TheRapidsNerd

^Larry, no worries, but thanks. You know, I thought I spelled it wrong (grahm), but was shooting for graham (MS word spell check). I picked the wrong "correct" spelling in TPR's spell check. Oops! Should've said zwieback in the first place. (chuckling)

Some great pics and captions. I've been laughing quite a bit. Great to see the Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground was still there. Always thought it was cool how they built the "ground" and made it squishy. You brought back some nice memories by retracing some of the places we went years ago. Well done.

So do you get gram crackers at the end or what?

Glad to see another update. Looking good.

While Nashville Shores water park looked pretty good this past weekend, the area is just aching for a good park. I'd like to see Ole South happen. Almost get the feeling the planners are keeping an eye on Hard Rock Park's success as a gauge for their own. So far, there doesn't seem to be any Pyramid Adventure Park type issues that could derail the project. You're right. Tough not to get the hopes up. Keeping good thoughts on Splash Valley in Chattanooga as well.

First time I saw the mall was 2000 on a vacation to Nashville. It didn't fully register with me either. Of course, I wasn't into theme parks as much then, so it was just another mall. Fast forward to last year and knowing the history, I greeted it with a jackskellington101 style shaking fist. This year, I wanted to see what people really got in the trade from park to mall. I'll elaborate more when the pics are up.

(looks at Ole South) ok, you're turn for weirdness. Splash Valley delayed, and now this one's ka-put. A shame. It looked like a fun place.

Despite misgivings, Mr Potato Barker rocks. I really do like what they've done with him.

You'd really enjoy seeing the planters and work around Grizzly. That's one of the reasons I like it so much, the clever built-ins and all the greenery. Didn't Holiday World or somebody add a lazy river with sculpted cement rocks recently? Remember seeing pics somewhere thought it looked so much nicer than just a basic waterway. You're right. The zombie/goth/vampire lady is one of my favorites. Come to think of it, even the RoTM stilters are cool. You'd have to creep DiVine out a bit, then she'd fit in grape. Always dug the logo art, but never really understood the thrill of spiraling down while watching clocks break and lasers flash. Even Revolution at Bobbejahn Land (sorry if I butchered the name) was mystifying. Still pretty weird to see a house/admin building sitting on the land where Chaos stood. Also didn't realize how close everything was. From plaza to Griz is only a couple minutes walk. Editing Part 3 Opry Mills tonight, and that will close out this TR. Glad folks are enjoying it and thanks for all the interest. Naturally, I'll head back to Nashville to check up on things from time to time and post the results. Would also enjoy meeting any locals and just hanging out. My jokes are even worse in person. Thanks all and more soon.

King Cobra, the Schwartzkopf Shuttle, when it was at King's Dominion?

Some great pics man. I have a grim feeling about Canyon River Rapids too. Love the sitting area under Sidewinder's cobra roll. Just looked neat to me.

Believe it or not, that was in the back of my head a few times during the day. All those times I went to the atrium in 93 and 94 at night, instead of visiting the park during the weekends. Some regrets there. It's a two-edge sword. I like the hotel, but I don't like what happened to the park. I guess what eased things was getting a similar good feeling walking around that I got when I went to the park. It's tough. I want to be angry at the hotel, yet the atrium has some very happy memories and was a place of solace during some tough times. Seems I went there for the same reason yet again after filming on Sunday. Comfort. I miss the park dearly and always will. That's why I've worked so very hard to document things with pics and vids and build RCT3 models of the rides. I miss it that much. And, it hurts to say this, but it's time to move on. Even the vibe I got around Grizzly said this. It's time to move forward peacefully and look back warmly, as hard as that is.

Shane, sounds like a great time on Thunder River. I remember similar things happening at Six Flags St. Louis and getting stuck under a waterfall during my first rapids ride on Thunder River. You don't know how badly I wanted to jump the fence and do that, BUT, it is private property and a big no no. I believe Thunder River in St. Louis is a first gen. Now that's a new one. You taught me something new today EBL. Between the abundant trash cans and "impressive" paint, I wondered. That building is being renamed the GasHawk Theatre by the way. No no, I kid, I kid. Thanks for the kind words everybody. They're much appreciated. Part 2. Opryland Hotel. I've always loved the conservatory here and visited many times during college. It's very peaceful and a nice place to woo a date. Very pretty at Christmas time too. Saw the Delta section for the first time and loved it. It’s as beautiful as the others and fits in very well. When I left college in 94, Delta was being built. Enjoyed my walk around there and loved my close encounter with DiVine. Here are the pics. Guy's thinking 'Nice hat and who's the hot plant chic?" I'm thinking 'This is awesome!! I'm such a dork...but this is AWESOME!!' With that, I take my leave. Part 3 Opry Mills coming soon. Aloe lovley... Found my way back to Delta and ran across this pair. Mr. Ed and his wife say 'Howdy ya'll'! Good. Another map. I'm so lost in here, but loving it. One of the lobbies. I think there's 2 or 3, but I can't remember which is which. Can I just move in here? I'll wash dishes and eat Raman. I don't care! Cascades, now with soothing action. I read this restaurant spins. Being a fan of The Pinnacle downtown, this is also on the do list. Front of said Cascade. Yep, waterfall enthusiast. Through the Cascade! Ha! Did I mention how pretty this place is? Seriously! Freeeeebird! Well, there goes THAT moment of zen... Hmm...now which way? I'll take a right. Jack Daniels restaurant. Mmmm, cooking and booze. How's it going Joe? There are also a couple restaurants along one side. Somewhere about is a bonzai tree over 100 years old by some stairs. Missed it too this trip. Moving into the Garden Conservatory, there's a Skyway above that offers great views of yet more fountians and plants. Just add diver. Right Hector? Yay! Palm trees. I'm so easily amused. Who cares?! This place make me happy! All together now....aahhhhhhh..... We're still in Delta and this is one of a couple waterfalls along the boat ride. Yes, I am a waterall enthusiast and kudos to SFMM restoring Valencia Falls. Well done! There are several rooms with balconies looking into the atriums. I fully intend to do a weekender here and stay in one of these rooms. Ponds, fountains, palm trees, greenery everywhere. Some nice shrubbery too. The path leading over to the Magnolia, Garden Conservatory, and Cascades areas. Missed Magnolia this trip. Eh, no worries. Map. Opryland Hotel. Ok, I'm back on the planet again. Wow! This place is big. Thank God for this sign! I was still beaming over meeting DiVine and couldn't even remember my own name or where I was there for a bit. Looking back at some of the Delta shops on the main street. I really liked this section. Didn't get the boat credit this trip. After all the earlier filming at Grizzly, I didn't want to run out the battery on a PoV. Naturally, permission would be asked first. After regaining composure from my DiVine encounter, I remembered there was still much of the hotel to explore. While taking video from this spot, DiVine passed right by me and got right up in my face. Then after a few steps, she looked over her shoulder and smirked. I've never enjoyed being pwned so much. See? There's only 7 of these performers in the world. I've heard of one at Disney World, and saw one in a TR of SFGAdv. Dunno about the others. This is a lady on stilts covered in leaves that lumbers about and poses agains walls, lamp posts, etc. She just blends in with the scenery, sometimes so well people don't even notice as they walk by. I immediately became a fanboy after seeing YouTube vids of this performer. Wadda thrill to see her. Crossing the bridge and...there's DiVine! EEEeeeeee! Part of the massive atrium. Man it's so pretty in here! A view from under the bridge of a couple tall fountains and a Nesse topiary. Sadly, no Chili Peppers around. Part of the Delta boat ride. We'll cross the bridge over this waterway in a little bit. Wind through a hallway or two and you're at one of a couple Delta entrances. The view is a just jaw dropping. Welcome to the Gaylord Opryland Hotel. This is the entrance near the backside of Grizzly River Rampage.

Fry - This 3d movie's great! Leela - Mine's not working. Hey, this has been a good all around discussion. Enjoyed it.

EDIT: I know my likes and dislikes well. The Toy Story Mania ride video just didn't appeal, nor did it make me want to ride. Conversely, the Kennywood Ghostwood Estate video did appeal, and made me want to ride that attraction. It's that simple. In the end, no worries and all's well. Besides, I'm the rapids fan on a coaster forum, so you know my priorities are screwed up. Lol!

While everyone is entitled to their opinions, I'm not impressed. I saw golf simulators at Opry Mills yesterday that were basically this same thing, sans track and 3d. Do I see the charm of Peter Pan's Flight or the detailed models and scenes? No. I see another glorified ride movie/flash game with some extra gimmicks and not much substance. Most of the sculpture/theming was outside in the que. The inside area was a few rows of screens. Granted I work with video, 3d models, and simulators and love them, but this could be so much better in my ultimately useless opinion. In short, I have enough of a picture to know what the ride is like, and choose to spend my time on other attractions. That's all.

No offense intended here, friend. I'm clearer on the difference between the local and national levels now, thanks to you. Agreed. Not enough info to make a reasonable assessment.

Keep your eye on IAAPA shows. Also check out what industry groups are around. There is at least one that is like a Future Business Leaders of America thing, and can lead to some better connections, and possibly other things. Like in any business, learn as much as you can about the trade, who does what, who supplies what, listen, and network. Sometimes you catch a break because of who you know. Those are tips from my father, and they've served me well. Hope they do the same for you.

So this is basically 3d enhanced Warioware/flash games, in Toy Story juice, on a track, with bigger screens. (shakes head) Well, on the plus side, Mr. Potato head is a well done animatronic.

Oh did I miss out! I drove right by Old Hickery Blvd. yesterday on the way out of town. Now there's another good excuse to go back to Nashville. Thanks for posting this most extensive and thorough review...now I want ice cream.

Maybe we can take an artist's perspective here. The artist makes the art to the very best of their ability, puts it out for the public, and keeps in mind that "everyone's a critic". If people like it, they like it, if they don't, you go on to the next artistic work. You say ok and learn from what didn't work. I like the Disney quote. Art is never finished and can always stand improvement. The trick is knowing when to say when on "improving" and balancing that with your patrons' reaction to your work. Just a couple random observations here.

Props for #23 and #2. Really, several pretty ladies. Entertaining as always and you've put in a ton of work on this whole ongoing TR. You do not disappoint, sir! The climbing/rappelling and zip line look so fun. Good stuff!

Ooooh. Fox News. Yes, there's probably much more to the story here.

At Opry Mills in Nashville this weekend, one of the security guards rolled up to me on his Segway, and casually, asked if I was taking video. I told him I was a tourist and had taken a little video of each carousel there, but mostly still pictures. He was relaxed about it and said "We kinda discourage taking video, you know, terrorist s***,. You're not filming a bunch of exits or major things are you?"I said no, just touristy stuff and still pictures. Offered to show him what I had and he declined and was pleasant about it. This guy has obviously seen suspicious people before and used his good sense. Translation: Maybe these folks at Carowinds could've taken a more sensible approach instead of an over-reactive one.

Part 1. Grizzly River Rampage. This past Sunday I headed up to Opry Mills to see the rumored demolition progress and get in one last round of filming and pics. After a false start on Saturday and wet weather, Sunday was sunny, breezy, and gorgeous. If you'd like to see 2007's Opryland TR, it's here: http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=37776&highlight=opryland In short, except for a couple things, Grizzly River Rampage is still the same. The trees and plants have greened up, so it’s tough to see a whole lot, but the once observation deck is now a bridge along with fill dirt in the channel. Saw a pick-up in the middle area and the deck was roped off. Yep, they’re prepping for demo it would seem. The same was done during Thuder River’s tear down at Astroworld. While I miss the old park, the vibe I got from the area was that of contentment. Instead of the sadness of last year, it seemed more like dignified acceptance. With everything blooming and lush now, there was even some of that Opryland Magic still about. This made me feel much better about the impending demo. No, the mall will NEVER replace the park, but the area has not lost it’s charm or beauty and it’s still worth a visit. And now the pics with hotel and mall there after. No words needed. Part 2 Opryland Hotel coming soon. Some of the built in planters. These are all over the big rock, even up on top. Out near the parking lot, the fence has been extended about 6-8 feet in some places from where it was last year. Oooo. Drain pipe. The whole big corner rock was a room/pumphouse for the water falls. Would've loved to see inside it. Another angle on the big corner rock. Yeah, it's getting a little thin for me too. Hang in there, ok? Thought it was neat to see how the rocks were made. Chicken wire and cement. Old can. Lame caption. Moving on. Lovely tree, isn't it? Two of Grizzly's biggest fans. And the squid inked. Oh look! An eagle! Just trying to keep it lively folks. Yep, more boat channel. Only 7000 more lke this to go. Just kidding. Path between hotel and ticket booth. The trees were lush and so many flowers blooming this day. Very pretty despite the circumstances. As close as I could get to the cave. Markings inside. Could be random, could be uitlity. No idea really. More of the boat channel near the cave and parallel to the walkway between the ticket booth and hotel. This was the hotel ticket entrance on the path around the backside of Grizzly. In the distance you can see where they filled in for the bridge. We're facing back towards the big corner rock. Artsy shot looking back at the big corner rock. The boat channel looking towards the cave. It is a nice quiet place to sit. Nice breeze through there. I've always enjoyed these themed concrete rocks for some reason. Bench the Ride employee meeting. My memory of themeing is sketchy here, but I'm pretty sure the bear in the cave never drove a pick-up. A closer look. Seems they've broken up the planter/former observation deck, filled in the channel and created a bridge to the middle. A short walk down the path takes to the big corner rock of Grizzly River Rampage once again. Well, you can't miss the old Gas Light Theatre...or it's new paint job. Just wow. I was welcomed by a 7 can salute. Grand Ole Opry House is still the same as last year. Ditto for the other small theatres and museums nearby. Rolling in to Opry Mills, I think this swatch of land used to have the park sign and guitar floral arrangement, but can't be sure. Can someone verify this? See? Pretty day. Bob, the Rapids Dummy was my co-pilot, but soon discovered his Keen shoes were immune to Klingon Cloaking technology. New memorial at the Tennessee Welcome Center. Ok, hearse and stone. Emo quota filled. Next! Welcome to Tenne...see I missed a good photo op. The trip started off humorously, as I was escorted by a hearse while driving up MEMORIAL Parkway.