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    Six Flags Magic Mountain Update - March 22, 2019

    2019 Attractions Six Flags Six Flags Magic Mountain West Coast Racers
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    Today while out and about getting my race stuff for the LA Marathon on Sunday I figured I'd make a quick stop at Six Flags Magic Mountain to see what's going. Especially since our last update from the park was ... checks calendar ... Holiday in the Park? That can't be right? But alas, it is. 

    ​Lots to get to, let's head in!! 
    Written by Gregg Condon
    It was a beautiful day at the park. Cool and sunny. 
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    This is new since our last visit (although we know, not necessarily new). 

    I asked if I could get my front of the line for my Diamond Membership here, but nope, can only get it at the Flash Pass office. 
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    Of course, this was probably a 20-30 minute wait. So I passed. I have yet to use this benefit of my pass. They have to come up with a better way to get people their free front of the line passes (and premiere parking for that matter). 
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    Really wanted to ride Rev today, but it was down when I passed by. 
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    Roaring Rapids is closed for refurbishment so the path ends here. You have to go up through Samurai Summit or all the way around to get to Jet Stream and Dive Devil. 
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    Part of the reason we haven't been to the park since November, other than being insanely busy, is that there really isn't much going on with West Coast Racers. 
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    We did hear that they started (finally) pouring footers yesterday. 
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    With other parks located in far worse weather locations opening their rides in the next few weeks or a month, there really is no excuse for this. Sure they are redoing a lot, but they knew that going in. 
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    We have a great relationship with SFMM, but we've always told it like it is. It's simply baffling that the park can't seem to get rides open for the start of summer season. It wasn't always this way either. It's just been the last few rides. 
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    That said, we really are looking forward to West Coast Racers and I know the ride and surrounding area will be amazing when it's done. 
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    A couple of zoomed in shots, sorry, didn't have the good camera today so cell phone zoom is all ya get. 
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    The re-track of Apocalypse is continuing as well. Hoping that the ride is back to it's opening year glory!! 
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    It is quite a big construction area. We aren't sure how many Star Wars Lands fit in here though. =) 
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    Down below, the walls end just after the preview center. It's nice that they've kept it open, even if it's just so us nerds can get pics through the windows. 
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    Truck-Blocked!!! =) 
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    Lots of work going on all over the site 
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    And also near Cyclone 500 (which I've totally never done). 
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    Diggin' the holes!!! 
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    And lastly, Jet Stream is also getting a refurb right now. 
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    Alright, that's gonna wrap it up!! We have no idea when we'll be back at the park, I'd imagine once West Coast Racers is semi-vertical they may do some kind of tour in the near future. 

    As far as when the ride will open, right now, your guess is as good as ours. But it will definitely be summer, not spring. 

    Hope you enjoyed the update!! 
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    SeaWorld San Diego celebrates 55 years of Connecting Millions of Guests with Animals

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    ​SEAWORLD SAN DIEGO CELEBRATES 55 YEARS 
    OF CONNECTING MILLIONS OF GUESTS WITH ANIMALS

    Marine park providing special ticket pricing and array of in-park offers and activities 
    ​SeaWorld opened its gate on March 21, 1964, beginning a legacy of creating fun and meaningful experiences where guests can explore, learn and have fun, all while becoming inspired to care about animals and the environment. One of the world’s most popular marine parks and a global leader in marine animal care and welfare, education, conservation, research and rescue, SeaWorld San Diego has welcomed nearly 175 million guests since opening 55 years ago.  In celebration, the marine park will offer a number of exciting offers and activities in the coming days and weeks.
    ​Offers: 
    • Free standard parking – March 21 only
    • Churro or popcorn and soda for only $5.50 – March 21 only
    • 55₵ souvenir bottle refills – March 21 only
    • Special savings on SeaWorld throwback T-shirts  – through March 31
    • Special savings on retro collectable pins (more than 30% off) – through March 31
    • Special savings on SeaWorld 55th Celebration T-shirts – through April 18

    Special In-Park Entertainment: 
    • The Sea Street Band will play five musical sets per day – March 21-24
    • Special 55th Celebration video shown daily at Mission Bay Theater – March 21 through Memorial Day Weekend
    • Special 55th Celebration moments during Orca Encounter presentations and Dolphin Days and Sea Lion LIVE shows – March 21-24
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    Trip Report: Ocean Park, Hong Kong

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    Hey there, Park Journey readers!

    During a recent trip to Hong Kong I was able to knock a new park off my bucket list: Ocean Park! Situated on a mountainous peninsula that jets into the South China Sea, Ocean Park is known as one of the most scenic and unique parks in the world. 

    The park, which opened as one of Asia's first major modern theme parks in 1977, is currently undergoing a large expansion that is transforming the property from a regional park to a multi-day resort. Come along as we check out the park from a first-time visitor's perspective and discuss the future of Ocean Park!

    ​Written by Andrew Cunningham
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    For a first-time Hong Kong visitor, Ocean Park couldn't be any easier to reach. As part of Ocean Park's multi-year transformation, the park got it's own dedicated MTR (subway system) station in 2017. Park attendance reportedly jumped over 30% that year, in large part due the park now being a quick 4 minute subway ride from downtown Hong Kong. Previously, a 25-minute bus ride was required to get to the park from the city. 

    In fact, with the new MTR stop in place, Ocean Park is decidedly easier to reach from downtown Hong Kong than its main competitor- Hong Kong Disneyland. As Ocean Park is currently building itself out with a on-site hotel and second gate (a massive new-for-2020 waterpark), it's natural to make comparisons to Hong Kong Disneyland, who has its own metro stop, three on-site hotels, but only one gate. 

    Above you can see the view of the park entrance and hotel from the MTR station. 
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    Directly next to the park entrance is the new-for-2019 Marriott Ocean Park. Many of the hotel's 471 rooms overlook the inside of the park, similar to what you'd see at many other popular theme park resorts, such at The Grand Californian rooms at DCA or the Hotel Matamba and Ling Bao rooms at Phantasialand. 
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    When you enter the park, the first thing that you see is The Royal Aquarium- Ocean Park's "Cinderella's Castle", so to speak. There is normally a lagoon that sits in front of the aquarium, but it is currently undergoing a refurbishment, hence the construction walls. 
    As far as aquariums go, The Grand Aquarium lives up to it's name fairly well. There are several interactive exhibits, large glass walls, tunnels, and themed rooms to walk through. 
    The other major attraction in the front section of the park is the panda exhibit. 

    The exhibit features two giant pandas and actually has a bit of interesting history behind it: the pandas housed here were gifts from the government of China to Hong Kong in celebration of 10 years of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
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    Aside from the Aquarium and Panda exhibit, the front part of the park doesn't house much else in terms of attractions. One of the unique things about Ocean Park is that the main park lies up a mountain and down a long peninsula, about 1.5 kilometers (.93 miles) away from the front section. There are two ways to get from the park entrance to the main park: gondola over the mountain or train through the mountain. 
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    I decided to take the gondola on my trip out to the peninsula. The system loads pretty efficiently- it has two stations with continuously moving gondolas. The left side will give you unobstructed ocean views while the right side will take you a bit higher. 

    Oh, and note to DisTwitter: Hong Kong is a hot and humid environment and these gondolas don't have air conditioning. The horror of it all!!!!

    (They were totally fine, the windows provided plenty of ventilation)
    The gondola ride is breathtaking and is a definite must-do at Ocean Park. The views from the ride are one of the things that makes Ocean Park so unique. 

    With that said, being positioned on a mountainside right next to the sea, there were a lot of high winds that swung and bounced my gondola around like a little toy. As someone who does not deal particularly well with heights, I found this to be one of the most unnerving rides I've ever been on. 
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    From a movement standpoint, the main park on the peninsula is broken into three main sections: the top of the mountain, the north side, and the sound side. Due to the elevation changes between the sections, it's easiest to clear an entire section before moving on the another area of the park. 

    The top of the mountain (pictured above) is home to Thrill Mountain (a B&M floorless coaster + assorted flat rides), The Rainforest (rapid ride + conservation exhibit), and the Polar Adventure (a Mack powered coaster + animal exhibit) themed areas. The south side of the peninsula is home to Marine World, the park's original ride collection. The north side of the park is home to Adventure Land, where you can find the park's log flume and famous mine train coaster. 
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    Since the gondola drops you off near the top of the park, I decided to start there and work my way down. 

    Hair Raiser sits at the top of the "Thrill Mountain" section and is the park's newest coaster, opening in 2011. It's a compact B&M floorless that features some fun snappy moments and even a decent airtime hill. Like everything at Ocean Park, the views from the ride are absolutely insane, especially since this is the coaster situated at the highest elevation in the park. 
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    Immediately next to Hair Raiser is the park's custom Mack powered coaster, Arctic Blast. It's a fun family ride that is themed to the adjacent arctic animal exhibit. Its decently long for a family coaster and you get two laps per ride, so I'd recommend giving it a go if the queue is reasonable. 
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    After clearing the top section of the park, I decided to head down to check out the attractions on the north side. As you can see, there is a noticeable elevation change between park sections.
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    Much in the style of Universal Hollywood, there are a series of lengthy escalators that bring you down to the north end of the peninsula. 

    Oh, and that massive construction project? That's Ocean Park's new waterpark. It will feature both indoor and outdoor sections that will be suitable for year-round operation. The construction site is huge!
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    The park's log flume was closed for refurbishment while I was there, so the only operating attraction the north side was the park's Wild West Mine Train coaster, often cited as the coaster with the best views in the world. 
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    The coaster with the best views in the world... now featuring VR headsets....

    Baffling. 
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    Luckily, you can opt out of the VR headsets. 

    I have to say, Wild West Mine Train was probably my favorite ride in the park. It was some really great moments of airtime and, obviously, an unbelievable setting. 
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    After doing a few laps on Wild West Mine Train, I decided to head over to the south side of the park. Unlike the north side of the park, there were no escalators to bring you over here, so be prepared for a bit of a hilly hike!
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    While walking down to the south side of the park, I passed this McDonald's that easily had the longest queue out of any food location I saw all day.

    In American parks, the longest queue is almost always to get terrible Chinese food at Panda Express. In China, the longest queue is to get terrible American food at McDonalds. Can't help but get a laugh out of that...
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    The south side of the park is home to Dragon, the park's classic custom Arrow looper. Opened in 1984, this was Arrow's first custom coaster to be installed outside of North America and was Ocean Park's most famous ride for many years. 
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    Dragon was also the first coaster to use the "Sidewinder" element, which is the precursor to the modern day immelmann that can be found on many looping coasters today. 

    Overall, the ride experience is predictably rough, but it does have a few fun moments. 
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    Between the ride's first and second loop, there is a turn that takes rides at high speeds right next to a cliff that drops into the South China Sea. This was probably my favorite part of the coaster, it was really cool and unique.
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    After spending some time on the peninsula and enjoying all of the rides, I decided to head back to the front of the park. I'm not sure my heart could handle another ride on the gondola, so I opted to check out the train. 
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    The inside of the train is themed to a submarine and features video screens that tell a story as you go through the dark mountain tunnel. The screen-based approach used on this is said to be the inspiration for the Hogwarts Express train now operating at Universal Orlando. 
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    Back at the front of the park, I did a quick run through the gift shop before heading back into the city. They sell miniature replicas of the gondola ride- how cool!
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    And that's all I have!

    I definitely recommend visiting Ocean Park if you're a theme park fan visiting Hong Kong. Of the 100+ parks I've visited, it definitely clocks in as one of the most unique parks in the world, just based off of the setting and layout alone. 

    I'll be back soon with a look at Hong Kong Disneyland. Thank you for reading! 
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    Knott's Berry Farm Boysenberry Festival Preview and Park Update - March 14th, 2019

    2019 Attractions Boysenberry Festival Cedar Fair Ghost Town Knott's Berry Farm
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    This past Tuesday we were invited out to Knott's Berry Farm for an evening of tastings featuring many new items that will be available at this years Boysenberry Festival. 

    Among the delectable eats were some truly tasty treats, many flowing drinks and of course, all the fun that Knott's has to offer. 

    We also have a quick park update before we get started on the food. 
    Welcome to Knott's!! 
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    Every time we try and ride Jaguar it seems to go down. But we rode it hundreds of times during Coasting for Kids so we probably are good to not ride this again, ever. 
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    A must-ride, every visit. Usually more than once. 
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    Over at the Timber Mountain Log Ride, they've made some nice updates to the Fast Lane process. 

    Previously Fast Lane would go through the exit, which created issues for those exiting the logs, and probably a safety issue as well. 
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    Now the entrance is through the regular line
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    The regular line gets held on the right under the sign, while Fast Lane goes to the left. 
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    They wait for the line to pass the cave before letting the next group go. 
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    It actually seemed to work really well, hopefully they're thinking of ways to make Fast Lane better at some of the other rides. Namely Montezoomas Revenge and the Rapids. 
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    Unfortunately HangTime was down all day. 
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    Pony Express was also getting some offseason love. 
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    Speaking of the rapids, some work is definitely going on, we could hear them pounding away at something. 

    Could be another reason Pony Express was closed. 
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    Lots of room for new landscaping or other things. 
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    They were working on the queue 
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    Not sure how well you can see them, but there are ropes strung across in a few areas here. Not sure what they are for. 
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    The Galloping Goose was out, always a nice treat. 
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    Alright, let's get on with the food. 

    The first of three videos where we talk about all of the food we tried. Don't worry, we cut out the part where we eat the food. Nobody needs to see that. =) 
    Boysenberry Tostada with pulled pork. Super delicious. 
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    Boysenberry Salmon, nice and tasty. 
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    Boysenberry Habanero Mac and Cheese. This was a hit, and we can't wait to have it again soon. 
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    Jambalaya. It was quite good. Everything a Jambalaya should be. Didn't taste much Boysenberry, but that was ok. 
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    Chili in a Boysenberry Bread Bowl. Fantastic Chili. Yummy Bread Bowl. 
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    Chicken and Flank Steak skewers. We actually preferred the chicken, but both were very good. 
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    Boysenberry Pot Roast and Boysenberry Mashed Potatoes. 

    Both were melt in your mouth good. Josh doesn't usually like Mashed Potatoes, but he loved these. 
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    Boysenberry Hummus. Think this is a carry-over from last year, but it was fantastic. The pita was perfect. 
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    Knott's also announced that an all new Boysenberry Pie Frozen Yogurt will be available at ALL Yogurtland locations (yes, that one down the street from you) beginning on March 18th. 

    ​It's so worth it. 
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    Lastly and certainly not least, is the Berry Beast. 

    Be sure to check out the video on how this thing was born. 
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    Some great merchandise will be available as well
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    Back again is the Tied Up In Knott's display which showcases some great artwork featuring Knott's history. 
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    Some really fantastic art on display. 
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    This Walter Knott art is sure to go very quickly. 
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    Same with the Catawampus. 
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    This is all so good, we'd be surprised if it's not all sold the very first day of the Festival. 
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    Some great Beary Tales and Kingdom of the Dinosaurs art
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    Classic Knott's 
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    Thanks to Knott's for having us out, we had a fantastic time, ate too much, caught up with great friends and we can't wait to do it again soon!! 
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    Universal Studios Hollywood Update - February 25, 2019

    2019 Attractions 2020 Attractions Harry Potter Harry Potter And The Forbidden Journey Hogwarts Jurassic Park Jurassic World Studio Tour Universal Studios Hollywood Wizarding World
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    It's been a few weeks since our last Universal Studios Hollywood update, and if the progress of work going on around the park is any indication, we're going to have to start doing more of them. 

    The park is starting to remind us of 2015 when the entire upper lot was being worked on for Springfield and Wizarding World. But this time there are three major projects happening on the upper and lower lot. Let's take a look!! 
    Written by Gregg Condon
    Our first stop most days is of course Wizarding World. We got into the park right at opening and had about a 15 minute wait for Forbidden Journey. 
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    Usually we just do single rider, but sometimes we go for the full experience. 
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    It was a perfect day at the park, didn't get too busy until about 1 or 2 (as we were leaving). 
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    We of course had to get some Butterbeer. What's your favorite kind? 
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    Most of the people in our group hadn't done Kung Fu Panda yet, so we had to give that a visit. Really enjoy it. 
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    Now that Lunar New Year is over they are doing some work in Universal Plaza. Not sure if it's just general refurbishment or if they're doing something for the next event. 
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    Let's first take a look at "Unannounced Project #1" (or is this Unannounced Project #2). We have a hard time keeping track. =) 
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    The pictures seen from the upper lot don't do the size of this area justice. 
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    But on the lower lot, you can get a feel for just how big this addition is. 
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    There is actually more room here than you might think. 
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    A crane on-site can only mean one thing ... vertical construction. 
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    As you can see they are starting to go down before they go up. 
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    One of the walls is already taller than the tram. 
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    Jurassic World is really starting to take shape, you can see the T-Rex on the outside very clearly now. 
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    The most interesting thing though is this new build down near the former maintenance pool. Not sure if this is an extension of the ride or they're just re-doing this part of the backstage area. 
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    But as you can see, there is a LOT going on in this area. 
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    Further on the tour, Jaws is getting some love. 
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    Back on the upper lot, "Unannounced Project #2" is getting bigger with each visit. 
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    Alright all, that's gonna wrap it up for this update. As you can see, many new exciting things are coming to the park. They didn't move all those soundstages for nothing. 

    As for when these projects will be "officially" announced, your guess is as good as ours. They just officially announced the new coaster in Florida, and that opens in less than 4 months. So even though we all pretty much know what the construction is for, we think it's more fun to keep calling them "Unannounced #1 and Unannounced #2" for the time being. Kind of like Thing 1 and Thing 2. =) 
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    Six Flags Great America Maxx Force Construction Update - February 8th, 2019

    2019 Attractions Maxx Force Six Flags Six Flags Great America
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    Today we've got a surprise update (even for us)!!

    Six Flags Great America sent us some amazing pics and video of Maxx Force construction. The ride is looking great!! Check out the pics and video below. 

    * All Pictures and Video courtesy of Six Flags Great America 
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