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Great trip report, just went through all 4 parts. Would love to get to Japan's Disney someday.

Just got an email about Howl-O-Scream 2011, the theme this year is : The Dark Side of the Gardens: Fear Grows Here. They have already launched the website: http://www.howloscream.com/Williamsburg/homepage.aspx Not much on the website yet.

I have been watching this show since it started, and I love it. I thought the latest episode with the splash pool and water cannons was the best yet. I think they run a little quick, I think each show should be about an hour instead of 1/2 hour. When they choose my yard, I am going with the Disney Polynesian Theme. I want by back yard to look like the pool area behind the Polynesian Resort: complete with volcano, water slide, and Tiki bar. I can dream

Congratulations to you both

I think I waited about 2 1/2 hours for Curse of the Darkcastle the weekend it opened at BGW. Was not worth the wait, when we went through the video seemed out of sync with the ride. As we approached some screen the scene was already 1/2 way done. I also waited nearly two hours for Soarin'. The side we were on broke down after we made the turn, so instead of mixing us in with the other side right away, they cleared that side of the ride and then merged us in.

Here is the OFFICIAL Mach Tower commercial, little better quality soon my pretty, soon ....

I have fallen a little behind on my "road food adventure" reading, and for that I apologize. Tammy's and Johnny's does have some great chicken. VA's Eastern Shore used to be scattered with these little drive in places - as the major franchises moved in, only Tammy's and Johnny's remained. I went to Station 7 a couple of weeks ago for my first time. We were going to a Shorebirds game and someone had told us how good this place was. I had the prime rib and it was excellent. I got bad directions and it took me forever to get there, but it was worth it. I will be going back next time I'm up that way.

I think they opened the fun card up to anyone this year, you no longer have to be a VA resident. It has always been the same price for a Virginia resident as a one day pass; but, its only good until Labor Day. I had one for the first year, but realized since I go to the park often, I was better off with the Platinum Pass. The money I saved in parking alone makes it worth it. Plus, I get Hallowscream and discounted Christmas Town tickets. The Fun Card is ideal for someone that may only visit the park twice a summer, if more you are better off with an annual pass of some sort.

I agree 100%. I was planning on going Sunday or Monday to try the ride, but I'll wait. Now I'll just wait till TPR day on the 19th.

Not opening in time for Memorial Day. Via Bush Gardens Facebook:

I have played a lot different courses through the years, but my favorite would have to be Old Pro Mini Golf in Ocean City MD. They have a few different locations all themed differently. My favorite is the Temple of the Dragons course. It takes you in and out of temples with smoke and fog effects, its great especially at night. There is also a great course outside of Lancaster PA, just down the road from Dutch Wonderland called Lost Treasure Mini Golf. It has a pirate theme with waterfalls, caves, and pirate ships. Every so often the ships "battle" across the course with air cannons and sound effects.

There is a commercial running on our local TV stations for Mach Tower, I can't seem to find it online anywhere. Its a typical commercial for a ride - shows the ride, people on the ride, and some random reactions to the ride. I know it isn't real, because the ride isn't even testing yet (that we know of); but, it shows the ride car and the drop sequence like its running. In the commercial the car is round, instead of the square car pictured in the concept art. Also there is a large yellow sleeve (?) above with designs on it that appear to match up with the large yellow top on the tower. Also, I think the commercial gives away the "secret." In one of the rider's reaction the person mentions a music track that goes along with the ride up the tower. She goes on to say ... you circle the tower while going up, you stop, the music stops, and then you fall. There was no "Coming Soon" tag at the end of the commercial either. It said Mach Tower now at Bush Gardens. I have the commercial saved on my DVR and I may try to see how some pictures would come out taken off the TV. If you are in Hampton Roads, the commercial was on Fox 43.

I have only been to Dutch Wonderland twice, but both times have been great. We actually camped at Old Mill Stream right next door, so we could walk over and bring the little ones back for naps. I mentioned my love for Kingdom Coaster in another thread, saying it was one of my top 5's. Late in the day when the park clears out you can stay on Kingdom Coaster for ride after ride after ride.. Crowds have never been a problem for me at Trimpers. We normally go early in the day and the park is normally empty. I call it park, but its really just a bunch of rides spread out over a big area. It does get hot, but you could always go early in the Spring or Fall when its cooler.

I really enjoy Dutch Wonderland, I plan on spending a day there in route to Hershey for this year's East Coast Bash. I haven't been to Knobels yet, but it is also on the itinerary this year. Have you tried Trimper's Rides at the boardwalk at Ocean City, MD? They have a great variety of rides. My kids love it. They have two great walk through fun houses, a ton of "carnival type" rides, and even a Vekoma Boomerang coaster. There is a Ripley's Museum within walking distance, as well as some great arcades.

Hit the park today for my first time this year. It was very crowded and we decided not to stay real long. I got a few shots of the freshly topped Mach Tower for all to enjoy. Parking lot, Mach on the left Mach from Italy Saw the new Italian version of Monster Stomp Signage looks tall to me

I am all for this. I would probably bring a friend, to make two. We are both season pass holders.

WE love looking for Hidden Mickeys. When they redecorated the Poly, one of the online Disney surplus sites had some left over wall murals - one of which is on my kitchen wall. There are three hidden Mickeys on the painting. Also when we did the behind the seeds tour at The Land, our tour guide told us about a hidden Mickey in the rain forest room. The Micky is actually printed on the rain effect, the way the strobes bounces off of it you can never really see it. If you use a flash and take a picture of the right spot, a Mickey appears.

Filled up today for $3.65 gallon.

It took a while, but it works: billboard.bmp Its me in Ohio. =-)

Yes, go to guest services and ask for one. You make a donation to the wildlife fund and get a credit card style pass.

Here is a link to a story with video and pictures: http://www.wavy.com/dpp/news/local_news/Ocean-Breeze-unveils-improvement-plans Looks like a great addition, and I can say I am looking forward to trying it this summer.

Kieran Burke was in Virginia Beach today for another press conference. source : http://www.wvec.com/news/local/Ocean-Breeze-Waterpark-New-Attractions-118932009.html

You should have tried the Canadian company ->Canadian Coaster I think they have better prices

Great thread, just got caught up on it. I have been to Wilbur's Chocolate Factory, what a neat little place. We stayed at the campground next to Dutch Wonderland and the owners recommended a visit to there. The women in the back were dipping homemade marshmallows in chocolate, that were to die for - and I am not a huge fan of chocolate. Also being on Delmarva, I am a HUGE scrapple fan. I saw that picture of the thick scrapple, and before I even read the comment - I thought no way. Pizza tour looks like a must do if I ever go to New York. J.D. "yes I'm a RAPA man" Outten

I am going to skip it this year. I have seen the crowds get larger and larger every year on pass member preview day. I am going to go next weekend on the 26th. I had some friends go last year on the weekend it actually opened to the public, and they said it wasn't crowded at all.