bert425

ABSOLUTELY new park skyline:

Wait to take a look at crowd levels at the actual rides before deciding on Quick Queue - you can always purchase in park if you need it. the only two major rides you'll most likely need QQ for are Wave Breaker (it's a family launch coaster, and as really the only "family coaster" it will get really long lines. . . and Rio Loco whitewater raft ride (especially if it's a hot day). But if you time hitting those rides for when there are major shows going on (the Beluga show, or the Orca show), the lines really die down then. but you might need QQ for those two in particular if you really wanna ride them (Rio Loco *will* soak you.. so either bring a large plastic bag to put your phone/keys/wallet in? or pay for a locker (across from the Entrance). I would be there AT open.. don't wait a few hours. . as the majority of people that go into the park at open? will be there for Aquatica - ESPECIALLY if it's a warmer day. AND, if the lines to get in are too long and you don't want to wait? The Discovery Cove area is to the left of Aquatica (across from the main SeaWorld gates) - and that area opens earlier than the park, so you can go there and see the Dolphins and the large Shark exhibits while waiting for the entrance to the actual park itself to open. SWSA doesn't have all that many rides: 4 coasters (5 if you count the kiddie in Sesame Street land), 3 flats (which are all near each other), and 2 water rides (Rio Loco and Journey to Atlantis - which is basically a Chute the Shoots, but has a fun short "backwards" section). The Sesame Street area has a few more rides, but most all are kiddie (tho I always ride the Carousel there). it's a BIG park, with a lot of space, so expect to do a lot of walking. most of the food for Seven Seas is good to great. . see my review above oh. .and Parking has gotten CRAZY (it's $30 a car now at SeaWorld. . $40 for Up close). so I highly recommend that while you're at the park you upgrade to a Season Pass if you are planning to come back during the next year (SWSA is a year round park). It's only ~$20 to upgrade to a Standard Season Pass on the day of your visit from your day ticket (there's a booth just inside the main gate that can help out there). .just make sure your pass INCLUDES parking (most of them do).

Trip report from Seven Seas Food Festival posted in the SWSA thread!

^ absolutely no idea what you are talking about.

So yesterday, I went up to SeaWorld San Antonio to enjoy the 1st weekend of Seven Seas Food Festival. had a really good time, although dealing with some Med interaction issues, that made me take it pretty slow when moving between Food Stands (resulting in one loop around the lagoon taking ~5 hours to stop at each stand), and tho it was a GORGEOUS day, the ride I did the most was "Bench" Here's how the day went. . and please keep in mind that I didn't try anything from Hawaii, Japan, Italy, or Greece (yet. . was just too full! So those will get tried, along with my favorites from Saturday, when I'm back in 2 weeks to help celebrate Great White's Birthday). let's take a look at the Seven Seas Food Festival at SeaWorld San Antonio! Lovely drive from Austin to San Antonio today. . . SW is a bit further than SFFT for me, so it takes ~1:40 to get there from my house. but I arrived just before opening to a bit of a back up at the parking gates, and a LOT of cars in the lot already. Luckily, because my Season Pass has a hard time reading, the gentleman at the parking booth apologized for the extended wait, and gave me an Up Close Parking pass. I'll take it, even tho a day at SWSA involves a lot of walking anyways - it's a big park! hmmm. . . doesn't look too busy just before opening. oh. . . on the OTHER side of the main arch. yeah. . . Luckily it turned out the vast majority of these folks were either heading to Aquatica, or were going into the SW side for some sort of cheer competition that was taking place at one of the large auditoriums. so it meant that we had lovely weather, and really short lines for both the food, and the rides (tho as noted, I skipped pretty much all rides due to concern about my BP being low) Once the main gates opened, the lines moved fast tho, and before long was at the main Welcome booth - where i decided to wait in the short line to pick up my Seven Seas Food Festival Badge - which would have been WAY quicker, if both registers were only selling that. However, the registers also were selling meal plan. .and almost everyone in front of me were large groups buying meal plan for the day, and unlimited Drink Cups. So . . yeah, that took a while. On the website it notes you can pick up your prebought Seven Seas badge at any booth. . but I only saw one other booth (Korea) that actually had them available, so I was glad I waited here to pick mine up. To be fair, it's the 1st weekend. . I'm sure as it progresses, more booths will have the lanyards/badges available for pickup. one thing I noticed as well. . many folks were paying cash for the daily meal plan. So SWSA is still a cash *and* credit park. once i had my lanyard/punch badge, I headed to Mexico. . where I was meeting up with several folks from the "local" / Texas Based: Thrill Seekers United Group. and my Friend Amy, who had helped organize the casual meet up to tour the world of food, wanted to start at Mexico (I suspect for the Margaritas :p) Unfortunately for me, alcohol is a no-no for me at he moment. But everyone that tried the drinks said they were excellent at every booth. here's the offerings at Mexico: these are the Baja Grilled Shrimp Street Tacos. the shrimp were great, as was the tortilla, but I found the red cabbage way too dry. . I think the fix for that would be to either add more of that Aioli, or toss it in a vinaigrette - or a quick pickle - would have made it better, I think. But it was good. the top are the Chicken Tacos (which I was told were good) and below are the Sopapillas - which I tried one of and were really great. Just sweet enough with the brown sugar & honey, and pillowy soft. this is the Deep Fried Elote - which I was told I must try when I go back (so I will). . it looks great. and below is the Braised Beef taco, which got the comment to "pick off the jalepeno, as they are super spicy" While waiting for some to get Margaritas (with edible flavored straws!), I peeked over a construction fence. what in the world is THIS?? . . .hmmm. . . . we discussed among ourselves, and we think we know exactly what this foundation is for. . but wont' say in public, as we wouldn't want to ruin the park's big 2023 announcement! then it was onward to France! this is the Chocolate Cherries & Cream on the left, and the Caramel Apple on the right. I'm not an apple fan, but was told it was good. The Chocolate Cherry is excellent, but a little bit too sweet for my tastes (tho others with us loved it) the winner of the day for me: the savory Turkey, Mushroom, Spinach and Swiss Crepe. this thing was AMAZING. . .I could have had several more of them. Favorite thing I tasted today, and highly recommended. oh looks. . some of the Countries have entertainment, and some of them have Photo Ops set up. how fun. . I'm in a Seurat painting! (A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte) Seurat, knew a lot, about dots While sitting eating the crepes, we got a lovely view of Steel Eel & Wave Breaker across the lagoon. . look at that Lovely Weather! It got a little warm, but beautiful. (tho by now I was really feeling "off" and knew I wasn't going to be riding anything "extreme" today) Sad that Tidal Surge had very little line, but no way could I chance a ride on it. So I focused on the food, and visiting with friends - which were the main reasons I had come today anyways. onwards to Germany! this is the Beer Braised Bratwurst with Caramelized onions. the Bratwurst itself was very good. The onions simply didnt' have enough to counteract the amount of mustard on this thing, and therefore couldn't really taste them. but the real sad part was the pretzel bun just was not good. . it tasted a bit stale. Top is the Braised Beef Spaetzle, and bottom is the Beer Cheese (without the Onions) the folks who got this said it was "ok" but it doesn't look like a "must try" to me, which is a shame. and this is the Apple Strudel - which I was told was fantastic, and the best offering on the Germany menu (didn't try, as I don't like apples). It's a shame the food isn't as great as I expected, because the German Beirgarten area is fantastic, and was among my favorite "areas" for the festival. Great photo ops we made our way over to Greece next. i was so full. . I knew what I wanted to try here, but my stomach insisted I take a break..LOL So Lamb slider for SURE on my next visit. the Baklava looked SO good. as did that Lamb Slider! and it smelled absolutely wonderful. (the drink behind it is the Sparking St. Tropez cocktail. .that everyone who tried it raved about. Here's the Gyro (also on my to try list. . as was the Shawarma, which no one in our group tried yesterday.. so basically, next time in the park? Greece gets a lot of my punches!) the "entertainment" over here is the living statue. . she was wonderful! and repositioned herself for pictures. . . I love this stuff. I was a bit worn out here, so I rode some Bench: the Ride, while folks went back to Italy (tucked back by Tidal Surge) to sample some deserts (they also offer Flatbreads) so I don't have a picture of that menu, but will get it next time. I really wanted to try the Caramel Chocolate Chip Cannoli, but i was simply too full.. so again, next time! This is the Tiramisu Gelato (told it was very good) and the Frozen Peach Bellini coctail here I am enjoying "bench" and you can kinda see Italy behind me some in the group I was hanging with wanted to go on some rides, since the lines were really light today. . so I found another bench and enjoyed the surroundings. Texas Stingray was a walk on? on a Saturday? and stupid blood pressure.. . I was afraid to ride. most of the group split off with the kiddos to go to the Splash Pad area in Sesame Street. . so I went with Juan and Erika to head to the next booth around the lagoon: Jamaica: Juan got the Curried Chicken Street Patty, and said it wasn't too impressive. I got the Spicy Beef Street Patty, and the Rum Raisin Ice cream. the filling in the spicy beef is incredible. . flavorful and SO good. . but it's severely let down by the bland (and cakey) dough around it. If this had some kind of sauce drizzled over it, I think this would be greatly improved. But as it is, I'd recommend it for the insides only, but otherwise skip. NOT to be missed, however? The Rum Raisin Ice Cream. SO, SO good. The photo op at Jamaica is adorable! I only wish I had a cocktail in my hand instead of Powerade. tho I couldn't do any intense rides, Juan, Erika and I decided to ride Rio Loco. . . I always bring along plastic bags for important stuff to go into on Water rides. . and I put my phone/keys/wallet in that. . but Juan wanted to get a locker. the timing was iffy, as the ride was a walk on. . until a Show let out, and EVERYONE headed here. . luckily Juan got back after only 30 or so folks caused a 5-10 minute wait. Turned out it was worth the effort for him (and Erika's phone too) as the Waterfalls on Rio Loco were on. freezing cold water, dumped directly onto most of the raft - tho I lucked out and only got "moist" For them tho? it was like being directly under a full blast shower. . . so here's the "after" pic To help dry off, we strolled over to Korea to check out the Menu there. the Galbi sounds really good, and is on my list to try. . but the *must get* here is the Black Sesame Ice Cream it's very "peanut butter-y" tasting, with a really pleasant after-taste of nuttiness from the sesame. Recommended. This booth too, has a lovely background for photos. we were SO full. . . but multiple things offered at Japan really had my interest, and I was gonna get something and force it down. in particular, the Tuna Tataki (that's in the pic at the top of the menu) really sounds amazing. And those we saw carrying it? it looks as good as it does in the picture. I'm also a sucker for Gyoza. . . but yeah. . the Japan booth had the longest lines of any we saw all day (it was probably a 15 - 20 minute wait) and as we weren't super hungry anyways? the wait convinced us to keep moving along. Japan is across from Penguin Encounter, and they have some very nice decorations up here. Unfortunately we just missed the Taiko Drummers.. so they are on my list to see next time as well. (we would have hung around and waited, but it was getting close to 4pm by now, and SFFT was calling. .and we still had 2 more booths to stop at!) They even have a Cherry Blossom photo op set up in Japan. lovely. this one is so odd. . . as the rest are all Countries. . but "Hawaii" gets their own Food Stop. Still.. can't argue with the food choices available as pretty much all of it sounded amazing. and I absolutely LOVE that for an extra $5, you can get your cocktail in a Pineapple! Here's the Salmon Poke Bowl, and the Tuna Poke Bowls (from a nice guy who called me "Bro", as in "Sure thing Bro!" when I asked if I could take a picture of his order). . . somewhat appropriate for Hawaii I thought. LOL And the others got the Pina Colada Sorbet. . . which I tried, and must say, it was really impressive. Tart and coconut-y. the Hawaii stop has Totem Poles, lots of thatching. . and, of course, Surfboards. "Bro" as we waddled towards the last booth (actually first booth, we did it backwards by starting at the Mexico booth which is last on the map). . we knew that some of us just had to try the Empanadas. LOL. . Brazil is a food truck. .. but it WORKS! it fits in the area so well.. so Kudos to SWSA for that choice here. This is the Frozen Blackberry Acai and it was also a strong winner. . . tart, and not too sweet, with just the right amount of sour "punch" from the berries. a wonderful palate cleanser. . and I got the Spicy Beef Empanada with Chimichurri sauce flakey, with a wonderful filling. . .it blew the similar presented (but different tasting) street version from Jamaica. SO good, and the Chimichurri was just the perfect amount of spicy/sweet to make a perfect bite every time. I'm eager to try the Chicken & Spinach versions. the Brazil area (where the children's hay maze was for Howl O Scream) is perfectly decorated, with the shady trees wrapped in traditional colors a very "Carnivale!" photo op. . and a show! - that I didn't notice any signage for, but while sitting and eating, they just came out and started performing. Now, were they up to EPCOT level of traditional Brazilian performance? Not necessarily. .but they crooned a good 4-5 songs (including "Girl from Ipanema" and interacted with the guests in the area. . including starting up a dance party for the final song. even coming to join us at our table while singing all in all, it was a fantastic day, even tho I hadn't been feeling 100% (tho the food and hydration helped, and I remained perky for much of it). Highly recommended to check out if you're in San Antonio. . . you'll want to try so many things! in summary: by FAR my favorite 3 of what I tried today (and keep in mind, I didn't try anything from Hawaii, Japan, Italy, or Greece (yet. . was just too full!): 1) Savory Turkey, Mushroom, Spinach & Swiss Crepe in France 2) the Beef Empanada from Brazil 3) the Rum Raisin Ice Cream from Jamaica . . .but also good and I'll try again: the Black Sesame Ice Cream from Korea, the Aciai Berry Sorbet at Brazil, the Pina Colada Sorbet from Hawaii, & the Soppapillas in Mexico.

great pics! (*and report) ummmmmm. . . I just NOW noticed that's supposed to be a sword, as I see the "fist" at the bottom of the sign. (I know I have a filthy mind. . but having the fist there makes it somehow even dirtier to me than it looked before!!!)

Popped into SFFT yesterday after a day at SWSA for the Seven Seas Food Festival. I'll have way more pics up later. . but damn, does Dr. D's Cliffhanger look INCREDIBLE in person, and they have so much of it done already!

Found on Twitter. . .Dollywood statement on why Dropline has been down Fri/Sat.

it's a custom design. . so the 2nd half is different than any other Dive Coaster. it's the 1st of it's kind with 7-across seating as well. . .

Absolutely horrifying. . .. and tho I'm not sure a seatbelt at the crotch would have prevented a "slip out" (if that's what happened). . . . I can't imagine what the family, the other riders, and the park staff are going thru right now.

I've never Ubered, since I drive from Austin. . but I'd assume they would be able to drive you from the Hotel up to the Main Parking Lot and drop off. (The "main Gates" to the park are a bit away from the Parking Lot, but it's just a short walk). Worst case? they drop you at the Parking Lot Booths entrance, and you have to walk to the front gate from there. . . slightly longer, but still not bad. Just be sure the Uber doesn't drop you off by the SeaWorld sign at the street. . you need to AT LEAST be at the Parking Lot Booths. . as the Parking Lot Booths are a good bit away from the main "street" entrance (by the SeaWorld sign).. and you'll be walking a good 25 minutes just to get to the front gates from the street.

While SFFT is by far the superior park, in terms of Rides/attractions? 1) Your hotel is directly across from SWSA. 2) SW has what I think is the best Wooden Coaster in Texas, Texas Stingray. 3) SW has in total 4 Coasters (5 if you count the kiddie) and only 3 adult Flats + 2 water rides. VERY easy to do in a few hours, if you only care about the rides, and purchase Quick Queue (you'll need it for Wave Breaker: Rescue Coaster - as that family coaster gets huge lines & Rio Loco - a very good rapids ride). 4) Seven Seas Food Festival starts tomorrow, and will be running when you're there next weekend. So EASY choice for me here. . . buy quick queue, buy a Seven Seas Lanyard, and eat and ride to your hearts content in those 4 hours. ^edit to add: one of those 3 adult flats is the brand new Tidal Surge - the Tallest and Fastest Screamin Swing in the world. . . and it's pretty damn fun.

so it's been crazy busy at work due to end of QTR .. .but day ends on a great note! My Bonus from work got deposited today (wasn't expecting it today..and the took out less in Taxes than I assumed they would). and then got a work email noting that due to popular demand, the "recharge" days they tried out in 2021 (but made you use Vacation for.. but basically they encourage everyone to take those days off)... were such a success they are bringing them back this year. But, due to feedback from folks, this year they will be paid days! Best part? 2 of the 3 days recharge days are days I had already taken off (for a major trip, and for Dragon*con) - the 3rd day is the day of the FrontLine Assembly concert - so I now can head downtown really early to get parking and eat at Casino El Camino before the show. But I basically just "gained back" two vacation days! and I now have 5 days off remaining I can use during Thanksgiving/Holidays, instead of barely having 3 Yay!

^ Oh Bill. . . . .

Per Park President Jeffrey Siebert's twitter update, the Midcourse drop is now complete! so a big portion of this beast is complete, and only 21 more sections of track to install and they'll have full circuit! can't wait.

Does Holiday World & Splashin Safari allow swimming goggles on the Water Coasters? I wear contacts, and am COMPLETELY blind without them. I almost never do waterparks, because the water kicks up and gets in my eyes on slides. . but I've been told the water coasters here are not to be missed. So my only options are to keep my eyes closed the whole time (what's the point then?) or wear swimming goggles while riding the water coasters. I know most parks wont allow swim goggles on the slides. . .but Water Coasters aren't really slides. soo....... does anyone know? Thanks!

personally? I'd absolutely take the longer day at BGT. . and just hope Iron Gwazi draws much of the crowd leaving most everything else not too bad. there's SO much to do at BGT in addition to the rides (not the same I feel at SW), that I'd rather have the longer day there. . . even if you end up waiting a long time for a ride on IG.

Didn’t skyflyer go where chute out is in that map? for sure Joker and Harley are where that land was they expanded to tho

Lol. My post was a shot at Bill and his love of Frontier

Shhhhh.. I know from my years of hanging out with my Vancouver & Toronto friends that time works differently in Canada. (when they show up, they show up) hmmmm. . maybe Frontier is a Canadian Airline?

it came from where the riddler pendulum now sits. .tho that spot sat empty for a while after they pulled the Boomerang (Flashback) from the park and sent it to St. Louis. you can see it here on the far right in this 2008 map

??

but what will the "Corporate Hates this Park" crowd do when they see it????

@teacherkim who can give some great advice on all these parks (especially since we’re doing most of them in may) in particular? She’ll tell you which water coasters at holiday world are not to be missed my best advice is FL+ at kings island. almost every fl queue drops you right in the station. And you want the + for beast and Orion

Absolutely Texas fly into dallas/fw rent car do SFOT then take the drive down I35 thru Austin (COTAland proper won’t be open but if you time it during an event at the F1 track you can get a ride on the Schwarzkopf Wildcat that’s already up) take a quick detour thru Seguin for a few rides on the unique Switchback at ZDTs. Then continue on to San Antonio for full days at SFFT &SWSA either drive back to Dallas for car return (or if cost is not considered? Return car and fly back from SA) if you have extra time in SA? Can always do river walk or historic stuff like the Alamo. And the San Antonio zoo is a good one some notes: it WILL be scorching hot. Drink lots of water (cups of water are free at all parks at any food service place) the busiest park will be sfot. Because the water park up in Dallas is across the freeway from six flags. On both San Antonio parks? The water park is in the same footprint and drains a lot of people from the dry areas (tho the water rides will get long lines). Also note that at sfft? The water park is included. No separate ticket needed if you like water parks? On i35 from Dallas to San Antonio you’ll pass both kalihari (worlds biggest indoor water park) on round rock. And schlitterbahn (always ranked among the worlds best) in New Braunfels Water parks aren’t my thing. But just mentioning for ME? It’s not worth the detour to Houston. But if you wanted to you’ll also be able to do the kemah boardwalk outside of Houston and the Galveston pleasure pier but come to Texas. The sa parks in particular will blow you away