Taylor Finn

Yeah, I mean... it is just... not really something I can comprehend. Clearly, Dutch Wonderland is a KID'S park. But so is Sesame Place and Legoland. And Disney is an everyone park... but that doesn't mean it isn't also a park largely catered to children and children at heart. I understand that if Disney were considered fairly, they would likely sweep quite a few categories year after year. But they should just explicitly say we are excluding Disney, because it comes off as odd when they have won with TOT in years past, but somehow don't take home Best Theme Park Food or Best Kid's Park. Ah well.

Certainly exciting updates! Hopeful they can have these two pieces open for next season! Do you have any pictures of the actual park with the kiddie rides/rink, etc? Just to kind of get a feel for where the rest of the place stands? Appreciate you keeping us posted!

Yeah, that definitely makes sense. Excited for a more 'permanent' looking flume. Frees up a good chunk of space in the park, though. Wonder what they'll put there. Assume it will be replaced with some flats for next season, or they wouldn't really be removing this flume.

^ Nick, love the enthusiasm! I’m so excited for the event tomorrow, it should be a great time. I missed not doing it last year! Team TPR is more than 50% there in funding an entire family’s visit to the village! It really is such an awesome cause and if anyone is ever in the Orlando idea, I can’t recommend volunteering enough. It’s just an amazing experience and worth setting aside a day or two (arrival and departure days are what I did) to check it out.

I would be all about such a thread! Tons of cool stuff to do and it would be easier to access if it were separate.

^Thank you so much for your support! Team TPR is only $70 behind for top team at Kennywood! And ACE is right behind us, too!

This is gonna look pretty cool, I think! Smart move to make the most of the space and add a clear family coaster option, though the Wild Mouse and Steeplechase are clearly family geared, too.

Girlfriend just signed up for Coasting for Kids at Kennywood. This is her 2nd year doing it and she volunteered at the Village last year and loved, loved, loved it! If anyone wants to give her an initial budge, I'm sure that would be appreciated! Looking forward to seeing Team TPR on September 1st (crossing my fingers for Steel Curtain). http://support.gktw.org/site/TR/CoastingForKids/General?px=1421731&pg=personal&fr_id=1886

^I am hopeful we can win top team. I have some money still incoming to my page, as well as my girlfriend signing up! If we can get another participant, that would be a huge help toward meeting that goal.

Kennywood's woodies are still being maintained as good as ever, if you ask me. I've never noticed a difference in how they ride in the years I have been visiting. Which is obviously remarkable. The park has its issues, sure. But I do think they've managed to maintain the coasters well, at the least.

Yeah, that's what we have done the last few years. Purchased one in Winter of 2017 to enjoy two sets of Christmas events. Gonna do the same this year. It is a no brainer for us. Get four days in the parks for these two events, can visit once in the summer or spring and get the bring a buddy days. Even being 8 hours away, it just makes sense.

Great sets of pictures. LOVE Rehoboth and Funland. Such a good place to walk around. We usually buy the 100 tickets for $30 (was $25 a few years back, if you can believe that) and just use em leisurely over the course of a few nights at the boardwalk. It is wild that the kiddie rides are all 3 tickets or less (less than $1). It feels nice to not feel swindled, for once. The fact that the Midway Games are $1 is another huge win. It just makes for such a lively atmosphere when people are actually playing the games. And the skee ball is a quarter and you win stuffed animals not tickets. I am stoked to be heading back there next summer for the first time in what seems like forever. Thrashers Fries and Fischer's Popcorn are also legendary (and pricey).

^ and ^^ Yeah I was there in June. It is just bizarre. Because the area around the coaster is kind of just a grass patch. And you could not access the coaster easily even if it was open. So they still would need to create a pathway or something. It is just... odd. I want to understand the folks who manage this park. Because it has way too much potential for its own good. And yet, there are signs everywhere of gross negligence (despite reasonable crowds). E.G. rides not running all the cars, loads of broken vending and arcade machines horded in plain sight, the structure from the Starride not being removed for decades, a bathroom where EVERY urinal has been removed and so there is an empty wall on one side and stalls on the other, etc. But yet, I went... and I really enjoyed my time there because the retro feel of the park has been upheld entirely.

^I agree with much of what you said. But there’s no reason they can’t just sell all tickets in $1 increments and then set the coasters at 3 tickets and the other rides at 2. And then if you want to have a special go kart ticket you could or it just be 6 tickets. In it’s current state, you have to pre decide what you’re going to do and buy those tickets. Which slows the customer AND staff down when they’re providing you with 8 different tickets. And then you need to find your specific ticket when you want to ride. Knoebels is... much much easier. And I just go and buy a bunch of $20 books and let it fly. Lakemont is not encouraging spending, instead creating a barrier.

Yeah it’s been way too long since I’ve been at Holiday World. Will finally return next year, I hope. What a water park they have.

^^I was at the park a week or so back. Between my first visit in June and now, Leap the Dips looks much much better. Lots of fresh paint and seems like some general work is being done. I noticed a second car had been moved from the depot and yeah, it looks better than it did when the park was open a few years back. I would think they intend to open it this season. After all this work, I am sure they would be disappointed otherwise. Skyline, on the other hand, needs a lot of work. It doesn't ride that rough. But I don't think I've been on a wooden coaster that looks this bad. It can't cost *that* much to give the coaster some fresh paint.

just dropped some $$ to you, Taylor. I had such a great time a few weeks ago at SFFT, and hope y'all have as good a time too! Thank you so much for your support! I'm really looking forward to the event.

Hello, I will be participating in Coasting for Kids again this year (4 time veteran) at Kennywood, along with my girlfriend Kylie (she'll be signed up soon). I really love GKTW and was fortunate enough to volunteer last September for a couple days. What an amazing experience. Any help will be appreciated, of course! I really think Team TPR can win top team at Kennywood! http://support.gktw.org/site/TR/CoastingForKids/General?px=1017239&pg=personal&fr_id=1886

Wearing a Tokyo DisneySea shirt today. Love the report! Thanks for all the great pictures.

This is a lovely report. Loads of nice pictures. Will never bore reading Knoebels reports.

Without Steel Curtain in the mix, I would say you could definitely do them all by hitting exterminator first. If you got there before park open and could get on one of the first Steel Curtain trains and then knock out exterminator, hood likeky be in good shape. But the park is way more than just the coasters so I agree, a full day is the right speed.

Pittsburgh is awesome! Full of great stuff. As far as food and drink goes, I'll post a few recommendations. 1. Gaucho Parrilla Argentina- Awesome, affordable place for the best steak in town. Also, have awesome vegetarian and other meat options. BYOB with no corkage fee, order at counter and assigned a table. 2. Southern Tier/Fatheads- Both awesome breweries. Fatheads has the better food, Southern Tier the better beer (imho). 3. Betos Pizza- Just totally different from most other pizza. Cold provolone and cold toppings. Delicious. 4. Noodlehead- Awesome Thai food, BYOB no corkage. 5. Pamelas/Delucas- Both have awesome breakfast diner food. Delucas feels more 'Pittsburgh.' No shortage of things to do. Certainly hard to recommend just one thing. Gonnar repeat some things others have said, but take that as a double recommendation. Strip District is an awesome area to explore. South Side and Lawrenceville are quite popular areas at night. Incline to see Mount Washington is great (either one of the two will do the trick. $5 roundtrip). Cathedral of Learning is a marvel of architecture (biased as I went to Pitt). Andy Warhol and Mattress Factory are both niche art museums (can be super interesting if it's your thing), PNC Park is a beautiful stadium to see a ball game (and affordable tickets can always be found on StubHub). You can also do a Gateway Clipper sightseeing cruise at sunset. Check out groupon for discounted tickets. Well worth spending an hour doing this and learning a bit about the city with great views. HAVE FUN!

Update: Eldridge is adding a Tilt a Whirl (originally from Bushkill Park). This is great news for a little volunteer run small town park. They’ll have Flyers, a classic carousel with brass ring dispenser, Tilt a Whirl, three classic kiddie flats, paddle boats, a motor boat cruise, and a great mini golf course with a mini train. Not a bad lineup of things!

Days 19/20: DisneySea and Disneyland Day 3/4 Alrighty. We're back for one last update. Before I finish up, just want to say thank you to everyone who has followed along. This time last year, I was a few days out from visiting these parks. I am so, so grateful to Robb and Elissa for planning a perfect trip. Truly incredible to just have everything totally figured out for me when it came to transportation, lodging, and these parks. Could never have done this myself. And likely would never have become interested in Japan as much without all the great reports from them/others over the years. It is crazy to think of the opportunities I have had because of this little community. The forum has been a beautiful thing for me and am super proud to have been a part of it for ~10 years (likely more as a reader). Cannot wait to see what is in store down the line. TOTAL RIDE TALLY FOR 4.5 DAYS AT DISNEY DisneySea: Nemo - 1 Indiana Jones - 6 Raging Spirits - 6 Tower of Terror - 3 Aquatopia - 4 20k Leagues - 2 Carousel - 1 Gondolas - 1 Flounder's Flying Fish Coaster - 1 Toy Story Midway Mania - 1 Sinbad - 2 Electric Railway - 2 Transit Steamer Line - 1 Shows: Tritan's Band - 1 Fantasmic - 2 Magic Lamp Theater - 1 Mickey Big Band Beat - 1 Out of Shadowland - 1 Tokyo Disneyland Peter Pan - 1 Snow White - 1 Monsters Inc. Hide and Go Seek - 2 Pinocchio - 1 Big Thunder Mountain - 2 Jungle Cruise - 1 Western Railroad - 1 Swiss Family Treehouse - 1 Canoes - 1 Roger Rabbit - 1 Star Tours - 2 Space Mountain - 6 Splash Mountain - 6 Haunted Mansion - 4 Pirates - 4 Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blasters - 2 Tom Sawyer's Island - 1 Pooh's Hunny Hunt - 3 It's a Small World - 2 Shows: One Man's Dream - 1 Electrical Parade - 2 So yeah, I did a lot. Some folks will see this and wonder why it was necessary to do some of these rides so many times. I dunno, I just really enjoy them. Plenty of folks on the trip were more than content with just two days at the park. And honestly, if you aren't a Disney crazy person, it probably is enough time. It is tough, because these extra two days could've been spent exploring Tokyo more and having loads of super unique experiences. So, tradeoffs must be made, I guess! Okay, now back to business. The way Tokyo Disney tickets work is: Days 1 and 2: Pick one park to go to. Days 3 and 4: Hop as you please. It is an understated bonus that the price includes hopping parks. Because of how close the parks are to one another (two quick monorail stops), it is so easy and worthwhile. Then I got to do some of my favorites (Pirates, Haunted Mansion, Tower of Terror, Indiana Jones, etc.) on three separate days, instead of two. Also, ticket prices are still very affordable, compared to the States. Which is confusing because attendance is... high. Either way, I am going to recite here my day so you can get an idea of just how much you can accomplish in one day. Rope-dropped DisneySea, went and grabbed a Tower of Terror FP, then rode standby. Then walked back to the Arabian Coast and began a bit of a food adventure. Rode Sinbads. Had a Raging Spirits FP and went into line for the FP before opting for Single Rider instead (shorter). Then rode indie single rider with no line. Rode twice. Got Gyoza and Grapefruit Blood Orange Beer Cocktail (yes it deserves to be capitalized). Rode 20k Leagues Under the Sea stanby. Did two shows, explored the SS Columbia and left Tokyo DisneySea at 2:50 for Disneyland. On monorail at 2:54, in Disneyland gates by 3:08. Grabbed a Space Mountain FP, rode Jungle Cruise, rode train. Had a dinner, rode Splash Mountain single rider, did canoes, Cinderella's Castle walkthrough, Haunted Mansion, had a snack, watched electric parade, rode Pirates, Space Mountain FP, Star Tours, Space Mountain stanby, and Monsters Inc. Yeah, it was a crazy busy day. But I wouldn't have it any other way. Welcome to the best illusion (for Taylor, that is) that Disney has ever pulled off. It is simple, but SO effective. The first time I saw it, I was dumbfounded. Cool little props everywhere in Hotel Hightower. Started out the day with some yummy eats in the Arabian Coast. Spotted the Genie, though! Lots more characters doing random interactions, I would say, than I was used to seeing in Florida. Maple Cream Puffs with some nuts and chocolate sauce. Delicious. And notice the prices! Some tandoori chicken! This place had some yummy options for lunch/dinner. I didn't partake, though! After some snacking, I went off to ride Indiana Jones. This is the end of the single rider line. Walk down this narrow stairway and at the bottom of the second set of steps you are literally at the loading platform. I never waited more than 5 minutes. Truly incredible. Next up on the snack quest. GYOZA. Plenty of horrifying pictures of Robb eating it, I knew I must have it. The first day I was at the park, I didn't make it to the stand before they close (before park close). Blood orange and grapefruit beer cocktail. I remember REALLY liking this. Mysterious Island was just stunning in person. Grand and something to look at everywhere. Unfortunately, no Journey to the Center of the Earth this trip. More beauty. This whole area by the harbor was a blast to explore. So much cool stuff to see and interact with! There are no words that can be used that accurately describe what this park is actually like to explore. You can read countless reports and still be amazed when you experience it. The Chamber of Planets with a super cool model of the solar system that you could tinker with. Some alchemy. Went and saw the show at the Magic Lamp Theater. Don't remember being overly wowed by it. But, alas. Little its of Disney magic, everywhere. I'd love to have the money to stay in the Hotel MiraCoast. Could rotate this properly. But you get the point. I had really wanted to give these a go, just because of how cute they were. Looked for em in Tomorrowland because that is where I had read you get them. I struck out, but managed to find them on the bridge between American Waterfront and Cape Cod. One chocolate, one vanilla, one strawberry. They could never be as tasty as they are adorable. But they were quality! Where you get on the gondola. I am a bit confused by this picture. Because it precedes me entering Tokyo Disneyland after leaving DisneySea midday. Is this to get in to Disneyland? Seems odd. Loved this guy! Welcome! This was a nice railroad! No stops in the park because of some weird rules in Japan where if it stopped, it would be considered a form of transportation and they would have to charge. Haven't fact checked that. But that's what I had heard (explains the cost to ride the monorail throughout the resort). Some nice shots along the route. I think these parks would feel a lot less alive if the river, riverboat, and Tom Sawyer's Island didn't exist. The Canoes! We'll get to you later. These are a ton of fun and are just a super unique offering. These poor cast members do 80% of the work. I appreciate this scene from Big Thunder a lot. Love the little surprise in the train tunnel. There's the sign. Yeah, the Stitch overlay seems like a net positive. I wouldn't mind Disney Florida taking this approach. Oh man, this Waffle Sandwich was delicious. So many snack worthy things in these parks. This is how I prefer to eat. Fill up on a bunch of smaller things. Choo. Choo. Got a bit wet thanks to some IRRESPONSIBLE rowers. Cough, cough. They were small children. Alas, it felt wonderful because all four days in these parks were brutally hot. It may have drizzled once. Canoe views. Wow, I am so good. This is likely my favorite Disney ride. It is so tough to decide that. But it just has it all. The Cinderalla Walkthrough is definitely worth doing if just for the neat views of Fantasyland. If you haven't already, read up on the Mystery Tour that used to take place in the basement of the castle. Some interesting videos on its bizarre existence. Recommend these pizza spring rolls over in Toontown. I legitimately walked back there a second time to have it. They have a guy that comes around to collect garbage before the parades start. This is a smart idea. Now for a whole bunch of Electrical Parade shots. Every float, in fact. I loved this show and actually saw it a second time so I could fully appreciate it. Being tall I could kind of sneak in last minute and stand in the back of a group and still see quite well. One of my favs. The best of the best. This Genie float goes absolutely crazy. Watch one of Robb's videos of the parade. I know these pictures sort of sucked. But that's alright. Better to see than not to see. My kind of sponsorship! As the day winded down, we frantically realized that Monsters Inc. had opened up again (had been closed so we opted for Star Tours instead to end the night). We manged to hustle off Star Tours (had actually considered walking straight through the ride to the exit. I believe we actually did ride Star Tours and then ended up being one of the last few to get on the ride, as you can see here. Goodbye Tokyo Disney Sight. This is where the trip comes to an end. One more day at these great parks and I was determined to make the most of it! Did a few new things, revisted some favorites. From my phone record: Rope dropped Tokyo Disneyland, grabbed Space Mountain FP, did standby for Pooh. Walked right on and got to ride the third 'mode.' Started as third car in convoy and finished first. Standby Small World, got honey popcorn, and used Space Mountain FP. Off by 10:05. Got Big Thunder FP, then rode Splash Mountain via single rider... twice. Shopped around a bit and obtained a delicious waffle. Rode Pirates and Big Thunder with FP. Arrived at One Man's Dream show at 12:50 for a 1:30 show and got in. Was able to leave seat before show started to get a drink and still come back in. Ate lunch at Queen of Hearts Banquet Hall. Rode Haunted Mansion, then Splash Mountain single rider again. Then Space FP, before leaving for Tokyo DisneySea. Explored Mermaid Lagoon, rode Caravan Carousel. Ate dinner at Yucutan Base Camp, rode Indiana Jones single rider, did Electric Railway, and Big City Vehicles. Tried to Aquatopia on 'Get Wet' mode, but did not get wet. As soon as I got off, they were transitioning back to normal mode for night. Watched Fantasmic again. Rode Raging Spirits twice single rider no line. Rode Aquatopia twice more, and finished with the Gondolas. PHEW. This was an insane day. Oh, how I love this ride. Oh someone made a funny! Oh, I will. Getting ready for that afternoon parade. Caught a bit of it. Mickey getting carried around like the royalty he is. This waffle was so good. Vanilla custard and strawberry sauce. Yum. Like , or so. Why can't Disney Florida be like this. I snacked so hard because it didn't feel criminally expensive to do so. One Man's Dream was a nice show! Retold various Disney movies in a different way. Lots of cool costumes. Swordfish with potatoes and broccoli. The food here is good. But this portion was TINY. I never really felt like portions were an issue here or in Japan. But this place is a bit of a rip off, IMHO. But the vibe is great! Come on in, if just to get a glass of water to check it out! These tombstones always make me chuckle. More crowds lining up. So orderly. So prepared. The only selfie I took the entire trip. There were LOADS of people just hanging out here taking pictures for what seemed like forever. Expansion brewing. Goodbye! Fairwell. Everyone was wearing these watermelon dressed. Think it was supposed to be like Minnie's favorite fruit or something. I dunnnnno. Unaffordable? Some more views of DisneySea from Disneyland. If you didn't know already, the fireworks (cancelled due to high winds all five nights I was there), shoot off between the two parks and so both parks get the same show. They had like 18 cars running on this puppy. Every 15 seconds a dispatch. Goodbye, friend. WOW. The cast member insisted I wave this flag around. The little Venice area was super well-themed. A few more shots. This is the game where you either win a big stuffed animal if you win or a pin if you lose. Line had to be 30+ minutes, but I guess it is worth it! Big City Vehicles. They hauled. Maybe 3 mph. You are a beaut. Thanks again for reading all these reports! I hope I have inspired a few of you to visit Japan. It is such a unique country. Wonderful people, wonderful parks, wonderful culture everywhere, wonderful food, and yeah. It's just the best. Planning my return visit every day until I'm back.

I am grateful for all the expansions occurring around the resort. Hopefully will help spread out the crowds a bit (I know it'll be more than countered by further increases in crowds). But some more rides will do DisneySea a lot of good, regardless.