BeemerBoy

And that right there seems like the real difference between this and Potter. Potterland simply had to exist in some way, shape, or form for tons of families to be guilted into a specific trip to Orlando. On the other hand, Avatar is gonna have to really "wow" people technologically in order to get the same kind of response. Otherwise, Avatarland, while obviously still appealing to many, is just an "oh cool, we'll definitely have to hit that up the next time we're there" type of thing.

Yeah, see this is a valid argument, as opposed to whether Harry Potter will have any staying power. Bottom line returns talk though, and if Disney inked the deal, God knows they'll make it work somehow. I just wish George Lucas would quit farting around with a million different ways to release 3 good movies, etc., and seriously consider the thought of expanding the studios with his mega brand. There's absolutely NO way a Star Wars themed "land" wouldn't trump the piss out of both Potter and Avatar combined.

I wonder which "creative consultant" will prove to be the easier one to work with....Cameron or Rowling?

Loved the report, Brandy, and I'm so glad you all had a great time there!

Thus far, the thread has not delivered on one of those, and it's borderline false advertising. To help remedy the situation, I offer you my contribution...... God bless fine crafted German/American engineering.

Hmmm, not sure. I'm not opposed to it. But only if it's more interesting than going out in a boat to look at gators. Well, there's always the chance to witness the real Mega Python vs. Gatoroid.

I'm realizing I may be in a minority on this one, but like you said, "to each their own." I'm not a HHN or HOS veteran as compared to many on here, but I've been through a fair share of houses/mazes in my time. On the point of scares vs. overall scenes, the scariest thing I've ever been through didn't have a single actor, nor did anything even happen. It was at Terror on Church Street, which used to be a "permanent" walk through in downtown Orlando where they would send you through in small groups of 5-10 people. The abandoned morgue room was easily the creepiest set. Our group of 6 slowly walked through the room full of tables with covered corpses, our heads on swivels, fully expecting something to happen. We literally inched through that scene, which felt like forever, and in the end nothing happened at all (the only room in which that happened). I was pulling up the rear in our single file line, and even after we had exited the room into the hallway towards the next scene, everyone including myself kept looking back. Sometimes the simple anticipation of something is more thrilling than an actual "scare."

Speaking of which, this is the best thing I've seen posted in your defense elsewhere....

Regardless of how things play out over the coming weeks, months, and years, kudos to the park employees for standing up for what they believe in. How rare is that these days?

Great shots. I actually prefer the "culture" pictures more!

I wish the Pomeranian would bite off the finger you seem to love to point at everyone and everything that ever happens. Maybe TPR needs a kennel? That's all I'm saying.

Their is no need to loose you're mind, Elissa.

This is the stupidest question ever. If it's "unlimited," the answer is what wouldn't you do?

When we're finished saving hippos, will someone please go feed that starving dog at the Haunted Mansion?

Link Your honor, I'll take possession of this idiot's private yacht while he's sitting in prison, thanks.

While I agree about the Disney parks, your point is somewhat subjective regarding Sea World. I've never been able to do everything in one day at Sea World.....but that's because I'm an "ocean dork," and like to take my time at each exhibit. Heck, I can easily sit and watch an aquarium for an hour. Sure, you can rush through Sea World and do everything there is to do, but even then, I've still always found it to be a pretty full day. Just scheduling all the shows to fit the way you see the park can create a challenge. Morgan, in your situation I vote hands down for the Sea World option. And believe me, I hear where you're coming from regarding Disney. I'm wrestling with the fact that I may miss a Food and Wine visit next month, but only because I've yet to do Discovery Cove and Aquatica. It's tough to think I'll be in town and miss my favorite park.....and I'm not even traveling all the way from Germany like you. There's just never enough time and money for everything! Also, congrats on the YouTube "promotion." I think Sea World is a great choice for your video talents as well. Besides all the shows, there's great interactive feeding opportunities to capture that would play well on film (sting rays, dolphins, and sea lions). On top of that, Manta and Kraken are top notch rides, and I've always thought the counter service options at the Busch parks were pretty good. While I haven't stayed at the Hilton Grand, I've heard nothing but good things. And finally, I wouldn't be too concerned about rain washing out your days at that time of year. Hope that helps a bit!

In fairness to water park employees everywhere, a park can have excellent "measures in place" for lightning, but you're dealing with a very unpredictable creature. Growing up in South Florida, I can attest to seeing some really odd things involving thunderstorms. I've seen lightning strike anywhere from 10-20+ miles off of what would seem to be the general area of storm activity.....in otherwise "clear skies." So while a park and it's employees may do everything possible to prepare and clear an area of all employees and guests, you just can't predict what's gonna happen. It's scary stuff. Definitely a sad story. And considering the amount of thunderstorm activity in Central Florida, it's actually somewhat impressive that stories like this and what happened recently at Discovery Cove don't happen more often.

^ Hell, those water fountains alone have me reconsidering that trip now. Wait, no, I just came to my senses. I've never been a huge fan of the space program, yet when showcased the right way, it's strangely very intriguing and mesmerizing. Somehow though, even with the wealth of history this whole place can pull from, it manages to fail in so many ways....from what I've seen anyway. I remember my brother going on a school trip many moons ago (yes, that was sadly intentional...sorry) when they were able to tour that huge building. To me, that would probably be the only thing worth the price of admission. Oh well.

Jeebus, that's a great deal! And to think, some people out there hate TPR.....which, to me, will go down as one of the world's great mysteries.

^ I don't know, dude. That might be a bit out of bounds for someone who's more in the category of "class act" rather than "I'm a dbag who deserves low blows taken at me."

I don't find it too surprising when you consider the absence of any "preseason." I wouldn't hesitate to play my starting QB and let him gain as much real game experience as possible.....within reason (i.e. avoid blitzes by just getting rid of it, etc.). The thing I continue to have a problem with is the week 1 "Top 5" match-ups. I understand the desire for "Kickoff Week" marquee games on TV, but certain "top 5" teams shouldn't be forced to line up against each other while others don't. All "Top 5" teams deserve a cream puff game to start the season. Fair is fair, right, NCAA? Wait.....nevermind.

Pave Voyage.

How do you "try too hard" to make an airtime hill? I suppose it's sort of like clicking on this thread. I "try too hard" to think something reasonable will come of it, but it just usually ends up "uncomfortable."

Same. I'm not necessarily scared of heights, but drop towers are the only type of ride that continually freak me out a bit...and this one is flat out sick. It's amazing that it's the only thing SFMM has done to catch my interest.