jedimaster1227

I want Beef Taco Box.

"It's almost as good as Dole Whip... Almost."

^Seatbelts are there for a reason. Calling for them to be cut out (i.e. cutting out safety parameters) in favor of faster dispatch times isn't sensible.

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2011/06/a-new-look-at-storybook-circus-at-magic-kingdom-park/

Very nice photos! It looks like your Sony HX9V is serving you well!

Canobie Lake Park has sent us a press release regarding the grand opening of UNTAMED, the park's new Eurofighter.

[coastertube]http://www.themeparkreview.com/coastertube/play.php?vid=Turtle_The_Incredible_Journey_Trailer_dm27[/coastertube]

The Gravity Group has released new construction photos from Happy Valley's new High Five coaster.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has sent us a press packet with photos and video from the return of their popular Summer Nights show, Kinnetix! [coastertube]http://www.themeparkreview.com/coastertube/play.php?vid=BGTB_Kinnetix_Broll_ehqs[/coastertube]

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/peter-j-crage-to-resign-as-cedar-fairs-chief-financial-officer-123573314.html

Holiday World has sent us a press release regarding the recent passing of the long-time employee Frieda Foertsch.

The Grand Reef was definitely a little chilly at first, but you get used to it within minutes of being in the water. It was cold compared to a heated pool, but normal for an animal tank, like you'd reach into at SeaWorld. As for the rest of the park, The River is heated and I'd probably say the water was closer to 82 degrees... Needless to say, we spent a good deal of time there!

SeaWorld Orlando has sent us a press packet including photos and video from the grand opening of Discovery Cove's The Grand Reef. [coastertube]http://www.themeparkreview.com/coastertube/play.php?vid=BLOG_sm_file_Opening_Day_mh8b[/coastertube] And for Theme Park Review's official coverage of the grand opening of The Grand Reef, visit this page.

^Just because it is six months apart doesn't mean that it makes it ok. We ask that you don't bump a dormant thread unless you have a justifiable reason to do so. Please remember this in the future.

^Not to steal your thunder, but doesn't that mean that anyone can get these updates? They aren't just sending you the updates, they are sending them to everyone on the mailing list.

(Continued) There are plenty of tropical fish in the reef that swim amidst the various coral blooms. I see you... You spotted ray, you! You barely notice that there's a barrier here! The guide rail on the side will be used by the SeaVenture guests as they walk along the bottom of the reef. The Grand Reef offers amazing views, even from the middle of the water. It all just works so well! From the looks of it, I either approve or had a smudge on the side of my goggles that I just couldn't wait to clean. They had at least five of the larger rays in the reef as well. Swimming with these was definitely an experience! Have you ever swam with a school of fish? I have, and it is fun, albeit a little stressful trying to keep up. I was soon engulfed by a swarm of sting rays. No really, a ton of them flew right past me as I was taking pictures. See? Looks pretty real, right? The area has a few waterfalls, which add a little flair to the otherwise peaceful reef. Now it is time for my tribute to Dave. Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water... This time, it's really personal! I'm not sure how I got this photo from inside of the shark tank, but I'm glad to say I survived. Okay people, I took it from the other side of the barrier... Don't worry yourself! "The shark still looks fake!" Maximum Sharkage? Approved! Another look at the shark section from above. It really does work well for the guests! Sharkocalypse! Employees were testing the SeaVenture experience while we were there... To give you an idea of what the system looks like. I think they're still working out the mechanics of the system, but it should be a great experience once it is online! Like I mentioned earlier, they colored the reef beautifully! A ray decided to slide into my photo... Ride the Flying Ray! Lemon slushie!!! The River, the park's lazy river is blended quite organically into the park's layout. It also has elevation changes from deep to shallow that make it feel even more real. Time to visit the Aviary! What have we here? This one just posed for us while we took photos... The River runs under and around the Aviary, which is nice. Then this guy just strolled down the path, ignoring us as if we were normal to him. But he did let us take some glamor shots! The Aviary is divided into sections, each heavily themed and filled with birds. You can feed the birds in the Aviary, all food included in your admission! There's been a breach in the raptor containment area. Evacuate! Evacuate! One of the caves in the Aviary had amethyst in the roof. Back! Back! Under the falls! This was another cool-looking bird... We nose a thing or two about noses. Hidden along the side of The River. I tried recreating that iconic moment from The Little Mermaid. I failed. I also failed to flatter myself in this image. Here's a look at the old saltwater reef from The River. Can't keep my hands, my hands, my hands out the cookie jar. The River passes through a neat little cave. The area just looks magnificent! And I close with the good stuff... Lemon slushies! Seriously though, get out to Discovery Cove and come visit The Grand Reef! The new area and the park overall is spectacular and unlike anything else I've been to. Thanks again to Discovery Cove for having me!

So today I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to represent Theme Park Review at the grand opening of The Grand Reef at Discovery Cove in Orlando. For those of you that don't know, Discovery Cove is a "boutique park" featuring an all-inclusive admission (save for a few offerings) with the included experiences being the attraction of the park. No rides. No shows. Just a lush park with some beautiful animals, some amazing reefs, a wonderful lazy river, a very large aviary and unlimited food and drinks included with your admission! The park is known for its signature offering, a "swim with the dolphins" experience, but that wasn't why we were invited to the park. The park's capacity is limited to preserve the intimate feel of the experience as well, lending credence to the isolated environment that truly feels like nothing else found in Orlando, let alone the continental United States. The Grand Reef is a new experience built on a previously-undeveloped expansion pad featuring sting rays, tropical fish and even some sharks. The Reef is built with different levels to accommodate for the different guests. The shores of this walk-in pool are friendly for the younger guests and are a common place for the sting rays to be fed en mass. Deeper in are some crevices and "coral" reefs (artificial coral is used in the reef) where the many fish populate and at the bottom are some of the larger rays. Another section of The Grand Reef is segmented by thick, curved panels of glass, separating the guest from the tank with the sharks. This tank will soon be used for a new offering known as SeaVenture, a dry-for-wet diving experience that requires no certification to enjoy. This offering, while requiring a separate fee, is not yet ready for guests, but is expected to open within the next month or so. Having never been to Discovery Cove, I took some time to explore the park as a whole, and I loved everything that I saw. The place is a relaxation paradise, but has plenty for the active guest to enjoy. I practically swam the entire park and then went back to walk it again twice over in the three plus hours that I was there. Oh, and if I have to make one recommendation for a special treat offered at the park's many snack bars, get yourself a lemon slushie. You'll thank me later... Inside of the main lobby, guests are greeted by a warm and spacious entrance. From the minute you enter the property's main gates from the road, you feel like you are a VIP. I want this for my room. Included with your guest badge (yes, the print one out for every guest) is a mini map of the entire park. Notice the plot on the right says "2012 Future Experience." This was the original salt water reef that opened with the park and closed yesterday in preparation for the opening of The Grand Reef. This time around, mine says more than just "Participant." We were escorted back to The Grand Reef, but not before passing the old saltwater reef which is now closed. Seriously, it is like we've been transported to islands. We aren't in Florida anymore. The park's architecture seems to draw influence from the Polynesian cultures, including the wood frames, triangular designs and thatched roofs. All guests are required to wear wetsuits or neoprene vests during their time in the water. And of course, there are fluffy, fluffy bunnies filled with medicine and goo, which are included in your admission. Some awesome little showers in the park... Welcome home... You've arrived! The barnacled posts mark the barrier between the shark tank and the rest of The Grand Reef. The shark reef will play host to SeaVenture starting soon. Shallows and depths are spread throughout the reef without any pattern or rhyme. The variability of the aquatic landscape just makes it all feel so much more real. This area of the shallows is popular with guests as the stingrays tend to congregate, waiting for their feeding time. The Grand Reef has bridges and pathways intertwined with the area to allow for some great photo ops (I'll get to those soon) and access to the SeaVenture tank. I forgot my milestone paper sign... Darn! No photoshop caption contest for this photo! Larry, this is for you. You stay classy, Discovery Cove. Another neat idea, they actually offer a visual guide for the fish in The Grand Reef that you can strap to your wrist while swimming. Fishy, fish, fish, fish, fish. One of the private cabanas that can be rented for the day. Discovery Cove's signature experience allows guests to swim with the dolphins. I'm sure I'll try this out next time! Back to why we're here... There's a running joke playing against me with this photo, but I dare not say it aloud. Manta? Wrong park. You can actually tell the elevation change by looking at the tint of the water's color. One of the smaller cabanas available for rent along the beach of The Grand Reef. It really is a pretty big addition for Discovery Cove! They did an amazing job with the colors of the reef, making it a visually inviting experience for even the non-swimmer. You really are swimming with the rays. Sheer awesome! It's a little hard to tell, but this is a glass barrier separating the shark section of the reef. The net meets the top of the glass barrier and the glass itself is angled so as to flow and transition better with the rest of the reef. One thing I love about The Grand Reef (and the rest of the park for that matter) is that they've scattered different ruins and stonework in the tanks, the river and the surrounding environment. It all just adds to the realism of the park. They even have a spotted ray here! At first glance, would you jump to the conclusion that this is a ladder? Thanks to the theming, I didn't. The Grand Reef is truly one of the most beautiful settings SeaWorld has ever created! "Look at all those humans in the human tank!" In a very clever move, the park's gift shops sell books for those planning on reading while relaxing on the park's beaches. Over at the park's main eatery, there is an entertainment venue for daily performances. It's five o'clock somewhere. Even the path work in the park is impressive! The Enchanted Tiki Bridge! Very kind. I want to be sponsored by Starfish! Another look at the walled off area leading to the old saltwater reef. It's time to start! I dove in and immediately recreated the opening title sequence for Finding Nemo.

^Hard research through what sources? You'd be more credible if you gave us an idea where your research stems from.

http://www.cedarfair.com/ir/press_releases/index.cfm?current_root=15&mode=story&story_id=306

People are just giving you a hard time, but your heated reaction gives further ammunition for people to play with you. People have a certain sense of humor at TPR and while we welcome you here, we do warn that if that kind of humor isn't your cup of tea, this might not be the place for you. That being said, let's continue to keep things friendly and level. Opinions are fine, but arguments over whether this coaster is a family ride or a thrill ride don't need to get heated. Remember, we're talking about theme parks here! These things are supposed to be fun!

(Continued) I finally know why all the rum's gone... And why nobody had found it until now. Hate to tell you, but this creepy looking spider wasn't a prop. Time for us to move, ASAP! I feel like this would actually be a neat place to watch the parade from. Mental note taken. New Fantasyland's crane is visible from up here too. The fruit looks pretty fresh. For fear of my caption being misconstrued, I'll leave it up to you. Blackbeard recently ousted Davy Jones as the resident waterfall ghost. Davy Jones will return later this year. The Jack Sparrow animatronic at the end of the ride has held up quite well over these last few years. Promotional tie-ins abound On Stranger Tides. So back we went to Disney's Hollywood Studios, as my friend had never before seen Fantasmic. I figured it would be a great opportunity for me to play around with my camera! Mickey's arrival for the beginning of the show. That's Mickey doing his "explosive Nixon." Seamless. Sorry California, I like this better. The world is a carousel of color... Here's where the fun begins! Burst mode is my friend. Isn't it the snake from the Jungle Book at Disneyland? Lord Malificent... Rise! Such a cool transition! Even without Murphy, I like this version of the show the most. Fire! Fire! Fire! Am I back at Paradise Bay? Here's where I started to play around with my camera's settings... 88 miles per hour! He's gone back! Where Doc, where? Back to the Future! Captain EO gloves are awesome! Tikli Moots Moots? You're just another part of me. Thanks again for reading!

(Continued) Demolition on the Fantasyland Skyway Building has finally begun. I hope they at least keep the clock tower. I want to make sure it shows up in all three generations of my Back to the Future trilogy. Signage has been added to the Haunted Mansion queue, giving guests a better idea of what they are getting into depending on which side they choose. The queue is still busy... Here are some of the instruments from the Museum of the Weird side of the musical mausoleum. Supposedly influenced by guest comments, Master Gracey's tomb has been expanded to look like he could be laid flat as opposed to buried standing up. This is still my favorite part of the new queue. Some of the Haunted Mansion cryptograph for your pleasure. Some more new details presented without comment. Not sure if you knew this, but after the last major Haunted Mansion refurbishment (the one where the Escher stairs were added), the old staring portraits were added to the loading room. Captain Culpepper himself! Over at Splash Mountain, an amazing jet burst was on for the Summer heat. My friend had never been to see the Country Bear Jamboree before, so we had to go! Listen to the lyrics. Those guys at WDI (or WED) were tongue-in-cheek geniuses! Whoo boy... Every time I see this show, I appreciate it more. I would even go as far as to say that these days, I like it more than the original Tiki Room. Sleepy bear is sleepy? My favorite. The entrance of Pecos Bills is being refurbished. Work on the Enchanted Tiki Room continues as it is readied for its August return. Thanks to the summer heat, the Leaky Tikis were a popular attraction for the day. I call it an attraction because Hong Kong Disneyland does too. Time to boldly go where I should never have gone before... I don't wanna! Forward is the only way we can go now! I'm going to use the excuse that the next set of photos was done purely for the sake of Larry. Call me on my bluff. Me thinks you can still see the metal support structure in this "tree."

So I went back to Disney a few days ago with a friend that had yet to experience several major (and minor) parts of Walt Disney World. So, in the process I took lots of photos! In case you were wondering which company was which. Lots of Star Tours merch! When 800 years old you get, eyesight not so good, is it? Only for you TPR. Only for you... During the week, the Star Wars Weekends stages gets a minor overlay to better blend it into the park. Only for you TPR. Only for you... The new Winnie the Pooh meet & greet has opened inside of The Magic of Disney Animation Building. Seems popular with the kids... The balloon moves along the pulley, back and forth in the area. A pretty nice touch! The queue for the meet received a minor upgrade as well. Streetmosphere doing their thing! Over at Magic Kingdom, we were greeted with this lovely sign of the times! The longest I've ever waited to see Mickey here, but still not a terrible wait at all! Since riding Cheetah Hunt, exploring the Disney Magic and going on several Star Tours, I've attained magical powers. A fun little detail that the Imagineers recently added... Flash photography reveals an electricity effect in Mickey! It also works on the orb itself! For the last few weeks, Minnie has been with Mickey at his meet & greet. Not sure if this is permanent, but it is certainly welcome. Mary Poppins, right? The Dapper Dans are always amazing! Remember this guy? This was long before we started using transparapaper. Welcome home! You've arrived! It wouldn't be a visit to the Magic Kingdom with a ride on the TTA! What have we here? Is that a real space shuttle? Something's gone vertical... SPACE! SPACE MOUNTAIN! (For some reason, I look really tired in this photo.) The Carousel of Progress's sign is currently missing to be refurbished or possibly replaced. First sign of the return of the Flying Saucers, right guys? Tempting? Back to Storybook Circus... Not much visible work on this side of things, but... The metal support structure for the new tent queue area for the dueling Dumbos has been completed. It went up even faster than the new entrance at DCA! I'm guessing it'll be done and ready to open by next week... Pooh and Tigger have been meeting guests out front of the construction wall across from the ride, which is nice. Exterior work on "Enchanted Tales with Belle" continues to rapidly progress. The support structure for the soon-to-be-framed rockwork on the Be Our Guest restaurant has been installed. And it looks like Gaston's Tavern has also been framed. Rockwork is nearly complete behind Maurice's Cottage. That makes me Six. Things are starting to shape up quickly on this side of New Fantasyland! More facade installation going on at the far end of Beast's Castle. I still think it is pretty neat that they installed the castle facade long before the rest of the building's facade and surrounding work was complete. It looks like Mermaid has quite a ways to go before it is ready. Busy day, huh?

(Continued) Now here was the moment I had been most eagerly waiting for! The decor on the entry walls is just awesome! Sebastion looks a little pale. Watch as... ...the... ...sketch... ...transforms! I don't know about you, but I'm a big fan of fiber optic lighting! Screens are embedded in the walls and are used to better convey the story of the dinner during the show. Now this is different! The previously pictured portrait of Hercules is now full of color! Quite a clever effect! Passing through Shutters, the print-then-pick photo spot. Moving into Studio Sea! More bar shots for Derek. Somewhere around the world, a fan has shed a tear. Oh, I forgot... We're not actually cruising today! Pirates of the Caribbean concept art! This is a very well themed club. Where are we now you ask? A private box that isn't actually for use in the movie theater? Nope. We're actually in the movie theater! I lubs me some movie films! This is known as the Buena Vista Theatre. I wish I could see a movie here... They actually show the ship's progress via GPS as it sails. On to the Oceaneer's Club! If I was a kid on the ship, this would be my new home. Some game stations for the older of the Oceaneers... Not even gunna say it. Kungaloosh? A view from the top floor of the interior lobby. Can you guess where we are now? Guess you'll have to find out during the next update...

Thanks to a very close friend of mine working on the Disney Magic for the last year, I was fortunate enough to do a walking tour of the ship while it was at port in Cape Canaveral about a month ago. I had never been on a Disney ship before (I've only cruised twice, both with Royal Caribbean), so this was a great experience for me to see what all the hype was about, without necessarily having to sail to find out. Being a Disney fan, I found a lot of great little touches that made me appreciate the ship. Clearly, I'm in the right place. Welcome home! You've arrived! Thematic sconces are awesome! I'm technically at sea, right? Our first stop was Sessions, one of the many bars on the ship. (Ignore the random Cast Member I accidentally caught in the shot.) Old ship grandeur meets newer Disney style. Programs for the upcoming cruise are found throughout the ship. Most of the ship's bars have a piano, which is a nice touch. Bar POV!!! Moving on to Rockin' Bar D! Notice the wood/western style construction of the roof? That's because Rockin' Bar D used to be a country bar! Lots of details to take in! So many details! A little out of place, but the thought of Palo alone was very exciting! The bar... Farewell Rockin' Bar D! Found this little gem on the floor... Beat Street! Light emitting diodes, right Andrew? Welcome to the lobby! Hidden Mickey OVERLOAD!!! You are not de first to take dis photo, nor shall you be da last. Lumiere's looked like an amazing restaurant. *drools* The lights actually have roses encased in them, which change as the meal goes on! So cool! I sure hope so! I love glass art... You'll see plenty more photos of this later on too. It wouldn't be Disney without plenty of character meet and greet opportunities. Clever! Is that what we look like from above? Disney offers a touch-to-order photo printing service for all photos taken during the cruise, in addition to the print-then-pick service offered by most cruise lines. The Promenade Lounge has a more relaxed feel to it. For Larry. Being the Parrothead I am, this restaurant interested me. Mas vino! I'm in heaven. I'm gunna make one of my mansion's rooms look just like Parrot Bay. That will be in addition to my Haunted Mansion room, my Star Tours: The Adventures Continue simulator, my Atlantis: The Cove recreation and my pool filled with Del Grosso's SAUCE. LEDs. That's light emitting diodes, if you didn't know. Yep, I'm still alive, despite the fact that I've died and gone to heaven.