jedimaster1227

Holiday World has sent us a press release about their latest award for one of their park's newest additions, Wildebeest.

Legoland has sent us a press release about their decision to hire PCL Construction Services, Inc. as the building contractor for Legoland Florida.

Quassy has sent us two new press releases about the upcoming wooden coaster project for their park.

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2010/08/disney-california-adventure-park-expansion-continues-with-goofy’s-sky-school-and-cars-land/

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2010/08/‘peoplemover-is-coming-back-at-walt-disney-world/

http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20100804/GPG0101/8040618/Zippin-Pippin-coaster-work-begins-soon-at-Bay-Beach

http://www.wdwmagic.com/Attractions/Tomorrowland-Transit-Authority/News/05Aug2010-Tomorrowland-Transit-Authority-renamed-to-the-%27Tomorrowland-Transit-Authority-PeopleMover%27.htm

http://www.starwars.com/fans/event_news/last_tour_to_endor/index.html http://www.starwars.com/fans/event_news/last_tour_to_endor_update/index.html http://thedailydisney.com/blog/2010/08/last-tour-to-endor-event-will-include-special-star-wars-touches/ It sounds like Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure meets Star Wars & Indiana Jones. The event truly sounds amazing, and I know I'll be there. Will you? Edit: More information has been released on this exciting one-night-only event. http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2010/08/indiana-jones-visits-a-galaxy-far-far-away-at-last-tour-to-endor-party/

(Continued) [coastertube]http://www.themeparkreview.com/coastertube/play.php?vid=IMGP4469_q6tr[/coastertube] Tilt-shift friendly. To give you an idea of the height of the fountains. Time to watch the show from another viewing area. I guess the Jungle Cruise isn't the only place you can see the backside of water. Did I mention that I am a fan of Paradise Pier? Volcanic... Lots of fire! A cool little thing that the fountains do... The last of these for a while. It had to be done. This one was just because I could! There's a little bit of El Toro in California. On the day of Disneyland's anniversary, there was a ridiculously long line for anniversary merchandise. A look at the train station before the commemoration ceremony... Disneyland busted out the Disneyland Orchestra to celebrate the 55th anniversary, but this wouldn't be the last surprise of the day. A nice little set up for a beyond-modest event. I completely forgot to try this, and I should have. Taking a page from the 20th anniversary event for Disney's Hollywood Studios, there was an anniversary cupcake, even more sinful than the last. A red velvet cupcake with cream cheese frosting, gold sprinkles and flakes, white chocolate and more. I approve! I'm gunna regret this in about 45 minutes... At noon, the ceremony began, starting with the arrival of the Disneyland Orchestra. Park Vice President George Kalogridis led the ceremony, introducing several guests after a few opening words. One of Disneyland's most-tenured cast members was given the chance to speak at the ceremony. He is actually the boy picture to the left in the middle, wearing the plaid shirt. He also met his wife, who is also a cast member, while working at Disneyland Paris. Then several children came out to sing "A dream is a wish your heart makes" in multiple languages." Soon, more children came out... With the larger choir out, the singing could be heard all the way down Mainstreet. It was a true "Disney moment," for sure. The the Fab Five came out with a few extra characters (namely Chip and Dale) to wrap up the ceremony. Another surprise was the release of several dozen doves over the crowd. And what's a party without confetti? Very cute! At about 4:00 pm, this was the scene at Mainstreet USA. Why? Because the anniversary sing-along was going to be finished with an anniversary flashmob, including 55 characters and many more cast members. I'll let my video do the talking (blame the jerk for standing up in front, even when we asked her to sit), but you should still get an idea of what was going on. The Main Street Cinema also played some "newly discovered" footage from opening day at the park, including dedications of each of the opening day lands and much more. A classic in so many ways. No where else in the world have I ever seen a full audience of strangers sing a song together in such harmony with animatronic birds. I like this version better than Florida's, mainly because of the Piranhas. I also like this one better, even though our Johnny Depp animatronic looks far more realistic. So close to the Dream Suite, and yet so far. Details, details, details... Tarzan's Treehouse really does blend well into Adventureland. Sitting in the front row, we got completely soaked. No lie... I'm guessing this was added during the major refurbishment, right? Something tells me that this kid's left hand won't make it back to the station with him. Here's a petrified tree, and a piece of Disneyland history together. Sadly enough, I didn't get to see the show at The Golden Horseshoe either. Does anyone else see a face in this photo? Another nice touch for the area. I like this Thunder Mountain's layout/setup much better than the one in Florida.

(Continued) Moving on... I actually really enjoyed walking through Tarzan's Treehouse, although once was enough for me. It does provide great views of the park's tree line. Beware of the bug-eyed leopard. Aaah... Oooh... Tarzan is looking a little dusty... Did I mention how much I love this show? I seriously want to rig a D-Box theater to play this every day. Anyone want to loan me $2000 to make it a reality? I actually really like Innoventions here. Its always nice to a see a throwback to the past. My obsession continues to drive my photography further... One of the impressive scenes from the fantastically-done, Sleeping Beauty Castle walk thru. Mine Train thru Nature's Wonderland. I loved the Sun Wheel as a kid, but I definitely like the new look of Mickey's Fun Wheel. "Bienvenidos al Mickey's Fun Wheel!" A simple but effective touch up makes all the difference. Oh my! Paradise Bay has got a leak! It must have been that earthquake... The Blue Sky Cellar is another unique attraction that I want in Florida. A look at what this side of Paradise Pier will look like soon enough. As long as we don't have Christian Bale singing on the side of the trolley, I'm fine with these. Simple but effective... It fits. Bringing more "character" to the Pier is fine with me. An idea of how Goofy's Sky School will make use of existing theming for Mulholland Madness. What the rethemed coaster should look like when completed. I love the Victorian-era lighting that is being applied to all of Paradise Pier. A new Italian restaurant will be coming to Paradise Pier in the space currently occupied by Pizza Oom Mow Mow, Burger Invasion and the S.S. rustworthy. A look at the new restaurant... Also new to the area will be The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Undersea Adventure. The ride is being billed as the next great Disney dark ride in the same vein of those found in Fantasyland at Disneyland Park. It is cool to see the Imagineers draw inspiration from outside parks, including ones that no longer exist. The ride should be pretty impressive from what the preview videos and photos show. This attraction will be heavy in full size, full motion animatronics. The Pacific Electric Railway cars will also be a nice touch. Supposed to be one of three Ariel animatronics, this will be likely be the most advanced, from what has been shown so far. Very clever! Prepare for more World of Color photos, this time from the Grand Californian viewing area. I really like how this one came out. Wonder why I mentioned moving the Golden Zephyr earlier? This is why. The viewing area lets you see patterns in the light that can't be seen in the normal ground-level viewing area for World of Color. It is also easier to see the "dancing" character of the fountains from higher up. The Buzz Lightyear scene... Fire! Burn the thing to the ground! Lots of color! We've only just begun...

(Continued) Meet Jingles, Mary Poppins' horse. The backside of Sleeping Beauty Castle is actually the front. Snow White has a nice little garden that uses reverse force perspective to work. Our tour guide's planned "special moment" was ruined by the nearby turn of Celebrate! A Street Party... Dopey was a little thirsty. The front side of Sleeping Beauty Castle is actually the back. Walt puts the finishing touches on the Astro Orbiter. L.H. Roth is actually me. Legendary Honorary [Adam] Roth. Walt's father gets a sun shot in thanks. Smaller, in a humble kind of way. Wondering what the Starspeeder 1000 is going to look like in Star Tours: The Adventure Continues? Wonder no further! I want. For scale purposes... See? Looks nice here too! Get ready for an onslaught of World of Color photos! Color!!! One of my favorite photos of the trip... This needs to be moved, NAO! The Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage also impressed me, growing on me with each ride like coral. Ok, I know I'm lame. A very large grouper... They really need to start doing a DiveQuest tour of the Submarine Lagoon like they do at Epcot's The Seas with Nemo and Friends. If they did, I'd fly to California annually just do dive here. Tiki Oom Mow Mow. This sad, scared fish reappears throughout the ride, which adds something extra to see the second or third time around. I like our Angler Fish scene a little better [when the KUKA arm works]. Dory jumped around so much, it was hard to capture her soul in photo. A nice little touch at the end of the ride. A look at the interior of the sub... Hi Larry! Our group viewing of Captain EO Tribute was tons of fun. Man, do I LOVE this show! Rocketeer for the win! The other side of the mural panels, covering the other side of the old Mary Blair murals. A look at the [dark] extended queue for the now closed Star Tours. "It's a trap!" "Big mistakey?" Notice the K-Droid Boombox. Back to my Rocket Rod obsession for a second. Here's where the track passes through the queue for Star Tours. This guy completely ruins the photo. I know most people dislike it, but I always loved the sunburst at the entrance of the park. Okay, I'll give you some credit. This is tacky. Sadly enough, I didn't get to experience Glowfest once during my visit. The Animation Studio building ended up being one of my favorite places to sit and take in the atmosphere. I want one of these ASAP. Aladdin was fun, but not as great as I expected it to be. The show really relies on the Genie (luckily ours was really good), but I'm glad to see it is being kept instead of being replaced by the not-so-popular Toy Story: The Musical. I actually really enjoyed this Tower. Not as good as ours, but it had a better drop sequence than the one in Tokyo. Tokyo still has the best story and Florida still has the best ride. The sets for Aladdin area really impressive. *Drools* *Jaw hangs on the floor* Such an awesome area! According to Lumiere, I most resemble Aladdin.

Here's the start of the Disneyland Resort section of my trip report. Write up to come later. After nearly seven years of waiting, I'm finally back at the Disneyland Resort! Welcome to the Disneyland Resort Esplanade! Being able to walk in less than three minutes to both parks' gates is awesome. I'm here! (And so is my five o'clock shadow...) And I finally get to put my Annual Passport to use! Grizzly Peak always impressed me... The original Soarin' over California was something I didn't get to do during my previous visit. Comparing it to the clone at Epcot, there are subtle differences that set it apart (and actually lead my preference back to Epcot's version). The queue is nice, but I prefer my blue trim lights. Sure. So fast forward to that evening at World of Color. As mentioned in the commentary above, I didn't take many pictures on my first day at the parks, just to make sure that I could focus on my experience first. I've learned from other trips that experiencing too much through the camera lens can (at least for me), make things harder to appreciate down the road. I know it gets knocked by a lot of folks, but I'd give just about anything to get Paradise Pier in Florida. In fact, take Animal Kingdom and I'll take Paradise Pier off of your hands. Over at Innoventions in Tomorrowland, the citizens of the future predicted the coming of Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit to Universal Studios Florida. Notice the added detail of Jurassic Park beneath the coaster, all enclosed in the Universal Cinesphere 360 globes. You do know that eating a stick of butter probably isn't the healthiest option for you. Though it definitely gives you a shiny/sweaty appearance. The tech of the future. If only this Timekeeper had actually retained its Robin Williams voice, Innoventions would be perfect. Tom Morrow as narrated by Nathan Lane is pretty annoying.... Not gunna lie. I decided to volunteer for the ABC Trivia Challenge pre-show for Innoventions... He saw my name badge. My knowledge of Wipeout meant that I won the game. Oddly enough, I didn't get anything for winning. Damn you rug! Notice the team is known as the Astro Blasters. The sight of my wonderful name badge brought him to tears... Then we saw Awesome-O. Like I said, Awesome-O. He stares at you whilst wielding a chalk sword... He can also challenge the crowd to a Fresnonian Rap Battle when prompted. Asimo has evolved from a long line of bipedal shells without souls. His programming tells him that the ball is Nathan Lane's head. He then steps on the ball. At this moment, I stood up and clapped. Little known fact: I am practically obsessed with the story of the Rocket Rods, and I often find myself just looking at the track and the station whenever I get a chance to do so. Proof? My favorite part of Soarin' is the moment where you fly over Mainstreet. You move towards the castle only to get a brief glimpse to the right, seeing Tomorrowland. Peeking behind a few facades is the red-lit sign for Rocket Rods. I could describe the entire scene in vivid detail by heart. And I knew that before I ever went to Disneyland. I also love the Matterhorn as much as Florida's Space Mountain, especially at night. Now this, you can keep. Unlike ours, California's Tomorrowland Terrace actually has people visiting it. A little fact that I learned at my own event's History Walk... The old Mary Blair murals are actually behind these new mural panels, preserved but covered for now. We caught Star Tours less than a week before it closed, and waited in for it nearly 45 minutes each time. Interestingly enough, the extended queue was used, revealing an extra Mon Calamari animatronic. After seeing the original Enchanted Tiki Room for the first time since I was a very young child, I remembered every reason why I dislike Florida's version Under New Management. Our event's private Walk in Walt's Footsteps tour took us into the Enchanted Tiki Room for a more in depth look at Walt's famous attraction. We met one of the singing flowers and learned more about the show from one of the Tiki Room's tenured cast members. Over in New Orleans Square, we found Club 33. I seriously love New Orleans Square and would trade it for Liberty Square any day. I have to throw one of these in here... A look at the replica antique elevator in the lobby of Club 33. And the stairway to the dining area upstairs (we didn't get to go up there unfortunately). A look at the whole lobby (kind of small, but beautiful nonetheless)... One of the few moments that I've ever been "giddy" in my life. Authenticity rules. I've seen this before... This train station was actually used to represent a Civil War-era station seen in the Two Brothers section of the American Adventure and Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln shows. Davy Crockett's Canoes was another attraction I was dying to try during the visit, but it wouldn't be done until my last day of the trip. Another view of the Matterhorn.

http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local-beat/Questionable-Future-for-Rye-Playland-99811849.html

http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2010/08/04/Girl-emerges-from-coma-after-100-foot-fall/UPI-80821280931969/

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2010/08/quiet-cove-pool-taking-shape-on-the-disney-dream/

http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal-blog/index.php/superman-magic-mount-7321/

http://thedailydisney.com/blog/2010/08/disney-raising-ticket-prices-once-again/

So, after over six years of waiting, I finally got back to California, this time for the next WDWCelebrations event, "Fifty-Five" in honor of Disneyland Park's 55th anniversary. In order to make sure I got to experience a little more, I came in five days early so that I could have time to enjoy Six Flags Magic Mountain, Universal Studios Hollywood and the Disneyland Resort, all at my own pace. My first day was at Six Flags Magic Mountain, and started early at 10:00 am, ending at Midnight the same night. The park had me truly surprised by the end of the visit, not only because of its sheer size, but because of the great coasters it had and the unique atmosphere overall. To say that this has become my favorite Six Flags park would be an understatement, as it has become one of my favorite large parks that I've ever been to. The first coaster we hit was X2, which is the sole ride that had driven me to dream of visiting this park for years.While waiting in the 1.5 hour long line, I had the chance to think more and more about what I was about to do, which didn't help. For the first time in years, I was actually afraid of a ride, and by the time I sat in my seat on the outside of the back row, I was shaking with fear. What happened next could only be described as a minute or so of complete confusion, disbelief and joy as I was beaten, thrown, battered, shaken and flipped in so many ways, that I could not speak for a good 30 seconds after it ended. My ride photo (which I will upload onceI scan it in) shows my expression, exemplifying how screwed up this ride was, and the effect it had on me. I knew I would love X2 before I rode it, but I didn't know I would really enjoy it as much as I did! Next, we moved on to Viper, which is definitely one of the better Arrows I've been on. It is a great looking coaster (I think that shade of red really suits Arrow loopers well) and it rides pretty smoothly, save for a few jolts in the neck here or there. Not much more to say about this one. Further down the path was Gold Rusher, which was a surprisingly fun Arrow mine train, so much so that we rode it twice (that could also be credited to the fact that there was no line for the ride). Colussus, Batman: The Ride and Scream were all fine coasters, though nothing significant about any of them to really write about. Tatsu definitely took me by surprise as well, because of the sheer size of the thing. It straddles a fine line with that of Manta for the most intense B&M flyer I've been on, but I think I still prefer Manta (if only slightly). The ride still scared me a good deal, and the setting is truly fantastic. Revolution was a little underwhelming, but that was probably because I was expecting an experience similar to that of SooperDooperLooper at Hersheypark. I don't want to sound like I'm whining, because I'm not with the majority on this one, but the over the shoulder restraints definitely make the ride experience less enjoyable. They don't ruin the ride, just make it harder to enjoy--thats all. Terminator Salvation ended up being another pleasant surprise thanks to the great speed and layout that the ride sported. Since the audio had been down and the speakers were gone, my only gripe could really be that the ride is a little short for my liking, but with that aside, it is another great creation from GCI. Due to a long line, I skipped Deja Vu, as I had done the one at Six Flags over Georgia before it was removed, so I wasn't in any dire need to get this credit. Ridder's Revenge was probably the best standup coaster I've been on, as it was actually somewhat comfortable, very smooth, and very long in terms of the ride length. Goliath was also a great hyper as I had expected it to be. Having ridden Titan at Six Flags over Texas the year previous, I knew what to expect with this one, but it still delivered a great experience. The night ended with two rides on Ninja, which is actually one of my favorite rides in the park, and arguably my favorite Arrow Suspended coaster I've been on. I know I'm in a minority here, but I never thought that Big Bad Wolf was all that spectacular, and up until recently, Flight Deck (formerly Top Gun) at Kings Island was my favorite suspended coaster. Ninja was very smooth, fast and handled the turns very well without much of the shimmying that had bothered me on some of the similar coasters of the genre. Overall, my visit to Six Flags Magic Mountain was a fantastic one. Since getting out to West Coast Bash is not yet an option for me, being able to visit this park during my first California trip in years was really something special. I owe a special thanks to Stefanie and Wagner for driving me to and from the park, and for making sure I actually got to visit during my trip. The day was a great start to an incredible trip, but with nine more days to go, I had plenty ahead of me. Our morning started out in the [long] line for X2, which gives some great views of Viper. I'm gunna ride, thanks. Sorry New Jersians. You can't do this anymore. I seriously love the look of Tatsu and the Sky Tower on the mountain. Why is it that a tree is bigger than Sleeping Beauty Castle? Artsy for the index... Because when I think Viper, I think Axe Twist. Major props for Arrow on making a support collide with the lift hill. Edgy design equals edgy experience. Oh, I see. The "S" twists like a snake. So it fits. Not gunna lie, Tatsu scared the heck outta me. Assembly info is still visible on the track, which is kinda cool, in a Six Flags way. Thru the supports! This was about the moment where I realized I should have held on to my glasses, so I grabbed them off my face and held on tight. And it was right here where I started breathing again. Since the human eye can't look directly into the sun, my camera lens has done it for you. Tatsu really is great. I think I like Manta a little better, but it is incredible nonetheless. I actually like the look of this one. As you've probably guessed, I approve. Ditto. You know what they say all the time for Ninja? "Hai-yah!" Dear lord. Where is Terminator Salvation: The Bench located? Dancy-Dance Coaster construction. Where's DJ Lance when I need him? There is actually a good amount of space to expand with in the park. Once was enough, thank you. I feel for Lenora and her pain. She should've gone with Suntrust. Take the entrance!!! Take the partially-covered walkway!!! I've dreamed of this moment for far too long. Camo-fence really steals the show in terms of queue theming. Somebody's got a new "do" thanks to the tunnel. My vote goes for Pete Wentz, because he's the only one I think would survive Judgement Day. See? It fits. Superman didn't survive Judgement Day. Do you see what I see? Primitive post-Judgement Day Mickey drawings. At least that legacy survived. "I can't see it. Where in my contract does it say I should make reference to a theme park?" "I had to rap about a tunnel. You better say your lines or else I'll bring in Christian, and you know what he's like when he's angry." The Grannynators were taking a nap during our visit. A cool element, but man is it loud! Looks nice from here... I see four tracks. That means this old train has multiple routes. Which means it was used after Judgement Day. See? It fits. Excuse me for a second... I need a moment. I've got nothing. Probably the best stand-up I've been on yet. Probably the best looking I've seen too. I believe this is where Freefall used to sit. Two things closed in this picture. Both of them I wish I could have seen open. Batman was fun and intense, as I expected it to be. I would probably call it the most intense of all of the Batman: The Ride clones I've been on. It really is a parking lot coaster. What more can I say? Turn this into Bizarro already so we can move on. Goliath was fun, but I like Titan more. The extra helix makes all the difference. (I'm not serious.) "No more pokah-strokah. Opera Man cannot make jokah." A little late for me, but what can I do? Also closed during my visit. Shame, because I've never been on a funicular before. And that was my day at Six Flags Magic Mountain!

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gestureteks-revolutionary-3d-camera-tracking-and-multi-touch-systems-power-space-fantasy-ride-at-universal-studios-japan-99838239.html

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has sent us a new press release and photos of the latest additions to their animal family, baby flamingos!

Legoland Florida has sent us their latest press release, this time announcing the appointment of their new General Manager, Adrian Jones.

http://www.amusementtoday.com/

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2010/07/first-look-artwork-for-mickey’s-soundsational-parade-coming-to-disneyland-park-in-2011/

I would personally be fine if this park never re-opens, in the hope that the rides like Round About, Iron Horse, Time Machine and even the ride system for Monstars of Rock get sent to needy parks around the world. Or they could just pick up the park & move it to Orlando. I'd be fine with that too.

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2010/07/new-show-coming-to-disney-parks-this-fall/