thrillerman1

Thanks for the comments, guys. I normally don't include photos with my updates, but this one seemed fitting. Glad you all enjoyed!

Texas...what can be said? While I've been here many times, it's almost like visiting a foreign country for me even though I'm a US citizen. It's the land of Whataburger, Taco Cabana, stupid and sometimes GENIUS Six Flags decisions, a smashed windshield in a touring rock and roll band van, and a few really weird but cool roller coasters. So, this Postcard Paradise update comes off a high from Texas Giant Bash with TPR. I can't emphasize enough how amazing TPR events really are! Thank you Robb and Elissa!!! I had such a great time at Texas Giant Bash, and so I thought hey, I'll spread the love with some more Texas stuff I've collected courtesy of my previous trip to this foreign land back in 2007. Here's a look at some postcards from a seldom seen quirky park on TPR, Wonderland, and its surrounding touristy landmarks as well as some photos from my trip to the Larson International factory (makers of the bonkers Super Loops ride!!!). Yeah, I felt a little like Charlie visiting the Wonka factory. Thanks to Larson for allowing me inside their amazing brains...oh, and bonus...some roller coaster museum stuff. Texas 2007... Hello Wonderland! I see you Texas Tornado with your messed up loops and PTC trains. Wonder...yeah, I wonder if the park still has that odd conveyor belt water ride contraption in a tunnel. Wonderland does have a pretty cool collection of rides and is definitely worth checking out. Paiging Adam Richman...your table is ready. The Big Texan is an interesting place to check out if you've had enough of Wonderland. Don't bother bringing your own can of spray paint...they're everywhere! It's a little creepy, but like I said before Texas is a foreign country! On my way to Wonderland, I saw a strange ringlike object sticking up in the sky...what is it?! It's the home of Larson International. World corporate headquarters...let's go inside shall we? Ohhh ahhh...Larson has an impressive Super Loops model to greet you in their lobby. I had a golden ticket and was allowed an exclusive backstage tour! Larson has some interesting wall art like these pictures of their Fireball ride. Do not try this at home. No Doritos...bummer. This is Larson's Sea Gull Attack ride. The very rare Hi Roller! I've always heard good things about Comet but sadly never rode it. It looks like it had lots of hairtime. Hey Wonderland. Wonderland has several storm named coasters. This is where the rides get made. Larson has some industrial strength drills. No idea. Noted! Wheels... and round things... and more circular objects... and the grand mothership of all Super Loops! It really is ginormous... and pretty. Larson has some more warehouses. I wonder what's inside this one. A trailered Fire Ball or Super Loops...you decide. In case you were wondering who makes Bench: The Ride. Look at the attention to detail! A miniature trailered Super Loops ride for the kiddies. Larson has a nice collection of wooden pallets too. Might this be some type of Flying Scooters ride? Flywheel shuttle coaster launch? Hmmm. Larson is home to the Roller Coaster Museum warehouse! Schwarzkopf fan boys rejoice! Look at all that hotness. A side profile view for your pleasure. When did Son of Beast get a second loop? What's this? Arrow fan boys rejoice! I see you back there hiding, Ms. Parton. Noted! Protein spill? Hey Mr. Antique Car...stop photo bombing my picture! A little worse for wear. Arrow love. Not through the trees! Great America? Anton <3 They misspelt it. Who's up for some snapping action? More parks should have Flying Scooter rides! What's in these boxes? Hamel's? Neff's? The coaster museum has tickets if you need any. Just in case you forgot where we are. Fiberglass hotness. I believe these would be molds. Hey Hershey! Prior & Church. See? And another Dipper. These cars look slightly uncomfortable, and don't even get me started on those headrests! Oh what's this? Hmmm... Cracked wood. Upskirt. Bolts and more bolts. Can you name this defunct Texas coaster yet? Up close and personal. More bolt action. Ah ha! Prince Desmond where were you in 2005?!

This is great that there's a thread about the new Cars record.

Big Mike, you are a rock and roll superstar.

Your travel adventures are easily some of the most entertaining and wonderful I've ever seen here on TPR. Thanks so much for sharing!

I love mini golf, and can't wait for a TPR takeover!

^^ I visited Magic World with my mom when I was a youngster. I remember the UFO ride was a trip via projector screens in a round room while Pink Floyd's track "On the Run" from "Dark Side of the Moon" played. It was pretty psychedelic for an 8 year old. I also remember riding the earth auger ride which was like a primitive version of a Vekoma Mad House ride and very disorienting.

Sigh.

I always feel like I should be paying you money for your amazing photo TR's. Love it and can't wait to see more!

Robb, can you please have the twins in every video from now on?! I can't wait to see the night photos with the tracer lights from across the water. Twister really looks like the perfect family coaster for Grona Lund. Thanks for sharing the video, Robb!

As if TDS needed to further underscore the fact that it's unequivocally the greatest theme park in the history of mankind, they unveil this. Awesome!

Looks awesome and I really like the name. Thanks for the great pics and update, Peter! Oh and it would be nice to have a burger from Max right now.

In a news article dated 4/18, rezoning was voted down by the city leaders... http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110418/WILLIAMSON01/110418050/Spring-Hill-leaders-vote-down-rezoning-for-Festival-Tennessee

Who's up for Spring break at the Jersey shore? I really wasn't too sure what to expect when I arrived in the seaside town of Wildwood, home of Morey's Piers, back in 2005, but WOW, I was totally blown away! It's no secret that I love seaside amusement places, and Morey's has it all. I wish I had planned more time there as the 4 hours I had scheduled flew by way too fast. I really can't wait to go back some day! The giant wheel has an incredible lighting package that really must be seen in person Morey's has a couple of evil Vekoma contraptions for your pleasure I love a good Wave Swinger My mailbox loves this kind of stuff...let's look inside the envelope shall we 2005 brochure...ohhhhhhh ahhhhhhhh Cool French fry mascot, Curley Great name for a drop tower...Cedar Fair take note! Great White is pretty awesome Wave Swinger! Listing of some of the rides It can be quite a hike between the piers, so Morey's has boardwalk passenger trains This Jersey shore is much more fun than that awful MTV show! Raging Waters has a turtle so it's Robb approved Hey cool French fry guy! Looks like a fun water park though I didn't have time to check it out on my visit to the piers Lots to offer A turtle for Robb Camp Kidtastrophe...another good name that Cedar Fair should note Prime location right on the Atlantic Ocean...yes, I'm TPR's resident poet Thanks for being awesome Morey's!

Elissa...they need those zillion mph go carts we rode at Power Park!

This is exactly what I was thinking... They have actually done a good job so far with Nashville Shores. I was pretty shocked last year after the MEGA flood which engulfed the park for weeks that they had it back open in no time and with the new wave pool and lazy river open too. This year they're adding Kowabunga Beach featuring an interactive play structure and tipping bucket which with the theming VERY much reminds me of a certain TPR member's water park in Utah...ahem. Guess they know success when they see it.

Ole South is back in the spotlight...somewhat. The news website link includes video, but I don't know how to embed it here. http://www.wsmv.com/news/27268350/detail.html

I beat the Williams pinball challenge today on my PS3. Woohoo!

I'm pretty sure this has already surpassed the debacle of Hard Rock Freestyle Park, and it hasn't even gotten off the ground yet.

And the story continues to go beyond the farcical... http://www.wsmv.com/news/27219172/detail.html

Following up on this story from yesterday, the city planning commissioners voted to recommend the land zoning change in the meeting last night: http://www.wsmv.com/news/27186375/detail.html

Not much new to report, but the Spring Hill planning commissioners will vote tonight on a zoning ordinance for the proposed theme park: http://www.wsmv.com/news/27186375/detail.html

Six Flags Over Texas has reopened for the season and is celebrating its 50th year. I for one cannot wait to experience the new version of Texas Giant. Here's an update featuring a 1967 postcard and the 1978 park brochure. Enjoy! The Sky Hook ride looks interesting. I'm not sure what replaced it or its exact former location. Congratulations on 50 years SFOT! It's an exciting day when your mailbox is stuffed with Shock Wave artwork! I love you Anton. Big Bend is a Schwarzkopf creation I wish I had experienced. SFOT sure has had some awesome rides over the years. In 1978 the park had many nights where it was open until 11 pm and midnight. Park admission was $8.50. Bonus...I love this artwork!

Guests are reportedly stranded in Tokyo Disney: http://www.huliq.com/10557/tokyo-disneyland-park-guests-stranded-theme-park-following-89-earthquake

More red flags about the Festival Tennessee developer: http://www.wsmv.com/news/27154152/detail.html