Welcome to Knott's on the last day of 2016! 

Before we head into the park, let's take a look at the Knott's Marketplace. 

We were asked by CA Great America to send them some pictures of Knott's Marketplace for a recent planning commission meeting. Would be awesome to see a similar Marketplace come to that park. It would be a great hit. 

Amazing sandwiches and then Cinnamon Rolls!! 

Remember when people used to debate online if this was an inversion or not? Good times, good times. 

The Sky Cabin was still closed on NYE. 

Lots of special lighting and entertainment

75 Seconds until 2017!! 

Awesome fireworks show

What better way to kick off the New Year than with a Funnel Cake!! 

Alright, that's gonna wrap it up for this Knott's update. We will be back at the park soon for the Knott's Pink event, be sure you check out all of that info here. 

Also, the Active Fire and Police Personell free entry is back and you can find all of that info here. ​

​Related Updates: 

• Merry Farm 2016 at Knott's Berry Farm 
• Carowinds County Fair Construction Update
• Knott's announces new additions and events for 2017 
• Opening Night of Halloween Haunt at California's Great America 
• ​Kings Island announces Mystic Timbers for 2017

​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. 

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​Written by Renée Girard

Here we go! EPCOT NYE!! 

Magic Kingdom full signs up at the Epcot monorail entrance. ​

Lines to get into Epcot just after 8pm. Crowded, but not too bad.

We're in, let's do this! ​

75 minute standby line for Spaceship Earth at 8:30pm.

Epcot wait times as of 8:35pm.

200 minute line for Test Track as of 8:45pm.

Dj stage with a countdown clock on Spaceship Earth in Future World. ​

People camped out for a prime viewing spot for the fireworks at midnight. ​

Dance party in the U.K.!

The New Year bar and menu in France.

The Morocco bar is the best themed pop up bar so far! Very cool!

Japan bar and menu.

We are about to experience the Silent DJ Groove in Japan!

So fun! Silent DJ Groove is awesome. 2 different DJs to choose from. Everyone is having a blast! ​

Still dancing away to the hits in Japan!

Moved on to America, where there's another dance party happening at the American Gardens Theatre.

Lasers and dancing in Italy!

Yeahhhh, Epcot is a little busy...

Any guesses to how long they've been camped out for the fireworks? ​

New Year's Eve menu in Italy. ​

China is lit!! ​

Don't care about the fireworks? Frozen Ever After is only a 30 minute wait! ​

Loved the fire and fog at the dance party in China!

People camped out on the lawn in Future World for the fireworks.

IllumiNations has begun. New Year's Eve countdown finale fireworks soon! ​

IllumiNations is over, time for New Year's Eve countdown! ​

The Epcot New Year's Eve fireworks were amazing! Definitely one of their best shows.

Yes it was crowded but we made it out and home safely. Happy New Year from the east coast!

Related Updates: 

• Disneyland Resort Update - Avengers Half Marathon, Star Wars Land and Tower of Terror
• The Disney California Adventure that could have been 
• Fun at the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival 2016
• Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom
• Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend Part One and Part Two

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

On our week off decided to head up to the park to ride some rides with The Coaster Guy because, you know, he's not at the park enough as it is. ;) 

It was a beautiful if not slightly busy day. The walkways of the park were oddly not too crowded but the ride lines were pretty long. The rides we rode (Viper, Gold Rusher, Scream, Twisted Colossus) were all moving well though as operations seemed great all around the park. 

Most of the foundation is done here. While there is no building erected yet it appears they are doing things a bit different than the other Justice League rides. 

As you can see the foundation for the ride itself is pretty high off the ground. We aren't sure if this is the same for the other rides, but if it is they did this after the building was built. Looking back on our construction pics at SFGAm and SFOG the building was up pretty quick. 

A look at the back of the site to give a perspective on how big the area is. 

A closer shot, you can see just how high the foundation goes from the ground. Yes, these were taken from a public area. =) 

From the other side, you can see how much concrete they've been using here. 

Since we were at the park for Holiday in the Park, we got a rare nighttime construction photo as well. ;) 

In addition, some trees have started to be removed as they prepare to turn this area into Metropolis. 

We'd anticipate that the area will be closing pretty soon, probably when the park goes back to weekend only operation next week. 

Some more ground clearing work going on near the food area. Possibly for the beer garden. 

The Johnny Rocket's on the backside of the park now has mobile ordering using the Six Flags app. Cool idea, let's see if it takes off. We love using our mobile app at Starbucks. 

One other small note, some Fright Fest props are back near Twisted Colossus still. They will probably make their way further backstage soon. 

Also, quick note, starting tomorrow (January 2nd) The New Revolution will be in "traditional" mode (NO VR) the way God, err, Anton intended.

​It's going to be interesting to see how the ride functions with no VR. No timetable has been set for the return of the VR, but let's hope they move it to a lesser ride (Green Lantern maybe ... lol). 

Alright, that's going to wrap it up for this New Years update. We hope you enjoyed. 

Now that construction is picking up we'll be attempting to have more updates of Justice League than we've been having. Helps that there's no more holiday events to cover too. ;) 

Hopefully there will be another tour of Justice League soon. 

​As 2016 continued its wrath towards humanity, it took out somebody who was influential in my life in ways that only a few could perceive.  

Carrie Fisher was more than just an actress - a person defined by a single role in four films - Leia. She was an outspoked advocate for mental health and depression. She fought her demons, Hollywood, and her past - and still looked dignified & beautiful. 

But what was it that made her special? Other actresses have done great things, but it was Carrie who gave us something greater - a sense that it was OK to be imperfect, it was OK to be ourselves - and more importantly, that it was OK to not live by the standards that people were being dictated to be.  All of this - while living in the shadow of her mother, of Hollywood's double standard, and while battling her own issues. 

In a lot of ways I identify with Carrie so much more than what others would see. Her battles with addiction, depression & mental health - and her ability to be open & descriptive about it helped me overcome issues in the same vein - Her words brought me strength when the battle for me was almost lost - twice. To me, when she talked about her struggles with trying to find a normal touched me - and reminded me that I was not alone. 

And then there's Leia. 

​I often wonder if there is an internet/Facebook/web on the other side. If there is, I hope Carrie gets to read this. As I have a message for her:

Thank you for being you. Thank you for giving me the strength to keep moving forward. Thank you for telling me that it is OK to be me. And thank you for reminding me that no matter what we can all make mistakes and we can grow from them. Carrie - you are nothing short of an icon for my life, and somebody I take great strength from - and I will always carry with you the messages you taught me. The world is a better place because of you. 

R.D. 
12/27/16

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January: 

Skipper Canteen, NYE Fireworks and Osborne Lights - What better place to start a look at 2016 updates than with the last night of 2015. 

Throwback Thursday: Disneyland's Rivers of America - It's hard to believe construction on Star Wars Land has almost been going on for a year. And what a year it's been. Obviously we'll be keeping a close eye on this project over the next few years. 

February: 

Photographic Tour of Wizarding World Hollywood - Even though Wizarding World Hollywood didn't open until April we got Technical Rehearsals starting in February which meant a great time to get some amazing pictures of this amazing land. 

A look at Discovery Cove Sea World Orlando - One of those bucket list theme parks that we all hope to visit one day. 

Happy 15th Anniversary Disney California Adventure - As we celebrated the 15th Anniversary of DCA we decided to take a look back at this ever changing Disney park. 

March: 

Six Flags Over Georgia Goes Virtual Reality (Dare Devil Dive Media Day) - The first VR coaster opened and it was better than we thought. Of course, this didn't take into effect the impact on operations for all of these coasters. 

Knott's Ghostrider update and opening day of the Boysenberry Festival - Always one of our favorite events of the year and 2016 was no exception. 

From The Mind of the Editor ... enjoy all the things - One of our most popular editorials as Gregg shares some family moments and reminds us that we should be enjoying them all. ​

April: 

A look back at Universal Studios Hollywood "Epic Transformation"  - Two California parks have received huge facelifts this decade and one was actually hugely successful without the benefit of a million Annual Passholders. =) 

Last Day for Streets of America at Disney's Hollywood Studios - Speaking of Epic Transformations, one is also happening in Florida right now at Disney's Hollywood Studios

May: 

EPCOT Flower and Garden and Disney Springs Update - Springtime in Florida is magical. Springtime at the Flower and Garden Festival at EPCOT is just the cherry on top. 

The Joker Media Day Coverage at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom - California opens it's second RMC coaster and some idiot tries to be the first to ride both RMC's on the same day. =) ​

June: 

Ghost Town 75 at Knott's Berry Farm a Smash Hit - One of our favorite theme park area's receives a great 75th celebration and it's fantastic. 

Colombian Adventures with Chris: Part One - The kick off of one of our absolute favorite updates of 2016 as Chris takes us to the parks of Colombia and a look at this beautiful country. Be sure to check out Part 2 and Part 3 as well. 

July: 

California Road Trip: Kiddie Coasters and Tigers and James Dean (Oh My)  - What happens when Gregg tries to take his 18 year old son on a road trip through the heart of CA? Well, other than annoying his 18 year old son, lots of wacky crazy fun. 

Kings Island announces Mystic Timbers for 2017 - Our original intention was to do a comprehensive look at 2017 attractions before the end of the year, but time being what it is it's going to have to wait. But this is easily one of our most anticipated new coasters for 2017. 

August: 

Farewell to Vortex at CA Great America and Lumination at Gilroy Gardens - As California's Great America continues to step up their game we say goodbye to Vortex as well as a great look at the beautiful Gilroy Gardens. 

Toothsome Opens, Hulk and Kong - One of the most talked about new theme park restaurants of 2016 didn't disappoint at all. Be sure to bring your sweet tooth and your appetite. 

Coaster Crusade at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Sea World Orlando  - An epic day of coaster riding in Florida, but we'll let Steve's video below detail it more than we could. =) 

September: 

RD and Randy take on Lightning Rod at Dollywood - The one person alive who doesn't like RMC coasters, ok, probably not the one person, but the one we know. How does RD fare on Lightning Rod? 

An amazing look at the Walt Disney Family Museum - We're not all about theme parks, sometimes we venture out and try some different stuff and it's always amazing. 

October: 

Halloween Event Reviews, Updates and Info - We had SOOOO many great updates in October (and September) for Halloween events, so we'll just post them all here. Is it time for Halloween again yet? 

November: 

Live IAAPA 2016 Updates - Day One / Live IAAPA 2016 Update Day Two / IAAPA Wrap-Up and Park Journey "Awards" - November was all about IAAPA and all of the epic reveals from 4 days in Orlando. We've stlil got a huge box of IAAPA Swag we need to start giving away soon. So look for chances to score some after the first of the year. =) 

Disneyland Resort Update: Avengers Half Marathon, Star Wars Land and Tower of Terror - A rare Disneyland update from us as we take a look at another fun race around Disneyland and the two major construction projects now going on at the parks. 

December: 

Holiday Event Reviews, Updates and Info - There are so many Holiday events now, it's almost as much as Halloween, that we had to do another update just to keep track of them. So be sure to check them out and visit them while there's still time. 

Well, there it is. We hope you enjoyed this look back at 2016 and maybe found some updates that you may have missed. We're very proud of all the awesome stuff we were able to bring you in 2016 and have some fun plans in the works for 2017. 

As always, if you missed any of our updates you can check our "Past Updates" page. There's plenty there to get you through the holidays with your family. ;) 

We wish you all the best this holiday season and for 2017. We'll be back in January!!! 

​- Team Park Journey 

​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. ​​​​

​Written by Renée Girard

It's a crisp December afternoon of 85 degrees at Epcot today.

Joyful! a holiday gospel performance takes place several times a day in Future World at Epcot.

The Epcot Holidays Around the World food and drink booths tend to have way shorter lines compared to the Food and Wine Festival.

We'll be at the 5pm Candlelight Processional with guest narrator Meredith Vieira tonight.

Fun fact: on some of the collars of members on the cast choir of the Candlelight Processional, there's a hidden Mickey!

Meredith Vieira was an excellent narrator, despite technical problems that halted the show for 10-15 min. Gotta love live theatre!

Starting the food/drink portion of the night with an Arctic Kiss Hot Chocolate. No photo of the actual drink, it was too delicious to save!

New room in Japan's Mitsukoshi store in Epcot has some awesome looking toys and collectible figures.

I might have bought this. Because who doesn't want R2-H16 under their Christmas tree!

Got the yummy cheese fondue from Frocco, as the CM called it (between France & Morocco). Hope this isn't too sensitive for Twitter again!

Stopped by the bakery in France for their holiday treat, Buche de Noel au Chocolat. ​

This photo doesn't do it justice, but the moon looks amazing tonight over Epcot's World Showcase Lagoon.

I'm not usually an eggnog fan, but the Shipyard eggnog beer from the American pavilion is very good!

Prost! Trying the German Artisan Cheese Plate in Germany. I could eat cheese all day and definitely enjoyed this one

I seem to keep missing the holiday storytellers around the world but caught part of the one in Germany about the nutcracker.

On to the Feast of the Three Kings for what the booth is named for, Three Kings Bread. Good stuff!

Holiday Eats & Treats is already selling out of items! We had the Shipyard Cinnamon Bun Nut Brown Ale last week. It was sweet!

So in the Craft Beer building last week, there were 8 beers on tap. I skipped it then but went back tonight and only 4 are left. ​

Of course that didn't stop me from getting all 4 but I regret not getting it last week too!

Goodnight Epcot!

​Related Updates: 

• Disneyland Resort Update - Avengers Half Marathon, Star Wars Land and Tower of Terror
• The Disney California Adventure that could have been 
• Fun at the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival 2016
• Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom
• Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend Part One and Part Two

​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