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If I were still living in central California, I'd definitely check this event out. I haven't been to this park since it was called Bonfante Gardens.

^Yeah, he and sone other kid kept running around the tree while we were trying to take that picture. I guess I interrupted their game of "Ring Around the Balls."

^The train is running, along with DarKastle and all the flats in Oktoberfest and DaVinci's Garden. They run Griffon if the temperature is above 42 degrees. (So, people probably could've ridden Griffon last Saturday and Sunday night, if they didn't mind the rain.) The Globe Theatre was hosting a Sesame Street-themed Christmas show, so no 4D movie during Christmas Town.

^Sadly, no--but if I had, I'd probably fit right in with the Christmas sweaters and crap some Williamsburg people wear this time of year.

Make a joyous noise unto . . . er . . . someone or something as you approach Christmas Town, Part II! But you must beware, for I am about to show you a very disturbing sight. Yes, this might be the freakiest thing at Christmas Town! Remember--you have been warned! [coastertube]http://www.themeparkreview.com/coastertube/play.php?vid=Christmas_Town_209_o0mz[/coastertube] That "kissing sheep" or whatever the hell it is belongs at Howl-o-Scream! Oh well, moving right along . . . The Festhaus is also into big balls. Here's dinner. I think I'd ditch the roll (which was OK) and just stick with the prime rib. It was kind of tricky to dip that sandwich in that little container of au jus. Maybe a regular prime rib dinner with some mashed potatoes and horseredish sauce? The beer is St. George's Winter Scotch Ale, and it was pretty decent (definitely better than Bud). The gingerbread cheesecake was very tasty. Looks like "O Tannenbaum" is about to start. Ta da! Thanks for watching "O Tannenbaum." Let's check out Mistletoe Marketplace, shall we? It's in the Oktoberfest games area. Here's a guy hawking magic tricks. Yes, we are in the South. OK, combining peanuts with harbanero peppers could have unfortunate consequences--for both the eater and the innocent bystander. This was a very popular item on that chilly night. Do you need some random animal painted on a rock? This dude has you covered. Heading toward Santa's Workshop. OK, you can take the money and run--or the snowman that the lovely Carola is modeling for us now. Sir? I'm trying to take a picture. Could you move please? Sir? Please . . . oh, the hell with it. (That is "theme-park snow," by the way.) The park is selling even more ornaments this year. Across the bridge to Canada (aka, Fort New France). Merry Christmas and Joyeux Noel, eh? Welcome to just plain, old France, where you can, of course, . . . . . . have your picture taken with a penguin. He's named Pierre, which makes him very French. If you go on Friday night, you won't have to wait an hour or more to see some penguins. A word to the wise. The gruesome "Catacombs" were here during Howl-o-Scream. Hmm--this is usually parked over at the Smokehouse. There were a few other animals to keep the penguins company, such as this swivel-headed owl . . . . . . and this rather large bunny. Get a room, you two! High road or low road? "Hey, Frank--this sure beats that creepy little tank they put us in last year." "You got that right, Stan. My room at that the Days Inn was better than that freakin' tank." Can you spot the snowman in this picture? Here's a hint: His name is "Noel." The path toward . . . . . . Ireland. I actually bought someone a Christmas present in this shop. The wool she's spinning into yarn actually came from the sheep the park started raising this year. Well, that's about it. Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Joyous Kwanzaa, and All Hail the Flying Spaghetti Monster! It's time for Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Williamsburg! I was there on Friday, December 10, with my friend Carola. This is the second time we've checked out Christmas Town. Last year, temps were in the high 40s and we rode Griffon; this year, it dropped into the 20s, and we couldn't ride Griffon, even in our long underwear (besides, the mythical beast can't come out to play if it drops below 42 degrees Fahrenheit). But being able to see your breath and risk hypothermia merely adds to the Christmas atmosphere, right? And if you want to play a rousing game of "Freeze Out," there are always the flats in Oktoberfest and DaVinci's Garden for those who dare (we didn't). So, what's new about Christmas town this year? Well, there are a few things: 1. The skyride (dubbed "Flight of Lights") was running, giving riders a bird's eye view of a park decked out for the holidays. And, yes, it was COLD up there. 2. The park's Italy section was a part of the festivities this year, with lots of golden lights and a new show (which we missed). 3. The penguin exhibit was back, but much improved. Instead of five penguins on ice in two wee aquariums, Sea World in California provided a portable penguin habitat, complete with rocks and a pool to let the birds swim. The penguins seemed a lot happier. I think it's a bit odd that the Forest of Fun isn't open during Christmas Town, even though there is a Sesame Street Christmas show in the Globe Theatre. It seems to me that decking out FoF for Christmas would make a lot of sense, but I'm not a park manager, and you have to put your resources where they're most needed. Carola and I made a lap around the park after taking our Flight of Lights, and had a very good time just checking out the lights, shopping, and enjoying a prime-rib sandwich and a show in the Festhaus (with a lot of other people). The show, "Deck the Halls," is sort of a throwback to those Christmas variety specials they used to show when I was a kid, complete with the Festhaus band providing the music. I'm not much of a "park show" guy, but I do appreciate how BGW likes to use live music whenever possible. Yeah, the show's a bit cornball, but enjoyable enough while you're eating dinner. Here's a look at Christmas Town 2010--first, a taste of "O Tannenbaum," a synchronized light-and-music show that runs every half hour in front of the Festhaus: [coastertube]http://www.themeparkreview.com/coastertube/play.php?vid=Christmas_Town_112_t6ge[/coastertube] Everybody a bit more in the mood now? OK, let's go. Sad, pathetic fools who didn't buy tickets online and must stand in a freezing ticket line! Fortunately, Friday night is a good time to visit--the park tends to get crammed on Saturdays. Carola is the one on the right. Just thought I'd clarify that. Are we all nice and "Turnstile Ready"? Good! Now there's a tree with balls. Yes, I think it's the ballsiest tree I've ever seen. Hmm--the Brit Crew might be around here somewhere. You never know . . . Boy, those Brits sure can blow. First stop, the skyride. Excuse me--the "Flight of Lights." The ride is round-trip only, starting in England. They take your picture at the France station, and you can buy it when you return. We waited a little more than ten minutes in this line. There were stanchions and ropes running down the hill toward the Globe Theatre, too (probably for Saturday night). Look! Lights! And they're in flight! Hence, "Flight of Lights"! Flying high over Scotland, . . . . . . past England, . . . . . . and over France. Here's the station where they hold you for a moment and a photographer takes your picture. Santa engaged in some shameless advertising for the North Pole. He's such a commercial whore! Back to England and . . . . . . a welcome chance to warm up. The park provides enclosed, heated seating areas for the resturants that use outdoor seating. A few more bonfires like this would be nice, too. Looks the first group was all blown out, so they sent out these singers. The purple path past Pompeii. Say that three times quickly. What? Escape from Pompeii is closed and dry? (Maybe they could use it as a bobsled run some day.) In Italy, it's all about . . . . . . the bling . . . . . . and Baby Jesus. Angels overhead--which are better than pigeons. Cleaner, at least. Across the bridge to Germany. Hey, Divv--is this really how they say "Merry Christmas" in Scotland, or is this actually something dirty? Noted. The Big Bad Wolf Memorial Christmas Tree Farm. Hmm--I think these construction walls could use a wreath or two. Well, Christmas or not, Mach Tower must go up! Destination: Festhaus! Even more festive than usual. Looks like a lot of other people had the same idea. More to come.

There are a number of Vekomas I've enjoyed riding: Thunder Coaster (Tusenfryd) Kumali (Flamingoland--the only SLC that's worth a damn, I think) Expedition: Everest (Disney's Animal Kingdom) Any of their versions of Big Thunder Mountain Colorado Adventure (Phantasialand--Vekoma makes good mine trains, if you theme them up a bit) I enjoyed Rock'n'Roller Coaster in Florida when it first opened--not so much anymore.

This is all that's left of the sign at the park. The sign was donated to the roller coaster museum in Texas, along with a train and some track. They are planning to reuse the old Wolf station for the new coaster in 2012.

^I couldn't see over the wall, but there was a skip loader parked there; so I think Das Katapault has been removed (the park said they were going to relocate it).

I was at Christmas Town last night, and there's a set of construction walls up where Das Katapault used to be (where the Mach Tower will be located). Freakin' freezing last night, so no Griffon (although all the flats in Oktoberfest and DaVinci's Garden were running, as was the sky ride--roundtrips only starting in England).

I also have the First Contact Enterprise, DS9's Defiant and runabout, and a space-battle scene from The Wrath of Khan--the audio of which gave out after the first season I used it (yet the old shuttlecraft still rocks on).

^In a way, that's too bad. I always rather liked the park's original entrance (including the letters and murals). But I think Buena Vista Street will be an improvement.

^There's a difference between "being honest" and "being a jerk." Apparently, you aren't aware of it. Banned. I now return you to this thread, which is already in progress.

Very sad!! He was hilarious! Even better was the Police Squad TV series. Agreed--although the movies were pretty funny, too. I loved how he always knocked over a bunch of garbage cans or rammed another car when he parked.

^In a world he never made . . . My god! He's Howard the Duck!

^A brillant analogy comparing the operations of a massive, international corporation to those of two people trying to raise money to save a roller coaster. And for an encore, he will prove that black is white and apples are actually oranges. One may as well ask, "Why is a raven like a writing desk?"

Frankly, I wouldn't blame him if he did stop the poll, based on how so many in the enthusiast community react to the results--even though it would be a shame to see it end.

That two-train Raging Bull picture is particularly impressive, Hanno.

Lord, he even drew you a picture. A "legit question" that you've asked countless times. Perhaps you should take a breather and let events unfold. I doubt that we'll hear much news before the first of the year, anyway.

Meanwhile, back at Casa del Campbell . . . "Dammit, Jim! I'm a doctor, not a large-animal vet!" "Captain, no giant cats have been reported in this sector since the 'Catspaw' episode of the original series." Of course, the home park is represented . . . . . . as is a certain resort in Florida. There's that place in Florida, again . . . now what was it's name? Right on the tip of my tongue . . . My parents gave me this for Christmas a few years ago. I'm amazed that it still works! Merry Christmas, Elissa! The finished tree with flash . . . . . . and without. Oops! Almost forgot the wee Christmas Village. Darn! Looks like Aerosmith has bought out the drive-in again! Those bastards do this every year. The Bumble Snow Monster strikes! Well, we can always catch the cartoon festival, I guess. Or maybe a quick bite at the Hard Rock . . . . . . followed by a timeless holiday classic. Here's how it looks from the outside. Look! Lou has stopped by to wish us Merry Christmas! OK, it's your turn now--show us your holiday decorations!

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Joyous Kwanzaa, and Happy Freakin' Festivus, everyone! Each year, I post a TR of how I decorate my house for Christmas. Well, here's your chance. What's your house look like over the holidays? Do you or your family have any "traditions" to share? What? Too shy? OK, I'll start. But first, a festive song to get us in the mood. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t039p6xqutU The magic all begins here--the official testing of the lights! They worked fine! Until I started putting them up and two #!@!!%&*-ing stings died! Angus is always quite amused when I put up the lights. He enjoys my festive holiday language when the lights short out. OK, one trip to Target later, and the lights are up and working! Yay--even though it looks kind of goofy in this picture. "What the hell is this?" "Hey, lamebrain! Get this frickin' tree outta my new box!" The tree is up, and Angus is ready to help out--by sleeping and letting me decorate it unmolested. These lights work. These do not. What the hell! @%$%#!!! ing lights! Oh, the other end. Silly me. Tree Phase I is complete--on to Phase II! As you can see, Angus is totally into it. By "it," I mean sleeping. I usually hang the newest ornament first--mainly because it's on the top of the ornament box. Holiday World gets the honor this year. It just wouldn't be Christmas without a tribute to that "fifth dimension beyond that which is known to man." "Call Mr. Plow, that's the name! That name again is Mr. Plow!" Phew! This is thirsty work. "Help me, Spock!" "Hi-dee-ho!" We're not done yet--more to come.

"Pretty sure" = "don't know." Please show your work.

Strange encounters? Well, there was this one at Tusenfryd . . . The horror! The horror!

I'm not sure I'd go that far. My niece and nephew visited Discovery Kingdom last year, and liked every coaster there--except for the SLC. They said it was just one long headache.

^Seems like a lot of trouble to go to for 50 bucks. Frankly, if I were Kat, I'd be relieved that the original owners are cancelling the "deal." Embarrassment will eventually pass.