cfc

SeaWorld looks great for the Christmas season. I'd be willing to give the Polar Express a try (has to be better than Wild Arctic).

That would be a valuable public service.

^Yep--Shockwave's line was always pretty slow, largely thanks to the clumsy restraint system that took a long time to check.

Quicksilver Express--Gilroy Gardens

This hit me pretty hard when I was there in September. As much as I love Disneyland, it always seems slammed--even on a non-holiday Monday in September. DCA has a more "relaxed" feel.

I imagine it's a number of factors. My first guess is "location, location, location." They wanted to add Delirium to Candy Apple Grove, and perhaps that was the ideal spot. Hurler is a bit isolated. Plus, it can't be cheap maintaining an aging Togo coaster.

I'm not a big fan of vertical lifts, myself, but I do like the idea of a rapid ascent followed by HOLY CRAP!

^I'm not too surprised that they've added a scene from the new movie already; after all, it opens in less than a month.

Time to hit Epcot for beer, food, beer, and more food--with a little Mission: Space and Test Track on the side. This is one of the best entrances of any theme park. Mission: Space was not kind to Ross's digestive system. Er, that's not the "orbital insertion module," is it? "Welcome to Mission Control. We are going to screw you up so bad, you'll be begging to ride Journey Into Your Imagination!" "OK, trainees! Assume the position, and I will demonstrate 'orbital insertion.'" This mission was doomed from the start. Time for Tron Track. "Welcome to the Game Grid, program!" If Stan Lee was at the wheel, we'd be at Islands of Adventure. The scenery may not be a nice as Radiator Springs Racers at Disney California Adventure . . . . . . but Tron Track goes a helluva lot faster! That's enough riding . . . . . . bring on the food and alcohol! My only yard bird of the season. A cranberry bog is a pretty scary looking place after dark. Seriously, it looks like Lovecraftian elder gods or demons could rise out of there at any time. Yes, sustain your chew as long as possible. This ravioli was really good--much better than what they've served at the Italian booth in past years. I love how Disney decorates for Food & Wine. The fondue was back in all its cheesy glory! Magical Disney haggis! (Yes, I know it's not "real" haggis. There's no need to point that out as people tended to do on Facebook.) Cameron enjoys some Scotch, like a gentleman. Well, let's see what's on the other side of the lagoon. Cameron doesn't look so sure about the escargot, but he did like it. Any dish with the words "crispy" and "pork" in its name is OK by me. Epcot's version of Waffle House. OK here's something I've never done before . . . . . . the Chase Lounge on the top floor of the American Adventure. (It's a perk for people with debit or credit cards from Chase.) They have Coke Freestyle machines, a cash bar, and video games (if you're into Play Station). If you're tired of this view, your soul is dead. When Starship isn't available, you can always count on Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. German beer flight, anyone? Beware the Devil's Eyelash as it hurtles across the sky! Yes, it always heralds either a great calamity . . . . . . or Illuminations. OK, here's the part where you can . . . . . . go get more beer. Every time something blows up, you must chug a brew. Hey, let's ride Maelstrom on the way out . . . darn it! Oh, I'm stuffed! What a great night! That's all for now, but we'll be heading back to the Studios park later.

Yes, there is more DAK. Have a look. Natawompingwillow at Nahtuzu. (Who remembers that old DAK nickname?) "Oh dear, you've seen me." "Now my associate must kill you." The "foot safari" looks pretty cool. Have to try it someday. Stupid I-4 has backed up into Animal Kingdom! "Yes, I know many of you think that 'mother-in-law' joke from the Jungle Cruise is a hoot, but don't. Just don't!" "Oh, hello! You're just in time for supper." "Help yourself! There's some lovely gristle left." "So, you guys totally can't more when I'm this close, eh? And you're in a Chevy. It does, indeed, suck to be you." I never saw this show in its old theatre. We're supposed to be elephants here. Yes, we're totally rockin' the whole pachyderm thing. "Arise, my people, and stomp all those who oppose you!" "Death to all wart hog scum!" "OK, settle down. No one is gonna be stompin' anyone while I'm around." Now we're talking! "YOW! Little help here!" "For the first time in forever . . ." Soon, Frozen will rule the world! I love the random signs and posters at Animal Kingdom. Then again, they might want to rethink this one. Definitely Nahtaswimminghole. Civilization at last! Hmm--they're working on either Avatar here . . . . . . or perhaps a reindeer habitat in an attempt to sneak in Frozen. Hey, let's ride Primeval . . . oh, darn. I recommend reading the Collected Works of Shakespeare or perhaps an encyclopedia before riding Dinosaur. That way, when you're brain cells are fried, you won't lose quite as many IQ points. The most intelligent part of Dinosaur. Yep--when my Parallel Time Converter broke down, I had to take it to a dealership. At least it was still under warranty. Time-travel technology looks suspiciously like the inside of a huge toaster oven. The most amazing animatronic ever! Is this one dino eating another, or trying to puke him up? Never before has the T-Rex's plight been portrayed so movingly. The dinosaurs were not destroyed by a giant comet. They were raped and killed by their own skeletons! "How the T-Rex Killed, Disemboweled, and Ate Santa Claus" is such a cute holiday TV special. Aw, same to you, Smilodon! Gosh darn it, people like you! Derek led us down a secret path! (Never knew this bridge was here before.) A great night at Epcot is next.

Disney's Animal Kingdom is, indeed, unique among the resort's four parks in that Frozen has no presence there; however, I'm sure they're working on it. This is just an observation. I rather like Frozen, and it is still a very hot property for Disney. Well, despite being a "Frozen-free zone," I've always rather liked DAK and think it's a bit underrated among theme-park fans. I agree that it could use more attractions (and those are on the way), but it is a beautiful park--second only to Tokyo DisneySea, in my opinion. And what attractions it has are quite good. Expedition Everest, even in "Disco Yeti" mode, is a very good coaster, Kilimanjaro Safari is well done (especially when you have a great guide, as we did that day), Dinosaur is so dumb it must be experienced, and Yak and Yeti is one of the resort's best restaurants. There's quite a bit to like, if you can ignore Chester and Hester's Dino Rama. I always like trying new things whenever I visit WDW, and I caught Festival of the Lion King for the first time. It's a good show if you're into acrobats pretending to be monekys, and it does have the one thing that makes any show or ride better--fire. Would I see it again? Probably not, but it's still a step or two above shows at other theme parks and offers a lot of spectacle. We also hit Food & Wine at Epcot that evening. But let's start with a day at Animal Kingdom. It was definitely hot and muggy enough for us to be in Africa or southern Asia that day. You know, if plants developed intelligence and could walk around, they'd wipe us out within a week . . . oh my god! Bow before our plant overlords! It's your only chance! I welcome their enlightened dominion over our world! Sheesh! That scaffolding is still here? Haven't those monkeys finished that building yet? Time to seek the elusive Disco Yeti. The many moves of Disco Yeti. Noted! See the red mark on the statue? That's the blood of the last person who failed to "respect ancient Mandir Pagoda." Do not disrespect the tea! This is a yak . . . . . . and this is a Yeti. This is also called "foreshadowing." "Hot damn! Let's go bag us a Yeti!" I'm so looking forward to seeing Bird on a Stick! Oh, darn it. "STAYIN' ALIVE! STAYIN' ALIVE!" We failed to catch a Yeti, but did find this adorable Yeti Kitty. If you're not ready to get down with Disco Yeti . . . . . . this will be your fate. Like I said--foreshadowing. If you're interested in booking a room at Disney's Yeti Palace Hotel, you might what to jump on it. I think it's almost finished. I'm reasonably sure it will have a suite themed to "Anna and Elsa meet the Lion King." Fortunately, we have Fast Passes. Unfortunately, we didn't see a giant mouse with buttons on his groin during our safari. Yes, once you get the local animals hooked on your Yak & Yeti leftovers, they book reservations there for the next six months. Don't do it! This is Chelsea. She's a great guide. Nature is so clever at camouflage. Lean closer to the screen. Scrutinize the photo closely. You should be able to just make out . . .Robb's elbow. "I suck at hiding. Robb's elbow is better at it than I am." I included this rather blurry photo because . . . . . . this is what the guy's walking over. More to come.

^What is seen cannot be unseen!

Attention posters in the KD thread. KEEP THIS DISCUSSION CIVIL. In case you didn't hear me the first time . . . KEEP THIS DISCUSSION CIVIL. I've cleaned up a minor flame war. No more of this, please. If you liked Shockwave, OK. If you hated Shockwave, OK. Pointlessly arguing with other members and name calling--NOT OK. I now return you to the KD thread, which is already in progress. Thank you.

Well, being as KD has already announced Delirium for Candy Apple Grove, we can rule out "D."

Or some enthusiasts simply have better taste than others. I find Anaconda to be a clunky mess that has no redeeming qualities after the initial drop and loop. If you like it, that's OK. Be happy that there will be at least one less person (namely, me) in front of you in line.

I think I gave Shockwave enough chances, and I shed no tears at its passing. But, if given a choice, I'd take Shockwave over Anaconda. I've also been on a few Togo stand ups in Japan that were pretty good. There's even a "good" version of Manhattan Express at Hamanako Pal Pal park.

^Because they're so VERY CONCERNED about sight lines in Orlando and how a 700-foot structure will "pollute" the skyline. If you believe that, I have a Nigerian bank account with lots of money it for you--just pay me a $5,000 finder's fee and it's yours. My guess would be that it has to do with Universal's plans for the old Wet 'n' Wild site on I-Drive and concerns about competition.

If you were in Shockwave's front row, the initial drop and the loop were fun. After that, not so much fun no matter what row you were in.

As someone who has represented the organization he works for at vendor shows (not IAAPA), there's a very good reason for that: No one wants to ship or haul that stuff back to the office.

US Thrill Rides designed the tower. Ride Centerline (same people who design Rocky Mountain and many S&S Coasters) designed the coaster, and Intamin is building the coaster and the drop tower. Just wanted to set that record straight. Thanks for the clarification, Robb. There certainly are some great companies involved in this project.

I don't think anyone had to do the top photo on the right.

^The Glass Elevator bit at the end of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was the best part.

Y: Yongary--Monster from the Deep