robbalvey

I operated the Dragon coaster that morning, but not at the time of the accident. I have rode every single ride that I can at Beech Bend, and I trust all of the rides. (I can not ride air race or Vortex due to the restraints not green lighting) If I do not feel comfortable in riding it I will not put a guest on that ride. I have rode the Dragon coaster countless times, along with the rumbler and the mouse. I know all of the maintenence employees personally and I see them every day, and they check EVERY ride EVERY day. Beech Bend takes good care of the rides, there may be paint or light issues but they are structurally and mechanically sound. The rides are so much better than what I have seen at Holiday world, I can tell you all kinds of horror stories from when I worked there... Thank you for the update, Floyd!

SeaWorld Orlando sent us this press release today... HIGHWAY SIGHTINGS OF SEAWORLD ORLANDO’S NEW “MAKO” COASTER -- Giant piece of steel coaster track travels 1,000 miles to its Orlando home -- ORLANDO, Fla. (August 17, 2015) – The first piece of SeaWorld Orlando’s new 200-foot-tall hypercoaster surfaced today as it traveled from the production facility in Ohio to its new home in Orlando. Mako will be Orlando’s tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster, and will reach speeds of 73 mph along 4,760 feet of steel track when it opens in summer 2016. Over the next week, the giant piece of deep indigo and ocean blue coaster track will journey on an open flatbed semi-truck nearly 1,000 miles to its destination in sunny Florida. Highway travelers in major cities along the way – including Cincinnati, Lexington, Knoxville and Atlanta – should keep an eye out for this unusual #MakoSighting. As the track arrives at SeaWorld Orlando, the team will begin to create one of the world’s few true hypercoasters – a group of roller coasters known for high speeds and steep drops, and hills that create a feeling of weightlessness or “air time.” The coaster will be the centerpiece of a two-acre, shark-themed realm at SeaWorld Orlando. Mako is slated to open Summer of 2016 at SeaWorld Orlando. Continue to stay up to date on all construction details and announcements on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Join the conversation using #MakoSighting.

^ There's always Fun Spot and the new Merlin attractions (Orlando Eye, Tussauds, Sealife...)

I would say on your days you don't have much going on, just extend your Disney park hopper by a day or two and have more time to explore. The Disney tickets get cheaper the more days you add on and you'll always be able to find something to do there.

^ There's a few floating around. We'll have on on TPR probably tomorrow or Wednesday.

This is a question best asked to KI guest services.

You have to remember, though Disney operates in a very different manner than traditional theme parks that put in a "big, new ride every couple of years." We get this a lot from the Walt Disney World fanboys, and they forget that Disney could probably build NOTHING for many years and still people would flock to the resort for their "trip of a lifetime." Same thing with Disneyland. Yes, people love new attractions, additions, etc, but at the end of the day, people come to Disneyland for Space Mountain, Matterhorn, Pirates, Mansion, Small World, take their kids on Dumbo, etc, etc... And those rides will keep the parks packed and full until the end of time. So from Disney's perspective, there is no reason to rush a project. And personally, I'd much rather have them put as much time and effort into making something awesome, even if it means it takes 3-4 years. I mean, do you really want them to rush something as major as this???

No, but I'm incredibly sick about hearing people thinking they are going to change the name. It's just so dumb...

I'm not seeing that anywhere on the concept art. I see some parachute theming over by the coaster, but I don't see anything that suggest the ride would be there.

I'm uploading the super high res version of that Toy Story concept art so people can pick it apart further. Are we sure that the "Woody's Roundup" ride is on there? Or is it the alien ride that looks more like Junkyard Jamboree? But covered.... because it's Florida...and it rains! 8_15_WDI_008.jpg.zip

There hasn't been any news about. Like I already said a few pages back, no information has been given about what is staying or going, or timelines on any of these projects.

Here's some things to consider... 1. Roar is not "perfectly good" anymore. Last time I rode it, it was approaching Gwazi levels of roughness. (home park biased locals seem to disagree, but take that for what it's worth.) 2. SFDK is also a 'year round' park now. Six Flags seems to be doing this RMC treatment first mostly with parks that are year-round or close to it to get the most out of their investment. SFOT, SFFT, SFM, SFMM, SFDK all have very long operating calendars. SFNE is the only wood coaster re-do that doesn't fall in this category. 3. Turning Roar into an RMC is pretty much a slam dunk to make a C+ coaster into an A+ coaster. Why would someone argue against doing this? 4. To entirely fix Roar to be as smooth and as enjoyable as it was when it opened, would probably cost not that much less than having RMC come in and re-do it, and the marking value for an RMC re-do is MUCH greater then just re-tracking it. I can think of two coasters that recently underwent "complete re-trackings" and just a short time after, are no longer with us: Gwazi & Thunder Road. So clearly those are two examples that show that an investment like that doesn't always pay off. Gwazi was a good example. They re-tracked it and got new trains, and they had marketed it as being better, even did a media event for it, and that lasted about a moth. And clearly Thunder Road didn't prove to get much more ridership out of it otherwise it might still be standing today.

^ Fixed the member banner. Have no idea what you mean about the email address showing.

^ Did you happen to get any other photos?

From the previous page: They unfortunately didn't give any details as to when it opens, or what else will be closing/demolished to make room for all this stuff. Hopefully we get some of that news soon.

No, nothing. The only information was what is in that press release I posted. I'm sure they are waiting to announce more details to give them more things to talk about later.

I am 100% certain that the "coaster manufacturer's track" is not represented in the concept art in any way at all. Any resemblance to any company would be purely coincidental.

They unfortunately didn't give any details as to when it opens, or what else will be closing/demolished to make room for all this stuff. Hopefully we get some of that news soon.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Announces New Lands, Entertainment and Experiences at D23 EXPO 2015 Star Wars, Toy Story Land, Pandora – The World of AVATAR, Soarin’ and Iron Man among new experiences coming for guests ANAHEIM, Calif. (Aug. 15, 2015) – Today, Disney announced a line-up of new attractions and entertainment coming to its theme parks around the world during the D23 EXPO 2015 in Anaheim, Calif. Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek gave 7,500 lucky fans a behind-the-scenes look at what’s to come. He was joined by Imagineers working on these projects as well as legendary filmmakers James Cameron and Jon Landau who shared new details about Pandora – The World of AVATAR including the names of the land and E-ticket attraction – AVATAR Flight of Passage. Fans also got a chance to see Marvel legend Stan Lee in a cameo appearance where he posed as an unsuspecting fan during Iron Man’s dramatic entrance. Among the many announcements Chapek shared were new and enhanced Star Wars experiences coming later this year to the Florida and California theme parks, plans for a new Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and more details on Pandora—The World of AVATAR, which is already under construction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Chapek also shared that Soarin’ Around the World will make its U.S. film debut at Epcot and Disney California Adventure taking guests to new places around the world. Additionally, fans got a preview of exclusive video of the first Marvel attraction planned for Disney parks, coming to Hong Kong Disneyland in 2016. “From Disneyland’s 60th anniversary celebration to the anticipation of Shanghai Disney Resort, we’re in the midst of unprecedented growth and expansion around the globe,” said Chapek. “With these new announcements, we continue our legacy in creating innovative attractions, worldwide entertainment, and magical lands that take our guests into the worlds of stories they love.” In addition to these announcements, Chapek talked about the exciting news announced earlier in the day by Chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company Bob Iger for plans to bring Star Wars-themed lands to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando and Disneyland park in Anaheim. Each 14-acre land will transport guests to a never-before-seen planet with two signature attractions, including a customized secret mission on the Millennium Falcon and an epic Star Wars adventure that puts guests in the middle of a climactic battle. Details on each of the projects include: Star Wars Enhancements & New Experiences From a new Star Tours adventure to Star Wars Launch Bay, from a new Jedi Training Academy to "Season of the Force,” soon guests will be part of both new and enhanced experiences at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. · Star Tours – The Adventures Continue – Later this year, Star Tours will include a new adventure featuring locations and characters from the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, giving guests a new adventure in the Star Wars galaxy. · Star Wars Launch Bay – This interactive experience will take guests into the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, with special exhibits and peeks behind-the-scenes, including opportunities to visit with new and favorite Star Wars characters, special merchandise and food offerings. Star Wars Launch Bay will be located in the Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and in Tomorrowland at Disneyland park. Also atDisneyland park, Star Wars Launch Bay will share the space with the reimagined Super Hero HQ, featuring opportunities to meet and take photos with super heroes like Captain America and Thor, as well as experience the returning Iron Man Tech Presented by Stark Industries. Both experiences will be available for guests later this year. · Jedi Training Academy — A favorite of younger fans is reimagined with a new experience that includes new characters and a new villain to battle from the popular Disney XD series "Star Wars Rebels." · Season of the Force – This new seasonal event, beginning early 2016, brings new experiences to both coasts. In Tomorrowland at Disneyland park, guests will explore the Star Wars galaxy with special entertainment throughout the land, themed food locations and more. Guests also will be thrilled to climb aboard Hyperspace Mountain, a reimagining of the classic Space Mountain attraction, in which guests will join an X-wing Starfighter battle. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests will close out weekend nights with a new fireworks spectacular set to the iconic score of the Star Wars movies. Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida The reimagining of Disney’s Hollywood Studios will take guests to infinity and beyond, allowing them to step into the worlds of their favorite films, starting with Toy Story Land. This new 11-acre land will transport guests into the adventurous outdoors of Andy’s backyard. Guests will think they've been shrunk to the size of Woody and Buzz as they are surrounded by oversized toys that Andy has assembled using his vivid imagination. Using toys like building blocks, plastic buckets and shovels, and game board pieces, Andy has designed the perfect setting for this land, which will include two new attractions for any Disney park and one expanded favorite. · Family-friendly roller coaster – All on the back of Slinky Dog, this coaster will zip and zoom, plunge and coast as it takes guests on a fun, toy-filled adventure throughout the new land. · Alien saucers attraction – The famous little green aliens from the movie will take guests around for a spin in their very own flying saucers. The music, lighting and sound effects add to the flurry of action, while “The Claw” looms over. · Toy Story Mania! – Guests glide into the Toy Story Midway Games Play Set and take aim at 3D objects in a variety of fast-paced games, with an expansion that adds a third track to this popular attraction. After Dark at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Pandora – The World of AVATAR As part of the largest expansion in the park’s history, Disney’s Animal Kingdom will immerse guests into the world of Pandora, and the entire park will transform after dark with new nighttime entertainment experiences, offering guests longer days than ever before to experience this one-of-a-kind theme park. · “Rivers of Light” – Expected to open next spring, “Rivers of Light” will be an innovative experience unlike anything ever seen in a Disney park, combining live music, floating lanterns, water screens and swirling animal imagery. “Rivers of Light” will magically come to life on the natural stage of Discovery River, delighting guests and truly capping off a full day of adventures at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. · Kilimanjaro Safaris – This popular attraction will be extended for a new nighttime adventure next spring, where guests will travel through the African savanna amid the magically extended orange glow of the setting sun and discover two species new to the attraction: African wild dogs and hyenas. · Pandora – The World of AVATAR – Disney’s Animal Kingdom guests will journey into the magnificent world of Pandora at this new AVATAR-themed land – a world that includes floating mountains, a bioluminescent forest and the winged creatures known as Banshees, giving guests a transformational experience they will never forget. o AVATAR Flight of Passage – This E-ticket attraction, the centerpiece of Pandora, allows guests to soar on a Banshee over a vast alien world. The spectacular flying experience will give guests a birds-eye view of the beauty and grandeur of the world of Pandora on an aerial rite of passage. Soarin’ Around the World in Florida and California Next year, guests at Epcot in Florida and Disney California Adventure in California will journey to far-flung lands and fly above some of the world’s most unique natural landscapes and man-made wonders when the new Soarin’ Around the World makes its U.S. debut. Iron Man Unveiled for Hong Kong Disneyland Iron Man landed at D23 EXPO today for a special appearance, and soon Hong Kong Disneyland guests will have the opportunity to meet and take photos with the Super Hero himself. Set to open in 2016, Iron Man Experience will be the first Marvel attraction at any Disney park, taking guests on an epic adventure over the streets and in the sky above Hong Kong. The adventure will begin at the new Stark Expo where guests board the Iron Wing to take flight and battle Hydra alongside fan-favorite Avenger, Iron Man.

Some of us may have been expecting it.

Just added to that last post that Toy Story Land has also been announced: http://themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1620676#p1620676

First part of today's update.... Note that cameras were not allowed in the "Studios Panel" so there isn't as much to report on today... Walt Disney Studios announced Colin Trevorrow will direct 2019's Star Wars: Episode IX New standalone Star Wars series, “Rogue One,” has begun filming. December 16, 2016 release: #StarWars themed lands officially announced for @Disneyalnd & @WaltDisneyWorld A Star Wars cantina dining experience was confirmed during the Disney Studios Live Action presentation. The Star Wars land will host alien creatures, immersive environments and appearances by familiar characters.

It's already posted in both the Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios and the Disneyland threads. It's also on the front page of TPR with a link.

Nope.

Star Wars-Themed Lands Coming to Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts ANAHEIM, Calif. (Aug. 15, 2015) – Today at the D23 EXPO 2015, The Walt Disney Company Chairman and CEO Bob Iger announced to an audience of more than 7,500 fans that Star Wars-themed lands will be coming to Disneyland park in Anaheim, Calif., and Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla., allowing Star Wars fans to step into the stories from a galaxy far, far away. Ambitious plans to bring Star Wars to life in the two parks include creating Disney’s largest single themed land expansions ever at 14 acres each, transporting guests to a never-before-seen planet, a remote trading port and one of the last stops before wild space where Star Wars characters and their stories come to life. "I am thrilled to announce the next chapter in the long and exciting history between Disney Parks and Star Wars,” said Iger. “We are creating a jaw-dropping new world that represents our largest single themed land expansion ever. These new lands at Disneyland and Walt Disney World will transport guests to a whole new Star Wars planet, including an epic Star Wars adventure that puts you in the middle of a climactic battle between the First Order and the Resistance.” These authentic lands will have two signature attractions. Along with the thrilling battle experience, another attraction puts guests behind the controls of one of the most recognizable ships in the galaxy, the Millennium Falcon, as they take on a customized secret mission. Iger also shared concept images of the Star Wars-themed lands, giving fans a glimpse at what is to come for Disney parks. The partnership between Disney and Lucasfilm dates back to 1987, when the successful Star Tours attraction, inspired by George Lucas’s legendary Star Wars film series, opened at Disneyland. The attraction was then redesigned, emerging as “Star Tours – The Adventures Continue” in 2011 and featuring more than 50 different story outcomes and the possibility to visit five different planets. For 60 years, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts has been delighting millions of people with fantastic storytelling, exceptional entertainment and extraordinary experiences, creating places where guests can make life-long memories with their friends and families. This announcement marks an unprecedented time of growth with exciting developments happening around the world – from Disneyland Resort’s Diamond Celebration to the anticipated opening of Shanghai Disney Resort in China. Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Announces New Lands, Entertainment and Experiences at D23 EXPO 2015 Star Wars, Toy Story Land, Pandora – The World of AVATAR, Soarin’ and Iron Man among new experiences coming for guests ANAHEIM, Calif. (Aug. 15, 2015) – Today, Disney announced a line-up of new attractions and entertainment coming to its theme parks around the world during the D23 EXPO 2015 in Anaheim, Calif. Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek gave 7,500 lucky fans a behind-the-scenes look at what’s to come. He was joined by Imagineers working on these projects as well as legendary filmmakers James Cameron and Jon Landau who shared new details about Pandora – The World of AVATAR including the names of the land and E-ticket attraction – AVATAR Flight of Passage. Fans also got a chance to see Marvel legend Stan Lee in a cameo appearance where he posed as an unsuspecting fan during Iron Man’s dramatic entrance. Among the many announcements Chapek shared were new and enhanced Star Wars experiences coming later this year to the Florida and California theme parks, plans for a new Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and more details on Pandora—The World of AVATAR, which is already under construction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Chapek also shared that Soarin’ Around the World will make its U.S. film debut at Epcot and Disney California Adventure taking guests to new places around the world. Additionally, fans got a preview of exclusive video of the first Marvel attraction planned for Disney parks, coming to Hong Kong Disneyland in 2016. “From Disneyland’s 60th anniversary celebration to the anticipation of Shanghai Disney Resort, we’re in the midst of unprecedented growth and expansion around the globe,” said Chapek. “With these new announcements, we continue our legacy in creating innovative attractions, worldwide entertainment, and magical lands that take our guests into the worlds of stories they love.” In addition to these announcements, Chapek talked about the exciting news announced earlier in the day by Chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company Bob Iger for plans to bring Star Wars-themed lands to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando and Disneyland park in Anaheim. Each 14-acre land will transport guests to a never-before-seen planet with two signature attractions, including a customized secret mission on the Millennium Falcon and an epic Star Wars adventure that puts guests in the middle of a climactic battle. Details on each of the projects include: Star Wars Enhancements & New Experiences From a new Star Tours adventure to Star Wars Launch Bay, from a new Jedi Training Academy to "Season of the Force,” soon guests will be part of both new and enhanced experiences at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. · Star Tours – The Adventures Continue – Later this year, Star Tours will include a new adventure featuring locations and characters from the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, giving guests a new adventure in the Star Wars galaxy. · Star Wars Launch Bay – This interactive experience will take guests into the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, with special exhibits and peeks behind-the-scenes, including opportunities to visit with new and favorite Star Wars characters, special merchandise and food offerings. Star Wars Launch Bay will be located in the Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and in Tomorrowland at Disneyland park. Also atDisneyland park, Star Wars Launch Bay will share the space with the reimagined Super Hero HQ, featuring opportunities to meet and take photos with super heroes like Captain America and Thor, as well as experience the returning Iron Man Tech Presented by Stark Industries. Both experiences will be available for guests later this year. · Jedi Training Academy — A favorite of younger fans is reimagined with a new experience that includes new characters and a new villain to battle from the popular Disney XD series "Star Wars Rebels." · Season of the Force – This new seasonal event, beginning early 2016, brings new experiences to both coasts. In Tomorrowland at Disneyland park, guests will explore the Star Wars galaxy with special entertainment throughout the land, themed food locations and more. Guests also will be thrilled to climb aboard Hyperspace Mountain, a reimagining of the classic Space Mountain attraction, in which guests will join an X-wing Starfighter battle. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests will close out weekend nights with a new fireworks spectacular set to the iconic score of the Star Wars movies. Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida The reimagining of Disney’s Hollywood Studios will take guests to infinity and beyond, allowing them to step into the worlds of their favorite films, starting with Toy Story Land. This new 11-acre land will transport guests into the adventurous outdoors of Andy’s backyard. Guests will think they've been shrunk to the size of Woody and Buzz as they are surrounded by oversized toys that Andy has assembled using his vivid imagination. Using toys like building blocks, plastic buckets and shovels, and game board pieces, Andy has designed the perfect setting for this land, which will include two new attractions for any Disney park and one expanded favorite. · Family-friendly roller coaster – All on the back of Slinky Dog, this coaster will zip and zoom, plunge and coast as it takes guests on a fun, toy-filled adventure throughout the new land. · Alien saucers attraction – The famous little green aliens from the movie will take guests around for a spin in their very own flying saucers. The music, lighting and sound effects add to the flurry of action, while “The Claw” looms over. · Toy Story Mania! – Guests glide into the Toy Story Midway Games Play Set and take aim at 3D objects in a variety of fast-paced games, with an expansion that adds a third track to this popular attraction. After Dark at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Pandora – The World of AVATAR As part of the largest expansion in the park’s history, Disney’s Animal Kingdom will immerse guests into the world of Pandora, and the entire park will transform after dark with new nighttime entertainment experiences, offering guests longer days than ever before to experience this one-of-a-kind theme park. · “Rivers of Light” – Expected to open next spring, “Rivers of Light” will be an innovative experience unlike anything ever seen in a Disney park, combining live music, floating lanterns, water screens and swirling animal imagery. “Rivers of Light” will magically come to life on the natural stage of Discovery River, delighting guests and truly capping off a full day of adventures at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. · Kilimanjaro Safaris – This popular attraction will be extended for a new nighttime adventure next spring, where guests will travel through the African savanna amid the magically extended orange glow of the setting sun and discover two species new to the attraction: African wild dogs and hyenas. · Pandora – The World of AVATAR – Disney’s Animal Kingdom guests will journey into the magnificent world of Pandora at this new AVATAR-themed land – a world that includes floating mountains, a bioluminescent forest and the winged creatures known as Banshees, giving guests a transformational experience they will never forget. o AVATAR Flight of Passage – This E-ticket attraction, the centerpiece of Pandora, allows guests to soar on a Banshee over a vast alien world. The spectacular flying experience will give guests a birds-eye view of the beauty and grandeur of the world of Pandora on an aerial rite of passage. Soarin’ Around the World in Florida and California Next year, guests at Epcot in Florida and Disney California Adventure in California will journey to far-flung lands and fly above some of the world’s most unique natural landscapes and man-made wonders when the new Soarin’ Around the World makes its U.S. debut. Iron Man Unveiled for Hong Kong Disneyland Iron Man landed at D23 EXPO today for a special appearance, and soon Hong Kong Disneyland guests will have the opportunity to meet and take photos with the Super Hero himself. Set to open in 2016, Iron Man Experience will be the first Marvel attraction at any Disney park, taking guests on an epic adventure over the streets and in the sky above Hong Kong. The adventure will begin at the new Stark Expo where guests board the Iron Wing to take flight and battle Hydra alongside fan-favorite Avenger, Iron Man.