TheRapidsNerd

^ Looked on the web the other day and Grand Ole Golf and Games is still around, but it seemed to be in a different location than what I remember. Faulty memories on my part. It's possible that JP machine is still there, but it was about 1993 when I saw it. Even so, it was cool to watch the T-Rex lean over and eat the pinball. Humorously, I just got a message on Facebook about Velociraptor Awareness Day. Talk about timing! Gotta keep an eye out, but at some point, I'd love to get some of the old back glass art from whatever pinball machines, and frame it. Same idea as framing park maps.

Been enjoying the updates here lately. Next time I'm in the DC and Baltimore area, I have to try these places. They look great!

The other day I had a Dr. Pepper at work and Pibb Xtra at Wendy's with my dinner. Dr. Pepper had a stronger or bolder taste, while Pibb Xtra was more subtle, but sweeter. Personal opinion notwithstanding, that's what I experienced comparing the two. Gleen from it what you will. I remember Pepsi Blue having a short taste that started off like snow cone syrup, and then going to club soda in a big hurry. Kinda looked like Windex to me too. Meh. Crystal Pepsi seemed like just another 7up clone before the 7up formula was changed here recently. Couldn't tell much difference. Clearly, I missed something. I still rejoice seeing Vault in the stores, because it's one step away from Vault Icee nirvana, which I miss terribly. For the record, as I type this at 2:35 am, I am drinking Dr. Pepper, slightly warm, as all good practicing and former role playing geeks, should do. However, since there are no cheetos or cheesy poofs in the area, Nerd points have been deducted. My roll to "save against losing Nerd points" has failed. Crap! Time for magic missle and more Dr. Pepper.

Lightning Loops AND Roaring Rapids...Christmas came early this year! Thank you!

Steampowered rides are awesome! Thank you for posting this.

At college in 1993-94 we had WhirlWind (?) with the fan in the top, Twilight Zone, and Earth Shaker (?) with the talking guy and girl construction people. Between those and Mortal Kombat 2, I spent way too much cash. Also say the newer Jurassic Park pinball machine at a minigolf place that used to be near the Opryland Hotel. I think the golf place is gone (Grand Ole Golf and Games?) Some of the ones I really liked and would own if money were no object: Space Station Space Shuttle Roller Coaster Tycoon Pinbot Bride of Pinbot Circus Voltaire any KISS pinball machine Fireball or Firepower? There was also a Journey pinball machine that played drums and a bassline and whenever you hit bumpers it played different guitar licks. This was at a Howard Johnson's hotel near St. Louis in the mid 80's. Also remember a wacky pinball/video game hybrid in Baby Pacman at Showbiz Pizza place as a kid. Not bad. While not the real thing, I enjoyed several of the old GBA and console pins like Sonic Spinball, Muppet Pinball Mayhem, Sonic Pinball Party, Mario Pinball, Metroid Prime Pinball, Pinball of the Dead, etc. Kinda miss my GBA and those games now. Also remember the Virtual Boy pinball in all it's red and black eye straining glory. That was actually kinda fun.

We picked up a new sony camcorder for work last year and had a tough time dealing with the AVCHD format. There just wasn't much support for the new standard yet and most of the forums we read said they didn't like it and to just leave it alone until there's more support. This was also before CS4 was available. I remember there being complicated conversion tricks that would provide so-so results, but can't remember who said or where exactly. Yeah, big help there. Hopefully a lot has changed in the past several months.

You know, if I got into good enough shape, I'd wear one. Why not?

I was working at Great American Cookie Company when that changeover happened and I couldn't tell a difference between Mr. Pibb and Pibb Xtra, except for the name. I'll take either.

Agreed on sarcasm, however the mystery of the Bag O Crap and it's wonderously random contents is part of the fun. Besides, I'm in a zany mood tonight.

Another great update and yay for a great park and Shipwreck Rapids!

Ahh, I see. Could you look this way, please? Zzzzaaaaaaappp!!

Enjoyed seeing this since I've only seen the inside of O'Hare. I'm also fast becoming a fan of "The Bean". It's Flight of the Navigator cool.

Thai, you've struck gold once again! Great job! Big thank you for the shout out too! Much appreciated.

Hey, as crazy as it sounds, Wes knows his stuff when it comes to theme parks. I'm totally behind the heartline vertical lift concept. I'm also behind how great R3 is looking. So wish I was in Orlando to see it.

I gotta go with Beeja here as top pick. All the other ladies are certainly winner, but you and Beeja really made a cute couple. Wow! Is spring ever in the air! First Timberskara and now this! Awwww...

Great report on the new area and enjoyed the pictures. There's just something about "Drunk Grover" that makes me chuckle. Jokes aside, it is good see BGW get it's answer to Shamu's Happy Harbor and/or Jungala. Oh did Castle O'Sullvan bring back memories of the old Merlin's Apprentice type magic show from the 80's! Totally forgot about that until your pics showed the stage. Some great memories there. Also great to see Mr. Turner and Clint Novak.

Enjoyed this TR and you all make a cute couple. Congrats and happy for you both. Kara you've definitely coined a new term. "Wholphins" I will forever call them.

Somebody call Trinere and Friends! This is AWESOME! I HAVE to go there this summer. I'm so pumped!

And it would've been a hot seller too. Kidding aside, TPR Fanny Packs, Water Wallets, Sling Bags, Lanyards, Buttons, and Magnets would be cool and useful things. I'd buy them. Know you already have the sackpacks for various things, but I like the idea of the sling bag (one shoulder bag). That and a lanyard are a couple things the would be very useful on a trip or at the park.

"That's a fascinating theme park you have there. What do you call it?" "Arthur."

Somebody tell Knotts the Coaster Dynamix model in the gift shop doesn't count.

Hey, if you got the body for it, I say go for it. If you're carrying the fuel tank for a sex machine, you might want to hide that tap a bit better. Have to agree with the European, etc, folks. Speedo briefs really don't bother me.

Awww, and I was looking forward to going to Epic Fail Park this summer. Sigh. Why can't they get it right?

I get the feeling this is NOT Elissa approved. Just a hunch. I really like Comet Express, as messed up as it is. The trains are cool and it just looks like a lot of fun. Thanks for posting this!