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    Mardi Gras Festival and Mardi Gras Hangover Reverse POV from Six Flags Great America

    2018 Attractions Six Flags Six Flags Great America
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    Today we've got a dual (or is it duel) report from Six Flags Great America's Mardi Gras Festival, and we've tried to make it seamless enough that you'd never know the video of Mardi Gras Hangover was taken weeks before the actual event. Oops. =)

    We've got lots of fun in this update, including probably one of our favorite videos we've ever done on the site (just wait until Cliff rides the world's tallest Star Flyer soon). 

    We've also got some amazing pics from JoAnna who headed out to the park last Friday to check out all the food and fun at Mardi Gras. Enjoy!! 
    Pictures by JoAnna Michelle
    Video by Clifford Lake
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    Mardi Gras Festival is running July 27 - August 12.  It takes place in the Mardi Gras section of the park, and will have special food and drink available for purchase via tickets.  There will be a nightly parade as well as fireworks.
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    Check-in started at 3:30 p.m., got there just after 4 p.m.  We were given two exit passes upon checking in!  They’re good all season too!  The party didn’t start until 5:30 p.m. where we could watch the Party Gras Show.  It’s just dancers, singers and stilt-walkers performing a little show.  There was a lot of guest interaction, and kids were having fun
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    At 6:30 p.m. we were allowed to enter a private viewing area.  Some Looney Tunes characters came out for pictures prior.  Dinner didn’t really start until 7 p.m., but there were non-alcoholic beverages for us while we waited.  We were given food tickets, and a drink ticket to start out.  Of course if we wanted more, the park was happy to give us more.  There was so much food!!!  The Shrimp Po Boys and Jambalaya were really good, as was the Beignets.  Mom and I both had the Southern Hurricane for a drink.  It was really strong!  I’ve tried the Goliath in the past, and that is good as well.
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    The Mardi Gras Parade started at 7:30 p.m.  It was a lot of fun.  Everyone involved were throwing beads off the floats, so it was like a parade during Mardi Gras (minus some of the crazy stuff).  They even performed a few songs, where lots of guests were getting involved in the fun.

    ​We had a really great time, and will be checking out the festivities again this season.
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    New Food and Spells at Wizarding World Hollywood - HHN Update and More

    Halloween Horror Nights Harry Potter Hogwarts The Walking Dead Universal Studios Hollywood Wizarding World
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    There's always something new to check out at Universal Studios Hollywood. And this time it's some awesome new food options available at Three Broomsticks as well as some awesome new spells that we were able to check out in Wizarding World (check out the video below). 

    We also took a look at Halloween Horror Nights Construction and the De-Construction of the Glob Theater. 
    Written by Gregg Condon
    No visit to Universal Studios is complete without some Butterbeer 
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    We got to try out the Potted Cream, Butterbeer Fudge and Butterbeer Ice Cream
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    Maze construction on the upper lot ... the park also announced  The Purge today , but this doesn't look like that. 
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    The Globe Theater is being demolished, the rumor is for a Secret Life of Pets ride, but obviously until something is announced there is a lot of speculation going on. 
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    It's walled off all the way down the road 
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    Sound like The Walking Dead Helicopter will be on it's way out as well. 
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    Looks like there will be a maze at Waterworld this year as well
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    Hi Marilyn!! 
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    That's it for this quick update from Universal Hollywood, we'll be back soon I'm sure to spend a full day in the park. We hope you enjoyed!! Be sure to go check out all of the new food options. 
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    CraZanity Media Day Update from Six Flags Magic Mountain

    2018 Attractions 2019 Attractions CraZanity Six Flags Six Flags Magic Mountain
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    Hello there Park Journey Readers!! Today was finally the day, it was time to get CraZy, and InZane, and enjoy the AweZome new ride at Zix FlagZ Magic Mountain. (sorry, I've been up since 245am) 
    Let's check it out!! 
    Written by Gregg Condon
    ​(click any picture below to see a larger version) 
    The best thing about having to get to Six Flags Magic Mountain at 4am ... well, despite the lack of people and the possibility of seeing a Raccoon is to ride an amazing new ride. And even better, getting to see the awesome lighting package. 
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    Let's start off with our Reverse POV on the ride!! 
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    You can see the ride and the lighting package from well outside the park
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    Ever wanted to know how we do Media Days? Cats out of the bag. We use both hands. =) 
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    ​The result, our off-ride video below with the amazing lighting package!! ​
    Seriously cannot wait to see the lighting package on this during Fright Fest and Holiday In The Park
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    The lights underneath were a nice surprise as well. 
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    Some more pics of the ride in action
    Ride sign, safety first!! 
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    Really liked this blue!! 
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    Typically during media days there's so much going on we don't really get a chance to get a lot of pictures. That was not the case today. So I decided to play with the camera settings a bit. Something about CraZanity made me want to use some of the more vivid settings. 

    ​You can see some of the results below. 
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    You'd think doing black and white pictures wouldn't do the ride justice. But they still do. 
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    Some more bizarre camera settings because why not
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    As the sun came out the ride really popped. Again, something about this ride made me want to use different settings than what you get with a normal lens. Hope you agree. 
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    It still looks great with no filters though. =) 
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    Confetti ... 
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    A LOT of Confetti!! 
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    A Plethora of Confetti (Confett-eye?) 
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    So how is the ride? This was my first of the giant pendulum's. I think the biggest I'd ridden up to this point is the one at King's Dominion (haven't ridden Wonder Woman at SFDK yet). And I totally loved it. 

    The sign of a good ride? No matter how many times you ride it you still get that little twinge of nervousness. And as you can see in our reverse POV, I was still a bit nervous, until it got going. And that was probably my 4th or 5th ride. 

    And as soon as the park opened, and they opened the ride, there was a line. The GP was ready to ride and I anticipate the ride being VERY popular. 

    This is definitely not an "in between" ride, or something to "take a break" on between extreme coasters. This is as extreme as any other ride in the park, but so much fun. It will be a must ride on every visit to the park for sure!! 
    But wait ... there's more!!! Also took a chance to check out Project 2019 Construction since there was nobody at the park. And they are doing a LOT of work. Even since our last update last week. 
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    It looks like Gold Rusher got a new sponsor 
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    And because why not, a few more camera experiment pictures in an empty Metropolis. 
    Alright all, that's a wrap on our media day coverage. We hope you enjoyed!!

    Now get out there and ride and be sure to share your thoughts on the ride!!! We'd love to know what you think. 
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    Toy Story Land, Skyline and Galaxy's Edge update from Disney's Hollywood Studios

    2018 Attractions 2019 Attractions Disney Parks Disney's Hollywood Studios Galaxy's Edge Star Wars Star Wars Land Toy Story Land Walt Disney World
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    Today we've got a great update from Florida and the all new Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios!! The land has been open for a few weeks now and everything seems to be going well in the land, even able to get some day-of Fastpasses which is awesome!! 

    Of course, being that we're at DHS might as well take a look at Galaxy's Edge and Skyliner progress!! Enjoy!! 
    Written by Renée Girard
    ​Finally visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios tonight. I guess they have a new land or something?
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    ​The Skyliner over at DHS has really grown quite a bit. It spans across one side of the parking lot.
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    ​A look at the vertical construction over on Galaxy’s Edge at DHS. 
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    ​Pixar Place is no more. 
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    Got a delicious Round ‘Em Up Latte from Joffreys Coffee before heading into Toy Story Land
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    Hey howdy hey! We’re in Toy Story Land
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    ​No more “Midway” in the name and new entrance for Toy Story Mania at DHS. 
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    ​Scored a fast pass for Slinky Dog Dash. Let’s ride! 
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    ​Some decent views of Galaxy’s Edge can be seen in Toy Story Land and while riding Slinky Dog Dash.
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    ​So Slinky Dog Dash is really fun! The launches, twists, hills and theming make it a terrific coaster for all. 
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    Woody’s Lunchbox isn’t a huge food location, but decent quick service and fits well in the land. I tried the grilled cheese and tots.​
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    The Toy Story characters and toys throughout Toy Story Land are super cute.
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    Lack of shade definitely could be an issue with Toy Story Land in the hot Florida sun. Several umbrellas placed along the side offer some relief.
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    Some of the merchandise available for Toy Story Land
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    I had planned on waiting around till dark to see more of Toy Story Land and ride Alien Swirling Saucers, but the typical Florida thunderstorm started up and I didn’t want to get stuck. Ah well, till next time then!
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    ​I didn’t walk away empty handed. Had to buy the green alien light up cup on the way out!
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    Universal Studios Hollywood - Nighttime Lights, Kung Fu Panda and HHN prep

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    Last week we were invited out to Universal Studios Hollywood to check out the Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle, which is amazing. We also took the chance to see Kung Fu Panda as we hadn’t done that yet.

    We also have some pics and video of Halloween Horror Nights construction. Enjoy!!
    Written by Gregg Condon
    Out at CityWalk they are promoting Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom
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    We saw it yesterday and I really enjoyed it. It may be my second favorite Jurassic movie after the original.
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    First stop in the park, Kung Fu Panda!!!
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    The theater got an amazing upgrade and the show is a lot of fun.
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    Check out some video of the queue and the fun pre-show.
    Moving on. Construction for Halloween Horror Nights is in full swing!!
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    Not sure what’s going on down here.
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    But lots going on here!!!
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    Trick R Treat!!!
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    Video update from our visit including HHN stuff and a lot more!!!
    But the main reason for our visit was to see The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle.
    The show is simply spectacular and as somebody who’s not particularly a “theme park show” person it’s the perfect length. Unlike most shows this one keeps you wanting more!!!
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    Check out some pictures of the show.
    We will leave you with a few nighttime pics of the park.
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    We hope you enjoyed!!! Be sure to check out both Kung Fu Panda and Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts this summer.
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    July 4th Fest Preview at Six Flags Magic Mountain

    2018 Attractions July 4th Fest Six Flags Six Flags Magic Mountain
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    Last night we were invited out to Six Flags Magic Mountain to check out a preview of the All-American Food Festival that begins tomorrow (June 30th) and runs through July 4th. 
    We got to try out some delicious food, hang out with our other blogger friends, chat with the parks PR staff about a LOT of amazing things we totally can't tell you about (but trust us, you're gonna love it) and just have a nice mid-week break at the park. 
    Lots of video and pictures below to get enjoy!!! 
    Written by Gregg Condon
    First, video of the preview event. No pictures of us eating because who wants to see that? 
    The All-American Food Festival begins tomorrow!!
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    Some of the amazing food: 
    Angry Orchard Wings (seriously good) 
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    Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese (WITH Tater Tots) ... this was a favorite for a lot of us
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    Jalapeno Apple Baby Back Ribs ... fall off the bone good. 
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    Spicy Maple Tri Tip ... seriously everybody. Come eat food. This was so good. 
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    Meatless Teriyaki Pineapple Slider ... not usually a fan of meatless stuff, this was really good. 
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    Some of the menu's and more importantly, where to find the food!! 
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    Katy's Kettle
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    Metro Park Pub
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    Paradise Picnic Pavilion 
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    Check out the video above for a look at ALL the locations!! 
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    The cups are seriously nice, I needed a new water cup for my desk at work. 
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    Just a quick boardwalk update ... Scrambler was back open!! 
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    CraZanity is looking GREAT!! 
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    Alright everybody, that'll wrap it up. We hope to see you out at July 4th Fest!!! 

    More details on the event can be found here!! 
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