jedimaster1227

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2010/03/annual-passholder-d-street-sneak-peek/

Europa Park has sent us a press release about their two latest additions to the park. Splashy fun with the water cannons: Roland, Thomas, Michael and Jürgen Mack. The new “GAZPROM theme world – the wonder of energy”.

http://media.universalorlando.com/harrypotter/news.php http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_orlando/2010/03/details-details-more-morsels-from-wizarding-world-of-harry-potter-tour-all-about-portraits-bridges-owls-and-arches.html Dumbledore's Office While wandering the corridors of Hogwarts castle on their way to experience Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey – the marquee attraction of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter ¬– guests will pass through Dumbledore’s office. The office is an exact replica of the one seen in the Harry Potter films, and is the place where the Hogwarts headmaster officially welcomes you to Hogwarts. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – the only place in the world where the stories of Harry Potter will come to life – grand opens June 18. Portrait Gallery Just like the Harry Potter films, portraits line the walls of Hogwarts castle, the home of Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey – the marquee attraction of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. When passing through the Portrait gallery, guests will encounter several magical talking portraits created exclusively for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, including the four Hogwarts founders. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – the only place in the world where the stories of Harry Potter will come to life – grand opens on June 18. Harry Flying Screengrab Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is the heart of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, an expansive new environment at Universal Orlando Resort that will bring the world of Harry Potter to life. This all new adventure combines a powerful storyline with spectacular new technology so effectively that guests will be completely immersed in the experience. Film stars Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson and others shot an exclusive piece of film just for the ride. Guests can experience Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey when The Wizarding World of Harry Potter grand opens on June 18. Griffin Statue Many iconic elements from the Harry Potter books and films can be seen in the queue line of Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey – the marquee attraction of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Guests will pass by the regal Griffin statue on their way to Dumbledore’s office. The wonder and magic of Harry Potter’s world comes to life when The Wizarding World of Harry Potter grand opens on June 18.

It looks like Mark Shapiro is holding to much of his word, and changes are afoot. http://www.sixflags.com/national/footernav/sixflagsblog.aspx

^Or you could just upload the photos to TPR manually and never have to worry about them disappearing...

^^I think he meant that it will be hard to distinguish thanks to the film and the sets around you. Much like with Spiderman and DarKastle, you can be "fooled" to believe you are outside thanks to the scenery and video around you, and I'm guessing that's how it will be with Harry Potter, especially thanks to the video they filmed using the live actors and real cameras as opposed to CGI.

La Ronde has posted some new photos of the latest construction on its new SLC. http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=154980&id=35121913741 Also, a new page for the new Terminator X Laser Battle has gone online. http://laronde.com/terminatorx/fr/index.html

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/os-wizarding-world-opening-and-dark-ride-20100324,0,205532.story? While wandering the corridors of Hogwarts castle on their way to experience Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey - the marquee attraction of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - guests will pass through Dumbledore's office. The office is an exact replica of the one seen in the Harry Potter films, and is the place where the Hogwarts headmaster officially welcomes you to Hogwarts.

^Here you go: http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=39800&start=10#p850080

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3763902&id=91085023598#!/photo.php?pid=3763902&id=91085023598&fbid=380761753598 A birds-eye view of the 211-foot first drop of the new Intimidator roller coaster at Carowinds. The tallest, fastest and longest coaster in the Southeast opens to the public this Saturday!

Universal Orlando has released an early image of the Room of Requirement, which will be the entrance to the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey attraction. Tomorrow, Universal Orlando will announce more details about the ride, as well as the official opening date for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Room of Requirement - Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey On Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey – the marquee attraction of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – guests will journey through iconic locations straight from the films, such as the Room of Requirement. This amazingly detailed scene is where guests board the groundbreaking ride and are drawn into the excitement and chaos of Harry’s life.

http://thedailydisney.com/blog/2010/03/disney-denies-fault-in-monorail-crash/

http://www.dlp.info/News/2010/03/tour-of-terror/

http://www.bluemountain.ca/pdf/Media/9_10/summer%20attractions%20announcement.pdf

http://www.portaventura.es/espectaculos-polynesia-sea-odissey-4d# Translation:

http://www.capemaycountyherald.com/article/60144-morey’s+piers+unveils+four+new+experiences+2010

^Primeval Whirl. Triceratops Spin. They are both spinning dinosaurs... Big difference! I made sure I stopped by Dinoland just for that, and yet I messed it up. I guess since you are twisting my arm, I'll go back and get the right one... The right one being T-Rex Gyration.

^^Andrew, you made my night! ^I walked directly into the riding area and waited no more than five minutes to ride. Even with five people in line behind me, my friend got into a car within ten minutes of waiting. They were very efficient in getting riders in the cars, around the track and back out.

Last Friday, I set aside the day to revisit the Disney parks, as I had not had a chance to do this in a while. During the visit, I redeemed my Richard Petty Driving Experience free annual passholder "Ride Along" program (for those of you that haven't done it, you have until March 31st, 2010 to give it a try) and made stops at Animal Kingdom, Epcot and Magic Kingdom for what was truly a "Disney day." The free "Ride Along" program is a short promotion designed to get passholders that wouldn't have previously spent money to give the Richard Petty Driving Experience a try. The description of the promotion cites that the four-lap passenger run is a $100 value, so to take it for free was a given. The experience itself was short but exciting, though not what I expected. It may be my lack of interest or knowledge of Nascar, but I expected the ride to be feel faster than it was, as it seemed much like a regular car hitting highway speeds at its best. Little time is spent on the outside of the track (the banked section), which again was a little surprising, but I still feel that the visit was worthwhile. I will say that it was truly the driver that made the experience mean more than just a quick ride around the track. My driver was personable and spoke to me for a few minutes before the drive to get me acquainted with the car, find out my interest in visiting that day and even spoke about his relationship with the Driving Experience and the Walt Disney Company as a whole. Overall, the day was a truly great one and I highly recommend taking the time to visit the Richard Petty Driving Experience when you have the time, especially if you can do so before March 31st when the free "Ride Along" program ends. Here we are, ready to roll at the Richard Petty Driving Experience at Walt Disney World. How clever... Here are the not-so-flattering ride along suits... Here I am, being not-so-flattered in my ride along suit. Here is where you get your helmet, your driver "virtual key" and eventually, into the car. Ready to roll at 88 miles per hour! Wrong movie. Hans has definitely got my back! Here's my car! I'm excited to be in the car... And according to the LED screen on my forehead, I want to "BE PETTY." What are LED's you ask? Well, since you asked... They are light emitting diodes, and I have some in my room! My ride went well, until the ghost of Ratzenberger (Bryan and Adam Show fans will know who I'm talking about) came and wrecked my car. After my driver began to imagine he was on fire, I took control of the car and drove it back to safety. I took a photo with the car as a sign of my heroism. Oh, and the driver's initials were R.B. This is where you sit if you want to actually learn to drive the race car (and want to pay money to do so). Of course, like any good attraction on Walt Disney World property, you can buy a souvenir photo or video after your ride. The wall of celebrities has yet to feature my photo, but it will soon. They will be removing the left third of the photo wall to accommodate the addition of my portrait. Hi Elissa! When Jango Fett's jetpack exploded on Geonosis, he decided to get the next fastest mode of transportation--a race car! Laces out Dan! I'd like to buy a tire for $5.00. Would you? My friend called shotgun, so I called tire lick and beat him to the tire. I got shotgun. Over at Animal Kingdom, we caught some monkeys just hanging around. I'm trying. Cut me some slack! As always, some Park Index love for Larry! Primeval Whirl had its track completely reinstalled last year, and now it runs a lot better. Moving on to Epcot, we caught the Tronorail in motion! I'd be lying to you if I said I posted this photo for any reason besides the way the sun made it look. I never earned the "Hiking through the Flowers" merit badge, but I'm sure it wasn't easy. Scar had a rough night. The monorail track cleaning in Future World was recently completed, and now the track looks good as new! Have I ever told you how much I love Garden Town? I am the self-proclaimed Mayor of Garden Town. Unfortunately, my town wasn't open during my visit. Siestas and all. Behind MouseGears, a photo op promoting The Princess and the Frog has been put up. The Butterfly House has returned once more to the Flower and Garden Festival, this time under the Tinkerbell theme. In my five years of visiting Epcot during the Flower and Garden Festival, not once have I seen an alien hatch from its cocoon in person. I guess I'm gunna have to go rent the movie and watch them hatch in Steven Gutenberg's swimming pool instead. "Its a tiny, tiny world! It's a tiny, tiny world!..." They actually did a really nice job tying Tinkerbell into the Flower and Garden Festival this year! Syngenta is sponsoring the event this year. With the upcoming release of the DisneyNature film, Oceans, this planter in the Fountain of Nations plaza features dolphins. Here's an edgy one for you Bryan! The even made an appearance in the annual flower bed over here. Adam Sandler's Iraqi Pete comes to mind when I see this. Even the VinylMation trend has gotten into the Flower and Garden Festival spirit. "What is a chimichanga?" "Beef, cheese and vegetables." "What is a burrito" "Beef, cheese and vegetables." "What is tostadas?" "Will you just order something? Its all the same!" Thumper's just doing his thing. As of this year, Swindon is our twinned town. That practically makes us brothers Swindonians! In Epcot, trees bend out of the way to ensure an optimal view of Spaceship Earth from all angles. Construction on the new pizzeria at Epcot is well underway. This donkey doesn't look so happy. He clearly hasn't ordered his Club TPR membership yet! Trains of the World!!!!! Dopey's looking a little odd. A new gift cart is being constructed at the edge of the China pavilion. A dragon has invaded China as well. The Tronorail zooms by in Epcot. Will we ever get up close to it? Over at Magic Kingdom, we see two teens sitting high above Tomorrowland's Pride Rock, though they probably shouldn't be up there. Over at the Tomorrowland Noodle Terrace which is now open for a short time, you can order a vegetable eggroll for dessert. What's this? It can't be! We found the Tronorail! Thanks for reading!

http://www.newschief.com/article/20100323/NEWS/100329990/1021/NEWS01?p=2&tc=pg&tc=ar

http://www.shocktillyoudrop.com/news/topnews.php?id=14581 http://www.dreadcentral.com/news/36557/dead-central-tours-upcoming-king-kong-360-3d-ride

http://hometownstation.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=19722:splash-magic-clarita-2010-03-23-11-56&catid=26:local-news&Itemid=97 http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal-blog/index.php/six-flags-hurricane--6646/

I believe the latest you can book a seat at any of the restaurants is the standard hour of closing (typically 9:00 pm) for the park. As long as you are in the restaurant at that time, you will be served. Plus, if you are going in at that time, you will be eating through Illuminations' duration and will likely leave right around the time that the inferno barge burn off is done (if they haven't changed they way they have done things from last year). From what I can tell, it is just an extra hour of dining operation, putting guests out within two hours of park closing as opposed to the standard one. I would also guess that it isn't being done during Extra Magic Hour nights.

Disney has announced that it will do a short test of "extra hour" dining after park closure for three of its table service offerings at Epcot. http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2010/03/extra-time-to-dine-at-epcot/ I think this will be a good chance for me to finally eat at Le Cellier (which has been completely booked for the last six months) again, if anything else!

http://www.cfnews13.com/News/Local/2010/3/23/protected_parcel_at_center_of_legoland_construction.html