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    Grand Opening of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at EPCOT Set for Oct. 1, 2021, in Honor of Walt Disney World Resort’s 50th Anniversary

    ‘The World’s Most Magical Celebration’ will also include opening of La Crêperie de Paris as part of newly expanded France pavilion
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    LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (March 9, 2021) – During today’s virtual annual meeting of shareholders of The Walt Disney Company, Disney CEO Bob Chapek announced the grand opening of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at EPCOT will be Oct. 1, 2021. This new family-friendly attraction will officially debut as part of the kickoff for “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” honoring Walt Disney World Resort’s 50th anniversary.

    Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure invites guests into the flavorful world of Disney and Pixar’s Academy Award®-winning “Ratatouille,” where they will feel as if they shrink to the size of Chef Remy and scurry through Gusteau’s famous restaurant. Guests will find Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in a newly expanded area of the park’s France pavilion, where the real is made fantastic in a reimagining of Paris inspired by the film.

    Also debuting Oct. 1 in this section of the pavilion will be a delicious new restaurant, La Crêperie de Paris, offering both table- and quick-service options. The menu will feature sweet crepes, savory buckwheat galettes (naturally gluten friendly) and authentic French hard cider. The attraction, restaurant and pavilion expansion are all part of the historic transformation of EPCOT currently underway, bringing a breadth of new experiences to the park in a celebration of curiosity, discovery and the magic of possibility.

    “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” begins Oct. 1 on the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World. This 18-month event will feature new experiences at the resort’s four theme parks and beyond, where shimmering EARidescent décor will appear as if by magic. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and La Crêperie de Paris will now join in the festivities for this landmark occasion; more details about the celebration will be announced in the future.
    ​
    For more on the transformation of EPCOT and “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” visit WDWNews.com and DisneyParksBlog.com.
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    Texas Trip Report Part 1: Galveston Pleasure Pier, Kemah Boardwalk and awesome Rainforest Café Dark Ride

    Galveston Pleasure Pier Kemah Boardwalk
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    This past weekend Renée and Andrew made their way out to Texas to check out some of the theme parks around Houston and in San Antonio including SeaWorld Texas, Galveston Pleasure Pier and Kemah Boardwalk. 

    But before we get to ANY of that, they first found this funky dark ride inside a Rainforest Cafe. And it looks AMAZING! Enjoy! 
    Written by Renée Girard and Andrew Cunningham
    We’re in Texas for the weekend, and our first stop is a hidden gem of a dark ride at the Galveston Rainforest Cafe.
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    We were seriously impressed with the incredible theming on the Rainforest River Adventure Ride. Definitely worth a visit!
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    Next stop, Galveston Island Pleasure Pier!
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    It’s $10 to enter the pier and rides cost extra. The weather is perfect, it’s not terribly busy and masks are fortunately still being enforced here.
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    We’re here for Iron Shark, and it was surprisingly so much fun!
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    We’re spending the evening at Kemah Boardwalk. Unfortunately, the queue for Boardwalk Bullet is quite full at the moment, but we’ll check back in a bit!
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    After a nearly two hour wait, we made it on to the back row of Boardwalk Bullet for an epic and awesome night ride!
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    Check back tomorrow for our update from SeaWorld Texas! 
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    Taste of Boysenberry Festival 2021 at Knott's Berry Farm

    Boysenberry Festival Cedar Fair Ghost Town Knott's Berry Farm
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    This past weekend we found ourselves back in a very familiar place, Knott's Berry Farm. It was opening weekend for their all new Taste of Boysenberry Festival, and it was so amazing to be back. 

    If you've been following us for awhile you'll know that we really haven't been up to much over the past year, for obvious reasons. But we're so glad you've all stuck with us now that we feel semi-comfortable being out in the world again. 

    We hope you're ready for some gratuitous food pics, because they're coming right at ya. And we'll end with the top 5 food items we tried! 
    Written by Gregg Condon
    Pics by Gregg, Hillary Starbright and Kristi Condon
    Hi Knott's! It's so good to be back! We're ready for all the Boysenberry stuff! 
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    Our first stop was of course for some Boysenberry Dippin Dots, and they were amazing! 

    Backstory on the shirt, my sister got me this shirt and gave it to me when we picked her up for this event, and I just had to wear it! Got so many comments on it throughout the day. 
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    Ready for some food pics? You've been warned!! 
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    Dippin Dots goodness. Didn't get any park tips from the Dippin Dots gal though.

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    Boysenberry Beef Stew with a biscuit

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    Boysenberry BBQ Brisket Mac and Cheese

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    Boysenberry Beer and Boysenberry Cider

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    Masks off only in designated places!!

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    Boysenberry Brisket Tater Tots topped with Crispy Jalapeño Chips and a Boysenberry Aioli Sauce. This was seriously legit and I want more of it right now.

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    Pork Bao Buns with a Boysenberry Kimchi and Nam Pla. They need to jar this Kimchi!

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    Mac and Cheese Bites over Tater Tots with a Boysenberry Siracha Ketchup

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    My sister hadn't been to Knott's since she was about 9, so we had to of course do some of the awesome Knott's traditions.

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    After all that savory stuff, it was time for some dessert. "Hint of Lemon" Churro Bites with a White Chocolate Sugar and a Boysenberry and Chocolate Dipping Sauce.

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    Boysenberry Key Lime Tart

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    There have also been some park improvements going on and the park looks amazing!

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    I think this is new? Even if it's not, it looks great!

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    Found RD's spot!!

    Back to the food! 
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    Frozen Boysenberry Mai Tai

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    Cheeseburger with a Boysenberry Onion Spread on a Brioche Bun. Have to say, didn't get a whole lot of Boysenberry in this one. Hard to overpower the flavor of onions. Still tasty.

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    Boysenberry Flavored Shrimp and Grits. This was good, but they should have used the same shrimp as the shrimp taco (see below)

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    Boysenberry Balsamic Brussel Sprouts. These were actually quite tasty, but again, hard to overpower the flavor of Brussel Sprouts.

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    Boysenberry BBQ Meatloaf with Scalloped Potatoes. This was definitely more "Boysenberry Salisbury Steak", but still very tasty we thought.

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    Boysenberry Champagne Float. Very tasty.

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    Fiesta Village was a popular place, but plenty of seating for all!

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    Soon supreme scream. Soon!

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    Boysenberry Slushy Sangria

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    Chef Special Tamale with a Boysenberry Roja Sauce over Spanish Rice. Was very happy with this, it was a darn good tamale!

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    Shrimp Taco with Cabbage Slaw and a Boysenberry Salsa. THIS is the Shrimp they should have used for the Grits!!

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    The park looks amazing!

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    Our last stop of the day was over by Ghostrider. Beer Cheese Soup in a Bread Bowl with a Boysenberry Drizzle and Brown Butter Croutons.

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    Boysenberry BBQ Carne Asada Pizza Slice with Cilantro and Onions

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    Boysenberry Bread Pudding with a Creme Anglase

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    Magic Hour at Knott's is always amazing!

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    It was an amazing day at Knott's, and we will definitely be back for more Boysenberry Treats soon!

    As promised, our top 5! 
    The Knott's Taste of Boysenberry Festival runs through May 2nd.

    You can find all of the details about the event here. 
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    Six Flags Fiesta Texas Debuts Dare Devil Dive - New for 2021!

    2021 Attractions Six Flags Six Flags Fiesta Texas
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    ​​New Dare Devil Dive brings Aerobatic Thrills To Six Flags Fiesta Texas
     
    Experience Intense Aerial Maneuvers on the Tallest Ride of Its Kind
    SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- March 5, 2021 — This Saturday, March 6 at noon, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, the Thrill Capital of South Texas, will debut Dare Devil Dive, the World’s Tallest Ride of Its Kind!  Riders will experience the thrills and sensations of weightlessness through aerial banks, loops and dives, all while seated in a retro four-seater steam punk flying machine!  Sharply turning right side up and upside down, riders will break from formation and maneuver into aerobatic dogfights during the barnstorming journey, all while soaring nearly 50 feet above Crackaxle Canyon.
     
    “If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to experience all the breathtaking thrills of an expert stunt pilot, this ride is for you,” said Park President Jeffrey Siebert. “Not only will riders travel through numerous barrel rolls upside down, but the first set of loops and dives occur from a height of nearly 50 feet in the air.  Being located in our Crackaxle Canyon area of the park, the steam punk theme adds a creatively themed visual complement to the western area.” ​
    Dare Devil Dive features:
     
    • Six four-seater steam punk flying machines;
    • Barnstorming maneuvers at a height of nearly 50 feet;
    • Breathtaking aerial loops, banks and dives;
    • Weightlessness while sharply turning right side up and upside down;
    • A spectacular, soaring view of Crackaxle Canyon; and
    • Dramatically themed steam punk musical accompaniment.
     
    Dare Devil Dive opens just in time for Spring Break at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. This year, an expanded lineup of shows and fireworks gives guests more entertainment options than ever.
    Spring Break highlights:
    • Spring Blast – This nightly fireworks show lights up the skies above the park each evening at close March 6-14 & 17-20;

    • The Houngan House of Voodoo – Continued by popular demand, this Mardi Gras original feature takes guests through room-after-room of a cursed French Quarter home filled with magical dolls, potions, charms and gris-gris in this voodoo-themed walk-thru attraction;

    • Neon – Get set for a show that reverts back to the 80’s. Travel back in time to a decade of music that produced favorites like “My Prerogative”, “Rhythm Nation”, “It’s Tricky” and “Flashdance”. An energetic cast of six will sing and dance their way into guests’ hearts with totally tubular and bodacious tunes. This show will make guests want to moon walk right over to Teatro Fiesta to catch this new hit;  
    • Fuego – Where there is smoke, there is fire. And this show is caliente! The park’s superb cast of dynamic singer/dancers brings the best of Latin and Pop to the Teatro Fiesta stage. Color, rhythm, choreography and music meld together in this exciting show; and
    • Country Traxx - Country music makes its return to Fiesta Texas with an all-new production for this season. This show is country from the heart and it is music for the soul featuring tunes like “All My Ex’es”, “Redneck Woman” and “Country Girl Shake It For Me”.
    Six Flags worked in partnership with its epidemiologist consultants to create a safe experience that meets or exceeds federal, state, and local guidelines. In addition:
    • All team members and all guests over the age of two will be required to wear masks covering the nose and mouth while in the parks;
    • Props, rides, restraints, handrails, and dining and restroom facilities will be cleaned and sanitized regularly; and
    • Multiple alcohol-based hand sanitizer stations will be located throughout the parks for guest and team member usage.
     
    For more information on Six Flags’ comprehensive safety guidelines, visit www.sixflags.com.
    For more information about upcoming 2021 Six Flags rides, attractions and tickets, visit 
    https://www.sixflags.com/fiestatexas
     
    About Six Flags Entertainment Corporation
    Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is the world’s largest regional theme park company and the largest operator of waterparks in North America, with 26 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada. For 59 years, Six Flags has entertained millions of families with world-class coasters, themed rides, thrilling water parks and unique attractions. For more information, visit www.sixflags.com.

    About Six Flags Fiesta Texas
    Six Flags Fiesta Texas, The Thrill Capital of South Texas, is home to more than 60 rides, shows and attractions.  Opened in 1992, the park was built on the site of an old limestone quarry, which provides a spectacular backdrop for such exciting rollercoasters as The Iron Rattler, Batman:  The Ride and Superman Krypton Coaster.  In addition, Fiesta Texas boasts an impressive line-up of seasonal events and live entertainment, including Mardi Gras Festival, HallowFest and Holiday in the Park.
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    Disney got you down?  Here are some other hobbies you may want to try.

    If you've been a fan of this site for awhile, first, thank you, but second, you'll know we have no sympathy for "Disney Complainers". You know the type. 

    The ones who despite having open theme parks in their back yard will complain about this not being centered. 
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    Photo Credit: WDW (Kent Phillips)

    The placement of this is mildly humorous at best, not something that needs to be endlessly mocked on social media or that you need to spend 2 hours complaining about on YouTube to get hits. 

    And I say this as somebody who has OCD about these kinds of things. 
    So I figured I'd be nice and share some things you can spend your disposable income and free time on, since Disney so obviously doesn't care about you and your want of things perfectly centered (and the other million things you always complain about). 
    Surfing Lessons

    Seriously, you're in Florida, go to the beach. Learn to surf. Ron Jon offers Surf Lessons for $65 an hour. And then once you know how to surf, the beach is free and stuff. Although you'll probably complain about something like too many fish in the water or something. 
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    Dive Lessons

    ​Speaking of beach stuff, The Dive Station in Orlando offers Scuba lessons. Maybe you can finally find nemo? 
    NASCAR Driving Experience

    Physical activity not your thing? Sitting in a car your thing? Most NASCAR tracks have driving experiences. Check them all out! Here is the info for the one at Daytona. We promise, you'll still get to compare it to Tomorrowland Speedway. 
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    National Parks Pass

    Still want something to do with "parks", still need a "pass" of some kind? Look no further than our national parks. And you'd be doing something constructive with that hard earned money. You think 4 theme parks is a lot? How about 133 destinations your pass is good at. 
    Photography

    You obviously LOVE to take pictures of stuff. Maybe branch out and find something else to take pictures of. Architecture. Nature. Cracks in the ground. It's all there for the taking! Literally! 
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    Painting

    Maybe you're tired of taking pictures of things, maybe paint them instead? 
    Concerts

    Ok, you may have to wait a bit for this one, but concerts are freaking awesome. Follow The Grateful Dead on a nationwide tour. You'll meet some interesting people that will surely be memorable. 
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    Writing

    Find your local Starbucks and finally get started on your great American novel. 
    Parachuting

    You're a Disney fan, so maybe you're not into high thrills, but maybe you are. Jump out of a perfectly good airplane! We promise, the first time you have something to complain about with this hobby you won't have time to actually complain about it. Tampa even has a Parachute Rigging and Sales company. 
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    Shopping

    Have that itch to flip things on eBay? Think Disney has the market cornered on it? Well think again. Air Jordan's. Purses. Used clothing. You can totally scam people and have nothing to do with Disney. It's still possible to make your dreams come true! 
    Other Theme Parks

    You think you find a lot of things to complain about at Disney? Oh boy. Let us introduce you to the plethora of other theme parks out there. Coasters with exposed steel, front of the line passes you have to actually pay for, hotels not within walking distance to the park. Oh, and most of them aren't even open every day. (seriously, don't do this one) 
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    Guitar Lessons

    This one definitely is the one for those of you who like to just stay home and rant online. But instead of putting those fingers to work on your keyboards, put them to work on a guitar fret. Or better yet, get an actual keyboard and become the next keyboard superstar. Even better still, get a Keytar!! 
    Urban Exploration

    Still feel the need to take pictures around man-made things? Did you know there are entire cities out there just for the exploring? And those cities sometimes even have hidden (backstage!) things to find? 
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    Meteorology

    Jim Cantore can't chase those hurricane's forever. That could be you!!! You can warn all the people who still appreciate and love Disney to stay away from the parks. 
    Disney Parks

    We've saved the best for last. How about just going to Disney, being appreciative that you're alive at the same time that Disney Parks exist, maybe have some FUN in the parks (and online). I promise you, it's a much more fulfilling existence even if it may cut into your ad revenue a bit. 
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    Cruis'n The Park Car Show at Six Flags Magic Mountain

    Six Flags Six Flags Magic Mountain
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    Yesterday we drove out to Magic Mountain to check out the Cruis’n The Park Car Show put on by West Coast Customs.

    I remember as a kid going to car shows at Kevin’s Burgers in the San Fernando Valley and this brought back a lot of those vibes. It’s great fun if you’re a car lover or just want to drive through the park again.

    We chose to go during the day since we’d already driven through the park at night for holiday in the park.

    Enjoy!
    Written by Gregg Condon
    Check out video of the event, pics are down below. 
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    Yes the green lantern station is still there. Hopefully we will learn what’s going on here soon.

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    Sweet ride.

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    Disco theme. At the “car wash”. Part of the reason we replaced all the music in our video.

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    I think the cars in the boardwalk area were my favorite

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    Noice

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    Nice car to drive around on your “day off”. (See what I did there?)

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    That’s a lot of work to put into that car. But you do you bro.

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    Low ride er

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    These are some pimped out rides for sure

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    It was so great seeing West Coast Racers testing.

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    Really like this shot

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    And this one

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    Revolution was testing too. ❤️

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    I tried to refrain myself from making jokes about the large trucks.

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    I think we can all agree that Tweety has the best car

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    A couple more of my favorite shots

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    Raggy?

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    That’s a bit extreme.

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    We like to party! Still waiting for this to show up in the “bus parking” area of The Underground.

    The Cruis'n the park car show runs weekends through March 14th. You can see all of the details here. 
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