cfc

I have no idea how big the "Pooh" area is, but the 20,000 Leagues ride was more than just the lagoon (which was pretty good size). There's a whole other section that you can't see--the building the subs entered and exited through the waterfalls (like the Disneyland Subs).

My understanding is that DarKastle is the work of four different contractors. On opening day I was waiting in line with this nice couple from Orlando--the girl was one of the designers of DarKastle's interiors (one example of her work is the leaded window you see as you're boarding the sleighs), and she mentioned this (if I'm remembering her correctly). DarKastle is unique in terms of its storyline, which doesn't involve any preexisting licensed characters. So, in that sense, it's "one of a kind." DarKastle can also be "changed" fairly easily (that is, Busch can incoporate new show scenes from the company that produced the excellent digital video used on the ride). Whether they'll do this is, of course, another story. (There's a rumor going around that the "fireplace" sequence is going to be enhanced, but I have no confirmation of this, so take it with the proverbial salt.)

^Great--a TPR photo has made me go temporarily blind again! So, Laughlin is still into Ed Sullivan jokes, eh? The woman in blue wolfing down fries looks like the prototype for "Laughing Sal." I'm gonna have to try one of those "Wheel of Fortune" slots someday--my Mom won 700 bucks off those at Boomtown (aka, the "ghetto Reno").

The Mine Train also used to go through the "Dazzling Rainbow Caverns," which were full of colorful waterfalls. The opening tunnel and lift hill on BTMM pays homage to that, I think. Don't know if this is still there, but one of the old mine trains is a wreck that's been covered by a landslide along the Rivers of America.

Watch out for Thumper on that one--you what they say about big feet being proportional to the size of, well, something else.

I prefer Soider-man, too, but I think DarKastle is great--a wonderful addition to BGW.

I rode DarKastle on opening day (after waiting about three hours), and as I recall, the "drop" illusion was much more forceful--the sleigh seemed to drop faster and bounce more. But I think they toned it down. The sleighs used to spin at two points during the ride, too, but now only once (this was a wise change, I thought).

^Alien Encounter was my favorite attraction at MK (will reserve judgment on the new Stitch version until I experience it for myself). Wouldn't complain if they replaced Honey, I Shrunk the Audience (which was fun, but ran its course long ago) with X-S Tech. I also think they should redo Tomorrowland yet again with the "spaceport" concept the Imagineers had developed before the Accountiteers budget cut it into oblivion (that is, the 1998 fiasco).

^Hmm--how about theming it to The Osbornes? Cruising through the twisted subconscious of Ozzy would make for one bizarre trip. And will the Real World "characters" just go away? Your 15 minutes are up. Everybody out of the pool!

Hmm--I guess Peoplemover out of the choices offered (and put something interesting in those tunnels). And I think Robb has a point--Disneyland needs something unique. I remember reading, back in the 1970s, that Disneyland was about 25 to 30 years ahead of other theme parks technologically. Don't think they can make that claim now, and I'm a Dland fan.

Now that I'm over my bout of envy . . . aghh! . . . here it comes, again! . . .Excellent TR, nice pics. I've been collecting those little ride-vehicle replicas, and I hope Disney makes one out of this train. But whither Tarzan? Oh, who cares? Chuck

^You don't clog? No wonder folks are so much heavier there. Then again, they do plenty of clogging in western North Carolina, and there's some mighty big folks there, too. Actually, I could probably stand to do a little clogging. Yes, all America must clog!

I am about to be deeply envious . . . . . . there. Thanks for the pics and the rundown, Erik.

Does the West Virginia version of DDR include the "clogging" module? Those heavy shoes could really enhance a workout.

"Well where do you want this killin' done? "Down on Highway 61."

^They are a valuable thread in the rich tapestry of nature. That being said, my Dad used to carry a 22 pistol when he was farming for the express purpose of killing rattlers.

I know what you mean. I liked Kong, but there was no freakin' reason in the world for it to run three hours plus. For me, the original flick still rules.

^Yes, Snake-Eyes and Furball will succeed where Joker, Penguin, Riddler, and Catwoman have failed! [Music cue from mid-1960s Batman TV show here.]

Hamster: It seems that you were right, my scaly comrade. Our unholy alliance is causing much disruption of the TPR boards! Snake: Yes-s-s-s, my furry friend! As I had foreseen, the one called "S-S-S-Shark Tums-s-s-s" has been their undoing!

Yeah, there will be some system purging, so to speak. "Bambi 2: Electric Boogaloo"?

I always thought it was weird that FoF was in the Congo section, as is Avalanche. (Snow is a major issue in the Congo? The hell?)

^Amen to that. The only network shows I watch anymore are The Simpsons and King of the Hill. And I do like Real Time with Bill Maher.

Tonight on FOX: "Little House of the Hot Lesbian Supermodels on the Prairie."

Here's one interesting fact about Fresno--it's the hometown of movie director Sam Peckinpaugh. No wonder his flicks were so violent.

I'm hoping this October. A coworker's family will be at WDW this May, though--I'll see what they think (they're big Disney fans).