jedimaster1227

The Universal Orlando Resort has announced the newest house in the Halloween Horror Nights 2021 lineup, Halloween Horror Nights Icons: Captured! https://media.universalorlando.com/press-releases/hhn-icons-captured/ The most notorious Halloween Horror Nights icons in Universal Orlando history will join forces to inflict unimaginable terror upon guests in the all-original haunted house – Halloween Horror Nights Icons: Captured. The sinister new experience will thrust guests into a monstrous “Hell of Fame” where they’ll face The Caretaker, The Director, The Usher, The Storyteller, Jack the Clown, Chance and more as part of Halloween Horror Nights 2021, celebrating 30 years of fear select nights from September 3 through October 31. Developed as part of the Universal Entertainment team’s twisted vision to create a slate of disturbing, original characters that rival any horror villain on the big screen, the Halloween Horror Nights icons are relentless in the pursuit of their latest victims and include: The Caretaker, a once well-respected surgeon who has become eerily infatuated with the removal of internal organs – especially while his patients are conscious The Director, an aspiring filmmaker obsessed with capturing the suffering and torture of his victims on film – placing them in their very own living horror movie The Usher, who seeks to invoke violent vengeance on those who don’t follow the rules of his theater The Storyteller, who stops at nothing to entrap guests into her latest tales of terror, where no one lives happily ever after Jack the Clown – the original Halloween Horror Nights icon and the most feared of them all – and his assistant Chance, a deadly pair who thrive on tormenting victims in ways that embody their sick sense of humor This fall, the brutal cruelty and madness of this collection of foreboding figures will be unleashed in Halloween Horror Nights Icons: Captured. Guests will quickly realize they’re the hunted as they desperately try to escape the grasp of each character within its ominous domain. From The Storyteller’s infamous bed of razor-sharp nails to the cadaver-filled mortuary run by The Caretaker, harrowing horrors will await guests at every turn – giving them no choice but to face the most horrifying legends in Halloween Horror Nights history. Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights begins Friday, September 3 and runs select nights through Sunday, October 31 – featuring 10 elaborately-themed haunted houses, five scare zones and live entertainment based on everything from horror and pop culture greats to original abominations that go beyond guests’ darkest nightmares. And when they need a break from the screams, guests can enjoy access to Universal Studios’ most exhilarating rides and attractions. All tickets and vacation packages for Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights are on sale now, including a variety of Fear Passes that allow guests to visit the event on multiple nights starting at $129.99, and discounted tickets for Annual Passholders. Tickets and packages can be purchased here. Tickets are also on sale for Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood, running select nights Thursday, September 9 through Sunday, October 31. Due to popular demand, event nights are expected to sell out and tickets should be purchased in advance. Additional details about this year’s event will be revealed soon. For more information, visit www.Orlando.HalloweenHorrorNights.com.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has announced two more houses that will be found at this year's Howl-O-Scream! https://buschgardens.com/tampa/events/howl-o-scream/haunted-houses/cell-block-zombies/ NEW CELL BLOCK ZOMBIES Welcome to Purgatory Penitentiary, where afterlife sentences are served with a vengeance. Incarceration is just the beginning, as maniacal guards shuffle fresh meat down dark and lawless paths for processing. Surviving the prison yard leads to maximum security and confinement that is anything but solitary. There are only two options for inmates here: breakout alive or be devoured in detention. https://buschgardens.com/tampa/events/howl-o-scream/haunted-houses/death-water-bayou/ NEW TERRORS WILL STALK THE SWAMP THIS SEASON – CAN YOU OUTRUN THE PACK? The voodoo chants have died off, replaced by blood-curdling howls…and your screams. Dark magic has manifested into darker curses, as ravenous werewolves claw their way through the bayou on the hunt for human flesh. Beneath the midnight sky, the moonlight reveals glowing eyes, bloodstained teeth and an inescapable fate for all who enter the swamp.

I feel like there’s probably a way to do it, but for the house to be a decent length, I’d imagine they’d have to build a little more of it outside of the building. The ride path was significantly shorter than DarKastle’s and the structure is still in use for the animal experience and the queue, which Williamsburg has the luxury of using DarKastle in full. There’s a lot less real estate facility that could be used which is why I’m not positive it’ll end up becoming a house… Though that’s not to say it couldn’t become a themed bar.

I actually think Beneath the Ice is more likely to be in Wild Arctic in the queue leading up to where the ride loads. I’m still curious to see if they find a use for the Antarctica ride path, but I think they have to be a little more careful since that space has unique temperature conditions and it dumps out into an open-air animal area.

After our time at Kennywood we hit the road to have an early evening in Hershey, PA. We used this time as a chance to experience Hershey's Chocolate World and to grab some food and drinks along the way. The next morning, we woke up and started our day at Hersheypark--with a flight out of Philly later that night, we had a limited amount of time to accomplish as much as possible before leaving the park to drive to Philadelphia. For this reason we added Fast Track to our visit and it definitely made a difference for certain attractions. Driving into Hershey, this is always a welcoming sight. As is this. It isn't a visit to Hershey, PA without a stop at Hershey's Chocolate World. The main attraction... Your hosts for the experience. Singing cows (and now a singing pig and chicken) greet you at the start of the ride. Cupcake is a newer addition to the farm, I believe. Time to get broiled! Some of the ride's effects are really impressive. "Taste the love." Just remember these icons when you eat their respective candies... Just think about them. IMAGINATION! After our time at Hershey's Chocolate World we tried to see if we could grab a spot at The Chocolatier restaurant in Hershey's new Chocolatetown area. Unfortunately the restaurant was fully booked and the bar had no seats available. We ended up grabbing a bite and a beer at Iron Hill Brewery, which was a solid choice. After dinner we weren't quite done for the night, so we ventured over the Hotel Hershey for drinks and dessert at the Iberian Lounge... A really solid selection of drinks and some nice food options to choose from... The Chocolatier isn't the only place on property where you can get a chocolate martini... And this one was SO GOOD. We couldn't resist the prospect of trying the Hershey's Cocoa Barbecue wings... The chocolate flavor was subtle but unique. Plus the serving size was really generous for a lounge! We couldn't leave without trying the Strawberry Cheesecake and Italian Rainbow Slice Cake, both of which were exceptional! The next morning while waiting for the park to open, we hopped back into Hershey's Chocolate World... There's edible cookie dough inside for those interested in partaking. They had Jolly Rancher cupcakes, each color a different flavor. If it wasn't so early in the morning, I would've tried one. You can bet I brought some home with me. I absolutely brought these Key Lime Pie KitKat bars home with me too. Always a pleasant surprise at Hershey's Chocolate World when free samples are being given out. Time to finally go into the park! The last time I was here, this entire plaza was mostly dirt and was under heavy construction. They hadn't even started installing Candymonium yet. I do think the turnaround circling the "Kisses Fountain" is a nice touch. Hersheypark's classic Carrousel was integrated into the new Chocolatetown section of the park. Lots of floater air... With three trains at opening, it was a little surprising how poorly managed the operations were for this coaster. By the time we boarded, the coaster had a 65 minute posted wait time (we waited about 30 minutes with our Fast Lane access). Dispatch times for the coaster were... Not great. The interior of the queue is lightly themed to the many Hershey candies... If you have Fast Lane, you link it to the HPGO system, which you get a printed wristband from a kiosk at the front of the park or inside of the park. Not unlike a Magicband, you tap your HPGO band at the entrance of the Fast Lane queue and merge point. If you're eligible to ride, you'll be given the green light to proceed. This looks like your standard B&M hyper coaster train... Which is pretty fitting. Candymonium is a solid B&M hypercoaster... A decent amount of floater airtime and a ridiculously smooth experience. If anything, it feels like the family-friendly alternative to Skyrush right next door, which delivers insane ejector air, way more intense maneuvers and a generally less appealing experience for families... I prefer Skyrush over Candymonium, but I could understand why this was built as an alternative. Sidewinder wasn't running during our visit, but that didn't feel like a major loss for the trip. Now this on the other hand was a welcome sight. Stormrunner had been closed during my last visit to the park, and only reopened for the first time in two years a few days before our visit. The last time I rode the coaster was with TPR on the 2008 East Coast Trip. Stormrunner is short but sweet. The launch is awesome and the top hat is quite fun. Fahrenheit was also closed during our last visit, making it over 13 years since my last ride. I'll probably get some more flack for saying this but I absolutely adore Great Bear. I love the unique layout of this B&M invert and how it interacts with Sooperdooperlooper and Coal Cracker. Skyrush is an insane thrill and definitely one of the most intense coasters I rode on this trip. Sooperdooperlooper was down for the majority of our visit, so I didn't get a chance to ride. I'll eventually get a chance to experience the coaster's new trains... I rarely find myself wanting to ride a log flume but from the queue of Great Bear, Coal Cracker looked really fun. I'll be going out of my way to try this one next time. Just so much going on in one frame and I love it. "Laser Snake Horse of Fire Roll" I believe is how Robb described it recently... I still haven't been on any of the Hershey Triple Tower yet. Such a cool look. Fahrenheit just looks great in person. Especially when trains are running on it... I totally forgot how short these trains were. Overall Fahrenheit is a fun coaster. Not my favorite or least, but right in the middle. Now Lightning Racer... These two will always be amongst my favorites. Still two of my favorites in the park. And they never disappoint! Up next is the final report, part two from my day at Hersheypark!

Universal Studios Hollywood has announced the return of two fan-favorite houses for Halloween Horror Nights 2021, The Exorcist and The Curse of Pandora's Box! https://hollywood.halloweenhorrornights.com/mazes/the-exorcist/ The film that fueled your worst nightmares has returned to Halloween Horror Nights. Enter the most haunting scenes from the film as 12-year-old Regan is possessed by a demon, possibly the devil himself. It’s a battle of the wills between good and evil. https://hollywood.halloweenhorrornights.com/mazes/the-curse-of-pandoras-box-2/ An ancient horror has returned to prey on those foolish enough to tempt the Fates with their curiosity and greed. Enter Pandora’s Curiosity Shop, where her infamous box lies. Once it’s opened, all manner of evil will be unleashed. Greek mythology is about to become your monstrous reality.

SeaWorld Orlando has announced the next haunted house for their first Howl-O-Scream, Beneath The Ice. https://seaworld.com/orlando/events/howl-o-scream/haunted-houses/beneath-the-ice/ Beneath the Ice In the icy wilderness above the Arctic Circle, a research facility was lost…buried under snow and cut off from the outside world. Something compelled you to join the rescue party, but doubt is creeping in. Was that laughter, or the wind? That shiver you feel isn’t just from the cold. These chambers aren’t just frozen tombs. They’re pulsing with unspeakable horrors, and you’ll have to stay frosty and alert to survive. Two new themed bars have been announced for the event as well! https://seaworld.com/orlando/events/howl-o-scream/attractions/ Frozen Terror You might think you’re a safe distance from the snow-entombed research facility, but you’re not free from the frozen horrors. This inhospitable Arctic wasteland is swarming with icy, subhuman walkers. They may have pickaxes and shovels, but they’re not here to help dig for survivors. They’re here to turn you into one of them. Tormented This is one place where a cold frosty one is a good thing. Take refuge from the wintry terrors of the Arctic hellscape outside and do a little refueling here. If you’re feeling mischievous, you can even join in and frighten your fellow expeditioners while they’re braving the horrors beneath the ice. How’s that for refreshing? And the first show coming to Howl-O-Scream Orlando has been announced, Monster Stomp! https://seaworld.com/orlando/events/howl-o-scream/shows/monster-stomp/ Monster Stomp In the misty corners of Victorian-era London, a fiend known only as Jack the Ripper walks the streets. Watch him take the stage in a way you’ve never seen before in this modern rock and rhythm spectacular. Hold onto your seat as electrifying percussion, dancing, and singing combine for a show that’s as darkly entertaining as it is exhilarating.

The next morning we got to Kennywood early just to make sure we could tackle as much as possible for a busy Saturday. Unlike Cedar Point or Hersheypark, Kennywood was a totally new park for me (my first new park in several years). Kennywood definitely has that charming feel that you don't find in the bigger parks. I especially love how the park has gone out of their way to highlight historical structures and attractions--embracing the value of their history as something that sets the park apart. Kennywood was put on my radar years ago thanks to the TPR Coaster Expedition videos, which did an amazing job of highlighting Phantom's Revenge. The entrance plaza is simple and charming. An hour before park opening, this is what the park entrance looked like. It is interesting that this park intentionally opens its gates to guests at a time significantly before the rides open. Steel Curtain towers over most of the park's structures. This thing is absolutely imposing in person. Somebody must've had a lot of fun designing Steel Curtain! While I didn't get to ride Aero 360, I couldn't help but admire its design. Our first stop in the morning was Thuderbolt, as the coaster is running a one-train operation and waits can get lengthy. Only closed because the rides are not operational yet. Thunderbolt's entrance is also a nice vantage point to watch Phantom's Revenge and the Turtle operate. It should be noted that Thunderbolt has a strict no-single riders policy... Meaning that if you're riding alone or in an odd numbered party, be prepared to be paired with or wait for an additional single rider to even it up. These classic trains on Thunderbolt are awesome (and mildly terrifying)! I hope these trains continue to run for a long time! Almost time to ride this beauty... We hopped over to Noah's Ark while it had no line. This unique walk-through attraction just had reopened a few days before our visit, so I was excited to experience it firsthand. The attraction is definitely interesting... It lasts a lot longer than you'd expect. The namesake element for this attraction and one of the last of its kind in existence (and the last in operation, I believe). Noah's looking a little rough... Educational... And entertaining! Sometimes outright trippy. Thunderbolt definitely has a unique layout... I think it was a little overhyped for me but I'm still glad I experienced it once. Now here is something I was especially curious about... As of a few weeks before our visit, The Turtle ended up being the last of its kind in operation in the world. The ride's location is pretty fantastic. I love how Phantom's Revenge trace's The Turtle's edges. I couldn't help but admire... What a fun maneuver! Ok, back to The Turtle... The ride is super unique and throws you around a lot more than I expected. I was super glad I was able to experience this, knowing it is such a rare experience now. Time to head into Lost Kennywood... Hello beautiful! Long have I waited for this moment... Ooogah boogah boogah... Phantom's Revenge has a lot of things going for it. It is ridiculously smooth and it has a very unique layout (and history). And it has some fantastic airtime. Black Widow wasn't operating during our visit but it looked fun. I'm probably gonna get some flack for saying this... But The Exterminator was really, really fun! The combination of the (very standard) Reverchon spinning mouse coaster with a fairly solidly themed dark ride experience made this a pleasant surprise. A really charming corner of the park. SKLOOSH! Ghostwood Estate was operating without its Ghost Blasters... I should've brought my Turkey Caller. The interior is full of animated figures.. There are some projection effects as well. We noticed from across the way that Steel Curtain was finally operating... Sadly the coaster was only running one train, so wait times were abnormally high. We paid for the VIP Coaster Tour access (one time use per ride) and it allowed us to bypass a 120 minute standby queue in favor of being loaded two trains away from boarding in the station. We waited about 20 minutes when all was said and done. Steel Curtain is a really fun coaster for sure. Ridiculously smooth and fun of some maneuvers I'd only expect on an RMC coaster. The trains are themed to sportsball. Other than the themed trains, the color scheme and the venue next door, I don't get what makes it a Steelers coaster... But maybe I just don't care enough about the NFL to find out. All rides must end at the gift shop... The structure itself is pretty impressive. I love that these inverted stalls are finding their way into more coasters. Time for a classic... Really classic. Very, very classic. My first ever "mobius loop" coaster! It was quite fun! This thing is a sight to be seen. 100 years eh? I can see why! Jack Rabbit ended up being my favorite wooden coaster in the park! More history... More awesome trains. Looking back across the midway... Going out... Going over... They have their own Laffin' Sal! I found a model of Steel Curtain in the arcade! If ever you wondered how a family coaster could be if it had two launches and a 90 degree drop, you've been wondering about Sky Rocket. It is a fun little ride. The launches are "cute." Sky Rocket VR wasn't running during our visit but signage was still up for the experience... The hardware was charging and ready to go from what I could tell. Elissa had told me that Auto Race was amongst the park's unique attractions worth visiting for someone as interested in park history as me. More history. I was surprised by the wooden track and the powered rail combo. 15 years ago I might have considered trying to ride this... I've grown up quite a bit. Another unique experience I'm glad I had the chance to ride. This is about as close as I ever got to Thomas Town, but it looked nice. No one told me that Elton John was going to be playing at the park!!! Another recommendation from Elissa... And a delicious recommendation at that! Very RCT3. Turns out there's history here too! Time to take the tunnel to head out. I really enjoyed Kennywood and would definitely come back for another visit at some point in the future.

Intamin has announced the opening of a new launched coaster called "Namazu" at the Vulcania amusement and science park in Puy-de-Dôme, France. This coaster features two launches as well as a drop track element and it is the first roller coaster to operate at Vulcania. https://www.intamin.com/opening-of-namazu/ Intamin’s newest Multi Dimension Launch Coaster, named “Namazu” by the park, successfully opened to the public on July 10th, 2021 at Vulcania, France. Ride Statistics Track Length - 58 Meters Maximum Speed - 69 KM/H Launches - 2 Special Track Element - 1 Drop Track Perfectly integrated into the volcanic landscape of the themed amusement and science park Vulcania in Puy-de-Dôme, France, this Multi Dimension Launch Coaster offers a unique, fully immersive family thrill experience. Following seismologists – who discovered an active seismic zone – the story takes visitors through the themed queue line into the research laboratory of the team “Namazu”, where the scientific adventure begins. After leaving the beautifully themed station, the train enters a stone cave where an earthquake catches the scientists by surprise. This causes the cave to collapse and the train to fall multiple metres downwards to the ground. Escaping the ruins of the cave, the passengers then experience the first launch followed by a panoramic high turn and an airtime hill giving them a good sense of weightlessness. The next exciting elements are a highspeed S-turn, a zig-zag speed bump and finally a jump over an S-hump into the second launch/boost. Picking up more speed, the riders experience the second part of this Multi Dimension Launch Coaster with twists and turns as well as ground-hugging elements over the hills and down the trenches through the beautiful natural landscape surrounding the research centre, where the expedition ends again. 584 meters of track, one launch and one boost with a maximum speed of up to 69 km/h and a special drop track element take the riders on a family friendly, perfectly paced and complementary science adventure. The two 12-seat, ATV themed trains ensure maximum freedom and comfort in combination with highest safety for the passengers. Intamin congratulates Vulcania on their first roller coaster operating in their park and is proud to have contributed to this beautiful project.

Intamin has announced an upgraded "Surf Family" of coasters, Surf Rider 2.0 and Ultra Surf, available for installation at parks around the world! https://www.intamin.com/the-upgraded-intamin-surf-family-the-surf-rider-2-0-and-the-ultra-surf/ The Upgraded Intamin Surf Family: The Surf Rider 2.0 and the Ultra Surf Intamin is proud to present the completely upgraded version of our “Surf Family” coasters: The Surf Rider 2.0 – available in two sizes – and their bigger sibling with an enhanced ride experience: The Ultra Surf. All of them come with a significantly increased capacity and are powered by the most powerful LSM launch system available on the market. They’re packed, and we really mean packed, with weightlessness and airtime moments. After talking to our customers, Intamin decided to make important upgrades to the ”Surf Family” portfolio: We kept the fun ride concept and added improvements which are bound to satisfy both park owners and ridership alike. The new, bigger, state-of-the-art free-spinning gondolas – now with 20 seats instead of 12 – allows us to achieve nearly double the ride capacity per hour. Due to the use of cutting-edge lightweight construction methods and materials we were also able to substantially reduce the weight of the moving masses at the same time. A unique ride-experience – for thrill seekers and for families – provides an enhancement for every park. This, not only because of the abundant theming possibilities but especially due to the ride’s combination of power, compact footprint, capacity and last but not least simply the fun factor! The Ultra Surf The Ultra Surf comes with a large amount of weightlessness and airtime moments: It’s packed with it, not only attributed to the added airtime hill but also because of the two beyond vertical, ejector intense gravity stall ramps. On account of the free-spinning vehicles, the feeling of floating and spinning through the air is experienced in a different way each time, so you’ll want to ride it again and again. Lastly, with the shuttle-style coaster design on a compact footprint, you get an extended coaster feeling with up to 600 metres of experienced track on 180 meters of physical track. For those looking to increase the excitement factor of the Ultra Surf even further, the optional spin-incitation will enhance the intensity of this new member of the “Surf Family”. Another measure to elevate the experience for both riders and spectators alike are the optionally available water features allowing for a number of different fountain patterns. Speeding through a water vortex tunnel, creating a water wall or riding right through a water curtain – the installation of these interactive features allows for a controlled degree of how wet you want your riders to get or simply allows for adaptions to the seasonal weather situation. These effects are not restricted to water, you can theme the ride to a number of other elements, enhance it with fire shows, add a fog tunnel or dedicate the whole ride to a fantasy figure – the theming possibilities of the vehicle and ride design of this iconic structure are abundant. In the end, it doesn’t matter what story you want to tell, the ride system guarantees smiling riders leaving the station wanting to ride again and again. With its compact footprint, in consideration of being a signature attraction, the Ultra Surf is not only a perfect ride for theme and amusement parks, it also serves as a great addition for water parks wanting to give their visitors something really unique and special. The Surf Rider 2.0 The Surf Rider 2.0 – a classic ride reworked to offer you more excitement for more of your guests. By redesigning the vehicle Intamin’s engineers reduced the vehicle weight, almost doubled the instant capacity and added a more powerful spin, guaranteeing that the Surf Rider remains a crowd favourite! The Surf Rider 2.0 still comes in two sizes, both on a very compact footprint. One reaches a total height of 30 meters and the larger version extends up to 40 meters in height. A controlled spin incitation can optionally be added for an even more exciting ride experience. The most obvious characteristic of the nearly self-supporting, iconic U-shaped track is the two beyond vertical spikes – in which the vehicle surfs back and forth – for up to twelve unique moments of airtime-weightlessness for the riders. A fun ride for everyone, perfect for any size or type of park, indoor or outdoor, looking for a unique new crowd puller. Intamin’s Innovations Built in the “Surf Family” The Ultra Surf and the Surf Rider 2.0 come with all the features of the latest Intamin innovations: The vehicles use the most comfortable and popular Intamin over the shoulder seat restraints, which allow for a maximum feeling of freedom. Utilizing Intamin’s state of the art water cooled LSM launch system the vehicle reaches a max. speed of up to 95 km/h and promises a surprisingly powerful acceleration from the very first push. The smooth ride experience is also the result of a simpler and wider track design which allows for less supporting structure.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has announced one of their new houses for Howl-O-Scream 2021, The Forgotten! https://buschgardens.com/tampa/events/howl-o-scream/haunted-houses/the-forgotten/ Dark discoveries await in the underground vampire realm Victims will be drawn into a hidden world beyond the rubble and rocks of an unsuspecting quarry, where dark secrets lurk in the shadows. Just beyond a hidden gutter entrance, the legend of the human uprising is revealed as a swarm of starving vampires plot their imminent revenge. Will those who enter return to the world of the living or are they destined to become the newest minion of the Forgotten army?

Universal Studios has announced that this year's Halloween Horror Nights at the Universal Orlando Resort and at Universal Studios Hollywood will feature two new houses, "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" and "Universal Monsters: The Bride of Frankenstein Lives." These two new houses will debut with each park's respective event starting this September! https://media.universalorlando.com/press-releases/bride-of-frankenstein-texas-chainsaw/ This fall, Universal Studios’ “Halloween Horror Nights” returns to Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood, unleashing some of the most nefarious names in horror to prey upon guests. Classic films that have influenced the horror genre will come to life in two of the event’s disturbingly-real haunted mazes – prepare for the return of the legendary Leatherface in “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” and the resurrection of one of Universal Pictures’ most iconic monsters – the Bride of Frankenstein – in “Universal Monsters: The Bride of Frankenstein Lives.” Universal Monsters: The Bride of Frankenstein Lives At its core, Halloween Horror Nights is an extension of the horror film legacy originated by Universal Pictures, and the event continues to honor its blockbuster history with a haunted maze highlighting one of the studio’s most sinister creatures – The Bride of Frankenstein. “Universal Monsters: The Bride of Frankenstein Lives” picks up where the 1935 classic film “The Bride of Frankenstein” left off, thrusting guests into chaos as the Bride becomes an unstoppable scientist and begins her mission to revive Frankenstein’s Monster. Her unwavering quest to find eternal life will come at a cost, and guests will soon find themselves entwined in a frenzied battle in their daring attempt to escape. Click here for an electrifying preview of “Universal Monsters: The Bride of Frankenstein Lives.” The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Inspired by the 1974 iconic slasher film “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” the “Halloween Horror Nights” mazes will depict a harrowing and intense experience as guests try to outrun the maniacal Leatherface and his unrelenting chainsaw. Guests will embark on a killer journey through a series of familiar scenes from the film and eventually fall victim to a family of cannibals. From a dilapidated gas station to an eerie, old farmhouse, they will witness unimaginable horrors around every corner, soon discovering that nowhere is safe from the demented Leatherface. Click here for a sneak peek at “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.” Plus, guests at Universal Orlando’s “Halloween Horror Nights” will face another pop culture and horror legend as they brave this year’s event. The destination previously revealed the first haunted house of the season featuring the ‘ghost with the most,’ “Beetlejuice,” based on Warner Bros. Pictures and Tim Burton’s Academy Award-winning horror-fantasy film. Stay tuned as additional details about “Halloween Horror Nights” at both Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood will be revealed soon. The “Halloween Horror Nights” events begin on Friday, September 3 in Orlando and Thursday, September 9 in Hollywood – and both events run select nights through Sunday, October 31. Select tickets and vacation packages are now on sale for “Halloween Horror Nights” at Universal Orlando Resort; tickets for the event at Universal Studios Hollywood will be available soon. Due to popular demand, event nights are expected to sell out. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com.

Universal Studios has announced that this year's Halloween Horror Nights at the Universal Orlando Resort and at Universal Studios Hollywood will feature two new houses, "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" and "Universal Monsters: The Bride of Frankenstein Lives." These two new houses will debut with each park's respective event starting this September! https://media.universalorlando.com/press-releases/bride-of-frankenstein-texas-chainsaw/ This fall, Universal Studios’ “Halloween Horror Nights” returns to Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood, unleashing some of the most nefarious names in horror to prey upon guests. Classic films that have influenced the horror genre will come to life in two of the event’s disturbingly-real haunted mazes – prepare for the return of the legendary Leatherface in “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” and the resurrection of one of Universal Pictures’ most iconic monsters – the Bride of Frankenstein – in “Universal Monsters: The Bride of Frankenstein Lives.” Universal Monsters: The Bride of Frankenstein Lives At its core, Halloween Horror Nights is an extension of the horror film legacy originated by Universal Pictures, and the event continues to honor its blockbuster history with a haunted maze highlighting one of the studio’s most sinister creatures – The Bride of Frankenstein. “Universal Monsters: The Bride of Frankenstein Lives” picks up where the 1935 classic film “The Bride of Frankenstein” left off, thrusting guests into chaos as the Bride becomes an unstoppable scientist and begins her mission to revive Frankenstein’s Monster. Her unwavering quest to find eternal life will come at a cost, and guests will soon find themselves entwined in a frenzied battle in their daring attempt to escape. Click here for an electrifying preview of “Universal Monsters: The Bride of Frankenstein Lives.” The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Inspired by the 1974 iconic slasher film “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” the “Halloween Horror Nights” mazes will depict a harrowing and intense experience as guests try to outrun the maniacal Leatherface and his unrelenting chainsaw. Guests will embark on a killer journey through a series of familiar scenes from the film and eventually fall victim to a family of cannibals. From a dilapidated gas station to an eerie, old farmhouse, they will witness unimaginable horrors around every corner, soon discovering that nowhere is safe from the demented Leatherface. Click here for a sneak peek at “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.” Plus, guests at Universal Orlando’s “Halloween Horror Nights” will face another pop culture and horror legend as they brave this year’s event. The destination previously revealed the first haunted house of the season featuring the ‘ghost with the most,’ “Beetlejuice,” based on Warner Bros. Pictures and Tim Burton’s Academy Award-winning horror-fantasy film. Stay tuned as additional details about “Halloween Horror Nights” at both Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood will be revealed soon. The “Halloween Horror Nights” events begin on Friday, September 3 in Orlando and Thursday, September 9 in Hollywood – and both events run select nights through Sunday, October 31. Select tickets and vacation packages are now on sale for “Halloween Horror Nights” at Universal Orlando Resort; tickets for the event at Universal Studios Hollywood will be available soon. Due to popular demand, event nights are expected to sell out. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com.

SeaWorld Orlando has announced their first haunted house, scare zone and themed bar experience coming to the first ever Howl-O-Scream Orlando event starting this September! Haunted Houses Dead Vines This is no innocent garden stroll. You’ve just wandered into a terrifying realm of ravenous plants and hidden horrors. Something is stirring among the trees. A shiver runs down your spine as you creep forward, one timid step at a time. Is this jungle alive…or undead? There’s an ominous force at work here, a merciless mistress of ivy and evil. She’s poisoned these woods with an all-consuming appetite for visitors like you. Keep moving and find a way out before it’s too late. You don’t want to end up dead on the vine. Scare Zones & Roaming Haunts Witchcraft Bayou The cult is growing, and the lure is powerful. It’s hazardous to pass through this backwater bayou, but there’s no way around. Voodoo and witchcraft aren’t real, right? Tell that to the zealous worshippers trying to shackle you with their spells. They won’t rest until your soul belongs to her too. Stay alert, or the dark magic will drag you down. Themed Bar Experiences Poison Grotto What’s your poison? Unwind with a refreshing concoction and explore the enticing atmosphere of this unearthly lounge. It’s a fleeting escape from the deadly vines and savage servants nearby. Just be sure to keep your eyes open and pay proper respect to the one who invited you in. You’re her guest here, and she’s always watching.

Universal Studios has announced that this year's Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood and the Universal Orlando Resort will feature mazes inspired by Netflix's "The Haunting of Hill House." https://www.nbcumv.com/mediavillage/interactive/2929fed4187b40648b79a9839e70e91fproduct169208/index.html#/brand/25dc392f-2f08-452b-9b31-52704ab0689e/press-releases/d7aa03ec-7735-4a66-83f2-304282c4e0aa For the first time ever, Netflix’s critically-acclaimed series “The Haunting of Hill House” will bring its ominous presence to Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood in all-new mazes for “Halloween Horror Nights 2021,” which is officially back beginning in September. Upon its release, Netflix’s “The Haunting of Hill House” became a worldwide phenomenon of unsettling proportions that elevated the horror television genre. Created, directed and executive-produced by horror mastermind Mike Flanagan (Hush, Oculus, Gerald’s Game) and executive produced by Trevor Macy via their Intrepid Pictures, the chilling horror story follows members of the Crain family who are haunted by long-dormant fears stemming from their time living in the menacing Hill House as children and then forced to face the ghosts of its grisly past. Reincarnated as “Halloween Horror Nights” mazes, the imposing and mysterious Hill House eerily comes to life beckoning guests to embark on the dark journey experienced by the Crain family. Iconic scenes from the Netflix series will be featured throughout the maze, including the omni-powerful Red Room – the heart of Hill House – and the infamous Hall of Statues, where deceptive powers overtake everyone who enters. Apparitions will appear around every corner, from William Hill – The Tall Man, whose towering stature overwhelms everyone he encounters; to The Ghost in the Basement, who feverishly crawls throughout the bowels of the House in search of his next victim; to The Bent-Neck Lady, whose disturbing scream and ghastly appearance invoke a constant state of unnerving dread. “The Haunting of Hill House” mazes will test even the bravest guests as they attempt to escape the entanglement of the estate’s eternal stranglehold or succumb to the powerful forces of Hill House – leaving them to wander the endless halls forever…alone. “I have loved Halloween Horror Nights for so long,” said Mike Flanagan, Creator, Director and Executive Producer of “The Haunting of Hill House.” “Some of my favorite memories of Halloween were made at Universal Studios, screaming and laughing with my friends. It is such an honor to be included among such fantastic Haunts, and I’m so glad that fans will be able to walk the halls of Hill House this Halloween. This is – without a doubt – one of the coolest things that’s ever happened to us at Intrepid. We are so excited to visit the Red Room again – we hope to see you all there!” “It’s a nightmare come true to bring Netflix’s “The Haunting of Hill House” to life for our guests this year at ‘Halloween Horror Nights,’” said Charles Gray, Senior Show Director for Entertainment Creative Development at Universal Orlando Resort. “The show brought true horror to the masses, similar to what we’ve provided our guests at this event for nearly 30 years – Hill House is a perfect fit for “Halloween Horror Nights” as it enters a new decade of fear.” “Mike Flanagan has elevated the horror genre with his supernatural thriller, ‘The Haunting of Hill House,’” said John Murdy, Executive Producer of “Halloween Horror Nights” at Universal Studios Hollywood. “We continuously challenge ourselves to raise the bar with each maze we create, and we look forward to creating a unique experience for our guests that combines both the psychological and visceral twists from the series. The goal is to make our guests feel as if they are walking in the footsteps of the Crain family, re-living all the horrors that they experienced.” The “Halloween Horror Nights” events begin on Friday, September 3 in Orlando and Thursday, September 9 in Hollywood – and both events run select nights through Sunday, October 31. Select tickets and vacation packages are now on sale for “Halloween Horror Nights” at Universal Orlando Resort; tickets for the event at Universal Studios Hollywood will be available soon. Due to popular demand, event nights are expected to sell out. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com. Currently streaming globally on Netflix, “The Haunting of Hill House” is produced for Netflix by Amblin TV and Paramount Television.

The Walt Disney World Resort has announced details about how the holidays will be celebrated across the resort in 2021! https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/07/the-holiday-season-returns-to-walt-disney-world-resort/ The holidays are my favorite time of year, and I’m so happy to be celebrating Halfway to the Holidays today! Because today it’s official – the merry season will begin Nov. 12 at Walt Disney World Resort during “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” marking the resort’s 50th anniversary. Festive entertainment, whimsical décor, seasonal food and drinks, and holiday-themed merchandise will all be a part of this very special season at our theme parks, Disney Resort hotels and Disney Springs. Here’s a sneak peek of some of the magical experiences you can expect this season at Walt Disney World Resort: Magic Kingdom Park Holidays are sure to be enchanting at Magic Kingdom Park, where quintessential decorations will return to Main Street, U.S.A. When the sun sets, special holiday projections will appear most nights on Cinderella Castle, alternating periodically with the castle’s transformation into a Beacon of Magic.* What a great way to celebrate the holidays and the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort! Now, talk about an early holiday gift… “Disney Very Merriest After Hours,” a new special-ticketed event, will debut Nov. 8 before all the rest of the festive fun. It will be available on select nights through Dec. 21. The four hours of festivities will delight guests with “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks,” Disney characters throughout the park, holiday music and décor, treats included and so much more! As with other Disney After Hours events, a limited number of tickets will be sold for this event. It’s held after regular park operating hours, with lower wait times and access to more than 20 select attractions. Tickets will go on sale next month, with an early purchase window available to guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels. Disney’s Hollywood Studios Sunset Seasons Greetings returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, as the Hollywood Holiday Tower Hotel on Sunset Boulevard will twinkle once again with projection effects, magically transforming into a snowy corner of Arendelle, a Muppets gingerbread masterpiece, a Toy Story toy hotel, and a Dickensian village inspired by “Mickey’s Christmas Carol.” This holiday show will also alternate with the tower’s nightly transformation into a Beacon of Magic. Santa Claus will bring some North Pole cheer to a motorcade down Hollywood Boulevard. You will also be able to enjoy “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration,” with its festive finale featuring everyone’s favorite snowman, Olaf. Minnie Mouse is also returning to host her festive meal at Hollywood & Vine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Minnie and her friends will be donning their holiday best – even Santa Goofy will be there! And throughout the season, vintage-themed holiday décor will shine bright across the park. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park It will be a wild holiday time at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park with the return of seasonal décor and festive Disney character flotillas sailing down Discovery River to the sounds of joyful songs of the season. The park’s centerpiece – The Tree of Life – becomes another Beacon of Magic most nights during the 50th anniversary celebration. During the holiday season there’s even more magic inspired by nature as the holiday edition of Tree of Life Awakenings also takes place most nights. Disney Springs You can happily discover whatever you’re after this holiday season at Disney Springs. The shopping, dining and entertainment destination will transform into a winter wonderland, full of sparkling lights, enchanting décor and holiday surprises. This year sees the return of the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll, with elaborately decorated, Disney-themed trees – some new and some inspired by “The World’s Most Magical Celebration.” A magical snowfall will add a touch of wonder for holiday shoppers in Town Center. Here, you can find the perfect gift for everyone on your list, including yourself. Discover holiday ornaments, matching family pajamas, festive Spirit Jerseys, and more – be sure to check your list twice so you don’t forget any holiday must-haves! There will even be themed food and beverages; one of my favorite spots, Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, will once again transform into Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar, with delightful décor and a delicious limited-time menu filled with festive favorites. Disney Resort Hotels Our Disney Resort hotels will be decked for the holidays, with iconic trees and other seasonal touches. And a guest favorite will return this year, as select gingerbread displays will once again be part of our holiday season! Also at select resorts, you will find restaurants offering holiday menus and specialty food and drink. EPCOT Where can you enjoy traditions from around the world, with inspiring music, tasty treats and family-friendly experiences? If you guessed EPCOT … … you are correct! The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays will return this year, from Nov. 26 – Dec. 30, with Holiday Kitchens around the park, performances by Voices of Liberty, the guest favorite Cookie Stroll and more! We’ll have so much more Walt Disney World Resort holiday fun to share with you in the months to come. In the meantime, be sure to be on Santa’s nice list and keep checking the Disney Parks Blog for all of our holiday news! *Beacons of Magic will be available nightly at select theme parks.

The Disneyland Resort has shared this press release announcing the debut of the updated Jungle Cruise experience which will debut when the ride officially reopens on July 16th, 2021! A safari of explorers from around the world finds itself up a tree after the journey goes awry on the world-famous Jungle Cruise at Disneyland Park. Officially reopening on July 16, 2021, Jungle Cruise will offer new adventures, an expanded storyline and more humor as skippers take guests on a tongue-in-cheek journey along some of the most remote rivers around the world. The new creative concept is original to Walt Disney Imagineering, just like the classic attraction itself. (Christian Thompson/Disneyland Resort) The world-famous Jungle Cruise at Disneyland Park officially reopens on July 16, 2021, with new adventures, an expanded storyline and more humor as skippers take guests on a tongue-in-cheek journey along some of the most remote rivers around the world. The new creative concept is original to Walt Disney Imagineering, just like the classic attraction itself. Changes to this attraction also are underway in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort, with completion expected later this summer. “We’re excited to be building on the story of the Jungle Cruise to include new adventures that stay true to the experience we know and love, while adding more humor, more wildlife, and an interconnected story,” said Chris Beatty, an Imagineer who led creative development of the enhancements. “As part of creative development, we’ve also introduced characters from around the world and took a thoughtful approach to ensure accurate representation of cultures in our story.” The world-famous Jungle Cruise skippers return to share the unique adventure and interactions that guests expect on this expedition in Adventureland. New scenes have fun with the legendary comedic tone of the attraction, and some unexpected scenarios give the jungle and the animals the last laugh! What’s new: Disney Imagineers have a longstanding history of updating attractions at the Disneyland Resort and Disney Parks. The expanded backstory centers around Alberta Falls, the granddaughter of the world-renowned Dr. Albert Falls, who is now proprietor of the Jungle Navigation Company Ltd. New scenes include: A safari of explorers from around the world finds itself up a tree after the journey goes awry Chimpanzees have taken over the expedition’s wrecked boat A Lost & Found location has turned into a Gift Shop run by Alberta’s longtime friend, Trader Sam Don’t miss: Jungle Cruise skippers incorporate plenty of gags as they narrate “wildlife” scenes for guests who have boarded a canopied tramp steamer, leaving civilization behind. Those scenes include: Ancient Cambodian Shrine with leaping tigers, lethal cobras and snapping crocodiles Jungle Cruise Safari Camp is a former camp overrun by “explosively” curious gorillas Indian Elephant Bathing Pool where bathing Indian elephants have their “trunks on” The African Veldt where angry hippos and hungry lions are guarding a “sleeping” zebra Schweitzer Falls, where skippers introduce guests to something they may have never seen before – the “back side of water”! Changes through the years: The tone of the attraction was more serious when it opened, on the first day Disneyland Park welcomed guests in 1955. The river has changed course through the years and additions included the elephant bathing pool, gorillas in the safari camp and a new piranha scene. Imaginative landscaping: The foliage is designed to look as if it had been created by nature. Since 1955, the Jungle Cruise vegetation has evolved into its own tropical jungle with three levels: the upper canopy, the understory and the forest floor. The “father” of the attraction’s jungle was horticulturist and Disney Legend Bill Evans, who directed the landscaping of much of Disneyland in the 1950s. Did you know? The skippers of the Jungle Cruise lead a humorously irreverent expedition, carrying passengers along four rivers: the Nile of Africa, the Amazon of South America, the Irrawaddy of Southeast Asia and the Ganges of India. Guests will enjoy the return of the Jungle Cruise and also something new at The Tropical Hideaway – a Pineapple Split! Starting July 16 and while supplies last, it will be served in a souvenir container that looks like a Jungle Cruise boat with a red-and-white striped canopy. This “pineapple split” comes with DOLE Whip®, blueberries, strawberries and Mandarin oranges, topped with coconut-caramel sauce, crushed plantains, dried hibiscus and toasted coconut. Alberta Falls asked her longtime friend Trader Sam to run the Lost & Found location, which now looks more like a Gift Shop at the world-famous Jungle Cruise at Disneyland Park. Officially reopening on July 16, 2021, Jungle Cruise will offer new adventures, an expanded storyline and more humor as skippers take guests on a tongue-in-cheek journey along some of the most remote rivers around the world. The new creative concept is original to Walt Disney Imagineering, just like the classic attraction itself. (Christian Thompson/Disneyland Resort) Chimpanzees have taken over the wrecked boat of a safari expedition on the world-famous Jungle Cruise at Disneyland Park. Officially reopening on July 16, 2021, Jungle Cruise will offer new adventures, an expanded storyline and more humor as skippers take guests on a tongue-in-cheek journey along some of the most remote rivers around the world. The new creative concept is original to Walt Disney Imagineering, just like the classic attraction itself. (Christian Thompson/Disneyland Resort) The world-famous Jungle Cruise at Disneyland Park officially reopens on July 16, 2021, with new adventures, an expanded storyline and more humor as skippers take guests on a tongue-in-cheek journey along some of the most remote rivers around the world. The new creative concept is original to Walt Disney Imagineering, just like the classic attraction itself. (Christian Thompson/Disneyland Resort) Chimpanzees have taken over the wrecked boat of a safari expedition on the world-famous Jungle Cruise at Disneyland Park. Officially reopening on July 16, 2021, Jungle Cruise will offer new adventures, an expanded storyline and more humor as skippers take guests on a tongue-in-cheek journey along some of the most remote rivers around the world. The new creative concept is original to Walt Disney Imagineering, just like the classic attraction itself. (Christian Thompson/Disneyland Resort) The world-famous Jungle Cruise at Disneyland Park officially reopens on July 16, 2021, with new adventures, an expanded storyline and more humor as skippers take guests on a tongue-in-cheek journey along some of the most remote rivers around the world. The new creative concept is original to Walt Disney Imagineering, just like the classic attraction itself. (Christian Thompson/Disneyland Resort)

In my defense, we only rode Rougarou once this trip. I just had photos from earlier because we queued for it, boarded the train and then the ride broke down before dispatch. So the additional photos are when we came back later to actually get to ride it.

After a successful first day at Cedar Point, it was time for our second and final day at the park before moving on. This time around, we were parked over by the Hotel Breakers (for some reason) and ended up doing Early Entry from that side of the park. We used being on that side of the park to our advantage and while we missed out on the early rides on Gatekeeper, Raptor and Valravn (all of which we had done the day prior), it positioned us well to hit Maverick and Steel Vengeance first thing in the morning. Our view from the parking lot this time around... We were pleasantly surprised to find that Maverick was operating with the Early Entry attractions during this morning. We used the standby queue (since Fast Lane doesn't work during the Early Entry time) as a way to kill time while we waited for the park and Steel Vengeance to officially open. The beauty of this plan was that we were able to wait for Steel Vengeance's line to open right after the park officially opened to all Guests, and still having Fast Lane Plus, we were among the first people in the Fast Lane queue to ride. We waited ten minutes from the time we entered the queue to the time we rode for the first time. And since the queue was so short because we got off of the ride so early, we got right back in line and waited only 15 minutes in the Fast Lane line to ride again! I have no doubt that there are actually enthusiasts that see these life size Coaster Cutouts that are available to purchase at Cedar Point, that buy them to bring them home. I am not one of them. Genuine thrills. Back to back morning rides! It isn't a visit to Cedar Point without a trip to see the Happy Friar. They were out of buffalo sauce (how, I don't know) so I went with garlic parmesan fries with corn dog nuggets. Snake River Expedition is the new attraction addition for the park's 150th anniversary celebration... A family ride somewhat like Jungle Cruise in terms of it being a guided boat tour around the park's waterway with live performers along the way. You get pre-grouped into parties of two once you've completed your journey through the slow-moving queue. I avoided spoilers to experience this attraction fresh for myself, so I was surprised at the number of performers and pre-shows included in the total experience. Ride vehicles in theme... There's a neat little indoor pre-show that sets the story for your expedition. The gist of it? You're taking gold down river to another frontiersman on the team. But beware of opposing cowboys trying to steal your gold. There aren't too many boats and seating is limited, so this attraction can get a lengthy queue. If this kind of attraction is the kind of thing that "floats your boat," it is best to get in line as early as possible to minimize your wait time. Each keelboat features a driver and a frontiersman guide, both of which have speaking roles throughout the experience. You pass show scenes along the river with some interesting "animated figures." Temper your expectations... Disney or Universal animatronics, these are not. But the show scenes are cute for what they are. The backside of the former Shoot the Rapids station is now a show scene. We were warned to look out for bandits! After a bandit boards and hijacks your boat, you float down river and get caught in the middle of a (high quality) shootout scene. During the pre-show and during the ride spiel riders are warned about the infamous basilisk that the Snake River gets its name from... You end up seeing it (or getting shot with its venom) at the end of the ride. Overall a cute experience. Solid for what was surely a limited budget. This is a decent addition for families with younger kids not old enough to tackle the bigger thrills the park has to offer. Be mindful of how badly you want to experience this though and weigh how long you're willing to wait. If it is important for you to experience, get in line earlier, because this isn't high capacity. After the prior day's fun on Magnum, we had to go back for more. Thankfully this time I didn't get attacked by any flying objects. What's not to love about Top Thrill Dragster? I will never not love that something like this can exist without nets. Rougarou was better than I remembered from my prior trip. Still far from the best coaster in the park, but certainly not the worst. Sadly I didn't get a chance to ride Windseeker this time around. This is one Great view of the Lake. Wicked Twister doesn't get the love it deserves. Forceful as heck and those launches are so surprisingly powerful. Plus you get some great airtime in each direction coming down the spikes. Without the All Day Dining Plan for our second day, we were free to try some different culinary options including Melt. The inside of the restaurant is filled with old signs and memorabilia from the park's history. Plus it is a full service restaurant and bar... So if you need some liquid courage or some hearty food, you're covered. So much history in view. There's no shortage of themed merchandise to be found in the park. Lots of retro items too... I have that Raptor CoasterDynamix Nanocoaster model from my last trip. So many Nanocoaster options to choose from! I also have the Steel Vengeance model. A look at the BackBeatQue - BBQ Smokehouse venue that we ate at the day before. These were new to me... Not my style but I do think there's an audience for these. I always love walking through the park's arcade building... There's so much history in this structure. ZOLTAR!!! I didn't get to ride Cedar Downs this time around either. Special 150th anniversary merch... Nifty. A neat concept from CoasterDynamix. Back for more Rougarou... I don't want to think about this as a standup coaster. Artsy fartsy. We love theme parks, roller coasters AND donkeys! Llama... Llama llama llama. The Frontier Festival, the park's food & wine festival was running during our visit but other than a few drinks, we didn't partake. Have I mentioned how much I love Maverick? One more neat Coaster Cutout! As we left Cedar Point to make our way to West Mifflin, we passed Castaway Bay which was closed for refurbishment. But it looks like it'll be in pristine condition when it reopens. So marked the end of our time at Cedar Point. Overall we were very lucky between the weather, the crowds and the staffing. The park really has a top-notch collection of coasters and is well worth visiting every few years or so. Next up is Kennywood!

It has been announced that a new scene inspired by Disney and Pixar's "Coco" will be coming to "Mickey's PhilharMagic" at Disneyland Paris on July 17th, 2021! https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/07/disney-and-pixars-coco-coming-to-mickeys-philharmagic-on-july-17/ We can’t keep this news under Mickey’s sorcerer hat much longer. Fans of “Mickey’s PhilharMagic” will soon be tapping to a new song with the debut of an animated scene based on Disney and Pixar’s “Coco.” The musical number “Un Poco Loco” will anchor the new scene when it opens to guests at Disney California Adventure park and Disneyland Paris on July 17, before being added to Magic Kingdom Park later this year during the Walt Disney World Resort 50th anniversary celebration. The film’s fun, upbeat music and characters combined with the humor of Donald Duck marks the first time Disney and Pixar animators have worked on a creative endeavor where characters from both animation studios will be seen together on screen. Because music is such an integral part of the show, we were also fortunate to tap one of the film’s original composers – the world-renowned Germaine Franco – to produce a “Coco” score unique to “Mickey’s PhilharMagic.” Guests will enjoy this new scene alongside all of the show’s current fan-favorite musical numbers. Now it’s time to put on those opera glasses and let the show begin!

It has been announced that a new scene inspired by Disney and Pixar's "Coco" will be coming to "Mickey's PhilharMagic" at Magic Kingdom Park later this year! https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/07/disney-and-pixars-coco-coming-to-mickeys-philharmagic-on-july-17/ We can’t keep this news under Mickey’s sorcerer hat much longer. Fans of “Mickey’s PhilharMagic” will soon be tapping to a new song with the debut of an animated scene based on Disney and Pixar’s “Coco.” The musical number “Un Poco Loco” will anchor the new scene when it opens to guests at Disney California Adventure park and Disneyland Paris on July 17, before being added to Magic Kingdom Park later this year during the Walt Disney World Resort 50th anniversary celebration. The film’s fun, upbeat music and characters combined with the humor of Donald Duck marks the first time Disney and Pixar animators have worked on a creative endeavor where characters from both animation studios will be seen together on screen. Because music is such an integral part of the show, we were also fortunate to tap one of the film’s original composers – the world-renowned Germaine Franco – to produce a “Coco” score unique to “Mickey’s PhilharMagic.” Guests will enjoy this new scene alongside all of the show’s current fan-favorite musical numbers. Now it’s time to put on those opera glasses and let the show begin!

It has been announced that a new scene inspired by Disney and Pixar's "Coco" will be coming to "Mickey's PhilharMagic" at Disney California Adventure Park on July 17th, 2021! https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/07/disney-and-pixars-coco-coming-to-mickeys-philharmagic-on-july-17/ We can’t keep this news under Mickey’s sorcerer hat much longer. Fans of “Mickey’s PhilharMagic” will soon be tapping to a new song with the debut of an animated scene based on Disney and Pixar’s “Coco.” The musical number “Un Poco Loco” will anchor the new scene when it opens to guests at Disney California Adventure park and Disneyland Paris on July 17, before being added to Magic Kingdom Park later this year during the Walt Disney World Resort 50th anniversary celebration. The film’s fun, upbeat music and characters combined with the humor of Donald Duck marks the first time Disney and Pixar animators have worked on a creative endeavor where characters from both animation studios will be seen together on screen. Because music is such an integral part of the show, we were also fortunate to tap one of the film’s original composers – the world-renowned Germaine Franco – to produce a “Coco” score unique to “Mickey’s PhilharMagic.” Guests will enjoy this new scene alongside all of the show’s current fan-favorite musical numbers. Now it’s time to put on those opera glasses and let the show begin!

Fun Spot America Atlanta has released the first two images from its upcoming Rocky Mountain Construction coaster!

^ I was there the two days before the chain broke.

Updates: ------------------ Cedar Point Day One - Coasters, coasters and more coasters Cedar Point Day Two - Snake River Expedition, coasters & merch Kennywood - Coasters, classic rides and lots of history Hershey Day One - Chocolate World, Hersheypark and lots of food! Hershey Day Two - Chocolatetown, Cupfusion and even more food! ------------------- Original Post: After 14 months of no travel as a result of COVID-19's impact around the world, it was finally time a few weeks ago to get back out there and leave Orlando for a spell. My last trip was in April of 2020 and consisted of a cold birthday weekend in New York City. I planned a long weekend with a few friends, neither of which had been to Cedar Point before (my first visit was three years ago for the opening of Steel Vengeance)--and we figured since we were already making the trek, we'd visit a few more parks along the way, adding Kennywood and Hersheypark to our itinerary. For our first day we had the Fast Lane Plus as well as the All Day Dining and All Day Drink packages. Compared to my last visit where Steel Vengeance was running one train, during this visit we had all three trains running. With the Fast Lane Plus access, we never waited more than a half hour to ride--and at opening we waited only 10 minutes from entering the queue to when we were seated. Fast Lane was more effective with some coasters (Steel Vengeance, Top Thrill Dragster, Maverick and Magnum) than it was for others (Millennium Force, Wicked Twister and Rougarou) but still absolutely worth the money. We visited on a Thursday and Friday and both days were very busy--I could only imagine what Saturday or Sunday would have been like. It was nice to be on a plane again... Our first day at Cedar Point started with early access thanks to our stay at the Express Hotel at Cedar Point. The morning fog eerily masked several of the rides for the first few hours of the park operation. Raptor is still a ridiculously good B&M inverted coaster! Slurm or Fanta Lime? Either way, it was delicious and I could have as much as I wanted of it thanks to the All Day Drink Package that came with our hotel package. The package works on any open location that has a soda fountain (including Coca-Cola Freestyle machines). What a roll! Valravn diving from the fog... In case you were wondering about the legend of Valravn... Of the three B&M dive machines I've been on, Valravn continues to be my least favorite. Despite the extra height and inversions, I think Sheikra has the best layout and Griffon has the best (wide) trains. "Do a Cobra Roll!" Looking down the midway... Dive! Dive! Dive! The fog certainly adds something to the visual buildup of Millennium Force as you approach. Honestly didn't surprise me as much this time around but still a very fun coaster. Lots going on in this view... I love that you can walk under Corkscrew with no nets! As the fog cleared, Top Thrill Dragster revealed its massive height. I'd love to experience a rollback... Gemini was running really well during our visit! Time for the good stuff! What an absolute beast! The money shot! This outward-banked airtime hill always gets me! Steel Vengeance is an absolutely relentless coaster. Not a single moment to breath throughout. And the second half inside of the coaster's wooden structure gives you moments where you can barely tell what is the right side up. The initial 90 degree drop is unreal. We rode twice during this day but we would be back for more the next day. Amazing! Time for the truly wildest ride in the wilderness! I adore everything about Maverick. If it weren't for Steel Vengeance, Maverick would be my favorite coaster in the park. Such a unique layout and the way the trains move across it... I'm always amazed at how much this ride throws you around. Heading into one of my favorite elements... Living it up! We hopped over to Top Thrill Dragster to have our wind-blown faces launched into the sky. Millennium Force towers over the Frontier section of the park. We had lunch at the new BackBeatQue venue using our All Day Dining plan... The brisket looked amazing! Sadly the portion size for the brisket platter was underwhelming, but the food itself was really good for quick service dining plan food! The half chicken platter was a more hearty portion... As was the pulled pork platter... The back patio for BackBeatQue provided outdoor seating with a live band performing folksy versions of classic rock songs. Back to the coasters... Ready to race! We ran out of time to experience the Cedar Creek Mine Ride during this trip... Sadly the Town Hall Museum was closed during our visit (likely due to COVID) but Pig-Pen was out front taking distanced photos with guests. Another ride on Maverick? Don't mind if I do! Skyhawk is so fun! There was additional entertainment in the Frontier section of the park for the Cedar Point Frontier Festival, which was the park's food and wine festival-style event. Corkscrew is a pretty solid, classic Arrow coaster. It doesn't get a lot of recognition compared to the newer coasters that surround it, but Corkscrew is a really fun, well maintained ride. And again, nothing beats the unique experience of walking under this element as the train works through the namesake maneuver. Magnum was way better than I remembered from my last trip... And yes, that is a tube of sunscreen flying at me from someone's pocket on the train sitting ahead of me. Blue Streak is a classic wooden coaster.... And a pretty wild ride at that. I'm always surprised by just how much you feel the PTCs bending around you as they move along the track. Iron Dragon exists... It is a fun ride but definitely the most tame of the Arrow suspended coasters I've experienced. In my opinion, Millennium Force's speed is its greatest element. Zoom, zoom, zoom! I do like how this overbanked turn traces the queue... Millennium Force does has some really solid airtime too. I never had the chance to experience this coaster when it was Mantis... But this is not a regret of mine. This is an underated B&M maneuver right here. I do love the visual layering of coasters you find at different angles throughout the park. Since my last visit, dual sided lockers have been added to the Steel Vengeance queue... You can pay to use the lockers outside of the queue opposite the entrance of the attraction, or you can stand in line (standby or Fast Lane) towards the end of the queue, you'll reach a set of metal detectors and ride attendants who ask you to empty your pockets to put your belongings in these free lockers. You step out of the line to put your things in a locker, and then you wait in a small line to re-enter the main line to go through the metal detectors and up towards the station. Once you exit the ride, you go back through the entrance of the attraction to access the opposite side of these lockers to unlock yours and collect your belongings. It is a messy process, but it gets the job done I guess. Glorious. Oh-hi-yo-Millennium Force! Wicked Twister was a pleasant surprise for me to experience during my last visit so I made sure to try it again this time around. Gatekeeper is still one of my favorite coasters in the park. For Larry. Loving every second of this fantastic ride! I'm so glad I rode Wicked Twister again during this visit--it was even better than I remembered! Back for more! With the 150th anniversary celebration going on, there was a lot of neat park merchandise available to purchase. Ride themed Squishmallows. Kind of brilliant. I think it is pretty neat that CoasterDynamix is selling nanocasters versions of classic/extinct coasters from parks' past. These Coaster Cutouts were a newer concept to me but pretty cool. The French Quarter Confections is a newer addition to the entrance plaza in Cedar Point. ...Or at least my life does. All too easy. Artsy fartsy. What a skyline! We ended our evening at Twin Oast Brewing about 20 minutes away from the park... Great food and fantastic beer... With a truly picturesque setting to enjoy while you're eating and drinking... Next up: Day 2 at Cedar Point!