cfc

^Agreed. My theory is that the Mayans simply ran out of room on their calendar.

^^I know that some have complained about Dark Knight, but I was pleasantly surprised by it, too. All the effects were working when I rode it in 2010, and I thought it was a pretty good "mouse in a box."

When I was there with TPR in 2010, I noted a sign warning operators to stay out of the mountiain and not cross the tracks when Lost Coaster was in operation--only to see a technician walk into the mountain after the train had dispatched. But at Indiana Beach, somehow, it just made sense.

Lasseter--a name that shall live in hippo infamy!

Wow--what an excellent setting for a ride!

Nope, he spells it just right! Can't we all just get along?

Excellent report, David--I also liked seeing the real Red Car. DCA is definitely worth visiting again, now that it's ceased being "Disney's Construction Area."

I'm a fan of the old Disney attraction posters, too.

^If the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel is backed up (I-64 West when leaving ORF), you can try the Monitor Merrimac Bridge Tunnel in the other direction. It's a longer drive, but not as heavily traveled.

You've obviously never ridden King Arthur's Challenge, which used to be where Europe in the Air is now. One of the single cheapest-looking pre-show videos ever for the worst simulator ride ever.

You get to see the backside of Grizzly?

^Be advised that getting to and from Norfolk International can be a pain in the neck in the summer, due to the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel and all the Virginia Beach/Outer Banks traffic. Richmond is usually easier to deal with.

What? There are Wacky Worms in Italy? I've learned so much from this thread.

I remember eating at the old Tahitian Terrace in Adventureland when I was kid--pretty good, as I recall. But outside of the Blue Bayou, food was pretty "blah" at Disneyland. It has improved over the last few years (particularly at Cafe Orleans). But DCA's food offerings look more enticing.

Yup. I agree with more parks need the automated on-ride photo machine, too. And more beer.

Qbot says to retun to Moe's between 12:00 am and 1:00 am.

^I think it depends on the version of Pinocchio. The original is from an Italian children's book by Carlo Colloidi, which was published in 1883. There have been quite a few adaptations over the years.

^I did catch the Eureka parade once, and thought it was OK--but I recall many people being a bit confused about it.

^If I can find any pictures of the frickin' place that I can use.

Agreed. I thought the old DCA was "nice," and my parents actually enjoyed it there (they're big fans of Soarin', as are many elderly people); at the same time, I did think it was seriously lacking. The makeover is Disney finally building the park they should've built in the first place.

^Worked for me on Internet Explorer.

The Blue Demon must first deem you worthy before you enter the park.

That was a pretty clever stunt Disney pulled with those ears--what a great idea.

Gerta can say whatever she wants as often as she wants.

I grew up in California and have yet to visit the Santa Monica or Pacific Park--just never got around to it. As for Sambos, I've many of their pancakes in my day. I remember when their name was finally declared "racist," and they tried to rebrand as "No Place Like Sam's." It didn't work. Looking forward to seeing more, Erik.