Alice Kane

Kudos to the brilliant efforts that went into creating the Charles M. Schulz Museum. What an amazing tribute to Charlie Brown, Woodstock, and the gang -- and to the master cartoonist who made the world a funnier place (and always gave us some food for thought)! Thanks JimmyBo for sharing this unique site with us! Great trip report. Alice

True, they have a clear "too much Walking Dead" tendency! I personally prefer "odd" themes, like in the Edgar Allan Poe house or the "fairytales gone bad" idea. I'm looking forward to see the "Shining" house this year. Multimueller, you zeroed in on some excellent "frights." The French Maid's face certainly caused me a shudder or two. Though my favorite HAS to be Bad Bunny. I'm a big fan of psychological horror, and there's something about benign critters 'going bad' that 'speaks' to me. Out-of-context horror! My twin sister and I have this thing going where we email back and forth to each other "Bad Teddy" illustrations - we try to outdo each other with the 'sickest' teddy bear cartoon images. There are many chilling laughs to be had - especially if we send them at bedtime. Thanks for your very interesting info about Germany and its past/present view on horror. I had no idea of the restrictions that have been in place....and the effort, now, to market Halloween. Very informative! Alice

This exactly. Disney can do what they want with this attraction. Even if there was any truth to this, Disney could always choose not to use the speech that they were given and go a different direction with Hall of Presidents. But with the statement that Disney made the other day, I'm sure there is little truth to the story. All I know is that I won't be visiting Hall of Presidents for at least (I hope) four more years... So go know! And here I thought the Hall of Presidents opening was rescheduled due to the 45th president animatronic 'bleeding badly from a face-lift.' Live and learn! That said, thanks for the Disney fireworks preview. An A++ show! Alice

Thanks for this delightful recap of what appears to be a lovely holiday. (It's extra nice to see the 3 generations of "Les Girls" - Elissa, her mom (Janice?) and Kristen sharing time together.) Robb -- my friends who recently visited Budapest and the surrounding area, said exactly what you said - that there is nothing really comparable to its historic beauty and architecture in our own 'young country," the USofA. We're just toooo youthful! Alice

It was. Lombardi's for sure! Many thanks! (My friend who married a fellow from Thailand had an anniversary reception at Jing Fong. They are both 'well-schooled' in Chinese food and, wow, did we guests feast that night! It became our dim sum 'go-to' for me and friends.) Lombardi's! Alrighty then! That's my next pizza spot to indulge my guests (as well as impress old local friends who need a kick in the pants to try something new)! THANKS! Alice

I must be odd since I'm a NYer and I always look so forward to your NYC trip reports! You remind me of all the shows I should be seeing, the food I should eating, the exploring I should be doing! I, alas, tend to get up and out primarily if I have out-of-town visitors. (Like Elissa said, there is something special about being able to show your hometown to friends - and in YOUR case, to your daughter!) Robb, I was so interested to hear your feelings about the Broadhurst Theatre. It is indeed one of Broadway's loveliest old theaters and the perfect example of what Broadway used to be in its Golden Age. (The days when people got "dressed up" to go the The Theatre!) 2 quick questions - 1) Was that Jing Fong where you had your dim sum? (Great hustle bustle atmosphere with any authentic Chinese dishes you might crave!) 2) Do you and family have a favorite among the Scott's Pizzas Tour offerings? Thanks again for taking the time to put together such a great report. Your enthusiasm for the city always shines through! Alice PS. Am not always on Twitter, so I only just saw your Report.

Technically all the shots are too saturated, too warm, have too little contrast and would be - rightfully - considered as Kitsch (I think, you use that German word the same way as we do?). But when it comes to Walt Disney World I allow myself to go crazy on all those little Photoshop dials. It's magic after all, isn't it? Multimueller - your photography and your deliciously droll commentary have made your Trip Report one of the most fun 'armchair journeys' I've taken on TPR. Walt Disney World is "kitsch" in the very best sense of the word - and to echo your wise summary statement: "It's magic after all, isn't it?" (Hope we'll be hearing more from you in the future!) Alice

I've always been a bit blase about fireworks. But the shows put on at Disney parks could make me a believer. Wish Disney could bring its magic to NYC's 4th of July fireworks. They put on quite a spectacle here, but it doesn't quite compare. To achieve Disney's caliber, I guess we'd need a castle in the middle of the river. Or maybe a skyscraper! (Actually the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island would make one spectacular backdrop!) Anyway! Thanks for sharing this magical new show. Alice

I figured out what attracted me to the colors on this ride. Its color combos - particularly on the deliciously evil dragon head - reminds me of the old chalkware carnival prizes. Before "my time," for the most part , but I collect antique dog memorabilia and have a little chalkware Pekingese (1930's) in those colors. It's nice to see some 'off-beat' looking coaster colors. Alice

I think I've fallen a little bit in love with Pandora. Whimsical and just a tad weird - doesn't get better than that! And, oh yes! Must have one of those baby banshees! MUST! I get good vibes that he/she'll get along with my Shih Tzu. Thanks so much for taking us on this -- (choose superlative here:) -- awesome, unique, ultra-outstanding, supercalifragilisticexpialidocious ADVENTURE! Alice

I've heard of Lito's videos but have never gotten around to watching them. As an avid skier who is always looking to improve, I'm definitely going to get one of his books (there are several different ones on Amazon, now which one should I start with? Hmmm) and will make the time to check out the youtube videos. Thanks!! Hi TBpony. I'm excited to run across another skier who's heard of Lito! I have all his books/videos, but I got them ages ago. Check out his basic "breaking out of the intermediate rut," and since it sounds that you're much like me - "always looking to improve" - then be sure and also watch his moguls and powder videos on You Tube. He's the first instructor who made me realize that true parallel skiing is contingent on lifting the inside ski (heel first) as you turn. He demonstrates that beautifully - better than I can explain it! (If you have any questions, please feel free to email me!) Alice

I started boarding after skiing was taking a toll on my knees and my mother tore her ACL skiing (which means I have a greater chance now too!). I really suck, and it's a horrible learning curve. From what I've been told, it's harder to learn but once you do you can advance quickly as opposed to skiing which you can learn quickly, but then takes forever to get skiing advanced runs. I'm just now comfortable riding the lift and skiing higher level green, but felt like I was starting over with the indoor snow. I would go back to skiing in a second if I thought my knees could take it. Ouch! Sorry to hear about your mother's torn ACL. It's nice, though, to see her back on skis again. Hope she'll give the sport another try. You, too, might want to give skiing another chance. The equipment has changed so much over the last few years, and with the skis shorter and lighter, carving is SO much easier on the knees. Years ago, I improved my learning curve so much by reading a book called "Breakthrough on skis: How to Get Out of the Intermediate Rut," by Lito Tejada-Flores. I also got his videos. This guy's technique was so quick to pick up, and I honestly was able to move to advanced runs simply by practicing his basic breakthrough tips! You can find his videos on You Tube now. (But don't laugh too hard at his ski clothes - this was shot over 20 years ago! I can promise you tho that you won't find a better instructor out there.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D30kkyhnwBU (This is his video that came out when carved skies were first introduced! He's made others, from Beginners to Moguls & Powder - ALL amazing.) Alice (who has never boarded on sand dunes! Bravo to you for giving it a shot! And it's gotta be less 'queasy-making' than those dune dragsters!)

Indoor skiing in the desert! Be still my heart! You all looked like you were have a --- pardon the pun -- KOOL adventure. And I can see some budding skiers flying down those slopes. I've had a lifetime passion for skiing. And a combo holiday of roller coasters and skiing would be my Fantasyland! (Am checking out a Bump for Boomers clinic in Colorado. Claims to be fun, challenging, but just a tad easier on boomer knees!) (I've tried riding (boarding), but had a terrible teacher who chuckled evilly as I splattered myself all over the slopes and broke my goggles. I hear it's a sport that once you master, the learning curve is great. I may try it again, but, so far, I'm still hooked on skiing. (Elissa, do you prefer riding to skiing?) Alice

The UAE is one of the Muslim countries our president loves because he has a golf resort and gets money from them! We did a good 'US Apology Tour' while there, and it was interesting how so many people thought EVERYONE in the US voted for Trump. We explained that less than half of the country voted for him and don't share his values. So we're trying to help with how the world views Americans! Bravo to TPR, our Chief Ambassador of the "U.S. Apology Tour!" Kudos for setting the record straight around the world. My British friends were aghast at our election results, and I've been sending out lots of emails trying to explain that "less-than-half-of-the-country" scenario. "Sad!" P.S. It was quite an education to see how 'modernistic' the UAE has become. It must be a totally unique experience to visit this one-of-a-kind part of the world. (Those towering city buildings are awesome - almost 'sci-fi.') Thanks for your report and for sharing your journey! Alice

Hmmmm....d'ya notice during the presentation that the dinosaur critter never ONCE takes his eye off of host, Brian Morrow?!? Just saying...... Thanks Elissa, for your excellent SeaWorld update. I hope to get down there one day and check out this ever-changing theme park. Alice

Aaah Hunter Mountain. One of my first experiences skiing. But I skied there around the time that Hunter Mt., NY was the "snow-version" of the infamous 'death-by-water' Action Park, NJ! Hunter was a playground for huge tour groups of skiers who'd snap into bindings for the very first time in their lives - and head immediately for the steepest Double Diamonds. (K-2, a winding treacherous trail of sheer ice was their fave first entry into the sport!) And, then there was 'Belt Parkway,' - a fairly narrow intermediate run, the only main drag down to the lodge at day's end. 'Dodge-ems' on skis. Survivors buy the first round! CoasterBill, I sure hope Hunter has gotten their act together these days. It should be a really great home mountain, and the few times I was able to ski it on an uncrowded weekday, I genuinely enjoyed it. Applause to you for working on honing your skills; the learning curve is, thank goodness, a lot less painful today with the great structural changes in equipment. (I learned to ski on the much loooonger skis and there were zilch short cuts to becoming a parallel skier - those long suckers did NOT 'swish around' like the short, curved skis do, today. I know I'm dating myself, but in 'those days,' you went from snowplows to stem christies, to christies to parallel (and, gasp, wedeln) - and lots of lessons were a must to becoming proficient.) Continue to enjoy the learning process - am so glad that you're loving it. For those of us with an Addiction to Adrenaline, (yes, all you TPR coaster fans!), skiing/boarding is one AMAZING and exhilarating sport. I've now skied around the country and Europe, and there is so much fun ahead of you the more techniques you master. I NEVER stop learning - always something new to conquer! (Would someday love to tackle boarding. My first and solo experience was under the guidance of a real bummer of an instructor. I can still hear her evil chuckles as I slid down the slope face first, breaking my prescription ski goggles! I always swore I'd try again - and heck maybe I will. I suspect that there is a large correlation of Coaster lovers to those who share a passion for Downhill Schussing?!?! An adrenaline rush 12 months a year -what could be bad!? Alice

Pardon if this has been discussed before...but I am so curious as to how many coaster fans here are likewise devoted to the sport of skiing/boarding? I don't know how to set up a 'forum questionnaire,' but I'd love to know the correlation of coaster lovers to those who have a passion for downhill schussing. My twin and I were bugging our folks for coaster visits by the time we were 5....and we were attacking the ski slopes as soon as we had $$ and a car. Thankfully, "aging" has not done a thing to curb our appetites for both! Ya don't grow out of it! Reading their Trip Reports, I see that Robb and Elissa are fans of the slopes, and I wonder how many others here share this twin "addiction to adrenaline?!" Alice (skier and coaster addict)

Impressive! Looks like Robb really got this TPR Tour Group into shape. (And this isn't even Japan!) Oh, and not an ECV in sight! Andy, your photo shots are A-One! Thanks! Alice

Thank you SO much for giving me (and all TPR members) a glimpse into Cuba and its theme parks. There is much curiosity in the US about "Cuba Today," and it's an extra-special plus to see how the country has attempted to stay abreast of world theme park growth. It will be really fascinating to look down the road in ten years and see how far Cuba has progressed...and how it hopefully offers its citizens the fun experiences shared by the rest of the world . Thanks again, Maria! Alice

018.jpg I tried the poutine and a nice pint of Alerwerks Chesapeake India Pale Ale. Both were quite nice. I'm intrigued by the Mediterranean-style fries with malt vinegar, feta cheese, and black olives. Unquote Years ago when I skied at Mont Tremblant, Canada, poutine fries were about the only food served around the mountain. Pretty tasty and better than the Trader Joe's version introduced in NY last year! (The Mediterranean-style fries you mention sound a bit British with the malt vinegar!) Great, fun report Chuck. As always, you have a way with words! Alice

Thanks for the book tip, Prozach626. I've already put a hold on it from my library. Gave me chills just reading its description and reviews. Alice

Chilling photographs. I dare any theme park 'Halloween festival' to replicate that creepy feeling one gets from seeing those scenes. Thanks for taking us on a VERY eerie journey with you! Alice

Robb, you have that great contagious energy and presence that holds an audience. I also got a better feel for what you discussed in your Trip Report re your different cultural experiences in Asia. Great job! Alice

My eyes are popping out at your incredible coverage in your Trip Report. I'm still deciding between the escargots at Pizza Hut - or.....maybe buying ONE OF EVERYTHING at the world's largest Disney Store!! I need more STUFF!!! NEED. MORE. STUFF. Alice

One last thought on China and cultural differences. In 1980, before Shanghai Disneyland was even a glimmer in Mickey's eye, my mother traveled in one of the first groups of Americans to visit China. It was a thrilling adventure, but probably SO different from the experience travelers have today! The group had to do EVERYTHING as part of a tour - from dining to shopping. They were only allowed to buy gifts from tourist shops (I think called 'Friendship Stores'), and all eating was done banquet style in hotels - none of that "Oh, I think I'll try that quaint little eatery on the corner!" (Of course, Chinese food was nothing like American Chinese food, so at least THAT was a little adventurous.) My mother said her favorite part of the trip was waiting around for the tour buses in the small villages and trying to "chat" with the local Chinese residents who'd never seen Americans before. They were fascinated and really tried to communicate. One funny anecdote: Before she left NY, my mom called the Chinese Embassy and asked if there were any particular items that Americans could bring in and share with the Chinese people they met. She was told that FOUNTAIN PENS were a "unique item,' and so my mother went to China with bunches of fountain pens! Sure enough, she made many new acquaintances by asking those she met if they'd like a pen! I can't even IMAGINE how much things have changed since her visit!! Alice