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True, they have a clear "too much Walking Dead" tendency! I personally prefer "odd" themes, like in the Edgar Allan Poe house or the "fairytales gone bad" idea. I'm looking forward to see the "Shining" house this year. Same here. They've done some very good "comedy" houses in the past, such as "Leave It to Cleaver." I tend to prefer the non-IP houses, too, although I can appreciated the work that goes into all of them.

Thanks for your perspective on Halloween Horror Nights. I haven't attended the event for a few years because I believe it's become too "mechanical" and dependent on IPs such as the Walking Dead or the Halloween movies. It could be that I've simply gone there a few too many times. That being said, like you, I'm always impressed with the level of detail in Universal's mazes. The art direction is impressive.

I'll have to pay a visit to the Jersey Shore one of these days. I have a feeling that the dark rides at some parks will be a bit more entertaining than the coasters.

The launch still looks amazing, but I miss the insane airtime of the old high hat.

I visit my family in Sacramento sometimes, and have driven by this park on the way to my niece's house in Novato, but have yet to visit Discovery Kingdom (timing just never works out). I'd like to, as it looks pretty good.

Hmm--"Italy" consists of "San Marco" and "Festa Italia." "Germany" was once consisted of both "Rhinefeld" and "Oktoberfest." "Canada" is "Fort New France." I don't think it's all that strange.

Tivoli Gardens is a beautiful park, and Rutschebanen is a lot of fun. I haven't been there since they restored the ride's "mountain" setting.

Ha! That was me. I was there with some friends from out of town. We also had a great lunch at the Water Street Grill in Yorktown, too.

Looks like a great finish to the cruise. One of my former coworkers rode that coaster in Budapest. He was there working on a project near the park. He found it a bit "unnerving" because there were no restraints and the train used a brakeman.

Slovakia looks great! In fact, the whole cruise looks great, and I'd love to do this someday, myself.

That's too bad about Wiener Prater, as I've always been a bit intrigued by this place. I doubt I'd make a special trip for it, but might consider visiting if I'm spending a few days in Vienna. At least it really makes you appreciate parks like Tivoli Gardens and Liseberg even more.

I'm definitely looking forward to visiting Fun Spot and experiencing Mine Blower myself, track-construction methods notwithstanding.

Salzburg looks beautiful, and I'd like to take the salt-mine tour myself. KT gets extra points for her evil smile while playing the world's tiniest violin.

It's a nice day for a white woodie!

I think this coaster will really put Fun Spot on the map--looks absolutely nuts!

^I received that email, as well. I've changed the name of the thread. If you're interested in participating, post about it here!

Such a great city! I especially liked touring the Tower of London and Churchill's Bunker with my brother years ago. And I agree that we need Wagamama in the U.S. now!

^Since you'll be there on a Tuesday, there shouldn't be a huge crowd. I recommend getting InvadR out of the way first, as it still has that "new ride smell" and will draw the longest lines of the day (with possible exception of water rides if it's hot). Definitely backseat on Apollo's Chariot; I prefer the backseat of Griffon, too, but I bet you'll be able to check out all three rows that day.

Great-looking indoor theme park and great steaks? Count me in!

The coasters at Busch Gardens Williamsburg have similar monitors now, as well.

Battle for Metropolis looks like a great mix of animatronics, physical sets and effects, and video. The area surrounding the ride looks great, too. Well done, Sally and Six Flags!

I need to see Avenue Q. Hell, even my Mom has seen Avenue Q. Looks like a great time in a great city.

A similar thing happened to me at the Providence, RI, airport when the plane I was supposed to take back to Richmond blew a tire, and everybody had to be rebooked. People were going ballistic on the poor guy at gate as though he shot the tire himself. When it was my turn, I was very nice and unassuming--which got me a seat in first class. Good life lesson there.

Excellent! Wildfire is a world-class coaster that everybody needs to experience sometime.

Adventureland is one of the friendliest parks I've ever visited--right down to the "little old lady" ride op who called everyone "honey" or "dearie." It is a "hidden gem."