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Those cubicles look like giant pet carriers. Thanks for the report. Chris. I'm planning to take TPR's Japan tour next year--Steel Dragon looks like another good reason to go.

^I actually heard the old "they were going to move this ride to Canada" story from a clerk in a gift shop. Even without a sign in front, people seemed to be finding FoF--at least two or three switchbacks worth in the outer queue. I didn't think to check the park maps. And it was fun, too--just like FoF had never "left.'

They were running at least two trains, and the wait was about 20 minutes--not bad. Here's to hoping they keep it running through Fearfest.

Greetings, TPRites, I drove to Kings Dominion to replace my old Paramount season pass with a Cedar Fair Maxx Pass yesterday. I wasn't planning to post anything about it, but . . . 1. I made the annoying discovery that my Cedar Fair Maxx Pass was good for Kings Dominion only this year and that I couldn't use it at other Cedar Fair parks until 2007. Hmm--so much for heading down to Carowinds to check out Scarowinds, not if I have to pay a regular admission for it. I have to go back to KD next spring to pick up my "permanent" pass card, too. 2. Flight of Fear was open! Huzzah! Here are some pics. Hmm--it appears that they've vanished mysteriously (but not into the "outer limits"). Thanks for reading. Riders prepare to kiss their butts good bye. Into the saucer we go. Ah, the ever-ominous flying saucer in KD's best themed attraction. Yes, I am "authorized personnel." Live long, and prosper. You know, I often experience "vapor lock" after eating too many chili dogs. I thought they'd moved this thing to Canada ("pdkcoaster" now wants to hurt me for saying that). "Hey up there! Do you know that you're right next to Flight of freakin' Fear?" "Italian Job is for weenies who can't handle Flight of Fear!" "Get off the Hurler and get your butts over to Flight of Fear!" "Why are you sitting in there watching big guys in stretch pants tackle each other? Flight of Fear!" "Dude! Cut me down so I can drag myself over to Flight of Fear!" I was ambling by "Headless Hollow," when a mysterious voice came to me, as if in a dream . . .

Apollo's Chariot at BGE gives you a great view of most of the park, with the James River beyond it, on the right. (On the left is a spectacular view of the parking lot and Rt. 60.) If the weather's nice and clear, you can see the James River Ghost Fleet from there.

Perhaps Thunder Mountain was one of those "secret" CIA prisons. Actually, I think using It's a Small World would be far more effective as an interrogation tool. "Aghh! Yes, Great Satan, I will tell you everything! Just stop the singing of that hideous song!"

^^Never knew that Goofy was a Vikings fan. I've learned so much on TPR.

Oh, well . . . Rest in Peace (or Pieces), Cyclone! I'm glad I had the chance to ride you back in June.

We had an earthquake in Virginia a few years ago. I was sitting in my office in Williamsburg and didn't pay it any mind, but other people we're freaking out a bit. It was roughy a 3 on the Richter scale, with its epicenter somewhere in the Shenandoah (quite a ways north of here). As I told folks in the office: "Folks, I was born and raised in California. Unless it's a 4 or above, I wouldn't even notice it."

^The bitch is back, baby!

And my October Florida trip countdown continues . . . Thanks for the pics, Eric.

Guy now comes in six delicious flavors: Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Meatloaf, Beverley, and, as Derek has found out, Stout!

Yeah, we won't be seeing much of Griffon's construction because so much of BGE is hidden from view. Sigh . . .

Aye, perhaps I should set me course fer the Pirates Cove Adventure Golf on that glorious day! Yar, I be cheatin' on my score, I be!

^And they were sent by actual, honest-to-god boobs. Happy Birthday, Nicole. I'd take a spin on the Ultimate in your honor (if I were at Lightwater Valley). Chuck

^Jeff, the blue cylinders were the only "possible" pieces I noticed, but that doesn't mean that they aren't stashed somewhere nearby out of guests' view.

Here's a few fresh pics for you fans of holes, rebar, and blue metallic cylinders. Another shot from the train--look at them purty blue pieces on the right. The Griffon site from the train--the ornage netting is for your safety, of course. Mmm--rebar! Piles of rebar! And black pipes! Oo-o-o-o . . .

Here's something else I noticed today as I was wandering about BGE. I haven't paid much attention to the park's new map signs (mainly because I already know my way around), but I couldn't help but notice their somewhat inaccurate portrayals of the park's coasters. They look like they were drawn by someone with only a vague of idea of the coasters' various layouts, using graphics software with which he or she was unfamiliar. Sorry, Derek, but it looks like Nessie misplaced her interlocking loops and decided to swoop under a bridge. Since when does the Big Bad Wolf go through a building (other than the loading station)? Hmm--I don't know what the hell Alpie is doing. Looks like it got scrambled up by a tornado or something. Hey, bet you didn't know that Apollo's Chariot was now a launched coaster with no hills and a cockeyed loop at one end.

I went to BGE today to renew my season pass and take a few pictures. Here's an extra uber-special Howl-o-Scream update for those who are brave enough to come the 'Burg during the opening weekend of September 15 (that is, this Friday). Here's a peek over the fence at the new "Weird Woods" scare zone, which is replacing Sea Dog Cemetery this year. Er, that's "minnow," swab! After a long day of trying to scare people, I like to relax with a nice corn cake. (Huh?) Oh, there's an "evil" clown. And evil clowns are taking over Festa Italia. (Wait a minute--that's me!) A huge, hideous troll (or average member of ACE--hey, I kid becuase I love) has control over Caribou Station. Werewolves are howling on the path to France (not to mention participating in "shenanigans" and parking strollers). Yes, it's almost time for Howl-o-Scream! Scurvy skeletons are taking over England.

I was at Disneyland and DCA with my parents back in August, and they had to get around on ECVs. We didn't have too much of a problem. Disney is very accomodating to disabled guests. Here are two things to keep in mind: 1. On Pirates, they can only have six wheelchairs on the platform at one time, so you may have to wait until some folks return from their voyage and are wheeled off. 2. CMs at the Haunted Mansion will query you about how long the disabled person in your party can stand up in order to decide how to serve that person best. (If you can stand for seven to ten minutes, you park your chair at a spot near the Mansion's front door, and a CM will usher you in with the "regular" line. Not sure what they do if you can't stand for seven minutes, though.) Have fun.

^I wish I had a McFlurry right now, but you can't get them in the U.S., right? Perhaps there needs to be a McFlurry "sticky" topic. And now, back to our topic, which is already in progress . . .

^So, that makes three good Vekomas for you on the UK trip? Who'd a thunk it? (I know that I was pleasantly surprised by Kumali, but the Corkscrew variations lived down to my expectations.)

That's it, Robb--just pretend your dessert is Soren.

Cool--looks like Rita or Speed Monster on steroids, alright. My one complaint about launched coasters is that they're usually "one-trick ponies," which was why Rita was my favorite of that particular type on the UK trip.

Yep, all you need is a Giants cap--yee freakin' haw! Thanks for sharing the pics, my fellow UK trippers. Be careful of Casey, though--he likes to tackle people who wear ketchup shirts and Giants caps!