Theme Parks, Roller Coasters, & Donkeys!
Discuss theme parks, roller coasters, and donkeys!
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World's Longest Coaster
who has the actual record- 3 replies
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Universal Orlando Resort (USO, IOA) Discussion Thread 1 2 3 4 624
P. 624: Stella Luna and Terra Nova resort details released!- 15.6k replies
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Erik & Smisty & TPR do Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland 1 2 3 4
Part 26: Cork Is Sorry- 80 replies
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Walt Disney World Epcot Discussion Thread 1 2 3 4 119
P. 119: Test Track closure announced, new concept art released!- 3k replies
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Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom Discussion Thread 1 2 3 4 148
p. 148 - Magic Kingdom Destination D23 news roundup!- 3.7k replies
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Disneyland Paris (DLP) Discussion Thread 1 2 3 4 54
p. 54 - Walt Disney Studios Park to become Disney Adventure World!- 1.3k replies
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Bert gets his Viking on with the TPR 2023 Scandi Tour (no Pillaging, but some Humping occured) 1 2 3 4 5
Day 20, now updated: Full day at the Northernmost Amusement Center in the World - Power Park Finland!- 108 replies
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Busch Gardens Williamsburg (BGW BGE) Discussion Thread 1 2 3 4 467
P. 467: Loch Ness Monster Update Tour- 11.7k replies
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Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (BGT Discussion Thread) 1 2 3 4 377
p. 375: Phoenix Rising family inverted coaster announced for 2024!- 9.4k replies
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SeaWorld San Diego (SWSD) Discussion Thread 1 2 3 4 61
p. 61: Jewels of the Sea Jellyfish Experience coming in 2024!- 1.5k replies
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Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom Discussion Thread 1 2 3 4 201
p. 201 - Iron Menace announced for 2024!- 5k replies
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Six Flags [FUN] Corporate Discussion Thread 1 2 3 4 96
p. 91: Six Flags and Cedar Fair to enter "merger of equals" agreement, company will still be called "Six Flags"- 2.4k replies
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Playland (PNE) Vancouver Discussion Thread 1 2 3 4 51
2024 Playland Season Pass Now on Sale! And the New Coaster's Name will be .....- 1.3k replies
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Are US Las Vegas and possibly Disney monorails in danger of disappearing in the next 10 years?
Are US Las Vegas and possibly Disney monorails in danger of disappearing in the next 10 years?- 0 replies
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The Knott's Berry Farm (KBF) Discussion Thread 1 2 3 4 652
P. 651: Montezooma's Revenge project terminated?- 16.3k replies
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Dollywood Discussion Thread 1 2 3 4 797
P. 796 - Ride closing 10/30 to remove launch and install chain lift!- 19.9k replies
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Silver Dollar City (SDC) Discussion Thread 1 2 3 4 275
p. 274: New Fire in the Hole announced for 2024!- 6.9k replies
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Report from Warner Bros. World in Abu Dhabi
Amazing park in Abu Dhabi!- 8 replies
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By BobloLives · Posted
...but what about girth? Â Mountain coasters don't "count" to me because you as a rider are in partial control of your speed. Â -
By teacherkim · Posted
You didn't, no worries. And you made a valid point......................I just don't remember the others being such a big deal, anticipation wise. BUT as you point out there wasn't the daily social media/drone footage blitz going on AND to be fair some of those were at a time in my life when I wasn't focusing that much on theme parks. IOA for example, truly one of my favorite parks now, opened when I was about 30...........establishing a career and heavily involved in a completely different hobby that took a huge time and money commitment. About ten years later I had stopped such a huge commitment to the other thing and was introducing my son to theme parks and rediscovering in myself a long lost love for them. So all of that played a part in my probably not well thought out comment🤨 -
By Hilltopper39 · Posted
I still think there is a future for these interactive/immersive themed entertainment concepts sometime/somewhere in the future but first Star Cruiser closing and not this it doesn't really look good. I'm Star Cruiser had the obvious issues with cost, this maybe some issues with location/concept, and both of them the timing of Covid I'm sure didn't help.  Hopefully there's a future for the site as something as it did look like a pretty cool place. -
Title was about length, but height seems more of the cheating part to me. -
it was closed for maintenance during our time there. . . . so wasn't avail. regardless.  -
It was on our 'possibilities' list! But we didn't quite make it over there. As I recall, there was some kind of 4D theater thing it was paired with, but that seemed weak. If it had been a proper flying theater, we probably would've done it. -
it's taking me just as long. . . LOL.. I'm still 3 parks behind you! that "Bear Castle" reminds me SO much of the Deer enclosure at Marineland, Niagara. but they STILL use that one - even if the Government took away all the bears from the enclosure they had, so you no longer can feed them ice cream cones. as to the Helsinki Wheel? Jon and I DID ride that one    (tho, no, we didn't do the Sauna car. that was extra). Â
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We planned two days on our own in Helsinki, after the end of the TPR trip, in order to do Erik & Smisty things. And we did! Here are the less good ones. (I don't know, it just worked out that way.)  26: Cork Is Sorry  Up bright and early, but it's hard to tell because our hotel is in Finland and that's where the sun lives.  Gotta have some beans and a donut to get me going, though.  Helsinki is nice, and I'm happy to spend time in pretty much any northern European city--or really almost anywhere that I've never been. But, having said that, it's no Stockholm.  Ooh, a grocery store! Yes, we're easily amused. OR We're fun and you're the problem. Ever think of that??  This seems like an unhealthy selection of breakfast cereals even by American standards. And I eat beans and donuts for breakfast,  Speaking of unhealthy and American: I'd been looking for this particular Ben & Jerry's flavor the entire trip, after having encountered it at Gröna Lund in 2019., and really enjoying it. (Apparently it's a UK "only" flavor.)  Okay, now that you mention it, "baby back ribs" is a pretty weird name for a food already, but leaving the word 'back' out of it doesn't make it better.  Helsinkians really provide for their seagulls. Helsinkites? Helsinks? (I would go with 'Hellions' if it were me.)  Time to ferry about! No wait, ferries carry cars. Water taxi? We're gonna ride on a boat boat, is my point.  "Switch costumes, you ignominious pretender!" If you understand this reference, congratulations! You are unique in all the world and also you're me and your brain is broken.  We did not ride the SkyWheel Helsinki, so I cannot say whether or not licorice consumption is required onboard. But what I can tell you is that the single brown cabin is the world's only sauna on a Ferris wheel. Actually, I'm just assuming it's the world's only. Their website actually says, "world's first," which seems to imply that someone else has since built another one. However, I can find no evidence of this. Which forces me to consider the even more insane possibility that SkyWheel Helsinki was so sure someone else would immediately copy this idea that they just went with 'first' right out of the gate.  And here we arrive at our destination: Korkeasaari Zoo, which is located on an island.  Just to reiterate: this entire island is a zoo. Which is awesome. But, to be honest, it feel less like an island that they brought a bunch of zoo animals to, and more like an island that just kind of had some animals on it already, so they declared it a zoo.  So, the location is cool, but is the zoo actually any good? Well, no. Did you not read the last caption?  But perhaps I'm being too harsh. It does have this leopard.  And a statue of a goat. Note the building in the background. Which is a restaurant named--and I swear I'm not making this up--Restaurant Pukki.  Which did not make us vomit, I am happy to say.  Probably the most interesting animals at Korkeasaari, Amur tigers.  Other things of note: Korkeasaari is the largest zoo in Finland, was established in 1899, and is open year round.  These are also animals of some kind.  Karhulinna means "bear castle."  Yep, that's a bear.  The old, no longer in use, bear castle. You know, from back when people thought that bears would be more comfortable in a castle than surrounded by trees and stuff. And that they might like being stared at by a mural of a tiger all day. Look, I'm pro-zoo, but just tear this thing down and never speak of it again, you know?  "I bless the herpetariums of Afriii-cAsia!"  Pop quiz: Is this snake from Africa or Asia? If it helps, I 100% do not remember because I didn't take a photo of the sign and it's been like 10 months since then and this is easily the longest trip report I've ever done and I'm starting to have regrets.  I guess there's more to a zoo than just animals. There's also wooden planks.  They're not exactly the word leader in gift shops, either.  Wait, you can walk on and off this island? Why did we take a boat??  At this point, I can't really even get off on a naked statue unless there's a seagull on its head.  We wanted to visit Stockmann for a few reasons. For one, it was recommended to us by one of Smisty's co-workers who used to live in Helsinki. Two, it's the largest department store in the Nordic countries, and we like going to stores and malls and things when we're visiting new places. And three, it was a possible place I might find a little something I was hoping to track down while in Helsinki. That third thing didn't really work out. As while I was able to confirm that it existed (in an employees-only area), I was not able to actually see or experience it. I know, I know, I'm being terribly mysterious. But I won't make you wait long. Just until the next update. Oh, wait...that could actually be awhile at the rate I'm going. You'll probably have forgotten all about it by then.  Big store. Lots of different stuff. I don't know. Things adults like.  We found our favorite section, toys!  This game sucks.  Okay, I feel better now. Ultimately, it is just a really big department (and grocery) store. But we enjoyed checking it out.  Back out on the street, we get one of those classic European "this would be a national landmark in the US, but here it's a transit center" buildings.  The Three Smiths Statue is the metaphorical center point of Helsinki. I think you're supposed to see this one before the parody of it at Linnanmäki (Three Smiths on a Break).  Just one more day to go! Will I get it done before the end of April?? I mean, I have to get it done before the end of May. I can't take a whole year to finish this thing. Actually, maybe I'll just quit now. That would be funny.  The end. Â
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This place started as an interesting concept that had the unfortunate timing of Covid destroying its potential for a growing audience. Shame to see it go but I'm curious about the future plans for the site. It could make for a nice little outdoor FEC if given the right team. -
Did they hire Richard Branson to design the interior? These looks like a ripoff of Virgin Las Vegas, just at a healthier price point.
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^ They could restore it to the original version, for one. I know they're not but hopefully they'll at least bring back the crash test scene. Coming around the corner, seeing the dummy car crash into the wall, then lining up in front of your own target while they announced the final test was a crash test was great. The wall opening up to reveal the outdoor portion right before you hit was fantastic. The current version was such a letdown for me when I rode last year. Still a fun ride but nowhere near as great as the original.Â
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By Hilltopper39 · Posted
I'll be honest I love Test Track but I'm not really that interested in this renovation. I mean other than some kind of significant change to the layout/ride experience I just don't really know what they can do to this attraction for a third time to make it any better than it already is. -
By jedimaster1227 · Posted
The Walt Disney World Resort has confirmed that the current iteration of Test Track will close soon to begin work on the newest version... It was announced last September at the Destination D23 event at Walt Disney World that Test Track would again be updated by Imagineers, along with teams from Chevrolet, who are reaching back into history for inspiration from the original World of Motion and bringing that spirit of optimism to the next iteration of the Test Track attraction. The following new image was released at the time of the attraction's closure announcement: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/epcot/test-track/ On June 17, 2024, Test Track Presented by Chevrolet will temporarily close. Please check back for additional information. The following image was released during the Destination D23 event when the updates to Test Track were originally announced: -
By jedimaster1227 · Posted
Universal Orlando has released details about the two upcoming properties, Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort, opening early next year not far from Universal's Epic Universe theme park.  Orlando, Fla. (April 11, 2024) – Today, Universal Orlando Resort reveals inspiring details about its two newest shining stars, Universal Stella Nova Resort, opening January 21, 2025, and Universal Terra Luna Resort, opening February 25, 2025. Brought to life by the award-winning Universal Creative team and co- owned and operated by Loews Hotels & Co, the alluring hotels place guests in the center of marvelous galaxies and diverse planetary elements for an experience unlike anywhere else in the universe – complete with tranquil sleeping accommodations, entertaining amenities for the whole family to enjoy, various cosmic- inspired dining options and so much more. Boasting a combined total of 1,500 luminous, ultramodern and surreal guest rooms, Stella Nova Resort and Terra Luna Resort provide even more options for guests to seamlessly experience all the jaw-dropping thrills of a Universal Orlando vacation at an affordable price point starting at $147 (per night, plus tax) based on a stay of four nights or more. Below is an overview of what guests will experience at these radiant hotels. OTHERWORLDLY THEMES AND ACCOMMODATIONS Universal Stella Nova Resort is a place where guests will take off for amazing adventures at the theme parks and touch down for relaxation and recharging in between the fun. Designed to reflect the infinite vastness of the universe – where galaxies spiral ever outward and unknown worlds revolve around unnamed stars – this hotel is highlighted in serene teals and calming purples to instantly put guests at ease. Universal Terra Luna Resort represents another world within Universal Orlando – inviting guests to explore the unknown and step onto planets that have yet to be discovered. Here, guests will find themselves in the midst of an extraordinary landing zone within an awe-inspiring solar system – accented with fresh surroundings and terrestrial greens and golds. Both properties offer 750 double-queen guest rooms that comfortably sleep up to four guests and feature spaceship-styled windows – making this the ultimate escape for guests looking to rest amongst stars and planets. COSMIC-INSPIRED FOOD & BEVERAGE OUTLETS Stella Nova Resort and Terra Luna Resort offer a variety of unique dining options for guests looking to have a meal or grab a quick snack in between visits to the parks, including: Cosmos Cafe and Market at Stella Nova Resort and Omega Cafe and Market at Terra Luna Resort – these quick service restaurants feature made-to-order American classics for breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus a selection of grab-and-go items. Galaxy Bar and Galaxy Grill at Stella Nova Resort and Moonrise Bar and Moonrise Grill at Terra Luna Resort – guests can enjoy burgers, quesadillas and salads at these walk-up service pool bars and grills. Plus, guests 21 and older can purchase cocktails, beer and wine (with a valid photo ID). Nova Bar at Stella Nova Resort and Luna Bar at Terra Luna Resort – each hotel’s lobby bar* will offer specialty cocktails curated with unique ingredients, along with the classics. STELLAR AMENITIES Stella Nova Resort and Terra Luna Resort are so much more than just places to sleep; each hotel offers a variety of incredible amenities for guests to kick back and enjoy dedicated resort days just as much as theme park days, including: Resort-style Pools – each hotel features a nearly 10,000 square foot pool with a relaxing hot tub, comfortable lounge and table-top seating in the pool area, a firepit and more. Plus, the whole family can enjoy the resorts’ recreational activities like poolside movies and outdoor games. Fitness Centers – guests can take advantage of complimentary, state-of-the-art fitness centers featuring a variety of strength and cardio equipment – and, locker rooms with showers available for use on arrival and departure days. Game Rooms – guests of all ages can enjoy a variety of standard arcade and video games in the hotels’ dedicated game rooms. Recreation Rooms – each hotel features approximately 1,000 square-feet of multi-purpose space for small gatherings. Universal Orlando Resort Stores – guests can purchase everything from sundries and necessities to Universal Orlando merchandise to commemorate their vacation. EXCLUSIVE THEME PARK BENEFITS Staying at any Universal Orlando Resort hotel is the best way to experience all that the destination has to offer with the inclusion of exclusive theme park benefits. Guests staying at Stella Nova Resort or Terra Luna Resort, or any of the other Universal Orlando hotels, can take advantage of Early Park Admission to Universal Volcano Bay and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida or The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure up to one hour before the park opens (valid theme park admission required), complimentary shuttle bus transportation to the theme parks and Universal CityWalk, resort-wide charging privileges, complimentary merchandise delivery and more. Stella Nova Resort and Terra Luna Resort are adjacent to Universal Epic Universe and just minutes away from the existing Universal Orlando theme parks. More details about Epic Universe, which will open at a later date in 2025, will be revealed in the months ahead. Guests can now book reservations or vacation packages at Stella Nova Resort and Terra Luna Resort. To learn more and to book a stellar getaway, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com/StellaTerraResorts. *Must be 21+ with valid photo ID to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages ### About Universal Orlando Resort Universal Orlando Resort is an award-winning theme park destination that welcomes all to truly be themselves while enjoying world-class attractions that redefine theme park experiences. Here, a multitude of authentically thrilling, exciting and spontaneous adventures await – each inviting guests to embark on whatever vacation they crave while igniting their full range of emotions like never before – from the awe of walking the streets of Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to the rush of adrenaline that takes over when coming face-to-face with a Velociraptor in Jurassic Park to the wide-eyed joy of seeing an entire slice of cake atop a delectable milkshake at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen. The 700-acre resort is home to three exhilarating theme parks – Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Volcano Bay – that boast some of the most innovative and immersive experiences ever created, with a fourth next-level theme park, Universal Epic Universe, on the way. Guests can also relish in exciting dining and entertainment at the Universal CityWalk entertainment complex and enjoy incredible accommodations and magnificent theming across eight hotels that offer something for every style and budget – Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Universal’s Aventura Hotel and Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside and Dockside Inn and Suites. Universal Orlando Resort is a part of Universal Destinations & Experiences, a unit of Comcast NBCUniversal. About Loews Hotels & Co Headquartered in New York City, Loews Hotels & Co is rooted in deep heritage and excellence in service. The hospitality company encompasses branded independent Loews Hotels and a solid mix of partner-brand hotels. Loews Hotels & Co owns and/or operates 25 hotels and resorts across the U.S. and Canada, including eight hotels at Universal Orlando in partnership with Comcast NBC Universal. The newly opened Loews Coral Gables Hotel offers premier hospitality just four blocks from the city’s iconic Miracle Mile. Loews Arlington Hotel and Arlington Convention Center will open in 2024 in the city’s sports and entertainment district. Located in major city centers and resort destinations from coast to coast, the Loews Hotels portfolio features properties grounded in family heritage and dedicated to delivering unscripted guest moments with a handcrafted approach. For reservations or more information about Loews Hotels, call 1-800-23-LOEWS or visit: www.loewshotels.com   -
By jedimaster1227 · Posted
Evermore Park has officially announced their permanent closure... https://www.evermore.com/ End of an Era The Portal has Closed it is with Deep Sadness and Gratitude that we announce the closing of Evermore Park. The past decade has been filled with its share of trials and tribulations, but mostly Magic and Imagination.  Our History  Evermore started in the late 2000's when our Founder, his family and friends created a Home Haunted Adventure during the Halloween Season, where the public enjoyed an elaborate Ghost Pirate adventure in exchange for a donation to the Utah Food bank. Every year this event grew bringing thousands of visitors to their home. Then an idea came to create and develop a year round theatrical theme park with unique seasonal events. In 2014 the concept of Evermore Park had its debut at the Fan-X convention in Salt Lake City, Utah with an amazing two story booth designed as an Old World Tavern. The booth featured amazing set designs, lighting, music, actors, costumes, and a model of the grand vision of Evermore. Next came a popup event on the eventual park ground (we called it Pumpkin-Fest), where we presented an immersive and Magical Gothic Halloween experience. Design and Construction of the Park started in 2016 and opened in the fall of 2018.  What Evermore Was  To us Evermore park was an amazing place where Artists/Creatives from all walks of life came together to deliver a Magical Story and an escape from reality. We have seen many Miracles happen in Evermore Park with hundreds of thousands of people visiting throughout the years. Some visitors just came to stroll the village and enjoy the beautiful atmosphere and entertainment, while others visited the park in elaborate costumes developing their own characters and fully immersed themselves in the story and events. Many visited Evermore from all over the US and around the World bringing other unique personalities and perspectives to the park. Evermore Park captured the attention of the world being featured in many magazines, news publications, and featured videos. We won several lifestyle and themed industry awards including being selected by Time Magazine in 2019 as one of the top 50 places in the world to visit. Evermore was an inclusive, fun, and safe place for people to be themselves (or to play a character) and experience a moment of Imagination.  The Magic Continues  It's our hope that the magical moments at Evermore Park continue on through the memories of the all the people who made it such a special place.  A local news station shared more details regarding the land owner and investor behind Evermore Park... Following the eviction of the park's original operators, it sounds like they intend to unveil plans for the property for the future. Brandon Fugal's portfolio of other projects includes a number of office venues and mixed-use shopping complexes... https://kslnewsradio.com/2093875/evermore-park-permanently-closes-new-attraction-planned/ Evermore Park has announced the closure of its operations. This comes after years of struggling to sustain its business model. The immersive fantasy adventure experience was located in Pleasant Grove, Utah, The park, founded in 2012, sought to welcome visitors to a medieval and Victorian world. They wanted to bring interactive experiences and themed attractions to Utah. However, despite efforts to engage guests with storylines, puzzles, and live performances, Evermore faced many financial difficulties. “[Evermore] has struggled over the years to make their business model work,” said Brandon Fugal, owner of Evermore Park Investments LLC, “between COVID and challenges with their operating model, they have defaulted and have been evicted from the property.” “In the wake of these challenges.” said Fugal, “I am confidentially working with a new enterprise that will be unveiling exciting new plans and dramatic improvements in the weeks to come.” This doesn’t mean that the park is going anywhere. Fugal plans to bring in a new tenant to revive the park and bring new life. “I would say anyone who follows what I do in the commercial real estate business knows that I don’t do anything halfway, and I have a track record for representing the most upscale projects in Utah, and this will be no different.” Although it seems like even though Evermore is “nevermore,” the future of the 12.75-acre, 27-building lot is bright.
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