Nrthwnd

The new marquee sign for Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway has been installed. Photos from Disney.

^ Yuck on that. But you were okay, so that's what's important, right? Groceries ~ $260

^ So that's what truffles actually look like! I've seen them as shavings on food like that first photo. But never as they looked when first dug up. Cool. And ugly looking.

A glass jar of pickled artichoke hearts for $5.

I must admit, Toshimaen had one of the "blandest" dark rides I had ever been on. Period. But then - there was that awesome Toys 'R Us nearby... My Toshimaen dark ride WTF? opinion. TPR 2011 Japan Tour.

I just took this shot, and was surprised how detailed I got the focus on the moon, there! I didn't downsize the photo, so you can zoom in and see how detailed that moon is, lol! Taken at 3:50pm, Feb.03/20. Using my Canon PowerShot camera.

^ If that's the case, then I do hope that Hanayashiki Park (opened in 1853) holds on forever! https://www.hanayashiki.net/en

Woo hoo! The announcement was posted at Broadway.com ... https://www.broadway.com/buzz/198307/wait-for-it-filmed-performance-of-hamilton-featuring-original-cast-to-arrive-in-cinemas-in-fall-2021/ ...With Lin Manuel Miranda (r.) and the Original Broadway Cast!

^ Personally, I love "Show Yourself" much much better, and wished that had been the Oscar nominated song. Ironic ~ Alanis Morissette

I will miss that coaster with the plush armchair-like seats in it. Way Back When ~ Our Add-On Park in the TPR 2007 Japan Tour. The 2011 TPR Japan Tour. Summer Carnival back then, at the park.

^ Yeah, it's looking great! They had a Question Period at the end of the Session, and the interesting thing I noticed about it, was I was the only one who actually asked anything about Playland. And my question was about what was happening with Coaster, after all that had happened to it last year? I even got a bunch of laughs from the crowd, when I then said that "with no seat belts, or any restraints at all...it's an AWESOME coaster!" Which then made me realize that, except for two who immediately agreed with me, the rest of the crowd either "Rode it once, and Never again!" or were never planning to ride it. The other questions were mainly around three things: the extension of the Green Space from the pond that's already there, being a stream heading north; parking in the area and transit expansion; access on a small road that actually goes thru the grounds (it will be closed). Non-Playland questions. They were important questions, yes. But....not Playland ones. R.I.P. (1994-2018)

Forever Young ~ Rod Stewart

Lots of food stuff for February!... National Hot Breakfast Month Canned Food Month National Cherry Month National Snack Food Month Great American Pies Month National Grapefruit Month National Potato Lovers Month National Hot Breakfast Month Fourth Thursday of the Month – National Chili Day (27th)

I attended one of the Information Sessions that the PNE Board put together to inform locals and anyone interested, in what's been done so far, and what is yet to be done in the redevelopment of not just Playland, but the PNE grounds, too. Lots and lots of information was given out, primarily by Shelley Frost, the President and CEO of the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE). She was accompanied by several of the Board Members responsible for specific areas. Like the PNE's Green Space. And Playland. I was only allowed to take photos of what was projected up on the screen. And unfortunately, the sun decided to make an appearance, so my photos are a bit 'light' but not washed out entirely. Lots of stuff, past, present and future was presented. For Playland itself, there were/are plans in place for two stages of redevelopment: the first part being renovating and upgrading Playland itself. The second part being development of the second (northern) new part of the park. It would result in Playland being expanded from 17 acres to 22 acres. In 4-10 years' time. Since this all started in 2016, that means the New Playland could be ready by ... 2026? I asked about the current situation with Coaster, from all that happened last year (red train dismantled; purple train stuck on tracks, then dismantled). From what was said, it appears they are sticking with running one train only, for the season and the PNE. Hmmm. So there's another reason I won't be riding it during The Fair in August. Nothing was really divulged about any new rides and/or coasters being sought for the New Playland. Nor was anything said about what would replace Corkscrew, now that they dismantled it completely. Here's what I got from the presentation... Phase A - Playland currently. Phase B - Future Playland. This will be cool, if approved. Open air all-weather 'roof' for the Amphiteatre audience space. The new stream that will come from the pond already there, heading north to Burrard Inlet. It was a lot to take in, but everything is being worked on for redevelopment of the PNE grounds. What's going to be presented to city council for approval. The old model of Playland (with the new north part) on display.

Brisk Lemonade today - with a "touch" of tequila in it. Yum.

Megafobia Oakwood Theme Park (Narberth, Pembrokeshire, Wales, United Kingdom) Everybody got their camera ready? (o; Waiting at the first drop. TPR 2010 UK Tour.

^ There are also several of them now gone in Europe, too. I got to ride the ones in Alton Towers & Flamingo Land in the UK, and Holiday Park in Germany, before they were removed. I liked Super Wirbel (in Holiday Park) the best, as they allowed trees and greenery inside and around it, making it impossible to see the entire coaster. Super Wirbel in Holiday Park (RIP). Photo by Big Mike, thanks!

^ Agreed. This test version of Rocking Boat looks small enough, it could be enclosed in a show building for maximum theming and effects, i.e. "Stormy Weather". And you would get wet, lol! "It was a dark and stormy night"...

After the Information Session I attended earlier today (and will post about, tomorrow), I went up to the park and took a few photos of "the space" where Corkscrew occupied. I also found out, at the Session, that nobody bought Corkscrew, even after they reduced the original price. But due to it's still being in a prime spot for the future redevelopment of Playland, they decided to dismantle it altogether.... And so, they did. Corkscrew was over there, somewhere. Not much to see there, any more. Nothing but some rubble, now.

Take On Me a-ha

Just found this information about Fantasy Springs' opening year being changed... Quote is from themeparkinsider.com ~ And I found the announcement from OLC itself... http://www.olc.co.jp/en/news/news_olc/20200130_2e_01/main/0/link/20200130_02e.pdf (OLC also announced price increases for tickets and passes to the parks, starting this April.) I'm glad that (so far) we're planning a visit in 2025.

^^ Hah, I was going to add to my post that they might be including stickers with the different parks' names. I didn't notice that in the corner, honestly. Till you noted it. Cool that they've included that.

^ So why not call it SFMM's Harley Quinn Spinsanity? Easy.

Great interviews, Robb! And some wonderful shots of the coaster in progress, too. Excited!

^ LOL. Our having a cat named Stella makes for an interesting "call" when she's outside in the neighborhood.... "Stellaaa!"