sfne2005

$50,000! Ugh, no way we are gonna get one of those when we could get two regular one.

About damn time, jeez. I love the photo of you in front of Flashback with the L above your head. (That's my hand by the way!) And Christiana looks way better on my arm than yours. The last photo is my favorite I think.

I don't recall how many sig moves or even if there were any captured on "film". I guess we shall see.

Robb, I just watched the TExpress vid (mmm, I miss it) and the quality seemed to be spotty on some of the transitions from frame to frame. I am pretty sure the original didn't have that. If this has been repeated, I am sorry as I didn't peruse the other posts. Rich

Wow, that didn't take long to get a rise out of you did it. What color is 2009? Lime green? Safety orange? Oompa loompa purple?

Mikey buddy, You need to get a new set of tshirts. Yellow is sooooo 2008. Ugh, and I hate the fact that I added a post and an extra view to this thread. Love ya BIG Mike. Oh, and where are the Larry pictures? Rich

How's that? It's not like you EVER do an international trip..... You could have gone and rode Piraten with us this coming year....but noooooo.....

And to close this PTR, I figured I would do something different. I will post pictures of me taken from other people (thanks mostly to Steve) at various times during the trip. (This is not an attempt at vanity.) Thank you very much Robb and Elissa for all the hard work you put into such a great trip. I honestly do not know how this trip could be topped by any other. See you again soon on another trip.

OK, almost done. I wanted to share this little story. My roommate for Korea and Japan was Dave. We had many conversations about Disney and my general apathy towards it. Dave is a great fan of all things Disney. I can respect anyone's interests. We would joke about it how Tokyo Disney is the mecca of Disneyness and how excited he was about going. I think, Tokyo Disney was a big factor in his doing this trip. Hell, mine was T-Express and Kawasemi. So we are on the train headed to Disney. I look out and see the park from the window. I turn to Dave and say something like "Hey Dave, there it is!". I then instantly captured this picture below. I teased him a bit about how he was about to cry. We laughed about it and he is a good sport about it too. I like this picture because it captures pure joy and anticipation. Dave at first did not want this posted, but he gave in. Thanks Dave. Dave's first sighting of Tokyo Disney.

Disney fans beware, you will not be impressed with this part of the TR. I literally checked into the hotel, made my way into the Tokyo Disney resort, walked onto Raging Spirits as it was down last year for rehab and I needed the credit, bought some pepper popcorn, took a few pics and left. Time in park was maybe an hour and a half. Sorry! Thanks for looking and reading. And to finish up the body of this TR, I will close with some fireworks. My favorite Tower of Terror...but the line was too long for my liking so I skipped it. Besides, I had a full box of Popcorn. Disney Sea mega water show! Just put me in a washer machine with some blue dye and it's all the same to me. Most useless ride in the world. It looked nice at night though. And using the single rider line, I passed the entire 45 minute queue and walked onto a train. Can't beat that!! Raging Spirits was super smooth, themed well with fire, lights and smoke. It was lit up all nice like a drunk redneck with a case of Schlitz. Pics from the courtyard. Second Disney resort stay...this was a little nicer the the Hollywood Hotel in HK.

Next up: Tobu Zoo. Prepare for loads of Kawasemi pictures. Random teamwork challenge between Jew and Elissa. You should know that they failed...miserably. Yea don't worry, she drops in about 2 seconds. Just watch the forthcoming DVD! Go Elissa Go! I think most of our group was successful on this obstacle. We all failed miserably on the other three, which are the hard ones on the show (Ninja Warrior) anyhow. Nice view of the bay. Later in the day the newbies hit up Sega Joypolis. I spent the time at the Decks area taking pics and shopping until the meetup at Muscle Park. Miss you Kawasemi...keep it real yo. Second to last. Boo. But I am looking forward to Piraten in 09! I did spend a lot of time riding. Many of these pics are courtesy of Burst Mode (hi Steve). Sick of Kawasemi yet? Not me. Oh, and this easily blows EGF away...for me anyways. Remember, I am emo. Only behind its big brother SROS @ SFNE. I hope they don't ruin it this winter with the rehab thing, otherwise this will be my new number 1. To me, this is a Balder-like experience. It easily made this my number 2 steel coaster. Fortunately, more parks are getting these mega-lites. For ME....this proves that a great ride need not be tall or fast. I don't see why every park can't get one of these gems. But ride "experience" is really important. With ERT in the morning, and no line the whole time we were there made for awesome reride conditions. And I certainly wouldn't reride it much if there was an hour line. Plus, if I waited that long, maybe I wouldn't be as satisfied. Yes, its not tall, super fast nor does it have extreme laterals so it might not be for everyone. A quick cable lift, quick drop and into airtime heaven. Phenomenal. That's all really. It does what it does without any delay. Courtesy pic of Regina. Next. Stats. Last pic before I get to ride. Lost in translation? There's the little birdy. My "first sighting" pic. Small, quaint and pretty. Plus, you add an intamin coaster in the mix, well, you gotta hope its gonna rock. Then the clouds gave way and we were let in. Good thing because it would have been a shame to miss out on this little gem. Super early arrival at the Zoo. We were greeted with the "ain't no way in hell you are riding anything in this rain" rain. Interesting ad for Regina. The ads were better than the ride.

This is the last leg of the trip for me. I tagged along to Japan and hit up a few parks not on the itinerary last year during the Japan trip. It was absolutely worth it for one coaster....Kawasemi. We'll get to that later. And over at the Hello Kitty land section of the park is the most inappropriate kid attraction / themeing ever. Though I have no coaster pics at Seibuen Yuenchi....I do have this nifty queue seating / staging area for the coaster. Awwwwww Hey, that goes for you too Erik! Dave...no drinking and driving. Is it me or do the palm trees have boobs? Hi Erik...watch out for those brakes. Random midway with park emptiness. This was a lot of fun. Clear cut case of more is not better. Big badda boom. Anyone know that reference? That movie is awesome. No snow on this trip. More park ERT... this time at (looks at guide book)...Nasu Highland. Grrrr. Supa fast! Awesome looking only. I hear they play Jarts (lawn darts) in the Tokyo Dome. I just took pictures instead. Such a cool place at night...but super busy this night. Having all the credits I decided against riding anything. I think Robb said he waited almost 2 hours for Thunder Dolphin. No thanks. Some of the parks were a repeat, but I liked the LaQua area so much I opted to return. A familiar and welcome sight in Japan. The crosswalk between the train station and the Prince Hotel...base camp for this and last trip.

Still not done....grrr.... Finishing up on Everland, we head out for a bit to go on a credit run. What's with all the coaster enthusiasts and there fashion fopars? I mean, come on....socks and sandals? Pfft Or how about some Octopi that has been sitting out in the molten sun for who knows how long? Hi, I am freaking crazy. Want a donut? Anyone want to lick the powder off my eyes? This is my favorite picture of Robb ever. The next few pics are typical Robb silliness. He was having a good time and so were we. There's a Dunkin Donuts at Seoul Land. So you better believe we stopped. What's wrong with you? They have the weirdest flavor here...including toe jam! Oogedity boogity. Cheesy Victory! Hey, is that Hiro Nakamura? Said High Roller. No way in hell was I riding that piece o cucka. How many Loevstrand brothers does it take to lock a TPR member in the High Roller? (I know I spelled your last name wrong Peter and Marcus..sorry). I love this picture. Random steel track madness. The next day we find our selves magically teleported to Epcot. The purchased onride photo. Blah - grainy. But Christiana doesn't care. This poor girl was working in the morning during our ERT. She was a lot of fun. Maybe she is mentally ill because she got excited each time she saw Jeff and I get back in line. That blur is the train. Night rides were simply amazing. Though, if I have one complaint about this ride, is that the midcourse brakes make each ride a little different....as in not consistent. Some rides where insanely airtime ridden. Others were a bit more passive. Night shot of T-Express. Steve, wish you were here! Piss off. Same bus ride, same time as above just different dreams. The back of the bus was not the liveliest I have been a part of. It was like the geriatric ward. CHRISTIANA! I share Dave's sentiments. Metal chopsticks, no knives, tasty meat surrounded by fat....not my thing. Walking to credit. I love you. To here. My two pictures of the mouse were crap and not worth posting. Sorry. Buy Robb's DVD coming out soon.

Everland. What to say about it that already hasn't been. I'll just say that T-Express was the main reason (coaster wise) for doing this whole trip. It didn't disappoint. And yes, I bought a few souvenirs. Got a kick out of the face on azz costume. This bear wanted to eat me. I had hoped they would let the kitty out to pat and hold, but not this trip. Taunting the bear is a good idea. I felt sort of bad for him. Hi pussy cat. How's it going. In addition to awesome rides, they have awesome animals. Take that Disney. I must say, my Eagle Fortress ride in the day was very unflattering. Over hyped by far. At night, during ERT, lights off, running super fast......top 10! Dave, why is the chair tipped so much? All the pictures of T-Express should make up for all the culture pics through this PTR. I took no pics of the ride session as I spent every moment riding. Even spent the last part of the night riding it as much as I could. The verdict is in (which you already new if you saw Robb's video), my new number one (steel and wood combined). Fast and intense as El Toro. Smooth and airtime filled as Balder. Cool looking trains though. Blah on the signage though. It needs a cooler name or picture. Why not just have a picture of a cellphone? Look at it. It looks amazing. Ok, I am back. Walking to our little ERT session. Let's see how she ranks. Woah, hmmm.....there she is. (I'll be right back, gotta rub one out). Dude, even the decorations are telling me to piss off. Midway awesomeness. He looks mean.....my kind of character. Interesting opening ceremony song and dance. Got nothing on Chris' dance though. Eewww, kinda busy here. Hot issue? Come on, what choo talkin about?

So the transfer from Hong Kong to Korea was, well, interesting to say the least. I went to bed around 5pm and woke at 8pm to get on the bus which headed to the airport. From there, an 11pm-ish flight (red eye) to Korea. From there, straight to Lotte World. And I cannot, and did not, sleep on the flight over. So I was completely destroyed. After a few hours out and about, Dave (my new roomy) and I crashed out from say 1pm to 6pm. We got back into the park, finished up credits and other randomness. This place kicked all sorts of azz! Our hotel...which is attached to the park...and mall...and rink...and gun range.... Did a little photography as they were cycling empty trains to close the night. Dave and I were fortunate enough to get on the last train with only a 5 minute wait. Awesome. My second of this ride (first one in Spain) and I still didn't understand anything they were saying. Oh, and I still did horrible. This is very similar to the cell at my work. The support is In the Loop. Interesting but corny Halloween parade. I was so tired I actually hung out and watched some of it. Quaint monorail ride touring the park. Zombie sex? Sorry, I was listening to the In the Loop podcast while doing this update. Two things to note: The blur is cool and the line is huge. Funny thing, we hardly saw any TPR members at this park all night. Either they were all sleeping or they were at the gun range. Shrugs Night time on the inside. Hope you all are enjoying the pictures...because my fingers are getting numb. Keeping on par with pictures of gyroswings I didn't ride. Still bigger, even at dusk. Yes, there is a balloon ride on the roof. I guess where else would it be? Found Bob's onride picture hours after he rode plastered for all to see. What? Why not? All sorts of stuff to do inside this massive place. Ooh, there is the gun I shoot for work right there! Like a gun range. Sorry I didn't shoot with you Jeff. I hate guns. There IS an ice skating rink on Lotte World property among all sorts or random things. You could basically live in here and never go outside...except to ride Atlantis. Now this is a castle. Disney HK take note. Tall. Yea, that's all I got. Run forest. Of the bulls that is. Marcus, good thing you weren't wearing socks with those sandals today. Otherwise they'd get all wet. The women's chariot. Note the Intamin rep in the background. That's right, a real Intamin bigwig. Sorry for the grainy-ness. I take them when I can get them....often times there isn't enough time to focus. Jeff does. You loved it. Stop your complaining. CHRISTIANA!!!! Probably the most "fun" I have ever had on a rode or coaster anywhere. The ride itself is very good. But the interaction with other riders is what did it for me. Remember "fat face"? What do I see?

After bailing from Disney, we grabbed a bite to eat at this very nice area (I have no idea the name of the place) but it is at the bottom of the Gondola you take to see the giant Budha statue (which is our destination). OK, maybe there were three pictures! This is one of the TWO pictures I took that made me decide to do a PTR. The other was while I was in Japan. (You know who you are Going back down. Still impressive. Could use some AC though. It was a bit stuffy in the cars. This is me. I like mustaches, donuts, driving fast, and anything non-Disney. Stats of Mr. B himself. This is Miles. He likes panthers, Disney, out drinking Steve and singing outloud in the morning...especially on the bus. This is Ming Lei-Su. She likes volleyball, peas and synchronized swimming. No, I am kidding. She hates peas. Good advise especially when cars come from that side. Not sure why its different here...but it is. I see you Mr. Buddha sir. and 7-11. Arrival at the top was a neat Buddhist village complete with a plethora of touristy stuff....like Starbucks... There's Budha. He big. Dude, that is crazy! I can't imagine the stress on those cables. Hi Steve. You need to keep that beard of yours. Still going. Oh crap...Hong Kong airport. Hoping there are no low flying aircraft nearby. Was smooth as glass as it ran over the wheels of the tower. Though I thought, if for some reason it dropped into the water, where is the exit? We are locked in with no emergency sign exits....gulp. Looking back over the waterway. The extreme smog doesn't help, but look how far it goes! It goes up over the mountain. Despite its great length, it had I think only 7 or 8 towers. Base of the gondola. This thing was unbelievable. The sheer size (height, length etc). Here is the very touristy area complete with Haagan Daas icecream (which was really good) and a Pizza Hut.

So here is my Hong Kong Disney update. We had ERT on space mountain (which actually was very enjoyable) and a couple other rides before the park opened. Couple with low crowds, I was out of there before lunchtime. Arguably the best onride pic I have ever been in. Dazed, confused and bored? Whatever the case....all awesome. But the rain scene was cool. Miles said this is unique to this park. I believe him. The Pooh ride was OK...but the Tigger bouncing room doesn't hold a candle to Japan's. But we all new that. Miles and Steve reveling in my misery. Speaking of wrist cutting, there was It's a Small World (new for 08) woohoo. The perfect car ride for some who doesn't drive...like Steve. It didn't do much for me though. Guess I am emo. Plus we got to see the garage door open for us at space mountain. I am not sure if that is significant, but I experienced it anyways. I think if they put music to any coaster, I would like it. It's just so petite. Here comes the mob! Oh wait, that's just our group. The castle is, um, a bit small. Guess I am used to the FL one. It was kinda eerie. But they are usually too busy for my liking. This is an unusual scene for me...no people. Park entrance. All Disney parks are beautiful. The staff is great. It's just not my taste in rides.

Almost forgot to post the pictures taken by the attendant of the skywalk of us all. Speaking of which. Stop checking out my can! Just kidding....I think this is the same pic as before from a different angle watching Steve plummet. Hi Ma. How's it going? I am 700 feet up in the air! I soooo burned my hand on the metal during this picture...which took more than one try to get us all in. I remember saying to the guide, "Those are ass prints on floor aren't they?". Simple answer, yup. Stayin alive, staying alive..... Just hanging around. Starting to be daring.

Today (well, not today, but September 9th) was member's choice day. Initially the plan was to go to Macau and get the credit...but alas, it is no more. Knowing that ahead of time, peeps could choose to go to Disney or Macau. Macau has lots of non coaster things to do including gambling, drinking and sight seeing. With my love of Disney, it was an easy choice...Macau. Actual "onride" pic whilst you hang there for 10-15 seconds. Two proud pals. Febs joined me as well. No sweat. OK, OK, lies. My hands were trembling after the adrenaline rush. No, its baldy! I saw Steve do this, there was no way I wasn't doing this also. Spiderman? Who dat coming down the tower? Callum and Chris doing the ultimate...bungee! Next time I am doing it. I swear. No thanks to Chris for not going back with me the next day or Steve who rushed me out of the tower. Swinging by....yea, running and swinging. This was a great value as we were probably out there for 30-45 minutes. It's funny how the chickens inside flocked to the window to watch us. More antics and hanging out. Taking a leisurely rest. Yea right. Saying hi to Jeff Johnson. BTW, these pics of us on the walk were taken by him. Thanks dude. Waving to Don as he climbed the tower's mast. It was blazing hot out here. Don't be checking out my can. I think I was watching Steve plummet to the ground. Beginning of the walk. The orange group gets ready to skywalk. I am in this group. I was honestly surprised at the some of the other members who opted to do this. About to be pushed off the tower! Steve's poison...the skyjump. Looking down through the floor of the observation deck. I'd say about half of the group went up to the top, while 11 or so of us opted to do additional activities. This view is from the elevator going up. But here is my reason for coming to Macau. The 233 Meter (764 foot tall) Macau Tower. Macau had some gangsta-mob styled buildings. As Robb and Elissa opted for Disney, it was complete chaos arriving in Macau. God how you take for granted their planning when they are around. Lavish comfortable seats for the hour plus journey. CHRISTIANA, more Jeff Johnson. Our chariot awaits.

After Ocean Park, we made a stop at the Avenue of the Stars. Two words describe this: Wicked Awesome. Back to the hotel. Here is the front of it. Not hard to figure out if you're getting on the right subway when you're staying on Disney property. The view was spectacular, but I could do without the crappy music and weak lazer show. Departing at dusk to head back to the Avenue of Stars to watch the building light and sound show. After taking it all in, we ate at Bubba Gumps. Our table (and view) is right there. All kinds of awesome. If I could only remember what Chris said to that waitress. I think he was looking for the Cantonese word for cheers. But she didn't speak Cantonese. (I think that's the story) Sharing the moments with some friends. Not sure who took this pic but here is Ginny, Bob, Miles and me. Steve and Chris were with us too. I could sit up here all day. And get paid handsomely with this wicked awesome view. Upon reaching the peak, there is this cool multi-tiered mall. With a few bucks, we paid to get to the observation area. And the other passengers getting a kick out of us fools. Getting on the tram was no easy feat. Look at the angle!?! Here it comes....again. After watching the tram pass us by twice, Steve found the green call button. Where's Chuck (CFC) when you need a button pushed? Yippee! We found the tram. Wait, this isn't the base station. Crap! We hiked the majority of the way up the damn mountain. Can we even get on here? Boy that tower is getting far away. Keep in mind that we are walking the dreaded streets trying not to get killed. Sweet. The IFC Tower through the trees. Funny how it was so far away when we were on the other side of the water. And came across some lovely accommodations like so. Yea, funny story. We got lost somewhere in here trying to get to the Top of the Peak Tram. I'll take an order of kangaroo and a side of Junk Pack please. Here you can see a few of them. Good thing we hit the escalators at the right time of day. There were dozens of these enclosed escalators which made its way up the mountain. View from the heart of the city. So a few of us decided to go across to Hong Kong Island via boat. "Daddy, take a picture of me. I am right here!" Whaaaaaaa-ta! For posterity. Awesome Wicked Everyone get out your cameras. Here we are.

Though most of you know I am not a Disney fan, I absolutely loved the hotel. This was actually my first stay at Disney property. Oh Jeff, you funny. Never saw a sleeping panda before this day Never saw a live panda before this day. And these creepy worms sticking out of the sand that had teeth on them. The rest of the time I spent looking at the fish and animal exhibits. Like this Giant tank of fish. Second credit. Dave and Jew's expression says it all. Still on the mine train. Still great views. Pretty passive ride until the final hill which had a nice amount of airtime. CHRISTIANA! Look! It's Jeff Johnson. Just wish the view was better. After a 10 click hike we get to our first cred. See? Look at it! Wait, it's not El Toro. Nevermind. The view is OK too. Wheeeeeee Based on the sweat from Jeff's forehead, I'd suspect he's nervous. To be more precise. Park time. Looking back at the hotel. View from the rear of the hotel. Boy my flash is bright. Oh, this is the Hollywood Hotel by the way. Signage at the rear of the hotel. Very nice. Swag

I know it's been a while and I don't wanna hear about it. Hey, its winter (here anyways), so the updates will pass the time. Here goes again! Oh Joy! Second sighting of the massive accumulation of skyrises and apartments while enroute to our hotel. Cuz we going to Hong Kong! First sighting from the bus. No better way to celebrate a great country with a couple for the road. This concludes China.....but is in no way the end. More members going up as we're going down. Miles' disgust with the rolling road block....aka the ride operator. Ugly onride picture I just had to purchase Jeff is OK to go! Then we opted for the upcharge alpine slide. Not only did it kick ass, but it kicked Bob's ass. Hi Chris. How's the Boardwalk Bullet doing? Flipside of the same car. Steve telling me to basically piss off. A quick stop at (looks at the TPR guide cuz its been so damn long ago!) Donghu to ride the spinning coaster.

That's because he was jumping...which may explain the tremor that Macau experienced that day

OK, I am back! Let's see where I left off. Leaving Mysterious Island, we hit the road to Pearl Land. I apologize in advance for the pictures, or lack of good comprehensive ones. I get in a funk during the trips where I no longer feel like taking pics, and the ones I take aren't very good. Sigh, they pickup later on though, so stay tuned. Last for this installment. Nothing fancy here...just a coaster pic. Get it? Miles, Steve, and a fish. Funny isn't it. Ewww, I am ugly! The fun looking sbno credit at Honey Lake. Aloha Steve telling me to piss off and ^*$@ off. We interrupt this coaster trip report for one of the best pictures ever of SteveC. Honey Lake's highly themed and interestingly maintained double loop. Mini tram shot for beemerboy. Hi Scott. Dave was a star and got his picture taken by a local. Continuing my theme of anti-frisbee rides. Jump bed? Through the smog! Read this sign. Right now. Read it. Come to china if you missed your Hard Rock credit. Kickass looking master blaster. Of course the water park had a funky opening time....like 30 mins before park closing or something silly like that. Wicked awesome looking chute the chutes across from the topscan. New England themed topscan....wicked pissah. Very nicely themed park - keeping up with Happy Valley standards. Notice all the TPR members taking shelter in the shade of the hat. It was THAT hot...and it was morning too. Happy Valley #2 located on the surface of the sun. Yea, it was hot that day. This is the largest snail I have ever seen! My police training came in handy as the lip balm is used for scale. View from my room. Those streets were filled with the shadiest chinese people of the trip. People hounding us as we walk selling massages and hotel rooms. Exciting huh? Proof that we didn't sleep on the streets that night. Words to live by. More signage... I think Chris likes this better than the Boardwalk Bullet. This made me sick like some flat rides do. See? If Elissa is riding it, it must be a credit. Bonus. Or should I say Boni as there are three? Wooooosh A really great rollerskater. No sarcasm....for a change. Next stop, back to the Chinese Mall with Toverland flavor. I found this amusing. Sorry if you don't. 90 degrees! Well, more like 35. Chunnel See?...long. Crowded Chinese jet coaster. Was actually pretty good....long ride, cool tunnel, and packed! Steve throwing up the Brighton chav gang signs. Filthy Oars! Phew, made it to Pearl Land. Didn't take many pics in here....nothing really to photograph though. Except this place. Rest area or mutilation shack? Scariest road I have ever been on. On the other side of the world with nothing around.

Gee, I didn't realize I was in such high demand to finish this.....looks like Bob wants more pictures of him. And no, DD doesn't have WiFi.