jedimaster1227

^For some reason my mind jumps to the notion of scarabs when I think of Egypt and things that could conceivably spin... But that's merely a guess--no inside information on this one.

^Given the size of the footprint and the fact that SeaWorld seems to be the park getting the relatively big addition in 2016, I think a spinning coaster makes logical sense. A launched terrain coaster like Manta wouldn't be out of the question either with the size of the plot but I feel like such an addition would be mildly redundant since Cheetah Hunt is right there too.

Yep... This coaster looks amazing. I think I'll finally have a reason to force myself to go back to Six Flags Magic Mountain.

^^Sorry about that. I didn't mean for the post to come across like they were related projects--just that there's a common link in the theme and the use of the same IP. I have updated the original post to reflect this difference. ^Toruk - The First Flight is a touring Cirque du Soleil arena show, not a permanent installation (at least not yet).

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2015/05/exclusive-sneak-peek-of-disneypixars-inside-out-coming-to-epcot-this-summer/ http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2015/05/american-music-machine-arrives-at-epcot-at-walt-disney-world-resort/

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2015/04/fun-new-tastes-at-harambe-market-at-disneys-animal-kingdom/ Spice-Rubbed Karubi Rib at Harambe Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Spice-Rubbed Karubi Rib at Harambe Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Corn Dog with Chickpea Salad at Harambe Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Kabob Flatbread Sandwich at Harambe Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2015/04/trader-sams-grog-grotto-officially-opens-today-at-disneys-polynesian-village-resort/ http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2015/04/copper-river-salmon-is-back-on-menus-at-artist-point-flying-fish-cafe-and-california-grill-at-walt-disney-world-resort/

Last weekend I had the chance to stop in to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay to check out the first annual Busch Gardens Food and Wine Festival along with checking out the latest construction progress on the 2016 expansion project in the Egypt section of the park. Regarding the Food and Wine Festival, I felt that the event is on the right track but wasn't a solid win straight out of the gate. None of the food was particularly bad (with one exception) but nothing was extraordinary. I'm curious to see how next year's event steps it up if it returns, but it was nice to see the park continue to dabble in unique, new events either way. The entrance of the park features some new decor advertising the event... A full run-down of the event's menu. Several new topiaries have been added to the park specifically for the Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. The old Gwazi plaza and Gwazi Park make up the space where the Food & Wine Festival is hosted. Nothing to see here. Another topiary near Gwazi... Lots of different pop-up shops built for the event. Gwazi's former entrance serves as a venue for a pianist to perform during the event. Time for the food! First up! The Braised Lamb with Roasted Corn & Merlot Jus Lie was solid. The Coconut Shrimp Cigars & Mandarin Orange Salad was quite good! Heading into Gwazi Park... Time to dine in the shadow of the dormant beast... It is hard not to stand here and expect a train to come flying by. Same here. At the Southern Station, we tried the Shrimp & Grits... The Roasted Red Pepper Grits really made the dish for me. The Pan-Fried Cod had a nice char to it and the Parsnip Puree was easily the best part of the dish overall. The Beef Short Rib & Brioche Toast had a nice sauce and the meat had a "melt in your mouth" tenderness to it. Live entertainment has been added throughout the park specifically for the Food & Wine Festival. This "living fountain" was fun to watch, especially because her fingers actually sprayed water as if she were a part of the real fountain. So sad... Or maybe not, depending on how you felt about the ride. The Gourmet Lodge was where we tried the Beef Brisket served with Cheddar & Smoked Gouda Potato Au Gratin. Honestly, this felt like the same (solid) brisket you can get throughout the year at the Zambia Steakhouse. The potatoes were nice though. The Deconstructed Duck Confit with Fried Wontons, Orange Salsa & Microgreens was one of the better dishes of the event. Next up was the Comfort Kitchen where we tried the Habanero Shrimp Salad and the Bacon Mac & Cheese. The shrimp had a light kick despite being soaked in a habanero sauce, but the salad beneath it had a fantastic lemon thyme vinaigrette. The Bacon Mac & Cheese was fine... It was the standard mac with cheese sauce on top along with some sliced strips of bacon. Nothing overly special but it tasted fine enough to finish. The Chef's Plantation was my favorite booth of the event with all three dishes winning in my book. The Goat Cheese Fingerling Potato Tart had a quiche-esque consistency but the cheese really brought the potatoes in a neat way. I would get this one again. The Pan-Seared Salmon Cake with Caper-Lemon Aioli served atop Wasabi Microgreens was my personal favorite item of the entire event. The Griddled Cheese Cake Sandwich was really nice, provided you get past the notion that this isn't a cheesecake dish. Really, it is two pieces of pound cake with a thin layer of cream cheese between slices, pan-griddled and served on a plate with raspberry coulis. The dessert was tasty (albeit heavy) but not the cheesecake sandwich I was expecting. Both of the typical Howl-O-Scream pavilions in Gwazi Park are used for the Food & Wine Festival for shaded seating and additional dining space. It is just... There. The only "bad" dish of the event was the Pan Seared Diver Scallops atop a Crispy Tortilla with a Watermelon Salsa. These scallops were small and oddly bitter... Typically when scallops are the main focus of a dish, they are larger and more flavorful. This was not the case at all. The Roasted Pork Belly topped with a Tomato Onion Jam & Fried Leeks on the other hand was a big win for us. Well cooked and flavorful! The Mango Eclair was flavorful and refreshing. The Midori Margarita was the only drink we bought at the festival, but it was well worth it! I'll hardly ever turn down a drink with Midori at this point. Two towering giants in view. Time to make our way back out to catch up on the rest of the park... This was one AWESOME topiary! Her face is a little strange. Shameless plug! I honestly didn't know that Beer-based bread mix was a thing. Over in Egypt, the 2016 expansion project is well underway. The old walkthrough Tut's Tomb has long-since closed. Busch Gardens knows how to poke fun at the uber-fans. On the backside of the Crown Colony House visible construction is evident. It appears that at least one trench will be built for this new attraction or area. Early signs of footers are already on-site. The Serengeti Safari Train is currently closed while the 2016 attraction is being build. The track that passed behind the Crown Colony House and Egypt has been entirely removed for this new project. I never get tired of seeing this! Woosh! TPR Turtle Fancy fulfilled! Fans of the Madagascar: Operation Vacation! show should note that the park's main gift shop is selling all show-related merchandise at 25% off... Could this be a hint that the show will be retired soon?

http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2015/04/28/fast--furious-supercharged-universal-studios/26514595/

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/avatar-touring-exhibition-hit-road-791036 In addition to the traveling exhibition, a new Cirque du Soleil Avatar-themed concept has been announced. These two productions are not related, but it shows that Avatar continues to be brand that companies are working to use in new ways (remember, Avatar will also be the subject of a new land being built at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park at the Walt Disney World Resort). https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/toruk

http://www.latimes.com/travel/themeparks/la-trb-knotts-berry-farm-voyage-iron-reef-preview-20150430-story.html

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2015/05/avengers-assemble-at-redd-rocketts-pizza-port-in-disneyland-park/ http://www.latimes.com/travel/themeparks/la-trb-disneyland-paint-the-night-parade-preview-20150429-story.html

Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Kings Dominion have sent us a joint press advisory regarding their upcoming announcement of a strategic marketing partnership between the two parks with details to be officially released on May 5th, 2015!

Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Kings Dominion have sent us a joint press advisory regarding their upcoming announcement of a strategic marketing partnership between the two parks with details to be officially released on May 5th, 2015!

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/disney-659941-hotel-inn.html

^I mean... AquaTrax can be a launched coaster with a long track that reaches a maximum height of 200 feet... Is it likely? No. Can we pray for something so unique? Sure.

Today Theme Park Review was invited to visit SeaWorld Orlando for the debut of this year's Viva La Musica event at the park. The event features tons of fantastic food, great entertainment and it is included in normal park admission, giving you the chance to enjoy all of the park's great rides, shows and animal experiences as a part of your day. With that in mind, we also took the time to check out the brand new Sea Lion High show that recently opened at the Sea Lion & Otter Theater replacing the former Clyde and Seamore Take Pirate Island show that ran for thirteen years. Here at Viva La Musica, crowds of people are anxiously waiting to get in! Needless to say, for a foodie like me, this event is heaven! Here's a salted cod dish available at the event! And you know everything is being made fresh right before it is served to you! So much incredible food! Tostones for the win! These skewers were incredible! SeaWorld allowed us to try a little bit of everything and it was all so good! Another food stand with the Viva La Music event area sells some delicious empanadas. Shamu and Daisy even dressed up for the occasion! SeaWorld pass holders can take advantage of a special Happy Hour offer on all beers, wine and cocktails at the event with $2 discounts on each... So enjoying a Mango Mojito was a good idea. The event grounds really look great! While waiting for the Viva La Music concert to begin, we took the time to check out the new Sea Lion High show at the Sea Lion & Otter Theater. A look at the brand new set. There's a sing-along portion of the show. The set's design has some neat pop-out areas for humans and animals alike to use. The full cast of the show assembled. The story goes that on the final day of school at Sea Lion High, Clyde & Seamore are eligible for two highly coveted scholarships but are unable to claim them as they will be unable to graduate due to having not completed certain classes. They have the remainder of the day to complete all of their required classes in order to graduate and to claim these scholarships. Huddling to figure out how to make it happen. It wouldn't be a Clyde & Seamore show without an otter making some cute scene-stealing gags! Science class is nearly complete. Gym class is in session. Seeing Clyde do sit ups was pretty neat. But seeing Seamore do a hand stand was more impressive. A neat set piece for Sea Lion High helps to make another memorable scene with the otter. It wouldn't be a Clyde & Seamore show without someone falling into the water from the top of the set... And a sea lion that follows them into the water... Winston Walrus returns in the new show for the finale. Seeing him do sit-ups in the show is quite funny! Wave goodbye Mr. Tusk! The other major draw of Viva La Musica is the concert series that brings in notable Latin music stars to perform live at the Atlantis Bayside Stadium. But while you're waiting for the concert to begin, there's a live band on the event stage where you can dance and enjoy the food and drinks from the nearby booths. The pre-show for the concert is a hype-group on moon-shoes that perform tricks to the beating of the drums. Time for the show to begin! Olga Tañón belted it out onstage and the crowd was loving it! Special thanks again to SeaWorld Orlando for inviting us to this weekend's Viva La Musica, which runs on weekends through May 16th, 2015... The event is extremely popular, so if you're considering going out to the park early because... The show does fill up!

SeaWorld Orlando has sent us a press release regarding their 2016 coaster project... http://www.iloveseaworld.com/breaking-news-seaworld-orlando-announces-giant-coaster/ Keep in mind this coaster will not hold those records permanently as the Skycraper at Skyplex will be the tallest, fastest coaster in Orlando when it is completed.

Yesterday I had the chance to stop into Epcot to check out the new Tomorrowland preview that has taken up residence in the former Magic Journeys/Captain EO/Honey, I Shrunk the Audience/Captain EO theater. Interestingly enough, the theater has been renamed the Magic Eye Theater, which was actually the name of the theater when the Imagination Pavilion first opened with Magic Journeys in 1982. The new preview for the upcoming Walt Disney Pictures film features an extended look at the film's revival of the 1964 World's Fair before quickly taking a turn towards a very different setting via clever segway through a notable Disney attraction... With in-theater effects and some fantastic on-screen content, I really loved this preview and I highly recommend it for anyone visiting the park! Well this is different... Changes are afoot... Looks nice though! I like the look of this! This too! No more Captain EO... The Magic Eye Theater is now home to a preview of the upcoming film Tomorrowland. This fails to mention that there are in-theater effects including wind, light, water and motion. Time to head inside! The old Captain EO lobby has been updated for the new film. The wall mural shows off concept art from the film including this lovely gem! The film's logo. The preview has a pre-show in the form of a stylized countdown clock and mini-featurettes with Damon Lindelof and Brad Bird discussing the film and its influences. What we're here for... The pre-show really takes a moment to focus on the heritage that inspired the film. These two just "get it." I seriously love it! Like I mentioned above, the preview is fantastic. The scenes recreated (and embellished) from the 1964 World's Fair gave me chills (as did the in-theater effects) and I couldn't stop smiling. The film looks amazing, but if you're on the fence, make sure to check out the preview to tip you to the proper side! Since I was at Epcot and the International Flower and Garden Festival is still going on, I had to stop in for a few of my favorites from this year's food options... The Beef Brisket Burnt Ends Hash is my favorite entree on the menu this year... So I picked up two! China has my favorite drink with the Kung Fu Punch and my favorite dessert with the Beijing Strawberries! Leaving World Showcase I noticed these neat pieces of art on the construction walls in Norway teasing the Frozen additions coming soon... Very nice! Very Maelstrom-esque...

Disney Cruise Line has sent us a press release regarding the latest enhancements coming to the Disney Dream later this year! Update: More details have been released including confirmation of the addition of the Muppets-themed Midship Detective Agency game (also found on the Disney Fantasy) called "The Case of the Stolen Show." http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/disney-dream-enhancement/

The Disneyland Resort has sent us a huge press release detailing a ton of incredible entertainment, decor and more in celebration of the resort's 60th anniversary! In this digital illustration, “Disneyland Forever,” a new fireworks spectacular at the Disneyland Resort, illuminates the sky above Sleeping Beauty Castle. “Disneyland Forever” will transport guests into the worlds of beloved Disney and Disney•Pixar films through traditional pyrotechnics, innovative projection mapping technology and surprising special effects when it debuts on May 22, 2015, as part of the Diamond Celebration at the Disneyland Resort. This artist's rendering depicts the Abominable Snowman as he will appear when the Matterhorn Bobsleds reopen in May 2015. The classic Disneyland park attraction will also feature new special effects to enhance the attraction experience. (Artist's Rendering/Walt Disney Imagineering) In this artist's rendering, Carthay Circle Theatre at Disney California Adventure park is adorned in diamonds to commemorate the Diamond Celebration at the Disneyland Resort. From Sleeping Beauty Castle to Carthay Circle Theatre, the Disneyland Resort and surrounding streets of the Anaheim Resort district will sparkle with Diamond Celebration dcor and festive banners in shades of Disneyland blue. Celebrating 60 years of magic, three new nighttime spectaculars will immerse guests in the worlds of Disney stories like never before with the first all-LED parade at the resort; a reinvention of the classic fireworks show that adds projections to transform the park experience; and a moving, new version of 'World of Color' that celebrates Walt Disney's dream for Disneyland. The Diamond Celebration at the Disneyland Resort begins Friday, May 22, 2015. A Cinderella slipper, in clear crystal and adorned with a topaz pendant and a specialty diamond, is one of the prizes available to win in the Disneyland Diamond Days sweepstakes. Celebrating the 60th anniversary, Disneyland Diamond Days is an exciting sweepstakes in which guests can win daily and weekly prizes as part of the Diamond Celebration, which begins on May 22, 2015. (Disneyland Resort) An overnight stay in the Disneyland Dream Suite is a money-canÕt-buy experience that will be enjoyed by select prize winners of the Disneyland Diamond Days sweepstakes. Celebrating the 60th anniversary, Disneyland Diamond Days is an exciting sweepstakes in which guests can win daily and weekly prizes as part of the Diamond Celebration, which begins on May 22, 2015. (Disneyland Resort) In this artist's rendering, Ariel and her underwater friends from 'The Little Mermaid' bring Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland park 'under the sea' with projections and pyrotechnics in 'Disneyland Forever,' a new fireworks spectacular transporting guests into the worlds of beloved Disney and Disney●Pixar films through traditional pyrotechnics, innovative projection mapping technology and surprising special effects. Celebrating 60 years of magic, 'Disneyland Forever' is one of three new nighttime spectaculars which will immerse guests in the worlds of Disney stories like never before. The Diamond Celebration at the Disneyland Resort begins Friday, May 22, 2015. (Disneyland Resort) This artist's rendering depicts the Hatbox Ghost, a legendary figure in the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland park. The Hatbox Ghost briefly materialized in the Haunted Mansion around its opening in 1969 and will reappear to haunt guests in May 2015. (Artist's Rendering/Walt Disney Imagineering) The classic Disneyland park attraction will reveal one more happy haunt in late May when the legendary Hatbox Ghost reappears in the Haunted Mansion in May 2015. The Hatbox Ghost briefly materialized in the Haunted Mansion around its opening in 1969 and will reappear to haunt guests in May 2015. (Disneyland Resort) Mack from the Disney●Pixar 'Cars' films is one of the characters featured in this all-new new after-dark spectacular at Disneyland park inspired by the iconic 'Main Street Electrical Parade.' 'Paint the Night' is full of vibrant color and more than 1.5 million, brilliant LED lights and features special effects, unforgettable music, and energetic performances that bring beloved Disney and Disney●Pixar stories to life. Celebrating 60 years of magic, 'Paint the Night' is one of three new nighttime spectaculars which will immerse guests in the worlds of Disney stories like never before. The Diamond Celebration at the Disneyland Resort begins Friday, May 22, 2015. (Photo Rendering/Disneyland Resort) The Matterhorn Bobsleds will reopen in May 2015 with new special effects and a new look for the mountain's Abominable Snowman. This classic attraction opened at Disneyland park in 1959 and is one of several attractions receiving "new magic" in 2015. (Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland Resort) Mickey Mouse appears in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle in his sparkling new suit, created especially for the Diamond Celebration at the Disneyland Resort. Mickey and his friends will debut their new costumes when the Diamond Celebration begins on May 22, 2015. (Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland Resort) In this artist's rendering, 'new magic' brings a reimagined nursery scene to life in Peter Pan's Flight. The classic Disneyland park attraction also will feature new special effects when it reopens in May 2015. (Artists Rendering/Walt Disney Imagineering) This artist's rendering shows Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland park draped in dazzling diamonds to commemorate the upcoming Diamond Celebration at the Disneyland Resort. From Sleeping Beauty Castle to Carthay Circle Theatre at Disney California Adventure park, the Disneyland Resort and surrounding streets of the Anaheim Resort district will sparkle with Diamond Celebration décor and festive banners in shades of Disneyland blue. Celebrating 60 years of magic, three new nighttime spectaculars will immerse guests in the worlds of Disney stories like never before with the first all-LED parade at the resort; a reinvention of the classic fireworks that adds projections to pyrotechnics to transform the park experience; and a moving, new version of 'World of Color' that celebrates Walt Disney’s dream for Disneyland. The Diamond Celebration at the Disneyland Resort begins Friday, May 22, 2015. (Disneyland Resort) Sulley from 'Monsters, Inc.' brings guests into the world of Monstropolis in this all-new new after-dark spectacular at Disneyland park inspired by the iconic 'Main Street Electrical Parade.' 'Paint the Night' is full of vibrant color and more than 1.5 million, brilliant LED lights and features special effects, unforgettable music, and energetic performances that bring beloved Disney and Disney●Pixar stories to life. Celebrating 60 years of magic, 'Paint the Night' is one of three new nighttime spectaculars which will immerse guests in the worlds of Disney stories like never before. The Diamond Celebration at the Disneyland Resort begins Friday, May 22, 2015. (Disneyland Resort) Tinker Bell gathers all of her pixie dust to paint the night in dazzling Disney dreams in this all-new new after-dark spectacular at Disneyland park inspired by the iconic 'Main Street Electrical Parade.' 'Paint the Night' is full of vibrant color and more than 1.5 million, brilliant LED lights and features special effects, unforgettable music, and energetic performances that bring beloved Disney stories to life. Celebrating 60 years of magic, 'Paint the Night' is one of three new nighttime spectaculars which will immerse guests in the worlds of Disney stories like never before. The Diamond Celebration at the Disneyland Resort begins Friday, May 22, 2015. (Disneyland Resort) The popular, nighttime spectacular 'World of Color' at Disney California Adventure park continues with the new 'World of Color: Celebrate!' This fun-filled presentation will take guests on an inspirational journey celebrating Walt Disney and his dream of Disneyland park. This story will be brought to life with fountains, animation and live-action film, lasers, special effects and a stirring musical score. Celebrating 60 years of magic, 'World of Color Ð Celebrate!' is one of three new, nighttime spectaculars that will immerse guests in the worlds of Disney stories like never before. The Diamond Celebration at the Disneyland Resort begins Friday, May 22, 2015. (Scott Brinegar/Disneyland Resort)

Looks like a neat ride! I still remember seeing the Free-Fly X footage from the S&S booth years ago combining the free-fly trains (like on Tranan) with the X-Car seats allowing for sideways flips as opposed to forward/backward flips... I'm hoping that if this ride is successful, the next version will be more in line with that concept.

Great to see a new installation like this coming to such a unique location! I can't wait to see how the finished product looks in the park and how they integrate it into their theming (if they have any).