cfc

^When BGW announced InvadR, they mentioned that reduced maintenance was the main reason for going with a steel structure.

Typhoon Walibi Holland

Speaking of InvadR, how about we start the new year with another update? Yes, Christmas Town may be ending today, but coaster construction moves on. I was at the park yesterday and noticed that 1) they've been increasing the theming on the station and 2) the lift hill is now crossing over the railroad tracks. Let's have a look. Let the hype continue! First coaster of 2017: The holiday version of Tempesto, . . . . . . which is pretty much like the regular version of Tempesto. As usual, we'll start this update with a train ride. Hello, InvadR. How's it hangin'? Looks about the same on the left side of the train . . . . . . but what's this up ahead? Yes, it's the steel for the lift hill and first drop crossing the railroad tracks. Here's a view from Caribou Station. This is really going to change the skyline of New France. I hope InvadR doesn't make Le Scoot feel "inadequate." Let's have a look at what's happening near the train station. Implements of destruction/construction on the path to the log flume. Note the new logs on the station. Here's a look from the bridge into Germany. I think this is going to be a very nicely themed ride. InvadR wishes everyone at TPR a Happy New Year. Well, that's done. Time for a brew (O'Connor Norfolk Canyon Ale, if you're curious). And best wishes of the season from Christmas Town's Polar Pathway (aka Escape from Pompeii). Thanks for reading.

When I head to Kings Dominion, it's Volcano.

A friend gave me a bottle of the Game of Thrones Valar Dohaeris Belgian Style Tripel Ale for Christmas (Ommegang Brewery, Cooperstown, NY). I was pleasantly surprised. Much better than I'd expected from a TV show tie-in beer.

For me, it's Apollo's Chariot or Tempesto--the former if I'm there on my own, the latter if I'm there with people who haven't ridden Tempesto.

Not smooth. That's too bad. It was good in 2012.

I bought a copy of that one, too--it's excellent.

Here's one of my favorites from Christmas Town at BGW last year.

Zsa Zsa was Minerva, the very last villain on the 1960s Batman TV series.

And you'll see deer grazing near the railroad tracks, or along the Rhine River, too.

Theming a bar on the "Pastoral Symphony" segment of Fantasia is perfect.

This is too bad. Space World was a unique, quirky park that I enjoyed quite a bit back in 2007.

Hersheypark

Hardywood (Richmond, Va.) Gingerbread Stout Holy crap, this is good stout! Like Christmas in a bottle.

You'll find most of the animals, including the Gray Wolves, on the path between Ireland and France. They also have Clydesdale horses, sheep, and highland cows in Scotland. But their animals exhibits are not nearly as extensive as they are at BGT.

I agree with Larry here. Food is better at BGW, as are operations; that being said, BGT has a stronger coaster line up.

That's only at Shanghai or Hong Kong Disney.

There's only one reaction to this joke so close to Christmas.

Yep, that's the whole point that like everyone but a few people are stressing. This whole thing seriously does not impact ANYONE in any way at all. But there are a handful of people (even more crazies on FB and other socials) who are trying to convince people otherwise for reasons I have no idea. I think it's an odd thing to complain about for another reason: For decades, if you stayed at the Disneyland Hotel, you could take the monorail to Tomorrowland and skip the main entrance entirely. Does anyone complain about that?

^Er, bitching about your employer on social media is just plain dumb. I've looked at this new policy and see no downside. It's a nice extra service for people who want to spring for it, and it doesn't affect other guests at all.

It's going to be the coldest night of the season so far, too (at least last night was above freezing).

Oh god, Speedy Bob! From the looks of that video, it's every bit as insane as it was when I last rode it in 2008.

Samuel Smith's Winter Welcome Ale Not as good as Celebration, but a very smooth, pleasant beer--perfect for sipping on a cold winter's night in front of a roaring fire.

Agreed. The VR treatment makes more sense on small family coasters.