cfc

To make it worse, it's to make room for Six Flags America's move to Valencia. California Screamin' just valleyed.

High popularity, low capacity. The Peter Pan rides are the most elaborate of the "original" Fantasyland rides. At least they made the queue for Florida's version more interesting.

Oblivion--Alton Towers

More stuff at the park from Passholder Preview Day. On my way to join the Stein Club. I failed. At least I can take in a new show. "Ziggy zagi ziggy zagi oi oi oi!" Or something like that. Oh boy! New beer joint! Oh joy! Giant line. I came back later when the hoo-hah died down. Maybe I should just have them fill a growler. Ah, beer at last! The room is really nice . . . . . . and the beer selection is huge. Lots of Virginia breweries are represented (including Center of the Universe in Ashland and, of course, Williamsburg Alewerks). This area is going to look a lot different in 2017. The coaster will go over the flume at some point, which should be pretty cool, and under the service road. The flume got a nifty new entrance this year. Should make it a bit easier to find. Yeah, I can see a wooden coaster working here. We'll see how it turns out. OK, evil Smokehouse . . . . . . you talked me into it. Got any leftover lock box tokens from last year? Well, you might well make them into cufflinks now, as the entire system has been changed from tokens to PINs. I had no problem with these by Griffon, but it was a different story at Apollo's Chariot. So, I locked my stuff up and took a spin on Griffon . . . . . . and Alpengeist. It was fun, if a bit chilly. The park had to remove a bunch of trees this year due to a petroleum pipeline under the property. The pipeline's path had to be visible from the air, so bye-bye trees and bushes. It's only noticeable in two spots from what I could see--by the train tracks in France . . . . . . and by the Loch Ness Monster. The park is working on new landscaping for this area. The return of the Big Bad Wolf . . . sort of. Can you spot the wolf's butt in this photo? Too late! Here he is. "Yes, we are majestic, aren't we?" In honor of Ireland's 15th Anniversary, an Irish band from Virginia Beach, the Fighting Jamesons, put on some concerts--which were also broadcast outside the Abbeystone Theatre. I see you Verbolten! But when the leaves return, I won't be able to. That's all. The great god Apollo bids you "good day."

What? There's Other News from Passholder Preview Day? Based on the number of posts in this thread since yesterday, I assume that everybody is aware that Busch Gardens is planning to build a GCI wooden coaster in New France for 2017? That it will have nine airtime hills, will interact with the LeScoot Log Flume, go under a service road for said long flume, and bear a "viking invasion" theme? All on the same page here? Good. But there are some changes for 2016, too, as the the park revealed during Passholder Preview Day 2016 on Saturday, March 19. For example: The restaurant in San Marco has been transformed into Marco Polo's Marketplace. Gone are the twin cafeteria-style lines of old; they've been replaced with more of a "food court"/marketplace setting, which will offer not only Italian food, but Asian cuisine in honor of Polo's journey to China. The restaurant wasn't open for the preview (still some training and tweaking going on), but the whole area looks very nice now (even the bathrooms were upgraded). There's a full-blown pizza oven and a "make your own cannoli" bar. I'm looking forward to trying it out. Unlike the Marco Polo Marketplace, the New Brauhaus Craft Bier Room in Das Festhaus was open for business. Boy was it open--and mobbed! The park offered 300 memberships to their new "Stein Club," which sold out before noon, for $40. Members get a "personalized" stein, which the park will keep for you (beats schlepping it around the park), and their first beer of the day is free ($5.00/pour thereafter). It's a bit expensive for nonmembers at $8.49/glass, but the room itself is very nice, and the selection of craft beer is huge (and will change constantly over the season). There's food, too, including German Meatballs and Reuben Sliders. Based on the huge line on preview day, this looks like a hit for the park. Speaking of food and alcohol, two new booths will be coming to the Food and Wine Festival: Virginia and Hawaii. A big new show is coming to the theatre in France. It's based on "The Three Musketeers" and will be full of sword fights and other sorts of derring-do. I have more to share with you. Let's go in the park, shall we? Yes. Let the fun begin--here. Here's something new: The parking-lot tram waiting areas now have shelters. I have no idea who these performers are. Being as I'm not the intended audience, that's logical. This banner made possible by Coca Cola. So, what's new, England? Oh? A new show? I have no idea if this is a permanent replacement for "London Rocks" or just a fill-in show before summer kicks in. Looks like Animal will have to duke it out with Cookie Monster for title of "King of Rock." This sheep and chicken are totally psyched for a new season at Busch Gardens. They're just pacing themselves. Passholders received free beanies in honor of . . . . . . Ireland's 15th Anniversary! (I thought the Emerald Isle was much older than that.) Looks like the line for the "passholders meeting" isn't too long . . . . . . oh, crap! Back here? I think the line for the Stein Club at the Brauhaus was even longer, though. Let's amuse ourselves by watching Griffon. They entertained everyone in the Abbeystone Theatre before the presentation. Ah, those were the days, eh? New park president David Cromwell is Jack Hanna approved (being as Jack will be back on April 2 and 3 this year). David is no stranger to Williamsburg, as he served as vice president in charge of Water Country USA from 2010 to 2012. Past president Carl Lum is now the president of SeaWorld San Antonio. Here are a few of the offerings at Marco Polo's Marketplace. Anyone for a cannoli? David tells the crowd about the new "Three Musketeers" show in France. The set is being built, and the show "will take advantage of the night sky to bring guests into the story." No word on whether anything blows up. What was that about a new coaster for 2017? People will be able to vote for new coaster's name online. How will you "Decide the Ride": "Viking Raider," Battle Klash," or "Invadr"? I'm thinking "Viking Battle Invadr" or "Laser Klash Odin's Beard on Fire: The Ride." Be careful where you step. Let's take a look at the new restaurant in Italy. According to historical legend, Marco Polo brought noodles to Italy from China; thus, Italian pasta was born. Whether this is true or not, it does give the park a good excuse to offer both Italian and Asian food here. The whole area looks really nice, too . . . . . . right down to the men's room (I assume the ladies' room received similar treatment). These are Dyson sink/hand-dryer combos--cool idea. Here's a peek inside the Marketplace itself. I think it's supposed to open Monday (March 21). More to come.

Bells Smitten Golden Rye Ale at the Brauhaus at BGW.

Yes, I think Bad Apple did get a new lighting package for this season.

^Apollo's Chariot is definitely a backseat ride. I don't find Alpengeist all that rough, either. I'll be posting photos of other stuff around the park a bit later today. As for the three possible names for the new ride, none of them thrill me, either (crowd at the announcement seemed underwhelmed by the choices, too).

Much pain and misery. Oh, okay... you were referring to Shockwave.... I thought it was something less obvious like a cart or building missing. There very well could be some other things missing; you were merely "over-thinking" my joke. As for the space around Delirium, I suppose there could be room for a few more flats.

Much pain and misery.

How about those who wonder as they wander?

Lightning Run--Kentucky Kingdom

I do appreciate a good Malbec--but everything looks great!

New France is on the other side of the park away from the brewery.

The interaction with the log flume and the tunnel under the service road should make interesting.

Media Day for Delirium Kings Dominion unveiled their new Mondial Revolution, Delirium, during Media Day on Friday, March 18. Now I know that some of you may miss Shock Wave, the stand-up coaster in Candy Apple Grove that Delirium replaced (I am not among you). But, frankly, Delirium, while swinging through its 120-degree arc to a maximum height of 115 feet, delivers more airtime than the old Togo coaster ever did. Park president Pat Jones, in her remarks before turning the ride over to the group, described it this way: While the park has been restoring classic decorative elements and maintaining classic rides in Candy Apple Grove, Delirium represents "another generation of thrills." And thrill it does. I enjoyed riding Delirium, and my butt was out of that seat a couple of times. It's quite a sensation as you swing out 115 feet over the park, revolving as you go. TPR thanks the park's media staff, Scott Clemmons and Katelyn Sherwood, and Pat Jones for the opportunity to participate in the Delirium Media Day. Here's a look at what went on. Welcome to Kings Dominion! Perfect Weather for a media day! This is why we're here . . . . . . as well as for the cool Delirium patch. Hmm--something appears to be missing here. Wonder what it could be? My first look at Delirium close up--and a nice sign photo for Larry and the Park Index. Park officials Scott, Pat, and Katelyn invite the group to become delirious. As I said, park officials, and a guy with a big hand, were present. Who's ready to ride? Very well! Let the awesome begin! This is for all those who rigorously study all ride manufacturers. You know who you are. Not quite to 115 feet yet--but close. Looks like they're enjoying themselves. The "hair time" gives it away. "Oh my god! Save me Jeebus!" Be sure to kick your legs out to make it swing even higher! Here's a shot form the "Lawn Formerly Known as Shock Wave." This gives you an idea of how high this bad boy gets. You'll be interested to know that the black speaker was blasting out "We Built this City" at that moment. The park ran Bad Apple during the media day, too. When there is a media day, there's always fool. Red-velvet fried Oreos, anyone? (They were very good.) They also had chicken and waffles, beef sliders, and pulled-pork and shrimp tacos. It was all very tasty stuff. Not to mention ice sculptures and cupcakes. These Delirium Cookies were great. Well, looks like it's time to go. Heading out. Thanks again, Kings Dominion!

I doubt that any sort of "special riding instructions" can save you from the wrath of Hurler.

Goliath--Walibi Holland

Not all sites--just some sites in particular.

Good people of TPR . . . enough! Please put a stop to this pointless bickering now. I think everyone has said their piece. Thank you.

Looks like I'll have to destroy this one myself.

Kill it with fire!

I'm so impressed that after one day, we're nearly halfway to the fundraising goal. Keep it up TPR and other friends of Jack!

"Freefall"--Camel