cfc

That was one elaborate media-day presentation. Is the "Antarctica room" going to be up year-round as a "preview center"?

Was the Flying Dragon at Funderland in Sacramento on your itinerary? My brother's family lives in Sacramento, and I don't even have that credit.

^^I'd be happy if they could just do something about the smell of the old penguin habitat. The proposed new penguin attraction sounds interesting.

I'm a fan of the old-school dark rides and walk throughs, as well--we need more of them in the States. For example, I usually spend a day at Virginia Beach with some friends each summer, and I always make a case for visiting Nightmare Mansion, an old walk through on Atlantic Avenue (the main drag by the oceanfront). But I can never talk them into going because they're afraid it will be too costly and lame. But apparently there's more than just the walk through. There's four separate "haunted" attractions there, including some sort of pirate-themed dark ride (you can experience them all for 24 bucks): Nightmares on the Beach. The next time I'm at the Beach, I'm gonna check this out.

"Tame" is not a word that comes to mind when looking at those pictures.

^I think they should move it to the Island of Misfit Toys. I kid, but I agree that there really isn't a need for this park in Orlando.

But you definitely stand a better chance than I do of ever getting the Deja Vu credit.

El Loco Agua?

^Depressing, why? Having it on a three-day weekend may make it easier for some folks to attend.

Agreed--I think the popularity of the Potter franchise, whether you love it or hate it, is pretty well established.

^Time will tell. I'm quite intrigued with what I've seen and heard about Verbolten so far. I'm sure the park will be teasing us with more details as the year grinds on. As for me, I'm looking forward to Christmas Town this year--should be a great view of all the lights from the top of Mach Tower.

It is a shame to see this park in such disarray. I enjoyed my visit there with TPR in 2010, but even then, those with more experience with IB were commenting that it had "slipped." Then again, it's often difficult to sort our fact from fiction (or exaggeration) in these situations.

^Now that's a matter of opinion. (I kind of like Grizzly, but I also realize that it's hardly a great ride.) I'd love to see an Intamin wooden coaster at KD; then again, I'd love to see another Intamin wooden coaster anywhere in the U.S.

Just give the word, woman.

Little did I know the wonders that lay within Bonanza Golf and Cici's Mountain. And little wonders they are, indeed.

I am duly impressed with your rationalization for spending the 40 bucks to get the credit.

Ahoy! Thar be slot machines, a disturbin' statue of a divin' wench, and cupcakes ahead! Welcome to the Promenade, where you can eat, spend money, drink, spend money, eat some more . . . What the hell is that? I find her facial expressing a bit disturbing. I'm not sure why. See that little place on the left? Our group spent a lot of time there, chowing down on pizza, balls of mozzarella, and marinated feta. Yes, I know it's a "new era" and everything, but it just isn't right that James Bond went to Casino Royale to play Texas Hold'em. He plays baccarat, dammit! Piers, why are you staying with the machine if it makes you feel so depressed? Because it's in the "Siking Iea"? . . . Oh, I get it. Never mind. "This machine is killin' me! This would never happen to James Bond because he plays baccarat!" "You dropped a quarter in your what?" Yes, TPR is going to decorate cupcakes. Oh, dear . . . We had two classes. Our class was supposed to make a "cheeseburger and fries." This is what it's supposed to look like. We were actually trusted with knives and sharp pointed sticks! OK, mine's listing to starboard--but it tasted great! The second group had a slightly more difficult artistic challenge. An adorable puppy dog! There is no great art without struggle. In fact, some went mad! But just look at all those puppy dogs! "My dog is as kosher as a Hebrew National frank!" And cupcakes are King Julian approved! That's all for now.

As if one amazing week wasn't enough, TPR spent another week cruising the Caribbean on the Freedom of the Seas out of Port Canaveral. And we were very fortunate in choosing that first week to spend in Orlando. A rather stubborn storm front was giving Florida a hard time--a storm that turned out to be much worse than the National Weather Service had predicted it would be. While were either hanging out at the TPR house or getting soaked snagging coaster credits at Sea World, the Freedom was sailing into very high seas, pouring rain, and strong winds. Passengers were confined to their cabins that evening, many windows were broken, and lots of merchandise (including the ship's alcohol) was lost. Fortunately for us, most of the repair work was squared away by the time we boarded a week later. There was still some work to be done, but overall the ship was in excellent shape, and we avoided any major weather during our cruise (although we had to skip Grand Cayman due to high seas--it was too rough to tender into port). I enjoy sea days quite a bit. The gentle rolling of the ship is relaxing, and you settle into a nice routine--most of which involves food and drink. Here's the first of series of photos of life at sea--we'll get to Labadee, Jamaica, and Cozumel later. Many of you sharp-eyed individuals will note that this picture was not taken at Port Canaveral, but I wanted to show you the ship. So, we're actually starting in Labadee. We now return you to Port Canaveral. Ah, the suite life! Lou has discovered her new Happy Place, . . . . . . as have Robb . . . . . . and Hanno. The motley crew has assembled in the TPR suite, and is ready to pillage and plunder the Caribbean! Or to eat and drink a lot, whichever is easier. Uh oh! The Disney Dream has us in her sights! She's going to ram! Cape Canaveral off in the distance--more on this later. Look like ZZ Top is in the cabin above us. More of TPR's motley crew of scalawags and cutthroats. Arr, if we weren't in such a hurry to be off, we'd be plunderin' that vessel right now! And so we put our rudder to Port Canaveral. William is about to become a victim of KT's infamous Death Drop off the top rope. Anyone for breakfast with in a classy dining room? Be sure to wear your finest formal attire, as Shrek is here. (Looks like he dislocated his elbow.) Of course, Puss in Boots is always impeccably dressed. Russ is always attracted to a pussy--in boots. William, you better look behind you. I think Fiona is hungry. A moody, erotic shot of Dan enjoying a whole plate of bacon, while Adam looks on longingly. I do enjoy sea days . . . . . . as does Robb. Be careful, Lou! Sometimes, plants attack when they smell fear! Standby for a look at more of the ship.

^Yup--topic locked. But please go ahead and play the game in the existing thread.

^That video looks a 7.2 quake hit while they were riding.

^Fixed--thanks. And I didn't even notice the Super K Mart.

They need to bring back the Toad Hole--the most amusing water ride ever.

I think it'll be hard to beat the first drops of El Toro at Great Adventure and Balder at Liseberg. Both are Intamin woodies. Coincidence? I think not. I also the initial drop of the "Cyclone" rides and how they jog off the left a bit (really catches you off guard).

I like the R&R Coaster pic in particular. I was struck by how creepy the Gene Kelly animatroic looked in the Great Movie Ride this year--its face would be the scariest Halloween mask ever.

Is it some sort of recycling program?