DerekRx

Saturday started out at SeaWorld (for the free beer) before moving quickly to Stone to try out their newly opened World Bistro. While the place looks great and they've got some great beers, we weren't that impressed with the food. Salty, greasy, and expensive. Hopefully it gets better before our return. and to head to our next destination, may I suggest this limo? the bathroom is cool looking too and my beef hand roll, braised in Arrogant Bastard Wally's curried pork For me, Speedway Stout on tap from Alesmith. Awwww yeah! Don enjoys a Levitation Our appetizers, Stone IPA mashed potato balls deep fried and arrogant bastard onion rings both served with an Arrogant Bastard sauce cool artwork etched in stone and whats that in bottles?! HopDevil! This place is Derek Approved for beer Cool system they have. When a beer is kicked, the light goes out While Matt goes with the Stone Pale Ale For me, Levitation double dry hopped Great draft list This should eventually be a lush garden entrance awesome artwork. I want! Very nice looking place And here's 1999 Citracado Parkway, home of Stone Hey look! Don and Wally even showed up before they went on to Japan OK, even pictures of SeaWorld are boring me. Here's the Spring Heat Spiced Wheat, newly tapped for the season I guess we can ride this to kill some time Doh! We arrived at opening when the free beer isn't served for another 1.5 hours.

Thursday was all day at Disneyland, meaning no beer. But Friday had me spending some time at DCA, so I could get beer. Following was more beers with some friends outside of Disney, and then down to Pizza Port in Carlsbad. By far one of my favorite places for beer. and to end the night, I go back to Pizza Port, more specifically their Lost Abbey for a Lost N Found belgian style and it looks like Wes could get lucky tonight, if he doesn't die first As the night dwindles down, Guy's got some beer goggles on After a few of Pizza Port's brews, I decided to try a guest tap, the Ballast Point Tongue Buckler IPA. San Diego is totally the most IPAwesome place Next up for me, the Nightrider Imperial Stout. The Hof would be pleased! Wes even fought off his dying just for some pizza and beer Oh yeah, and I brought a few friends with me. Not hard to do with promises of awesome pizza, beer, and music Matt goes with the Carlsbad Chronic as I recommended First up for me, the greatness that is Wipeout IPA, on tap! Ah, the board. How I missed you With a quick hour drive, we arrived at a moderately crowded Pizza Port in Carlsbad, but still could manage a table So of course we had to indulge in the $7 draft beer In Downtown Disney Casey and Matt discovered Fat Tire on tap Time for some Stargazer IPA...with mcjaco!? mmm, Karl Strauss beer truck at DCA in the Wharf area

As promised, here's the photos from this past week's trip, well, at least the beers. Thursday at Buca, some Sam Adams and to go with my 1st Class chicken, some white wine Oh the airplane, woohoo, 1st Class upgrade, meaning big water Followed by a Yards IPA while wearing my Nugget Nectar shirt, since I'm sadly not drinking any of this for quite a few days First up, General Washington's Tavern Porter from Yards. And so a new season begins, just the way it ended, at the airport brewpub

As with many things Six Flags and Great Adventure, I'll believe it when I see it. They may think they're on the right track, and we may all agree, but then they either run over budget and stop immediately, or just can't get the clientelle to cooperate. I'd like to see the park start looking good and me actually being able to go there and have a good day, but I'm not gonna count my chickens before they hatch. Then again, reports were that Magic Mountain was suprisingly good this past weekend, with multiple trains on everything, fresh coats of paint, and cheerful efficient employees. If that's a sign of things to come to the rest of the chain, I'm all for it. Let's just hope it lasts.

I'm on my way to beer heaven in a few days, now just chillin at Disney. Yesterday I had a few Yards ales at the airport before leaving. Pictures will follow next week. As far as getting US craft brews over across the pond, I believe Lou said she's seen Victory HopDevil on tap. Not sure if it was really Victory, or some other brewery's Hopdevil, but I do know Victory's won the Great Britain BrewFest a few years ago, so it is possible.

Tonight I decided to enjoy a beer I got with one of the best names for a beer ever. A beer that, while tasting quite smooth and chocolately with a coffee finish, could not be described by a name with a description like that. This brew was so good, it had my name all over it! I can't wait to return home to more of this! And since I can't get this beer 300 miles away, yet alone 3000, I'll end this month at home with some Nugget Nectar Sweet like candy with a bitter finish, just like me! Thanks for picking up the brew, Heath! That's right, Derek, my namesake beer, from the Newport Storm series of Coastal Extreme Brewing

What kind of feedback were you looking for with an initial post just stating your almost impossible plans? Did you want people to praise you for attempting it, or did you want honest answers from people trying to help you out, and maybe not waste money or time on something that pretty much cannot be done, especially at a very crowded time in the month. Have you looked at the park operating hours yet, they're all opened late because it's going to be crowded. Best of luck to you, but don't come back here badmouthing Disney if you don't get everything done that you want in 1 day. And do people actually still post on rrc and negative G?

It's warming up outside, but still a bit chilly, and definitely still winter. What a better drink on a Monday than an Imperial Espresso Porter to start things off. Gotta get ready for some great IPAs, why not drink one now? Nope! It's the HopDevil again for a change What will I finish off the night with? A Nugget Nectar?? Rootie tootie malty and fruity Up next, a barleywine I hadn't had in a long time, Old Horizontal by Victory (otherwise known as the Old hor) A good balance and nice coffee finish Up first, Imperial Espresso Porter from Flying Fish out of Cherry Hill, NJ

I still don't get the whole "gotta be the first" mentality when it comes to these videos and such. I'd rather put my name on something that is steady, organized, focused, and timed properly making it quality and something I can be proud of than to just be the first one done. In the future maybe you can actually see and enjoy the show first, and then go back later and try filming it.

The problem I see with making a "Pixarland" in place of Toontown is that each Pixar film is so different. It's not like Fantasyland where every movie occured back in the old country centuries ago. Walking from a Monster's Inc to a Cars kinda seems out of place and not very Disney themed. Plus look at how many of those D tickets it would take (and how much room is actually there) to handle them. Even Toontown at Disneyland has only 2 rides, and 1 wasn't even done as fully as it was supposed to (at least according to my Imagineer friends). While I don't think attractions like the Comedy Club fit in Tomorrowland (something more like the Studios would work), I don't really see stuff like Dreamflight or Timekeeper doing that well there either. There's a reason why it was only opened seasonally, and that's because it never had the attendance figures. I think Buzz fits in nicely in Tomorrowland. Even Stitch (as much as I hate it) seems to work there being all space-like and stuff. And tough to be a Bug fits well in the tree of life; moreso than it would in a Pixarland. I could think of some other things to occupy the Comedy Club's spot, like Flying Saucers, but Disney tries to keep a few things in mind always with their attractions; that the majority of the family can ride together, and that the lines can move people thru. Plus, if Disney tries to go too "futuristic" and thrilling, they get Mission: Space and are deamed as killers. The Comedy Club may not last that long, but at least Disney is trying to be innovative, instead of just plopping down another 3-D movie or omnimover and calling it a day.

^It's also kinda hard to have any real sense of a character to get to know and love while you're traveling 30mph or more thru twists, turns, tunnels, and general darkness, Jahan. Don't forget that Unless of course it's like the world's largest and most expensive Animatronic and it's the only thing you can possibly look at for the 5 seconds you're able to. And while few American's have ever seen Song of the South, the Splash characters are totally memorable just for the time you see them in the ride. If you don't, you may be needing to see your doctor for something to help treat your ADD.

I agree, Jahan. Pixar films have staying power with Disney parks now, and I don't see them getting old and outdated. Not with the way that Disney makes spinoff shows based on the movies, or even sequels. With everyone copying Pixar animation now just like everyone copied Disney cartoons of yesteryear, it just seems like a lot of the same old stuff being shoved down our throats every year. If Pixar ever did a movie about dancing penguins, I'd go see it, unlike Happy Feet. Sure, some Disney rides can hold their own, and end up getting movies, etc made after the attraction is made, like Haunted Mansion, Pirates, and to a lesser extent Dinosaur and Sleeping Beauty castle. It's the charm of Disney with its cute characters (and their commercial products) that keeps people interested (and reminiscing), and therefore will keep Pixar rides around much longer than something like Universe of Energy or Soarin', which isn't even worthy of a poem when it leaves.

Yes, today I was going to accompany Heath and Kim to SelinsGrove to enjoy more of their tasty brews, but there was impending weather of certain doom approaching. If Selinsgrove wasn't like 2 hours away all back country roads up and down mountains, I would have gone. But instead, I hung out at home and watched the weather. A pretty good hoppy, malty, fruity Scottish porter More beer is needed. Flying Dog's Road Dog to the rescue But 30 minutes later, it's back A little while later, it looks like the snow has stopped Great malty goodness So I'll stay home and enjoy a Thomas Hooker Liberator Doppelbock Coming down nicely, and starting to lay a bit, meaning no going out Here starts the snow (again), but it's not laying on the roads yet

and just when you thought we'd be too drunk to continue, we deceive you once again! We didn't make it here on Friday night for the firkin release of Nugget Nectar and other goodies, so we figured tonight would work perfectly! And it really was one of the best times we've had there yet, sitting at the bar, chatting with the bartenders and locals, enjoying the drafts, listening to good music on the jukebox. Yeah, almost perfect Saturday. and to end a wonderful day of drinking, it's Lindeman's for us. Framboise for me and Peche for Heath. Until tomorrow... If you said Heath, you're right. Give yourself a pat on the back Oooh, Collaboration not Litigation from Avery/Russian River on tap too! Who could be getting that?! Next up, the newly released Legacy Fantasy for me, a Belgian style raspberry beer that Ellen would love and Heath went with the Russian River Damnation blonde on tap Even Kim broke down and enjoyed a beer in the form of a Lindeman's Framboise First up for me, 2007 Nugget Nectar from Troeg's, but not on cask, sadly (We all know I don't have enough of this bottled at home) If you said Union Jack's, you're right, and you probably spend too much time stalking us via internet Do you know where we are from previous beer updates?

After The Drafting Room, we wanted to go check out Rock Bottom at King of Prussia, but parking was a pain, so we just moved on to Capone's in Norristown, and we're glad we did! and as a bonus, we even got to meet up with the owner himself hanging out in the 6pack shop in the back. Matt Capone himself, everybody! Truly an awesome guy and very friendly. He even gave us pint glasses for free, and shared some upcoming release inf and finally this year, some Troeg's Mad Elf on tap for Heath and to end our day at Capone's, the Brooklyn Smoked Weissbock for me and the Oskar Blues Gordon, which was just enjoyed a few days ago in a can, but this is draft, my friends and so much better! Next up, things we've had before but won't pass up. Like the East End Snow Melt, all the way from Pittsburgh, and very hard to obtain out east and lucky us, the Cantillon Saint Lamvinus wasn't kicked before we got here. or the seafood bisque and wonderful food to boot, like the 3 cheese French onion and this Nodding Head Chocolate Stout, on nitro! That's right, they've still got some stuff on from Wednesday's beer night, like this wonderful Great Lakes Blackout Stout Haven't been here yet this year, but we're here for a reason today!

^I know lots of places sell the turtle, or black and tan spoon as it's called. Just do a google search for a black and tan turtle, it'll direct you to like Lagerhead of something similar. If you like beer and turtles like me, it's perfect for every occasion! So today we had a most BACTactular Saturday. What started out as a typical Saturday adventure to an event at one of our favorite hangouts soon turned into a day spent at the best beer bars in eastern PA. Here's the low down: and, for good things to come soon, Troeg's Nugget Nectar 2006 cask for me, and Hoptical Illusion Cask for Heath, only because they never got the Oatmeal Stout firkin Heath goes with The Drafting Room 12th, made by Troegs. For me, to start the finish, Stone 10th IPA, for a glimpse into my future Getting more crowded, soon time for us to vacate our prime location and BACTly move along Heath decides on the Russian River Pliney the Younger triple IPA Kim seems to enjoy it though! Up next for me, a 5oz Cantillon Lou Pepe Framboise 2004, which means it's been barrel aged for over 2 years, and quite sour Starting to get more crowded, which most people are somehow shocked by(???) Appetizers are needed to keep us in check, which they do. Yum to the fondue and the nachos! Which brings us to the battle of the night, the Juice vs the Slam. Who wins? We do! and I whip out the Hop Juice from Two Brothers, which we've had a few weeks ago, but not on draft Next in line, Heath goes with the Hopslam from Bell's (hi Matt, we love you!) In typical coaster enthusiast fashion, we got here early when it wasn't crowded, and managed to get a nice table in the actual drafting room A little description of the Torpedo for those who are interested Check out all those taps of wonderfulness Heath goes with the Chouffe Brooklynette (la Gnomette II), where the Brooklyn brewing brewers went over to Belgium to brew a batch with Chouffe First up for me, the Torpedo Ale from Sierra Nevada, an IPA, and quite excellent Just a gander at the list. Yes, Matt, that'd be some Bell's on there, on draft By 12:00 noon we were down in Exton at the Drafting Room for their "best of 06" event, where they have the best beers of 2006 available

^Dude! I love it! But yeah, I value my noggin too much for that right now (plus I've only got 1 can of Dale Pale Ale in the fridge) so we'll stick to what I know best (?) for tonight, beers from a bottle! First up, the Big Hoppy Monster, brewed from Terrapin Brewing (aww, Lily!) from Athens, Georgia, brewed in Frederick, Maryland?? an imperial red ale that's extremely hoppy AND malty, and wonderful shiite. And to follow it up, a medley of PA's finest, with some other goodnesses mixed in for dessert on this Friday that I claimed I would "take it easy" The Tripel do you good! and for the Regional Reps wife, it's time to break out the Monkey! mmm, very cherry nice and to finish, fresh from the Joisey ACE Regional Rep, some Redbach! But it tastes oh so good Oooooh, that's piney! Just when you thought I would be done...HopNectar! Oh well, it still tastes fantastic, even if it doesn't look neato (who still uses that word, honestly!?) Darnit! Either I'm drunk early, the pouring is bad, or this bottle of Storm King just doesn't want to separate into StormDevil like before The mixture of the two Victory brews maybe HopDevil can do what Nugget Nectar couldn't what a wonderful taste sensation! Like coffee and an overload of hops but this one we'll mix with the Victory Storm King to make Storm Nectar! (which doesn't mix too well) as usual with PA beer laws, here's more from my case of Nugget Nectar... Thanks to Heath I get to enjoy this amazing imperial red ale. Wow! First up, Big Hoppy Monster from Terrapin

I took it easy on the beer tonight, but only because I had a major craving for Tater tots and a milkshake first. So after work I decided to head to the only place to cure the craving, Sonic! Then after mass amounts of food, it was back home for a new beer, the Founders Black Rye. Very good with a coffee hint Oh yeah, this is the beer thread! Here's some Founders Black Rye, a dark ale made with rye (imagine that!) mmm, cholesterol goodness Dude, you gonna eat those tots? Mmmm, Sonic, home of SuperSonic burgers, tater tots, limeade, and coconut cream milkshakes.

More beers tonight just because I gave up not drinking for Lent. Nope, still tastes like the weakest IPA with the coolest name Maybe having Hop-Ocalypse in the Nugget glass will make it taste better Now that's raspberry nice! For Nicole, I enjoyed a Purple Haze

^No, Fat Tuesday IS Mardi Gras. It's the last day of Carnival. I said it was the "official" start because places try to deceive by claiming it lasts a lot longer than it actually does. Universal, for example, has been celebrating Mardi Gras for like the last 3 weeks, and will continue to do so until April. Mardi Gras itsself is only 1 day. Anyway, tonight I tried a new beer that a nurse brought back from vacation for me to try, the Carolina Brewing Pale Ale. While her and her husband mainly only drink Miller Lite, they actually drink this, so I figured it wouldn't be that great, but it reviewed ok. Let's find out how it does... as good as the Pale Ale was, this is SO much better, IMO! I just couldn't drink out of the Nugget Nectar glass without drinking some Nugget Nectar too It actually was pretty good. Pretty hoppy, very easy to drink too. I'm shocked that my Lite beer friends actually enjoy this, there's hope for them yet! Carolina Pale Ale, all the way from North Carolina.

Today is Fat Tuesday, the official start to Marti Gras. Instead of going to the shady New Orleans, I decided to bring Marti Gras to me (at least that's what the bottle said!) with Penn Brewings Marzen. It's an Oktoberfest style, but apparently it's supposed to be for Marti Gras, I guess. Wonderful citrus, pine, and carbonation. Just the tip of a good West Coast IPA though Couldn't stop at just one, so up next was some Two Hearted, just because I love Matt so It wasn't too bad. Very fruity, no hops, a nice caramel backbone. Pretty festive, made me feel like I was at Marti Gras, only without all the boobs With a chick with beads on, it's very Marti Gras-ish

Tonight I decided to go with a gift from Heath/Greg, the Wake-n-Bake Coffee Oatmeal Imperial Stout from Terrapin Brewing. Made with Jittery Joe's coffee, this is one of Terrapin's most sought after beers on the Monster Beer Tour, and this baby did not disappoint. I wish I had more, I'd start drinking them in the morning for breakfast energy for the day! Definitely an eye opener of a coffee stout. yummy! Stupid Georgia state law that Wake-n-Bake cannot be the bold area of the label

I'm looking at the same times to go as you. At this rate I'd doubt it'd be done by Memorial Day, and I really don't want to risk going later in the season. Knowing my luck, a hurricane would hit over Labor Day weekend. Looks like it's coming along nicely. I'm looking forward to it.

From Koln Phantasialand will run a taxi service to pick you up at the main train station, but it will cost you I believe either 20 or 30 Euros. They also offer free shuttle service if you take the train to the Bruhl station, which is only like a 10 minute ride from Koln. All this is assuming you're staying at the Hotel Phantasia. Reservations are asked to be made like 2 weeks before arriving, though more information is available once you reserve a room at the hotel. If you are just going to visit the park, the Bruhl station also has a bus that will take you to the main entrance of the park.

Today was hoppy Sunday for me. Started out with a new brew, then moved on to the old faves, and actually accomplished some work around the house too! ah, still so wonderful and finally, back home for some HopDevil very grapefruity, also not very carbonated Off to dinner with mom and I picked up a Rogue Dead Guy Ah, yummy and well carbonated Beer 2, Troeg's Nugget Nectar Tasted pretty good, but was seriously lacking in carbonation But that won't stop the drinking! First up, Heavy Handed IPA by Two Brothers. Today I woke up late because the sun never shined in my window. Here's why, lots of ice and snow starting to fall off the roof