BeemerBoy

The game plan was simple. Do Boomers, Epcot, Hersheypark, and Knoebels all within 35 hours. Yeah, exactly. What was I thinking? Well, I did manage to get 3 out of the four done, so not too bad overall. It all started in Fort Lauderdale. I picked up the car I'd be driving north, and promptly made my way over to Boomers to catch up with my favorite woodie. It was time to see if she could still lay claim to that spot. To make things simple.....she can, albeit just barely over Thunderhead. The DBH is definitely starting to show a little wear, but still delivers an excellent ride (especially from the second to last row). I picked up my unlimited rides wristband for 12 bucks, and arrived at the station to find a total of maybe 10 people at the most. And that's music to my ears for such a great rerideable coaster! The downside is that they made each of us exit and walk all the way around the station after each ride. They simply wouldn't budge, even though it was completely unnecessary. We all could've camped out on that train for an hour or more. Anyway, after 12 rides it was time to head out to see the parentals, and get some shuteye before phase 2 began the next morning. ** The on-ride photos were taken with permission from the ride ops on duty. Always ask before attempting. This has been a TPR public service announcement. ** See you tomorrow, Epcot. But you folks won't. At least not in this TR anyway. Instead you'll see Hershey. As I was leaving, I attempted to make a citizen's arrest for this atrocity. Sir, please make up your mind right now. This indecision is simply not allowed down here. Will do. GASP! I'm assuming yearly maintenance. I loves me an empty station. Hmmm, I wonder where the red train is, though? For now anyway. There's still much more out there, including one formidable bull. Is she still number one in my books? A non-threatening station pic. Blurry pic. Check. Obligatory first drop pic. Yes, the go-cart track is enormous. So how many woodies have endured an actual hurricane, and still had what it takes to be a top 20 ride on Mitch's poll? Look, there's the flags to prove it. Or you could just look to your right and take in the beauty. click click click click....if you try real hard, that actually sounds like the lift hill. The lapbars don't seem to lock real well anymore. And with this much room, who's complaining? You teased me back in October, but this time there's no high school physics field trip to deny me my rides!

^ LOL. Yeah, I guess I was channeling Horizons a bit, and took a stab with predicting the future. I get lucky every now and then. By the way.....Joe, that's another one.

Don't forget Norway (thanks Tusenfryd!). For those who may not realize, Joe is actually the closest person in proximity to the actual mailbox from which the cards were sent! This experiment is proving to be priceless. Thanks again to those of you who have received your cards and posted in here. They look great! I can't wait to do a postgame wrap up.

-Begin dream sequence- Fade in: interior of LucasArts headquarters. Secretary: "Mr. Lucas, line one. It's the Walt Disney Company. George Lucas: "Thanks, I'll take it." Iger: "George, we'd like you to develop a park based on the Star Wars franchise." George: "Gladly. An unlimited budget, you say?" Iger: "You have free reign." George: "Deal. We'll get started immediately." Fade out: Back to Harry Potter discusion.

I wouldn't be too concerned. Remember, we're talking about a place that based an "island" on such current culturally relevant figures as Popeye and Dudley Do-Right. And it's managed to survive.

^ At least the view from DD's lift hill would be nicer. edit: didn't realize Erik beat me too it.

Why? I'm reserving judgement until I see and hear more, but as a Disney fan, why would I be upset over this? Maybe because Universal has the rights to one of the biggest kid-related franchises in recent history and Disney doesn't? What's the other one? I mean, you don't think that if Disney really wanted the franchise, they would've made a bigger play at it? I still say that anytime ANY of the major parks in central Florida improve themselves, it is a win-win for the entire area.

Why? I'm reserving judgement until I see and hear more, but as a Disney fan, why would I be upset over this?

I heard the dragons flew away when they realized how cramped the park felt. In all seriousness, I agree that the fact that it's still in the logo would suggest that this is just another idea that was put on the back burner until the right time and place presents itself. And hopefully, that's not in the form of a Pixar movie featuring a lovable dragon and his search for acceptance in society or something.

Great Bear @ Hershey, May 23rd.

I'd love to, but unfortunately I can't commit to anything yet. Midweek is tough for us, and heck, I'm not even sure what I'm doing tomorrow, much less two and a half months from now. Anyway, I'll mark it down, and keep in touch.

This was flat out hilarious. Not the boy getting trapped, of course, but the description of the events sounded perfect! I think we can all relate to something like this at just about every park out there from time to time (unfortunately). Nice quick, concise report of the ride.

GCI with flyers = not much of a risk.

Was the old man as lucky?

Classic stuff, guys! Scott "still sad there'll be no 'angry rhino' tour this year" B.

My memory's a bit faded on this one, but I know I remember SFOG experiencing one awhile back. I'm not sure if it was parkwide, but I do remember riders being stranded at the top of Acrophobia for about an hour and a half, or so it was reported! That would have to rank as the worst location to ever be stranded at.

^ Don't quote me on it, but I thought I remebered hearing somewhere that they actually did. Wow, there's a lot to respond to. First off, thank you all so much for the kind words thus far. I appreciate it! Believe me, there's a bunch more of you guys out there that I would've sent cards to as well. As you can probably tell though, these days, that can actually get costly. It was a lot of fun putting this together, and it's been really cool seeing the responses and reactions. After searching through my old stuff, here's a couple pics that I found interesting ....... Oh yeah, hi Joe. Mine got here Friday, the 25th around 3pm! The Beach Club Resort, present day. Note to Cedar Fair: This is what trees can look like when left alone. The Beach Club Resort, circa 1990.

Yeah, I'm guessing that might be a bit of an issue. A couple questions out of sheer curiousity. Does anyone know if they ever close this down for a day or two out of respect for major tornado victims? Also, what are the discs at the top of each BMG sign? Nice quick little update on things.

Jay, it's good to hear from ya again. Lately I had been wondering where you'd been, and hoping things were alright. My prayers are with you on your appeal. I know you'll come out okay. Hang in there, man.

^

Agreed. I absolutely love MF trains, but the only knock is that I have to hold the lap bar from cutting me in half sometimes. And it was never worse than on Wildcat for some reason. On my first ride, by the time we hit the brakes I was praying to be let loose. Anyway, nice report. I made my first visit there this past wednesday, and I was pretty impressed with the place. I have no frame of reference for the "pre-coporate" days as you alluded to, but the park was clean, friendly, and had a pretty good collection of rides from what I saw. An overall nice day, despite some pretty sore feet when I left.

Hmmm, maybe Cedar Fair's smarter than we think. I've never seen so much excitement over a marginal relocated coaster in my life.....and it hasn't even left the state! Perhaps they can just start an Ohio coaster rotation program, and simply move 'em on a yearly basis.

Great report so far, Eric! Really glad you guys liked Chattanooga. They like to call themselves "America's Scenic City," and I actually agree with them. It's only 20 minutes up the road from us, so we're there as much as possible. I understand that the city commission has done an incredible job revitalizing the entire waterfront area over the last decade. Evidently, not so long ago, it wasn't as beautiful as it shows in your pics. I'm anxiously awaiting your Ruby Falls pics!

Down the homestretch. Bye Epcot. 'Till next time. Thanks for reading. Hope you all enjoyed it! Oh no, don't thank me. It was certainly my pleasure. Hi, Dan. That's your card on top. Postcards were sent at exactly 1:00pm, Tuesday, May 22nd. I can't forget the most important card of the day. Nicole, I forgot to take this pic at Journey, so Art the doorman kindly helped out. Thanks, Art! Beach Club Resort. Okay, time to veer off the beaten path a bit. Robb, since I forgot to take a pic elsewhere, here's the Boardwalk for you guys. Now I just wonder how many will recognize the picture on the card. This park is beautiful, eh? When the Bruins are out of the picture, I always root for these guys next. Hi, Paul. Oh, Canada.... Hi Derek. Sure, he's American, but the US pavillion didn't have a cool pub. Hi, Lou. Hi, Tom. Cheers! Jolly ole England. Great detail around the bend. Hi, sio! France. Notice how smart Disney was? They placed The Americans between Germany and France. Rest easy, France. Rest easy. (I kidd, I kidd). Hours later, and I'm still trying anything to get that Beverly aftertaste out of my mouth! More proof of that. Morocco really has a great look to it. Okay, time to bear with me again. Our friend, "worm" from South Africa will be representing the great continent of Africa , including the Moroccan pavillion. Thanks worm! Should I be concerned? As are numreous other decorations. Trees are your friends. Mmmmm, Japan. Unfortunately, I was unable to find a Japanese representative to receive a postcard. Poor picture, but if you're a fan of great a capella singing, do yourself a favor and see the Voices of Liberty perform. Am I missing something here?

Round three. Still is purty though. Italy. Home to Ferrari. Unfortunately, I could not find an Italian TPR representative. Sorry, no postacards sent to the boot. But this miniature plastic figurine on miniature plastic figurine violence HAS to end! Garden railroads are cool. Hi Andy! Germany. Home of Porsche, beer, and the Autobahn. Imagine that combination in the states. It's like the Tournament of Roses parade. Except, it's in Orlando, Joey's not rooting for USC today, and there's no parade. Besides that, yeah, just like the TOR. If you don't know who's pictured, then perhaps you're in the wrong place. Hear the drummer get wicked. Okay, between China and Germany, lies this African "outpost" of sorts. Okay, bear with me on this one. Ian and Tony, this one's for you guys. Since Australia isn't represented here, just imagine that island has the Sydney Opera House on it. Cheers! Hang on, I'm checking the thesaurus. Splendid. Beautiful. I was suddenly feeling very "crouching tiger." Seriously, I'm a huge fan of ancient Asian architecture. Along with Japan, this place rocks! China continues to look great. Hi, Adriel! "I just dropped in to see what condition my condition was in." Booo. "Honey, did you water the roof today?" Hi "Tusenfryd." On to Norway. Home of trolls, vikings, and grass roofs. From one "Parrothead" to another. These guys are always cool with me. The update of this ride turned out pretty good, in my opinion. To me, the interior of the Mexico pavilion is probably the best around. Hi, Joel. Hope you enjoy your stay! The shores of Mexico. Mickey welcomes you to World Showcase, also known as "Awesomeville."