Alice Kane

Wonderful photos! I actually felt like I was 'up there' - looking straight down from the top of the Shanghai Tower. It gave me a poignant chill, remembering that similar feeling I first had when taking friends to Windows on the World at the Twin Towers. The rivers winding below the Shanghai Tower had that same feel of NYC's Hudson River and East River flowing way, way below us. Thanks for sharing such magnificent shots! Enjoy your holiday! Alice

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! And thanks so much for taking us along on your adventures at Mickey's Halloween Party. Your costumes were awesome, and Kristen deserves a huge gold star for having the imagination to come up with your theme. I remember the old Epcot Journey into Imagination (1983-1998) - I still have the little dragon figure of Figment - I-Magination - and treasure it. I loved that pavilion. Cheers to Kristen for being Ms Imagination, 2016! Alice

Greetings Erik (of Erik & Smisty fame)! A review does indeed "tell you at least as much about the reviewer as the thing being reviewed," and as a fellow "aging theme park enthusiast," I thank you for taking me back, back, back to the past. The Enchanted Forest reminds me of all the fantastical places my parents took me during the period of the paleolithic ooze. I took such delight in these storybook theme forests, and it's SO COOL that they still entertain generations of enthusiasts. (I'm from NYC, and, alas, can't remember most of the names of these places in my area, but boy were they ever exciting to me and my sisters.) Thanks for your droll report -- you made me laugh AND feel some bittersweet nostalgia for those wonderful family holidays. Alice

Ocean City is the nicest of the Jersey shore towns that have amusement parks. Families tend to stay for a few days to a week. A little more exclusive than the other places. Wildwood (Morey Piers) is next. Many families have been returning to Wildwood for generations, whether it be for week long trips or the whole summer. Definitely has the most retro vibe. Seaside Heights (Casino Pier) is party central of the shore towns. The percentage of families that stay over night has dwindled significantly over the decades. More clubs/bars than the other towns. The town receives a lot of day trippers. Point Pleasant (Jenkinson's) is pretty laid back. Mostly day trippers as families or people visiting from other nearby shore towns Keansburg tends to draw a lower economic status crowd. The town has less accomodations than the other and is a bit run down. Thanks, Larrygator, for listing the surfside towns on the Jersey Coast. I've been trying for ages to recall the name of the resort/amusement area my folks took my sisters and me to many, many years ago. And there it was on your list! Ocean City. It was just for the day and I recall we all had an awesome visit - the beach and the entire amusement scene made for a perfect day's outing. (Funny story. I was about 17 and working that summer in the offices of a local university. I called in "sick" that morning so I could join the family. Being a typical teen, it didn't occur to me that when you're as pale as I am, you don't call in sick to your job and then show up the next day with a nice tan!! I was soooooo embarrassed to return to work looking healthier than ever...and trying hard to avoid the 'smiles' of my employers. Sheepish moments in life!) Alice

You got some truly standout shots! Some of them wonderfully moody in that "feel" of photography popular in the 40's and 50's. That misty eastern shore and the eerie nighttime boardwalk certainly evokes nostalgia to anyone who's familiar with that part of the country. Thanks so much for sharing your art with us. Alice

A Gordon Lightfoot concert is one of the few events that I'd forgive the park for shutting down its rides! (Been "awhile" since I had the pleasure of his midnight concert in Carnegie Hall!!!) Thanks, Chuck, for your fun report. As always, you 'have a way with words." Alice

Aaron, thanks for your beautiful tour of the spectacular city of Paris. You really captured its romantic, haunting flavor! It definitely deserves its title of "City of Love." Alice

So wonderful to see that the Space Program is still thriving and exciting so many people. When I was a kid, the main talk on the playground was Tang, the drink of Astronauts; and Space Ice Cream!!! (And, yes, almost forgot -- doing well in Math and Science. Poor ole me who loved English classes.) Thanks so much for sharing your very special NASA experience! What a great opportunity for us to 'take the tour' with you! Alice

Wonderful photos - both the wildlife outdoors and the wildlife inside The Mob Museum! Thanks for sharing your trip report and visiting tips. Alice

I was kind of surprised at the general lack of food variety throughout the two parks. Most food carts and snack windows sold exactly the same cookie/popcorn/potato chip selection, and if you wanted something different, tough! I feel like the other Disney parks (Tokyo in particular) really benefit from having a good selection of unique dining options, even if it means they're only available in one location (Gyoza Dog, anyone?). I thought food was one of the most surprising disappointments at Paris Disney, considering we were in France, but it looks like it's improved since 2008. It kind of blows the mind that in the country of France where you can stumble into almost any little bistro in any of its regions and enjoy the most exquisite food preparation, that Disney Paris is so remiss in its good food options! Shame! (Although Remy's looks like one of the most whimsical dining experiences to be had in any of the worlds of Disney!) Alice

Mea Culpa. Back on track with divine meatballs, super Scott's pizza and peanut butter and jelly crepes. (But not all at one meal). Alice

Luke's is a cool little restaurant. They only got 6-7 things on the menu, but holy hell are they all awesome! I love the one in Chicago. Shrimp roll FTW! Just curious, are Lobster Rolls not that common in NYC? I know it's more of a New England thing, but I figured there would be some local place that would beat Luke's out. NYC seems to have everything that would beat out a "chain" type place. Not a knock against Luke's, but I just figured NYC would be diverse enough to have some random "hole in the wall" with an awesome Lobster Roll. Hi RaceBoarder - No...as far as I know, NYC has great "hole-in-the-wall" spots for most anything BUT lobster rolls. As Larrygater said, Pearl's Oyster Bar used to be the THE place to go, but Luke's seems to have won over most NY-ers. The lobster is flown in daily from Maine and they give you heaping pieces. Not chopped up 'salad' - but actual lobster meat - no fillers! Plus it tastes so fresh (and I'm squeamish about "fresh fish!"). I've only been to the Upper West Side location, but I assume the other outlets are equally good. Luke's is probably one of the few chain places I'd recommend in a heartbeat. Alice

Great pix from your NYC stay. To me, NYC is a "theme park" with its very own adventures! I love that you all found The Meatball Shop location that is right in my neighborhood (looks like you were at the locale on Amsterdam Ave around 81st St?). Even tho I am only 2 avenues away, on West End Av, because the eatery is part of a chain of restaurants, I'd sadly assumed the food would be "meh," but now, reading your raves, I realize that I've missed out on a good thing in my own backyard! Any special suggestions? Favorite 'balls' you might recommend? (The parmesan cream sauce sounds crazy good!) Here's a fun suggestion for your next visit. If you're in that area again, right across the street from the Meatball Shop, you'll find Luke's Lobster - a casual place that makes the BEST lobster rolls in the city. It's really small inside, so it's fun to take the lobster rolls to Central Park (or Riverside Park) for a gourmet picnic! (And have the peanut butter and jelly crepes for dessert!) Thanks again for those great pix, reminding me of all the stuff I should be getting out and doing in my own "home park." P.S. Kudos for getting your backstage tour of Matilda. A VERY excellent adventure! P.P.S. To those who rode the Cyclone - is it still as wild 'n crazy as ever?!?

Wonderful 'perspective' shots of Wildfire from the gondola. Thanks, Viking86! I really give credit to Kolmarden for creating such a unique safari experience. For animal and wildlife lovers, that is a true fantasyland! Alice

You did it! I thought that almost nothing could surprise me anymore......but the London Orbit slide?!? So simple, yet so outrageous. Thanks a million for your report on this new London phenomenon. I lived in London many years ago, and boy have times changed! Believe me, this slide is what my Brit friends would call "BRILLIANT!" (And your photography really helped capture the total experience.) Alice

Chuck, your pix are a delight, but your humor, as always, is DEElicious. (And may I live long enough to see an "Ed Wood-Land" in Disneyland/Disney World.) Alice

Bet I'm stating the obvious here ...but alas, I think I may see part of the dilemma. Going back into the Dark Ages of my own childhood at KT's age, "fun" was very much determined by having a friend 'my age' along with me. Arrrgggghhh...I know I know.....I'm sure I'm hitting a sore spot now. I totally 'get' that unless it was a blood relative (and maybe even THEN), Ma & Pa Alvey would no doubt be spending the entire year proceeding the event, signing legal responsibility waivers handed to you by lawyers of "Party hereto known as: 'Friend and her Parental Units.'" (Of course, if you're lucky enough, you can get "Said 'FRIEND's'" entire family to join you, hence freeing you two up to actually ENJOY the trip! ) You'll always be a 'hero' to KT, her King & Queen of Coasters, but alas by ages 9, 10, on up, a girlfriend to giggle and go wild with, is a price above rubies! Girls just wanna have fun! (But you all know this stuff, so my apologies if I'm stating the obvious!) Alice P.S. It was so cool seeing your SFGA pix, especially the exquisite El Toro!

GREAT photos! It's fun to see Kristen's first-time experiences on some of these famous/infamous coasters. Am just curious. Does she share your opinion of Mean Streak? Was it still a "thumbs-up" AFTER the ride was over? P.S. Congratulations, Kristen, on making it to 52 inches. The coaster world is now all yours! P.P.S. Cool eyeglasses. VERY trendy! Alice

WRONG! I even read the descriptions withOUT pictures. WHY? Because you have such a cool, edgy sense-of-humor. And I think writers with a sense-of-humor DESERVE to be read! Thanks for a really rip-roarin' trip report. Alice

Robb, I love your log flume song SO MUCH that now I can't get it out of my head! My otologist has diagnosed it as EARWORM and there is no cure. If I send you the bill for the doctor visit, can I be compensated? (I take credit cards.) LOLOLOL!!! Sick humor aside, that is one AWESOME log flume ride, and your song brings that 'special something' a cool camaraderie, to the video experience! "SKLOOSH" and thanks! Alice

And tore down the Canadian Palladium to install the Scrambler. Cannot ever forgive them for that since the Palladium is where I wrote and directed many country shows from 1994-1997. Piano John, OUCH! That must have been a bummer. Great memories literally "scrambled." Looks like those were fun times for you, the cast - and the audience! I used to do dinner theater and I don't even WANT to know what many of those lovely wooden barn-like structures have become. Parking lots?!? Theme parks would be nice....but somehow, I doubt that that's been their fates. Alice

Thanks Chuck. Now THOSE parks are what I call PLAYgrounds! Nice to know that 'somewhere' in the world, adults can "play" without going to a fitness center! Our parks seem so 'sanitized' by comparison. What's life without a little adrenaline rush - at ANY age. Even just VIEWING those wacky spinning, splashing, swinging gizmos gets my energy revved. (Though I might think twice about the do-it-yourself 'spinning!') Was also deliciously creeped out by those 'storybook' dioramas. Talk about "GRIMM" fairy tales! Sure to cause a 'cackle' or two. Alice

Chuck, is Potts an anomaly in Germany (or Europe)? Or are there other such "do-it-yourself" parks dotted around the landscape? Not only would I go nuts over this adult playground, but the droll whimsy of its 'ceramic menagerie,' would crack me up! Thanks for the fun pix (and the equally fun commentary). Alice

What an incredible holiday you had. Elissa, Robb and Kristen, thanks for sharing 5 very special weeks with us. I am in total awe of Europe's theme parks, and I'm still happily 'spinning' on those coasters thanks to your videos. The environment of most European parks sure does stand in sharp contrast to many of our parks here in the U.S. My last trip to Six Flags Great Adventure felt, in part, like fun rides on a parking lot! It's perplexing that there seems to be no major movement in this country to try and replicate the true "theming experience," the whimsy and beauty that is common in Europe. (Altho I do give credit to those family-run parks here that try their best.) Anyway! I'm so glad that you rounded off your holiday with Italy and Greece. You've made some very special memories for Kristen that I'm sure she'll treasure. I still remember standing in Rome's Coliseum and feeling as though I'd been taken back into time. Our guide's pride in its history really brought to life visions of chariots and lions! The authenticity and maintenance of this genuinely ancient structure, (and even those meticulously restored sections), made it all come alive to me. Our guide gave us 'quiet time' to take it all in -- beyond the typical tourist 'herd mentality' experience. As for Venice?! GREAT last minute decision to revisit this one-of-a-kind city. (Kristen must have been awed by it!) It's so hard to describe the beauty and antiquity of that city on the water. And, of course, all the little places tucked away that serve the world's BEST pasta, pizza, cheese (and the city's seafood specialty, Fritto misto di mare). Looks like you found some mighty fine eats! By the way, if you haven't already, you may like to see a most eerie movie filmed ALL OVER Venice: the oldie 1973 flick, "Don't Look Now," with Julie Christie and Donald Sutherland. Not recommended for children, but it's a thriller that takes total advantage of all the mysterious beauty of Venice - with a very neat twist! Thanks again for sharing your amazing 5 weeks in such a terrifically detailed and photographed Trip Report. Now, I almost feel sad - as though MY vacation was over! (Except for not having to do the laundry!) Alice P.S. Almost forgot the most astonishing part of your trip: a theme park with a Raclette Hut! That will forever be my way of contrasting European and American Theme Parks.

Exquisite photos, Multimueller. There is such a raw beauty to the theming of Taron, and you've captured it with such style. I feel like I'm actually "in" those pictures! (Wish I was!) Thanks so much for this 'virtual trip!' Alice