Playland(PNE) Vancouver Discussion Thread

[KingOfNynex2003]

yeah it was the same for me, I've got Row 3 Seats 24-28 for Friday so that cameraman won't be a problem for the most part until he goes right in front of the middle of the stage.

[Nrthwnd]

^ So what did you think of the VIP Experience, etc. etc. I actually liked the card tricks, being able to actually see them up close.

 

His "grey elephant" trick didn't land well, with an audience member from our little group (think: Elk) Still fun. The popcorn was

a bit dry, and unless you brought something to drink, you got your seat, then had to hike up the stairs to the general food area.

I learned that (and brought some water along) from last year's "Peter Pan with Cathy Rigby" (no show).

 

I am taking David through it, later on, as I know he won't want to do that "floating trick," heh. Just grab our popcorn and

get to our seats.

 

[KingOfNynex2003]

I'm kind of biased because the magician in the VIP Lounge is a good friend of mine and are you talking about that trick where he has this card that has a grey elephant on it from Denmark? if it is that one I actually used to perform that one but stopped doing it because of that reason. I personally liked the VIP Experience because I rarely get those Trevor performing by himself without his better half with him. When I got the popcorn it was freshly popped so I had no issue with it.

[Nrthwnd]

Besides the Magic/Illusions Show, in the Coliseum, when I was leaving to get some food, I passed by this little UNLIT display

of the FUTURE OF THE PNE/PLAYLAND etc. One of the people working nearby, told me it's a really nice model, and they

should get the lights back into it, soon....

 

Woah! Model?

 

Along with the upright boards, there was a model, with a pretty convincing part of what Playland would/could

look like in the not too distant future, hoping there will be full steam ahead on the plans.

 

I've added the paper art concept of possibilities if and when Playland does go through a new growth period. Finally.

Here's the model "under plastic," heh. I'll take some pix of the Info Boards tomorrow night.

And, the model's version. Not too shabby if any of it comes true. (o:

And if Corkscrew goes, that means 3 new coasters (ha) = 5 coasters in New Playland!

Now look at this early art concept pf what Playland could turn into.

The park nowadays, is at the bottom there. Upper right area takes up

a lot of parking area.

[Nrthwnd]

And on we go...

 

PNE Visit #4 ~ Sunday, Aug.28 ~ The Concert

 

This day's visit was really for only one thing to see and hear:

Culture Club, in the PNE's Summer Nights Concert Series.

 

The show started a few minutes late, but really it was nothing.

Boy George and his band and singers wowed us all, and for most of

the concert, I never sat down on my reserved seat, lol! We were all

amped up with the music and George's knowing ways of the world

as he sees it. Great stuff....

 

Before the show, there was food first to eat!

At my bus stop, to The Fair. This did not inspire me for "what to eat" at The Fair.

A bit of rain, but it soon cleared up.

I always find someone, every PNE, who has collected a GIGANTIC amount of

games tickets. This nice lady happily posed with her precious booty, for the camera.

Crowd for Coaster was HUGE.

I went to Coaster Dogs for a corn dog. Surprise: they don't have corn dogs OR hot dogs!

their onsite delivery didn't happen that day, so they literally ran out of food!

Clouds clearing up.

Back to Crazy Dogs for another mess in a bun

I chose the Canadian Pizza Dog. I think there was maple in the pepperonis.

And to completely mess it up, I added my fave condiment: mustard.

Where I sat for my meal, with a view of the Sunday crowd. And blue sky here and there, now.

Unroutine Poutine. I enjoyed it last year, but might give it a miss this year. Too much other great food to try.

A reminder of what Unroutine puts together.

And back to the soft serve pineapple "Dolewhip". Still good.

Um...

"Nom nom nom feed me your children!"

One last look, before heading into the Summer Nights concert venue. (To be continued...)

[Nrthwnd]

Here's Part 1 of the Culture Club Concert, back on Sunday.

The photos really show how much Boy George was enjoying himself.

View from my seat.

My view a lot of the time,if I tried to sit. Hardly worked, lol.

I used the big screen, from time to time.

I like this shot of George, up on the screen.

(To be continued...)

[Nrthwnd]

I finally picked up my COKE Freestyle PNE Cup, which was also available all of Playland's Season!

Well D'oh! Theirs is the same as The Beast Cup is. You pay nearly $10 for it, and then get dollar refills

all through the Playland Season... AND The PNE itself!

 

I was impressed and bought one. What I didn't find out till later, is that of the two (only two) spots

in the entire PNE Grounds, only the Freestyle in Playland had flavours to add to your COKE choice.

 

Bummer.

 

Oh well, after Sunday's visit, I decided The Beast Cup is The Best Cup to use,

AND you can get regular COKE in it, too!

PLayland/PNE branded.

I wonder what 100+ flavours taste like? All together?

It's innards. (o:

[Nrthwnd]

There was a "musical interlude" where George disappeared,

only to turn up in the exact same outfit...in red.

 

And the party continued on, up to the two encores:

"Do You Really Want To Hurt Me", and "Karma Chameleon."

And...He's back!

Obviously enjoying himself here.

Encore #1 - "Do You Really Want To Hurt Me."

Encore #2 - "Karma Chameleon."

Even though it's taken from the screen, it's still one of my favourite shots.

And then...it was over.

Off to the RideSide Bar for a night cap.

Best I could get of Beast, from where I was seated.

One the way home again, past the same ...uh....artwork. G'night!

[djcoastermark]

Always enjoy your posts of those far away places in an exotic land. Just kidding, but hey from Fla, it is like travelling to the other side of the world. Air time is soooo long flying, not to mention expensive from here. I hope to make it back to Vancouver someday when the park is open. I have only been there in the late winter/early spring and of course the park was closed. Visited Capilano and took the tram thingy up the mountains. Awesome !

[Nrthwnd]

^ Yeah, we're about as 'exotic' as you can get here, y'know? We get A TON OF SNOW here ALL THE TIME too.

And it's pretty $$$ to get from here to where you are, too. Exotical lands, indeed.

 

Here's a photo of me, taken today at The Fair, at the CTV (local tv station) Booth.

I read a script on camera, and showed my "elderly hippie-ish" flair, lol

And yes, it was raining today. Quite a bit, from time to time.

Edited September 2, 2016 by Nrthwnd

[KingOfNynex2003]

I'm here too with some friends, we're at the pig races right now, I tried one of those Crazy Dogs for lunch, pretty good.

Unroutine Poutine Hotdog

[Nrthwnd]

^ I'm home now. My only intention was to visit the Angry Birds Exhibit today, grab a quick snack (which I did),

then head on home. I found out, to my surprise on the bus ride home, the Burger King that's been there near the PNE

for so so long - is totally gone! All boarded up, fences up, all the signs down including the street one that lights up.

 

And by the way, Crazy Dogs puts out some pretty good hot dogs. I might get one more, on Monday, Closing Day

of The Fair. And watch everybody/family running around with their frantic faces on. Like they should have done all

this a week or more ago? I love it. Totally relaxing for myself.

 

My quick snack ~ The Mini Donut Popsicle!

Edited September 3, 2016 by Nrthwnd

[Philrad71]

That Poutine Dog looks insane...you can barely see the hot dog!

 

Is that chili or beans on there under the cilantro? Chunky gravy?

[Nrthwnd]

^ Could be chunks of cooked bacon there. But even I'm not too sure, lol.

[KingOfNynex2003]

it's bits of bacon with fries and gravy and a hotdog underneath it, it's insanely messy but good.

[Nrthwnd]

^ Well, I might try that one, when I get to The Fair one last time, on Monday.

 

Friday, Sept. 02 ~ The ANGRY BIRDS UNIVERSE Exhibit at The PNE!

 

I really wasn't sure whether I was going to enjoy this set up or not. Having to pay $5 just to go into the exhibit,

kind of bent my thoughts towards whether it was going to be good...or a total rip off for the $5.

 

Needless to say, the whole setup was well done, and they were in total anticipation of the thousands of offspring that

would descend on the place with their handlers in tow. I was happily surprised.

 

Unfortunately, my height prevented me from trying their zip line (5' the max; I am 5'8"). And there was already

a very long line of families, to do the Slingshot Thing. Which meant setting up their "blocks" and "pigs" how they

wanted to knock 'em over, etc. And I was on my own so I felt a bit conspicuous about doing it. So I didn't do it.

 

Built myself a nice little 'race car,' though. The Raceway area was pretty fun for everybody. And there was some

actual i-n-f-o-r-m-a-t-i-o-n set up and available about real birds. Not just Angry Birds' stuff.

 

I enjoyed it, I bought my Angry Birds/Bomb stuff (he's my hero of the bunch), and then headed out, into the RAIN,

and spent a little more time at The Fair, and then headed home.

Looking back at The Fair's Main Entry. It's been raining a lot, but they're still coming in.

My destination, today...Angry Birds!

A really light crowd, so far.

The rain's not stopping people from getting their rides in.

I believe this is The Place.

While in the queue, photo op board.

We're here!

Meet the guys.

I am not worthy. I am not worthy.

REAL Birds' Eggs Comparison chart and examples.

Here they are!

And if you are into the WINGSPAN of real birds...

There were several race tracks to use, which spread the kids out, very nicely.

One of the race tracks.

My trusty little race car. I still couldn't figure out which was the front of it, lol.

Race IN Motion.

I'm on the right. I didn't win. )o:

The Slingshot Gallery.

Everybody was having a fun time, with it. (To be continued...)

[Nrthwnd]

Here's the rest of the Angry Birds Universe Exhibit photos, and the rest of my visit there on Friday...

I did not check out the Laser Maze...

But I did check this out. A very chushiony place with stars and planets all over it's ceiling. Cool!

You want gears? We got gears!

And...

...The Zip line. Looked like fun for the kids.

Me, handling the heaviest of the three, here. And then....

GIFT SHOP! I bought that red Universe t-shirt. I like red.

Lots and lots to buy. And...I did. (o;

They're all here, just waiting for you.

After I left, I found this guy. I'd heard about this, and I needed a snack so...

I got one! And it was great! But..... "freezed"? Serious spellcheck needed, here.

Inside the Agrodome. Horsey stuff going on.

I remember seeing the Moscow State Circus here with my Dad, when I was....8?

Shiny pavement.

This gentleman spends all day at The Fair, turning the chicken over and over. Yum!

What's this?

A small band, being filmed for our local tv station.

And that's when I found out, I could get a photo taken, do a reading on camera and see it online. Awesome!

And I'll post the LINK to it, once they post it. (o: And I might win a helicopter ride, by tomorrow's end of The Fair!

And afternoon beverage at my usual hangout.

The purp[le train running today. Only needed one, 'Cause of The Rain

And on my way home by bus - passed my regular Burger King - Shut Down & Boarded Up? WTF???

Edited September 6, 2016 by Nrthwnd

[djcoastermark]

^ Cool to see you went to the horses doing the horse stuff. I always go to the horse shows at the fairs because as kids we raised horses and did the horse show circuit. I always hit up the horse competitions at the state fairs as they are the best of the local best. We showed ( yes, showed is the proper term) 2 Arabians, a Quarter horse and a Dunn. To any horse people out there, you know how ornery, incorrigable , and totally awesome those little nut Dunns can be. That was always my best memories of the State Fairs, Showing the horses, sleeping in the stalls with my horse, riding the rides during the off times and after the fair closed for the night to the GP. You wouldn't believe how many things are open after the fair closes down for the night and everybody has gone home. Many things are still open all night. Maybe someone sometime will do a TR on what goes on after hours at the fairs. It can be really fun.

[Nrthwnd]

^ Yeah, I enjoy using the Agrodome as a "rest stop" when I'm there at The Fair. Today they were setting up for the jumping competition,

but the finals weren't going to be until late afternoon. And I didn't plan to stay that long.

 

Here's what I bought from the Angry Birds Exhibit Gift Shop, and other stuff...

The t-shirt will be worn at WCB this coming weekend.

And Boom has now joined the "Let It Go" Glee Club!

[Nrthwnd]

"Closin' time, closin' time..." (Thank you Leonard Cohen)

 

The PNE wrapped up on it's final day, yesterday. I went out just to take a last walk around the grounds, soak up the atmosphere,

one last time. Grab a bite to eat, got my last dollar refills for the popcorn bucket and The Beast cup. One more capsule machine

buy...

 

And I was heading home.

 

And now, I'm getting ready for my train ride down to S.California and this weekend's West Coast Bash.

 

Can't wait! And thanks everybody, for taking the time, to look through my PNE TR(s).

Bye Bye PNE - and thanks for reminding me about the Hopscotch Festival! (o;

Amazing what you can do with paper and cardboard.

Got Glasses?

Half a band, playing.

Inside Telus' Future Home: a train boxcar....converted with screens and stuff.

This was important. I forgot why.

I actually liked this the best in this "house." Real flowers. Who knew?

Bye bye Coco's Corn Dogs and Fro-Licious!

Whoever wins this thing, I hope they wanted it. Worst - Prize Home - Ever. IMhO

No lighting to help read all of this. But this is the PNE's Future Master Plans, including Playland.

The other side of it, i couldn't focus on, sorry. But it's a play by play of things to (hopefully) come.

Current Playland.

Playland+

The green space lake will have a bit of a river, later on.

Current Playland, unlit.

Playland+ with at least three coasters in it. That would be amazing!

The whole thing when it's completed.

Set up for Super Dogs show. I did not go to it this year. Maybe next year...

...Same goes for Bacon Candy Floss! Missed it. I'm sure it will return.

Mango and peach fruit shakes are really nice.

Handmade Burgers' menu with the Mac & Cheese Burger available. For $12. No fries.

This is it. The burger itself was much smaller than all those "photos" of it on the stall. Anyway...

...I dug in. And FINALLY found the mac & cheese.There wasn't much inside. Not impressed. )o:

Corkscrew was finally up and running, after being down during most of The Fair.

Woo hoo!

Purple and yellow trains for Coaster's last PNE day.

See you on September 18th, last season day for Playland, when I return from WCB!

And then there's this, coming up. (o: (o: (o:

[Nrthwnd]

Today

Was the last day

Of this day

Today.

 

Today was the last day for Playland's 2016 Season. And I jusr arrived back home from my WCB vacation last night,

so I was able to get to the park today, ride some rides and say goodbye - till next season.

Fright Nights in October is already being themed up, including the entry gate.

Purple train being used, on The last Day. I took a couple of turns on it. That was enough. For now.

Am I up? or am I down? Sideways perhaps?

Stuck in the middle of up and/or down...

View from a balloon, ride.

Kettle Creek Mine Ride taking it's last young miners around the site.

Smoke from the top, and a glow around it's centre. I like this shot.

Wonder what this area will look like, if and when The Project gets going...and finished?

For once, I would like to see this thing go straight up, totally vertical. But it never quite makes it, there.

Just go go away. I didn't see a train running on it for well over a 1/2 hour. Thought it was closed. Again.

Wheee!

Whoa!

A nice downtown shot from the Sky/Ferris Wheels of ours.

"May I offer you, some fresh green mountains with a touch of rich cloudiness on top, monsieur?" (o;

Hmmmm.

Could be a code. But...it's a Haunt-to-be.

Speaking of another Haunt-to-be....

Wheee....ly!

Hangin'.

"We go together like, rama-lama-lama..."

It's Feedin' Time.

What's this? What's this?

Of course.

Oh. It IS open! Who knew? --- Anyway, must pay my respect to last fave thing about Playland this season...

My Fave Capsule machine of this Playland and PNE Season! (o; ***See ya at Fright Nights***

[djcoastermark]

I didn't realize that corkscrew was originaly Screamer from Boblo Island. I rode it when it was at Boblo, so I guess by proxy, I've been to Playland -ish. Of course when I rode it, it was a state of the art coaster. Cool it still is alive, albeit on it's last legs.

[Nrthwnd]

^ Cool! I always did wonder if it came from another park, as when it first opened, it definitely

had that 'worn look' to it, lol. Thanks for the history of it.

 

Now please, could Boblo Island take it back? Now? PLEASE???

[djcoastermark]

Playland should have got from Boblo, the most head scratching coaster ever built. Sky Streak. It was moved to Selva Magica in mexico. It is a What the heck type just happened coaster ? The weird flat stretch was originally intended to be a splash down, but never happened. And to this day, still has no splashdown.

[Nrthwnd]

^ Ha! I rode that in Selva Magica, when TPR visited Mexico in 2013!

 

Here's my shot of the train at the end of that straightaway (WTF?) spot.

 

It was...intreresting?

TPR 2013 Mexico Tour.