BoardwalkandBaseball4Ever

There is some decent airtime in the back of the train -- for sure. The Triple Hurricane is a tame, but fun woodie. The sad part is -- its far smoother riding than Gwazi and is a low-buck offering by comparison -- Cost of Triple Hurricane = 1.25 Million Cost of Gwazi = 10 Million Although, Gwazi is a longer duration ride -- its a bouncing torture in several sections. I'd rather ride Triple Hurricane -- I've got a good back and want to keep it that way. The only thing in Cypress Gardens that I won't ride again is Swamp Thing -- its just a rough-riding horror.... The Rampage is smooth as silk, though. I've already been on Starliner (at MP) and would ride that anyday (I love it)... I think the Starliner is way better than Gwazi. John Allen redefined the modern roller coaster -- and Starliner is a great example of his early work IMO. Can't wait until its relocated.

Wow, that's going to be a tight fit, I think. Especially considering the train tracks are right around there too. Well, the Galaxy Spin coaster is going to be across from the Star Haven concert area. I know they wanted the "Starliner" to work into the mix, too. I heard that the "Starliner" will have a nice line area that will have some space objects, like rockets, etc. -- supposedly a low-buck Space Mountain facade. The rides area has a few themes -- that section is becoming a Space Theme. The other theme is tropical, with Swamp Thing, Hurricane, Splash Island, etc.... As time goes on, they will add to the theme elements. But, the priority is getting the rides running -- then adding to the visual themes as time permits. That's the latest my CG employee friends have passed on anyway. They also said that Kent was promising that Galaxy Spin will be running next month to them, too.

Yeah, but this poll misses the mark -- its already been done before. I was trying to compare Disney to each direct International Drive competitor... to see whether the I-Drive attractions can compare to the Disney originals. Unfortunately, the modified poll became just another "favorite park poll." But the original polls -- it was a 50/50 preference... Would have been more insightful IMO. ....and even the Water Parks got ditched..... I was most interested in how people thought about Wet N Wild versus Blizzard Beach.....

So what is the best theme park in Orlando? Does the International Drive corridor rule the city or does the king of attendance win the day (and why)?

Well, according to this newspaper article that came out today -- the Galaxy Spin Mouse Coaster opens next month!?!? I too am betting that it will be placed near the Oky Rampage. http://www.theledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050512/NEWS/505120366/1001/BUSINESS I guess its feasible. Wild Mouse coasters can be assembled quickly for traveling carnival/fairs, so I don't see why it would take more than a few weeks to get the Galaxy Spin running. The water park is still on schedule to open in July. Kent wants both the 5th Coaster and the Water Park fully operational for the summer season! I dunno if he is going to make it. I'm happy that the Animal Pavilion is open. I hear the Night Magic show will be ready for June, too. I hear the Starliner loading area will be across from Swamp Thing. They are going to try to fit the wooden coaster next to the wave pool of Splash Island.

I was impressed with your web site -- you had a ton a photos.... I think Cypress Gardens is the perfect "unwinding" park where you can just relax. Its got all those quiet areas in the botanical gardens where you can chill out. About 90% of the rides all my kids can ride -- and they love the short lines. Apparently attendence is strong -- yet the park never seems crowded. Whatever, they are doing -- they seem to be getting it right. My kids can't wait until the water park opens, too. Its nice that they finally got the animal area open. I heard that the Steamboat rides begin running this month, too. It really has something for everyone.

I said 'with inversions'. Expedition Everest doesn't have any inversions. I also forgot to mention that I was talking about WDW. They do need a new coaster because now a lot of people like Universal better. I agree, I love IOA way better because of the coasters.... The annual passes to Universal is also 1/3rd the price of Disney -- something to consider when you've got a family like me. As for Lost Epcot. I see no reason why Horizons or World of Motion were pulled. I mean, Disney Co. already destroyed Walt's original idea of the Epcot community -- Then they take away the "World's Fair" atmosphere that I think Walt was striving for. The new Epcot is too dumbed down now -- IMO I think it was best in the early 1990s. ....I really think Walt would be steaming if they saw what they are doing to his dream.

Well, I rode it in a preview, too. I found it a bit boring honestly. The "bouncing theater" attractions have never really impressed me -- although soarin' is probably one of the better ones. Still, it seems like a cheap-o attraction for Disney -- especially since the film itself is all from Disneyland California. I was disappointed with it. This is the best Epcot can do? A recycled Disneyland attraction? One that doesn't even really fit in with the Land pavilion at all.... The theme of Soarin' would have worked so much better in the defunct World of Motion pavilion! Heck, the new renovations on The Land are such a hodge-podge -- it now looks tacky. At least the old look of the pavilion (while dated) actually matched its surroundings... I can't believe they kept the hot air balloons mixed with the weird retro theme. Just a strange mix.

Hey, aren't those pictures of Busch Gardens Tampa? Man, that cost-cutting is really catching up with them!

Sweet, I've been waiting for that one for a while.... I wonder if it will live up to its hype? Anyone been on the similar coasters that are overseas?

Well, Buescher (the owner) has recently been bragging in newspaper/magazine articles about how Cypress Gardens will have "two great wooden coasters." So, I think they will do anything to squeeze it in the park.

Oh the horror! Damn, even by kiddie standards -- that song is awful and annoying!

Like every other park on Earth? LOL -- I don't know what happened, too.... Guess it is cost-cutting. Back when I went in the mid-90s -- it seemed to be run fairly well.

You've got to be kidding me -- a theme park doesn't operate for 70 freaking years by being "The Crappiest Place on Earth." IMO I think CG is certainly run better right now that Busch Tampa. The only reason why CG is struggling right now is due to about 20 years of neglect/poor management. Had they evolved the park under previous owners -- it could have been the Southeast's Playland or Kennywood. CG should have added rides 25 years ago when Disney first came on the scene. They waited too long -- but the park is finally getting the much needed renovation. But CG and MK are different animals. Actually, the kids seemed to have a better time at CG than MK (less temper tantrums)..... and the reason is simple: Waiting in line for 45 to 60 minutes for each attraction doesn't appeal to them at all. Waiting in line 15 minutes or less for most attractions/getting more rides each day is what they like.... even on busy days -- CG's lines rarely last more than 30 minutes. Besides, I raised them to appreciate "the simple things in life." We just value different attributes in theme parks.... Its the way I look at it, too. Its not who is most flashy, but where you can unwind and relax.... Afterall, going to the park should be fun. But getting smothered in crowds is anything but. ....and I still think Splash Mountain is the worst.

ROFL Oh God. Need air. And Splash Mountain has the best theming for a flume ride. I don't care what you thought of the movie. Most people have never seen it anyway. Is it the most thrilling flume? Not even close. For pure thrills, I'd take Ripsaw anyday. But Splash's theming is far from "lame". About the only thing I agree with you on is M:S. And even that makes me feel icky. But its true.... 3-6 years olds aren't exactly discerning consumers. Epcot's attractions were so biased toward "grown-ups" -- the kids were totally out of place and unhappy. They were just bored with AK. Some kids get bored with zoos. Maybe they are just too young -- I dunno. Yes, I forgot about Ripsaw.... That's probably my favorite flume, too. As for Splash -- You're actually the first guy I've ever heard of over the age of about 15 who can actually "tolerate" that ride (just too damn happy-go-lucky). I know Splash Mountain was the brunt of many off-color jokes back at College. It was such an awful attraction -- maybe that's why people came up with idea of that "Flash Mountain" web site -- which I care not to elaborate on. Yes, and I'm still ticked that Universe of Energy had to be updated with Ellen! Why can't they just leave some things alone!!!!

Its actually kind of funny -- they always miss their deadlines. I just got a Cypress Gardens/Wild Adventures newsletter in the mail (they send them to anyone with annual passes). They are advertising how April is the month of the Pirate! The newsletter claims that both the Nature's Way animal area, Cypress Cove Ferry boats and the new Pirate Show will all be open to celebrate April. Well, we've only got six days of April left -- and none have opened! :?

Maybe They Should Rename The Coaster, "Squeak Thing"

I definitely have to argue that many of these are certainly not "Must See's!" Test Track, Spaceship Earth, Universe of Energy (even though it was destroyed when they added that stupid "Ellen" to it), The Land and Imagination certainly are awesome attactions. Illuminations if probably the best fireworks show in existence IMO. All of these are must-sees. But... Soarin' = Boring... Living Seas = Yawn... Why visit a dinky Sea World rip-off when the original is far better -- and SW is only a few miles down the street? Misson Space = 90% rehashed Kennedy Space Center.... I can't believe they bulldozed the awesome Horizons for this pile of junk! The G-Force ride in M:S is just a tarted up Gravitron.

Well, Red Lobster is one of my favs... So we definitely have different likes/dislikes.... I'm a huge seafood guy, though. I like Shell's too. As for food -- I think Epcot is the best theme park to eat at hands down. They got all those countries in addition to "The Land" pavilion.... Its got something for everyone. The candy store near Norway is sweet, too!

Splash Mountain IS LAME! If I have to listen to that Zip-Bit-Tee-Doo-Da song one more time, I swear.... Never again.... "Song of the South" was a terrible film -- the idea of building a ride around it is laughably bad. What's Next? Ishtar: The Ride? Leonard Part 6: The Ride? Gigli: The Ride? IMO, Splash is the worst flume ever. A bad theme can wreck it every time. Even if the elements are decent, I'd rather ride Jurassic Park. Heck, I'd even prefer an Arrow Flume over Splash anyday. As for CG versus Magic Kingdom -- why don't you take a few young kids to both and see what happens. They will love BOTH parks.

Well, you obviously don't have young kids. If you did, then the answer is obvious. Magic Kingdom and Disney-MGM Studios are excellent parks for young children (ages 3-9).... But Animal Kingdom and Epcot don't offer enough for the "small fries." Cypress Gardens is the better choice than these latter 2 Disney Parks.... The kids and (and some younger cousins) were bored with Epcot quickly -- not enough rides... same with Animal Kingdom.... Yet, no complaints from any of them at CG. ...and from my observations.... CG and Magic Kingdom are on even footing for the younger crowd... ages 3-6.... They really can't tell the difference.

Well, The Starliner is going to be quite a while before it will be running. My guess is probably a year from now (May 2006). After all, it needs to be disassembled, labeled, shipped, inspected, restored/repaired, re-assembled then licensed for use by the state.... A long time. I'm betting that Galaxy Spin Steel Coaster should be running sometime later this year. After all, its a new coaster that was always part of the original park plan. I've been told the Galaxy Spin will be installed next to the exterior wall, just north of the Swamp Thing (east of where Splash Island is currently being built). It was part of the original plan -- but its the first themed ride at Cypress Gardens... Eventually, most of the major rides will gain atmosphere/themes similar to what they did at Wild Adventures.... kinda schlocky, but at least their trying. I don't think they figured out where Starliner is going yet. They do have some room over by the lake north of Splash Island. That would be my guess.

I'm fairly certain that Vekoma is the cheapest coaster builder -- so the old addage, "You get what you pay for." I don't know why the Swamp Things are so rough.... They are tame offerings. After all, the Vekoma roller skaters that are also in both parks are fairly smooth riding.

So far, the most consistent part about Cypress Gardens is that they always miss their announced dates. They missed their original grand opening. They said that the animal exhibit would be open in March - its still not open. CG announced that the new HO train layout would be running in February (still not ready). They announced that Night Magic would premiere in April -- it doesn't look like they're going to make it. So if they say May on the coaster, it probably will be September based on their track record. They said Splash Island will open in "Summer 2005." Well, Summer begins next month and all they've got now is a big pile of dirt. In their defense, they are doing a wonderful job at restoring the attraction. But these artificial dates aren't doing anything but cause confusion. Yeah, the Cypress Gardens web site doesn't get updated very often.

Man, I swear.... Swamp Thing is the worst ride in the park..... Its actually worse than the video. Its sad when you gotta ride the wooden roller coaster for the smoother ride. Vekoma makes CG's Okochobee Rampage, too? Don't they? At least that one is smooth, if a tiny ride.