Meteornotes

How did I miss this until now?!? This is the best TR ever. Time to close the site... dt

I'm convinced that eventually SFA will become a mall or houses, and I can't say that I'd really miss it all that much. Like you said S:ROS has gotten really bad over the last couple of years, now running pretty much like the DL one (which I thought was really bad). SFA does have one bright spot, though: Wild One. This is one of the most underrated coasters out there, and I hope that when the day comes that SFA is closed and the "Olive Garden Coming Soon" sign is posted, that someone will step up and buy Wild One and move it to a better home... dt

Sky rides are almost always an age and equipment issue. I know that's why Hershey got rid of theirs, as the ride was old and was costing them more and more to keep it running. I'm sure insurance is another reason, as I can only imagine that it costs a great deal more to insure a ride like this than it did 20 years ago. Monorails probably also have the same cost/age issues associated with them. I always thought it would be a good idea to expand the monorail system at WDW, though. It would be better than the bus system... dt

Being within 2 miles of my house and not taking me to the MD fair = you missed out! Mary and I are going to the fair sometime this weekend. I'm hoping to spot lots of mutants. I've never been to most of those shore parks, but Wildwood is sort of fun. Did you notice if the "Shoot The Guy With A Paintball Gun" attraction was still there? That was awesome... dt

Well Ryan, I have to say that you did a really good job with your video. It is too long (I'd ditch the crying scene), but you did a good job with the editing and the music (you get bonus points for using a Foghat tune!). The Vekoma Death Box was an inspired choice, and you can't go wrong in a video if you make fun of Robb! Next time, try to work one of more of the following into the video: Lawnmowers Salmon Cheese The Flowbee Spicy Sausage Death Metal Oh, and I had to vote Wafflecone, because, well, it is wafflecone... dt

That would be awesome! dt

As someone that grew up in Harrisburg, I can safely say that yes, people ARE afraid of crossing the river! They act like flesh eating trolls live under the river bridges and they'll be roasted alive if they even attempt to cross the great barrier. I personally always found this funny, and still do. My mom still does not like to travel over the river, and will avoid doing so whenever possible. BTW, I really enjoy this thread, even though it reminds me that I know just about nothing about beer... Dave "Guinness & Stella!" Thomas

Wow, I am totally shocked by the outcome of this poll. Who would have guessed that Ohio parks and rides would dominate?!? Shocking, I tell you. These awards are a joke. But they're not going to change any time soon, as they are far more important as a marketing tool then they are as any sort of realistic guide to what might be the best out there. Bring on the TPR awards! dt

I'm amazed the place stayed open as long as it did, as it was an absolute dump when we were there. I can't imagine it looks much worse now, even if it's been sitting there for a year. And if someone pays $1 for Typhoon, they've been ripped off... dt

Bwahahahaha! Joe is awesome! And I totally agree. PCW is a nice looking park and all, but there's nothing there that makes me want to go back for another visit. dt

Hilarious photos + lots of Joe jokes = ENTERTAINMENT! That was an awesome report, especially the Photoshop stuff. And I still don't have that Deja Vu credit. Stupid SFMM... dt

Hmmm, seems like I missed some controversy... As always, a Derek photo TR = quality entertainment. TPR parties rule. I missed out on this one due to the non-stop fun that is eye surgery, but perhaps I'll attend another one some day. I'll need to visit SFMM one more time before it's replaced with a bunch of houses and an Olive Garden. dt

It needed more pics of Derek and a video of paper filing, but this Photo TR does entertain. I haven't been to Vegas in a long time. Mary hates it, but she has a conference there next spring, so we'll be going then. Time to load up on 99 cent shrimp cocktails! dt

A Steve Nuss joke AND Batflame?!? This trip report rules! Looks like you guys had fun, visiting a lot of parks I'll probalby never see. And Indiana Beach owns. I need to go back there eventually... dt

Damn, that sucks. People are scum... dt

Those are some GREAT pictures! Thanks for posting. dt

Awesome photos. Avalanche does kick incredible amounts of ass, and is in my Top 10 (above Hades). If anyone has ever read Neal Gaiman's "American Gods" they should recognize The House On The Rock, as it plays an important role in the book. It looks like the sort of place I'd have to leave in about 20 minutes due to sensory overload, but I'm glad you took pictures of it, as I was sort of curious to know what the place looked like. dt

^Nah Joe, you never disappoint! Anyone that does random PTRs like you do will always entertain. I'd offer you one of my internal organs if you need it, but I don't think any of mine are in any sort of decent shape. Though after last night's activities, some of them may be really well preserved... dt

Yeah, in about 20 or so visits to SFA over the year, I've managed to get one ride on the TSC, and I've seen it running about three times. Pretty much every time I've been there, the ride has shown zero signs of even being opened that day. I think between the number of people that are required to run the ride, and how often the thing breaks down, it's just a ride that the park management is not going to make a real effort to keep this attraction open. dt

I loved the Movie Studios park. Yeah, it's small, but the people running it seemed like they were totally dedicated to the place, and were working to make it even better. Yeah, the scheduling of shows is a bit odd, but you just sort of have to work around it. Plus many of their attractions feature stuff exploding, which is always a good thing! The water park looked pretty nice too. Gardaland, though, was one of the worst parks I have ever visited. No "A" or "B" level rides, horrible operations (hey, the line for the coaster is waaaay out the entrance. Let's remove a train!), even worse food service (I have never, ever been in a restaurant anywhere else in the world where it was IMPOSSIBLE to purchase a second drink! And note that I did say "purchase"), and the place shut down faster than Knott's after a storm. Actually, I once called Gardaland the "Knotts Of Europe" which is a pretty accurate comparision based on the customer service levels, though at least Knott's has stuff you might actually want to ride. Yes, some areas were nicely themed, but you cannot ride theming, and no matter how nice it is, you'll get bored looking at it after awhile. I really, really doubt I'll ever go back there... dt

Pat's owns. I need to go back there... dt

How can you go to WalMart at 1AM and not take photos of all the mutants and trolls that are there shopping?!? I've seen some amazing sights at WalMart at similar hours. Ah well, you did give us photos of gas station milkshakes, and I had no idea such things existed, so I suppose you get a pass. This time... dt

Agreed. I've been to Ohana's twice now, and while it's a good idea, the service is awful, so bad that Disney should be embarrassed. While this place makes sense for a large group of people (since it's one price, dividing up the bill is really easy), once the waitstaff sees you have a large group and the gratuity will automatically be added to the bill, they seem to take the attitude that they no longer need to put forth any sort of effort. This means that getting the supposed "all you can eat" servings of meat can be challenging, and you can pretty much forget getting any sort of refills on a drink, which is exceptionally annoying, seeing as it's usually quite hot outside in Orlando, and eating salty meat tends to make people thirsty. I have had a good time when I've eaten here, but it's because of the company at the meal, and not the meal itself. dt

We met at the hotel. Everyone was responsible for getting to the hotel from the airport on their own. But the hotel and airport were pretty close to each other, so this was pretty easy to do. dt

Yes, if you get there when they open to make your reservation, you'll have no trouble getting in that day. dt