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I'd agree with that--when the Roaring 20s Airfield became the Boardwalk, the park started to slide (the infamous "Windjammer Era"). And being as we're at Disney now, I feel the same way about Soarin'--it's not a trill ride, but it's just so relaxing. (I always feel better after riding it; the music plays a big part in that.)

Last year was my first visit to Kennywood, too--what a great park. Phantom's Revenge was my favorite new-to-me steel coaster last year. ^^A wild mouse where you're the mouse and creepy dudes in Haz-Mat suits are trying to kill you sounds pretty wacky to me.

Some introductory text and captions explaining just what all this is wouldn't hurt, either--for example, what rides we're looking at, where this park is actually located, etc.

You could check out Natural Arch Bridge on the way, and maybe hit Luray Caverns, if you're into caves.

From what I saw in the photos, I think the Drayton Thomas Town is very nicely themed. I particularly liked the "crane drop tower."

Good for Drayton--the new Thomas Town looks nice. I hope this marks an upturn for the park, which was in pretty sad shape a few years ago.

Getting back to Ms. Cody and her work, what is her new project in Vancouver? Is it "Jennifer's Body" or "The United States of Tara"?

^^There are a couple of KOAs near Williamsburg, James (and they're within striking distance of Pierce's Pitt BBQ, which is a plus in my book).

Hmm--interesting coming from someone who made two radically different posts in the same thread, including one that was certain to bring about a negative response. Oh, wait--You only cast "flamebait," you don't respond to it. My bad.

James, There is "urban whitewater" rafting through Richmond. As Dave said Colonial Williamsburg is pretty impressive, and if the ocean is her style, it isn't too far to Virginia Beach. Yorktown has a nice "Riverwalk" area (with a beach on the York River), and the battlefield is worth checking out. Jamestown, the first "permanent" colonial settlement is worth a look. Jamestown Island is the actual site (run by the National Park Service), and Jamestown Settlement is a re-creation of the fort and a Native American village (with costumed interpreters). Yorktown, Williamsburg, and Jamestown are all connected by the Colonial Parkway, which makes for a nice drive. I think you and Julie will find that this area has a lot to offer beyond Euroburg. Chuck PS--You might want to check this site out: http://www.virginia.org/site/content.asp?MGrp=1&MCat=14&MItm=212

Yeah, it is sort of a "you had to be there" kind of thing, I guess. The old Knott's just had more charm (and, yes, some of that charm is still there). But two things sum up what's wrong with Knott's today (at least for me): 1. Silver Bullet--it simply does not belong in this park. It towers over Ghost Town and Camp Snoopy and detracts from both--and it's a mediocre ride, at best. 2. That whole "Boardwalk" area, which used to be the Roaring 20s and Roaring 20s Airfield. This was once a unique section, with pretty cool stuff, such as the Parachute Sky Jump and the Wacky Soapbox Racers. But now it's just generic. That being said, I do think Xcelerator is a great ride. Rant over. I'm glad you enjoyed your time at Knott's.

^^Ya know, it doesn't hurt to ask.

Corkscrew Hill as a "can't miss"? You must really be into simulators (it is pretty good as those things go). The "circle" advice is good. I would start with Griffon and work my way around (to Alpengeist, DarKastle, Big Bad Wolf, Apollo's Chariot) and finish up with the Loch Ness Monster. Then you can pick up what you missed (such as water rides and Corkscrew Hill--this line tends to be slow). If you decide to hit KD, get there before opening and go to Volcano first.

No need to apologize for your English. You write very good, er, well. Thanks for the report and pictures. Like many others, I'm looking forward to Europa Park this summer--and a new dark ride is a definite plus.

My experience with SFDK has been driving by it during the off season--thanks for the look inside, Rick. DK does look like a park that's moving up. I remember when the old Marine World park used to be in Redwood City.

Who wants a picture of the inside of Larry?

^Yeah, Florida gave up Toad, California gave up the Country Bear Jamboree, and they both got big, steaming piles of Pooh in return. Will, that tunnel was, indeed, part of the Mine Train Thru Nature's Wonderland (kind of miss it, even though I do like Big Thunder).

I remember being at BGE with friends on a very rainy July 4th. It just poured from about 10:00 am until the middle of the afternoon. Busch actually gave guests vouchers for free admission that were valid for up to a year (if you went to Guest Relations and asked about them). What was really nice was that my friends get their vouchers, the rain emptied out much of the park (which had been very crowded), and the rest of the afternoon and evening (sans rain) were great. That's the kind of service that makes people want to come back. (Note that BGE doesn't close all their rides in the rain unless there's lightning in the area.)

BGE has similar problems with residents of Busch's tony Kingsmill on the James development. They always complain about potential noise issues whenever the park wants to build a new ride. I guess they didn't notice the big theme park in their backyard when they bought their $1,000,000 house. What cracks me up is that you can see Griffon from their golf course. Heh, heh, heh.

^Steffen, I'm really looking foraward to checking out many of your European parks in June. Remember--"the other man's grass is always greener." Flight of Fear hasn't had an entrance sign for a few years now. I guess the sign budget went for all the renamed rides. As for the movie plaques around the Eiffel Tower, those have been gone for at least a year (along with the old movie props); my theory is that they just flipped them over.

"Seems to be"? Here's the headline: "Woman Says Disney Bungled Case Of Tempest In Tea Cups ." Yet the alleged attacker is, apparently, going to trial for this, which negates the whole premise that Disney's lack of action means that no charges can be brought against her. Somebody at Channel 13 needs to do a follow up.

To Hell, I hope.

Thanks for the look at Dominator, Jeff--"dominates" is right. Poor Sooby Doo is dwarfed by it. As for Hypersonic, rest in pieces, I guess. I was amused at how the "drag-race" starting lights are still there despite all the destruction. The new interstate sign does, indeed, look nice.

Was this actually a "Disney" bus, or just a charter that the resort happened to set up with an outside bus service?

^Care to respond to this one, Guy?