jedimaster1227

Three words: Hard Rock Park. But back to the original poster, I have to say that based on my only experience with Great Adventure, I can sympathize over the lost visit, but there isn't much you could have done. During the East Coast trip, we left Great Adventure due to heavy rains, meaning that many of us didn't get our credits. Mind you, we did have the chance to go back (thanks to Robb and Elissa's amazing work), though I opted not too in favor of more time at Dorney Park. Sure, it is a shame that I didn't get to ride everything, but I wouldn't go so far as to blame it on the park. I would just aim to go back eventually, and hopefully you'll have a better experience. Though the weatherman isn't always reliable, it is probably smarter planning for the next time around to heed the radar's warnings, knowing how easily Great Adventure closes up in the rain.

Today I made my way back to Seaworld to see if I could catch Manta during its test runs. Sadly enough, the ride wasn't running during my visit, but I was able to grab some new photos along a new area that just opened up, so I've got alot to show! Just as a reference, this new path I am mentioning was previously covered in construction work (it is very close to the bottom of the pretzel loop); in fact, the last time I was so close to it was during the original Manta construction tour. Goodbye to Manta for now... I have a good feeling I'll be seeing you soon! "Its a steel jungle out there..." Turnaround through the trees! Here is the money shot! The lift doesn't get enough attention. Here is a new look at the entry point into the brake run. And this one. I really like this photo... Such a nice day to be Manta-spotting! For some reason, I really like the look of this turn... I am proud of how well this photo lined up, considering I had no idea or intention of doing so. Twisty! Noted! This will be an oft-pictured portion of the ride, no doubt. I love big, open pathways under big, tightly woven coasters! It is definitely nice to see this path open again! This is a new view... Could these be for protective nets to be held over the paths? Some odd new cables have been added to the supports of the ride's initial drop. See what I mean? There is plenty more rockwork around Manta's station. Work is ongoing closer to the station and "action portion" of the ride. The splashdown is still being worked on. Notice the "brickwork" used to help show a varying age in the area... Rockwork and general landscape construction continues as Manta's main area is is prepared.

Today, I've got an update from my visit to Seaworld, showing some additional changes to the park under the influence of InBev. I was definitely surprised to see some of the more minor things I did, but it is certainly clear that slowly, the Busch influence is being (at least in terms of visuals) removed from the park. Camo-Ducks make a day at Seaworld even better! Much like Aquatica's Banana Beach Cook-out, Seaworld Orlando is now offering an all-you-can-eat meal deal. As a result of the Easter crowds, Shamu Rocks (the seasonal evening variation of the Shamu Show) has been temporarily added to the daily show schedule. The park had a bird handler out today, though I don't remember what kind of bird this is. The old Clydesdale photo op is also missing from the front of The Terrace, even though the Clydesdale Hamlet remains open and fully stocked in giant horses. The old AB logo benches have been removed in favor of brandless benches to match The Terrace. I couldn't remember if this was or wasn't something new... The old history displays are gone in favor of a repeated picture of Shamu to the tune of an Emerson quote. Not much is different here, in terms of purpose... The Terrace still serves Busch beers--they now sell them for $3 a cup instead of giving them away for free. The Label Stable still sells Busch products, making it one of the last locations at Seaworld Orlando to by Bud memorabilia. The old Beer School's waiting room is empty and purposeless. That temporary buffet setup that was open during the initial weeks after the Hospitality Center closed seems to be gone. The old Hospitality Center has been transformed into The Terrace, though I don't really know what its purpose is anymore... Oddly enough, the former Mama's Kitchen has been revamped into the Antarctic Market. This location serves a combination of hot foods and pre-made sandwiches.

Hey everyone! I've got a follow-up report on the latest happenings regarding the former Pleasure Island as well as the newest changes taking place around Downtown Disney. One last look at the gigantic balloon. This view is going to take some time to get used to... For just $50 you can buy yourself a giant rice crispy treat Mickey at Goofy's Candy Co. To help occupy the crowds several DJ booths were situated around Downtown Disney. This one was focused on the Radio Disney-approved music, also offering games and a trivia session for the Disney fans... No, I didn't take part in the session! Replacing the former Summer Sands store, Tren-D opened earlier last week, offering "chic" Disney clothes and accessories to willling buyers. Over in the Downtown Disney Marketplace (the original side of Downtown Disney), the new stage was in use for a concert performance. For some reason, I hadn't seen this canon plaque before... Motion was not nearly as active as it was during the previous visit. All colored lights and projections were off, leaving an eerily white stage. Unlike the last visit, the lights were on inside of the Rock and Roll Beach Club's entrance. Seems a little bit empty, don't you think? For some reason, a hedge barrier has been added to this plaza--yet the barrier doesn't block the entrance to the area itself. The restrooms next to Motion are still open, leaving guests with an opportunity to look in on the shells of Motion and the former Rock and Roll Beach Club. Unlike the Laugher's Cantina, P.I. Live's drink counter isn't open during the day. Though it is a little blurry, you can see the tile design along the wall of Paradiso 37. Do I see lights on inside? A stylish new overhang has been added since our last visit. Work on Paradiso 37 draws nearer to its close. As if Disney finally recognized that Pleasure Island still existed, the What Will You Celebrate? banners have hit every lamp post, reminding guests to Celebrate Tonight... Even during the day. Like I said... Just like my Bar Mitzvah, except these guys would be wearing 501st Stormtrooper armor--no lie. Its just like my Bar Mitzvah... All over again. Does that dancer look eerily similar to Tyler? Stilt walkers, dancers and a live DJ help to celebrate the guests' special occasions by dragging them into dances and awkward songs for all of the crowd to watch and laugh... Celebrate Tonight! is a new DJ entertainment offering set up in front of the former Comedy Warehouse. Management has devised a new way to breathe life back into the dead Pleasure Island... Noted! Depending on wind conditions, the capacity of the attraction can be completely altered. The information board... I must say, I do like the color scheme chosen for the ticket booth and queue area. The former Downtown Disney West Side Guest Relations kiosk has become the ticket center for Characters in Flight. The official prices for the new experience... I'll try it at least once. Characters in Flight (operated by Aerophile) is now fully operational and has been testing for the last week.

My life now has meaning... *hums "Best of Both Worlds*

This may help: http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=137 Honestly... Did the joke really take anything away from this thread? This thread was more active with the ongoing joke than it has been without; clearly enough people enjoyed it, or could at least turn away if they didn't. I don't see why anyone could really be that frustrated with the situation. Refer to rule #16 and carry on with the discussion, however humorous it may be!

This isn't the first time a ride has been made of two companies' tracks... Just look at Phantom's Revenge and you'll see that it is clearly possible. In the Orlando Theme Park Wars, Universal will do anything to trump its competitors, so expect them to pull out all the stops with this ride... I've even been told that Maurer-Sohne has figured out a way to allow wheelchair-bound guests to ride using a new variation of the X-Car restraint, which will essentially lock in the wheelchair with the rider so that they never have to leave their seat, even when riding. When I spoke to the Maurer-Sohne reps at IAAPA, they couldn't help but stress the fact that they were working to make this ride suitable for a wider audience, so it certainly seems possible.

Why does it sound like a little piece of Heritage USA is being brought over? Jim Bakker's probably working on a partnership/investment proposal right now... I certainly appreciate the effort that the company is making with the short timeframe they've been dealt, but with a name as generic as Flight Deck and Drop Tower, I really can't see the marketing working properly. That being said, I'm hopeful that the park can be reconfigured in a timely and effective manner so that the park may see some success, though I'm still planning my Summer roadtrip so that I get over there before the season ends (when the results of the newly reformed park's season will be revealed, for better or for worse). I want to see this park succeed (and I wish it had under the more coherent Hard Rock brand), but I still think the biggest issue the park has to deal with is the location itself.

^^ and ^This sounds like a photoshop contest in the works...

^The Jai Ho Roll is sponsored by the Pussycat Dolls, of course. Though I hear Universal has considered revamping Rockit within the next five years to become Hollywood Red Bull Rockit. You see, Red Bull is the only company ready to come to Universal's aid in light of its financial troubles--this is how they'll save themselves in the coming year... Take that Bizarro!

I'm guessing that this is a Lost related video, but I could be very wrong! Either way, this looks like another extremely creative project on your slate that I know I will look forward to seeing when finished.

Hey everyone! I got back from Italy this past Friday in time for my father's birthday which we celebrated with a meal at Bubba Gumps. Needless to say, I took the opportunity to run over to the parks ahead of the family to get some photos for your all of the latest happenings between Harry Potter and Rip, Ride, Rockit. Note: These photos were taken yesterday. What looks like an additional Hogwarts Spire has continued to grow... And the Flying Unicorn still sits untouched. Nothing major has gone on over at the Potter Box since our last visit either. Or here... Still not too much to see here... Some additional metal frames/spikes have gone up as well. It looks like roof frames, from what I can tell. Vertical work has begun on the former Dueling Dragons/Enchanted Oak Tavern entrance plaza. Ministry of Magic proclamations line the fences of the Harry Potter bridge as construction continues.

Hey everyone! I got back from Italy this past Friday in time for my father's birthday which we celebrated with a meal at Bubba Gumps. Needless to say, I took the opportunity to run over to the parks ahead of the family to get some photos for your all of the latest happenings between Harry Potter and Rip, Ride, Rockit. Note: These photos were taken yesterday. One more "sun shot" to wrap up this report... Though it is still not ready... Work is being done to fix the "fail." Work continues of the firehouse bust-thru. One last shot of the active production at work. The non-inverting loop continues to look more impressive with every visit. There was no evidence as to what the filming was for, though the people seen on the stage were dancing to various rap songs blasted over the speakers. This drop looks like it will be great! The newly constructed Hollywood Bowl stage was used for some filming. This bay looks ready to start holding some trains... The maintenance bay and train storage building is attached directly to the right of the station. It's a tripod! See what I mean? Expect to see more "Rockit Red" throughout the station as the weeks progress. Most of the construction focus has moved to the station. "Lonely... I'm so lonely... I have nobody... All on my own..." Work on the station continues... Even though nothing new has been added to the lift, the tower itself still provides a clear picture of what is to come. One last piece of track has yet to be installed on this side of the ride. Same... Nothing new here. Looking good... The CityWalk portion of the coaster looks like it will keep the pace of the coaster through the end.

^On that same note, I've always thought the waterpark footage that has been shown in past years was unique. Any chance we'll see additional waterpark coverage in expeditions to come? I think a DVD covering the less conventional aspects of a park like their dark rides, water rides and waterparks would certainly be interesting. If anything, it would be unique and entertaining in a way only TPR can make it to be.

When I first started purchasing the TPR DVDs, I only watched the first disc, as it contained the Music Videos, but later on I realized that there was more to the package. I think it was with Volume 7 that I started watching the accompanying discs, and since then I have been watching them as much as I do the primary discs. I even went back to Volume 1-6 and watched all of their extra DVDs as well. To me, the primary disc is a perfect show of the TPR "experience" and fun that goes with it. But, for the coaster lover that prefers to see his footage of a park together, with music and still with some people, I find that the second disc still offers plenty to enjoy. I still love Coasters in the Raw, but I definitely like having some sort of music in the background as well as personal touches throughout the video to make it more colorful.

This new season sounds extremely exciting! Again, let me know (when you get closer to the date) what days you will be at Seaworld Orlando and Universal Orlando as I will me than happy to meet up with you as we discussed earlier!

I know this seems like quite a bump, but I figured after my visit this weekend, that with very little coverage of the current state of Downtown Disney (specifically Pleasure Island), it would be appropriate to post the latest photos of whats going on in the dead location. I don't typically do this, but I feel that the photos and status update warrented the post. It is certainly sad to see this area sit unused, considering that Disney doesn't have anything to fill the old clubs with (except for E-Brands Paradiso 37 restaurant). Now all guests have to see is the remains of a once lively area, now reduced to silence. Would like some Adventurer's Club popcorn? Neither would I. This entrance to 8Traxx has been blocked off as well. Another intro plaque for Pleasure Island's canon. A mix of old and new. I doubt that some of these rules are a worry anymore. The Pleasure Island history introduction plaque at the main entrance. I really liked this photo for some reason. The old ticket booths go unused as well. Portabello has received a complete makeover inside and out. The former map panel for Pleasure Island has been adorned with generic resort dressings. The entrance to this tiny overhang is blocked by a chain; as is the elevator. A little mythology for thought... Mannequins' marquee has been covered up... Another remnant of Pleasure Island's past. This sign is still visible from the entrance of the Rock and Roll Beach Club. One of the last pieces of the original Pleasure Island scenery watches over people as they inspect the dead area. Even the Motion projections were operating! From what my friend remembered, not much had changed in this club since its closure. Though Motion's exterior has lost its signage, the interior of the former club remains active as a venue for rent. Pleasure Island featured canonical plaques explaining the history of each building (based on their original tennants) in the scheme of the Pleasure Island mythology. The Beach Club's plaque is no longer accessible thanks to a chain blocking off the stairs. The Rock and Roll Beach Club has been closed longer than any of the other clubs and yet, its sign still remains for all to see. To help bring life into the dead area, P.I. Live was quietly re-instated with more family-friendly music selections to be played in the evenings at the Island. Paradiso 37's entrance is currently under construction. A rather visible door announces that Mannequins still exists in some form (the main entrance does so as well). At least 8Traxx is missing its name so guests don't assume it is still a working club. The old brown paint scheme is being replaced with a new white shell. E-Brands Paradiso 37 is beginning to take shape... One of the old ticket booths is blocked by a wall and some colored covers. I was never able to visit the Adventurer's Club but I know many people who claimed it was an amazing experience... Again, the signage for the former club announces its purpose, but certainly doesn't let people know that it is closed. The interior remains virtually untouched; lined with chairs but missing the people to fill them. The Soundstage Club is much like Sounds Dangerous! (at Disney's Hollywood Studios) right now--they're both dead. Much like the other clubs, the former BET Soundstage Club sits dormant. I'm not sure why the old sign remains sans the BET name, considering they could have just removed the entire sign. Characters in Flight's platform is nearly complete. Disney's latest tethered balloon experience will be known as Characters in Flight. The former Downtown Disney West Side Guest Relations desk will soon become the ticket location for Characters in Flight (Operated by Aerophile), the resort's new tethered balloon ride. Just recently announced, Virgin Megastore will be closing on May 31st, 2009. Am I the only one that finds this poster to be released a little late in the game?

Today's visit to Universal was extremely unique for me because I was able to see Rip, Ride, Rockit actively being pieced together (as you will see below). With the colossal non-inverting loop now complete, all that remains is the installation of the lift and first drop track as well as the final track leading into the station (with the station track to be installed as well). Having seen the lift pieces sitting on the storage lot for nearly two weeks, it has been an exciting time in the ride's construction phase--this ride looks like it will be fantastic. Here is a quick slideshow/gif of the placement of a piece of track during today's construction: One last Rockit shot as I leave the park... I look forward to seeing you soon! By the time I left the Studios, the piece of track had not been installed. The new coaster can be seen from anywhere in the park... The reach envelopes show that there is still some work to be done on this fly-thru. Double fail! While the lift remains under construction Universal should temporarily repurpose it. Upcharge bungee jump anyone? A closer look at this twisted element. I was once worried that the non-inverting loop was purely a gimmick, but I believe now that I was mistaken. This could be a very interesting portion of the ride to experience. Isn't she a beauty? This stylish Hollywood banner/picture adorns the side of the studio buildings that nestle the Hollywood Bowl. This is no easy task. Workers get in place to guide the track into position. "Better, closer, warmer..." -Jack Black Down we go! I guess I got here at the right time, as this piece of track was ready for install. A view from the ground of the Citywalk-side fly-over. This wasn't intentional, but I definitely like the sun shot (its becoming a traditional shot for me). Here's a brake shot for the enthusiasts. Will these be lighted stairs? The station continues to take shape as work goes on. This lonely piece of track waits for the installation of its partner... Just to give you an idea of how much this ride flies over the guest areas... I'm excited about this element already! The ride's station has received a new red coat of paint to match the ride's own color scheme. You can see the outline of a stairway beginning to take shape. I'm not sure why this guy was aiming a saw at the ground... Rockit is truly massive! This reminds me somewhat of the B&M "tilt loop" from Rollercoaster Tycoon 3. What's wrong with this picture? Universal wanted a coaster that people could see from all around Citywalk. They got it. It wouldn't be a Universal update from me if there wasn't a mention of Blue Man Group somewhere along the line...

It seems that a few poeple already posted similar shots to what I saw today, but I'll go ahead and post the few Wizarding World photos I've got from my visit. While work continues on the "Harry Potter Box," very little has been done to the former Dueling Dragons entrance/Enchanted Oak Tavern area. I'm still surprised how delayed their work has been on this area and am curious to see how quickly work will be completed once it begins. Can anyone guess what this will be? The Flying Unicorn remains virtually untouched as well. So little to see... And the other side continues to receive additional work... There is another new extension to "The Box."

^^^^^The prep for the construction pour (the giant area that will eventually be "The Ocean") is certainly a major part of the remaining work. Besides that, there is still a good portion of rockwork left to complete, along with detailing of the station and queue areas. ^^I agree that it will definitely be an exciting element of the ride. When imagining what the ride will be like (based on what we see now) it is still a bit difficult, considering that my only experience with a similar coaster is with the two Superman: Ultimate Flights at Six Flags Great Adventure and Six Flags over Georgia. I can't help but anticipate the experience knowing that there will be more to see (and nearly skim) than a field of grass. ^I'm still not sure if I'll be there on opening day. It will all depend on what is going on at that time and where I am at that time of the month.

Today I visited the park in hopes that the rumors about a 3:00 pm test run would be true. While it seems that the Manta team was trying to get things running today (and that is based on observation alone), work was still being done on the pre-lift hydraulics as well, among other things. I hope to see Manta doing test runs by the time I return... An overview of the "splashdown" area. Another entrance to the aquarium is being wrapped by rockwork. Or another? And what would my Manta report be without a "sun shot?" But here is the real "money shot!" This is another one of those photos that I am proud of. The station was unfortunately empty, giving me enough reason to believe that the test run would not happen during my visit. A look towards the park entrance from the Manta construction site. Another building is receiving its red coat of paint. The cherrypicker men checking the lift... This side of the area has received its main walkway, and once the "ocean" is filled on the entrance side, we will see one there as well. Can anyone tell what is inside of this doorway? From the "Pizza" quick service location, I was able to see this side of the station. I, along with two workers watched for fifteen minutes as one of the construction managers surveyed the area. They were told that the tests were supposed to happen today as well. These two guys were riding around on a cherrypicker checking several parts of the lift and of the surrounding area. I really am getting used to seeing this at my home park. Today, technicians were working on the hydraulics responsible for moving the station switchtrack back and forth. I saw the system work twice during my two-hour visit. Another shot I can never get enough of! *Imagines people screaming "whee!"* It would have been the perfect day for a test run... Another shot of the rising entrance. The station's cracked look has started to appear as paint is applied. Even more water. Here is one of the two reach envelopes on the track, near the entrance fly-by. The entrance continues to have its rockwork built up as the adjacent pond is built. Is that water I see? For some reason, I really liked this photo. The construction site for the Manta area is still highly active. Much like Balder on the UK Tour 2006, Manta is sponsored by hammers and nails! Memorial Day, here we come! I don't think I've posted a shot like this yet...

Two Jews in Orlando maybe? I know Elissa really wanted to see Bryan and I audition for Idol...

^I stand with you in your views on Kings Dominion. Our experience at the park was not terrible, but not great either. My biggest problem with the park was its collection of rides. Sure, some were unique to me like Avalanche and Volcano, but several of them were seemingly pointless to operate or market. And let me just add that the park's Drop Tower has some of the slowest operations ever (and they were only loading half of the ride per cycle). I preferred sticking to Dominator, Volcano and oddly enough, The Crypt, because each had a rideability factor that I just enjoyed. As for the rest, I could really move on without worrying about them once I had the credits.

Just to let everyone know, the track pieces for the top of the lift hill were delivered to the vacant lot where additional track has been stored. More track should continue to arrive over the next few days.

Happy Birthday Kristen!