cfc

Enigma--Pleasurewood Hills (UK)

Hmm--definitely one souvenir I will not be buying. -I would pay to see you in those, Chuck. Oh, you would pay most dearly, indeed.

Hmm--definitely one souvenir I will not be buying. Looks like they put on a good show for opening day.

I agree about Thunderbolt. It looks great, but it beats you half to death.

^Hmm--more like Hershey's Wild Cat, only not as brutal.

InvadR Media Day Report Busch Gardens officially opened its first wooden coaster, InvadR, today with all the usual hoopla you'd expect: lots of reporters, bloggers, and enthusiasts taking lots of photos, shooting videos, and eating lots of complimentary snacks; a speech by the park president; and, of course, rampaging hordes of Vikings vowing to "sow chaos" against anyone who interferes with their good time invading Fort New France. Yes, the park's opening ceremony was disrupted by an invading horde--and I'm not talking about a bunch of coaster-enthusiast clubs! President David Cromwell had no sooner finished his speech welcoming the crowd and listing the virtues of their new coaster, when we heard the clashing of swords against shields, and a Viking army emerged from a cloud of smoke. Many of the "Vikings" were guests who had won "first-ride" privileges on InvadR. But hoopla, smoke, and the promise of raw carnage aside, what about InvadR itself? The entry plaza looks great, as you enter under a giant Viking "war machine." The station is quite nicely themed too, if a bit cramped. As for the ride, it's a lot of fun--especially in the backseat. The first drop is great, and there's a nice pop of air as you take the first big GCI twisty turn. The coaster is well paced and runs at a good clip from the first drop until you hit the brakes at the end. It's a solid ride, and I didn't heard a bad word said about it all morning. One other interesting little point--no seat belts in the trains. I think this is the first GCI coaster I've ridden that doesn't have them. (EDIT: So, I guess Wodan doesn't have seat belts, either, and I have been on that one. So, make InvadR the second GCI I've ridden sans seat belts.) Here's a look the InvadR media day. Looks like I'm in the right place. Are you? Only if you're a Viking, you mangy looking cur! Let's check out the entry plaza--and the Viking war machine's butt. I remember people speculating about what this structure was during the construction updates. Turned out to be a place for your stuff. The station looks good. Don't mess with this exit. It means business. Rules! Bah! Rules are not for Vikings! Shields are for Vikings! And Battle Sn'axe are for Vikings. Are you going to linger here or go to battle, you cowardly scum? The queue runs through what used to be a kids' play area years ago. Here's the Bear Train, representing the proud lumberjacks of Fort New France. Up they go . . . . . . in quest of a POV--and glory!. Remember to always "take the tunnel"! Or is it an interdimensional vortex? Whatever it is, you end up here with you butt out of the seat for a moment. All this POV shooting is making the Vikings impatient. Yes, it's time to open this coaster. Park President David Cromwell addresses the crowd. What's this? Uh oh! I see lots of pointy things coming toward us through that smoke! Yo! Anybody seen Thor? Got a beef with him. Magnus, the Viking leader, has come for the park's Battle Sn'axe! And maybe a churro or some kettle corn. Yep. Those are some scary Vikings, that's for sure. So, is my Viking army ready to face certain death? YES! YES! WE ARE READY TO FACE . . .what? Nobody said anything about "certain death" at the Viking recruitment office in Oslo! Only Battle Sn'axe! Let's see how the battle is progressing over at the Alpengeist bridge. The Bear Train is fighting valiantly to defend Fort New France. But here comes the Dragon Train! Die, Bear Train, die! Look closely, and you might see some Vikings taking over the Bear Train. Even Viking men get "hair time." They used LeScoot's queue to handle the crowd today. Here's one last look at the Dragon Train . . . . . . and the Bear Train. Be sure to come to Busch Gardens and ride Invadr--or the Viking war machine might come for you! Thanks for reading.

I took a front-seat and a back-seat ride on InvadR during the media event today (report and video to follow later). Overall, this is a solid GCI wooden coaster that's a lot of fun for families. There's a nice pop of air after the initial drop (which is very good), and the train keeps a steady pace throughout the course. It's best to ride in the back seat (more air back there). Should be a hit for Busch Gardens.

Looks great. Good to see a new Intamin invert in action.

^Spring break is the wild card. Sunday shouldn't be a s bad as Saturday, but I imagine the new coaster will draw a lot of people.

I've enjoyed some good meals at the Orlando location, where they did make a very good Margarita. I imagine the new Hollywood restaurant will be a hit, too.

I particularly liked the shot of Rockit.

Not sure what I'd do with those old animatronic figures, but having one of those old posters would be cool.

I like Rockit, too--especially the non-inverting loop.

I was never a fan of the B&M stand-up coasters (Georgia Scorcher and Riddler's Revenge were the best of the lot), so I'm in favor of these floorless conversions. Looks like a good way to improve a mediocre (at best) ride.

Dauling Dragon--Happy Valley Wuhan

The wings are actually really good, the Boysenberry BBQ sauce is the right combination of sweet & spicy. The put the BBQ sauce on the meatballs as well, so those are also very tasty! The BBQ sauce does sound good.

I've never been in town for the Boysenberry Festival, but I do love Boysenberry goodies--especially the pie and ice cream. Not sure about the pizza, but I'd give the wings a shot.

What do I miss most about Tokyo Disney? Pretty much everything!

Tennessee Tornado is the best of the old Arrow rides. Looks like it should be rough as hell, but it isn't.

Ah, if only that would happen.

Some friends of mine (one of whom is a college English professor) visited Cuba a few years ago on an educational tour about Ernest Hemingway's time there and really enjoyed it. Some of the food did "disagree" with them a bit (usually at 3:00 am).

Uh... what fans? In all seriousness, good report, Chuck. Nice to hear that Le Scoot is back up and running too! Oh, I imagine there are one or two Europe in the Air fans out there. As for King Arthur's Challenge, the ride that was in that building between Questor and Corkscrew Hill, there are probably none. I'm glad you liked the report.

I was thinking the same thing. These parks reminded me of TPR's last big China trip.