BeemerBoy

I'm still curious how LARGE the new area is. If you could capture that on film, it would me very much appreciated. Thank you in advance.

^^ Rich, should I buy a lottery ticket on the way home today, or am I wasting my money? Btw, Wes won this thread a long time ago.

I don't mean to be rude here, but stop for a second and try to wrap your brain around the time frame that the saucers were introduced. Folks, these things were groundbreaking for the early 60's! Cmon, we hadn't even stepped foot on the moon yet. This was revolutionary for theme park visitors (not to mention the infancy of the "theme park" term itself). Also, I realize it's tough, given the information age in which we live, but park guests were nowhere near as informed about amusement park rides and technology as they are today. I'd imagine that the average Disneyland guest in the early 60's only had the images they saw on the Wonderful World of Disney to draw upon what they'd experience before actually visiting the park. There was no internet, no cable tv, and the world was simply much smaller than it is today. If a small park somewhere on the other side of the world plans to introduce a new Dippin' Dots stand next year, I'm sure you can find out about it somewhere. That wasn't the case back then. So much of what you found at the Disney parks was completely new and inconceivable until you actually experienced it. Sure, some ideas proved to be duds, and obviously would be considered boring by today's standards. But just looking at 'em and calling them "boring as hell" undermines the significance of Disney's efforts to try new technologies that paved the way for the things we love today. //Steps off soapbox.

Thank you for those pics. On a day when I receive news of the Orange Bowl's final season ( ), it's nice to have a small pick-me-up.

If I were there, I would gladly help you out. Anyone with the nads to say they clean up horse crap for a living gets my vote. Job well done, my friend! I guess this is ultimate proof that any job at Disney can still make someone smile.

If they got something along the lines of EGF: The North American version, then Canada would have something to seriously be proud of besides...... ....ummmm..... *crickets chirping* .....ummm...... ....well, then they'd have something to really be proud of.

So much for that theory, eh Robb? (just kidding)

Have you guys personally spoken with the footers? I'm just wondering if they gave you the inside scoop that they're B&M's? Scott "I think I remember people speculating that Maverick's footers were B&M as well" B.

A moving sidewalk from the park's entrance to Lightning Racer.

THANKFULLY, Creed is long gone, so I really have no one to hate and wish a fiery death upon anymore. How that group ever found an audience is beyond me. Iron Maiden sucks.

^ For the credit, of course.

I didn't realize you guys visited hell on the trip. There's absolutely no doubt in my mind about this statement being true! Wes freakin' rocks!

^ LOL. That is classic! If there's video footage of that, I'm requesting the soundtrack be "Big Pimpin'."

^^ I don't know. Maybe you should ask them next time.

Great pics, Scott! Somehow I knew you guys could still find a way to have a blast there despite the weather. Somewhere, Jerry Bruckheimer is drooling over this shot.

^^ mmm, Bellagio. I agree, Breakers is overrated. Oh yeah, I can't believe how many people there are on this trip. I really hope I can join you guys one day. Where will you be tomorrow?

^ Nah, I'm just kidding around. Actually, if anything, the count would increase by one or two possibly. I've just always been on the fence with rides like Dudley. I'm leaning towards a new category.....flume coaster.

I hate you people for making me rethink these things.

Even when the park was still a "working" studio, the backlot tour was basically just killing time until the tram got to Catastrophe Canyon. Using this space for something new is essential, I think. I love the front section of this park, but the back isn't very inspiring. I'm gonna respectfully disagree here, Chuck. When the park first opened, I actually really enjoyed the backstage tour. While I agree that some of the tram portion does seem like filler by today's standards, it was mostly enjoyable back then. Now, of course, with today's movie audience generally being much more familiar with movie making methods due to countless "makings of," and "behind the scenes" on loaded special edition DVDs, etc., some of the aura of the backstage tour portion wouldn't hold up now. However, I still feel that people would generally love to be emersed in the movie making process if done correctly. I would hate to see a place with "Studios" in their name fully abandon the "Studio" aspect. I probably wouldn't mind them doing away with the tram portion as long as they could provide a great interactive walkthrough environment. It would, perhaps, be pretty nice to see a great new thrill ride added in some of the "dead" space back there though.

Hmmm, how about Disney's Afterschool Studios? Eh, they can "officially" change the name all they want, it'll still be MGM to me. But at least they're realizing that if some fool actually wants to spend $71 on a one day ticket to this park, it should have $71 worth of entertainment in it (Toy Story is a great addition, btw). Although, until plans include hat removal and Star Tours refurb/update/do-over/whatever you wanna call it, I'll continue to be mostly unenthused.

I would say when it's illegal, as in punishable by law, not just MLB. Yeah, it is an interesting angle to consider, yet I'd still go back to the legality issue. It's not illegal to go under the knife to repair one's body. And that's really the key word too. Repair, not enhance. Not to mention the gold gloves. I agree, Joe. Bonds was a first ballot HOFer before he started juicing. That continues to be the part that I judge him on.

Um, perhaps it's because the distribution and possession of human growth hormone for any use other than the treatment of a disease or other recognized medical condition, and pursuant to the order of a physician is illegal. Congress usually has a certain interest in hot button illegal activities concerning the well being of the nation's citizens. Strange, but true. Ask the parents of thousands of teenage athletes who have been affected by steroid use from emulating these ignorant juice boxes. The issue, I'm afraid, is even larger than Barry's 'roid-inflated head.

So are you 33, or 13? Honestly, I'm leaning towards the latter.

Funny, I don't remember McGuire being the media darling he once was. He's not getting the same amount of "garbage" because........he's NOT playing anymore. Oh yeah, and the "white" issue you speak of.....irrelevant in this case.

This has become an overrated record anyway. When someone hits safely in 57 consecutive games, then I'll take notice.