pianojohn

Thanks for coming Robb and Bethany! Glad you enjoyed it. Just 22 more shows to go! And while we are technically SOLD OUT for the rest of the run, they do have a standby line that forms 90 minutes prior to show for any cancellations. Here is MY view of the show from the orchestra loft Hard at work. Actually prior to show and conducting the other 9 members, 2 on the left (bass and percussion) and six on the right (3 reeds, french horn, trombone, and trumpet).

Great TR! Wish I was playing that night, but now you have an excuse to come back! See you at the barricades!

Since it seems we're all posting what we WISH CP would build, I will add to that: LOST Cedar Point (a la Lost Kennywood) Featuring the return of Pirate Ride (the building is still there) and (in my dreams) Earthquake! Some classic flats: Double Ferris Wheel, Tiki Twirl, Star Jets, Bayern Kurve, and of course Schwabinchen! But in reality, I am good with the money going to infrastructure and improvements. While the GP would prefer a flashy new ride or mega coaster every year, the smart investment is on lodging and making the park as attractive as possible. Maintain the historical aspect while updating aging structures to appeal to a larger demographic. Hotel improvements, sit down/floorless Mantis, and possibly a flat or two.

Great pics and report! Very refreshing to read a well thought out report with no grammatical errors or unnecessary CAPITALIZATION! Also very subtle watermark on your pics. Looking forward to many more!

For me it was Bizarro aka Superman at SFNE. Maybe it was because it was pretty cold when I rode it opening weekend 2013, but the ride did nothing for me. Stapled into my seat, each negative G was painful, and I literally could not wait for it to be over. Perhaps riding it in the middle of summer on a warm day may change my mind, but I left very disappointed after all the hype and #1 ratings.

I could not agree more. Had the WORST time there last spring when half the coasters weren't running due to wind. By the way, wind in SFMM terms means "we are too damn cheap and lazy to staff our rides, so we will make up any excuse not to open them." The sad thing is that I went to the park in 1980 and had a great time back then. Maybe I was still in awe of Revolution and Colossus before they got neutered, trimmed to death, and restraints changed. The highlight of my trip was leaving and going to In-and-Out Burger then DCA for the evening. My feeling for the day. F you SFMM!

I would LOVE for them to tear it out and just put in a good old fashioned traditional log ride. Now at the park, if you go on any water ride, you will get soaked. I miss the old Mill Race and White Water Landing for this very reason.

Well, it's official now: https://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/what-is-buzzing/troubled-universal-studios-singapore-ride-battlestar-galactica-closes-084334087.html

Was going through some old pictures and found some Maverick circa 2006 as it was under construction! Enjoy!

I've taken 2 trips out to CA in the last year. Here are my thoughts: 1) Disneyland/DCA I could spend a week there. I had the best time, and this is from someone who works at WDW. There is so much history and theming at these two parks, and I thoroughly enjoyed all of my time spent there. 2) Knotts Fun rides, very relaxed, and I was able to do everything in a matter of hours. 3) Universal Eh....it was ok. But until they open Despicable Me and the new Harry Potter, it is at most a half day park. 4) SFMM Don't even bother. I had the worst time there with a handful of coasters (X2, Tatsu, Colossus) not running, and those that were running had long lines. And the park was dead. Just not worth the time it takes to get there.

One of the ones I heard was that they don't make the Rotor anymore since it affects your body, spinning all of your organs together and making you never the same again! That kept me off that ride for many years a kid!

Ditto

If you go on the website, when you buy a 2 day ticket, you get the 3rd day free. And a park hopper ticket is only $21 more than a single park ticket. As someone who has lived here for 15 years and been to the parks hundreds of times, a park hopper is the way to go. You can start out at IOA and go over to USF or vice versa. The flexibility is great, and since the parks are right next to each other, the walk between them is 5-10 minutes tops. Plus with all the new dining at CityWalk, I can't see why you wouldn't want to be able to go to either park whenever you want.

Went to IOA/USF today for the Harry Potter Celebration. Unfortunately, nothing starts until this afternoon at 4pm. But we did head over to Diagon Alley where you can now sneak a look at the construction site in two areas. Enjoy! The view from the near side The sign The cleverly disguised viewing area with a lower window for kids From the far end

Same here.

Still waiting to see what my Secret Santa thought of his gifts! Hint hint....POST!

And I bet all of these new food venues and shops will open BEFORE we ever get our ride on the Snow White coaster!

Here are a few of my favorites. I also hang a lot of key chains on my tree since they make nice ornaments, and some smaller parks may not make specific Christmas ornaments. This one is actually called "Polar Coaster!" A new classic Cool one from CP Another CP one My three trashiest ornaments representing the Jersey Shore: Snookie, the Situation, and Pauly D! From my TPR secret Santa this year! My tree can be either white lights.... Or color!

Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa. Also, I am lucky enough to squeeze in a quick trip to CA so I can hit Knott's, Disneyland, DCA, and Universal Studios! Of course, all of the Disney parks here in Orlando as well as Universal and Sea World.

White Lightning at Fun Spot America.

I do hope they consider putting in a pathway to Sheikra. When I worked there as an employee, it was a short trip from behind First Aid over to Sheikra, and if they themed it as a hidden path, it could work. Always saved me a ton of time!

Thanks Secret Santa! (Luz Ameigh!) Just shipped my package off today (with TONS of IAAPA stuff in it!) and my own package arrived! Woo hoo! My favorite coaster! Keychains make great Christmas ornaments too! Magnets are always a plus! Thanks Santa!

Just got back from IAAPA 2013! Since Robb and company pretty much covered everything, here are a few pics I took today. Enjoy! Thanks Robb and Zamperla! Lots of inflateables A cool motor driven swing made by S&S Sensory overload in 3-----2--------- The new thing for 2014 Jumping off steps B&M Booth Rrrrrrrrrrrrrawr! And from the side Japanese/Chinese exhibit Zamperla Air Race The longest line at IAAPA....... Free food Decent and FREE! Catch a wave This was fun as well Closest I will ever get to the front of the train for a picture!

Here's mine: http://www.pinterest.com/pianojohn1/boards/ Or check out my Facebook profile: https://www.facebook.com/johnbdehaas And I am a size Large! Have fun!

Very well said. I am all for parody and humor, and I have seen some pretty offensive stereotypes over the years at Bill and Ted's. But when it escalates to violence, I think they've crossed the line. I would think someone along the way during the creative process should have seen some potential problems with the script and addressed them before the show opened. I know in Orlando, the final run thru of Bill and Ted is attended by many of the upper management types, and a joke or sketch may be changed at the last minute after this final viewing. It's too bad the same process wasn't used in Hollywood. I feel bad for the performers who are now without work due to the mistakes of others.