• Published on

    CGA's #ProjectSR1 Update and Leaked Layout?

    2018 Attractions California's Great America Cedar Fair
    Image description
    Hey there, Park Journey readers!

    Thanks for joining us for another construction update on California Great America's new 2018 attraction! The park will be making their official announcement on Wednesday, August 18th, so this will be our final "speculation" update. Exciting times ahead!

    In case you're just joining us, make sure to check out our previous predictions and construction update on what is currently known as #ProjectSR1. 

    ​Also, be sure to check the bottom of this update where you can have a chance to attend the announcement event at Knott's Berry Farm Wednesday Evening. 
    Written by Andrew Cunningham
    Picture
    As a refresher, the map above shows all the areas that are relevant to the project. 

    In our previous update, we speculated that the project would expand across the main construction site into the Whitewater Falls area. We've since heard unconfirmed rumors that the work around Whitewater falls is actually related to pipe maintenance. We're not sure if that is true or not, but I can confirm that the work has not expanded or changed around Whitewater Falls since we first checked up on it a couple weeks ago. 
    Starting out with some general updates- Gold Striker was closed during our August 12th visit. From the Star Tower, you could see that work was being done at the bottom of the first drop. 

    Hopefully whatever repairs are needed are minimal and the coaster will be back up soon (if not already) :-) 
    Picture
    Heading over to the construction area, the viewing hole has now been blocked off. I'm not sure the reasoning, but it looks like the walls were moved back slightly, so this could be a safety move from the park to prevent people from tripping over the curb. 

    Alas, this update won't have any pictures through the hole. 
    The teaser wall only has a few more slots left to fill!

    You can tab through the photos above to see the cool artwork pieces that are in place so far. We'll make sure to complete our gallery when we come back for the official announcement! 
    Picture
    Up at the front of the park, the window display at Inside CGA (the park's largest merchandise location) now has teaser shirts on the mannequins. The shirts are available for purchase for $17.99. 

    Personally, I thought the window display was a pretty cool way to tease the ride. And hey, they'll be collector's items once the official name is announced!
    Picture

    ​So what is the park going to announce for their new addition?

    Warning:
    ​Possible spoiler below!     You've been warned. ​

    Picture

    ​Rumor is a Raptor may be coming to CGA, and we've uncovered what this may look like!
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    ​.
    .
    ​.
    Picture

    And there you have it!

    We're hilarious. You're welcome. 

    Tune in August 16th at 11am PDT to find out what is really coming to Great America! We're very much looking forward to it!
    WANT TO WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS TO THE KNOTT'S BERRY FARM ANNOUNCEMENT EVENT THIS WEDNESDAY (August 16)? CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT ALL THE DETAILS. 
    ​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

    One last journey through the Universe of Energy at EPCOT

    2019 Attractions Disney Parks EPCOT Future World Guardians Of The Galaxy Mission Breakout Walt Disney World
    Image description
    This weekend we are saying goodbye to another classic attraction that probably wore out it's welcome a bit. Universe of Energy at EPCOT. 

    While the concept is great, and we should all learn a bit more about the world around us, we think it's safe to say this one could have used some updates throughout the years. 
    ​Written by Renée Girard
    Taking one final ride on the Universe of Energy at Epcot. Can't say I've actually been on it lately. ​
    Picture
    ​No line to get in.
    Picture
    ​Our journey into the Universe of Energy is about to begin. See you in 45 minutes
    Picture
    Picture
    ​The preshow for Universe of Energy might just be my favorite part. Gotta love 90's Ellen, Bill Nye and Jeopardy.
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    ​And Stupid Judy. 
    Picture
    I do enjoy the actual ride system and the dinosaur dark ride portion. 
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    ​Final Jeopardy. 
    Picture
    Picture
    ​Goodbye, Universe of Energy. I won't miss it, but I can appreciate how it contributed to Epcot.
    Picture
    ​A small amount of Universe of Energy merchandise left at Mouse Gears.
    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
  • Published on

    In My Opinion - Upside Down Upheavals

    Image description
    It's rumor time, no, we aren't starting a rumor, RD is talking about a huge one we posted about yesterday, that Merlin is interested in buying the Busch parks from SeaWorld if they should become available.

    Right now it's a HUGE if, although this mornings earnings call filled in a few of the gaps as the news was bad all around. RD investigates the various options for the Busch parks should they come up for sale.
    Written by R.D. Sussman-Dewberry
    ​In the news recently have been several rather important notes about the business that we are all a part of: Theme parks at a crossroads.  Indeed, seeing the ouster of the former president of SixFlags Inc for their old head is one of them, as is seeing Joel Manby of SeaWorld Parks (SFP) discussing options for the future of that chain. Right now, theme parks are profitable, with new attractions beginning to be announced for 2018 and beyond, and a good segment in the investment industry to be looking at.... so long as you're buying Disney or Cedar Fair. 

    Let's take a brief look into what's going on - and why it is going on.
    SeaWorld Parks was created during the tumultuous times following the AB-InBev merger in 2010. In essence, the parks were spun off from Anheuser Busch into a separate company in which an ownership group took control, before going public later on.  The parks were profitable, growth was good... and then a mockumentary called "Blackfish" was released - a joint effort of PETA and CNN.  Being run as pure fact, without the knowledge of SeaWorld Parks, it led to a drop in attendance at the SeaWorld throughout. Later, the mockumentary was rebuked in full as being pretty much fiction - but the damage was done, and PETA was able to put a knife into a great park company. (As an aside: I will forgo my thoughts on PETA and what they did other than to say this: They had a motive, they had a weapon, and they had the means to kill off the chain. )

    Since then, the two Busch Gardens parks, the water parks and Sesame Place have all been doing well - in fact, financially supporting the company through these rough times. Though numbers have turned around... they are still lagging the financial success they once had.  Joel Manby was brought on board to take the parks in a new direction - and has done so with as much effort as he had shown with his previous employer, Herschend Family Entertainment.  

    It was announced recently that SWP/Manby had brought in a consultant to look at the future of the company - and the parks therein. Speculation has begun as to the outcome of this, and to the future of the SWP chain.  Today it was released that the two Busch Garden parks are now in play - as a spin-off of the SWP company. It would effectively split the company back to the way it was prior to 1986 - before Busch Entertainment Corporation was founded. ​
    So who could bid - and why? Here's my short list.

    Cedar Fair:  While CF is doing fine financially, to take on the debt of this transaction would be rather extreme. They are now balanced with their finances in check, and showing good numbers profit wise - but at this time it would be taking on another huge chunk of debt to digest in one meal. Financially, it would be rather hard for them to swallow without divesting a park or two along the way. 

    Merlin:  Merlin's financial situation is similar to CF's in terms of debt and equity - but has had a reputation for issues with some parks and the quality of the attractions they have added. Fiscally speaking, they are strong enough to do so - but will have the same financial indigestion afterwards. 

    Herschend: To me, the most obvious - and best fit - choice for the Busch Gardens Parks. A solid management team from corporate, good financial resources, a mountain of unrestricted cash on hand - and a reputation for quality that is equal to Disney (and in some cases BETTER than Disney). They have been looking to expand for a while, and now have an opportunity to do so with two award-winning parks. ​

    These three companies represent the best possible answers as of right now. Other firms may become involved as well - and depending on the situation, we could even see places we're not familiar with taking a hand in the process. 
    And as you noticed... SixFlags Inc was left out.  

    SF Inc is now negotiating financial waters which are at best rocky - and at worst, a storm that will rip that company apart. Financially, the debt situation there is now at a critical mass - with a DDD- credit rating (Basically: Junk bonds) and with a debt to equity ratio that is nearly 4-1 (For every $4.00 of debt, $1.00 is equity/assets)  The ouster of their previous president is a VERY ominous sign - and the competition is ramping up their game across the country.  Parks like Silver Dollar City (Herschend) in Branson, MO and Knott's Berry Farm (CF) in Buena Park are preparing to add world-class attractions that will invariably draw people away from SF Inc's parks.  That level of competition requires an offensive strategy to get people back INTO the SF parks... which too is failing. As of the Q4/Q1 gate totals: Overall attendance is flat - and guest spending is down drastically year over year, despite growth in season pass sales/use.  This is a GIANT red flag that there are issues with what people are wanting in the parks - and what they are willing to pay for when there.  

    At the same time, the strange ownership of SixFlags parks - and the brand therein - may also be in play. The Wynne Trust - who own SFoG & SFoT - as well as the Six Flags name - has become more vocal in the past few months towards their own parks - and the operations therein.  

    In short: SFInc is closer to their day of reckoning than we've seen since 2005... and their last trip through bankruptcy court.  The situation is now becoming very close to that - and is showing signs that to avoid the return that they will have to start shedding assets - and liquidating others - to prevent their financial collapse. While I do not ever see them shutting down (that's foolish folks - you should know better) I do see them looking into their crystal ball - and looking at what assets are performing, which are lagging... and which ones will be sold off.  They are now in a place where this is not just an 'if' but rather a 'when' and one that no company should EVER be faced to look at. ​
    In the words of Margo Channing (Look her up, kids...) "Fasten your seatbelts. It's going to be a bumpy night."  We are right on the edge of some serious shakeups in the theme park game - with some big winners, some big losers - and a hell of a lot of upheaval at the end. 

    R.D. Sussmann-Dewberry
    8/8/17
    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

    Price Breakdown of R.I.P. Tour at Halloween Horror Nights - Hollywood

    Halloween Horror Nights The Walking Dead Universal Studios Hollywood
    Image description
    Yesterday Universal Studios Hollywood announced the on-sale information and prices for Halloween Horror Nights. And prices have gone up, pretty much across the board.

    ​But what really seemed to stick out in people's minds was the price of the R.I.P. Tour. And yes, it's a SIGNIFICANT investment, for our family, 1 night would be an investment of about $1200. That's a LOT for us, a lot for pretty much anybody. 

    But once we began to break down the price a bit there is actually value there, yes, value in a $299 ticket.
    Written by Gregg Condon
    I sense a similar situation at Halloween Horror Nights to what Disney is going through with APs. The event is packed EVERY.SINGLE.NIGHT. If you don't have Front of the Line passes you are going to spend probably 75% of your night in line, and there is absolutely no guarantee that you'll see everything, especially if you don't plan ahead. (don't worry, we'll have our Survival Guide up soon). 

    So what's one to do? Get the Front of the Line Pass of course. But wait, that's either $169 or $199 depending on the night. And I only get to do each maze once? And I have to pay for parking, and dinner, and all kinds of other things. ​​
    Picture
    So what's the next step up, well of course I'm talking about the return of the R.I.P. Tour. The cost: $269 on nights that the front of the line pass is $169 (or weeknights) or $299 on nights that the front of the line pass is $199. There are a few nights where the R.I.P. tour is $329 as well. 

    So basically $100 more than a standard Front of the Line pass. 

    And what do you get (we're going to use Friday September 29 as an example) 
    • Valet Parking: $25 
    • Admission and Front of the Line: $199
    • VIP Entrance
    • Dinner and 2 drinks (if over 21): Approx $50
    • UNLIMITED Front of the Line
    • Guided Walking Tour of Halloween Horror Nights
    • Reserved VIP Seating at Jabawockeez 

    Right off the top if you include Admission, Front of the Line, Parking (Standard rate only) and dinner we're up to $274. So essentially for $25 you're paying for a VIP Entrance, Unlimited Front of the Line, Guided HHN Tour and VIP Seating. That's a LOT of extras. ​

    And of course, there is no price associated with the Unlimited Front of the Line or Walking Tour as those aren't available a la carte. 
    Picture
    Sure, you CAN just do the regular admission, and that's fine. We'll help you plan ahead with our upcoming survival guide, it CAN be done. There are so many Halloween events each and every year it's hard to fit them all in. Trust us, we know. We're trying to figure out days off, half days, budgets and all kinds of other things for the next 3 months. It's not easy. But with a bit of homework it's possible. 

    What the R.I.P. pass does is take away the need for all that homework. And for a lot of people, that's worth the price. ​
    Picture
    What the R.I.P. pass isn't is a R.I.P.-Off. Our Hobby isn't cheap. Theme Parks aren't cheap to build, run or maintain. Most of us have Annual Passes which significantly cut down the cost. Unfortunately Halloween is the one time of year those investments don't typically come into play. 

    Halloween has become big business, and it's getting bigger each and every year. 

    As always, do what works best for you. If general admission on a Saturday night in mid-October is all you can do Halloween Horror Nights, then do it. We wouldn't recommend it, but again, we'll help you figure out the best plan of attack as we do every year. 

    If the R.I.P. Tour works best for you, then do it. And if you want to write a report about your experience, then let us know. We'd be more than happy to post it. =) ​
    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

    Halloween Season officially begins at Midsummer Scream

    Dark Harbor Halloween Midsummer Scream Motel 6 Feet Under Queen Mary Reign Of Terror
    Image description
    Last year when we did our Midsummer Scream updates we called it the "unofficial" kick-off to the Halloween Season. 

    Judging by the growth of this event in just it's second year it's safe to go ahead and remove the unofficial moniker. The event was run like a well-oiled machine given the longer prep time vs last years event. 
    Written by Gregg Condon
    Before we start diving into Halloween 2017, let's take a look back at the epic 2016 Halloween Season 
    Welcome to Midsummer Scream!!

    Despite a couple of long lines to kick off the event (everywhere has security, get used to it, plan ahead) we have heard overwhelmingly positive things about this years event. 
    Picture
    Our first stop was the amazing Hall of Shadows which was even bigger this year. Hey, we know those guys!!! 
    Picture
    With all of the mini-haunts, monsters walking around and the Decayed Brigade shows this was definitely one of the more popular spots this weekend. 
    Picture
    Somebody's about to get scurred ... 
    Picture
    Despite being called "mini haunts" some of these were amazing and some of these independent haunts are going to have amazing years. 
    Picture
    Some of the themeing is on-par with the big time haunts. Shows some of the amazing time people put into these events. 
    Picture
    One of our favorite haunts last year is back ... they offered both PG-13 and rated R shows. I'll let you guess which one we saw. =) 
    Picture
    You never know who you're gonna find just walking around Midsummer Scream. Hanging out with the legendary Bob Gurr. 
    Picture
    Picture
    Some awesome booths for things we all might want to check out, including Scream Box. 
    Picture
    Here's Greggie!!

    (Seriously, where else can you pull an axe on your son and have him laugh about it) 
    Picture

    Knott's Scary Farm Panel

    Our first panel of the weekend was for Knott's Scary Farm. Despite being a bit on the short side we did get some tidbits about this years event. 

    ​Their full event will be unveiled on August 31. 

    (click any of the pictures below for a larger version) 

    Fright Fest (Six Flags Magic Mountain) 

    Next up was Fright Fest at Six Flags Magic Mountain and there were some amazing things announced 

    (click any of the pictures below for a larger version) ​

    Queen Mary's Dark Harbor

    Lastly on Saturday was Queen Mary's Dark Harbor, and they announced a whole bunch of new bars, a new maze, hidden bars, re-designed mazes, ice bars, Costume Balls and more bars. 

    (click any of the pictures below for a larger version) ​

    Halloween Horror Nights (Universal Hollywood) 

    On Sunday we headed to the Halloween Horror Nights panel which was easily the largest panel of the weekend. HHN fans are crazy dedicated. 
    Picture
    Below highlights of the Ash vs Evil Dead maze along with some artwork shown during the presentation. 
    (click any of the pictures below for a larger version) ​
    Below highlights of The Shinihng maze along with some artwork shown during the presentation. ​
    (click any of the pictures below for a larger version) ​
    This year, ORIGINAL SCARE ZONES!! And they look awesome!!! We really loved the Gauntlet of Fear last year although The Purge isn't scary. It seems to be coming back in some form this year on the Backlot. 

    (click any of the pictures below for a larger version) ​

    Winchester Mystery House

    Lastly on Sunday we attended the Winchester Mystery House panel, one of our favorite places. And this year they have expanded their Candlelight Tours! 
    Picture
    The entire panel is a podcast on The Season Pass so be sure you check it out. 
    Picture
    20 nights this year!!! 
    Picture
    They also talked a bit about Winchester which is in theaters next February. We simply can't wait for this movie. 
    Picture
    And because Winchester Mystery House is amazing, they gave everybody in the audience 2 tickets to the all new "Explore More" tour and an amazing print. There will be more of these so be sure you head up to the house and get yours! 
    Picture
    And with that, the curtain has come down on another amazing Midsummer Scream. 
    Picture
    We are SO ready for Halloween Season and we only have a little over a month until it all begins. 
    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

    California's Great America 2018 Rumor Roundup and Construction Update

    2018 Attractions Cedar Fair
    Image description
    Hey there Park Journey readers!

    Today we are bringing you a full update of the construction that is happening at California's Great America. We previously published an article with our Top 5 Guesses on what's coming for 2018, and boy a lot has changed since then! The project area has significantly grown in scope, making some of our smaller choices highly unlikely. ​
    Written by Andrew Cunningham
    Today, we're going to give you a construction update (taken on July 29th), and we're going to summarize what has been done so far. 
    Picture
    In case you're just joining us, let's start with the basics:
    • ​California's Great America is confirmed to get a 110.5 foot tall steel coaster in 2018. This is confirmed through the permits filed with The City of Santa Clara.
    • It is likely that this coaster is 1) from a manufacturer that Cedar Fair has worked with in the past, but not recently and/or 2) is a prototype attraction. These are based off of comments made during the Q1 earnings call in May. 
    • The park is teasing the attraction as "Project SR1", which could stand for several things. Construction walls are currently up.

    Now, for what's newer:
    • Markings have been spotted around Whitewater Falls, which is adjacent to the current walled off construction area. This is leading many to speculate if we may see Whitewater Falls close to make room for the coaster. 2/3 Boats have been taken off of the attraction via a forklift, and some minor groundwork has been started in the area.
    • Cedar Fair trademarked the name "Railblazer", leading many to speculate that this will be the new coaster's name. 

    And for those less familiar with the park, here is an overview of the current areas that will be included in this update:
    Picture
    Let's begin by talking about the current construction zone, highlighted in Orange on the map above.
    Picture
    Pictured above, you can see the teaser wall that the park has been promoted on social media. There is a trail, with 16 different markers reserved for a different coaster in the park's history. We'll get up to 15 with the parks current and previous lineup (they will count Vortex/Patriot and Turn of the Century/Demon as two), and the 16th spot will be reserved for the new attraction. 
    Picture
    Opposite to Demon's entrance, there is a teaser area where we can take a peak into the construction area. 
    Through the wall, we currently just see a lot of dirt being pushed around. 

    Now let's go take a look over by Whitewater Falls...
    Whitewater Falls was operating with one boat left on the ride. I'm not sure how long it's been down to one boat, and if that is normal or not. 
    Above you can see the work being done behind Whitewater Falls. On the left of the building, there is a forklift with the other two boats sitting out of the water. On the right of the building, there is a digger with ground construction happening. 
    Picture
    Above, you can see the construction area as seen from Star Tower. Nothing is vertical yet, so not too much to see. 

    There you have it! We have a walls, construction equipment, and a bunch of dirt!

    Thanks for reading! Make sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for future updates and live coverage of the August 16th announcement! 
    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