BlahBlahson

This topic's headline question is really really deep and a response would be a book on philosophy. So I won't answer it... However, coaster enthusiasts are responsible for a LOT of good things that happen to theme parks: Exposure and press, advertising claims, the simple fact that we spend craploads of money at these parks, having input into the design of rides (which yes, has happened), raising money for charity and for raising money for historical projects...the list goes on. The only thing a coaster fan can really do wrong in my opinion is to have a lack of perspective or wisdom on something. Everything that is not good from our community stems from that.

Robb is dead on this one. The ride's system and effects in the end are almost identical in feel to Spidey and Transformers.

So question...does the park now have TWO complete safari rides due to the fact that one was not enough? That's incredible if so. Also, a request: Please do not post any pictures of Eagle's Fortress. They're too sad at this point.

HW is adding something amazing next year, and four hours is not nearly enough time to do the park, since the waterpark is one of the very few MUST visits in the country. Four hours is closer to the time to give KK plus closer and cheaper and only a terrible SLC is for sure coming next year.

I agree with this...B&M coasters are EXPENSIVE. Holiday world to this point has gone with Wooden Coasters, Waterslides, and inexpensive flat rides. With all of the BIG rumors and HW's understanding of quality coasters, I just can't see a 20-40 million B&M being the ticket here. Especially one that is unique, with new manufacturer elements, that drives up cost.

THAT is fantastic to hear. I attended opening, thursday, friday so It's great to see that on Saturday two stations began. This will increase throughput dramatically, the ride is actually well designed for capacity but was bad for the first couple of days.

A few thoughts about Diagon Alley. 1. Diagon, and ESPECIALLY Gringott's is the priority for nearly every single human visiting Universal this week. I've been opening day and twice since, and I've learned that the AREA is hitting capacity before park opening every day, which is nuts, and the only plus time to ride Gringott's is as early as possible. For anyone who CAN come during a lesser season (Early September??), probably a great idea. 2. Getting into the area after 9:30 or so is pretty easy and usually quick even with return tickets, but Gringott's regular queue isn't going under 4 hours and is running at maybe 50 percent of its capability (I've heard 4 or even 5 trains out of seven, but just one station and FREQUENT breakdowns). Everything that is new-Harry Potter that is also not Gringott's has minimal wait times at worst. 3. Everything at Studios other than Despicable has atypically light morning crowds. Only Rockit/Despicable/Transformers are getting even hour wait times in the afternoon. IOA is pretty light other than the water rides, I saw Forbidden Journey at 30 minutes at 2PM on Friday. 4. As for the land itself...The most immersive themed environment in Orlando. It honestly feels like you walked into a foreign country. Rediculous amounts of artwork/detailing/animatronics/interactive elements/new food options. The shops are incredible fun, and are clearly upgraded all around from Hogsmeade. Not comparable to New Fantasyland, IMO it's just excessively better in representation of the property. Little details and fan service just oozing from every corner. 5. As for the ride itself...MUCH clearer storyline than Forbidden Journey, and definitely has some new and interesting technical elements. Is it the clear world's best attraction I had hopes for? No, not really. It rides a LOT like transformers in the end, but again the theming is new-precedent-immersive which really propels the experience. It's certainly an A attraction, top 5 percent in Orlando.

Here's one from left field...Kawasemi aka Intamin Mega Lite. And yes, I know no one else is in this camp with me. Had a day to kill on a Tokyo layover in August, chose Tobu Zoo to get the best credit in all of Japan. Ended up riding about 7-8 times with no wait but the ride just did not connect with me. I found it to feel way smaller than I was expecting and short ride-time, and when compared to Holland's Goliath or SROS or T-Express or Voyage all of the airtime moments seemed really punchy and short as well. The stock name is perfect...it's an Intamin mega coaster but much smaller and shorter with less sustained airtime, so I don't really get why it's a top 5 ride. Totally didn't get it.