• Published on

    Six Flags Magic Mountain CraZanity Update - June 5, 2018

    2018 Attractions CraZanity Six Flags Six Flags Magic Mountain
    Image description
    Today we've got an all new update from Six Flags Magic Mountain and a look at CraZanity which has finally gone vertical. 

    ​We're trying something a bit new around here and having video and picture updates. We hope you enjoy!! 
    Written by Gregg Condon
    Check out our video update which was shot, edited and uploaded all on an iPhone while at the park. =) 
    Welcome to 365 days of thrills 
    Picture
    It was Deaf and Hard of Hearing Awareness day. 

    The parking lot was PACKED, but the park didn't seem too busy. Bet the water park was. 
    Picture
    Let's head over to the Boardwalk. Lots of work going on in this area, wish they'd bring the Tilt a Whirl back
    Picture
    Picture
    Love the SF Logos here by the games 
    Picture
    Wow, that's CraZy!! 
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Pictures don't do this justice, it's big. 
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Tidal Wave was also back open 
    Picture
    Picture
    The Scrambler looks awesome!! Glad they kept the original design of the queue roof. 
    Picture
    They've also installed a nice shade structure which will be nice for riders and employees. 
    Picture
    Revolution is unfortunately still closed. No word on what's going on or when it will reopen. 
    Picture
    Still some Fright Fest props up near Chupacabra. Is it time yet? 
    Picture
    Alright, that's gonna wrap it up. As soon as we hear about an opening date for CraZanity we'll let you know. 

    ​Have a great day!! 
    Related Video Updates: 
    If you enjoyed this update please share with your friends and make sure you "like" us on Facebook and "follow" us on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. 

    If you have any comments, please share them below
  • Published on

    Disney's Hollywood Studios Update - Toy Story and Star Wars Land!!

    2018 Attractions 2019 Attractions Disney Parks Disney's Hollywood Studios Star Wars Star Wars Land Toy Story Land Walt Disney World
    Image description
    Happy Memorial Day, we hope you're all enjoying your Monday and taking some time out to remember those who have given us our amazing freedoms here in the US. 

    Today we've got a great update from Disney's Hollywood Studios and Star Wars Land!! 
    Written by Renée Girard
    Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge construction upon approaching the entrance to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
    Picture
    Picture
    One of the stations for the WDW Skyliner has appeared to have popped up next to the entrance to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
    Picture
    ​With a wait time of only 5 minutes, I’ll go take a flight on Star Tours. I highly doubt you’ll see Star Wars attractions with a queue this short next year.
    Picture
    Picture
    ​The transformation into Toy Story Land is almost complete! Toy Story Midway Mania getting a bit of last minutes work done inside and out.
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Only a little over a month to go till the grand opening of Toy Story Land. Everything we’ve seen looks great so far. I can’t wait! 
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    ​Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway seems to be the least anticipated attraction compared to Toy Story and Star Wars. But I love a good dark ride, so hopefully this one will be a hit.
    Picture
    ​The model of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge looks like it’s going to be incredible. If Pandora is still pulling in 2+ hour waits, I can’t imagine what this will be like. 
    Picture
    Picture
    ​Ending my DHS evening with the classic Coaster/Tower combo. I love hitting all of the major rides in a short amount of time before the summer madness begins.
    Picture
    Picture
    Related Videos: 
    If you enjoyed this update please share with your friends and make sure you "like" us on Facebook and "follow" us on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. 

    If you have any comments, please share them below
  • Published on

    Backstage tour of CraZanity at Six Flags Magic Mountain

    Image description
    Last week we were invited out to Six Flags Magic Mountain for a look at the progress on the all new Boardwalk area at the park including the all new CraZanity. Let's take a look!! 
    Written by Gregg Condon
    Welcome to Six Flags Magic Mountain
    Picture
    Picture
    Speaking of awesome things that won't necessarily bring in any people to the park, but are awesome nonetheless ... Gold Rusher just got a fancy new refurbished train. The ride experience is greatly improved. 
    Picture
    Let's head back for our tour 
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    As you can see there is still quite a bit of work to go, but the ride is going to be amazing when it's done .
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    In addition to CraZanity, Scrambler got a nice refurb and a shade structure is forthcoming. Shade will be great for riders and ride ops alike. 
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    The Bumper Cars are all new as well
    Picture
    Picture
    And a new name as well!! 
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Alright, that's going to wrap it up. We can't wait to see CraZanity go vertical very, very soon. 

    ​Thank you to Magic Mountain for having us out. Sorry about the delay in this update, stupid moving. 
    If you enjoyed this update please share with your friends and make sure you "like" us on Facebook and "follow" us on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. 

    If you have any comments, please share them below
  • Published on

    Opening Day 2018 at Silverwood

    Silverwood
    Image description
    Today we're continuing to look at the newly opened parks for the 2018 at Silverwood park. This great park is always amazing but there's just something about opening days that are special. 

    Enjoy!! 

    Check out more of Matt's amazing pictures at GuruShots 
    Written by Matthew Nelson
    ​Once you park, you head down to the tunnel under I95.
    Picture
    ​Let's Go!!
    Picture
    ​Food and drinks to fuel the day
    Picture
    ​Waterpark opening soon 
    A really fun park included with admission.
    Picture
    ​Just inside the gate 
    To the left- the train depot, to the right, the Carousel.
    Picture
    ​Information Center 
    Right at the center of things- you can rent strollers, wheelchairs, and ECVs here.
    Picture
    ​Good to know- you can do your shopping for souvenirs without missing out on ride time.
    Picture
    ​Great deal for feeding a family here.

    Phantasm at Theater of Illusion is an excellent magic show, too.
    Picture
    Picture
    ​Waiting for opening 
    We're held right at the entrance to the Country Carnival portion of the park.
    Picture
    ​Words to live by 
    This is a pretty park, with plenty of flowers
    Picture
    ​Huck's
    Picture
    The ice cream is ENORMOUS and yummy, and they've got well maintained pinball machines and arcade games. I will not detail just how much I spent playing TRON and Whirlwind pinball.
    Picture
    My favorite ride at this park is Tremors. It's got some fun signage along the ride.
    Picture
    ​This is a fun drop ride. This bird just kept circling.
    Picture
    Tremors - An excellent wooden rollercoaster that uses tunnels and low turns to feel even faster than it really is.
    Picture
    Tremors and Spin Cycle - This is one of the backdrops on my computer - two great rides in one shot
    Picture
    ​They mean it!
    Picture
    Camp scene - Detail along the pathway
    Picture
    Thunder Canyon - A thoroughly soaking rapids ride.
    Picture
    ​This classic ride still gets quite a lot of riders.
    Picture
    For the Arrow fans out there.
    Picture
    Picture
    This is the curve leading to the double inversion
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    ​Detail at the Train Depot
    Picture
    A beautiful Porter engine pulls in to the station
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Absolutely beautiful engine, cared for nicely.
    Picture
    Picture
    Main Street Theatre - Showing Three Stooges movies makes me REALLY love this place.
    Picture
    This isn't just a loop around the park- it's an adventure. There are a lot of things to take in while aboard the train, so be sure to listen up.
    Picture
    One of the first things you'll spot from aboard the train.
    Picture
    Be on the lookout! Sasquatch sightings!
    Picture
    I believe he found one
    Picture
    Supplies! Feel free to beat me for that joke, at your next convenience.
    Picture
    ​Um, you MIGHT want to look behind you.
    Picture
    Sasquatch is just hungry
    Picture
    Picture
    Then there's the Faerie Woods...
    Picture
    Picture
    View of Aftershock and Tremors from the train
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Excellent drop ride. Feels like it isn't gonna stop at the bottom.
    Picture
    Timber Terror - A good 'starter woodie' that is fun for any kind of coaster rider.
    Picture
    ​This is a wicked ride! It swings back and forth, while turning around. Then it goes OVER the top- sometimes you wind up upside down, and still turning around the outside of the ring- pretty wild ride.
    Picture
    Picture
    Great flatride collection - In this shot, you can see the Paratrooper and Bumper Boats.
    Picture
    Picture
    At the end of the day... Back down to the tunnel back to the parking lot (or Campgrounds/RV Center if you're staying there)

    We'll be back soon, with more photos of more of the park.
    Picture
    If you enjoyed this update please share with your friends and make sure you "like" us on Facebook and "follow" us on Twitter and Instagram. 

    If you have any comments, please share them below. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​
  • Published on

    Trip Report: Port Aventura Spain

    Image description
    Today we've got a fantastic update from Port Aventura in Spain thanks to our good friend Cliff. 

    This is definitely one of those bucket list parks for a lot of us and these pictures definitely make us want to book that trip right now!!

    ​
    Written by Clifford Lake
    Port Aventura Spain.... Universally appealing 
    Picture
    Getting to this park is not as difficult as it may seem.

    First. Go in the off season. Spring or fall. Sally is a resort town two hours South of Barcelona. There is a train that leaves to Salou from Barcelona every few hours. But it's easier to take the bus
    Picture
    For first timers, it's good to stay at Hotel California Gardens. It's a 15 minute walk to the park, or the beach. And busplana has a stop right around the corner
    Picture
    Picture
    Let's talk about the park. BEAUTIFUL!!! One of the best in Europe. Heavily themed to World lands. Old West USA...Mexico. China, Tibet and Polynesia.

    Main street us a Mediterranean villa. ​
    Picture
    Adjacent to the park is Ferrari land with Red Force.

    An Intamin launch top hat tower. But unlike La and Top thrill. No cable...Mag launch and no corkscrew. You go straight down. Very fun! My fave of the three. You WILL want to flash pass this ride for 20 Euros.... Trust me. Low capacity.

    Take two days to enjoy this resort. Experience the beauty of it. On to the other rides.
    Picture
    Picture
    Starting with Furious Baco. Great theming. Launched wing coaster. Hurts like hell, one and done
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Stampida. A true wooden racer. Trains go out simultaneously. Red usually beats blue
    Picture
    Tomahawk, the junior woodie is built on Stampida. So technically, it's a three track woodie.
    Draka kahn. Nice B&M, don't miss.
    Picture
    Picture
    But... Top Dawg is the B&M Hyper.....SHAMBALA!!!! It does not let you down. Most of the time, your butt is out of the seat. Airtime Monster.
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    If you enjoyed this update please share with your friends and make sure you "like" us on Facebook and "follow" us on Twitter and Instagram. 

    If you have any comments, please share them below. ​​​​​​​​​​​​
  • Published on

    Seattle Space Needle is getting a "Spacelift"

    Image description
    Even in the middle of "new ride season" it's always nice to take a break from the extreme and check out a bit of culture. Although some of you may find this pretty extreme. 

    Gary from Coasting with Culture is back with another amazing update from the Pacific Northwest, this time less coaster and more culture. Be sure to give Gary's page a like!! 
    Written by Gary Taylor
    (click any picture below to see a larger version) 
    Picture
    ​In 1962, Seattle would see the opening of a tower that has served as an icon of the Pacific Northwest since. The tower has worldwide recognition and is a must for visitors of the Emerald City. While several buildings may resemble it, there is only one true Space Needle. And now after over 50 years of operation, this classic tower has been undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation project that they are calling the “Space Lift”. It had been about a year since my previous visit to the observation deck, and with the combination of a day off with a beautiful sunny day, it seemed like a great time to come and see the progress on the building.
    Picture
    The project had initially begun towards the end of last summer and is scheduled to be completed by June. The Space Needle remained open for most of the renovation work, with only a few weeks of closure during the weekdays in the slower winter months. One of the big components of the project is for the rotating restaurant that the needle is known for in the lower half of the observation deck. The plan is to replace the floor of the restaurant with glass, giving visitors of the restaurant the ability to see the ground about 500 feet below. At this time, it is surrounded by scaffolding, thus we are not able to see this change at the moment, but I imagine that this will truly change the dining experience.
    ​Due to the nature of the renovation project being focused to the observation portion of the tower, much of the area at the base is fenced off for the staging and storage of equipment and supplies for the project, as well as providing some protection from the potential of falling objects. This has led to the need for some detours getting into the Needle as well as around it to some of the other attractions of the Seattle Center area.
    Picture
    Picture
    ​Due to the use of the main outer entry ramp to the Needle elevators, the line to enter has temporarily been rerouted through part of the gift shop. While they were able to make it work for the last part of the summer season and through the fall, winter and spring thus far, The Space Needle can get quite busy in the summer with the heart of Seattle’s tourism season, and this layout can get quite crowded on the busier days. Hopefully they will be able to finish the project in time.
    Picture
    ​One part of the Space Needle experience that will remain from before is the displays and models that were installed around the 50th anniversary of the Century 21 Exposition (also known as the 1962 World’s Fair) with information about the construction of the iconic tower as you lead up to the elevators that take you to the observation deck.
    ​Upon arrival to the top of the Needle, you could see that there is still quite a bit of work being done for the indoor portion of the main observation level. When completed, people will have a more open view than before thanks to the larger windows that are now from ceiling to floor, as opposed to the previous version which had a barrier about waist high. While the original snack bar has been closed, they have provided a temporary one for visitors to enjoy a snack or beverage while taking in the views.
    Picture
    ​With the work that is being done, not all of the outer portions of the deck are available for viewing. Because of the work going on, the South and West sides of the interior have limited space for viewing that is fenced in, however, you still get to enjoy an excellent view of the Elliot Bay waterfront and the skyline of Seattle.
    ​You could see that there still much work to be done, and as seen that day the workers were still hard at work to try and make the June scheduled completion. There was also still plenty of scaffolding and equipment still around for working on the deck.
    Picture
    ​While about half of the deck is blocked off for renovation work, the East and North sides of the outdoor deck are open for viewing. For those who have not been to the Space Needle before, the outdoor deck barrier used to be a concrete wall that would come up about waist-high, and then horizontal steel wires would serve as the barrier to keep people from going over the wall. With the renovation, the wall and wires have been replaced with glass.
    ​The new glass windows really open up the view for those on the inside and the outside areas of the observation deck and will make for great photos, especially on days like today when the sun is out.
    Picture
    ​As a tour guide who works for a company that offers a tour with a visit to the Space Needle included, getting a preview of what’s to come has me really excited to share with our passengers what they can expect from the new and improved view. Once the renovation is complete, we’ll bring you another update to share the new Space Needle experience.
    Picture
    If you enjoyed this update please share with your friends and make sure you "like" us on Facebook and "follow" us on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. 

    If you have any comments, please share them below