pianojohn

PICTURES! Seriously, thanks for the photo TR. I will be heading out that way in late July and needed to see what I would be up against as far as the parks go. Planning to hit SFDK and GA on a Thursday and Friday.

Now that's how a TR should be! Fun to read, entertaining, yet slightly educational! Keep 'em coming!!

I work there, and the only times I have seen horrendous lines is during Hallowscream. Usually if you plan your day right, you can get on everything. Of course, Rhino Rally's line is always bad no matter how small the crowd. Just my two cents!

I will be in San Francisco from July 24-26th for the San Francisco Improv Festival. Details: Mark Baratelli's Improv Cabaret (Orlando FL) Mark Baratelli improvises a 45-minute cabaret act with no audience suggestions or planning. It's 45 minutes of original storytelling and song supported by accompanist John B. deHaas. Anyway, I am planning to visit Six Flags Discovery World and Great America on Thursday and Friday July 24th and 25th. I basically have all day until about 6pm to do the parks. I am mainly looking to get all the coaster credits in. Any advice as to which park would be less crowded on which days? I figured that weekdays would not be too bad as opposed to visiting on Saturday. The theatre where I am doing the shows is about 45 minutes from each park. Thanks! And if any San Fran TPR people are out there, check out the show. It is very funny!! More info here: http://sfimprovfestival.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=100&Itemid=51

Just got reviewed in the Orlando Sentinel for THESCREW YOU REVUE: DEJA VU! Fringe review: 'The Screw You Revue: Déjà Vu' By Matthew J. Palm SENTINEL STAFF WRITER It is a time-honored Fringe convention for comics to insult the audience members, but entertainment legend (at least in his own mind) Wayburn Sassy takes insults to a new level. A ‘70s talk-show host (played brilliantly by comedian Dewey Chaffee), Sassy is now a senior-citizen curmudgeon, gratuitously railing against blacks, gays, Jews and little people, to use the politically correct term. Being the antithesis of PC, Sassy calls them midgets, usually preceded by an adjective not uttered in polite company. Robyn Pedretti nearly walks away with the show as Sassy’s private nurse, Gracie. A dim bulb with a uniform cut up to there, she’s Three’s Company’s Chrissy, Will & Grace’s Karen, Marilyn Monroe and Olive Oyl rolled into one blinding ball of ditzy energy. As in any improv (the show is part scripted, part audience-driven), not every joke lands. But Sassy and Gracie are such sharp comedic creations, you won’t mind. Just check your sensibilities at the door. Remaining performances: 10:45 p.m. 5/20, 7:40 p.m. 5/22, 11:35 a.m. 5/24. Brown venue.

Anyone in Orlando or heading down here over the next ten days! I am involved with two different shows at the Fringe Festival. Here are the details: What is The Fringe? A 12-day-festival that is founded on the concept of offering 100% unjuried, 100% uncensored, 100% accessible theatre, music, dance, art and madness to all types and ages where 100% of the box office ticket sales go directly back to the artists within The Fringe. The Orlando Fringe is the longest running US Fringe festival. Where does the festival take place? Within Loch Haven Park (MAP) at The Orlando Shakespeare Theater (812 E Rollins St.). The venues are located within these two entities and are coded by color. KIDS FRINGE activities and shows take place at The Orlando REP and in Loch Haven Park. Visual Fringe is located within the lobby and Patrons Rooms of the Orlando Shakespeare Theatre. The Beer Tent, food vendors, non-food vendors and the Outdoor Stage are located in Loch Haven Park, in between The Orlando REP and Orlando Shakespeare Theatre. What show am I doing? WHEN PIGS FLY An exceptionally cheerful, militantly gay musical extravaganza. Phantasmagorical costumes. Lavish production numbers. Irreverent comedy. Starring David Lee, Frank McClain, Sam Singhaus, David Dorman, & Wanzie. This year’s The Lion Queen! Orlando Sentinel Metromix.com Fringe Best Bets List: "Musicals are always the best sellers of the Fringe, of course, and Wanzie’s opulent production When Pigs Fly is guaranteed to put butts in seats, no pun intended. This upbeat, militantly homosexual show features five actors, including Orlando favorites David Lee and Michael Wanzie, performing rousing musical numbers and 52 costume changes." 5/18 SUN 1:15PM 5/20 TUE 8:30PM 5/21 WED 11:30PM 5/24 SAT 2:10PM 5/25 SUN 2:40PM Get tickets here: https://tix.extremetix.com/tix/SilverSt ... iteID=1421 Both shows are $10 each with a $6 Fringe button that must be purchased to get into any show. A Fringe button is required to enter ANY Fringe show within ANY venue. The button costs $6 and is a one time purchase. Button proceeds go to the Fringe. Patrons MUST have Fringe buttons on to enter the venues. A Fringe button is NOT required for Visual Fringe, Kids Fringe or to hang out in the beer tent! If you forget to bring your button, you will have to purchase another. Fringe buttons cannot be purchased online, ONLY in person at the Fringe Box Office at Lowndes Shakespeare Center during the operating hours of the festival. There are over 70 different shows, concerts, dance recitals, stand up, etc. Check it out! More details can be found here: www.orlandofringe.org And here is a review for WHEN PIGS FLY: There’s no tearjerker like the hit Broadway show where the author dies just before opening night. That seems to be the back story to this brilliant, over the top extravaganza of song, dance and the gayest costumes I’ve ever seen. There’s the thumbnail of a story - Howard Crabtree (Frank McClain) has run in with an evil guidance counselor (Michael Wanzie) who rejects his desire to put on splashy shows and instead recommends following a career of watch repair, gardening, plumbing or chicken farming. That’s more than enough motivation to put David Lee in a topless Bette Midler-style mermaid costume, David Dorman into a purple Elvis beehive, and Sam Singhouse in a two man pantomime horse outfit. Mr. Wanzie sparkels as a larger-than-life Little Orphan Annie. There’s even a convolutes preshow announcement explaining why everyone on stage uses their own name except Mr. McClain, who by contractual agreement MUST be referred to as Howard Crabtree, even if you meet him in the beer tent. The costumes are brilliant. The songs are brilliant. The finale is brilliant. The story is irrelevant. And it’s the best splash of Broadway to visit the Fringe stage ever. It’s the must see show of the year! This show is presented as part of the 17th Orlando International Fringe Theater Festival. Information on times, tickets, and venue location my be found at http://www. orlandofringe. com/ The cast of WHEN PIGS FLY The poster for WHEN PIGS FLY

Since Erik Johnson already did an extensive report on the ride with great pics, I will focus on the actual event today at the park! Of course, there will be more pics! Checked in at 9am in front of the main gate then waited until about 9:30am to be walked back to the ride. They let us ride it once (and it was awesome again!) and then walked us into the throngs of people waiting for the ceremony to begin at 10:30am. There was a sea of blue Marge hair (see pics below). There was a huge scaffolding set up for video media, but I managed to snag a spot about half way up to get some pictures. There was a big band set up to the left of the ride and a Krusty look alike in a tux ready to conduct. An MC came out to welcome the crowd and introduced the president and CEO of Universal Orlando resort, Bill Davis. He came out, also in a blue Marge wig, and welcomed some other dignitaries in the audience: Mark Woodbury from Universal Creative, Mike West, executive producer, Tom Williams from Universal, Mayor Buddy Dyer of Orlando, Derrick Harvey the #1 pick for the Jacksonville Jaguars, and Joey Fatone of *NSYNC. Whoo!! A bunch of kid came out, also in blue Marge hair, and then Bill Davis came forward to cut the ribbon. Yellow streamers filled the air, fireworks exploded, and the Simpsons themselves came out of the ride to welcome everyone. We then moved inside to Lombard's and the 2nd floor for interviews with Mike West. They took us in groups of six, so we all got to ask him a few questions. I taped the whole interview, but here are the highlights: Q: How did the development of the ride take place and what were some of the challenges? A: Going into this, you have a worldwide icon, phenomenon that you know going right into it has to be funny, story driven, about the characters, so that was our challenge. Every word in the film was written by Gracie films writers. Matt Groenig, Al Brooks were all intimately involved in the project. So the expectation was a challenge, but I think in the short time we have been opened that we have exceeded it. Q: Where did the idea come from? A: We had been talking about the Simpsons for awhile and it was trying to find the right venue. We like how the whole experience is immersive with the Simpsons in line with you on the monitors, in the pre-show, and then riding with you in the cars. Q: Are there any plans to translate it into Japanese for the park in Osaka? (that was my question!!) A: I honestly don't know. I have not heard of anything yet. Q: Why did you decide on 3D animation for the actual ride portion? Was it easier than traditional hand drawn? A: Actually, it was much more difficult. By the time we got to the dome, we wanted to make it an immersive experience. During the pre-show, it was 2D to make it feel like the family (the Simpsons) were waiting with you. Once you got on the ride, we wanted a more immersive experience. The Gracie people wanted the attraction to have an identity all its own different from what you would see on the television show. Something I did not know! The original Back to the Future was an IMAX film experience whereas the Simpsons is video. They are running 8GB's per second. There are only 4 video servers in the world that handle this: 2 at Universal Orlando and 2 at Universal Hollywood! They also use 4 SONY projectors. It is an all digital system. The domes are also all metal instead of your typical film screen. You have to make sure the gain is correct and do lighting tests. The image is also about 50 feet away at the farthest point. I then asked him if they ever thought of doing the film in 3D, but it is difficult to make it so the guests don't become sick. The problem usually occurs when guests do not wear the glasses correctly which makes you nauseous. We asked him about his future plans, but he said in his future is a long deserved vacation! He also mentioned that Matt Groenig rode it the other day in Hollywood and loved it. Enjoy the pics!! And my credentials The back cover My press pack cover Mike West The view from Lombard's Oh..some other little show was filming there earlier in the day! And the Simpsons arrive Let the confetti begin! Cutting the ribbon Bill Davis The MC (the gold line is a reflection of the sun off the podium lamp!) Krusty and his big band Joey Fatone The band The press scaffolding. I went about half way up. And the fun continues... Hmm....makes me want a blueberry squishy. Uh oh...this can't be good. Trying to act my age Check in here simpsonsopening.wmv

My first photoshop attempt! Official Entry #1

I am pretty sure the Mr. Potato head "quips" are pre-corded. First, I think it is really Don Rickle's voice, so unless they got someone to sound exactly like him, it is him. Second, he said some pretty generic things like "hey, you in the blue shirt." Usually there will be someone wearing some shade of blue, and they assume that the potato is really talking to them.

I have a piece of wood from The Riverside Cyclone the first year it opened. They cut up the extra wood and put a metal placque on it. I also have a wheel from the Idora Wildcat, but that came when I bought the whole car at an auction back in 1984. The car has since been sold.

My best friend was there today, and the highlight was when I clicked on the webcam. I then called him (from Orlando) and told him where to stand. See pic below!! He told me the park was VERY crowded and there was even a 45 minute wait for The Blue Streak. Of course, they were only running one train on it! My friend in the black square chatting with me 1000 miles away!

Hate to say it, but I bet the wheel gets modified (ie replaced) with a traditional lift hill once they realize they cannot get it to work consistently or at all. Just my two cents....

Exactly. I guess video cameras are ok but hats and mittens are not. Oh well...I got the credit and never need to go back there again!

Thanks for the info! Found a room for $40! Such a deal! Any more advice regarding coasters? Like I said....I just need the Mt. Olympus credits and am hoping the coasters are all running when I get there! And does my admission include the water park there? Last time I went was in late September so nothing was open. Thanks again!

I am heading up to Chiacago for a gig the first weekend of June. I arrive in Milwaukee on Thursday morning June 5th and was planning to hit Mt. Olympus and Timber Falls that day. I was going to spend the night and then hit Little Amerricka on Friday since they are only open noon-6pm that day and end the day at Six Flags to get my Dark Knight credit. Question: can you recommend any hotels in the Dells? I heard that some give you a free admission to Mt. Olympus with your stay. Or I could stay at one of the mega indoor water park ones. The only reason I am heading up there is to get my credits on all of the coasters which were closed save for Hades the last time I visited. Also, any other parks in the area worth checking out? I don't need any more kiddie coaster credits, so no Dragon Wagons for me! Thanks!

Interesting. They would have to be launched on a clear day otherwise they disappear in front of real clouds. Also, unless they make the Mickey heads really big, it is hard to see them at any considerable distance.

Hmm....I really didn't care for either one. Luckily, I only waited about 10 minutes for Hypersonic. We ran right to it as soon as the park opened a few years back and got the credit. The launch section was way too short, but thankfully not too rough. Dodonpa was brutal. I rode it in December so it was about 40 degrees out. The ride ops would not let us wear hats or gloves (since they could fall off and hurt someone with all that heavy....fleece?) so it was really cold too. Add to that an 1 1/2 hour wait with EVERYONE in line smoking (this is Japan after all) and I was over it before it began. The launch was ok but the negative g's over the hill were just wrong! Give me TTD or Kingda Ka any day.

As someone who actually rode this twice on Friday, I was impressed. Sure, it is not going to change the world or be the end-all-be-all of theme park rides, but for what it was, it was fun. Basically, the Pirates attraction from DisneyQuest with moving cars. Very interactive, kind of tiring after hitting all of the targets, and a few surprises thrown in. A vast improvement over Buzz Lightyear. And the queue line is very detailed with lots of huge replicas of children's games. AND they have a single rider line!! Note: while riding and waiting in the line, we were told many times "no pictures of video taping allowed." I am surprised Disney has not taken down the video like Universal did for The Simpsons. Oh well....

The first (and LAST) time I went to Lake Winnie, I was harassed by a security guard for taking pictures of the roller coaster since (in his own words) "there were not any of my family members in the picture." Well, seeing as I was at the park alone and merely taking pics for my own collection, I was very put off by his insinuation. I wrote a letter to the park who basically claimed it was for security. Regardless, I will never go back there again. Or I will take an instamatic or 35mm camera!

Those pics are awesome! I remember riding Shoot the Rapids every year we went with the family. I also loved the double ferris wheel at the front of the park. Does anyone know if there are any of these left in the USA? I have seen pics of some at State Fairs but not any permanent parks. Thanks!

Piano (professionally) Guitar (sloppily) Xylophone (for a TV commercial for Water Country USA) Organ (in a pinch for weddings) Drums (very badly in the 8th grade for a talent show. The song was STYX's "Come Sail Away." It was pretty bad)

From the wesbite http://tripsweb.rtachicago.com/ O'HARE AIRPORT to GREAT AMERICA Take CTA BLUE LINE TRAIN (BLUE LINE - SOUTHBOUND) Depart at 07:38 AM: O'HARE CTA Arriveat 07:52 AM: HARLEM CTA Take PACE BUS # 423 Depart at 08:00 AM: HARLEM CTA BUS TERMINAL Arrive at 09:00 AM: ELM & LINCOLN Take METRA UNION PACIFIC NORTH LINE Departat 09:10 AM:WINNETKA METRA Arriveat 09:50 AM:WAUKEGAN METRA Walk 0.1 mile SW to WASHINGTON & SHERIDAN Take PACE BUS # 565 Departat 10:02 AM:WASHINGTON & SHERIDAN Arriveat 10:28 AM:GRAND & GREAT AMERICA Walk 0.2 mile S to GREAT AMERICA Regular Cash Fare:Cash:$ 8.05 You might also try calling RTA directly. To create an itinerary over the phone, dial 836-7000 from any area code in our service area. If you are calling from outside the RTA service area, dial 312-836-7000

I am sure they are going to repeat the show. Just do a search on HGTV under the name of the show and the episode number. Here is the description for it: Wayland, Dearborn, Ocoee Did they make their homes too unique? See how changes big and small can affect your bottom line. My House Is Worth What? Episode HHWW-613 I got on the show just by going to website and filling out an application. They then called me and had me send a 10 minute video of us walking through the house and talking on camera. About a week later they called us and told us we got the show! It was filmed back in October but didn't air until March 31st. There are a ton of pictures that I screen captured from the episode on my MySpace page. Here is the link: http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewPicture&friendID=110959471&albumId=1474435 And as far as the stupid faces go, yes! I had seen the show a million times, so we hammed it up more than normal. But they do make you wait forever before telling you the value of your home. Also, all of the reaction shots were done separately so we kept cracking up while they filmed us trying to look serious!

Or maybe the old Pirate Ride from Cedar Point and prior to that, Freedomland.

They are repeating our episode tomorrow on HGTV. 3:30pm East coast Check it out! Complete info: HHWW-613 Wayland, Dearborn, Ocoee Eastern 3:30pm, Central 2:30pm, Mountain 1:30pm, Pacific 3:30pm