jedimaster1227

Yesterday I had the chance to visit Busch Gardens Tampa Bay for the Generation Nature Live! experience with Bindi Irwin, including the VIP breakfast offering. I also was able to do the Serengeti Safari tour experience for the first time as well. Both were fantastic added offerings for an already incredibly fun park, and I'd strongly consider doing both again. We started our morning out at the Crown Colony House... While waiting in line for a photo op with Bindi Irwin and her mother, we were treated to some up-close encounters with some rare creatures, including this beautiful owl. Both were genuine and friendly and were truly appreciative that people had come out to visit them. This other unique bird was a beauty to see in person. There was an all-you-care-to-enjoy breakfast spread included in the cost of the VIP experience, taking place in the former Crown Colony Restaurant space. Before heading over to the Stanleyville Theatre for the Generation Nature: Live! show, we rode the Skyride to get over to Stanleyville. The Skyride delivers an incredibly close up view of Cheetah Hunt... Gwazi closed last week but it isn't expected that anything will happen to the ride structure anytime soon. Bindi Irwin hosted the Generation Nature: Live! show, which was actually recorded to be included in a future webisode of the series. The first animal to be brought to the stage was an Echidna. Next this Hornbill Stork strutted around the stage. A Laughing Kookaburra made its signature call for the audience. A four year old kangaroo was brought to the audience next. After the show several extra animals were brought forth for people to pet and see. I melted for this sloth! Some more up-close encounters. Over in Jungala we were lucky to see one lounging Orangutan up close. This tiger in Jungala kept circling the glass, looking through to the other side towards a female tiger in the opposite enclosure. The park's train does a great job of interacting with many of the park's attractions. This unique view of Sheikra can only be found from the train itself. Next up was the Serengeti Safari, which provided the closest interactions to this part of Cheetah Hunt that I've had since the ride was first being built. So close! And awesome views at that! So you ride on a standing jeep for a total of 30 minutes throughout the park's Serengeti area. We drove right up to five white rhinos, just hanging out in some shallow pools. Some wildebeest enjoying the shade... The highlight of the Serengeti Safari is an up-close feeding experience with several of the park's giraffes. With lettuce in hand, you get to feed the giraffes, pet their necks and pose for some great photos! When they told me you get close to the giraffes, they weren't lying! This is just SOOO awesome! I couldn't get enough if I tried! These creatures are a spectacle to witness in person. And to see them up close... This close... Is just magical. After our Serengeti Safari was over we walked along the Edge of Africa trails to see the animals there. This Lion was just napping for the day, enjoying the cool weather. This Hyena was eying us down like we were dinner. "Megacroc vs. Sharknado" coming in 2018! The Edge of Africa has a really neat hippo enclosure that allows you to see the hippos partially from above and below. Cheetah Hunt looks amazing from any angle. The recent 5X the Fury merchandise is already out of date since the closure of Gwazi. Speaking of which... The portion of the queue building facing Morocco still has the ride's sign up... But the main entrance of the attraction is now unmarked. It should be noted that the park map still lists Gwazi as an attraction and the daily attraction closure signs do not list Gwazi as closed, so it can be quite confusing for guests. The former entrance of the attraction is now walled off from guest access. Over by Walkabout Way, the former Critter Castaways theater is now entirely removed and a large new topiary is being built in prep for the park's new Food and Wine Festival happening next month. Since we were already here... We stopped in to see some kangaroos. Nearly pulled off a "Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil" photo here. I can never stop looking at this awesome structure... That's all for today folks!

That drop... Wow. Just wow.

That is the only reason I'd venture back to Myrtle Beach anytime soon...

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Disney has sent us a press release with some incredible photos of the latest progress at the Shanghai Disney Resort including an inside look at the newly-titled Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure. An international team of Disney Imagineers and local contractors in China are working collaboratively to build the resort. They are using advanced technologies and construction techniques to complete Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure, an all-new high-technology boat ride attraction. (Photo illustration ©Disney) An international team of Disney Imagineers and local contractors in China are working collaboratively to build the resort. They are using advanced technologies and construction techniques to complete Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure, an all-new high-technology boat ride attraction. (Photo illustration ©Disney) The Shanghai Disneyland Hotel will be the signature hotel of the Shanghai Disney Resort. The 420-room hotel will have an elegant Art Nouveau style with a touch of Disney magic and imagination. The hotel will offer stunning views of Shanghai Disneyland, Disneytown and the resort’s central lake. The Shanghai Disneyland Hotel was recently successfully topped out. This marks another successful key construction milestone in the resort’s development. (Photo illustration ©Disney) The Toy Story Hotel will feature 800 rooms and immerse guests in a world inspired by the toys from the Disney•Pixar series of Toy Story animated films. The Toy Story Hotel was topped out in January 2014, an important construction milestone in the resort’s development. (Photo illustration ©Disney) The Disney Parks Blog has posted some more information about the resort as a part of their coverage of today's update! http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2015/02/first-look-shanghai-disney-resort-images-revealed/ For the first time ever, a Disney Park will be home to a Pirates-themed land—Treasure Cove— and an attraction called Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure.

^^It is funny you mention that because we heard "Happy" on our last ride of the weekend playing in the background of the songs we chose... It was very strange for sure. I'd be curious to see if it appears as an option the next time I ride. I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one who noticed this!

This weekend Theme Park Review was invited to cover the third annual Harry Potter Celebration at the Universal Orlando Resort. Spanning both parks, the event offered special panels featuring stars from the films, notable artists from the franchise and exhibits that were exclusive to the event weekend. A special Expo space was set up with mini offerings from other locations and companies that work with the Harry Potter franchise as well. Costumes were welcomed at the event and were definitely seen over the course of the three days. Here they come! Michael Gambon drove on stage in one of the actual Ford Anglia's used in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. I started out my weekend of the Harry Potter Celebration with the opening ceremony featuring the first appearances of the Phelps Twins (Fred and George Weasely), Michael Gambon (Albus Dumbledore) and Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood) at the event. The opening ceremony was followed by a brief Q&A session in which fans could ask their favorite stars questions about the films and beyond... They had lots of great insight to share about their experiences and all agree that they wish more films would be made for Harry's storyline so that they could reprise their roles further. There were LOTS of people here to see the stars... There would be many more times getting to see these actors throughout the rest of the weekend... It wouldn't be a kickoff event without confetti! They next served us Warm Butterbeer, which one team member described as "angel tears from heaven." We had a private Q&A with the stars in which more questions were asked... Michael Gambon admitted that he had no intention of riding Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts during this visit, claiming that four years ago when he visited, he rode Dragon Challenge and nearly died. How often do you get to see Diagon Alley empty? John looks totally in awe of the Leaky Cauldron! Trying out the Dragon Scale Brew at the Leaky Cauldron... I've got a whole Ploughman's Platter for Two... For myself! Time to explore Diagon Alley a bit, starting with my favorite corner of Knockturn Alley! The way this moving poster effect is done is incredible! Over by Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit near Twister, the Expo was set up for guests to enjoy indoors. Costumes from the four House Founders of Hogwarts used in the creation of the portrait room in Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey were on display, courtesy of Universal Orlando. Guests could get copies of the eight books with signatures from Kazu Kibuishi, the illustrator behind the new Harry Potter book art. There were lots of props from the films on display throughout the Expo space. The Making of Harry Potter - Warner Brothers Studio Tour London had this nice photo op available for guests to enjoy... One of the costumes used in the films... The photo experience allowed guests to take photos in iconic Harry Potter scenes of their choice. A full, 360 degree look at the Expo space. Zoom in for closer detail. All of the Horcruxes that kept Voldemort alive were kept in this display case. The Ford Anglia's was moved into the Expo space after Michael Gambon's entrance the day before. Some neat costumes from the latter films were on display as well. There were a decent number of cosplayers throughout the event as well. The commemorative print for this year's event... And last year's print... Minaoima had a display showing off their design work in the film, most notably their design of the look of The Daily Prophet wizard newspaper. Some of their work can be seen here... The Harry Potter Muggle Wall in the Expo served as a canvas for Harry Potter fans to share what the franchise means to them. Here is a copy of Dumbledore's Desk as seen in the queue for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Some more props from throughout the two Wizarding World of Harry Potter lands at Universal Orlando. Imagine what Bill Paxton could do with a Twister in a jar! The Sorting Hat Experience allowed me to be sorted into a Hogwarts house... I ended up with Gryffindor! Next up was a private presentation with Kazu Kabuishi, the artist behind the new designs on the recently re-published Harry Potter books. We were able to watch him design a backdrop for a piece of art he would be making live on stage later that day for guests. This was all done using Adobe Photoshop. The artist with his work! While in Diagon Alley, it was nice to be able to take advantage of the single rider line for Harry Potter and the Excape from Gringotts. Guests of the Harry Potter Celebration this weekend were fortunate to be graced with some beautiful Florida weather! Touring all of Diagon Alley, it is easy to forget about the hidden gems like the Gringotts Bank teller in the Gringotts Exchange that interacts with you during your time in the shop. Similar to Disney Dollars you can actually buy Gringotts Bank Notes from the Gringotts Exchange. They can be used as currency throughout Universal Orlando or kept as souvenirs to take home. Consider me a fan of Fishy Green Ale... Particularly the blueberry boba tea-style balls at the bottom of the drink. Tried the Cornish Pasties for breakfast and they were delicious! I highly recommend them as a snack to share! I never turn down an opportunity to see the Tale of the Three Brothers acted out on stage in Carkitt Market! The props in this show are incredible! Throughout the weekend I was able to ride the Hogwarts Express several times between the parks... And it continues to impress! Such a neat experience! The lines for regular guests to enjoy the Expo topped 120 minutes. Guests who booked vacation packages for the event were given priority access to bypass those lines. The stars frequently stopped by the Expo lines to meet guests and sign autographs as a surprise. The entrance to the Expo space... It was nice to see the Frog Choir over at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade. I don't get to spend much time over here normally, so it was a nice experience to revisit for the first time in a while. I will never be able to get over who amazing this looks from this view. The place that started it all. The Three Broomsticks will always be the Enchanted Oak Tavern to me. Interesting to Hogsmeade Station next to Hogsmeade Station... The new Hogsmeade Station was build between Dragon Challenge and Sinbad and provides a different vantage point for the ride that could not previously be enjoyed. I stopped back into the Music Plaza to catch The Making of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter discussion featuring Alan Gilmore, Michael Aiello and Patrick Braillard. Sadly Michael Aiello confirmed that it is not expected at this time that an album of the music of "Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees" is not expected to be released anytime soon. Short waits make taking an extra ride on Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts even more tempting. Such a neat ride, technologically! The vault elevators are like the old Hydrolators on crack! Such a great place to enjoy at night! I'll never get tired of seeing this! What a view! I never turn down an opportunity to stroll through Knockturn Alley. Borgin & Burkes is the shop for dark wizards... The Fountain of Fair Fortune is one of many locations where you can order a Butterbeer. Wrapping up the event with a little more Tim in Diagon Alley... A view to close to... Thanks again to Universal Orlando for hosting us for the third annual Harry Potter Celebration at the Universal Orlando Resort! We can't wait until next year!

It'll be interesting to see if this is more in line with RCT3 like RCT4 is looking like it will be or if Frontier will take what they learned from the game (and Thrillville) to make something more in line with Theme Park Studio.

^Nights in White Satin was gutted when Monstars of Rock moved in. A few items from the inside of the ride were scattered as theming throughout the rebranded park and a few items from the rock garden were moved inside as well. I'm not surprised that the ride system was moved out if the park as well. It was a lightly used ride system likely bought for cheap, so it is nice to see at least that part of one of the most unique dark rides ever, to be saved.

Yesterday I stopped by Busch Gardens Tampa Bay for the first time in a while, to make sure to get some last rides in on and to see the latest going on in the park. With one side open on the ride, it took a while to be able to get on the ride, and with only a morning to spend in the park, I was only able to ride twice, once in the front row and once in the back. The first ride in the back row was surprisingly solid, not too rough, but the front row was pretty terrible. All-in-all, I'm glad I went back for another ride but I won't miss Gwazi once it is gone. This was why I was here today... You have to admit, it is a nice looking ride. Too bad the ride profile didn't match the ride's looks in recent years. There are lots of closeup places where guests were able to see the trains pass by (something that GCI would push to the next level with later rides in for the form of the station fly-bys and fly-thrus). A full view of the two tracks and how they intertwine as seen from the station exit. Landscaping in the guest-facing sides of the ride was always a plus too. The structure was always imposing to walk near. Taking a break from Gwazi for a bit, we rode the Sky Ride. Rhino Rally was recently confirmed as being permanently closed and the ride is already looking like it. There are no jeeps to be seen and all entrances to the jeep's paths into the Rhino Rally areas are closed. Empty. The gate leading to the starting line for Rhino Rally is closed. The entrance to the ride is blocked with a construction wall and much of the queue's theming has already been stripped. A look at Gwazi from afar... A ride on the Sky Ride is always a great opportunity to stop and appreciate just how great Cheetah Hunt looks in the park. Really just a fantastic ride for an incredible park! Still one of my favorite elements of Cheetah Hunt. Always the first ride I go for when I visit the park. Back for one last ride... In more recent years Gwazi was sponsored by a company that sells lawn mowers. A couple of final photos for the Park Index. I remember when the ride first opened... There used to be two of these signs... One for each side. For the index. This sign used to direct you to the left or the right, leading you to decide between Gwazi Lion and Gwazi Tiger. The extended queue was rarely used in the ride's last few years of operation. The start of the ride weaves into itself and presented the first dueling fly-by... When the ride's still dueled. This side of the ride has been standing but not operating for over a year... And it clearly shows. Since moving a single-side operation, trains from both Gwazi Lion and Gwazi Tiger were operating on the same track. I remember riding these Millennium Flyers for the first time... For the index. I would totally bid in the front car decorative piece if given the chance, especially for charity. That side's station was decommissioned with a foot-bridge installed across the track to give access to the remaining operating track for guests using Quick Queue. Noted! One last look from the exit of the station... Loved this dueling turn... One last ride in the front row... For the memories.

I'm still holding out hope for a Carthay Circle Restaurant in front of the Great Movie Ride... But that's simply because I want a place where I can get those amazing Sriracha-Glazed Duck Wings and Carthay Circle House Biscuits closer to home.

^Is there even a normal Disk'o in Florida?

I feel like this property's best chance is to convert it into a resort with added attractions as amenities for the resort. The limited access and limited appeal of the former Ghost Town in the Sky concept coupled with the lack of functional rides have really killed this park's chances of operating entirely as an amusement park.

Today Fun Spot America held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Gator Spot by Gatorland experience coming to the park in a few months. This first-of-its-kind partnership between Fun Spot America Theme Parks and Gatorland will allow Fun Spot guests to see baby gators, birds, crocodiles and even a rare Albino Gator for just $6. This $1 million project will be constructed in roughly two months and is opening opposite the park's Tilt-A-Whirl attraction. It wouldn't be a Gatorland experience without gators! The entrance of Gator Spot by Gatorland will definitely represent the Gatorland wooded-flair well. The new attraction will offer a great sampling of all that Gatorland has to offer at their park. This plot will look VERY different in just a few months. Ready for the main event... A look at the full construction plot. John Arie Jr., the face of Fun Spot America Theme Parks started the ceremony with a few words about the project. Invited guests included Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and more! A meeting of industry moguls, John Arie Jr. of Fun Spot America Theme Parks and Gatorland CEO Mark McHugh shared some fun jokes on stage! Mark shared some more background on the joint project's history, which began over a year ago at which time John Arie Sr. mentioned to him that they were contemplating adding a gator experience at Fun Spot America. That initial thought was soon explored as a joint-partnership and the rest is history. A fun shot of the groundbreaking ceremony with some great expressions to match! Gatorland even brought some animals from the park! I was able to hold a parrot! The long-awaited installation of the Screamin' Swing, now to be known as Space Invader, is finally beginning. The Air Raid attraction near the entrance of the park is being packed up as well. While we were here, it didn't hurt to take a ride on the incredibly fun White Lightning--still the crown jewel of the park! Thanks again to Fun Spot America and Gatorland for hosting us today! We can't wait to see Gator Spot by Gatorland when it opens in just a few months!

Today Merlin hosted Theme Park Review and invited media to witness the beginning of the installation of the first passenger cabin of The Orlando Eye. Now that the wheel is complete the 30 passenger cabins are ready to be attached to the wheel. Interior work on The Orlando Eye Terminal (lobby) along with the 4-D Experience pre-show seems to be progressing as well, with the full experience set to open in early 2015. This is what we're here to see today! See these things? These keep the passenger cabins attached to the Eye. The setting for today's story! Nerd shot! When the wheel is complete, these wheels will have the ability to move down on to the Eye structure to control the ride's motion and speed. Time to lift the car into place! It took a few tries since the process has to be so precise, but after a few minutes the arm was attached to the cabin... The first bolt was put into place, starting a 2-4 hour process required to fully install each passenger cabin on the wheel. At least one cabin will be installed today with the remaining 29 set to be installed in the coming days. Still plenty of work to do, but this was a definite milestone in the construction process! We can't wait until The Orlando Eye is fully built and open to guests! Such an awesome logo!

^The Guest Communications team delivers a standardized message for all future developments in the park. That response is no different. I'm not saying that things aren't happening at the park--I'm just letting you know that nothing they respond with will give you any idea of the scope, inspiration, timeframe or possibilities behind the removal of the hat.

While it isn't an RMC conversion, new wood is better than nothing, so it is good to see the ride getting some attention!

If there is one coaster video I particularly enjoy watching when I'm bored, it is the Muntanya Russa POV from TPR filmed at Tibidabo. It is just a uniquely smooth terrain coaster that has a beautiful location and a great-looking layout. More intense and fun to watch is Intimidator 305. Since I won't be getting back to Kings Dominion anytime soon to try it myself, it is nice to have such a high quality POV to enjoy a virtual experience with. I play these videos and other TPR videos in full HD on my 60 inch TV and live-convert them to 3D for a more immersive experience and they're are two of my favorites to re-watch!

Look at that roll!

It is interesting that both tracks' trains were reduced from four seaters to two seaters despite the fact that the Cylon side was the one that primarily had the issues with the trains.

This monstrosity is beginning to look ridiculously fun! Thank you for the photo updates!

This a really fantastic project! I love watching works like these start from scratch and I can't wait to see the finished product! Thank you so much for sharing this with us!

^Here's hoping that one of the TBAs on the schedule ends up being Huey Lewis and the News. They put on an amazing show for Mardi Gras last year!

^While neglect is certainly a part of it, the ride was a victim of its own design. It was designed with track movements not fit for the PTC trains it hosted for years. Those trains were not designed to navigate GCI-style maneuvers (as they were new designs for an old-style train to handle). You can't say that Busch Gardens didn't try to salvage the ride, considering several ongoing retracking efforts before a comprehensive retracking was done in preparation for the arrival of the Millennium Flyer trains, built specifically for Gwazi. There are a lot of factors that led to Gwazi closing--neglect, poor operations, low guest satisfaction and an increasingly rough ride experience all contributed to this.

There's video now?