arrowfanman

CHUCK!!!! Awesome PTR! As boxing penguins is personal fantasy of mine, we'll both have to hit up the Tulare County Fair next year! Thanks for the photos! -Jahan

For some reason, the Mansion's new paint sort of reminds me of TDS's Tower's scheme. Anyway, looks like a great day at the Magic Kingdom! LOL at the "green cards" for elephants. -Jahan

My apologies, you're right, the bride has always been there. As far as a reason to "redefine" the story, the truth of the matter was--there wasn't really a story to begin with! Yes, they made "The Story and Song from the Haunted Mansion", but that merely unites the many show elements of the ride into one makeshift story. So many creative differences went into the design of the Haunted Mansion (primarily designed in the chaotic years after Walt's death...aka lack of leadership), that no definitive story ever revealed itself. Even your quote on the hatbox ghost establishes characters--but not a story. It has been my understanding that by adding this "new story" to the Haunted Mansion, imagineers were trying to fill in a piece of the puzzle that was never really there to begin with! As far as not just bringing back the Hatbox Ghost, the effect wouldn't satisfy today as much as the new effect does, in my opinion. Besides--what is currently there is somewhat of an homage to the Hatbox Ghost--it remains that there is a bride with a decapitated groom(s). They just filled in more of the who, how, and why to the story! Alright, that was my "one embarrasingly geeky comment" every 3-months quota fulfilled! -Jahan

YOU BASTARD! Seeing you harrass my missed frozen coke credit, plus knowing you guys were just at Disney... -Jahan

^ Well, the bride was originally just thrown into there as a result of the success of the bride in the Phantom Manor. But she didn't do anything except for hold a candle, with a beating heart. Now the bride redefines the entire story of the ride. Essentially--she marries men, chops off their head with an axe, and then takes their fortune, only to repeat multiple times--thus, she's a rich, psycho-bitch who owned all of the wealth in the attic. -Jahan

Thanks Stuart! Totally digging the Escher vibes in the staircases. Where exactly in the attraction does that come? Look forward to seeing if any non-flash photos came out. The fact that I can see the bride apparently "plugged in" detracts from her eerieness. ...but the bride is honestly the creepiest thing I've ever seen added to a Disney ride! -Jahan

As much as we all know I want to throw off my shirt and jump into this pool of Haunted Mansion comparisons-- --that's not what this thread is about. Let's stay focused on the updates that Florida's Mansion is getting, please. I personally look forward to some info/media on the new staircase effects! Either way, I'm REALLY glad to see the Mansion get some love. I know its condition was one of my biggest gripes about my MK visit last year, so I definitely say it deserves it! -Jahan

^ I agree! California has some of the most (if not the most) strict regulations regarding theme parks. We have our own equivalent to OSHA that definitely exeeds OSHA in persistence. Meaning yes, SFMM most likely has a nasty track record. But for much more minute infractions, I'm sure. -Jahan

I may be a little biased, but I personally have always loved Goliath. I actually prefered it to Raging Bull. -Jahan

Nice PTR Derek! I embarrasingly havn't been to the NorCal parks in over 5 years now (Zonga was new when I last went up there ), but I pretty much smack-dab agree with your views. Giant Dipper really is the best woodie in CA. Thanks for the photos. I really should make it a priority to get up there sometime. Damn their bloody offseason! -Jahan

The Matterhorn Bobsleds. ...oh how it was the greatest Matterhorn ride EVAR. -Jahan

^ You're right, it IS the same 30 people! You're frozen coke credit made me go "Awwwwww!" LOL at it being like, 1/16th the size of what we normally get. Thanks for the update Robb! -Jahan

That's a MAJOR dissapointment for me. Carnage E. Hall was probably my favorite attraction in the whole of SFMM. And I have always felt that Deadman's Bog was weak. I will say that it's interesting that both The Asylum and Jokester's Hideout will not be returning. I wonder if this means work will move ahead on Flashback sooner? I have seen that they have removed the final train from the main circuit. *strokes chin and ponders* Yes. There seems to be zero information on the footprint for now and I honestly couldn't see anything emerge there for a year or two. After being horribly underwhelmed by SFGAm's "Wiggles World", I pray we dont get one of those. I find there's a difference between "family" and "kids". -Jahan

SFMM is actually the biggest collection of mediocre rides this side of the Mississippi. Look dude, I'm going to give you a word of advice and only because I find you funny. Use proper grammar when you argue with someone. Take the time to type your words out fully. Why? Because with no avatar, no age, and no profile information, the only impression I have of you to go off of is the content of your posts. And frankly, you argue like an 8 year old. When your best debate technique is to try and discredit someone by calling them "Nutz" or a "SFMM fan boy", you're proving that your capability of forming an argument is that of a grade-schooler. I highly recommend backing your arguments with CONTENT. Rather than bash other people for having a well thought-out opinion, why don't you share why you think Cedar Point is worthy of "#1 Amusement Park". That way, you wont come off as a Cedar Point humping, prepubescent moron. Thank you. -Jahan

^ I wouldn't undermind his list there--it's actually quite valid. I agree that a good portion of their coasters ARE just average. He isn't "nutz". Well...in this case. -Jahan

Cornball. -Jahan

*yawn* This thing is far too predictable. It's like a crappy reality TV show. -Jahan

^ He's exceeded his monthly bandwidth at photobucket so they wont show his photos for now. It goes without saying, but I highly recommend hosting your photos on Theme Park Review. -Jahan

Oh the horror that would have been. Anyway, thanks Robb and Elissa for staging such a GREAT trip! And thank you Robb for setting aside time on your vacation in Japan to finish the mini-updates. Finally, thank you to everyone else who participated for making the trip so fun! The problem with having your "highlight of the year" in the middle of the year, is everything is downhill from now. -Jahan

^^ Very cool! If I may ask, what's with the various blue, red, green colors on the roadway? -Jahan

I really wanted Cedar Point to be a crappy park. All the fanboys have driven me to a point of insanity, to the point where I wanted them to be wrong. The truth is, I found the park to be very enjoyable. If I had to use one word to describe the place, it would be "impressive". Despite the blackout, despite the rain, despite the park's horrible layout (IMO), I still enjoyed myself thoroughly and was totally impressed by the staff. Damn. -Jahan

^ I'm sure the press release only said that because, as much as it pains me to admit it, it is a "one of a kind" roller coaster and they can do without any "out-of-town coaster weirdos" protesting the decision. The truth is, Flashback is a pile of crap, eyesore, mechanical nightmare (at this point), and is set to be removed after Hurricane Harbor closes, as it isn't really feasible to get a crane in there right now. I personally wouldn't expect to see it back, but hey--everyone has a right to feel differently. -Jahan

Thanks for the PTR Scott! I personally LOVED Indiana Beach, dearly! Although damn that ferris wheel that took a chunk out of my arm! Glad you guys managed to have a really enjoyable time too! -Jahan

YESSS! This is just the PTR I've been waiting for! I'm lovin it Casey--keep it going! More, more! -Jahan

LOLOL! The drawing of Ryan and Wes freakin' on me just brought the trip all back for me! ...now excuse me while I go shower. -Jahan