disneygurlz2s

. OK, now I am just getting cranky on the topic. Reality check here.... while there are lots of people out there who love both resorts (Universal and Disney) there is probably an overall difference in the demographic of the average Disney visitors and the average Universal Orlando visitors, especially the ones who visit IOA. If the kid had a pre-existing condition that was undetected, this could have happened on any major coaster in any park in the US. Chances are this family was visiting Disney because they, like me, are Disney fans. More people visiting Disney=more chances of something like this happening. Shari

Orlando Sentinel and CNN reporting the child had a heart defect.... http://www.orlandosentinel.com/

^^ I completely agree..... I never said it WOULDN'T be a good idea to have the AEDs available, I am just saying that chances are most parks and other places we frequent for entertainment DO NOT have them. The autopsy will tell the story. I have a heart problem and 8 years ago I was in congestive heart failure. Since then I have ridden every coaster at PKI, Cedar Point (before TTD), Walt Disney World, Holiday World...., plus, I have ridden Drop Zone, Power Tower, ToT... you get the idea. I have chosen to ride knowing this, and have even made the comment (albeit jokingly) to my family that if anything ever happens to me, that they are not allowed to sue the park!

I don't blame the parents or Disney per se... but I agree that people who go to Disney are: A) Falsely assuming that every ride is "It's A Small World", just because the ride has a cute or fun "theme" B) Not necessarily people who normally visit other "amusement parks" C) Taking the mentality Chanman mentioned of "By God, we paid $2,000 for this vacation, we're gonna do it all!!!" My dear friend and fellow Disney maniac, Sandy, has ridden everything at WDW, including Mission" Space. If I took her to Kings Island tomorrow, I doubt I would get her on anything wilder than Italian Job, if even that. My point: people of all ages choose to experience attractions at Disney that they likely would not go on at other parks. Let's say that this family was at Cedar Point, and not Walt Disney World. Would the parents have let him go on Top Thrill Dragster? If he had, would/could the (tragic) result have likely been the same?? Bottom line, people do not view Disney thrill rides to be as wild or "threatening" as similar rides in other parks. I personally reject the notion that the rash of deaths at WDW is directly associated to budget cuts. As yet, they have never proven that any of these deaths were a result of improperly trained employees or ill maintained rides. I suppose that you could argue that employees could be better trained to handle such an emergency, however these are ride ops, not EMTs. In this case, it seems that CPR was administered and that emergency personnel arrived in a timely manner. Just my opinion.................. Shari

Actually, Disneyland doesn't turn 51 until sometime mid-July........

Oh my gosh.... so many great comments and posts to respond to, but first and foremost.... WES!! You sooo rock. Yes, I am as sensitive as anyone to the sad event of the day (maybe even more so since 51 days from now I will ride this with my 8 year old), but I have to say that was absolutely the funniest damn thing I read all day!! Second, for those commenting about the AED.... before everyone goes all crazy about why they didn't have one "right there", think about it... How many of our major theme parks have these throughout their parks? My guess is slim to none. For that matter, how many other places that you frequent-restaurants, clubs, shopping malls, etc -have them? And I totally agree with whomever commended the young lady on the phone. She juggled that call beautifully and make no mistake...the ambulance was on it's way throughout the whole call. It is a testament to good emergency services that the dispatcher stayed in communication with her throughout. As for the comments from Orlando Sentinel... please let me scream right now Folks, let's say this one more time...this is not about SAFETY!!!! This was not an ACCIDENT. An accident is a harness that breaks or a train that jumps the tracks. A person's physical body not tolerating the ride (or the heat they have been walking around in all morning, etc) is not an accident (related to the ride itself). Bottom line... people go to Disney who don't go to other amusement parks. People ride things at Disney they wouldn't ride anywhere else. I just feel bad for everyone at the Mouse. Shari "I'm riding them all (ok, maybe not Mission:Space) in 50 days" Shoufler

When we visited HW last summer on a day trip, we just totally fell in love with the place, so our plan this year was to go for two days. Thanks to my mother in law, who lives in a tiny Illinois farming town, we were able to buy tickets through her local radio station for $20 each! With reservations made to spend the night at Santa's Lodge, my mom (she's the 80 year old), Samantha (age 8 that day) and I (not currently discussing my age) headed out from Cincy at 6:30 a.m. After a stop at Cracker Barrel for breakfast, it was on the park. I was so excited to crest the hill and see coasters rising out of the cornfields again!! We were quickly parked and on our way through the gates. Once inside the park we encountered the jolly elf himself, and he immediately noticed the t-shirt I had made for Sammi that stated "Today is my 8th Birthday" with a coaster border around it. He sang "Happy Birthday" to her, which was cool. Even cooler was the fact that, once again, we were able to walk right onto to every ride, or wait maybe a turn or two. We headed to Sammi's personal favorite, The Revolution, which she rode at least twice. We hit several other of the "flat rides" in the area, including the Raging Rapids, which my mother rode. Kudos to the HW staff who so patiently assisted her on and off the ride. It's probably been years since she rode a river raft ride, and it was fun for Sammi to see her do it. From there we hit as many rides as we could, and eventually worked our way around to the Raven and Legend!! Sam has hit the 48" mark this year, so this was a big moment for her. She loved them both, as did I. Last year, I chose Legend over Raven as my favorite, but this year I would have to say that I was pretty equal on them. They are both a lot of fun. Of course, there was one more left to try..... It was really hot, NINETY DEGREES!!! or more, so we headed to Splashin Safari for some Bahari Wave pool action. About 5 minutes into the wave cycle, I take a wave to the left ear and my ear completely plugs up. One hour, and a trip to First Aid+ later, I still cannot get my ear unplugged. However, I just kept on going, because there was a lot to do! Sammi fell in love with the Jungle Racers slide this year, and the new Bahari River is a great place to relax and just float along. The great thing about HW's lazy rivers (Are you listening PKI?????) is that they don't make you get out after one circle around. You can park your a$$ in a tube and just chill, and no one is standing at an exit waiting to pull your innertube out from under you!!! Well, we had cooled off, but it was still NINETY DEGREES.... so, we figured we might as well just go find out what NINETY DEGREES feels like when it's made out of wood...... Voyage. Hmm...... Here were the things that flew out of my mouth on the ride: "OH MY GOD!!" "WHOA!!" "S&!T" "HAHAHAHAHAHA" (hysterical laughing) "NINETY DEGREES" What an amazing ride!! I would have to say the trip-down tunnel is hands down the best coaster element I have ever encountered, but the ninety degree track is bizarre, and Robb is right...whether you mean to or not, you WILL yell out "Ninety Degrees" because it just blows your mind!! The new Thanksgiving section is nice, but I was disappointed that the Plymouth Rock Cafe is not open, in fact, it looks to me like it will be another few weeks yet. Gobbler Getaway is up and running and VERY CUTE!!! However, they still haven't posted the "scores" on the board at the end. I am pretty sure I made Master Caller status though, with my 900 points!! As the park closed for the night, we headed to the hotel to check in....Here's where things got interesting. After unloading all our crap and getting set up in our room (my mom is in poor health and had to bring along a breathing machine that must weigh about 100 pounds, to go along with her 100 pound wheelchair), Sammi and I head to the pool and hot tub for a quick swim before bed. We return to our room to find Grandma all worked up and flustered...that's when I realize, the beds in the room are these pillowtop mattresses about 4 feet off the ground!! My poor mother can't get into bed. I call the front desk to see if we can be moved or possibly get a rollaway, and the old battle ax who answers tells me that they can't help me. Well, I was ticked.... I am tired, I can't hear out of my left ear, and my 80 year old mother is planning to sleep sitting upright in a chair... I was not in a mood to be messed with. I head to the front desk where a very nice younger girl named Jill called her manager, and within five minutes we were moving down the hall, at no additional charge, to a family suite that was handicap accessible!!! Tuesday morning started with a ridiculously over-priced breakfast buffet at the hotel (they had ran out of food that morning and were serving Pillsbury biscuits..WTF?) and a tour around their very nicely decorated grounds. Overall the hotel is really nice, and I would recommend it-just don't buy the breakfast. Eat an early lunch at the park instead. On our way into the park Tuesday morning, I spied Mrs. Koch, and took my mom and Sammi over to meet her. We talked for a bit and I mentioned we were from Cincinnati. She shared with us that her Granddaughter, Marie, (8 years old like Sammi) has blood cancer and is being treated her at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. She asked for our prayers, and I am passing this along to all of you..... Tuesday was another perfect day, and we managed another couple rides on each of the coasters, along with all the other rides and water slides. At noon on Tuesday, you could literally WALK onto the Voyage.... how amazing, when you think people stood in line for 1 1/2 hours to ride "Italian Job" here at PKI last summer. I don't think we ever waited longer than 10 minutes for any ride, in two days. Our day ended with a severe thunderstorm hitting the park around 6:30, just as we were heading towards the front gate. We had a blast though, and are looking forward to another trip back there, possibly later this season!!! Shari After a big day of rides and water slides, Sammi kicks back with a good meal (and a good coaster in the background!) Grammy sticks with playing skeeball! With Raven, Legend and Voyage checked off her list, Sammi goes for her Howler credit. And speaking of NINETY DEGREES... "I'm melting...because it's NINETY DEGREES!" Including this little guy at the door! Santa's Lodge has a great themed lobby. Jungle Racers were a favorite! Holidog's Fun Town provided lots of cool water fun for the birthday girl! Sammi started the day with a Happy Birthday serenade from the big guy, himself!

What parent in their right mind sends a 6 year old on a ride like a ferris wheel alone?? I allow my now eight-year-old to ride some things alone, particularly things like chairswings or round-up rides where I can see her secured in and keep an eye on her riding. Plus, as a parent, you must teach them about rider safety from their very first ride. Some people are just stupid. Shari

I love it, Julie!!! Exactly what I was thinking! I just keep thinking of Susan Sarandon's line in Bull Durham "I believe in the Church of Baseball", only for us, it's "I believe in the Church of Coasters". Since Sammi and I typically go to PKI on Sunday mornings while Herb works in their money room, and when I worked there I worked Sunday mornings a lot, I have always said I attend Sunday services at "Our Lady of the Eiffel Tower". Shari

So, I am pulling out of Krogers the other night, when the sign in front of the church next to it happens to catch my eye...... Shari "Had to go back with my camera" Shoufler Well.... our Robb and Elissa are sort of like Youth Ministers.....

OK... first of all....weren't you at the WRONG Paramount/Cedar Fair park this weekend?? I thought you guys were coming out here... I even had it written down in my datebook from waaay back earlier this year. What happened??? Second... Survivor the Ride.... way cooler than Avatar the Japanese Anime cartoon character ride Third.... Gavin, I have a picture of my stepdaughter with her finger in the nose of a St. Francis statue. We displayed it at her graduation last weekend. You've been warned. Just wait about 15 years...that picture will come back to haunt you!! Shari

My daughter was 18 months old on her first Taxi Jam ride.... it was a great moment to me, too. I bought the picture, and had they had the video then, probably would have done that too. There's a sucker born every minute, and usually they grow up to become a proud mom/dad!!! Way to go, Aidan!! Shari

OK... so what/who was the ugly guy???? I missed all the drama......

I have no idea.... I just come here hoping to escape reality for a little while.... it works. Nobody here seems to have much reality going on.....just drywall and donkeys and...............

Awesome photos.... can't wait! 3 weeks from today we'll be there! Shari

Exactly!!! It worked out quite well, actually!

Well, since Wally and Soren and God knows who else have shared their medical details on this forum, I too have decided to share the tale of my colonoscopy. There are no pictures, so you can relax (although, if Katie Couric could do it, why can't I????) So, here it goes..... Went to the doctor a few weeks ago and, without going into too much detail as to why, it was strongly recommended that I go have this lovely test. Now, the idea of a camera going somewhere where, frankly, cameras don't belong, did not exactly thrill me, but.... I do have a close family member dying of gastrointestinal cancer, and seeing how he is suffering was enough for me to know I needed to do this just to make sure.... So, here's pretty much what happened..... Tuesday night, 11 pm.... Take 2 Dulcolax Wednesday morning, 6:30 am..... wonder if you will be able to leave the bathroom to go to work Wednesday morning, 8:00 am.... curse at the first person who walks by your desk with food, because you're on a liquid diet today!! Wednesday morning, 8:05 am....threaten coworker with violence when she asks if anyone is ordering lunch Wednesday morning, 10 am..... suck on 6 peppermint lifesavers in a row Wednesday morning 11 am....curse coworker who makes fun of the jar of Wyler's powdered boullion soup that is sitting on your desk Wednesday, noon..... drink two cups of above mentioned boullion Wednesday, 12:05 pm.... scream at coworker who parks cart filled with LaRosa's pizza boxes next to your desk Wednesday, 5 pm.... head for home so that you can arrive in time to begin your "Accu Prep" Wednesday, 6 pm.... add 1 tablespoon of the most disgusting combination of salty crap and lemon flavoring ever concocted to a glass of water. Hold nose and proceed to drink while pretending you are 21 again and doing Kamakazee shooters at the Mt Lookout Tavern. Wednesday, 6:15 pm..... curse yourself for being almost 40 instead of 21. Drink the next dose of the crap. Yum! Only 4 more doses to go!! Wednesday 8-10 pm.... alternate watching American Idol with going to the bathroom. Curse at Ryan Seacrest for no reason other than the fact that he can be annoying under any circumstance but especially when you think that at any moment your insides are going to come out. Wednesday, 10 pm....cheer that someone resembling a senior citizen just won American Idol because someday soon, he too, will have to have a colonoscopy. Thursday morning, 8 am.... walk around your house feeling as if your have just had the most horrible stomach flu of your life, only you haven't been sick. Kick the cat. Thursday morning, 10 am.... check into the Endoscopy center. Think you are going to cry because you are actually quite scared. And weak. And hungry. Thursday, 10:15 am.... Put on a lovely hospital gown and prepare to get an IV in your arm. Thursday, 10:45 am.... Get wheeled into the procedure room. Pretend not to notice the long, black tube and camera thingy on the table next to you. Thursday, 10:50.... Notice out of the corner of your eye that the nurse is putting something in your IV...... room fades to black.............. Thursday, 11:45.... wake up to the sound of your husband's voice and the voice of your nurse telling you to pass gas. Despite being in a fog, realize this is one of the strangest things anyone has ever asked you to do.... but you oblige. Thursday, 11:48.... realize the person in the next curtain is not snoring....they are farting...everyone is farting..... now, the nurse is telling you to fart again..... this is tooo weird. Thursday.... 11:55... Doctor tells you that your colon is clear of any problems and to come back when you are 50. She also advises you eat a light meal ....... Thursday, 12:00 noon.... Demand husband drive you to the nearest Bob Evans where you order eggs, bacon, pancakes and potatos. Who gives a crap what the doctor says! Hopefully, none of you will have to do this anytime soon...however, if you do, you have my sympathies! Shari "clean colon" Shoufler

I've got it!!! Robb and Elissa are building a house that is so expensive they can eat nothing but lentil soup and cornbread every night so they can save up for the mortgage payments. Either that, or 30+ years of coaster riding has taken it's toll on Mr. Alvey..... Shari "still speculating" Shoufler

Happy Birthday Wes!!!

God, I am sooo out of the loop. I completely missed the whole drywall thing. However, seeing that lentil soup reminds me to share that I had my first ever colonoscopy the other day................... Shari

I'm just cracking up that Paula is now a TPR member....Thank God there's somebody on here now that's a middle-age mom like me (sorry, P, but it's the truth!!). Wish I could be there this weekend... I bet it will be a fun time for all. Looking forward to my visit in 3 weeks!! Shari

And here I thought I had this great scoop..having heard it on the news this morning.... and now, here I am, 11 pages into the topic............... Since PKI is our home park and also my husband's part time employment, I have to say that this decision will affect us in some way, but whether it's positive or negative, time will tell. I disagree with Robb's first post, in that my experiences (limited to Cedar Point, I will be honest) with Cedar Fair have exceeded those of PKI. It's been a few years since we were last there, but I was very impressed with the food, attractions, queue lines...everything! PKI has really gone downhill in so many areas, and it's hard when it's your home park and it's been someplace that is so much a part of your life. The cost and quality of food, lack of choices, lack of exciting new attractions.... I am ready for a change. I am anxious to see what it will all mean..... Shari

Forget the coasters..... it's freaking Dorothy the Dinosaur!!!! How cool!!!! Shari "Wiggles fan since 2003" Shoufler

I can't help but think the reality-tv gods (ok, the show's producers) will shine down on the Hippies as they cross the finish line first on Wednesday night!! Can't wait for the 2 hour finale! Shari

Zane!!! I have been wondering where you were (I'm not on here as often as I would like to be these days.....). Great to see you hitting some theme parks and having fun! Shari