cfc

So much for the Gertrude v. Gary "Texas Death Match" I was hoping for. Worst Wrestlemania ever. But thanks for the look at the last night of Electronica.

^I've never heard them speak, either.

You nailed the spelling--good job. Even though Epcot was your "least favorite," you seemed to enjoy yourself. That bodes well for the rest of the resort.

It's good to see that someone has improved on the old "Circlevision" concept--Turtle Trek looks like a nice addition.

^At the Verbolten Hard Hat Tour, Larry Giles that the drop section was "magnetic," and when the magnets released the track, it would feel like "someone has yanked a chair out from under you." So, I'm hoping that it's a bit more intense than Polar X-plorer's drop section (which may be toned down for younger riders). I did expect a bit more of a "dark ride" bit for Polar X, but I think the layout of the ride itself (particularly the first section before the drop) is very good.

The Matterhorn is looking pretty sharp now.

^There appears to be an echo in here, but thanks for mentioning the "June 1" date.

^Here's what the park Web site says concerning "Unlimited Quick Queue Plus": "provides single time priority boarding for Verbolten" and "unlimited priority boarding" for other Quick Queue attractions. The cost is $49.99 to 59.99 (probably the difference between a weekday and the weekend).

^Poor Scott! I'm surprised he hasn't sued the park yet for "Porsche abuse."

GWARR! The Lego Polar Bear was pretty cool.

^That is a great hotel--really enjoyed staying there a few years ago.

Very little if you have Quick Queue. Based on what I've gleaned from BGW's Web site, you'll have to buy "Quick Queue Unlimited Plus," which will include one "priority boarding" per day for Verbolten. My guess is that this will change after the ride loses its "new car smell" and lines become a bit more manageable (probably after its first season of operation).

That's probably the case. Why waste time and money on adding detail that the vast majority of their guests aren't going to care about? They want a sense of the actual ride.

Hmm--I think the longest line I ever waited on was on opening day for Curse of DarKastle at BGW--about three-and-half hours, thanks to technical issues. It was a hot day, and the park actually passed out free bottles of water to everybody who waited in line. By the time I got out, the line stretched all the way to Alpengeist.

^I hadn't noticed the painted details on the bridge, but I think you're right about it being a "patina" or moss or mold--not "actual" vines.

I was thinking the same thing about the photos. You really captured the ride's "best side," Hanno.

Speaking of Verbolten, I wandered over to the park earlier this evening to check out the progress the park has made since, well, the last update. Unfortunately, there was no testing going on while I was there, but a number of guests mentioned seeing it cycle earlier in the day. They've added some more little details to the station, bridge, and the wrecked Porsche. Let's have a look. " . . . except when Chuck is here." Noted! So, how about the queue? The queue now has rails. I wonder if the ride crew has started practicing the "Please do not sit on the rails" announcement? Will Gunter be glaring at us from this monitor inbetween promos for Quick Queue, Celtic Fyre, etc.? The water-filled dummies are probably exhausted from testing all day. But the blue train looks rarin' to go again. Don't be shy, little yellow train. A creepy monk peers from "Gunter's Creepy Office." This, however, does not seem particularly creepy--well, maybe except for the floating fish. German members, please feel free to translate. Your English is much better than my German. Knick-Knacks collected from missing tourists, perhaps? One last look at the detailing in the station. Hmm--they added a little yellow warning light to the sign out front. Nice touch. Beemer Boy, you might want to turn away now. Yes, the poor Porsche has become . . . . . . even more overgrown. Look--the creepy vines have sprouted another me! Hmm--all the pictures I've taken of this bridge, and I never noticed the broken railing on the side before. My homeowners association would not approve of this at all. There's some new Verbolten merchandise, too. The black shirts are kind of nice. But I'm really not sure what to make of this. I call this "Reflections of Verbolten." That's all for now.

That's a good point. The Dragon series of coasters do take place mostly outdoors on grass. I do think this ride will be a hit with families. The drop section is a bit of a bonus for kids.

I thought the theming looked a bit unfinished, too. However, the drop section actually looked a bit more intense in the second POV on the video. Overall, it looks like a solid family ride that fits Legoland's audience. But rare is the ride that lives up to its concept art.

^Same. Looking forward to getting a "sneak preview" of what Verbolten might be like. I'm pretty intrigued with how Legoland is theming this ride.

I don't think the "Chiller is going to Brazil" story has moved past the "rumor" stage yet.

^I thought the brake run was a bit unusual, too. Wild Eagle at Dollywood delivers an extra little kick after the brake run. It stops on a fairly steep angle and actually hurtles around a sharp curve after the brakes release the train (it was very surprising). I wonder if Leviathan will offer that same extra "kick"?

I take it that Splitsville is where the Virgin Records store used to be.

^I've always been impressed by stiltwalkers. Hell, I have trouble enough using a footstool to replace a lightbulb, must less walking around in enormous platform shoe while wearing a bunch of crazy gear and dealing with mobs of tourists.

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