robbalvey

Here ya go Larry:

Haven't been down yet, but based on my stroll around Disney Springs last night, I doubt it. Honestly, the storm wasn't even as bad as some of our daily Orlando storms in this area.

It's been a few days since we did an Epcot Food & Wine lunch lap! So let's fix that problem today! First stop is Hawaii for some pork sliders! Next up let's spend some time in Italy! Yes! Obviously this donkey cart is "TPR Approved!" And you can stop here to get some delicious Limon/Orangecello! Pizza, Meatball Sandwich & Prosecco from the Via Napoli Pizza Window? Oh YES PLEASE! We are told the pizza window will be open through January 3rd! The Italy booth offers classic Italian dishes that are always a crowd favorite! Want amazing drinks? The "adult beverage" offerings in Italy at Epcot are just fantastic! That frozen Margarita... OMG! And you can get that one at the Food & Wine Italy booth! The Chew was here filming today! Didn't go check it out though. But we did get to see the backside of Mario Batali! lol ....and of course it wouldn't be a Food & Wine lunch lap without Elissa getting her potstickers! That's all for this visit! Until next time.... Be sure to check out our "Food & Wine in Two Minutes" video below... [fbvideonew] [/fbvideonew]

We shot some new footage at Six Flags Fiesta Texas this weekend. Here's Poltergeist...

There is nothing I like better than waking up to an Erik & Smisty trip report!

Tonight we attended Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Texas. This was interesting to me because I've only ever been to Howl-O-Scream at a Busch Gardens park and I've always wanted to visit the event at SeaWorld to see what the differences are. Here's some of my notes... - The event was a legit "Halloween" event. I was expecting it to be a little lighter since it's at a park that attracts a much younger crowd. - There were a LOT of kids at this event, and the majority seemed to be really having fun and not letting the scares get to them. - All the mazes were decent, but A couple of the mazes here were REALLY GOOD. Like reminded me when Universal used to do super cool and different stuff like give you a flashlight, or a helmet, etc. - Are all the hot girls at chain-wide Howl-O-Scream thing??? I don't think I remember seeing this many sexy girls at any other park Halloween event. - SHAMU'S HALLOWEEN SHOW WAS ***AWESOME!!!*** - It was really weird having "Howl-O--Scream" at "SeaWorld" but at the same time there was something super cool about it! - This was Kristen's first Halloween event, and while she didn't do any mazes, she had a REALLY good time. The scare zone characters interacted with her quite a bit and she loved it! Some photos... We are at SeaWorld Texas checking out Howl-O-Scream! This will be Kristen's first Halloween Event! We've got our front of the line passes for @howloscreamtx! Should be a great night! #HowlOScreamTX starts at 7. Before that, kids can trick or treat around SeaWorld! [twitter] [/twitter] The monsters have started to come out to play! Thanks to Kelsey @SeaWorldTexas we are getting all zombied up ready for Howl-O-Scream! [twitter] [/twitter][twitter] [/twitter] The new Karver's Kradle haunted house was great! Loved the theme and scareactors! We love coming to @howloscreamtx for the ghouls, but we also love the girls! Frightmare Forest was one of the longest haunted houses I've done! Super creepy & lots of fun! By far one of the coolest Halloween shows I've seen is Shamu's Rockin' Creepshow! Loved this!!! Prey was AWESOME! They hand you a flashlight, Its actually super dark, & the characters top notch! Loved this! [twitter] [/twitter] Night rides on @SeaWorldTexas roller coasters are amazing! Another highlight of Howl-O-Scream! You want demented possessed crazy people? We found them in the ICU! We found Scarlett! I think she wanted to kill us... This concludes my first Howl-O-Scream at a SeaWorld park! What a great GREAT event! Highly recommend Halloween at SeaWorld Texas! I was honestly REALLY IMPRESSED with Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Texas. Maybe it's because I wasn't expecting a legit haunt event that rivals some of the more popular haunt events to be put on at a SeaWorld park, maybe it was because it was just super cool seeing a Halloween Shamu show, maybe it was because it was Kristen's first real haunt event and she loved it. I dunno. It's probably just because they put on a REALLY GREAT event that's flown a bit under the radar over the years, but if you are ever in Texas and looking for a great Halloween event, this is it!

I dunno. I mean, RMC is building some of the most impressive rides in the world right now. Asking RMC to build a mine train is sort of like asking Ferrari to build a Toyota Corolla. And sure, if they ever get to the point where they need a project like that to take on, or maybe they need to expand their product offerings, I guess it would make sense. B&M did build a junior suspended coaster after all, so who knows. But I would think that with so many parks I'm sure knocking on their doors to build them the next "Wildfire" or "Outlaw Run" I can't imagine this is something they would *need* to offer. Not yet anyway. Just my thoughts on this...

Oh man, that is so good! lol Where did that come from???

I received a bunch of creepy text messages in the middle of the night. Some of them were weird, some were seductive. Actually, at first I deleted it and blocked the number thinking it was some idiot trolling us. Then I heard other people were getting similar text messages so I played a long. They called me a "sinner" (they're right) and they most certainly appealed to one's darker side. Now we know a bit more about this interactive "haunt" that will be personalized to you or your small group. Here's some more details: http://www.fearcatharsis.com florida’s newest and most unique Halloween experience officially opens october 7th, 2016 - running for 13 select nights through october 30th. "You May Be Touched." Damn, I hope so! this immersive haunted experience allows you to have the freedom to express and discover your true nature. human beings have always been attracted to vice, but too often our sinful impulses are thwarted. experience catharsis to find out for yourself what happens when our species is given complete freedom to express our darkest desires. catharsis is not a haunted house by any traditional definition of the term. this 30-minute personal experience draws from many types of entertainment, including haunted attractions and immersive theater, but a own uniquely sinister spin on Halloween experiences. you will walk through the experience alone or in small groups, encountering multiple actors along the way, each engaging directly with you in delightfully dreadful ways with the intent of chilling you to your core. the visuals, sounds, and personal interactions are designed to reach you on a deeper level than simple jump scares. • there is no safety in numbers in orlando's most uniquely immersive haunted experience as you will experience catharsis alone or in small groups. • no long lines await you at catharsis. instead, upon arrival, you may instantly relax and enjoy a drink at the deadly sins bar & lounge. when your time for terror has arrived, you will be summoned. • this experience features theatrical lighting, intense sound design, an original score, and characters who not only lurk in the darkness and creep all around you, but also speak to and with you while digging deep into your psyche to extract what terrifies you most. • catharsis is a personalized experience. it is not about simply startling you. it's about reaching you on a more personal level. • and - you may be touched. you will encounter a freakish assortment of all-too-friendly inhabitants, each more eager to quickly get to know you intimately. they never hesitate to break your personal space bubble. (skittish visitors may opt out of physical contact in advance.) all who seek catharsis will first be summoned by deadly sins bar founder selena blackwood. the story begins as she draws you in to explore a seemingly abandoned warehouse housing a now-fallen secret society. she excitedly escorts you, a would-be urban explorer, into her private lounge to begin the unsettling experience where you will quickly discover her true nature... as she forces you to reveal yours. more of her story will unfold at deadlysinsbar.com throughout the month. personalized terror when experiencing catharsis, you will find all attention is fiercely focused directly on you. this experience is not about simply startling you. it's about reaching you on a deeper level. it's about the chill that runs down your spine. it's about the involuntary feeling of dread that consumes you as you step out into the unknown. choosing to enter alone or in a small group is only your first decision. your next may very well spell your doom. whether you hide your frightened face, try to cease your nervous shakes, or simply scream out with the voice of a thousand wretched souls... now there's a choice that we will enjoy toying with. you will face consequences for your reactions. but you may never know just where you went wrong. tickets to experience catharsis are now available at www.fearcatharsis.com via timed entry windows, between 8pm and 11:30pm on each event night.

Absolutely not. Parks have been making two-year project announcements as long as I can remember. Recently, think about it, both Texas Giant and Helix were "two year projects" that were announced two years before they were done. Many times projects that Disney and Universal are working on get announced two years in advance. I mean, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train was probably in development 3 or 4 years, we already knew what Universal Orlando's 2018 addition will be months ago, and the Slinky Dog Coaster is probably 2018 at the earliest. So this has been going on for quite some time. It's not anything "new" and certainly not for Blackpool. Wasn't Valhalla that opened in 2000 announced in 1998?

It's sort of amusing to me that the late comers in this thread are mostly the ones that don't use Twitter. Which is interesting because if they HAD used Twitter, they would have seen the tweets about this poll much sooner. I wonder what other interesting news or updates they might be missing out on?

No, sorry.

My thoughts exactly. It feels a lot more like Cheetah Hunt, which is fine, because I happen to LOVE that ride!

My thoughts exactly. I didn't "dislike" any of the VR stuff I've done, but I wouldn't go out of my way to do it again. And still, so far, Europa Park is the ONLY place I've seen it implemented where it didn't really impact anyone else. That Alton Towers set up seems like total crap. I can't imagine why anyone would want to mimic what they are doing.

Wow. What a stupid post. Can you please try not to do this ever again or you'll find it your last post on the forum? Thanks.

Yes and no. I mean, we have to be some of the more widely traveled and there are major new rides that we still haven't hit! Next year we will finally get to Fury 325, we'll get to Dollywood again for Lightning Rod, etc. I haven't been out to ride Cannibal or Joker at SFDK yet. Elissa still needs to get on Iron Rattler and Thunderbird. I mean, heck, I still haven't been on one of the S&S free spin coasters outside of the prototype in Utah! So even thought 2017 won't have many "new" coasters, we are still going to hit a lot of 'new to us' coasters that have opened up over the last couple of years.

So here's a question for you all just to add some interesting discussion into this mix... Is the disappointment no new additions for 2017 or that past additions have gotten stale and boring already? I ask because, while living here in Orlando, yes, we have a lot of great rides, and yes we got new coasters this year like Mako, etc, but I find myself riding a coaster like "Space Mountain" (1975) over and over again, never getting tired of it, and perfectly content without having a brand new giant ride every year. When I see someone bummed that Silver Dollar City isn't getting a new coaster, and I think to myself "man, I would LOVE to have some of SDC's coaster in my backyard that I can ride over and over again" why is it such a bad thing that 2017 is a slow year for coasters? Do we not already have enough to keep us happy or content through an off-year for new additions?

You need better friends.

^^ It's also posted a couple of pages back!

Here's the teaser video for the new coaster: Wave Breaker: The Rescue CoasterTM Jets into SeaWorld® San Antonio Double-launch, jet ski-inspired coaster based on marine animal rescue missions will be the first of its kind in North America, Debuting Summer 2017 SAN ANTONIO (September 27, 2016) — Race into action on a new generation of coaster that combines the thrill of the sea with the adrenaline rush of a roller coaster in ways never before seen or experienced. Coming to SeaWorld San Antonio in summer 2017, Wave Breaker: The Rescue Coaster will enable riders to feel what it’s like to race alongside SeaWorld’s heroic animal care team and veterinarians as they spring into action at a moment’s notice to help rescue animals in distress. “The new coaster promises a ride of a lifetime that’s also unique to SeaWorld’s mission,” said SeaWorld San Antonio Park President Carl Lum. “Replicating an adventure limited to only a few trained professionals, Wave Breaker will launch riders into an exhilarating experience similar to going on an animal rescue mission. The coaster is sure to thrill, but also brings awareness to the brave efforts of our animal teams as they join forces with organizations around the world to help ill, injured, orphaned and abandoned animals.” Wave Breaker: The Rescue Coaster boasts a variety of features inspired by the reality of jet skiing across a body of water. The unique jet ski-style car design is the first such coaster design in North America and engages riders in a straddled seating position. The design will allow riders to lean into a series of banked and serpentine turns, and grip the handle bars as they race over air time humps and a pair of high acceleration launches. Reaching heights of up to 61-feet, the majority of the coaster’s 2,600-foot track will be directly over water, creating the sensation that riders are racing across the park’s Ski Lake. With a minimum height requirement of 48”, Wave Breaker promises to be a dynamic coaster experience for the whole family. “Inspired by our guests’ ongoing requests to learn more about how they can help support animal rescue efforts, each ride begins by telling the story of a rescue mission and invites guests to become personally involved in helping to protect animals,” adds Lum. “Wave Breaker: The Rescue Coaster will definitely be a thrilling ride, but we also hope it brings riders on a journey of discovery, as together we work to protect the wild wonders of our world.” Wave Breaker: The Rescue Coaster marks a major addition to SeaWorld San Antonio’s coaster portfolio. With the addition of Wave Breaker, SeaWorld San Antonio will feature four coaster experiences, spanning a range of ages and thrills Wave Breaker joins: 1. The Great White® - a floorless steel rollercoaster challenges riders to 360-degree flips, breathtaking loops, corkscrews and thrilling curves at speeds of up to 50 mph 2. Steel Eel® - a true hypercoaster featuring a 15-story vertical drop, followed by a series of camelbacks giving riders periods of weightlessness 3. Shamu Express® - a junior-sized coaster perfect for families with younger children Share your excitement for Wave Breaker using #SeaWorldWaveBreaker and follow SeaWorld on Facebook (/seaworld), Twitter (@seaworldtexas), Instagram (@seaworldtexas) and Snapchat (@seaworldtx) to learn about promotions and insider information first. WAVE BREAKER: THE RESCUE COASTER FACT SHEET Name: Wave Breaker: The Rescue Coaster Location: SeaWorld San Antonio Theme: Wave Breaker: The Rescue Coaster – will be the first ride in the SeaWorld portfolio that speaks to the company’s rescue mission. Wave Breaker will allow guests to become part of the SeaWorld Rescue Team and simulate a thrilling animal rescue experience. Type: Launch coaster Wave Breaker will use electromagnetic propulsion, which uses electricity to propel the coaster train along its track. Inspiration: Wave Breaker: The Rescue Coaster is inspired by the SeaWorld Rescue Team and its efforts, which have helped to rescue and rehabilitate more than 28,000 animals over the company’s 50 year history. Manufacturer: Intamin, Switzerland With a portfolio that includes more than 100 coasters throughout the world, Intamin is renowned for its high-quality, innovative amusement park rides. Construction Timeline: Construction is slated to begin October 2016, and Wave Breaker: The Rescue Coaster will debut in summer 2017 Ride Length: More than 2,600 feet of track Maximum Speed: 44 mph Seats: 8 coaches per train, 2 riders per coach Guest Capacity: 886 riders per hour Ride Duration: More than three minutes Height Requirement: 48 inches Location: The queue line for Wave Breaker: The Rescue Coaster will be located across from Penguin Plaza

To me, having to wait in a longer line for VR that I don't care about and won't use is like if everyone had to wait longer in the front seat line, but didn't care if they rode in another row. Have the VR system be an "upcharge" in the form of additional queuing time, like waiting for the front. But don't make me wait extra if I'm not going to be a customer of said service. That will just make me avoid the ride completely.

Right... The "VR Line" was longer. But the line for other guests who didn't care to ride the coaster with VR was NOT. That was my experience as well. So if you WANTED to ride the VR Coaster. You waited in line for it. That's your CHOICE. But if you didn't care about the VR experience, you weren't made to suffer a longer line along with everyone else. THAT is why the Europa Park version worked the best!

This is how it works at Europa Park, which IMO is still the best implementation of the VR Coaster I've seen yet. (I mean it should be...they invented it, right?)

I'm trying to figure out how the "pouch" is going to help increase load times. Operationally, how does that work? What is the process after someone rides using the VR headset. They put it back in the pouch, right? But isn't that actually WORSE than just handing it to someone to get cleaned? Now you have whatever persons grossness not only on the headset but also in the pouch. When does the pouch get cleaned? And does a ride op have to come around, grab the headset out of the pouch and the replace them with another headset? And how do you know who used it and who didn't? That seems like it would take MORE time to sweep the entire train and replace all the headsets BEFORE letting the next group of riders in than just handing the next group of riders the headsets while they are in line and having the current riders hand them at the exit. I'm not convinced this pouch thing is actually a solution, but instead creating more problems. I'm going to hope that SeaWorld has some amazing trick up their sleeve but looking at the operations and logistics of this whole thing, I think having to put the headsets in a pouch, clean them, replace them, and put them back again makes even LESS sense than how it is being done currently at most parks. And the logistics of cleaning/distributing the headsets doesn't doesn't even get into what Brian Morrow told us today that each headset will have to be clipped to the restraint. So now the ride op load process is going to have to include: - Check harness - Check seatbelt - Check VR headset is secure - Confirm VR content is working - Clip headset to restraint I can't see this not being a nightmare. SeaWorld, please... PLEASE prove us wrong and show all the other parks how to property do a VR Coaster. That's all we ask. Skepticism is due to the fact that is hasn't been done right yet. (at least not in the USA)