Miracleman

I'm not really defending the guy. I know about all the "safety" that he is concerned with at theme parks, and the weird questions he asks. He is antagonistic and not one I would ever vote for. My main point was that Congress is within their legal bounds to be asking privacy questions concerning advertising at children. I also say that Disney isn't planning on breaking the law. I just don't see what Disney has to worry about in this regard. Unless MyMagic can cause g-forces of brain-damaging proportion. The defending him line was a sarcastic joke for the last line. Nowhere in my previous post do I defend Markey the man or Markey the congressman.

I read the full letter, and it seems Markey concerned with what data will be collected, if one can opt out, what the consequences of opting out are, how long the data is stored, and especially with how it would use this data for marketing. It seems particularly concerned with children 12 and under. Maybe it falls under COPPA (the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act) which affects the data websites can collect on children and the ads that they can target at children. If the data is stored in synergy with the Disney websites, it is a legal concern of congress. It didn't read as hostile to me, just questions that should be explored by Congress. Though the FTC deregulated television ads targeted at children, the government is still protective of children being targeted by ads through individual data collection. Markey was within his boundaries as the co-chair of the Congressional privacy caucus. I still don't like the guy, though. I doubt that this will have any influence on what Disney rolls out because I doubt that they would collect information on children without parental control/consent. Though I find Markey a blowhard and distinctly slimy and odioous, I don't think that Markey's malarkey is anything to worry about. Disney's beaten Congress before, and I know they have a better approval rating. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to pack. I'm going to be kicked out of Texas for defending a Democrat Congressman from Massachusetts.

Looks great. I like seeing these parks in the snow. I found it interesting that Anaheim Disneyland is closer to Disneyland Paris than Hong Kong Disneyland (because I'm easily intrigued by seemingly random facts.) I know the park gets a lot of flak compared to the other Disney parks, but that castle sure is impressive. That park is a definite stop on my someday trip to Europe. Because I'm a Disney dork.

Schwarzkopf for me. Admittedly that's a sentimental choice for me, since my first home park was Astroworld. Talk about some legendary rides. Viper (Astroworld) Greezed Lightnin' (Astroworld) Taz's Texas Tornado (Astroworld) (aka Zonga) This one was sheer distilled greatness. Flashback (SFOT) Wizzer (SFGAm) Mind Bender (SFOG) Sooper Dooper Looper (Hershey Park) I know I've ridden some others, but those were the ones I could name off of the top of my head. In all fairness if I were to evaluate the question objectively most of my favorite rides are probably Intamin or B&M, but it just feels special when I get to ride a Schwarzkopf.

Viper at Six Flags Astroworld. It had a tube! RIP old friend.

Earthquest has become a bit of a punchline in Texas. That said, if new developer Chris Brown and Contour entertainment can secure the funding, there could still be a chance that the park could see the light of day, though they should probably look at a smaller initial investment. Maybe phasing the project in. From what I understand they have until the end of the year to secure the investor funding, and will have to offer a project update to the county in March. Though $500 million seems hugely unrealistic and optimistic. I doubt this park will ever see the light of day, but I've been wrong before, so we'll see.

Disney has a proven track record of knowing what they're doing with line management. I have little reason to believe they're going to screw this up.

They could call it ... Astroworld! (I kid. I kid.) In all seriousness though, Houston desperately needs a theme park and I think that the first company to get a major theme park up can and will reap the benefits. It is the fourth largest city in the USA, and Greater Houston the 5th largest metropolitan area in the US. Also, according to Forbes, it is one of the top ten most visited cities in the US. The climate, while fairly hot in the summer, is conducive to a park that can be open, if not year round, at least 10-11 months out of the year. It is the largest US city without a major theme park and climate-wise is an excellent option for a theme park. This isn't going to be a case of 'if' another theme park gets built in Houston, but rather 'when.' I think it would be better to build a park a little further out from the city that way they can buy extra land for room to grow the park. Somewhere to the north on I-45 or to the west on I-10 would be ideal. (There is already Kemah and Galveston Pleasure Pier to the east and south of Houston.) That way if the park is successful and able to expand and become a destination park it could more easily attract visitors from the Big D or San Antone. As far as what to put in a start up park, I think that most of the ideas here have been good. However, I would think that the park should have a "face" or mascot. Something marketable to excite the kids and provide plenty of photo opportunities. A mascot can do a lot for a park especially with bringing in the families. It may even be better to get some sort of licensed character or property. There are sure to be some that could be affordable to a start up, and a recognized property could lend some legitimacy to investors and family visitors.

I think you may be underestimating the popularity of the Cars brand: especially by the under 10 set. They will ride and reride that just to see Mater again.

The most confusing thing to me is that they aren't even trying to have a similar treat. They're using the Pink Things name for evil.

Wait, was anyone truly expecting huge thrills out of Cars Land? I would expect an immaculately themed, fun ride for families. The big thrill rides at Disney parks usually have slightly more "grown up" theming.

^That actually looks like fun. (I know that physics probably wouldn't allow that to work.)

They switched vendors from Blue Bell to Nestle. I don't know why they changed the flavor from delicious cherry to "cotton candy." They went from this To a "cotton candy" flavored push up. Seriously. (imagine this but with grayish pink filling) The sign still looks like this though. No warning. From the Six Flags website. I concur.

They were good and unique. The worst part about it is that they still advertise it using the old signs saying a Six Flags Original. Nowhere does it advertise a changed formula or flavor.

When we were younger, my cousin (not a coaster fanatic at all), after riding Serial Thriller (an SLC) at Astroworld said to me, "That was kind of like Batman the Ride if it was terrible." Weird of her to notice at all. Pretty apt description, though.

Get there early. The lines end to back up at the entrance turnstiles fast, and it is a slow trickle through the metal detectors. I recommend a good 45 minutes before park opening. If this will be your only day there, definitely get a flash pass. Reserve your flash pass online. They usually do open the gates before official opening time. I'm assuming you have a SF season pass, but if you don't buy a ticket online with Discover to use the rightmost "Orange Carpet" entrance. Expect weekends in July to be both crowded and hot. Worst case scenario can expect to see New Texas Giant line reach in the 2+ hour range. Definitely ride New Texas Giant first before that line has an opportunity to develop. Random advice: Wear sunscreen (seriously). Texas heat is brutal. Don't make eye contact with the carnival game barkers (They're especially obnoxious this year). Pandemonium's flash pass line doubles as a single rider entrance. Do with that info what you will. Raging Rapids will get you wet. If the Oil Derrick is open. I recommend checking it out. If Flume One on El Asseradero is open: Ride it! Ride Shockwave once during the day and once at night. Enjoy your day!! It really is a great park.

Yeah, I usually just get the standard or gold on 6F weekends. I'm considering the Platinum for the true breeziness factor, though. I could probably do with just 1 ride on Goliath. I may be Vekoma'd out by this park. I'm trying to picture Six Flags organizing a parade. I can't imagining it ending well. Thanks to everyone for the advice. Now I'm really looking forward to the trip. I can't wait to ride Bizarro.

Thanks for all the advice. I think I'll continue with my plan then. I'm still debating about the Platinum Fast Pass, but I may just spring for it. One thing I can't stand is having outstanding credits taunting me.

I'm going to be in Connecticut at the beginning of October and am thinking of staying that first weekend (the 6th and 7th) to visit SFNE, Lake Compounce, and Quassy, which is going to be a feat due to the rather limited hours of the parks that time of year. I've never been to any of these parks. And Lake Compounce is only open after 5pm for its haunted times. I'm thinking of trying to hit Quassy and Lake Compounce on Saturday and Six Flags New England on Sunday. Though that Saturday is Quassy's last day of seasonal operation so I'm worried I may not have time to hit Lake Compounce that evening. Also, bear in mind I'll be driving in unfamiliar territory. Is this a good plan? Any suggestions and tips from locals would be awesome.

Has anyone seen the new shows this year (i-luminate or AGA-BOOM)? They just started Saturday, and I'm wondering if it's worth spending the time to go see them on my next visit. Those Takis are really good, but I prefer the Doritos version.

Thanks. I appreciate the feedback. This was the first trip report I've attempted, but I plan on doing more, so any feedback is appreciated. I figured I had enjoyed seeing so many of the trip reports that I should contribute. I've noticed some people keep a kind of running trip report thread of several parks. Is that preferable to doing individual tr threads?

It was one of the best trips I've had there. It's my favorite current SF park (as well as my current home park), and has a good ride mix. Very clean. The game barkers get annoying, but that's SF for you. Thanks. I've been to the park multiple times, and I can't tell you how excited I was when the Oil Derrick Tower was open. It allowed me to get some great shots. It's closed more often than it's open because of high winds.

Continued: Pepsi-lovers search elsewhere. Sigh, Let's get this one over with. I'm getting some painful Flashbacks. This is the parachute ride sign. Get it? "Chute" Out. When you see this restaurant, that means Gotham City is near. Gotham City's smaller and brighter than in the movie. Batwing: A Bat Flat. Mr. Freeze entrance through the misting fans. The best theming in the park. Check out the new logo. It now goes backwards then forwards. Going backwards up that final spike while looking down is cool. In Freeze's lair. Leaving Freeze and walking towards. . . Hey, some jerk parked his car in the middle of the park. An oldie but a goodie. Smoother than last year. I still prefer the Great America original though. One day he'll get that Road Runner. Pandemonium entrance. Time to get wet before we leave. Aquaman bridge before. And after. What the Heck is Aquaman doing?This ride has some OUTRAGEOUS theming. Aquaman: This is how you do a heroic pose. Justice League store. I had to snap this. What does a speedy character have to do with Trucking? Up, next, Sonic the Hedgehog's tractor pulls. Bugs Bunny and Pepe le Pew do . . . the electric slide (no, seriously) in front of Silver Star Carousel. Leaving now. A parting shot of the Judge. A parting shot of La Vibora. This picnic area off of the parking lot looks . . . Really nice. And I had to end with the home of the 2012 World Series Champions. Go Rangers! That's all Folks!

No, I haven't got to Gotham City yet, but it's coming. Reverse Blast is really fun. You wouldn't think that launching backwards would make that big a difference, but it does, and it's awesome. The tower shots of Freeze were mostly blocked by Superman, though.

Continued: The best part about Superman: Tower of Power is when it shoots you out of the chimney. Look at those bright colors. Definitely repainted from last year. Steel and Lex Luthor. Supergirl. Steel and Luthor sans fountain. Less dismembery than the Intamin version. Superboy, Lois Lane, and Brainiac. Brainiac doesn't get any banners. Turtle credit. Fish are friends not food. Guns. Eatin' time. Chutes goin' up. Chutes comin' down. Chill out with AAAAAAAAAAAdventure Time! Pandemonium. Here it comes. Just missed it. I like this for the dude passed out on the bench in front of the Judge. Judge station. The park from the Judge line. The Judge looks good for his age. Man, I liked the way this turned out. Majestic. More to come.