jedimaster1227

This just made my night Roxanne! I can't wait to see you again this Summer! And again, what a fantastic TR!

Both videos ran smoothly for me with the larger version showing a little more clarity (but the small version wasn't too far behind). I had no lag for either video, so that wasn't a problem either. Here are my computer speedtest stats: Download Speed: 3140 kbps (392.5 KB/sec transfer rate) Upload Speed: 362 kbps (45.3 KB/sec transfer rate)

I just wanted to congratulate you on a more than successful year--you set out on a goal, and I strongly believe that you've surpassed it! It has been a pleasure reading this thread from its exciting start to the last update and I look forward to all future updates. Hope you are having a Happy Holidays!

This is a great start to your TR Roxanne! I've been looking forward to your report of the Behemoth/Ravine Flyer trip for some time, so you definitely have me watching this thread!

I agree that Blizzard Beach is a great waterpark as a whole, with a strong mix of great attractions for the whole family as well as a fantastic Disney-quality theme. I've been to all of the waterparks listed in the poll and sadly enough, I remember Water Mania. The park's Banana Split slide scared the heck out of me as a young kid (back when I was still afraid of anything that drops). Even though I feel that Blizzard Beach is a fantastic waterpark, after my experiences with Aquatica in its first month of operation (pre-grand opening through week 1 of opening), I was extremely satisfied with what was offered to me. The park has a wide variety of attractions, many of which can be found elsewhere, but their combination of bright colors, lush tropical theming and the "Brent-like" announcer that says "Welcome to Roa's Rapids" so darn well, makes the park my favorite. I've been 6 times since the place first allowed guests to test its attractions, and each time I've enjoyed it even more. If anything, I could say that I'm a little biased since this was the place I surprised my best friend for her 17th birthday--I distracted her by taking her to different attractions while the rest of our friends got into the park and met at our set location on the beach. After a few runs on Tassie's Twisters, we walked over to the beach and when she saw them, she dropped on her knees in disbelief (even though we passed them once in the line without her knowing). I have the whole event on video, and the moment is definitely a treasure. So again, without Aquatica, that couldn't have happened, so I feel that it is my favorite of the Orlando waterparks.

I was definitely disappointed by the fact that the party sold out on the 19th, because that was the night I had planned to go with a group of friends, but it is good to see that the event is just as strong as it was last year. This has been a great report Erik! Thanks again for the wonderful videos and photos!

Dominator and Volcano are both strong coasters, but I have to prefer the B&M just for how great it really is. I agree that Volcano is a little too short, but I find it incredible that you can just stare out into the blank space that used to be filled with dark rides (and smurfs)... That kind of history just gets to me. I found that piece of info to be more interesting than much of the coaster! On the East Coast Trip, I was one of the few that enjoyed Grizzly as well--it gave us some insane airtime in the front row, and using "Walk-on Wednesday" passes help save us the rediculous wait.

^I do know what you are saying, and looking back on it, the description does leave room for interpretation. Here is what Brian had to say in regards to my question, "Is the system used for the splashdown similar to the one used on Sheikra or is it completely new?" His response was: "It is completely new and we can control everything from the speed, the duration; we can control everything about the splash. Every single aspect. Every six inches of it." Again, this does leave room for interpretation, but from the way he described it, the effect is controlled to a point where I would doubt the train's motion alone could be changed to alter the effect in any way.

^While the wing will dip in the water, it will not physically cause the water to spray the guests--that will be a controlled effect. We were told this by the director of the project, but I have been wrong before. If you give me a few minutes I will pull up the exact audio of what Brian said regarding the splashdown, specifically concerning how it was controlled.

^^The method hasn't been revealed yet, but I assume that whatever the means, the effect will be convincing enough to make people think that it is a result of the wing dipping into the water. From the description given, the illusion will be virtually seemless--the team working on Manta created multiple mockups and test systems just to make this effect work, so I have faith that it will be pretty fantastic to see.

^There is only one splashdown in this layout. The splashdown itself is a controlled effect, rather than a ride/environment generated effect as seen in Sheikra's splashdown. From the way it was described to us in the construction tour, the effect will be simulated to the specifications of the engineers and creative team, with all aspects of the "splash" controlled completely.

Though it is a shame to see this attraction go, it seemed like it's time had passed. After seeing the ride during our visit this past Summer to Morey's, I was definitely amazed to see the structure's incredible facade and rooftop theming, but I didn't think (from looks alone) that this would ever re-open.

^ Not only is it listed in the thread, but someone posted this information on this exact page...

^While I don't know any specific heights either, I know that the Incredible Hulk has its own red light at its highest point for airplanes. And, if I'm not mistaken, Doctor Doom has lights on each tower as well.

Well after watching both Coasters in the Raw 2 and Coaster Expedition 11, I've got reviews to share! Coaster Expedition Volume 11: Japan-A-Mania Two! This new volume continues in a long tradition of great TPR releases. To me, this was the second most-anticipated release in the pipeline (only trumped by the East Coast Trip DVD), specifically because the original Japan-A-Mania is to date one of my favorites of the series. Looking at the original in comparison to this follow up, TPR has given its viewers an amazing view of how things change in a matter of a few years in the theme parks of Japan. Hosting a colorful gang of trip participants while traversing the strangely wonderful country of Japan makes for an irresistibly fun, entertaining and unique experience. Once again, TPR antics shine through, making this two disc set an amazing stand alone, but an even better addition to a TPR fan's growing collection of video releases. Disc 1 offers the signature music-to-video episodic segments which have helped to make the Theme Park Review videos such a staple in the community's collection while Disc 2 stands out with professional-quality POVs of rarely seen parks and their strange attractions. Overall, Japan-A-Mania Two has earned a spot at the top of my "best of 2008" DVDs, and definitely mirrors the experiences typical of the not so typical Theme Park Review crew and their many offerings. Coasters in the Raw! Volume 2 Having not seen more than a few clips of the original volume, I wasn't sure what to expect with this new release since, like many others, "raw footage" has never really been my area of interest. Once again, Theme Park Review has taken a concept and flipped it on its side, making it not only fun, but exciting for any viewer, whether a fanatic or a pure park observer. Pristinely clear footage continues to exemplify the quality which Theme Park Review offers as a production company and of experts in the industry. Their film techniques call for very little editing (as evidenced in a disclaimer at the beginning of each disc, as well as the lack of cuts in their seamless segments) which only supports the exemplary skill put forth in the production of these discs. Two discs, one based on wooden coasters and the other based on steel offer incredibly clear front seat views of some well known (and some more rare) coasters from around the world. Mixing in footage from classic coasters such as the Coney Island Cyclone and Phoenix with some newer rides like Fahrenheit, Formule X and Led Zeppelin, Theme Park Review has given its viewers the chance to take a world class "Coaster Tour" without leaving the comfort of their living room. I was pleasantly surprised to find the "raw footage" delivered by Theme Park Review to be the most interesting collection I had seen. I would highly recommend adding this to your catalogue of TPR DVDs as soon as possible!

^One of the greatest pieces of news for this year! I'm definitely looking forward to the next installment!

Well, Bryan and I are back with a lengthy update covering Manta's fast moving construction as trackwork nears completion... Soon to be completed: Manta. With trackwork near completion, prepare to see the terrain change drastically as the ride's ocean and land features are built up. The project is huge, now dominating the park's skyline. Elegantly curvacious. This looks alot like an inverted coaster's corkscrew. To guard the track from ongoing rockwork, it has been covered carefully with construction tarps and wrappings. Seaworld has done a great job of bringing much focus towards this single element, making a focal point of the attraction. Are those show lights I see? Though the element scares me already, it does look fantastic at any angle! A nice looking flatspin... Painters are working on completed track sections (as seen here on the pretzel/dive loop) to paint the track at the segment connection points. The flatspin and turnaround that we saw under construction is now complete. Personally, I think the first drop will be one of the most fun elements--flying over guests will definitely take the flying coaster sensation to the next level. Take that Superman! Graceful! Even this single part of the coaster is photogenic! The station and aquarium/queue has also been heavily worked on since the construction tour we took a few weeks ago. Much of the work is visible from the Key West side of the park. Swing-set supports hold up the new mid-course brake run. Yah, yah yah... Through the trees. A flyer in Orlando--my dream come true! A new Manta advertisement has been placed on the construction wall at the entrance. Looks promising! Not too much left to be installed... Even this finally turn into the brake run looks smooth and wonderfully fun! Much work has been completed since our last visit...

^I think it is safe to say that the system has not been removed--just turned off. If Poseidon's Fury will remain as the anchor for the Lost Continent when the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is complete, the effect may be turned on again to attract more guests with that "wow factor." My only fear which I think logically backs up management's justification of this effect's retirement is that the majority of the guests (meaning those first-timers) will likely not even realize what the tunnel was meant to show. In other words, they won't know what effect used to be there, and will not miss it.

Now you know its a party! Glad to have you joining us Ben!

^Thanks for that! The videos came out a little different than I remembered but they were classic! It was great to relive two of the strangest attractions on the trip once more... Thanks again Brent!

^I believe the video file needs to be .WMV (or .AVI) to stream properly on TPR. You will probably need to convert the video and then upload it again. Or, if you can't convert the file, you can compress it in a ZIP folder to upload here for downloading. Either way would work! I really do appreciate the video(s--you still need Pirates Cove ) and I look forward to seeing them when they are posted... Thanks again Brent!

^As of right now, Poseidon's Fury and Mythos will be the only two pieces to remain within the extremely reduced version of the Lost Continent. Poseidon's Fury will be the land's only anchor, so I doubt that its removal will happen anytime soon. Thats not to say that I don't forsee the rest of the Lost Continent being overtaken within the next five years... I just don't see it happening until the existing announced (and not-yet-announced) phases are complete.

I am happy to report that my download went through without trouble. The zip file opened quickly, and both files were completely flawless (in other words, they weren't corrupted as others have been reporting). I can only thank Robb and Elissa again for this great opportunity! To answer Robb's question to Bryan, I would absolutely pay for a downloadable version of the TPR DVDs, especially for a $5 price each. These videos would definitely make my flights go faster, and considering that I'll be flying to and from Italy this Spring, I will need plenty to keep me occupied--and I could think of no better option. The download system, price and format of the video are all ideal (in my opinion). I would even go out on a limb to say that I would probably watch a digital version more often than a hard copy. Maybe if the digital release is made standard, you could offer it primarily as a download, with a DVD made to be an optional addon. If you offered the download for a single price and the DVD for a reduced price as a combo for the two, I would definitely buy both. Think of it as a digital and backup copy combination! Anyways, I thank you again for this excellent pre-holiday gift--Hannukah just came early!

I'm currently downloading now! Thank you very much for this incredible post-Thanksgiving gift! I think we have much to be thankful for with TPR, and this offering is just icing on an already wonderful cake! Thank you again Robb and Elissa!

^The one loop the ride features is considered to be a "non-inverting loop" meaning that you will never technically be upside down while in the element. This element was chosen for Universal to keep the ride on a "family friendly" level according to Mauerer Sohne.