jedimaster1227

This is awesome John! Thank you so much for sharing these with us!

Time to get caught up on the latest inside looks that Disney Cruise Line has been providing on what is to come during the Disney Magic's upcoming time in dry dock! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BH6oI8UH8x4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rxv-GPXBdvU

(Continued) On the ground floor I tried my hand at landing the space shuttle... Apparently my years of training as a pilot without auto pilot on Mission: Space have served me well. Thanks Gary! There is also a (more difficult) simulator allowing you to dock the shuttle with the International Space Station. Fast forward 2:26 later... I docked the shuttle too fast, thus failing this challenge. The fact that they merged the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit with the Shuttle Launch Experience totally took me by surprise. This was seriously the smartest move they could've made. Now the launch experience feels like an extra part of the Atlantis exhibit and the lines are significantly shorter, making the wait for the simulator no more than ten minutes. Such a smart move! "Silly humans! All rides must end at the gift shop!" There's certainly no shortage of Atlantis gear! An overview of the entire exhibit as it looks outside. Let's go back in again! Fun facts! This exhibit was clearly built not only with the guests in mind, but with all of those who worked on the space shuttle program throughout the years. Looking back out from the queue at the rest of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. I really, really love this. The money shot! You merely an arm's reach away! Moving down and around the shuttle, you can see just how it interacts with the design of the walkable floorspace. Hard to believe! This really is something else! Awesome. Just awesome. While we were here I figured we could check out the temporary Angry Birds Space Encounter. This was definitely the oddest mirror maze I'd ever been in. But this was awesome! Also new as a part of the Visitor Complex's upgrades was the Rocket Garden Cafe. The Rocket Garden is still an iconic part of the Kennedy Space Center experience. Looking back as we left. I really didn't want to leave yet! The building from the open doors over to the right (and beyond) is a part of the original entrance complex, no longer in use. The great new fountain at the front of the new entrance. Love it! Neat! Another look back... Farewell! The new complex makes quite the visual statement driving in and out of the parking lot. Note: The building on the left of the main building is the Shuttle Launch Experience that was later connected to the new exhibit. And we'll close with some official high resolution photos courtesy of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Thanks again to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex for hosting us at this amazing event. I cannot sing high enough praise for the new Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit. It is truly unlike anything else I've ever experienced and I cannot wait to go back!

On Saturday, Theme Park Review was able to attend the grand opening of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex's Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit, easily the most important (and impressive) addition to hit the attraction since its opening in 1967. Now home to the actual Space Shuttle Atlantis from the shuttle program, this exhibit is the only one of the four shuttle exhibits to feature the shuttle on an angle, allowing guests to walk around and underneath the spacecraft in addition to seeing both payload bay doors fully open with the robotic arm fully extended. The exhibit also hosts a full scale recreation of the Hubble Space Telescope, also able to be walked around and beneath. Unlike the other three shuttle exhibits, Space Shuttle Atlantis has been designed as a total experience, offering a gradual (but powerful) buildup to the reveal of the actual orbiter, including a pass underneath the towering rocket boosters (recreation) as well as two preshows. The complex has also merged into the existing Shuttle Launch Experience building, placing the formerly outside queue and buildup for that experience inside as a part of the larger complex. There are a multitude of interactive experiences within the Space Shuttle Atlantis complex and so much information to absorb. We spent five hours in the complex alone and didn't nearly get to experience everything or read every detail presented. There is simply nothing to compare the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit to... The Kennedy Space Center Visitor's Complex has developed an awe-inspiring package that represents all that the shuttle program meant to Florida, to the United States and to the world, all while allowing guests to really see everything that the shuttle program was operationally in ways never before presented. I couldn't sing high enough praise if I tried. The Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit is a marvel of its own kind and deserves your visit as soon as you can make it--I'll definitely be revisiting it very soon! It is hard to believe just how much the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit has changed the Visitor Complex's skyline in a matter of two years, and that change can be witnessed as soon as you enter the parking lot. And today was a very special day! As a part of the preparations for the new exhibit's expected popularity, a new primary entrance for the Kennedy Space Center Visitor's Complex was created near the rock garden. We've got credentials! The processional of astronauts began! John Zarrella, CNN's principal correspondant for the U.S. space program was the host for the day's grand opening ceremonies. Every astronaut in attendance received a personal introduction including a list of the flights they had been involved in during their careers with the shuttle program. Rick Abramson, President of Delaware North Parks & Resorts (the company that operates the Kennedy Space Center Visitor's Complex) presented some moving words regarding the journey the complex and his company went through to get to this grand opening. Robert Cabana, Director of Kennedy Space Center and former astronaut was also present to speak. Interestingly enough, I met him years ago at a shuttle program event hosted at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort. Another recognizable face was Charles Bolden, NASA Administrator who was on hand to give the final speech. The opening ceremony was capped off with a countdown to the exhibit's "launch." They did mean "launch" after all! After the ceremony we were brought into the exhibit's main space to get a photo with all of the astronauts in attendance. I even had the chance to get a photo with Charles Bolden! Prepare yourself because from this point on, you'll be seeing lots of photos of the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Having not yet visited during the new attraction's soft openings, we went back around to experience the entire exhibit from start to finish as the guests would. The second preshow presents the shuttle's journey on a unique canvas... Just a word of advice... See this preshow twice if you can. Watch first from the front, as the "big reveal" is best there. Watch it a second time from the back to get the full impact of the preshow's story. The big reveal evokes a wide range of emotion from the guests. We heard from others that they had seen tears, and we heard cheering, clapping and plenty of "oohs" and "aws," Cameras fly out instantly. It is at this point when my jaw hit the floor. John Zarrella hung around in the exhibit to see the guest reaction, and was more than happy to take a photo! Even though this isn't THE Hubble Telescope, the scale recreation is awe inspiring all the same. And it is huge! Scattered throughout the exhibit are tons of interactive simulators and learning tablets, including this spacewalk simulator. Seeing the payloard bay doors wide open with the robotic arm extended overhead of the guests is also stunning. An overview of the top floor's layout, filled with the brim with things to see and do! These interactive touchscreens were fun to play with and presented lots of information I'd never seen before! It isn't just about the space shuttle after all... Wow. One of the shuttle's boosters was also on display. Also on the top floor is a crawl-through space modeled after the International Space Station for the kids. The grand reveal from the preshow (we went back several times) is awesome. Standing underneath the shuttle is just as awe-inspiring. They have a neat run-through experience that simulates the journey of landing the shuttle. There's also a fun looking slide, though it was unfortunately not yet open during our visit. Amazing. There's an interactive projection game also on the ground floor. There are also scale models of the space shuttle on the ground floor. All of these are really great to check out! There's a simulator for lining up the shuttle with the fuel tank and rocket boosters. The banners that were carried in front and behind of the Space Shuttle Atlantis as it was rolled to its final home at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Ever have the desire to play with the shuttle's tires? I just love this! A touching tribute to Challenger and Columbia. And yes, there is a space shuttle restroom simulator, complete with "aiming monitor" for increase accuracy. No, you don't actually use it. Yes, they actually have a monitor on the shuttle for increased accuracy. There are so many fun and interactive displays to see at the exhibit, you really can spend hours here! This is the prototype glider that inspired the design of the reusable space shuttle. It is seen in both preshows as well, tying the story in from start to finish. Standing under the replica of the Hubble Telescope is also very impressive! There are some really fun simulators in here...

Kentucky Kingdom has posted the full press conference from the day they announced the park would be reopening. Included in the video is confirmation that T2 will receive new trains. http://www.kentuckykingdom.com/kentucky-kingdom-operator-promises-bigger-better-wetter-park-in-2014/

^Do you believe everything you read on the internet? He's a French model.

http://www.cfnews13.com/content/news/cfnews13/news/article.html/content/news/articles/cfn/2013/6/28/crews_installing_rol.html

(Continued) Been to Tokyo DisneySea but didn't have the chance to visit Tokyo Disneyland. Definitely on my list of must-do's since Grizzly Gulch and Mystic Point have been added. Seafood lovers will delight in this sight as I did. Sushi SELFIE! Hehe. The AquaDuck adds so much energy to the upper deck of the ship. I love it! Hi Elissa! Fanciest restrooms EVER! Europa is the section of the ship featuring the adult bars. Skyline is easily the most clever bar concept I've ever experienced. As you sit in the bar, the windows slowly change to reveal skylines from several major cities across the globe. Here's a look at one... Featuring an appearance by the Disney Magic! A subtle but awesome detail, all of the paintings in the hallways in Europa point you in the direction of the different bars. O'Gills Pub is the ship's sports bar, though I didn't spend any time here. Flapper Minnie out meeting guests during Formal Night. My first meal on Rotational Dining (you move each night to one of three different dinner venues, although your staff moves with you) was at Enchanted Garden. The Wedge. The Avocado & Tuna Tower was seriously one of the best things I ate on the ship! More lobster ravioli! Not as good as Palo's but still pretty great! And for my main course, scallops with couscous! I had to try the Sacher Torte! I also had to try the dessert trio... I have no shame. Throughout the evening Enchanted Garden dims to reveal a starry sky. I really love this atrium chandelier! Behind the Guest Services desk are these awesome maps of the world featuring the current locations of the four Disney Cruise Line ships in addition to all of the Disney Destinations (including Shanghai Disneyland)! The ships are actually magnets, so they can be moved to their exact locations each day. One of my favorite pieces of Enchanted Art was the duo of Pirates of the Caribbean frames that actually fight each other like in the ride! Ello Nigel! Cabanas features this awesome tile mosaic depicting Finding Nemo! With Grand Cayman being our first port, I got off of the ship to mooch off of the free wifi at Margaritaville. Never fails! They even have their own pool and water slide at this location! An actual pirate ship! The Buena Vista Theater is home to the ship's movies. Here I saw Oz, the Great and Powerful, Lincoln, The Avengers and Iron Man 3. They even have kid-sized Dolby 3D glasses! Our next dinner was in Royal Court. If you couldn't tell already, I love seafood. I had to see if the French Onion Soup was up to snuff... It was! I had the lamb chops this night and they were spectacular! The dessert menu's presentation is somewhat unique and calls for a different kind of introduction... This, as you may recognize is a neatly folded menu, now in operation, waiting for you [to order]. We invite you if you dare to be a glutton [like I am] because in tonight's dinner, you are the star... CHOCOLATE! And the dessert trio featuring a mango cheesecake, creme brûlée and a flour less chocolate cake. And to close, the Grand Marnier soufflé! It was AMAZING! An overview of Royal Court. Sign. How did I get this view? Are they leaving me behind? Where am I??? Find out in the next installment!

So I had the chance to sail on the Disney Fantasy for the first time a few weeks ago as the guest of a crew member, so while that didn't mean getting to see a guest cabin for myself (no Magic Portholes), I certainly wasn't going to turn down the chance to experience a Disney Cruise at a significantly discounted rate! Experiencing the ship for an 8 day, 7 night cruise in the Western Caribbean, we made port in Costa Maya, Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Castaway Cay in addition to several (very enjoyable) sea days. [vine] [/vine] The Disney Cruise Line port entry at Port Canaveral is distinctly Disney with an early exposure to some of what you'll be experiencing while aboard. Very clever! One of the benefits of getting on the ship early is the chance to tour the kid and teen facilities on Day 1, as they are restricted to their respective guests after the ship sails away. Had the chance to demo the interactive floor in the Oceaneer's Club. This game was based on Tron! We all play in a yellow submarine... A yellow submarine... A yellow submarine... I'm sure I would've eaten this up as a little kid! The Toy Story area for the younger kids... The Fantasy has their own version of Imageworks' Rainbow Corridor, and it is all kinds of awesome! Vibe is the teen club on the ship--definitely a much nicer teen area than I'd seen on other ships. They have these individual pods along the wall in which teen guests can plug in their iPods, watch movies and play video games. A seriously cool looking venue! The teen area includes a private deck with a jacuzzi and loungers. As you'll see throughout this photo report, I seriously couldn't get enough of the AquaDuck. For the index. Since I couldn't get into Remy for the cruise (it was fully booked), I asked to be able to walk through the restaurant. See the Remy in the window? Bummed I couldn't dine here this time around, but I'll certainly go for it next time! Remy has some really amazing dining rooms. A better look at the "Hidden Remy." Very French. I want this table. Over in Palo, I want this table too. Little known fact: I love glass art. Another benefit of touring the ship before it sails away is having the chance to check out the Senses Spa & Salon. These heated loungers are amazing! I genuinely considered buying a package at the Senses Spa, but simply ran out of time to go get one for myself. Well, that'd be a great view to have for a massage! The first entertainment offering on the ship is the Sailing Away party. It is kind of a big deal. Of course, Mickey and the gang are on hand to help start the festivities! As we begin sailing away, the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at Kennedy Space Center is visible. While I couldn't get into Remy on this cruise, I was insistent on finding a way to get into Palo. I was able to get in on the first night (the one with the least demand for Palo, in case you're planning a cruise on the Fantasy for yourself). Sadly I had to miss Crush night at Animator's Palate to have dinner at Palo, but it was totally worth it! The meal started out with this fabulous antipasti plate! I started my choices off with the appetizer trio including calamari, shrimp and a polenta-stuffed portobello mushroom cap. The portobello mushroom cap ended up being one of my favorite food items I had on the ENTIRE cruise--it was really that amazing! This filet totally justified my desire to come to Palo. Here it isn't just topped, rather doused with warm gorgonzola cheese (poured overtop with a ladle). One of the best filets I've ever had, and definitely the best topping I've ever had on one. Despite my love for the filet, I was conflicted about passing up the chance to try Palo's lobster ravioli (a house recommendation), so I asked for a side serving, and they obliged. Dessert came in the form of the chocolate soufflé, served with vanilla and chocolate sauces. It was AMAZING! Definitely the way to enjoy this one! After dessert, a frozen shot of limoncello is served as a palate cleanser, and it was also great. I ended up spending far more time in The Tube than I expected I would... The venue is seriously impressive with its overhead lighting and its floor screen. There is one piece of Enchanted Artwork on the ship that is actually an interactive game in itself, allowing you to steer a pirate ship in Neverland to collect treasure. It is amazing just how intimate the ship feels at all times. Even when shows are letting out, the huge size of the Atrium prevents the ship from feeling overcrowded. It is a thing of science that they were able to accomplish this! Over in D Lounge, I decided to observe one of the first game shows of the week. Going back to the family-friendly aspect of a Disney Cruise, there are kid-friendly Mocktails available in most venues, to allow the kids to feel like they're enjoying beverages in the bars with their families, sans alcohol. Mirror Mirror features a surprise appearance by Dopey... Also present is the Magic Mirror from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The effect is really neat! The last time I saw this Minnie, I was at the D23 Expo. What a great view to have for breakfast! Cabanas features these awesome sand castle representations of the other Magic Kingdom parks around the globe. Been der. Done dat.

Canobie Lake Park has sent us a press release regarding their upcoming Summer offerings!

http://www.news-journalonline.com/article/20130627/NEWS/306279969/1040?p=1&tc=pg

^There has to be some kind of story or explanation as to what those stilt walkers are supposed to be, right? Until we receive such answers (and probably well afterwards), they will be known as YOLOmen.

http://www.voiceofoc.org/oc_north/article_652d90a8-dd40-11e2-b31e-0019bb2963f4.html

I found a neat relic of this park's short-lived past during my latest search on the park's history... http://silvasdesign.com/work/view/hard-rock-park

https://twitter.com/DisneyAulani/status/349618055552323584/photo/1

I'll admit, this one made me laugh out loud!

^It is great to hear that Superman Ultimate Flight manages to be run so efficiently... The fact that they opted for a one train operation for a new ride still baffles me, but at least it hasn't seemed to hurt the attraction's hourly capacity too much.

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wet-n-wild-parks-in-phoenix-las-vegas-add-lo-qs-virtual-line-reservation-system-210905311.html

http://m.clickorlando.com/news/osha-fines-seaworld-38500-for-safety-violation/-/16721250/20501998/-/15u8btoz/-/index.html

http://allthingsd.com/video/?video_id=528B4FF7-C8CA-42B4-AF89-59DCE53C18F1

^^As someone that was on the 2008 TPR trip, I thought they were okay, and certainly better than the football padding on most other SLCs, but they didn't make the ride experience go from horrible to amazing... More like horrible to slightly-more-bearable.

^I don't think that's how it works.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/os-orlando-world-center-marriott-waterslides-20130626,0,3350460.story

http://www.smartmoney.com/news/pr/?story=PR-20130627-002586&link=djem_sm_tickerAlert_h

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/os-universal-buys-wet-n-wild-land-20130627,0,3790817.story Could this be the first of many rumored land purchases Universal is exploring to expand its borders in Central Florida?