my favorite attraction, skywalk extreme. Skywalk is a similar attraction to Macau Tower's Skywalk X with folks strapped to a harness that allows access to a platform without a rail. However, the Skywalk at Cebu has more restrictions since the safety gear is not similar to Macau Tower (ie, you can swing on the harness as shown in TPR's Coaster Expedition Volume 12 video [sales pitch because I'm the swinging TPR featured on the ending segment]); you can't swing or place any weight on the safety harness. Otherwise, great photo opportunities and a nice leisure walk that can be quite romantic!! Photos follow ... Finally, the mechanism that tilts the coaster train. View towards the mountain of Cebu On the Eastern portion of the tower -- Do you trust Philippines workmanship? (I do, obviously) Here's some night views of the Edge Coaster next to the non-functional bar. A closer view of the mechanics underneat the coaster train. All by myself on the Edge Coaster with tilt at approximately 50 degrees. The joystick shown above next to the seat belt. I'm unsure if there's an overriding rule between the two joysticks. Edge coaster station A portion of the coaster track beyond the edge of the hotel's foundation. The unfinished building is a residential tower and below the coaster track is Skywalk and the cable used to keep you from falling over the edge. For the coaster nerds, the sound isolation track mounts. View looking toward the airport, the SM Mall, and the crazy streets of Cebu City The coaster track flirts the Western edge of the hotel. In the background you can see Bohol island, famous for their "Chocolate Hills". World's 1st Edge Coaster sign invites you daily... Snack and bottomless ice tea is included with the price of admission. A closer view of the activities on top of the Crown Regency Hotel & Tower in Cebu City, Philippines The 40-story tower from the base with its Starbucks Coffee and beggers.