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Looks like Aquatica offers better food options than Water Country in Williamsburg (and has lusher landscaping). Food has always been a problem at Sea World (never had a decent meal there). I agree with you about "speed river" attractions--I could float around in one of those all day.

I found this part of your trip report repetitive. But the duck looks good. Seriously, I am looking forward to seeing the Forbidden City next year. Thanks for the sneak peek.

I imagine the views from this wheel will be more interesting than those from the proposed "Orlando Eye."

I'm sure this page will be doomed to suffer this fate: http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=127107873486.

Kings Dominion to Kennywood will be quite a haul (around 320 miles).

"Look what Daddy won for you, sweetheart." "AGHH!"

As usual, you've captured a number of details I missed completely--love the faces of the people on the coasters. Where was that waterfall with the Lego deer?

TPR's does have "official" discussion threads for a number of parks, but the decision of whether or not to establish such a thread is up the site's moderators. Usually, these threads spring from a major attraction being opened at a particular park; for example, there is a thread devoted to Universal's new Transformers ride, which would provide a logical starting point for an "official" discussion thread. We appreciate your enthusiam for Universal Hollywood. I'm sure that the park will have its own thread in the future.

I like the "Spy vs. Spy" costumes--vintage Mad Magazine. I've had decent meals at Rainforest Cafes in the past, but that chain has definitely slipped badly.

Toverland is a unique little park, and I like how they concentrate on theming their attractions--they're a hybrid of Europa and Efteling.

^I disagree. I think the major selling point of Tatsu is not use of the park's terrain, but the amazing views you get from the top of mountain. It's an element that, say, the Superman: Ultimate Flight clones don't have. I think Tatsu would be just another flyer without those views.

^The planned Antarctica building does bear some resemblance to the Penguin's hideout in Batman Returns.

^I should've known you'd be on top of things, Martin.

I've always thought that photo kitchen magnets would make more sense than photo keychains. Discovery Cove looks great, and you're right--Landshark is definitely the least of three evils, if your other choices are Bud and Bud Light.

^Same. I had to drag my butt from Valencia to Anaheim last year, too--at least the traffic was fairly light by LA standards.

Wow--that is one sad looking zoo. The giraffes looks like they live in front of a cheap apartment complex.

Apollo's Chariot on the last night of Howl-o-Scream.

Great costumes--I've only been to Mickey's Not So Scary at WDW, and that's always a fun event.

^Reed, Stacey, and I feel the same way. We like being on or near the water, but we're not beach people. I only get to Virginia Beach once a year (at most) when I have friends visiting who want some ocean time. Labadee was quite nice--a good place to just amble around.

^I remember that something odd had happened there, but I wasn't sure what.

^I kicked a wave on that zipline, too.

Let's amble around Labadee a bit, shall we? How about shopping for some native wares? Here are some very Russ friendly souvenirs. Good luck hacking through the jungle with those. If you need some reminder about your inevitable mortality, they have just the statue for you. This stuff is a bit more cheery. Little do they these people know as they swim in these tranquil waters, that back on land . . . . . . a titanic stuggle for survival is taking place! Such is the Cycle of Nature. I have no idea what the story is behind these ruins. Perhaps Blackbeard contracted a social disease here and blew the place up in a fit of anger. Tourists! Oh, wait. I am too. Never mind, The daily Rum-and-Beer Parade is quite the crowd pleaser. "Take a picture, then leave a tip, mon." They sure are into dragons around here. (Yeah, I got nothin'. Sorry.) Would you like to be alone with your pole? Yep, it's a rock. It is, indeed, scenic. I see you, Freedom of the Seas. There be a scurvy band of cutthroats, sez I! You know, all things considered, it could be worse. Time to go. Goodbye, creepy looking head. Aye, best keep a weather eye on them small craft. A shifty looking lot. One last look at the zipline and alpine coaster. Let go the lines! Up in the rigging you monkeys! It be time to set sail! More about the cruise later.

Our first port of call was Labadee, which is part of Haiti. Royal Caribbean had a very nice facility here, if you're into shopping, eating, ziplining, alpine coasting, and wave running. I think TPR would say "yes" to all of that. My god! Alien towel people have invaded the suite! And they can read! This one looks a little belligerent. The "Crwpt"? Who made this sign--Elmer Fudd? "That's 'Crypt,' you miserable little worm." Oops! Sorry D&D warrior-type woman! As you can see, the Crypt is full of mystery. Yes, those who dwell here perform arcane rituals only they can understand. "I, Dr. Hectorstein, have created life in this shot glass! Bwa-ha-ha-ha-ha!" Robb, I think you may have had one too many Brain Hemorrhages. Land ho! All crew make ready fer shore leave! Labadee is quite pretty--no wonder pirates enjoyed plundering here from time to time. Here's where we are. Hi Cuba! Everybody remember where we parked. So many options. Why, there's even a special place just for Dave. Our first stop is the Dragon's Tail alpine coaster. This is the first one I've ever been on, and it's a lot of fun. I think the dragon looks better in my hat than I do. "A-h-h-h-h . . . what're the words to 'The Lord's Prayer' again?" Watch out for Shannon--she's Hell on Wheels! (Paid for by the producers of the new AMC series.) Way up there is the Dragon's Breath Flight Line. "Am I supposed to use the 'Full Torpedo' or 'Normal' position here? Crap, this is more confusing than the Kama Sutra!" Here's the practice line. If your neck doesn't snap when you hit the blocks, you can try the longer one. More to come from Labadee.

Robb was in the cheeseburger group, although he may have been banned from making doggie cupcakes.

^Agreed. I've been indifferent toward Sea World Orlando over the last few years, but these new attractions will definitely get me to visit again. They have to do something to counter Disney and Universal.