• Published on

    Sea World Rescue helping out with Santa Barbara Oil Spill

    Image description
    Those of you not in Southern California may have missed the news, but we are facing a pretty big environmental disaster just north of Santa Barbara in the way of an oil spill. 
    Written by Gregg Condon
    Along with the ecological impact to the ocean and beaches (and inevitable tourist impact) there is of course the impact to marine life. And of course, as always our friends at Sea World are stepping up. 

    What seems to be different this time around are the people who are usually very quick to bash Sea World are now thanking them for stepping up to help these defenseless animals who didn't ask for oil to be drilled in their back yard. 

    Those of us following Sea World for years know that this is nothing new for them, there are literally tens of thousands of animals they've saved over the years. 
    This seems to be a classic case of "out of sight, out of mind" and now that it's in our area people are beginning to notice a bit. 

    Of course, it's sad that it takes a major thing like this oil spill to get people to realize the good that Sea World does. Hopefully this most recent disaster will open up some eyes to what Sea World can really do. 
    Picture

    Photo via Mike Eliason-Santa Barbara County Fire Dept. PIO

    A little closer to home, for me at least, was this beautiful Sea Lion at nearby Channel Islands Harbor (where we've spent many a weekend afternoon). Apparently he had gotten struck with some kind of home made spear by some jerk and the Coast Guard had been trying to capture him for days to help him. 
    Of course, before I had even clicked on the video above I knew we'd see some Sea World Rescue jackets and even on our local newspapers Facebook page there were again lots of thank you's to Sea World. 

    For us, marine life around our beaches and harbor are as much a part of life as going to the beach or any theme park. 99.9999% of people around here respect the sea life and do whatever we can to make sure they have a safe and clean environment. 
    Picture
    Picture
    If you ever find yourself in Ventura County take the time to rent a Kayak on the harbor or just walk around the Channel Islands visitor center. It really is a treat and you can get a sense of the community for both the animals and the non-marine life locals (that's us). 
    But back to Sea World ... we want to personally take a moment to thank them for what they are doing out here. 

    Not sure if this oil spill has gotten much coverage outside of Southern California (and sadly it's not getting as much coverage here as it should as some celebrity is surely up to something that's more important). 

    If you are local and would like to help with the cleanup you can find that info here
    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. Also, be sure to join our new Mailing List to receive our newsletter (will be sent out about every two weeks)

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

    5-27-2015 - Universal Studios Hollywood Wizarding World Update

    2016 Attractions Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem Fast And Furious: Supercharged Harry Potter Harry Potter And The Forbidden Journey Hogwarts Simpsons Springfield Studio Tour Universal Citywalk Universal Studios Hollywood Wizarding World
    Pictures and Words by Gregg Condon
    Image description
    This past weekend after a lot of "media" stuff over the last few weeks I took a well deserved break to have just a "family" day at Universal Studios Hollywood. The rest of the family had yet to see Springfield and hadn't seen Harry Potter construction in person since Halloween Horror Nights, so we were LONG overdue. 
    That said, I did take the Point and Shoot and got some pics, but they won't be "fancy" like the rest of our updates. =)
    The biggest addition since our last update is the new Wizarding World store at the front of the park. While this isn't EVERYTHING that will be offered in Wizarding World, it features a LOT more than we thought it would. 
    Picture
    They've done a great job converting this store from Minions to Harry Potter. 
    Picture
    Picture
    Hedwig ... =(
    Picture
    Platform 9 3/4
    Picture
    What, the poster on the shirt doesn't move? =)
    Picture
    Picture
    Hedwig, Fang, Fawkes, Buckbeak, Frog, Rat (Scabbers?)
    Picture
    House Robes, scarves and more. We're waiting to get these when WWHP opens. =)
    Picture
    House Flags
    Picture
    Picture
    Lots of cool notebooks and journals for each house
    Picture
    Overall the store is great. They also have the wands, but again, we're waiting until we can go into the wand store and have our wands choose us. =)

    I was sorted into Gryffindor on Pottermore (yes, I'm that much of a Harry Potter dork) but I loved all of the house hats so I may end up getting them all at some point. 
    Picture
    Picture
    Ok, let's go check out what's going on with Wizarding World construction. 

    That's new
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    At this point most of the stuff going on towards the park side is cosmetic. 
    Picture
    Most of the major construction is going on at Forbidden Journey and the other side of Hogsmeade. 
    Picture
    Picture
    Lots of cranes over here
    Picture
    Picture
    An overview, looking great. 
    Picture
    A look into where Flying Hippogriff is going. 
    Picture
    A look at the amazing detail
    Picture
    Just a few things going on around the rest of the park. 

    It's time for Universal to ban selfie sticks on their rides. While in this particular section it's not a big deal, you start using them going down drops or on Mummy or Transformers, you've got a problem. 

    Hopefully we won't get the metal detectors though. =)
    Picture
    Great thing about having a waterproof camera ... Jurassic Park splash!!! LOL
    Picture
    The Springfield version of The Kitchen Sink. 
    Picture
    Framework going up for the even bigger Potter store (we've heard). 
    Picture
    New signs for Hand Stamp requirements
    Picture
    Out in CityWalk they are of course promoting Jurassic World, which arrives in just a few weeks. 
    Picture
    I'd like one please. =)
    Picture
    Alright, that's enough for this update. 

    Just as an FYI, they are currently doing some night tours on the weekends prior to their official opening around July 4th. Not all elements may be working during this soft open period however. 

    We'll try and get out there on a weekend night soon to get some pics and video. 
    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

    Six Flags Over Georgia opens two new attractions

    2015 Attractions Six Flags Six Flags Over Georgia
    Image description
    The Joker Chaos and Harley Quinn Spinsanity are now open at Six Flags Over Georgia!!!

    Below you will find all of the info for the new thrill rides including ride stats, video footage and lots of pictures. 

    Be sure to head out and check out these new attractions this summer!! 
    THE JOKER and Harley Quinn Bring Havoc, Chaos, Twists and Spins as Two New Rides Open for the 2015 Season

    Six Flags Over Georgia Debuts New Looping Coaster and Classic Family Ride
    AUSTELL, Ga. — May 22, 2015 —Chaos, mischief and mayhem is underway, as Six Flags Over Georgia – The Thrill Capital of the South – debuts THE JOKER Chaos Coaster and Harley Quinn Spinsanity, Gotham City’s newest challenges. 

    “These two new devious rides in one of the most popular sections of the park continue our commitment to providing thrills for the entire family,” said Six Flags Atlanta Properties park president Dale Kaetzel. “This expansion to the Gotham City area, combined with the second season of our world class Hurricane Harbor water park, sets the stage for a summer filled with exciting memories for guests of all ages.”

    THE JOKER Chaos Coaster joins BATMAN™: The Ride and Mind Bender roller coasters in Gotham City and features:

    ·         A “face-off” unique seating pattern, as the train’s twenty-four riders begin their journey;

    ·         The train rocketing up seven stories high;

    ·         A glide, both forward and backward, through a bedlam of loops;

    ·         A suspended upside down roll, 72 feet in the air, for a ravaging thrill.

    Also debuting is Harley Quinn Spinsanity, which sends riders spinning, twisting and rolling through a cycle of classic family-fun. BATMANTM: The Ride, inspired by DC Comics’ iconic Super Hero, will continue sending its riders backward through 2,700 feet of track at speeds of 50 miles per hour until later this spring.
    Picture
    Six Flags Over Georgia is now open daily through August 9. The park’s largest Fright Fest® event in park history debuts in September and the expanded Holiday in the Park® wintertime celebration begins in November.

    About Six Flags Entertainment Corporation

    Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is the world’s largest regional theme park company with $1.2 billion in revenue and 18 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada. For 54 years, Six Flags has entertained millions of families with world-class coasters, themed rides, thrilling water parks and unique attractions including up-close animal encounters, Fright Fest® and Holiday in the Park®. For more information, visit www.sixflags.com.

    About Warner Bros. Consumer Products
    Warner Bros. Consumer Products, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.

    About DC Entertainment
    DC Entertainment, home to iconic brands DC Comics (Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, The Flash), Vertigo (Sandman, Fables) and MAD, is the creative division charged with strategically integrating its content across Warner Bros. Entertainment and Time Warner.  DC Entertainment works in concert with many key Warner Bros. divisions to unleash its stories and characters across all media, including but not limited to film, television, consumer products, home entertainment and interactive games. Publishing thousands of comic books, graphic novels and magazines each year, DC Entertainment is the largest English-language publisher of comics in the world.]

    BATMAN and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © DC Comics.
    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

    Dare Devil now open at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

    2015 Attractions Six Flags Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
    Image description
    Dare Devil is now open at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom!!!

    Below you will find all of the info for the new thrill ride including ride stats, video footage and lots of pictures. 

    Be sure to head out and check out this new attraction this summer!! 
    VALLEJO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The all-new Dare Devil Chaos Coaster at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom promises to be a smash hit for daredevils everywhere. The new attraction opens to the public on May 23, and is being described as “hair-raising,” “invigorating” and “thrilling” by riders who were treated to a sneak preview at Northern California’s most thrilling theme park.

    As the park’s 9th thrill attraction, Dare Devil Chaos Coaster features a 70-foot tall looped track that takes 24 riders ‒ most sitting face-to-face ‒ propelling pendulum-style backwards and forwards until momentum takes them into one of the longest suspended hang-times around, as they then rocket through six to seven cycles of full inversions.

    “The suspense of anticipating the upside down hang time takes the thrill factor up several notches,” said Don McCoy, park president. “The single loop is very deceptive; this is probably the most intense ride we’ve built and we’re excited to introduce this new coaster to all of our daredevil guests.”
    Picture
    To launch the new ride, the park has partnered with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a leading funder of children’s cancer research grants, known for their head-shaving fundraising events. The first riders are comprised of real-life daredevils — young cancer patients and their families. In conjunction with the ride launch event, the park is announcing a Six Flags Discovery Kingdom head-shaving fundraiser to take place on June 27.

    “We encourage the public to show their daredevil spirit and raise important funds by having their heads shaved to benefit St. Baldrick’s, one of the country’s leading funders of cancer research for kids,” said McCoy. “By taking on this challenge, they can truly show solidarity for kids with cancer.”
    Picture
    Dare Devil Chaos Coaster is located in the park’s Oasis Plaza featuring a fiery red and orange track with bright yellow cars. Towering flames highlight the top. The newly named Dare Devil Grill, located adjacent to the new ride, will open soon featuring burgers and snacks.

    For more information, visit www.sixflags.com/discoverykingdom; to register as a participant for the St. Baldrick’s Dare Devil Event, visit, www.stbaldricks.org/events/sixflagsDK.

    About Six Flags Entertainment Corporation

    Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is the world’s largest regional theme park company with $1.2 billion in revenue and 18 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada. For 53 years, Six Flags has entertained millions of families with world-class coasters, themed rides, thrilling water parks and unique attractions including up-close animal encounters, Fright Fest® and Holiday in the Park®. For more information, visit www.sixflags.com.
    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. Also, be sure to join our new Mailing List to receive our newsletter (will be sent out about every two weeks)

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

    Legoland California opens Lego Friends Heartlake City

    Celebrities Walk the Purple Carpet for LEGOLAND® California Resort’s
    Newest Addition LEGO    ® Friends Heartlake City
    LEGO Horse Stables, Carousel, Dance Party and More!
    Picture
    CARLSBAD, Calif. (May 20, 2015) – Streamers burst through the air, music blasted and celebrities applauded as LEGOLAND® California Resort officially opened its latest addition,  LEGO® Friends Heartlake City. The family theme park’s new land opened in style as celebrities, Make-a-Wish families and a San Diego Padre walked the “purple” carpet before enjoying the festivities with their families.

    Based on the popular LEGO® Group’s toy line and TV show “LEGO Friends,” Heartlake City was brought to life when a little girl helped the city’s mayor turn the key to power up the Friends Forever Stage, spin the carousel at Mia’s Riding Camp and turn on the Heartlake Fountain.  As Heartlake City came to life, the LEGO Friends live girls appeared on stage to perform a song for the guests and get the party started. Guests joined in the fun by singing and dancing, exploring and constructing LEGO horses in the stables and riding the carousel.  
    Picture
    Picture
    Celebrity guests including professional skateboarder Tony Hawk, actress Gena Lee Nolin, actor Barry Sloane from “Revenge”, Briana Rene’e Manson from “Little Women: LA” and San Diego Padres pitcher Ian Kennedy walked down the purple carpet and joined in some family fun by stopping by the LEGOLAND photo booth before starting their adventure in Heartlake City. 

    LEGO Friends Heartlake City is packed with fun and excitement around every corner. Guests can enjoy living like a LEGO Friend for a day while exploring Mia’s Riding Camp, a 62 horse and jeep carousel ready to take guests on an adventure, the Heartlake Fountain where children and their friends can splash about, and the Heartlake Stables ready for LEGO building activities. Guests can even sing along with the LEGO Friends on the Friends Forever Stage all before enjoying sweet crêpes at the City Park Crêperie. LEGO Friends Heartlake City is included in the cost of admission to LEGOLAND California Resort. For ticket prices, operating schedule and additional information, visit www.LEGOLAND.com or call 760-918-LEGO (5346). 
    Picture
    LEGOLAND® California Resort includes LEGOLAND® California, SEA LIFE® Aquarium, LEGOLAND® Water Park and LEGOLAND® Hotel. All are geared for families with children between the ages of 2 and 12. At LEGOLAND California, you’ll find more than 60 rides, shows and attractions including LEGO Star Wars™ Miniland Model Display, Pirate Reef and Dino Island.  SEA LIFE Aquarium is home to more than 5,000 living creatures and incorporates LEGO® models into a child’s voyage to the depths of the ocean featuring play zones, fun facts and quiz trails. LEGOLAND Water Park features more than seven slides, sandy beaches and the unique Build-A-Raft River. New this year, LEGO Legends of Chima Water Park presented by Cartoon Network where guests splash about in a Lion Temple Wave Pool, slide out of a crocodile’s mouth and race LEGO boats. The nation’s first LEGOLAND Hotel features 250 rooms, all themed either as pirate, adventure, or kingdom plus more than 3,500 LEGO models throughout the three-story hotel. For more information, visit  www.LEGOLAND.com or call (760) 918-LEGO (5346).

    About Merlin Entertainments:
    MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS plc is the leading name in location-based, family entertainment. Europe’s number one and the world’s second-largest visitor attraction operator, Merlin now operates 109 attractions, 11 hotels/3 holiday villages in 23 countries and across 4 continents. The company aims to deliver memorable and rewarding experiences to its almost 63 million visitors worldwide, through its iconic global and local brands, and the commitment and passion of its managers and approximately 26,000 employees (peak season).
    Merlin has twenty four attractions and one hotel in North America  - including two stunning LEGOLAND Resorts – LEGOLAND Florida with its theme park, Water Park, (new Hotel opening May 15, 2015); and LEGOLAND California with its theme park, Water Park, SEA LIFE Aquarium and themed Hotel; Madame Tussauds celebrity wax attractions in New York City, Washington D.C., Las Vegas; Hollywood; and San Francisco with Orlando opening in May 2014; LEGOLAND Discovery Centers in Chicago; Dallas/Fort Worth; Kansas City, Missouri; Atlanta, Georgia; Boston; Westchester, New York; Toronto, Canada; a Dungeon in San Francisco; and SEA LIFE Aquariums in Phoenix, Arizona; Kansas City, Missouri; Michigan; Dallas/Fort Worth; the Mall of America in Minneapolis and Charlotte – Concord with Orlando opening in May 2015 - underlining the company’s position as the world’s biggest global aquarium operator.  The Orlando Eye, the tallest observational wheel on the east coast, opens in May. Visitwww.merlinentertainments.biz for more information.
    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. Also, be sure to join our new Mailing List to receive our newsletter (will be sent out about every two weeks)

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

    Twisted Colossus Opening Day Coverage

    2015 Attractions Six Flags Six Flags Magic Mountain Twisted Colossus
    We'll start off with a fun video of the Gold Passholder walk-back to the ride. It was about 5 minutes long, but that was boring. So we sped it up and added some Yakety Sax. Plus we took a look at the estimated 3 hour line. 
    After letting us into the park via the side entrance near Will-Call, they held all of the Gold Passholders near Vault 666. 
    Written, Photographed and Video'd by Gregg Condon
    Picture
    Image description
    Five visits to Six Flags Magic Mountain in one week, there's got to be a good reason to visit a park that much, and fortunately this week there is. =)

    We headed back up to the park today to take in opening day. No ceremony was held, but the park was packed, the ride was amazing and once again the staff of the park showed what they can do when teamwork is the name of the game. 
    Because one can apparently never have enough pictures of Full Throttle ... =)
    Picture
    And they're off!!! 
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Still a few things to be done. 
    Picture
    So the line stopped just past the Screampunk District sign, but they quickly filled up the queue building and the line that goes down towards Scream. They were also giving out boarding passes today. 
    Picture
    Picture
    Oh yeah, Scream is back open ... "Thanks for rememberin' me"
    Picture
    Picture
    They gave out some awesome "I Rode First" buttons at the exit. 
    Picture
    At the end of the video above (under Superman) it was an estimated 3 hour wait. They conceded that it may have been 2 1/2, but better to tell people 3 hours and have it be shorter. =)
    Picture
    So it's been awhile since we've actually walked out into the park, seriously, even though we've been at the park a LOT over the last month, today was the first day we ventured outside of Screampunk District since April. 

    Soooo ... what's going on? Looks like at least one Jet Stream Boat is getting some TLC, this looked great from up close on the ride. But of course, we aren't going to take pictures from the ride now are we. =)

    Hoping this is just the first of many re-done boats. 
    Picture
    What, a theme park that actually goes all out for Grad Night and does decorations? =)
    Picture
    Picture
    Full Throttle Nights is back ... TONIGHT!!! 
    Picture
    Swashbuckler looks VERY close to being back open, and looks great. 
    Picture
    Goliath, still closed. 
    Picture
    Today was Jubilee, always one of the busiest days of the year. 
    Picture
    Need to try these, hopefully they are still around on our next visit. 
    Picture
    And with that, our Twisted Colossus updates have come to an official end. 

    Hats off to the entire RMC and Six Flags Magic Mountain crew for creating an amazing ride that seems to be loved by all. This truly is the coaster the park has needed for a LONG time. High capacity, high fun and high repeatability. 

    We're most likely going to be taking a bit of a break from the park, it's Hurricane Harbor Season so we'll likely have an update from there in the next week or two, but it may be longer, just depends. Family obligations are going to take priority for awhile. 

    But that doesn't mean we won't be doing anything, you'll just have to wait and see what we've got in store. =)
    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. Also, be sure to join our new Mailing List to receive our newsletter (will be sent out about every two weeks)

    If you have any comments, please share them below.