SoCalJasonland

We also have a replacement for Fastpass. I would love to summarize it for you but I don't understand it myself Disneyland FastPass replacement: Lightning Lane, Genie+ are the new way to skip lines for some rides https://ktla.com/news/local-news/disneyland-fastpass-replacement-lightning-lane-genie-are-the-new-way-to-skip-lines-at-parks/ by: Nexstar Media Wire Posted: Aug 18, 2021 / 01:41 PM PDT / Updated: Aug 18, 2021 / 03:21 PM PDT Disney revealed on Wednesday the replacement for its iconic FastPass program at its U.S. theme parks and disclosed details about Disney Genie, a free personalized itinerary tool that will help guests spend less time waiting in line. Disney said the iconic FastPass and MaxPass programs at the Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World will be retired and replaced with “Lightning Lane” later this year. Guests will be able to purchase the newly announced Disney Genie+ for a flat fee to gain access to shortened wait times using a new Lightning Lane on most attractions, including Haunted Mansion and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. The new service will cost $15 per ticket per day at Walt Disney World and $20 per ticket per day at Disneyland Resort. Guests will be able to choose one attraction at a time and select the next available arrival window for the Lightning Lane entrance. An example arrival window would be 10:00-11:00 a.m. at a specific attraction. Genie+ also includes exclusive “AR filters” at Walt Disney World and Photopass downloads at Disneyland Resort. While Genie+ will give guests access to the expedited Lightning Lane and a reduced wait for most attractions, it won’t include every attraction. Other “highly demanded” attractions, including Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Walt Disney World and Radiator Springs Racers at Disneyland, will be available exclusively as “individual attraction selections.” Those attractions will be separate Lightning Lane purchases per person per ride, Disney said Wednesday. A full list of Genie+ attractions and Lightning Lane attractions will be released later this year. Individual attraction selection pricing will be released later this year, Disney said. Genie+ is similar to MaxPass, a service previously offered at Disneyland Resort where guests could book FastPass times on mobile devices. Using the previous system at Disneyland, guests could obtain paper FastPass at each attraction. MaxPass, which launched in 2017, introduced the ability for guests to reserve FastPass times without going to the ride and obtaining a paper ticket, offering instead the convenience of scheduling attractions in the Disneyland app. According to Disney, all attractions will continue to offer a traditional standby queue or, in some instances, a virtual queue. Lightning Lane purchases in the Disney app will be made per person per attraction and are not included in the Genie+ flat-fee purchase. Selecting attractions will happen on the day of your visit instead of weeks in advance as with the previous FastPass+ system at Walt Disney World. Both Lightning Lane and Genie+ will launch in the fall. Disney Genie, also revealed on Wednesday, is a free tool available to guests at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort that will help guests build a plan by optimizing their day based on projected wait times and available attractions. “Disney Genie listens to the preferences that guests share with us to help design their best day and deliver an experience that’s made just for them,” Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences and Product, said in a statement “Pairing incredible technology with more than 60 years of expertise about how our guests visit the parks, Disney Genie will personalize their Disney day, allowing guests to spend less time planning and waiting and more time doing the things they love.” Guests can select their favorite attractions or characters, and Genie will “map out an entire day” while updating “your plan, so you can go with the flow as the day changes,” Disney said in a news release. The tool will launch in the fall. “It’s going to allow Disney to move people to other attractions in the park,” said Dennis Speigel, president of Ohio-based International Theme Park Services. “It will alert people if there is a low wait at Splash Mountain… and Genie helps Disney understand the flow of guests.” Speaking about the business impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, Speigel said Disney and other theme park operators used the time to evaluate business practices for the future. “It gave Disney, Sea World, Universal…. it gave them the opportunity to eliminate programs and add programs,” Speigel said. “It accelerated the touchless and contactless part of the business, which increased per-capita spending in all of the theme parks.” At Walt Disney World and Disneyland, all previous versions of FastPass have included a free option. With the exception of private VIP tours, this marks the first time Disney has offered a paid alternative to the traditional standby queues at its domestic parks. First introduced in 1999 at Walt Disney World, FastPass began as paper tickets that had a return window for attractions. Disney World added FastPass+ and the ability to select attractions and return windows through My Disney Experience in 2013. Paper FASTPASS at Walt Disney World ended in 2014. In 2017, MaxPass was launched at Disneyland. When the parks closed in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, both FastPass+ and MaxPass were suspended. Earlier this month, a paid FastPass program was officially launched at Disneyland Paris on Aug. 5 under the Disney Premier Access brand. For $9-$17 per attraction, guests skip the traditional standby line by using this service.

Agreed on October. I have been able to re-ride Ghostrider without leaving the station. because only a couple of people were in line.

COVID only delayed the conversion of this park to 800 condos at a project valued at $2.4 billion. It did not stop it. If they were nice, they could give all their old rides to Trey and Matt Stone and they could build a Cartmanland next to a Casa Bonita. Mui Bien! Or takeover Lakeside and build a new Casa Bonita over there?

When I first watched this video, I thought great animatronics. When I watched the second time I realized how close we are to being replaced at work. I wonder if Spiderman at DCA is made like this? Also, if you can tell me when Boston Dynamics changed their name to Cyberdyne Systems you will get extra credit below.

It looks like the pinball museums in Vegas and Banning, no relation from each other, each decided to expand right before COVID. The one in Vegas moved to the strip near the LV airport and used gofundme and other sponsors to stay afloat. I don't remember the Banning pinball place asking for help to move to Palm Springs and I think people would have donated if they would have asked for assistance. Unfortunately, the Banning pinball location failed. I appreciate your comment and I use to live down the road from you in Richmond, VA and the $12.50 that you quoted for pinball is a great value.

I kind of feel like arcades, FECs, and amusement type places are similar, so I posted this here. The museum of pinball in Banning California has closed and there will be an auction to liquidate the equipment. Banning was near Casino Morongo so nice for gambling and arcade games. Despite the article, you previously were able to play all weekend for $150 or approx. $60 per day. It was a nice family weekend. I am glad the pinball place survived in Vegas. https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2021/07/a-look-back-at-the-museum-of-pinballs-huge-collection-of-games/

They haven't said anything and took down most of the signage., including the wood Mystery Lodge sign. This photo is from Feb. 2020. This is from May 12, 2021. The relax zone sign appears to be wood and not a sticker or something to cover the old sign.

We will miss you on a hot day, Tidal Wave but will probably love the new coaster even more.

Things just changed again this week. I am now hearing that CDC and California have lifted the travel restrictions to California for out of state guests. Universal and Sea World are already allowing out of state guests if they have their vaccinations. Disney has already said no for now. Knotts and Magic Mountain haven't commented that I can see. There will probably be more updates this week. It will still be June 15th that the amusement parks are supposedly allowed to stop the 6' distance stuff, blocking rows, and cleaning trains every other cycle. Until then, I would assume all of the rides are operating at 1/4 the capacity and that the parks are going to have wait times similar to a Saturday in July, just without the heat For example, from the Seaworld website: SeaWorld San Diego is now operating as a theme park. Per state COVID-19 restrictions, attendance is limited to California in-state visitors, and now out-of-state visitors will be required to show proof of a fully completed COVID-19 vaccine (you are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after your second shot, or two weeks after the one-dose vaccine). Guests may also be asked to present proof of residency upon entry. Party sizes may not contain more than 3 households. To adhere to capacity guidelines, and for the health and safety of our animals, employees and guests, reservations and proper face coverings are required to enter the park.

Has anyone been to the park since kids went back to school? I have an appt next week but I don't want to drive 1 1/2 hours each way if all the coasters are an hour wait. Right now I am looking at some online wait times of 100 min for Full Throttle & Goliath, and 130 for West Coast Racers. It is even 35 min for Scream and Revolution. Do those sound accurate to anyone that has been there?

I wonder if it received the full $950,000 that was requested? A warm climate will be good for it as it required a full train to dispatch in cold weather. At least at Scandia it operated that way. It also sounds like they ordered at least one new train as Scandia just had one last barely working train when it closed.

It took me a half hour to get through and I am only 25,346 in line! Yahoo! Is the site working for anyone else? I haven't advanced in line at all. Still 25346 Boohoo! It took until almost 2 pm, but got a reservation.

Ticket sales and reservations will be available April 26th at 10am PST for Knott's. also, per the state of California and nothing to do with the Knott's announcement it looks like the state could fully re-open on June 15th. Hospital ICU capacity is currently over 30% and vaccine appointments are going unfilled around me so things seem a little positive. https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/beyond_memo.aspx "As we reach 20 million vaccines administered and COVID-19 case rates and hospitalizations have stabilized, California is looking to move beyond the Blueprint for a Safer Economy to fully reopening our economy. On June 15, all industries across the state can return to usual operations with common-sense risk reduction measures such as masking and vaccinations. We will only progress to this stage if we continue to stay vigilant, keep wearing our masks and getting vaccinated. The state will monitor hospitalization rates, vaccine access, and vaccine efficacy against variants with the option to revisit the June 15 date if needed. What triggers our move Beyond the Blueprint? On June 15, California will fully open its economy if two criteria are met: 1. Equitable vaccine availability: If vaccine supply is sufficient for Californians 16 years or older who wish to be inoculated. [i] AND 2. Consistently low burden of disease: Hospitalizations are stable and low, and specifically, hospitalizations among fully vaccinated individuals are low."

it is open during the week during the passholder preview mostly 10 am - 8 pm. Schedule is up on their site going to second week of Sept for the park. https://www.knotts.com/calendar-and-hours

I received an email back in September that if I kept paying that I would be upgraded from Gold to Gold Plus permanently and Platinum until the end of 2022. I didn't pause my membership. I was upgraded from Gold to the Gold Plus, but not the Platinum. Did this happen to anyone else? I asked at the park and they said Gold Plus is all I get. Member chat wouldn't upgrade me past Gold Plus either. "Jason, Thank you for being a Six Flags Member -- you truly are one of our most valued guests. These are difficult times, and we know COVID-19 virus has caused many challenges for everyone. Six Flags has created an environment where you can feel safe, introducing new ways to operate to promote social distancing, maximize sanitization, and reduce crowds. Given the situation with COVID-19, we want to ensure you have the flexibility you need with your Membership this year; therefore, we are offering you two options so you can choose what best suits you. Option #1: Keep your Membership active and receive a free upgrade to Platinum until the end of 2022. ...."

I wonder if this is correct for wait times as of 4 pm on opening Thursday? At this point, I will ride anything next Tuesday when I go. Even Scream multiple times if it has a short wait;

I don't mind myself, but the alcohol is creeping further into Disneyland. I always wanted to try a Meyers Rum/Dole Pineapple Whip, so maybe someday! "Disneyland adding a second place to buy alcohol in the park The Blue Bayou will serve beer, sparkling wine and Hurricane cocktails when the New Orleans Square restaurant returns after Disneyland reopens on April 30." https://www.ocregister.com/2021/03/31/disneyland-adding-a-second-place-to-buy-alcohol-in-the-park/

I don't see anything that states you have to be a full time California resident. If you live at your parents house during part of the summer, you are a part time California resident at least when you are here. I would make the reservation and see what the trip reports mention on what documents are needed at the park. I am visiting on April 6th and will let you if someone doesn't get out sooner whether they are checking IDs or just passes and reservations.

It has been so long baby!

Knott's emailed that they plan to finish Boysenberry Festival until May 2nd without rides and then open the amusement park rides/theme park sometime later in May. I am so excited considering the only coater I have ridden in the past year is Desert Storm in Phoenix. I do get to go to Circus Circus for a weekend next month to ride their coasters for the first time in 10 years. Are there any masks that filter the smell of cigarette smoke? Knott's email: "We are encouraged and excited by the recent announcement that came out of the California Governor's office regarding the reopening of theme parks in the state. We know that it's been a long year, and as our most loyal guests, you have been incredibly patient with us as we have navigated through this difficult time together. As we look forward to reopening our gates, we still have some work to do. From hiring and training new associates, to working with Government officials on finalizing guidelines, we will work hard to ensure that we can reopen our park safely for all to enjoy. Our plan is to welcome you back to Knott's Berry Farm this May. For now, we are humbled by the astounding response we have received on our Tasting events. Currently our Taste of Boysenberry Festival is underway and will continue to receive guests as planned until May 2. As announced earlier this year, season passes purchased prior to park opening will be valid for the remainder of 2021, plus a day-for-day extension in 2022 for the number of days the park was closed in 2021. We can't wait to celebrate 100 years of original family fun with you during our Knott's Anniversary Celebration this summer. We especially look forward to creating new treasured memories as we once again open our gates and welcome our family back to the farm. We'll see you all real soon"!

I was wrong too. Rides are coming! Did anyone else notice the date is April 1st? Don't make an April fool of me California You better re-open. https://ktla.com/news/california/some-outdoor-ballparks-stadiums-and-theme-parks-eligible-to-reopen-april-1-in-california-state-officials-announce/ "Amusement and theme parks: counties in the red tier: limited to 15% capacity counties in the orange tier: limited to 25% capacity counties in the yellow tier: limited to 35% capacity no indoor dining limits on indoor rides In addition, theme parks should only be accepting visitors from inside the state of California, Ghaly said during a news briefing Friday, adding that a statewide travel advisory remains in place."

California made an announcement that they are going to change the daily new cases per 100,000 threshold once enough poor people get vaccinated. This should happen in a couple weeks and again in a couple of months. The increase will be "slight" with no actual new tier ranges mentioned but it should get counties opened quicker. Section from March 4th press release relating to re-opening: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2021/03/04/california-leads-with-public-health-and-vaccine-equity-to-safely-and-sustainably-reopen/ "Consistent with the disproportionate impact of the virus, the state is modifying the Blueprint for a Safer Economy to lead with opening activities when vaccines have been deployed to the hardest-hit communities. This modification will shift Blueprint tier thresholds to allow slightly higher case rates per 100,000 population once more inoculations have occurred in the communities suffering the most, allowing counties to move to less restrictive tiers. The initial goal of the vaccine equity metric is to deliver a minimum of 2 million doses to the hardest-hit quarter of the state as measured by the Healthy Places Index. The state has currently delivered 1.6 million doses to this quarter of the state. It is estimated that 2 million doses will be delivered in the vaccine equity quartile sometime in the next two weeks. Once that threshold is reached, the Blueprint for a Safer Economy will be updated to allow for somewhat higher case rates in each tier, with an overall effect of allowing counties to loosen health restrictions at a somewhat accelerated, but still responsible, pace. The Blueprint will be updated again when 4 million doses have been administered in the vaccine equity quartile."

Well, dust off the Knott's thread as it is Boysenberry Festival again. No rides though https://www.knotts.com/play/events/taste-of-boysenberry-festival Season Passholder Tasting Card Pre-Sale: Feb. 9 - 15 Select Dates March 5 – May 2 Guests can catch a taste of the popular springtime Boysenberry Festival, with the all-new Knott’s Taste of Boysenberry Festival. The retail and food event will offer boysenberry-inspired savory bites, sweet treats, and refreshing drinks that can’t be found anywhere else. While the theme park remains closed, the food and merchandise-focused outdoor event offers over 65 boysenberry-infused food and drink items which are included on the event tasting card. Guests can also shop from a wide variety of boysenberry-inspired merchandise including event apparel, kitchenware, and pre-packaged take-home sweets. In addition, you will find handmade and personalized gifts from over 20 artisan local crafters offering unique boysenberry items. Knott's Taste of Boysenberry Festival will take place on select dates beginning March 5th through May 2nd. Event hours will be 12 pm to 9 pm select Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and from 12 pm to 8 pm on Sundays. All Knott's Taste of Boysenberry Festival activities and outdoor dining will be conducted at a safe and socially distant space for families to enjoy. The only way to experience the limited-time food event, Knott's Taste of Boysenberry Festival, is with a tasting card purchased in advance (a tasting card is required for event entry). Regular tasting cards (ages 12+) are priced at $45 (plus tax) and will include five food tastings and Junior tasting cards (ages 3-11) are $20 (plus tax) and include three tastings. Tasting cards are date specific and must be purchased online at knotts.com or through the Knott’s Berry Farm mobile app prior to the date of visit. In order to manage proper physical distancing of guests, Knott's Taste of Boysenberry Festival tasting cards will be limited each day and may sell out.

They need an indoor waterpark with an 167 foot tall water slide marketed to dropping from a vertical height of the Horseshoe Falls. Verrückt was 168 feet tall so it should be doable.

I went to MGM Grand Adventures twice and I don't remember them having a Chaos or any flat rides like that.