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I rode it in the front and thought it was OK--not too rough.

^I would've gladly sacrificed Anaconda.

This topic has been covered extensively in the annual Mitch Hawker poll thread: http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=48224. I suggest that you look at the results there. There's little point to another poll, so I'm locking this thread.

^It's where she practices her synchronized swimming.

And he's about to bite Adam! The beauty of the "Back Lot Tour Is Closed" attraction is that you can ride it anytime, anywhere. It is the perfect example of using your imagination to its fullest.

^I agree--very nice pictures, but the point of this thread would be . . . what?

Robb, I tried uploading that little .mov file again, but got the same error message as before: Does it just not like .mov files? I'm not sure how to convert it to another format, because Windows Movie Maker doesn't recognize .mov files, either (it's a Quick Time file).

I caught The Reader last Sunday--a very good movie, especially Kate Winslet's performance. Still, I'm not all that thrilled with this year's Oscar nominees (my favorite of the bunch is Frost/Nixon).

Nope. You were stuck with just me. Chuck was back in VA by that time, and R&E gave up with the crowds. Besides, meeting me was more exciting anyway! Yeah--I was at home, running for the toilet every five minutes or so by that time. Stupid stomach bug!

^^It's ABBA. The nature of their music is to be annoying. Then again, I'm probably not the audience for this show.

You and your brother don't seem too sure about that whole "sky ride" thing. I love seeing these old pictures.

This is unequivocally true. The ironic part, of course (and I'm speaking for myself here), is that I never would have considered paying for similar content from other clubs or organizations, yet TPR, the free resource, literally receives hundreds--sometimes thousands--of my hard-earned dollars each year. There's a lesson in there somewhere, probably. I'm just too lazy right now to figure out what it is. That if you build a vibrant, online community that offers lots of great free content (which is regularly updated and enhanced), in addition to excellent opportunities for travel (at a great value), people will join. Followthrough is everything. As I've said before, if it hadn't been for TPR, I never would've gotten into the whole coaster-enthusiast thing.

^What about Avalanche? I was unaware that snow sliding down mountains was a big issue in the Congo.

^No cake? Didn't you get the memo, Bill? YOU were responsible for the cake! Thanks for the birthday greetings, everyone.

I agree--Universal really upped the ante with HHN last year (particularly with Scary Tales, Body Collectors, and Dead Exposure). As for Doomsday, the maze was better than the movie (which isn't saying much).

What does Bill Clinton have to do with a small, freshwater fish?

^We have a winnah! Unfortunately, we don't have a prize.

^Cedar Fair? Actually, to be fair, Paramount had problems keeping all the effects working, as I recall. Other parks in the chain had nothing but problems with them, too.

"Commonwealth of Virginia," thank you very much. And to think that some people don't believe that Huge Hummel Boy leads an interesting life.

I hope you didn't come down with the stomach bug I had when you returned--now there was a "welcome back" gift and a half. Thanks for posting the photos, Erik. As for your parents, Matt, well, they were warned. Bwa-ha-ha-ha! What a great time that was. Time to go back . . . now!

I could become TPR's "Caption Whore."

Have you tried looking in the TPR Park Index? All those parks you mentioned are there, along with some photos and links to official park Web sites and trip reports.

^I liked the "Yeti Mickey" myself, but wasn't thrilled with the whole "mystery box" concept. I wonder how many people bought a whole case, then went right to E-Bay?

Si--for at least two years now, I think.

Yep. I like that park, though. Just wasn't in the cards. OK for $80 night. Nice lobby and pool area, average room. Nope--but it's nearby. Part 8 of this TR is brought to you by Bodine's, a very overrated BBQ joint in Newport News, Va., that is deservedly out of business. And one other thing--thanks for setting up all the priority seatings, Elissa. Mama Melrose's and the Chinese restaurant at Epcot were great! And another thing--thanks to Andrew, Erik, and the Jacobs' clan for hauling me around. And to the other Eric Johnson joining us at Carrabas's the first night. Well, I had to cut out early to catch my airport shuttle at the Regal Sun. A word of advice: If you have to go from Epcot to Downtown Disney, better allow at least an hour. You have to change buses at a resort to do it. Thanks for reading. "I demand 'walking on the curb' ERT!" Aghh! Blurry, out-of-focus jellyfish can sting just like sharp, in-focus jellyfish! Yeah, The Living Seas with Nemo and friends is "just swell." (Sorry--got nothin' else here. I did check out Turtle Talk for the first time. It's a great little show.) One of the highlights of the trip: Watching a sea gull dive bomb some poor woman in Fantasyland and steal two French fries off her tray! She didn't drop the whole tray of food, which was pretty impressive. Time to look for that stupid fish again. "Look, Mom! I'm an Epcot TV star!" "That's nice, dear." Pretty much as you do in real life--just sillier. Ever wondered what you'd look like as a character in a video game? . . . Innoventions!" "Forward, ho, Daddy! Onward to . . .