jynx242

Bert, please know that I am thinking of you during your time of loss. Sending all the love and energy I can to you. Hugs David

Thanks for this report! I have to say, that Larson Loop looks very nice there. The colors go with the theme of the area

^ Yeah - I hear you regarding coasters and horror movies . Add in my penchant for "bad horror movies" and some of my friends are just completely baffled. I've always figured that everyone flies their "dork flag" for something. Mine happens to fly for Roller Coasters and Theme Parks. As far as "weird" people - I think that there are odd people everywhere. When you go to an event (whether sporting, quilting, Roller Coaster, what have you...) you are generally in closer proximity to some people that would qualify as odd than you would usually be. I don't think the "enthusiast" think makes them weird - they just are weird people who are enthusiasts (if that makes any sense.) David

I've gone on 6 TPR Trips (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2014.) I, cannot for the life of me figure out what people felt the need to bitch about. The (don't be late for the bus and basically don't be an a$$hole) rules seemed pretty self explanatory and easy to follow. They were, without a doubt, the best vacations of my life and I miss going on them terribly. Robb & Elissa have always been simply fantastic hosts and to say I was impressed with the amount of thought and work that went into the trips would be an understatement. As far as Kristen - sweet holy mother of god - WTF was this dude thinking about? I traveled with her every summer for her first 5 years. She was always the absolute best behaved kid I had ever been around. I know there were some socially "awkward" folks on the trips - but a majority of the people I met were a lot of fun and pretty awesome.

^^Thanks for keeping us updated! I was getting worried when I didn't see anything for a while

I accept peoples opinions, even if I don't really understand them. Yes - Lightning Rod's opening was plagued with problems. I think the park could have dealt better with their communication, but I have absolutely no idea what was going on and what information their Public Relations department was given to work with. But I cannot and will not put down Dollywood Customer Service because of this one issue. They have always had, bar none, some of the BEST Customer Service in the industry. Lightning Rod, from what I've heard, is mind blowing when it is working and I have full faith that they will get the kinks worked out during their off season. I don't say this out of some blind fan-boy loyalty to the park. I say this because my experiences with Dollywood have always been overwhelmingly positive.

I don't care if Walter the man who sells me pizza is nice. I care if there's rides worth going on. If I wanted to go to a park I would go to Boom Island. Give me rides. Now you are just being a jackass. Fine - your park sucks. Life sucks for you because your park sucks.

The thing that baffles me is that some people don't understand that Valleyfair is a very NICE park. Not the biggest, not the best, but one of the cleanest, friendliest, nicest park I've visited (and I have visited a LOT of parks.) Seriously, really look at that dumpster fire La Ronde. We'll wait....... It is complete crap. Dirty, kind of mean employees, expensive, slow, crowded, horrible clientele, the list can go on. Yes, it would be great if Valleyfair could get a new coaster - and they will get one that fits their needs when they feel the time is right. I'd suggest visiting some other parks (and SFA is not heaven compared to Valleyfair, so please stop arguing for arguments sake.)

I have to admit that Cotton States going away kind of makes me sad. I'm sure everything will be great, but I always loved that section of the park. It will be interesting to see how they fit Blue Hawk Ninja Kung Fu coaster and the Great American Scream Machine into the Lickskillet section (which is Wild West themed for those of you unfamiliar with the park.)

I really wish I knew what that said Why is it so hard for people to type / text in something resembling a coherent thought? WHY?????

^^^Those pictures are GREAT! Looks like they've done a pretty damned good job with their Holiday in the Park! Thanks for sharing.

Do we still say "90 Degrees!" ?

^

^This is very good advice. The personal touch in trip reports, blogs, etc.. is what sets them apart. I like to get a feeling of who is talking and what their opinions are of rides I have ridden or rides I might get to ride

Yeah, as expected, feels like an awful lot of people around here suddenly passed the bar overnight. It was easy!! Anywho..... I'm glad they know who did it. I'm not sure how the legal aspects will play out on it, but I do hope that some kind of learning about the dangers of forest fires comes out of it. Smokey the Bear needs some exposure here. D

Odd that this says it is going to the Kissimmee location as opposed to the Orlando location. Either way - good for them and it would be great to have a Gravity Group woodie near me

^ & ^^ - looks like an absolute blast!!! Glad you guys had a good time and Happy Belated Birthday!

^Everything is better with Knoebels but cruises don't suck either

I've found it always behooves me to just expect it to be super-busy (especially on a weekend,) and plan accordingly. With smart use of Fastpasses and a little forethought, you will still get to do just about everything you want to do. Remember, even when it is very busy - it is Disney World. You will still have a nice time!! Have fun, and remember, you get to relax on a cruise after your Magic Kingdom day - what could be better??

^Probably a good idea I remember the first time I rode Outlaw Run after watching it being built and hearing about it for over a year. I knew it was supposed to be insane, but BOY HOWDY did I not expect that. Such an amazing ride and such a great park!

Thanks guys!! The shoes were one of the things I would not budge on - I'm glad I got my way

^Agreed! Although to us a Super loop isn't all that exciting - for this park and to the general public it is a great addition.

This is horrible - wildfires combined with hurricane force winds?!? Wow. Although I am concerned for the safety of everyone in the Gatlinburg / Pigeon Forge area, to our Tennessee TPR members, please be safe and know that I'm thinking of you. David

Here's a pic from our big Gay Wedding! Yes - Maleficent came to the wedding The Grooms - I'm in grey

Here's a picture from my wedding at the end of last month I would be the one in grey