cfc

I *hate* Jimmy Buffet - but this actually makes a ton of sense. It's such a popular "brand" and fits in perfectly with the Caribbean itineraries. Plus I know fanatical buffet people who would sail on this ship just to get a "credit". I have mixed feelings about Buffet. He's written a number of great songs; however, he spends so much time disparaging the tourist industry that his career feeds on (he also hates cruise ships).

^Well, I reckon they know now.

Don't see that happening with two non-recovered bodies. Are Gene Hackman and Shelley Winters still in there?

It was a wise decision--but who will the Chinese people take their photos with now?

According to Facebook, BGW closed at 3:00 pm today due to the weather (as did KD). Not surprising. I drove back from Charlottesville today, and it's been pouring all up and down I-64 since 10:00 this morning. A very nasty storm, indeed.

^I kept looking for Mario and Luigi. But it was nice to see a bit of video of Verbolten in action.

Video brought to you by someone holding his phone the wrong way.

I'm having trouble buying this story, too. The amount of detail is making me suspicious. And "multiple independent sources"? Numerous little birdies, perhaps? I'm waiting for some actual confirmation.

I agree with this. The park is putting on an extended fireworks show for Independence Day on July 3 and 4. Sunday, July 1, is the first night of Illuminights, so I'd go on Monday. But be advised that Williamsburg itself will be pretty busy that week. You can catch July 4th fireworks in Colonial Williamsburg, too (they put on a pretty good show, and the CW Fife and Drum will performing). And remember, on busy days, Quick Queue is your friend.

"Pulled into Nazareth, feelin' 'bout half-past dead . . ." He was a great singer and drummer.

^^I also like Heide Park quite a bit--particularly Colossus. The one thing it could use is a dark ride to round out its attractions.

Wait until they're flying through that "keyhole." Can't get much more suggestive than that.

^At least you can still experience "Backo-Drafto" at Universal in Japan.

Frankly, I'm all for infrastructure improvments like these, and I'm glad the park may be doing something to increase the capacity of very popular old attraction, rather than just giving up on it. As to whether this will "delay" the addition of a major new attraction, I imagine that the Volcano station upgrade is part of a long-term plan for improvement. You need to spend your money where you think you need it the most.

Getting a running start and jumping head first into an empty swimming pool is better than the Standup of Death.

Legoland is really going crazy with the theming for this ride--it looks great.

Silver Star is my least favorite B&M (with the possible exception of Scream). It's really the only minor bummer at Europa, though--that park is fantastic!

^I'm shocked--shocked--that someone was running rigged games in Brooklyn!

The queue looks great--thanks for the pictures, Hector.

Nice to see footage of the latest generation of Zierer rides in action--looks nice and smooth.

^Excellent--I think this could be the ride's best feature.

^It's a Decepticon trap!

I have never been to the park before so this would work out great for me. Having only one day to spend it would mean I get a chance to do everything at least once. For people who go to the park multiple times per year it is not such a great deal. I feel that way about Quick Queue at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. I don't feel compelled to buy it because I visit the park pretty often during the season, but it is handy if I have to hit Howl-o-Scream on a Saturday night with guests. I agree that the punch card is OK for someone who's never been to the park before.

Yeah, I've had very good soft serve at Knoebels. Having good soft serve makes a lot of sense at a place like Knoebels. Fits in perfectly with their permanent fair atmosphere. BGW does a pretty good job with their soft serve; KD, not so much.

^Never try posting on Facebook after you've hit yourself on the head with a hammer--repeatedly.