TheRapidsNerd

Robb, people just don't take time to read things like instructions or descriptions. This happens often on YouTube. The description will say "the former coaster at such and such park..." etc., and somebody will always comment "That ride isn't at that park." or "That ride is gone." Well...yeah. It says that same thing in the description. HELLOOO! I feel your pain brother. Truly. Anyway, I'm still for downloadable TPR and Affiliate DVD hotness. You'll get it all running.

I would LOVE to see the TPR DVDs and Afflilate DVDs for download and usable in iTunes! Me thinks this Black Friday promo was a clever shakedown/test run of the idea. If you go for the content download thing and the bugs are worked out, absolutely sign me up.

Looks like a fun event and glad to see something new for USH.

More from Gatlinburg... EDIT: I'll work on my spelling and grammar. My typos have gotten pretty bad of late.. Talk about a sweet ending to this round of pics, although, I could be stretching it a bit. Day 4 Dollywood coming soon. Thank you all for reading this far. Why do I want Freedom Fries all of a sudden? Weird... This was also part of a Trolley tour and linked up to other light displays all over town. Back to Pigeon Forge and out to dinner later, we stopped back by Patriot Park to check out the light displays. Seemed like a bright idea at the time. While heading back to the car, yet another Smashed Penny Credit. It's at The Sign Co. on the main drag headed towards the Aquarium. Yer lookin MIGHTY FINE in 'em jeans too...in the Smokies! The Brit Gal is getting a lot of press this trip, eh? Part of the fountain square. What? I'm tapped for one-liners tonight. Awesome on so many levels! Thought it was the Alvey's doing at first. I'd buy TPR wing sauce, wouldn't you? Apparently, it comes in a bottle with a goatee and pistols. Makes that spare can seem kind of lame, huh? There was an interesting Celtic store down this way with Guiness souvenirs right in front of the door. You could buy kilts too. If you've worn one, you know how much they rock. I'm fond of fountains and waterfalls. If you saw this years Opryland USARemnants /Opryland Hotel/Opry Mills TR, this is par for the course. Random shot of some of The Village. I liked the closeness and Tudor style of it all. Quite soothing place really. For the Yankees enthusiasts. This was in one of the art galleries. The Village History for those interested. Next to Pancake Pantry is The Village. Some interesting shops and what not. This was a special place for my high school girlfriend and I. Should she ever stumble on this TR, yes, I still remember the Village and the wonderful smell from the magnolia trees.

Good taste sir! Yes, it seems Holiday Inn is TPR approved. That whole area really is a nice place and I enjoyed the friendliness of it all. Day 3 Part 2 - Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum, Pancake Pantry, The Village, Patriot Park Everybody was dragging today after a rough night sleep. Even so, another sunny and beautiful day, even more great food, and touristy stuff in downtown Gatlinburg. The crowds rolled in around 1pm, so we decided to take off and chill in the afternoon before heading out to dinner. Well of course I got video! Don't be ridiculous... Next part in a few. After brunch sweet shop next door was making taffy. Guess what instantly sprang to mind? Yep, Robb's "Gimme some candy!" line. I've been reading this site way too long! Lol! You know, I wanted to make a clever joke about waiting in line for the Pancake Pantry, but it just didn't pan out. Good thing we were stopping here for brunch. Awesome pancakes and bacon and still top notch 15 years after my last visit. Down the street was this arcade and food stand. The sausages and onions smelled soooo good. It's also safe to say that a name like Fanny Farkle is Steampunk approved. The store on the right is called All Sauced Up. Sounds like a good TPR party or a Gretchen Wilson song. This would be Mr. Wadlow's perspective of downtown Gatlinburg. Ripley's Museum Smashed Penny Credit. It's in the room near the swinging bridge illusion. Oh no! I saw what happened to the last guy who talked to you… “Excuse me. I do not mean to pry, but you wouldn’t happen to have six fingers on your left hand, would you?” – Indigo Montoya Absolutely amazing! I’ve never seen a ruler that big before! You know, Robert Wadlow really did a lot of living during his 22 years on the planet. Definately something to look up to. If you said “Loo”, give yourself some sugar free taffy…just text Ryan for the details. Or email Dan. Either way. Time to play “Spot the TPR Member”. 2 headed calf, 4 legged bird, 2 headed goat. If this is the livestock, I’d hate to see the owners. No, I don't think they're from Alabama... Well detailed carved wooden steam engine. So how’s it going Matt? “I’ve met women with necks 15 inches long…”. – Robert L. Ripley I used to love this show when Jack Palance (Curly in City Slickers) was the host. Was also a big fan of That’s Incredible with John Davidson, Kathy Lee Crosby (?) and Fran Targenton. I don’t think the one on the right even knows what it’s supposed to be either. We’ll just chalk it up to modern art. Terminator Beta, Santa Clause from Futurama, or the Vault Scarecrow’s pissed-off cousin. Choose now! Believe it or not, we stopped at the Ripley Museum.

Oh man the hours I spent playing Animal Crossing on GameCube and DS. I might just have to break down and get a Wii, especially now with the wireless network stuff in place. Been wanting to play the Lego games too.

Ok, here's a little bit more until tomorrow. Day 3 Part 1 - Gatlinburg Space Needle And we'll squeeze out this update with another Smashed Penny Credit for CoasterPalooza. More Gatlinburg tomorrow. More Betty Boop for Lou. There were a few reminders of her this day. Lazer tag on the level below. Man I miss Q-Zar and the Photon centers. This stuff just isn't the same vibe. Back on the very welcome ground level is the arcade. Some pretty views in the quiet, early morning. Glad I did it and yes, I got a 360 video as well. I had really wanted to do this, and got reminded just how much I hate heights. Yes, it's beautiful once you get to the top, but the ride up really pushed on my anxiety. Was white knuckling the window support and had my eyes shut muttering "What have I done? Why did I want to do this again? etc." Humble pie aside, for those who've never been up in the Space Needle, here's a full 360 series of views. We started our morning off on a high note with the Gatlinburg Space Needle.

So true. I fear midget ninjas and blow gun darts to the knees. Thank you and good to know. Well, so much for the next-gen funnel cake stand... LOL! Yeah, we wanted to hit a lot more, but time and fatigue won out. Good excuse to go back, eh? Besides, as I've gotten older, I get a kick out of the cheesy touristy stuff. Where else can you get an LED flashlight painted like a watermelon? As for Wilderness, it's in Sevierville on the right as you drive up to Pigeon Vegas. Looks awesome and yet another excuse to go back to a great area. I wondered. Gut was saying get pics and mark locations for you. There will be a couple more in the next round from Gatlinburg (Space Needle, The Sign Company and Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum.) With all the machines at Dollywood, figured you had those. Did not have pennies or just would've gotten them and sent them to you. Hey, glad to help out. Well, I over-napped tonight and missed a bunch of things, including dinner with friends, and getting the next round resized and posted. Yes, BOOOOO! indeed. Will post next round tomorrow night after work. Thanks for all the views and good comments so far. Always glad to have them.

Matt, you totally blue-screened me! Sorry you weren't feeling so great Robb. There's a lot of crud going around lately, but even so, you're still keeping the train on the rails, even if you've had to use trims now and then. Hang in there man.

No worries friend! I wouldn't forget you. Yours is coming a little later on, though I don't know your likes quite as well as CTU's. Wow! Curious and cool circumstances. Also curious is that I stumbled on carolinacaniac's Dollywood PTR from last year and he stayed at the same hotel. Between bum internet and faulty head wiring, I should've looked you up. Bummer I missed you, in that we could've hung out one evening. Definitely next time I'm in Pigeon Vegas. Kidding aside, always appreciate the encouragement. Big thanks! Thank you. Thank you very hard. Thank you very hard. Just kept seeing things that reminded me of TPR folks, almost all of whom I've never met in person. Besides, lots of folks have been kind to include rapids stuff in their TRs, so it's more than fair. Day 2 Thanksgiving, Some Dollywood Construction, Wilderness Resort at the Smokies Construction, A little of Gatlinburg We had a late (and delicious) Thanksgiving dinner at the hotel before going out exploring. The idea was to see where things were and get our game plan for hitting up attractions Friday. Yes NASCAR SpeedPark was a consideration for Friday (didn't happen), along with the various Ripley attractions (only saw the museum). The Space Needle was also a possibility. You’re hungry now, aren’t you. Day 3 coming soon. Epic win at Boston’s Shrimp Bucket Restaurant. During a high school choir competition, we stayed at The River Terrace. This is also where I fell in the Little Pideon River. It was cold too. Mysterious Mansion, now in creep-o-vision, which is strikingly similar to beer goggles… Artsy tram shot. Yep, total fluke, but cool, huh? Bearskin lodge, although it registers as the Foreskin Lodge to me. I know, make another appointment for that cat-scan. Curious how I take a picture of The Moving Theater, from a moving car, and it comes out blurry. I REALLY wanted to touch the map. Bloody warning signs… Topographical map of the area. Wouldn’t a hamster have a field day in here? Plaque near the door. This guy really loved this town. (looks around) You talkin’ to me? A bit later we stopped at the Applebarn restaurants and shops. Most of the shops were closed, so we drove into Gatlinburg. Oh yes, there's a full on golf course too. Yep, more human storage. Some deep breathing and a few tissues later, I got a couple more pics. Here’s the hotel entrance. One day I shall ride you with reckless abandon. Hmmm…sounds like a date I had once… I had a geek moment. Allo lovelies. Slide parts! Out in the open! For joy! Wild WaterDome. Two men enter, one man leaves… Enclosed Tornado hotness! Wilderness Resort at the Smokies Construction. I think I just pee’d a little. or…secret ninja base expansion. or…the next generation Funnel Cake stand… It could be an inverted wooden launched dark ride… We drove by Dollywood and found this construction near the parking lot toll booths. Since we all love our dirt piles and footers, here ya go. Start you’re speculation………….NOW! Just like a date I had once. So enticing, but all tease. How long ‘til spring again? Not soon enough. The hotel Thanksgiving spread. The mashed potatoes and banana pudding were orgiastic. (Yes, it’s a borrowed line. Deal with it.) Remember that empty lobby? What a difference a day makes. Given the circumstances, nice work.

Guys, that was hilarious! Especially the Hulk pics. Thanks, as always for the entertaining coverage.

This year for Thanksgiving we opted for a family vacation to Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg Tennessee, mainly to play tourists and see Dollywood at Christmas time. Humorously, at this very moment, it is 8:34 pm Thursday November 27, 2008. Yup, the trip isn’t even OVER yet and I’m already doing the PTR! Well, why wait to the last minute on these things? Since there have already been a couple well done Dollywood TRs, you get a smattering of tourist stops from Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg and Dolly thrown in. Sound good? To save a little time, I’m breaking this up into days and will try to name off a few things covered on a particular day. Expect some randomness, but mostly the usual fun and bad jokes. Ok, let’s get to the good stuff, shall we? Day 1 – The Drive Up, Shout Outs, and The Old Mill Said store was also Hot Fuzz friendly. Day 2 coming soon. Smashed Penny Credit #2 for CoasterPalooza. It’s at a convenience store (Jo Ken?) with a Humidor shop in the back, down the street from Holiday Inn, Pigeon Forge. Smashed Penny Credit #1 for CoasterPalooza. It’s at The Old Mill Restaurant gift shop, Pigeon Forge. The Old Mill…AT NIGHT! Topiary combo. Small, medium, and extra creepy. Ok, I’ll admit to craving a little tail now and then. Somewhere, Tyler just had an orgasm. Throw in Vault Icee and it's a party. For the Salt Water Taffy enthusiasts. This much sugar would put ANYONE into a coma! OMG! Pigeon Forge is the Mecca for lost marbles! Now, the people who lost said marbles are another matter… Scratch that. NOW I’ve seen everything. Now I’ve seen everything. I think most can figure this one out. As you can see, we did hit a few shops near the restaurant as a way to walk off an awesome and filling country dinner. This was part of Patriot Park’s light display, located down the street from The Old Mill Restaurant. Try the new Extra Mild! Screw any shred of dignity! Something just puckered. Take a wild guess. Yes, a sauce fit for rodent supportive sea life with sour stomachs. Guess who? I’ll give you a hint, it’s NOT Artie Johnson. These would make fine additions to Lou’s kitchen or, at least, the idea bears careful reflection. Out to dinner at The Old Mill restaurant and I found all kinds of goodies. How can you not grin and think of funkybadger? Nice room, hard bed. ‘Nuff said. I know mountain living is laid back and real simple-like, but this doesn’t say “Resort” to me. Thankfully, to the staff’s credit, this would be fixed and look much better the following day. – Yeah, they were renovating the hotel when we showed up. That’s twice in 2 trips for those keeping score. Oy, my luck! Somebody likes The Fast and the Furious, right? Can’t remember who, but you were thought of, so here’s a pic. Hello CTU! Thought of you when I saw this game. Need a new avatar? Nice pool at the Holiday Inn Pigeon Forge. Knife stores, pancakes, and lazer tag. There HAS to be a connection. All mentioned were in good supply. Adventure Quest for Electerik and his girlfriend. You two got me curious about this one. Too bad there wasn’t more time to try it. You know, I forgot just what this was. Well, the building looks nice anyway. “Not our Dino..” Yep, thinking of your like of Dinosaurs DT. (Yeah, yeah, I could’ve joked Jeff Johnson, but I don’t know him well enough, so we’ll skip that jab.) Wacky, arm-flailing, inflatable tube man! Wacky, arm-flailing, inflatable tube man! Wacky, arm-flailing, inflatable tube man! Weather you want to testify or just raise the roof, wacky, arm-flailing, inflatable tube man! Not 5 minutes after I made the remark “You know, this area really needs a Great Wolf Lodge or a Kalahari…” THIS appeared. Wilderness at the Smokies Water Park. (looks up at sky) Thank you! Smokey Mountain Knife Works. One of several stores secretly supplying the shadowy stronghold of ninjas in the area. One of a couple Elissa signatures this day. BTW, the Bag O Crap was McAwesome! Simpsons toys for a big Simpsons fan, Patman007. Lunch at Burger King and a Frozen Coke credit. Here’s to ya, Jahan! Random rainbow patch in the sky. How do I get the pot-o-gold? A DC-10? Think this was close to Chattanooga, Tennessee. A big hello to NINcub and the other TPR peeps in the area. Driving up to Pigeon Ford yielded some interesting pics and a few shout-outs. This bridge that made me think of Moose. Structurally sound way to start off, don’t you think?

Midnight here and listening to the iTunes download. Funny stuff. It's at the TPR DVD/Toy Story Japanese Alien part. Congrats on a good time, man!

Great report! Had so wanted to get to this a couple weeks ago and there was just no time. Thank you for getting this! And yes, you do look like the guy in Biff's 50's gang. All you need to do is push up and down on the earpeice to wiggle them up and down like Frenchie in Grease.

As soon as I saw CWJ, I had to read it first. Glad you were able to get together with some friends and not be totally alone on TG. Always glad to see one of these TRs. BTW, did Mel and Rich ever get married, or are they still just going for that 3rd date.

Voted TPR and A Walk in the Park Podcast where applicable. How could I not?

Some of those shots looked like something right off a brochure and others would make great desktop wallpaper. You done good! Yay for the Congo River Rapids shot too. Much appreciated

Larry, I have these from my 2007 trip. The portrait shots are 450w x 600h. Hope you can use them. If you need different sizing, let me know. Cheers, Michael EDIT: Ooops! Will submit them in the Park Index Section, not here. My mistake. EDIT EDIT: Submitted. Can you use some old Busch Gardens Williamsburg (Roman Rapids, Gladiator's Gauntlet) and Epcot (Spaceship Earth, Expo Robotics, The Living Seas, MGM Studios, World of Motion)pics? A single shot of Wabash Cannonball from Opryland?

Anybody remember Starman? Automan? The Greatest American Hero (Scenario!)? The Last Star Fighter? The Master? Man, what great tv memories!

^ Well, I'm just dredging up all kinds of good nostalgia huh? That's great! I'm tempted to try the place out next summer. Graystone Manor (http://www.graystonemanor.net/) is a haunt converted from a 40,000 sq ft flea market, located in...no kidding here....Killen, Alabama. Cameras weren't allowed inside, hence the one exterior shot. While waiting in line, I heard some folks say it was better in quality than the Sloss Furnace haunt in Birmingham (Alabama US, not England). On a side note, the regular, non-halloween related Sloss ghost tour is said to be very good and I remember seeing Sloss on a ghost stories show in the last 2 or 3 years. Back to point, I enjoyed Graystone much. It took 20 minutes to a half hour to go through and, at the pace you moved, there just wasn't time to figure out what was real and what wasn't. Just no way to figure out the gags. There was a no contact policy. Depending on the night, cost was $13 to $15 to get in. Since we had the power of the fetching, sunlit nymph, we got to thumb our noses at the Ferry Man on the way in. Wish I'd gotten a lanyard as a memento. I think the thing that freaked me out was the creepy little lady (at 4'8") with the albino python. The snake was cool, but when you're at the back of the line and she's slowly walking up to you, silouetted, with the room lights behind her, it is NOT a good feeling. Beware of the air raid siren and the Lazy Boy Chair. If you go, you'll understand. At any rate, hope you all enjoy and thanks much for reading. EDIT: Just realized I hadn't explained my outfit nor Luke's. Since we were both between Ren costumes, we opted for Steampunk with a "tesla/ man out of time/experiment gone wrong" backstory. Bloody tesla coils are always over-loading and sending people randomly back in time.

No, sadly no Buca's, but there is a Carabba's in Huntsville...and it's 10 minutes away from my flat. Considering the weekend, that sounds like a reasonable recovery and staying on track. You could've done much worse, so hey, it's another victory on the road. Way to stick with it.

A pittance more, and this tale shall be spent. Greatful am I for your time well meant. And finally, the evil ramshackle of Graystone Manor, a place so foul, not even cameras could penetrate. Our day of adventure ended here with only the sunlit nymph and I braving the perils within. Yes, a fine day with friends old and new. And so ends this tale, with a hearty "Thank you!" My friend and ally Luke also tempts the fates of yon smithing trade. I did have audience with the legendary Jack Sparrow during his quest for Rum. He looked for quite some time over by the Belly Dancers. "I know it doesn't seem like much...but you can't do it. Don't laugh, I could be your kid!" - - Yon Motley Entertainer "If I fall, I'll sue you! If I fall ON you, you can sue me!" - - Yon Motley Entertainer "This next trick, I call call...stupid.." - Yon Motley Entertainer

A pittance more, and this tale shall be spent. Greatful am I for your time well meant. "This next trick, I call call...stupid.." - Yon Motely Entertainer

Good Lords, I thank thee for thy kindness and give unto thee, more bafoonery! On the way to the noon’s feast we spied this. A Land of Fun with aquaducts carved into the hillside by the river. I’ve not heard of this place. Pretty the way the sunlight plays apon her hair, eh? This fetching nymph would later work her magic to get the party into the haunted Graystone Manor, without charge from the Ferry Man. Ahh, a maiden fair. The adventurous Link graced us with his presence. By the way, tis a well costumed lass, not a lad. I tell you truly. The green shirted fellow of our party tries his smithing hand. Two men. Two eras. One vision. No really. Be'twixt us we had one good man's set of eyes. Aye! That she does! You there! Minion! Sign me up for dance lessons with Arthur of Murry! Make haste! It depends. Doth she dance well? Sire? Taketh my wife, please! The Brute Squad was off to play a rousing game of croquette. One would wager Santa’s home is equally as impressive as his throne, especially with Ye Olde Real Tree. T’would seem Santa is trying a new look this year. The Eccentric Shop Keeper’s husband…an ogre, who favors a Smurf and Carrot Top. “Would you like to see my tail?” – The Eccentric Shop Keeper Thou art a well-dressed rascal. Busy later? Again, we thank thee for thy favor and time. Exquisite outfit m’lady. Forgive our interuption. Make haste with thy chicken tenders to thy sister. 3 cheers for Joey the Very Average! Aha! The feast awaits! Curious contraptions from Polynesia. Thy other carriage is a broom. I shall commit this to my brain. Amidst the tomfoolery was some nunsense. Can'st thou tell I likest that word? Meanwhile, Lady Lennox doth tread on fine afghan. Oh bother! That strange man with the eye patch points his contraption at me yet again. Tis Annie Lennox! sigh… Gypsies and Belly Dancers. (wiggles eyebrows)

Hmm...another well done TR. Seems Dollywood is well documented this year. Well, so much for that TR... eh, no worries.