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New area looks like it should be nice but, yeah, I know what you mean.

The layout is very interesting, bordering on the bizarre--which is OK by me.

Who's ready for Howl-o-Scream? Here's what the park has planned for this year! Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream®--Virginia’s Premier Halloween Event, Returns with a Twisted New Game and Three All-New Haunted Houses, Plus the Most Sinister Sale of the Season Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream returns on select nights September 9 – October 31, 2022 Conquer the frights with the best deal of the season, buy a 2023 Fun Card and get now through Howl-O-Scream FREE Three NEW haunted houses and three new terror-tories Scares at every turn with a total of five haunted houses, five terror-tories™, four shows and two party zones Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream returns with a twisted new game and an evil host, beginning on Friday, September 9, 2022. In this ghoulish game show, every guest is a contestant, led to their destiny by the master of scare-monies. Your fate awaits with five haunted houses, five terror-tories, four sinister shows, two party zones, and unsuspecting scares awaiting their victims at every turn. Beyond the haunts, guests can take horror to new heights with nighttime rides on eight world-class coasters, including the all-new Pantheon, the world’s fastest multi-launch coaster. Howl-O-Scream takes screams to the extreme with three NEW haunted houses and three NEW terror-tories, complete with seven menacing BOOze bars and bites to fuel the fear and tackle the night’s frights. Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream will take place on select dates from September 9 - October 31, 2022. Looking for sinister savings? The best deal of the season is reincarnated for Howl-O-Scream 2022. For a limited-time, guests who purchase a 2023 Fun Card will get now through Howl-O-Scream FREE, plus unlimited visits January 27 through September 4, 2023. Guests will have nowhere to hide as iconic frights are combined with newly unleashed experiences. Fan-favorite houses Witch of the Woods and KILLarney Diner will return in 2022, as well as two signature terror-tories, Ripper Row and Meat Market. These staple scares are paired with the following hair-raising new additions: 2022 All-New Haunted Houses NEW! Inferno: When death is only the beginning, there’s no end to the scorching terror in sight. As the ground opens to the fiery torments of the dead, your only hope for escape is to journey further into this twisted domain. Descend deep into the pits of Lucifer’s lair to find your way out but beware--the underworld’s demonic horde is yearning for your soul. NEW! Death Water Bayou: The sounds of the carnival celebration grow faint as you are beckoned deeper into the bayou by an unseen force. The cursed hands rise out of the swamp, reaching in desperation for their next devilish devotee. Beware of the bayou or fall victim to the horrors cast by the swamp’s sinister citizens. NEW! Nevermore Chapter 2: A disturbing new chapter in the Nevermore saga has been unveiled, wreaking horror and havoc for the nobility and townsmen alike. The gothic nightmare reads on as tales of torment and terror take frightening form. Explore a world where literature comes to life and Poe’s poignant prose takes on an even darker reality. 2022 All-New Terror-Tories NEW! Dead A-Head: The bloodied bodies of the beheaded are lurking through the streets of France seeking revenge for their bludgeoned fate. Beware of your surroundings--one wrong move and it could be your head on the chopping block. NEW! Gorgon Gardens: Don’t look too closely--staring straight into the soul-less eyes of these serpent sisters leads to venomous consequences and a stone-cold eternity. There’s no escaping these sinister sirens once you’ve been added to their succulent garden of souls. NEW! Scary Tale Road: Once upon a time, these fairy tale fantasies lured you to sleep with picturesque places and harmonious heroes. Survival is slim as these childhood icons have been ripped from the pages and are now haunting your dreams. Plus, guests can experience daytime fun with thrilling coasters, fall theming, family-friendly shows, and more, all at the world’s most beautiful theme park. Parental discretion is advised after 6:00 PM, as Howl-O-Scream contains amplified scares that are not recommended for children. Best Deal of the Season – 2023 Fun Card with Howl-O-Scream FREE The best way to experience Howl-O-Scream 2022 is with a Busch Gardens Fun Card or Membership. For a limited-time, guests who purchase a 2023 Fun Card will get now through Howl-O-Scream FREE. Hurry, before prices go up August 28! 2023 Fun Card holders also get unlimited visits from January 27 through September 4, 2023, plus unlimited admission during Howl-O-Scream 2022. For unbeatable benefits and admission, guests can purchase a Membership to receive 12 months of visits with amazing park perks including free parking, up to six free guest tickets, savings on merchandise and more.

Tripsdrill is a park I need to visit again. It was a lot of fun back in 2008, but it looks even better now. As for the great "Europa v. Phantasialand" debate, I'm on Team Europa, although I like Phantasialand, too. If only they had kept Hollywood Tour--its cheesiness made it adorable.

OK, that's enough of that. Everybody go to their respective corners and relax.

Agreed. Universal Japan had a temporary Wizard of Oz-themed area years ago. I'm curious to see what Movie World really does with theirs.

For those of you who have been wondering what's been going on with the old candy shop in Germany . . . Sip in Secret at an ALL-NEW Theme Park Speakeasy, Opening this Month at Busch Gardens Williamsburg For a Limited-time, Guests Can Save 20 Percent on Reservations for this Exclusive Experience Something new is brewing at the all-new Bürgermeister’s Hideaway This immersive, one-of-a-kind experience debuts on July 20 Guests 21+ can enjoy handcrafted cocktail flights customized to each season For a limited-time, all reservations receive a 20 percent grand opening discount Save up to 55 percent on tickets, Fun Cards and Memberships during the Summer Sale A one-of-a-kind, immersive bar experience is debuting this summer at Busch Gardens Williamsburg with the addition of an all-new speakeasy. Bürgermeister’s Hideaway will open on July 20 and offers guests an opportunity to partake in a spirited experience with festive drink and fantastic ambiance. Behind a sweet façade visitors will explore an exclusive hideaway bar that houses mystery and marvel for all to enjoy. The tale of Bürgermeister’s Hideaway dates back to a centuries-old mystery bar that offers a different type of counter service with a drink that is contrary to its country. This hidden den, run by Busch Gardens’ iconic Bürgermeister, offers signature cocktail, mocktail, wine, and beer flights that will leave guests craving more. Beverage flights are chef curated and seasonally inspired, debuting with the vibrant flavors of summer. Guests who select the cocktail flight can sip on the perfect blend of sweet and spice with the refreshing Watermelon Jalapeno Margarita and the Banana Nutella Martini, a smooth and savory concoction with a hint of hazelnut. Prost to sweet surprises with this ALL-NEW adventure at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Visitors must prebook their speakeasy visit here. Each reservation includes a timed entry to Bürgermeister’s Hideaway and one drink flight. For a limited-time, guests can save 20 percent on reservations purchased before July 22. Throughout the year, Members receive a discount on this all-new experience.

It's nice to hear that Walygator has turned Anaconda into an enjoyable ride. I haven't been there since 2008, when that coaster would've put any torture by the Spanish Inquisition to shame. Europa looks excellent, as usual. I appreciate the beautiful theming and the "balance" of the park (good mix of thrill and dark rides).

Maybe everybody went to Water Country, instead.

^I doubt that a "30% chance of isolated thunderstorms" is going to discourage anyone from going on a holiday weekend. I see Quick Queue in your future.

I visited this park when it first opened as Marriott's Great America back in the 1970s. We almost lost it when Marriott pulled out, but the City of Santa Clara ran it for a while, before Paramount and Cedar Fair came along.

It appears that Arizona is finally getting a new park. MATTEL AND EPIC ANNOUNCE ADDITIONAL BRAND EXPERIENCES FOR UPCOMING MATTEL ADVENTURE PARK EL SEGUNDO, Calif., – May 24, 2022 –Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) and EPIC Resort Destinations, LLC. announced today that Mattel Adventure Park in Glendale, Arizona will feature additional brand activations from Barbie, Masters of the Universe, and Mattel Games when it opens in 1Q 2023. These Mattel brands join the previously announced Hot Wheels roller coaster and go-karting experiences and Thomas & Friends indoor theme park. “Mattel Adventure Park will be even more engaging and entertaining at launch, with the addition of these iconic Mattel brand experiences,” said Julie Freeland, Senior Director, Global Location Based Entertainment, Mattel. “The expansion of this flagship attraction brings together the largest representation of Mattel’s beloved brands in a live space as never before.” The additional brand experiences planned for Mattel Adventure Park will be highlighted by the Barbie Beach House, designed to be a must-visit destination for Barbie fans of all ages. The Barbie Beach House features the Barbie flying theater, taking riders on a journey from deep underwater to outer space; the Dream Closet Experience, where Barbie, through state-of-the-art hologram technology, is brought to life to help curate the ultimate wardrobe; and the Barbie Rooftop where guests can enjoy a selection of signature pink beverages perfectly paired with sweet and savory snacks while enjoying panoramic views of the property. Mattel Adventure Park will also feature a nine-hole mini golf experience that translates the Mattel Games portfolio into an immersive environment. Families can putt-putt while battling Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots, or through a life-sized Pictionary game board with additional games featured throughout. The #1 card game property, UNO, will be represented as a larger-than-life climbing structure where guests can jump on oversized UNO cards and race to the top. Master of the Universe’s iconic Castle Grayskull has been transformed into a 4,500+ sq. ft. state-of-the-art laser tag arena where fans “have the power” to fight for Eternia. A Laser Tag experience will bring the world of Eternia to life and invites guests to join an epic battle to regain the power of the Universe. “We are extremely excited to add Barbie, Masters of the Universe and Mattel Games themed attractions and rides to an already outstanding offering in development at the first-ever Mattel Adventure Park. We have spared no expense to bring these iconic brands to life in ways that will delight visitors of all ages for years to come.” Said Mark Cornell, President, Epic Resort Destinations. About Mattel Mattel is a leading global toy company and owner of one of the strongest catalogs of children’s and family entertainment franchises in the world. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain, and develop children through play. We engage consumers through our portfolio of iconic brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends®, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, Monster High® and MEGA®, as well as other popular intellectual properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include film and television content, gaming and digital experiences, music, and live events. We operate in 35 locations and our products are available in more than 150 countries in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering children to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us online at mattel.com. About EPIC Resort Destinations EPIC is a resort destinations developer specializing in Intellectual Property driven resorts and location-based entertainment. We are guest obsessed and, on a mission, to create, develop, and operate world-class destinations and attractions that are extraordinary, safe, and fun places where epic memories are created and shared. Our unique blend of family-friendly fun is created by combining time proven “wind in your face” themed rides, globally iconic brands with multigenerational emotional resonance, and immersive theatrical experiences featuring original media content. Current developments under construction include Mattel Adventure Park, Barbie Beach House, and a flying immersive theater in Glendale, Arizona, with future destinations under consideration across North America. Visit us at matteladventurepark.com.

This is typical for the first year or two of a new coaster at Busch Gardens. Pantheon will probably become part of the "regular" Quick Queue lineup in time.

^Sound advice for a busy holiday weekend.

It opened with the park during my last few visits. I went there first thing at opening last Sunday and waited about 20 minutes for the back row. By the time I finished my ride, the wait was over 70 minutes.

Throw in Abbott and Costello, and you got a deal!

The only Pigeon Forge attraction I've done outside of Dollywood is that Jurassic boat ride. I thought it was hilarious, but the mannequins outside were scary. Great report, Adam.

A Sunday at the Food & Wine Festival Busch Gardens kicked off it's annual Food & Wine Festival last week. I went there on Sunday, May 1 to check out this year's new offerings and enjoy the company of god knows how many high-school tour groups (strangely enough, they're weren't all that bad as teenagers go). The weather was perfect that day--sunny skies and highs in the 70s--so the park was fairly busy (especially if you wanted to ride Pantheon in the morning). New to the festival is the Australia booth, which is in the back of Festa Italia. The Aussies boasted what I believe is the single most expensive item (not counting adult beverages) at the event--a wee lamb chop for $10.50! And, yes, you will see the word "Vegemite" on the menu. Greece was a sort of "new" country this year, as the park has offered a "Mediterranean" booth in the past. The menu was mostly a rehash of past years, but it did offer a new dish made with butterbeans. In the past, Italy was just a dessert stop. But they got a snazzy new booth this year, along with an updated menu. You can still get cannolis and a Caprese salad, but they've added a few new dishes this year. And, yes, Italy is located in Italy. Returning this year: Virginia, Hawaii, Mexico, New Orleans, Brazil, Jamaica, Japan, and Korea. There are plenty of bars, too, including the Sangria Garden (for those who like cough syrup with a kick). You can buy a 10- or 15-sample card. I went for the 15, as I know I can use it up before the Festival and it's cheaper than paying as you go. Overall, I think the food quality is better than last year, which seemed a bit "off." Most samples are in the $4.00 to $7.00 range. But a cocktail could set you back $12.00-$15.00 ( you can use the sample card for them). Let's take a walk around the park for the Food & Wine Festival. The Rhine River Cruise is running again, so maybe we can get some nice pictures of Pantheon while we're at it. Here’s the park’s staggered schedule from that day. Some of the Food & Wine booths open around 11:00, but they should all be open by 11:30. Hmm--looks like every high-school tour bus just emptied into Pantheon this morning. I think I’ll wait until the crowd thins out a bit before I test the patience of the gods, again. Pay no attention to this map. Greece is in Ireland. And here’s what you’ll find in Greece, which is in Ireland. This menu includes some items from the “Mediterranean” booth they used to have across from Pompeii (it’s a flower bed now). I think the butter beans are new . . . . . . but I had Spanakopita instead. (Please note that I have nothing against butterbeans.) I stopped at Japan for an oldie but goodie . . . . . . chicken gyoza. Japanese food always tastes best next to a bush of red flowers on a bridge over railroad tracks. I think I saw that on the Food Channel, or something. G’day, mate! We’re new to the festival this year. We’re over by the Roman Rapids, which haven’t been very rapid since 2019. Any chowderhead can cook sausages in beer. It takes an Aussie to use caramelized onions and Vegemite. They weren’t kidding when they called this a “lamb lollipop.” It wasn’t much bigger than a Tootsie Pop (tasted good, though--sauce has a nice kick to it). Confirmation that Da Vinci’s Cradle has gone from “permanently closed” to just plain gone. Just the queue, station, and some theming left. Looks more like a Howl-o-Scream maze now. Italy has a snazzy new booth this year. The Alfredo is the only new item this year, but at least they’ve learned how to spell “Caprese.” I’m not a big fan of olives, but this tasted OK. It was a bit too “gloppy,” though. This gets my Golden Ticket vote for “Best Name for a Theme-Park Bar.” You can get Jamaican food in Germany. But if you’re a hard-core rum enthusiast, you have to go to Canada. The new wine bar in France used to be the crepe stand. It's a "permanent" addition, like BarKastle. The Mexico booth isn’t new, but there was something there I wanted to try here. The Chili Chocolate & Horchata Mousse was pretty good--just enough chili flavor to make it interesting. And where there is Mexican food there must, of course, be margaritas. Or beer. Or both. You make the call. It’s nice to have the Rhine River Cruise running again. You even get something new to look at. You can get a nice view of the Rhine River Cruise from Pantheon, too--while you hold on for dear life. Watch Pluto, Lord of the Underworld, mess with these guys. Apollo says, "Hey, I'm such a cool god, I get a ride all to myself." . I think it was very considerate of the Roman gods to lean you so far over to the left that you can watch the river boats. And since we're in the neighborhood, let's finish with a picture of Alpengeist. I guess that will make at least one of our members very happy. Thanks for reading. Now go get some food and wine!

^Long wait, poor service, bad food--It's like you walked into an episode of The Simpsons! It's theming! They wanted you to have the entire "Krusty Burger" experience.

Here's an update on the other Busch park in Williamsburg--Water Country USA (press release from the park). New Aquazoid Amped™ to Open at Water Country USA on May 27, Members Receive Exclusive Early Access Beginning May 14 Water Country USA, voted one of the country’s top ten waterparks by USA Today, will open on May 14 for the 2022 season. Beginning on Opening Day, Members will be the first to ride Aquazoid Amped before the ride opens to the public on May 27. Plus, guests of all ages can make a splash this season at Water Country USA, with the all-new Lil’ Surfers Splash Pad, created for the park’s youngest visitors, and Surfer’s Bay Bar, the perfect place to unwind and sip on tropical libations. Aquazoid Amped debuts on May 27 with an ALL-NEW twist to an iconic water ride. The full-sensory, immersive ride experience includes a new special effects show, pulse-pounding music, and dynamic lighting effects. Riders will feel the thrill as they plunge down 864 feet of fully enclosed, twisting tube at speeds of 20 feet per second. “The opening of Aquazoid Amped is the perfect way to continue growing our park’s attraction portfolio by introducing new and exhilarating elements to a fan-favorite ride,” said Kevin Lembke, Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA Park President. The 2022 Water Country USA Season continues to make a splash with the unveiling of the new Lil’ Surfers Splash Pad and Surfer’s Bay Bar, opening this June. Kids can hang ten at the all-new Lil’ Surfers Splash Pad, located across from Surfer’s Bay Wave Pool. Designed with the youngest water lovers in mind, the surf-inspired Splash Pad features dynamic fountains, splashy spray cannons and a kiddie water slide. Fans of Water Country USA’s other kid-friendly areas, H20 UFO and Cow-A-Bunga, will find Lil’ Surfers to be the coolest new spot in the park. Guests will enjoy an all-new wave of refreshment and relaxation at the revamped Surfer’s Bay Bar this summer. Overlooking Virginia’s largest wave pool, the full-service bar will feature craft beers on tap and frozen concoctions to indulge in while fueling up for a day full of fun at Water Country USA. In between thrilling rides on fan-favorite slides, this tropical oasis is the perfect place to unwind.

The Loch Ness Monster yesterday. There was only a one-train wait for the front seat.

I met a friend there yesterday, and Pantheon was in an "extended delay of operations" the whole afternoon. We saw it test a few times, but that was it. It was also crazy busy, but they did have single-rider lines for some coasters. Their management of them was a bit weird, though. Apollo's Chariot--They roped off the left side of the queue. There wasn't much room, and big groups in the standard queue would sometimes "crowd" the single-rider line. There's a small stairway next to the platform for single riders, and they fill empty seats from there. Alpengeist--You enter through the Quick Queue line, and the guy told us to pick any row we wanted. So, it was like "free Quick Queue"? Pretty sure that's not how a "single-rider line" works, but OK. Griffon--Single riders and Quick Queue sort of share the same line here, but it was monitored differently. A ride op would cruise down the line periodically and bring the QQ people up. Then they would fill the single-rider waiting area and fill empty seats from there. A bit awkward, but more sensible than what they were doing at Alpengeist.

^Yep--it was a bit stormy last night, but the weather should be perfect today.

"Pointlessness: The Ride."

Busch Gardens has released info about this year's Food and Wine Festival. All-New Tastes to Savor and Thrills to Explore at Busch Gardens Williamsburg during Virginia’s Largest Spring Food & Wine Festival Beginning April 28 100+ international tastes and sips to savor, inspired by cultures around the world 30+ new culinary offerings plus all-new menus inspired by Australia & Greece Live local music & entertainment every weekend Two new premier beverage experiences now open year-round This spring, new flavors and thrills are in bloom at Busch Gardens Williamsburg with the return of the park’s fan-favorite Food & Wine Festival. With more than 30 delicious NEW dishes to pair with cocktails, wines, and craft brews, park guests can explore flavors for all tastes at 15 globally inspired food and beverage locations. Guests can create the perfect pairing by enjoying live, local entertainment and rides on their favorite thrills, including the all-new Pantheon the world’s fastest multi-launch coaster. The Food & Wine Festival runs Thursdays through Sundays from April 28 to June 12, plus Memorial Day. This year, guests can take a trip down under at the ALL-NEW Australia Food & Wine location. Featuring decadent dishes like the Snag on the Barbie, a banger sausage with vegemite caramelized onions and Lamington Cake, a sponge cake with raspberry jam, chocolate and coconut. These dishes pair best with the Aussie Mule or Foster’s®, an Australian-made beer. The global flavors continue with more ALL-NEW tasty bites and beverages, including items inspired by the following countries: New Location! Greece: Travel to the coastlines of Greece with authentic dishes like the Tirokroketes, fried cheese balls with tzatziki sauce and the Choriatiki Salata, a traditional Greek salad with feta, cucumbers, red onions, tomatoes, and olives. New items! Japan: Tastebuds are transformed with the Impossi-Bao, Impossible® meat in a steamed bun topped with Asian slaw and the Spicy Tuna Sushi Cup, sushi rice with nori flakes, tuna, & spicy mayo. New items! Italy: Sip on Luna Nuda and Roscato, red wines straight from the vines of Italy, while enjoying Fettuccini & Sundried Tomato Alfredo with house made pasta, spinach and kalamata olives. Enjoy brews and bites from close to home at Virginia, featuring items from across the Old Dominion. New for this year, guests can indulge in an Oyster on the Half Shell, complete with mignonette, cocktail sauce & lemon. Feeling adventurous? Add a shot of moonshine and make it an Oyster Shooter. These Virginia-inspired dishes are paired with local beer and wine, including the new Petit Manseng from the Williamsburg Winery. A complete menu of the Food & Wine Festival dishes and drinks can be found online. The best way to sip and sample is with a Food & Wine Festival sampler lanyard. Guests can embark on their culinary journey and save 10 percent with a 10-sample lanyard starting at only $59.00 or extend the savings up to 20 percent with the fan-favorite 15-sampler. In addition to the Food & Wine festivities, beer, wine and cocktail lovers can indulge year-round at two new beverage locations, BarKastle and La Belle Wine Bar. Located in France, La Belle offers deluxe wines by the glass or bottle, ranging from sparkling to sweet and everything in between. Cocktail connoisseurs can visit BarKastle in Oktoberfest and partake in cocktails on tap, including the all-new Curse of BarKastle Daiquiri, spiked lemonade and more. The new bar also features frozen cocktails and local craft brews.