cfc

^Agreed! The new concept art looks great, and I'm sure it'll be pretty close to what's actually built, being as this is Tokyo Disney. The new Scandinavian port for TDS looks particularly good.

I really wish they'd bring in RMC to give it the "Texas Giant" treatment. Could you imagine what the ride would be like if they re-designed in with their I-Box system? Holy cow... No kidding! I'm glad that Thunderbird turned out so well. The station and the ride plaza look great.

I see you've learned a lot from English class. If you were serious about that question, it has been discussed many times in both the CW thread and Carowinds thread so you can find the answer there. But looking at your signature I think you've already made up your mind. A couple of things: 1) Loop-de-loop, please leave the moderating to the moderators. The member whose grammar you're criticizing is from Italy (based on his IP), and I doubt that English is a first language for him. 2) To answer your question, livai, I rode Fury 325 last Sunday (TR to come later), and it's a much better ride than Carowinds' Intimidator (which has been trimmed to death), so I think Fury enhances the appeal of the park. (That being said, Intimidator 305 at Kings Dominion is much better than both of them). I have no objection to a park having multiple "big coasters."

I think this sign was meant to provide you with a hint. Where it says "Entrance ahead to Grizzly and Dinosaurs Alive." That being said, even before the dinosaurs. Grizzly's entrance was pretty well hidden.

N: Night of the Lepus

Six Flags Great America

I've been hearing largely good things about Impulse--excellent! Hoping to get to Knoebels again this season.

^Never doubt the skills of Tempesto! Well, he does make a tasty sandwich.

Report from Tempesto's Media Day Busch Gardens "officially" showed off their new Premier launched coaster, Tempesto, to the both the "traditional" media and the theme-park blogging community during a fairly low-key event on Friday, April 24. There were no big speeches or presentations, just an opportunity to ride Tempesto and get a POV of the experience. Park executives, such as Larry Giles, were available for interviews, and members of the American Coaster Enthusiasts were there to ride, and to be interviewed. The park also provided a sample of a tasty "Tempesto Panini"--a grilled provolone and sun-dried-tomato sandwich. As for Tempesto itself, the ride is very good, indeed. The backward launch and the second forward launch have a lot of kick; there's a great pop of airtime as you crest the vertical section; the hang time in the barrel roll is pretty cool; and you finish up with a non-inverting loop and a quick drop back into and through the station. Yes, this ride is just crazy fun, and some folks there who've ridden its older cousin at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom said that Tempesto seems to have a bit more "kick." Tempesto himself appears in the ride's safety video. As for me, I say that parks needs more Premier Rides! This company doesn't get the press that B&M and Intamin do, but their rides are great. Looking forward to even more from Premier in the future. Tempesto also fits in well with Festa Italia. The plaza and entrance are themed to look as though Tempesto, a famous Italian daredevil, is in town to put on an exhibition. The whole area looks like a "sideshow," complete with posters and strings of colored lights (should look great at night). I think it freshens up the whole area. But don't look for the old "Splashus Maximus" water-balloon arena. Tempesto's entrance took over that real estate. Here are some photos of the media event--and a few other things, such as prep for the Food and Wine Festival, at the park. Here's the official video from the media day. Check out my daredevilry! For those of you, and you know who you are, unfamiliar with the Legend of Tempesto and his famous "Loop-the Loop" (with the curious unnecessary hyphen). Members of the media and ACE line up to ride, and get filmed, on Tempesto. "LOOP-THE LOOP!" (Or, "Loop-de Loop," as Robb would say.) "My god, why did I ever agree to this?" "Our Father, who art in . . . aghh!" The backside of Loop-the Loop. Hmm--unless I miss my guess, they're about 154 feet high. How you folks doing? "Oh, we're just f-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-n-e!" Let's have a look at the station. Here's the inner queue. The long corridor where you consider your fate . . . . . . while watching this. Here's a new view of the Apollo's Chariot queue, which was once available only to cast members. You're welcome. The station itself. Tempesto says, "Choking on gum could detract for your experience in performing this stunt." I thought you might like to see the front side of Loop-the Loop, too. As I said earlier, I like Tempesto quite a bit, and I think it's good for Festa Italia. Let's a take a little walk and see what else is going on at Busch Gardens. This will be the Far East booth for Food and Wine when it's finished. It's right across from the Battering Ram on a brand new slab of concrete. The Caribbean stand is looking good, mon. It will be time for tacos at the Southwest booth in late May. Le Scoot shows off its shiny, all new flume. I think they got new logs this year, too. Aw, the wee little Scottish sheep aren't bothered at all by Verbolten. Getting back to Tempesto, don't forget the merchandise! (I'm sure that SuperShawn sill be sporting this look soon. Hmm--this could very well be him in this photo.) Busch Gardens now has six times the speed--not four, not five, but six, I tell you! One last look at Tempesto as daredevils, once again, brave the famous Loop-the Loop. By the way, I am now an "Official Daredevil" with my very own autographed photo of Tempesto. (You have my permission to be envious! ) I wonder who the VP in Charge of Daredevilry is? Thanks for reading.

I'm very impressed with how the Thunderbird station and the plaza around it turned out--excellent work.

It is the most confusing such list I've ever seen.

Nighthawk--Carowinds

Jack Rabbit--Kennywood

While I'm not a fan or Gatekeeper or X-Flight, I do rather like Wild Eagle; so, if Thunderbird is a launched version of Wild Eagle, that would OK by me. Plus, like Wild Eagle, Thunderbird has a very nice setting.

^Are you getting Fast Lane Plus? That should put some of your worries at ease.

Carowinds? But I gave you some money, anyway.

Yes, it's a bit tricky to easily find a place to eat just off the interstate in the LA metro area. It's a different story in the rest of the state.

G: Grona Lund (Sweden)

First, I'd like to thank all those who took me up on my offer and kicked in at least $5.00. Second, . . . suckers! I'm outta here! It's all mine! Mine, I tell you! Third, just kidding. After using a most scientific method of placing the names in my old Give Kids the World hat and mixing them all up, I've picked a winner of the $10.00 donation at random. Drum roll, please. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itAOGRiYRLI And the winner is . . . Jeremiah Smallwood! Congratulations! But you're all going to get at least $5.00 tonight! Thank you!

Coke Zero with lime at Five Guys in Williamsburg.

K: King Kong Escapes

Hollywood Dream: The Ride--Universal Japan

Dave wins!

They could easily make a junior RMC themed to McDonalds and Coke for people under 21 to ride! Or make a dueling coaster--one side food (for all ages), the other side alcohol (for adults only).