zWritten by Renée ​Girard
Click any of the pictures below for a larger version
​
Over the next few days we'll be bringing you all the news and fun from Star Wars Celebration Orlando. Keep track of the goings on here and on our social media. 

Day Two - Friday April 14

Joining the Dark Side this morning with my dark roast @Wawa coffee to get me started on day 2 

​I have to say that even with the west lot full, parking in north/south lots at @OCCC with the free shuttles has been super easy.

​It's amazing how the line situation has changed since yesterday. Today it is light years better! 

​Current wristband availablity.

I​t's kind of unclear which line is which.

​Finally found the right line to get to the show floor. Getting inside @OCCC was much better than yesterday but indoor lines are worse today

​At least we're seeing some awesome cosplay while in line. 

​Giant Ewok! 

​The aftermath of the overnight queue.

Well we didn't get into the Last Jedi panel but they'll be showing it on a screen on the show floor. 

In case you live under a rock, here is the first teaser trailer for The Last Jedi. 

After you watch it, watch it again with headphones, there are so many amazing audio cues in this trailer, which probably tells more of what's coming than the visuals do. Trust us. 

Also, some stills from the trailer courtesy of LucasFilm. 

And seriously, does it get any better than this poster? 

Scott also created a couple of phone wallpapers of the poster, feel free to download them. 

​I did score a Lightspeed Lane pass for the store later.

​Josh Gad is hosting the Last Jedi panel.

​Rian Johnson talking about Carrie Fisher.

​Daisy Ridley takes the stage at #TheLastJedi panel. 

​The show floor is packed with fans watching #TheLastJedi panel. 

​BB8 has joined the others on stage.

​John Boyega is here too! 

​Kelly Marie Tran will play a new character in #TheLastJedi . 

​The one and only Mark Hamill! 

​Mark Hamill in #TheLastJedi . 

​The Last Jedi trailer! It looks amazing! Seeing it in a room full of fans watching it for the first time was epic.

​Great Disney storm trooper with Mickey ice cream!

​Some more cosplay on the show floor. 

​Missed out on the Jabba tiki set yet again. 

​Getting the Hallmark Popminded exclusives. Blue Snaggletooth sold out already, only 250 per day. 

​This kid is expressing how all of us are feeling here today.

​Death Star Christmas tree topper that lights up and plays music. Awesome! 

​Cantina band, and they actually play their own instruments.

​Lines for the Funko exclusives are long and they're nearly sold out! 

​Current wait time for the #StarWarsCelebration store!

​Good thing I got a ticket this morning. Lightspeed! 

​Some of the shirts available at the Celebration store. 

​And more shirts.

​Plush and things. 

​Patches and magnet. 

​Death Trooper costume hoodie. Pants optional.

​Lots of room to walk around in the store. 

​Really cool set of pint glasses. 

​The Last Jedi shirts appear to among one of the most popular items. 

​Also inside the store is Salacious Crumb's Bakeshop. All but one variety is sold out for today. 

​Of course I had to get one of the cupcakes.

​Storm Troopers need vacations too.

​Really creative Disney/Star Wars cosplay.

​These guys were taking photos forever! Great job! 

​Droid racing was a lot of fun to watch. 

​Lego storm trooper! 

I never get tired of awesomely creative cosplay!

​Muppets, yes!!

​Droid parade going through the show floor.

​I caught the Running of the Hoods at #SWCO . Hilarious! 

So some back story on this courtesy of Wookieepedia, this is apparently in tribute to Willrow Hood, a background character in The Empire Strikes Back and is a Star Wars Celebration tradition. 

​Too funny when this Slave Leia met another one.  (What is the dude Slave Leia looking at? Lol) 

​The variety of cosplay is amazing. You'll see a little bit of everything here. 

​A very popular photo op spot throughout the Celebration.

​When it comes to sleeping during #StarWarsCelebration , sometimes you just need a quick nap on the sidewalk. 

​And so ends our day 2 coverage of #StarWarsCelebration . We'll be taking a break tomorrow but should be back for the final day. 

ORLANDO, Fla. (April 13, 2017) –SeaWorld Orlando announces its latest world-class attraction, Infinity Falls, to debut summer 2018. Thrilling rapids will roar through the brand new rainforest river experience, while adventure-seeking guests plunge down the world’s tallest river rapid drop. 

“We are constantly looking at new ways to amaze our guests - Infinity Falls will do that, and more,” said Jim Dean, President of SeaWorld Orlando Parks. “From the excitement of the thrilling rapids, to the unique vertical lift element, it will be an adventure that appeals to the entire family. Infinity Falls continues our commitment to investing in our park, and developing new ways to entertain and inspire our guests with meaningful, fun-filled vacations.”

To bring Infinity Falls to life, designers were inspired by the rainforests of South America and the flowing rivers found within.  Each raft will twist and turn through a lush jungle environment as guests experience the feel of exhilarating Class IV rapids. A unique vertical elevator will lift each raft for a dramatic launch into the river, 40 feet below.

“Water makes up more than 70% of our planet,” said Brian Morrow, Vice President of Theme Park Design Experience. “We developed Infinity Falls to tell new stories that showcase the beauty and sheer power of water and the amazing wildlife that lives in it.  The result is a new river rapids adventure for our guests to explore, and actively help freshwater ecosystems in a way that only SeaWorld can bring to life.”

The addition of Infinity Falls is the perfect addition to SeaWorld’s ever-growing ride portfolio. From the roller coaster thrills of Mako, Manta and Kraken to the water flume fun of Journey to Atlantis, Infinity Falls will soon join the park’s famed attractions as a must-do experience in Orlando. 

​Infinity Falls will be the centerpiece of a newly themed surrounding area, fully immersing guests in a rainforest canopy. After riding the rapids on Infinity Falls, the entire family can explore the village and take part in interactive experiences that combine play with education to create a positive impact on freshwater ecosystems. SeaWorld’s Animal Ambassadors will also provide up-close encounters with animals native to South America.
 
Infinity Falls will open at SeaWorld Orlando in summer 2018.

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Over the next few days we'll be bringing you all the news and fun from Star Wars Celebration Orlando. Keep track of the goings on here and on our social media. 

Day One - Thursday April 13

Welcome to Star Wars Celebration. Lines, lines and more lines. May the Force be with you.

Finally!! 

​Rows and rows of queue space for those waiting for the long haul overnight.

​Our first stop at #SWCO is Lego!

Got the #LEGOSWCO exclusive set!

​Think Geek has some awesome merchandise. The tiki set is very tempting. Too bad Jabba is already sold out!

Droid racing!!!

Yes! My favorite cosplay so far!

​My credit card is already crying. 

Checking out the droid builders. Perhaps these are the droids you're looking for?

​So impressive and unique!

​I think I found my favorite droid. 

How great is this Cosplay?! Lots of creativity going on here.

​The folks at 501st Legion have an amazing room to visit. 

​So much detail in their Rose Bowl parade Lego diorama!

​More from 501st Legion. So great!

​Well, I won't be going in the Celebration store anytime soon. 

​I love the shirts from TeeTurtle, and already own a few of them!

​My face when I saw the line to get in the convention center this morning. 

​Love seeing droids just rolling around on the show floor.

​Currently in line for the Funko exclusives, since they're available to non-ticket holders after 2, but the shelves are looking bare.

​Funko line is now closed. Maybe we'll try again tomorrow. 

​Star Wars Ana Jet planes. Models have cast autographs. 

​Seriously amazing Lego displays made by the Greater Florida Lego Users Group

​I want this car.

​Want some Star Wars kitchen products? Toasters, waffle makers, you name it!

​And for more items around the home, how about this couch and coffee table?

​Hot Wheels Star Wars Celebration show exclusives are still available. 

​Going camping? Now you can go in Star Wars style!

​Force Awakens characters made out of Legos.

​You can make a little Lego at the Building Bay.

​If you're wanting a Star Wars tattoo, this is the place to go.

​You can watch some pretty awesome artists at work on Star Wars pieces. 

​Incredible Force Awakens cosplay. 

​The line for the Celebration Store is still at 2 hours. Here are the pins they have, with some already sold out. 

Star Wars Rebels cosplay. Wow!​

​Lines galore for autographs and photos with the celebrities.

Something, Something Dark Side 

​Activities going on at the stage for Star Wars Show Live.

​Most items are sold out for the day at Funko, but here's what's left. 

​The custom Star Wars cars around the floor are pretty sweet.

​Garth Vader! 

​So happy I got to meet this little guy. 

​The calm before the storm for those lining up overnight/tomorrow. 

​Here's the front of the line for those already waiting for tomorrow!

​That's a wrap from day one of 2017 Star Wars Celebration in Orlando! We'll be back for more tomorrow.

​My mileage and steps for today after Star Wars Celebration.

​This is exactly what I needed after today. Thanks Shake Shack! 

​Related Updates: 

• Disneyland - Star Wars Land Update 
• Rivers of Light debuts at Disney's Animal Kingdom
• Disneyland Update: Lunar New Year, Empty Park and Security Changes
• Opening Day of the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts 
• Disneyland Resort Update - Avengers Half Marathon, Star Wars Land and Tower of Terror

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A couple of weeks ago we got this PM on our Facebook page from fan of the site Matthew, so we decided to throw the question out to the team and then it just grew from there into what will hopefully become a new site segment. The question is: 

Hello I was wondering if you could recommend the best theme parks in the USA excluding Southern California, Orlando, and Six Flags Over Texas. Just trying to make a bucket list. Thanks. 

We're assuming Matthew has been to SFOT which is why it's included, but that doesn't mean we don't DEFINITELY have a list of Bucket List parks that every enthusiast should probably have on their list of "must visits". 

First on our list is Pennsylvania. Yes, the entire state of Pennsylvania. Because the parks in PA are just THAT good and it was pretty impossible for Andrew to pick just one. From Hersheypark to Knoebels, Kennywood and Waldameer, and everything else in between. If these parks were in a year-round state like CA or FL they would be among the best parks in those states. But lets face it, if they were year-round parks it would take away some of what makes these parks so special. 

Next up we're going to head south a bit and to RD and Randy's favorite vacation spot, Dollywood. I don't think we've ever hidden our love for this park, and why would we. From world class coasters, amazing food and the friendliest staff ever you really can't go wrong. Oh, and of course, Dolly. Be sure to visit on opening weekend when she opens the park herself. 

From Dollywood we're going to head just a bit west and visit Holiday World in Indiana. Stephen being Stephen listed off a whole bunch of parks (not even in the US) but this one totally stood out as needing to be included in our list. If there is any park that can rival Dolly's park for most awesome staff and southern hospitality it's Holiday World. Home to three of the best wooden coasters on the planet they took the country by storm a few years ago with the first launched B&M Wing-Rider which isn't to be missed. 

We'd be remiss if we failed to include the two amazing Busch Gardens parks located in Williamsburg and Tampa Bay. Sure, Tampa Bay is "Orlando adjacent" but even our Orlando resident Renée thinks it's far enough away and is amazing enough where we have no issues including it on any list of bucket-list parks. 

The Williamsburg park on the other hand is charming and beautiful but that doesn't mean they don't have some of the best coasters on the planet in Apollo's Chariot, Verbolten, Loch Ness Monster, Alpengeist and of course the all new InvadR. I think this is the one park everybody on the team has visited and there was an overall consensus that this needed to be here. 

Just down the road from Busch Gardens Williamsburg is the park which has arguably the #1 coaster in the US, Kings Dominion. But don't let Intimidator 305 fool you into thinking this is all about extreme thrills, they have one of the only Bobsled coasters in the US and if rumors are to believed, a kick-ass RMC coming for 2018. 

We also have to include one of the other crown jewels in the Cedar Fair chain just a bit to the south in the Carolina's. Carowinds has made a name for itself over the past decade with some amazing thrilling coasters but they haven't forgotten about making an awesome well-rounded park with this years County Fair area. 

Speaking of chain parks, we of course have to include a few of our favorite Six Flags parks in Georgia (RD and Randy's home park), San Antonio, St Louis, Chicago (JoAnna's home park) and Vallejo (Stephen and Andrews home park). These are some of the most well-rounded parks in the entire Six Flags chain with amazing thrills, great shows and family rides. Each of these parks has managed to keep their identity while definitely having the thrills worthy of the Six Flags name. 

What would any "Bucket List" be without adding in some parks that you probably wouldn't think of, and two of those parks are Adventureland in Iowa and Glenwood Caverns in Colorado. You may have never even heard of these parks, but they are so worth going out of your way a few hours or in the case of Gregg's road-trip in 2014, many hours. 

Adventureland is a great traditional park with a great line-up of coasters, flat rides and some rides you might not even expect. Glenwood Caverns on the other hand uses it's natural terrain better than any other park we've been to and is not to be missed. 

No list of this kind would be complete without an amazing traditional boardwalk park and Matt blew it out of the water with the inclusion of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Classic Woodie. Check. Haunted Dark Ride. Check. Amazing Flat Rides. Check. The beach. Check, check, and check. 

Lastly, we're going to end this list with one of the parks that all coaster enthusiasts should visit at least once, and that's Lagoon in Farmington, UT. It's definitely an enthusiasts paradise as we saw with Andrew's trip report there last year with some amazing classic coasters and modern thrills all mixed into one amazing park. 

So that's our Bucket List parks in the US. Sure, there are a LOT of parks out there, and some we left out, but for us, these are the parks that we love to visit or hope to visit someday. Visiting a park for us isn't always about the latest and greatest thrill, but more than anything, enjoying our hobby with family and friends. The least amount of stress the better, and I think one common thread you'll see for most of the parks on our list are an amazing staff, good food and spots where you can just chill out and relax. 

Be sure to check out all of our related trip reports to many of these parks below. 

So what parks are on your bucket list? Be sure to share them below. 

And if you have an "Ask Team Park Journey" question feel free to send us a message on Facebook or Twitter, use our "Contact Us" form or send us an email to admin@parkjourney.com. We'd love to hear from you for future articles. 

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Justice League, all closed up and definitely being worked on inside. 

Absolutely LOVING the re-do of the food area. The colors are nice and subtle. 

Now = Break area. Soon = Beer garden. 

A look at the area around the ride, still a lot of work to be done. 

For some reason they were testing Riddlers Revenge. Doesn't look like any of the re-painting has been done yet. 

Still not sure what they are doing with Tidal Wave 

Moving over to Apocalypse, the re-furb continues 

After our last update we checked with the park and they indicated they were hoping to open up the ride for Easter Weekend 

Looking at this we'd say that it's not going to open for this weekend, but we can cross our fingers. 

Nice re-paint of the Screampunk District entry 

That's about it for this update, now that the park is open for daily operations we'll try and get up for another update soon. 

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When a new ride opens, for example, we put on our enthusiast hat and we rate the coaster based on those factors. It's the nature of things. We are knowledgeable about whatever it is we are enthusiastic because we spend our free time online reading about our hobby, spend more time actually doing our hobby and generally spend more money on our hobby than those we consider to be the "General Public". 

Unfortunately with that knowledge and enthusiasm comes a tendency to think we are "better than" others or they just don't "get it". ​

Even with all of the money we all spend at parks, and the fact that through clubs and sites we are sometimes able to get "special access" to things, we are in the grand scheme of things a drop in the bucket to the theme parks bottom line. Parks are about making money, this means catering to the most common denominator, and we aren't it. 

So when we ride a new ride, see a new ride announcement, visit a theme park ... it's important for us to try and see things from the parks point of view, better yet, from the "General Public" point of view. The people who will make their one visit to the park each year (or every few years), they are the ones who will buy gate tickets instead of AP's, spend money on the merchandise, food, etc. 

For me personally, I've never really used the word "Enthusiast" to describe myself. I like a LOT of different things, visiting theme parks and riding coasters is just one of my hobby's, sure I'm enthusiastic about it, but I've always seen it more of an "ambassador" role than anything. 

Sometimes it's hard while waiting in line for something, hearing somebody from the "GP" making a comment and not wanting to correct them. We've all heard the "This ride goes like 90 mph" when it actually goes about 55 mph. And we've all also seen "that guy" who tries to prove he's better than everybody else because he knows the top speed, number of inversions, capacity of the ride and ride manufacturer. 

Nowhere is this more prevalent than at Disney parks, Disneyland in particular. As a long-time Annual Passholder (from 1997-2013) we saw this a LOT. For us, going to Disneyland on average of twice a month was always about just going to enjoy a day at the park. It was never about "let's see what needs to be painted this week'. Even now, as we've developed this website, with VERY RARE occasions do we get hyper critical of anything. Sometimes it's inevitable but we've made a conscious decision to not go that route. 

This also extends into another arena, and we've all heard the terms "Passholes" or "Assholders" to describe Disneyland AP's. 

When you are visiting a park, try to put yourself in the shoes of somebody who is visiting for the first time. Whether it's a coaster or an E-ticket "Dark Ride". You may have ridden it hundreds or thousands of times, but for somebody who is riding it for the first time, don't ruin their "magic". 

You may want to know how everything works, you may have studied it online, but keep that to yourselves. Don't spoil the ride. I always treat dark rides like I'd treat going to the theater. To be respectful of those around you and be an "ambassador" of the park. 

Sure, go ahead and sing along with the pirates or the ghosts, but put that phone away, enjoy where you are and what you've spend your money on. 

Moving back to Coasters themselves, because that is the point of this article. 

When a new ride opens, let's use Fury 325 as an example, there are generally a barrage of reviews from "enthusiast" sites, talking about "another Boring B&M" and it being "forceless". 

RIDES ARE NOT BUILT FOR US!!!! 

While my personal top-20 includes a lot of "enthusiast favorite" coasters like Intimidator 305, SkyRush, El Toro and Phoenix, it also includes rides like Verbolten, Gold Striker, Flight Deck, Mr Freeze and Big Thunder Mtn Railroad. 

Why? Because for me, I like to have fun on a coaster. It's not always about the biggest and fastest, it's about fun. Some of the most fun rides I've ever had on a coaster have been late night rides on something like Goliath at SFOG or the last rides we got on Colossus before it closed. Not because it's the biggest or fastest, but because it's just a fun ride with a lot of fun people. 

So next time you're at a park, and you see somebody who's out enjoying the park with their family, don't look down on them, be that ambassador for the theme park community. 

See a kid who's scared of the ride? Talk to him a bit about the ride itself and about how safe and fun it is. 

Give up that front seat ride to somebody who doesn't visit the park as often as you do. Enjoy the park as if it's your only visit there,

I guarantee you'll have a blast and maybe just see the park you visit all the time in an entirely new light. 

Update: April 6, 2017

Well, it's been 2 years since this article and now we are in the midst of another hated ride about to open ... nevermind that nobody in the online community has even ridden this ride yet, people are all so certain we are going to hate it. 

I'm of course talking about Guardians of the Galaxy Mission Breakout at DCA. 

Of course, all of the people complaining about said ride are going to be lining up to ride it on opening day in order to get their articles up first, or better yet, get invited to media events for rides they have been bashing since day one. 

Like with everything else, we'll be taking a wait and see approach with the new tower. Because if you'll remember when the original DCA tower of terror was built it was also hated. For it's design, that it was a lesser version of the one in Florida and because it stuck out like a sore thumb. But lo and behold, now it's apparently a sacred attraction like Pirates or The Haunted Mansion. 

Let's remember those people we spoke about 2 years ago. Those infrequent visitors. Those kids who LOVE Guardians of the Galaxy and have NO idea what The Twilight Zone even was. Let's put a little faith in Disney to bring us a great new re-imagined attraction.