jedimaster1227

Looks like a nice FEC for the region... Curious to see if it actually gets built.

Twister is a fun ride with a neat layout but Phoenix has some insane airtime... That combined with the lack of seat belts (at least when we rode it during the original East Coast Trip) definitely put Phoenix as my favorite coaster the park. And it was good enough to move into my top ten wooden coasters worldwide.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/theme-park-rangers-blog/os-disney-epcot-innoventions-west-closing-20150320-post.html

Yumble, a new indoor theme park in The Netherlands has sent us a press release regarding the opening of their park.

Quassy Amusement & Waterpark has sent us a press release about their upcoming 107th season.

US Thrill Rides has sent us a press release regarding their proposal for the redevelopment of the World Trade Center building in New Orleans.

Just a general reminder: If you have any questions, you can always post to this thread to see if a specific park warrants its own discussion thread.

http://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/blog/2015/03/mangos-tropical-cafe-orlando-artist-drawing-gives.html?full=true An artist rendering of the interior of Mango's Tropical Cafe Orlando on International Drive.

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2015/03/new-breakfast-starts-march-20-at-be-our-guest-restaurant-in-the-magic-kingdom-at-walt-disney-world-resort/

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2015/03/frozen-summer-fun-live-returns-to-disneys-hollywood-studios-june-17-september-7/

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is in great hands with Joel Manby at the helm. He has a known history for continual, balanced investment in the parks under his watch. I'd imagine the Blue World project for al three SeaWorld parks will be heavily reviewed once he starts... It will be interesting to see what happens from that point on.

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2015/03/two-restaurants-expand-as-downtown-disney-evolves-into-disney-springs-at-walt-disney-world-resort/

http://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/news/2015/03/11/breaking-skyplex-adds-zipline-amp-group-brings-new.html

http://www.nola.com/movies/index.ssf/2015/03/six_flags_new_orleans_movies.html

Last weekend I had the chance to revisit the Florida Strawberry Festival, the annual event in Plant City, Florida that has always been a personal favorite of mine. The festival is like a giant county fair that runs for about 2.5 weeks. There are TONS of food kiosks, a huge ride midway, and like many Florida fairs, livestock and other animals to see up close. I've visited the event previously but took a first-timer with me this year to enjoy the full experience. Plant City is also home to Parkesdale Farms, a local mecca for strawberries and the produce that they grow around them. People wait in line to try the famous strawberry shortcake and enjoy said treat in the "Garden of Eatin." On the opposite side of the Parkesdale Market, you can buy fresh produce at an insanely low price. It is an absolute must-do during the Florida Strawberry Festival. Parkesdale Market is open year round, but the produce (particularly the strawberries) are in season and at their finest during the festival time, so it is a perfect time to stop in. And best of all, it is a three minute drive from the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds, so it is really easy to experience both during a single visit to Plant City. I can't rave enough about this annual event! If you like fried foods, state fairs, fresh produce and midway rides then the Florida Strawberry Festival is definitely worth a visit! The Florida Strawberry Festival grounds are a permanent installation that are mostly dormant for the rest of the year when the festival is not open. Holy Cow! They have Baymax here! Just a tease of the many fried food options you can indulge in while here... AMAZING! Oh, the multitude of twisted burgers they have. If bananas are more your thing... It wouldn't be a fair without this ride.... I just picture Robb and the gang inside spinning them so much they fall off of their axis. Fair art is so klassy. I still can't wrap my brain around it... I'm terrified to try it and be disappointed. This was something new for me. I'll revisit this cart later... Oh, they have rides here too! I love these! Hadn't seen one of these rides in person before. Top Scans are always worth a spin! This spinning mouse was definitely not Elissa-friendly. PASS! They even had a Disk'O this year! The Double Wheel returns... Sadly the Zipper didn't make the cut to come back. Wait a second... They have a ride themed to Magnum P.I.!!! It wouldn't be a Florida fair without a "Drown the Clown." They even had a Freak Out! The Pinfari traveling coaster made its return to Florida again. Nothing says "Florida" like a cattle auction. Another look at the Pinfari... And we're moving on... So many strawberries! Remember how I said that I would revisit that fried food stand? I couldn't resist the fried cheesecake... And it was INCREDIBLE! Yes, they have pig racing here. I'm a fan of taking advantage of unique food offerings when they are in front of me... It isn't often that I can get Frogs Legs in Florida, so I never turn down the opportunity when I can. Parkesdale Market is one of my favorite places to visit in all of Florida! Heaven is within these open-air walls. There's a story behind the strawberry onions... And more... But look at them! They are huge and they are absolutely delicious! Cook them as a part of an overall dish or just throw them straight on to the grill--either way, they are incredible and sweet. Just look at these eggplant! I bought two for the road. It is so kitschy, it is charming! I finally know where they moved the Sorcerer's Hat! It is quite cozy inside. Took a half flat of Strawberries home for the road!

The Disneyland Resort has sent us a press release regarding a new 24-hour event to kick off the 60th anniversary of the resort.

The Walt Disney World Resort has sent us a press release regarding the upcoming "Coolest Summer Ever" including a new 24-hour event at the Magic Kingdom Park and the return of Frozen Summer Fun at Disney's Hollywood Studios. [youtu_be] [/youtu_be]

http://www.mysanantonio.com/business/article/SeaWorld-San-Antonio-to-close-portion-of-park-for-6119038.php Starting March 23, access to Dolphin Cove and the park’s sharks and coral reef attractions will remain closed until construction crews complete the project in May 2016, according to a news release. SeaWorld San Antonio is to see construction of a new dolphin habitat. The changes will feature a coastal theme. SeaWorld San Antonio plans to add room, starting next February, for new orca and dolphin habitats, part of a $30 million project. SeaWorld San Antonio next spring will unveil a renovated sea lion exhibit, called Pacific Point Preserve, that will include a new show. The park's current sea lion show, "The Cannery Row Caper," will end its nine-year run on Sept. 1. Courtesy SeaWorld Entertainment Inc. SeaWorld San Antonio's new sea lion exhibit will include a restaurant with food-court-style service with up to four styles of cuisine. It will debut next to the Pacific Point Preserve habitat in spring 2015. Courtesy SeaWorld Entertainment Inc.

I got really excited about this until I realized that is the same group as the ones behind Xanadu/Meadowlands/American Dream New Jersey... They've got West Edmonton Mall and the Mall of America to their credit but American Dream New Jersey puts a lot of red on their ledger.

http://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/print-edition/2015/03/06/planet-hollywood-s-redesign-a-new-look-new.html

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article12605384.html An aerial view of the proposed American Dream Miami entertainment and retail complex, a massive attraction planned for Northwest Miami-Dade. Backed by the company behind the Mall of the America in Minnesota, it’s described as the largest mall in the United States. MIAMI Though centered around a mall, the proposed American Dream Miami would also have a Ferris wheel, roller coaster, and 500-foot-tall observation tower. Most of it would be enclosed by a dome shown here in the artist’s rendering of the theme park. Proposed for Northwest Miami-Dade County, the project comes from the developer behind Minnesota’s Mall of America. MIAMI Plans for a water park at the American Dream Miami entertainment complex include 20 different “slides and water treatments,” and the world’s tallest indoor bungee tower. Proposed for Northwest Miami-Dade, the complex would be the largest mall in the United States. PROPOSAL BY DEVELOPER TRIPLE FIVE

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2015/03/more-opportunities-to-soar-enjoy-toy-story-mania-coming-to-walt-disney-world-resort

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2015/03/more-opportunities-to-soar-enjoy-toy-story-mania-coming-to-walt-disney-world-resort

^Only if you can slide into the waiting mouth of a hungry shark like this...