Coaster Palooza

Sunday had us going to Animal Kingdom for our first ride on Expedition Everest. Jeff and Mindy (my brother and wife) decided to join us for Animal Kingdom, but left after we headed to Epcot. We also received a “Million Dreams” gift! We wanted to see Illuminations at Epcot for the first time. We also met Soren! We rode Mission Space a couple times before the Illuminations. Getting ready for fireworks. I like seeing the characters. It had a train that went around it. Another tree... More places. They didn't have the beer testing. My brother played in this last year. Hey look, it's Soren. Nice meeting you. Did I tell you we saw some Christmas trees? Time to enter World Showcase This show was good too. I like what they did with the Living Seas. I scuba dove in the aquarium there twice. Next park, Epcot. Home of Soren. Here is our "Million Dream" award. It was a ride to our car! We didn't have to wait for the trolley. Animal Kingdom's Christmas tree. This band was playing Christmas music. By the way, if you would like your own SMASHED PENNY KIT, just contact me and for $5.95 you too can have your very own kit. Complete with 3 shiny pennies. Yep, Leaving Everest I have NEVER seen a photo of this... more on-ride Some on-ride photos SCAT? At least it isn't Scat II... Scared of the Yeti? This is a great ride I won't beat this to death... MONKEY! birds some birds Jeff and Mindy walking away from the deers and more tigers... We also saw some tigers. We walked through the animal area and saw the bats. They were very active. I thought this was cool. The T-Rex has a Santa hat on. I think we will get out photo Hey, anyone have a penny? Now we wait. It said 50 minutes, but it turned out to be only 30 minutes. Here is our group. WOOOOHOOOOO!!! Is it? Could it? Yes it is! On the way to Expedition Everest, the monkeys were out and about.

^Sheikra's wait was pretty bad. It was 50 minutes, but actually turned into an hour. I let my brother use my Platinum pass to ride it back to back. He hasn't ever ridden it before. The first ride was in the front row and his second one was in the back row.

Day 3 has us going to Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios. It wasn’t all that crowded which definitely surprised us. We also had our first trip to Mythos restaurant for lunch. It was pretty crowded there and a family got upset with the “reservation” system there. They left in a huff. Hopefully the pics will speak for themselves. We all went out to dinner at the Macaroni Grill. City Walk had a cool cover band playing. I thought it would just be better to take a picture by the car and leave Men in Black had a 15 minute wait, Mummy had a 20 minute wait, but Back to the Future is 55 minutes! No way! Since this was closed, we decided to go next door to Universal Studios I was glad we rode this earlier Just a look outside. What could I be pondering???? Gyendolynne needed some foo foo drink. Hey Wally, this IS a Bud Light just for your 401k. Hi Gyendolynne! Mythos restaurant Gyendolynne thought this would be clever until the tooth broke off...just kidding. They were dueling a little bit later. We decided to ride ICE This was the last train for a little while A MUST ride. The fire side broke down on our way up. Where do you go next? The Lost Continent The SNEETCHES entrance??? Time to ride the NEW trolley ride. Another short wait An all time favorite I think everyone has taken this picture. Yep, had to ride the Hulk with a 10 minute wait first thing in the morning. Doesn't the adventure ALWAYS begin at the entrance? We have already been to this Hard Rock Cafe, so we didn't stop there this trip. Hey, we're in the right place.

Hi all, We went to Orlando for Thanksgiving to visit my brother and his wife and to also go to the amusement parks. On Friday we went to Busch Gardens, Saturday we visited Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios and Sunday we went to Animal Kingdom and MGM Studios. I will continue the rest as I post some pictures. We leave you with another shot of us by the Christmas tree out front. Next stop, Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios. Must get smashed pennies. I just don't know sometimes. OOOOHH...MONTU Here are Jeff and Mindy Have I said I liked the holiday decorations yet? The bar IS OPEN We thought this was totally cool. Here's Gyendolynne trying to force a beer down the statue. I don't think that I have EVER seen anyone post a picture from here before. The report wouldn't be complete without the donkey. I couldn't believe it! They named a horse after me!!!!! Short wait here. Here is my brother again Gyendolynne from afar! We went to ride the bumper cars next...um yeah... What would expect the day after Thanksgiving? It was a little crowded Kumba was next on our list My brother and his wife. Just a quick photo of us! Nothing that no one hasn't seen yet. There will be more to follow too. Another one... Some classic Sheikra photos coming up. Every one of their parks has been so nice. We went to all of them this year. I have said it before, Anheuser Busch parks really have the BEST landscaping. Busch Gardens Christmas tree. I love Holiday decorations at the parks. Here is the Thanksgiving dinner table at my brother's house. I love a free first class upgrade!

^I agree on the system being different in 1996...and SH*&&Y!. There were other 1 loss teams out there. Ohio State was 11-1 going into their bowl game with undefeated ASU. ASU lost though. If they didn't lose and UF won their game, then ASU should have been national champions. UF actually beat the snot out of FSU and ASU lost. Onto 2006, the system doesn't have a "rule" for the #2 team already playing the #1 team. Because of this, the #2 should be able to play #1 irregardless of if they played or not earlier in the year. I have NEVER said anything about Michigan's loss not "being that bad." I also haven't stated about where they played. My only thing about this is it should be #1 v. #2 in the title game, whoever they are. You feel that UF should go because they have only 1 loss, but their 1 loss was to #11, not even a top ten team! USC's loss to Oregon State should really hurt their chances, but it isn't. I don't understand why??? Oregon State isn't even ranked and UF's loss was to a ranked team...#11. As for Ohio State's schedule, I don't know of ANY team that had to face #2 more than once in a season. They faced #2 Texas and beat them. They faced #2 Michigan and beat them. They have to face another #2 team to win the title. That #2 should be the BEST match-up, not just an SEC team should go...What about USC? They have a good team too. I agree with the headspinning comment. This isn't over...hopefully we'll know soon. GO BIG BLUE!!!!!!

stingrock - Do some research on the 1996 NCAA Football Championship. It was the only one that Florida won! They won it by getting a "second" chance game with Florida State after FSU beat them earlier in the year. The ONLY reason for this was because Nebraska lost to Texas in the Big 12 Championship. Under your "belief" that there shouldn't be a re-match, then the Florida Gators STILL wouldn't have a National Title. You can't have your cake and eat it too. Don't change the rules in mid-season. Michigan is #2, they should be able to play Ohio State again. If Ohio State would have lost to Michigan, would you think that Ohio State is #2 or worse? I believe they are the two best teams in the nation. I don't want to see another FIASCO Bowl like the one Nebraska won. I am a Nebraska fan too, but please get a better opponent in the Championship game.

I don't get why it wouldn't be Michigan. IMHO I don't think Florida, Notre Dame, or Arkansas should be thought of as a number 2 team. Michigan beat Notre Dame. If Notre Dame beats USC, then where does ND go? Michigan beat them and ND beat the #3 team. How can they go in front of Michigan? If USC wins out, they just beat a team (ND) that lost to Michigan. How can USC go? Who cares who Florida or Arkansas play. Florida lost to #11 Auburn???? How can they be considered for the National title? Just because Michigan "had their chance" doesn't mean they still aren't the #2 team in the Nation! Isn't it supposed to be #1 v. #2? If it is, then it should be UofM v. ohio state. Yes I know I didn't capitalize ohio state! Yes I am a Michigan fan too. Too much to debate....I will just wait to see what happens.

Hey all, I know it's old, but it is pretty funny to see the "new" updates. http://www.absolutelyreliable.com/ Here's an excerpt: Enthusiast Fails To Find Hot Chicks From Amusement Park Television Shows .................................................................................................... Staley plans to spend the off-season masturbating furiously to his videotaped collection of televised coaster specials, before finding a new outlet for his passion in the spring. “I figure I’ll start stalking Robb Alvey,” he said. “At least he tells you on his website exactly where he’s going to be.”

^I just downloaded it on my computer at work and it is running. I have Windows Media Player at work and at home. That is what it is saved in. Let me know if it works.

Here is my video. GBFC_2006.zip enjoy the video...

I love this time of year. Sierra Nevada comes out with their Celebration Ale... Can't wait for the next one. and an awesome taste. A great pour... mmm...It's time!!

Here are a couple of threads for you Wally. Your pictures didn't seem to come through, but there are others. http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=152648&highlight=#152648 http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=153152&highlight=#153152

^Gotta love a $1000 priviledge!!! I will just put my 2 cents in for the budget. Here are some things that I look at every month: Rent/Mortgage Gas Groceries Directv/Cable Cingular Wireless/Cell Phone SBC/AT&T or whatever long distance and internet Netflix PG&E Garbage HOA Dues Semi monthly/yearly/quarterly/whatever DMV Registration Car Insurance Home Owners Insurance Pest Control...SHEESH! There are many more MOVING expenses than you realize too. Good luck, everyone has to do it sometime! Somtimes it is more than once.

I'll be there in 2 weeks with my Six Flags Marine World season pass.....

Cyclone, These links should help tremendously. R&E did a really good job offering a lot of information here. http://www.themeparkreview.com/japan2004/tdl1.htm http://www.themeparkreview.com/japan2004/tds1.htm Be sure to look at the links within these reports. They are extremely helpful.

Plane flight to Orlando for you and the wife…$800 Premium passes to Sea World San Diego for Busch Gardens Tampa and SW Orlando…$280 a year ago and still valid! Universal Studios/IOA tickets…$180 Free passes to Disney World…??? Using your 2006 Six Flags Marine World Season Pass to get into Cypress Gardens….Priceless

Here's what we got: Norcal Parks as time allows... March - Solace, West Coast Bash (Hopefully happens), Vegas (new event) May - Holiwood Nights, Beech Bend, Indiana Beach, Cedar Point June - August - Too early to tell.... September - Hoping for a Night of Thunder to go to Dollywood and SFOG October - Taiwan parks (visiting Gyen's sister) December - Disneyland I guess that's it....

Great TR Ted! I wish the outcome to the Steelers game could have been different. Gyendolynne is happy though. I had to mention to her a couple of times about last years loss to the Steelers. We are heading to Orlando shortly. I always loved the Living Seas and I can't wait to see the changes. I saw some of them in January, but it wasn't completely done. Have a safe winter....

Hey Soren, Nice TR! I can't believe that MK wasn't that crowded on Halloween. Maybe because it was a Tuesday? Keep the reports coming.

2006 turned out to be one for the books for us. It might have started in December of 2005 though. We went to Sea World San Diego, Belmont Park, and Las Vegas. 2006 - January - Walt Disney World, Busch Gardens (Tampa), Sea World (Orlando), Only spent 5 days out there. The 5th day we actually flew home. February - Steelers win the Super Bowl! Disneyland for the first time in a number of years and DCA for the first time ever! March - Winter Coaster Solace (did not attend) but we did attend the West Coast Bash. We also tried to go to Scandia and Santa Monica pier but it was too cold at that time for the coasters. GRRRRR GREEN BEER, CHEER, and FEAR at SFMW. Thanks Wally and Don! April - PGA Survivor Media Day....yeah, I know. May - SFMM Tatsu ACE event. Early ERT and late night ERT! Beginning of the Midwest trip (Holiday World, Beech Bend, SFKK, PKI, Wyandot Lake, Indiana Beach, SFGAm, Mt. Olympus, Timber Falls, Silver Dollar City, Celebration City, World's of Fun) June - The end of the Midwest trip. End of the month, beginning of the Texas Trip. July - 4th of July Texas Trip - SFFT, Sea World San Antonio, and SFOT. August - PONY World Series, 8 days in Western PA. Kennywood, Idlewild, Del Grosso's, Lakemont Park, Pirates game, Steelers game, NFL Hall of Fame, Gettysburgh September - Busch Gardens Williamsburg (PKD and SFA were closed for a special event!) We have been there before though. October - Donica's Wedding, Legoland, Scandia, San Diego Zoo, KBF. November - The trip to come is Orlando for Thanksgiving. We will go to Walt Disney World (have to ride Everest!), Sea World Orlando, Busch Gardens Tamps, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Cypress Gardens. December - Quick flight to San Diego for some reason.....

^^^You know what Wally, I wasn't nervous at all until we left. It was a little crazy walking through the parking lot and getting out of there. Some guy came up to me and asked to "borrow" my terrible towel to polish his crome. At that point I was a little on the defensive side, but other than that it was no problem. I thought we'd have more problems while we tailgated. ^^^^PKI Man...Dey be the people that won the Super Bowl last year!

We planned this outing a couple months ago. A person that I work with got 14 tickets for a group of us to head to the game. At the time I didn't think it was going to be this bad. My only thought was how would I get in and out of the game wearing my Steelers gear. That actually was easier than expected. Parting shot. It is 3rd and goal at this point. 4th quarter and Pittsburgh's offense is doing better. I can't believe they lost this game when the Raiders don't even have 100 yards in total offense! Yep, that's right, the Raiders have less than 100 yards in total offense. Pittsburgh wasn't that much better at that point. Our seats were up there. We were 2 rows from the top! This was my reaction after Ben's first interception for a touchdown. Ben's superstition of going to the endzone and then back to the 20 yard line. The black hole started screaming pretty good at this point. Coin toss. That is San Francisco over there through the fog. Here's Will. More stadium photos. There's the bay What a great view. Here we are in our seats. This is my friend Will on the far right and his friend Alex. There were quite a few Steelers fans tailgaiting and also attending the game. Here are the tickets. This is my friend Rich. He set this all up. Here's our group. My terrible towel has all the Steelers Super Bowl wins. I thought that was the only way I could display it at the time. My socks are the Super Bowl XL socks too!

For the past few years we have been going to Gyendolynne's friend's house for Halloween. She lives in the old Almaden mine area. The homes are neat and the area is up in the mountains. Enjoy the pics. You know it's late when they start drinking out of a plunger. I finally got out of my costume. Around the campfire. Me with Aaron...he really doesn't look like that. Photo in front of the house. They had a band playing too. Another boob grabbage. This time with two hands! Some more party goers. Next I had to go after the fair maiden Still didn't stop me from a boob grab. That's me with Jessica. She changed her outfit from a maid to a nun...heck of a change! Entrance to the house. That is actual smoke from the fire. It is cold in the mountains. We told Sean he looked like John Denver. Gyendolynne and Adrienne. As you can see, the looks of food didn't stop people from eating it. Here's some other neat food This is the owner of the house. NO Gyendolynee, don't eat it! Nothing like eating spiders! This was a great costume. Don't piss him off, he's the cook! Flintstones, meet the Flintstones! Good decorations on the house. The ghost would move up and down depending on noise and light. They even had a cemetary there. Nice sign for the BBQ Here is the fair maiden? Another shot of the Pirate. Some decorations... Arrrrgh, what Halloween party would be complete without a pirate?

Hangin' out with Wally on Friday was great. He even brought a couple gifts. Since my birthday was on Thursday, this was a great surprise! That's right! Wally the brewmaster! Hey Wally this beer tastes great. I am looking forward to some more. WOW! Tastes great! What kind of beer is it? I will pour it into my Steelers' pilsner. It has a very tasty aroma... No label, but I must open it with my Steelers bottle opener. Hmmm what is this?

Some of you might have seen Wally’s trip report from the SFMW Fright Fest and PGA previously. His link is here: http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=30516 This weekend was pretty crazy. Friday I did Nut Tree and SFMW Fright Fest along with Ryan and Wally. We were able to get painted up like zombies for the coasters again. We also met up with Don and Monica for lunch. They went to Nut Tree, but not Fright Fest. Saturday Gyendolynne and I went to a Halloween party back in the old mine area of Almaden Valley. Finally on Sunday we went to the Steelers v. Raiders game. I think most of you know how that turned out. There were 14 people that went with us. Nine of them were Raider fans, 4 were Steelers fans, and there was one Bronco fan. Gyendolynne didn’t wear her Broncos’ stuff though. Here are the pics. Here's Holden's dad. Outside one of the mazes. Another group photo. Looking good Ryan. Other group shots Here's our group Here's Ryan. His transformation was pretty good too. Wally and I are really looking pretty good here, huh? Even Al had to have some fun. See.... It does get worse. Now for me... Wally changed pretty scarily too. Now for some transformations... This is how his sister turned out. You be the judge....???? Holden is here on the right just beyond his sister. I think he changed the most and with a good look. Ryan How about some before shots? but I thought what the heck, take a couple pics. We didn't go see the show The fog was really great that night too. continues... More parade. Here's the dead parade (as I call it) It isn't that glamorous on the inside. They wouldn't let me sit in it though, so I leaned on it. I love the batmobile Wally demonstrating his well groomed standards. Make sure you look perfect before we get in. Hey, Nacho Libre... Here's Don, Monica (newlyweds) and myself on the train. The only ride besides bumper cars and carousel running. Here is Don behaving like a little kid. I agree, I can't believe we didn't get kicked out at some point. Wally Don and Wally Didn't get the shirt. Yep, The train was neat We couldn't believe the coaster was already down. Most frustrating thing this trip. There we are, we are at the new Nut Tree. There's a name, but I am looking for the BIG sign The cement is neat. I was wondering if we are in the right place...