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Remember, up until a week or two ago, there were still cranes and other pieces of equipment parked next to that section of the ride. I remember watching old 8mm footage my Dad shot of Tom Sawyer's Island at Disneyland back in the 1950s. That island was practically bald, and you could see the burning settler's cabin from all sides. Let's be a bit patient and give BGW a chance to do the landscaping around Verbolten before we start complaining about it.

^The only such nickname I've ever cared for was "Nessie" for the Loch Ness Monster.

^I'd call it a "win-win" solution. Lazy people don't have to type out the full name, and picky people don't have to be annoyed with the shortened versions.

^We'll miss you, Steve.

I liked the Wolf, but it had become quite the maintenance nightmare. Never found it particularly rough, either. I'm glad that Verbolten pays some tribute to BBW, too. There's always an initial rush of folks who both over- and under-praise a new atrraction. Personally, it looks like the park got the ride it wanted with Verbolten. Looking forward to tomorrow!

^Gotta sell them Park Hoppers.

I love how many rides interact in that section of Europa. Great picture, Hanno.

I'm looking forward to finding out for myself this week--sounds promising based on what many people have said so far.

^For that you'll need . . . http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UArbzOExaBg

^It would be even better if Gerta served you the Das Alpine and German potato salad.

I really enjoyed Hansa during TPR's Scandi Trip. Fulch von Novgorod (a great ride) was operating while we were there, but it still wasn't finished (lots of theming to be added). I loved the tricky exit with its false corridor (and creepy scareactor).

^Raging Bull is a lot of fun, and has a resonable amount of that "floaty" B&M airtime. The only unfortunate aspect are some particularly annoying trims about halfway through.

I still have yet to visit Cedar Point. Every year I say, "Well, I guess I'll go this spring," something happens to screw up my plans. But Fast Lane might just make a summer visit worth the trouble.

I think it's wise to bear in mind that this was a "technical rehearsal," so it's not unusual for some effects to be off while they "tweak" the ride. I'm looking forward to checking it out on Thursday.

They did--they painted it!

^But even then, you would still be required to "move it, move it."

Well, at least Gouderix looks nice now.

^Poor Ant-Man! He and DC's Atom must have plenty of long, sad conversations over beer about the sad state of their careers.

^I'm referring to the "Blogger Media Day," which is Thursday, May 17 in the morning. I'll be there for Theme Park Review.

I caught Dark Shadows on Sunday afternoon, and was able to get through it without any violent coughing fits despite the head cold I've been fighting since last week. I thought it was a lot of fun, but I think fans of the old series will get more out of it than non-fans. (I used to race home after school when I was a kid to catch Dark Shadows. It's the only soap opera I've ever watched consistently.)

^Yes, Gunter may well be a "man of mystery." I wonder if Gerta and Gunter will be at the Media Day on Thursday?

^Agreed. Most POVs can't really capture all the lighting effects, or give you the full feeling of how sound is used to tell the story. Look at the second half of Mummy. Most of what they use there consists of painted flats and cutouts. Sometimes, the best effects are the simplest.

All these silly "bragging rights" early POVs are as annoying as someone who goes around spoiling the ending of a movie.

When at Fort Fun, experience the Flaming SCAD Tower for a mere 10 euros!

Wise choice. I do recall reading that Busch might allow strapped on Gopro cameras with advance permission, though. Maybe Robb can shed some light on this.