Archive - Park Journey

Published on

March 16, 2015

Twisted Colossus Update #18

2015 Attractions Colossus Six Flags Six Flags Magic Mountain Twisted Colossus

Happy Monday and welcome to another Twisted Colossus update. Our updates are now old enough to vote, and I think this week they are voting Green side because, as you'll see, it's looking pretty amazing.
Not to take anyway from Blue side, but it's gotten most of the wow-factor attention up to this point. =)
We'll also take a look at Scream and around the park at a few random things.

Yep, still looks Colossal.

The Double Down on the Green side has been completed since our last update. It basically dives down below the blue track and heads into it's inversion.

That's gonna be fun

The Blue track headed towards some pretty nice airtime

The start of the twist

What looks to be the rest of the twist ready to go up

It was a very hot day, but they were still working. I'm guessing they were welding because they were using water as well. And well, we don't need another repeat incident. =)

One last look at Mr. Twist.

Next backstage tour we need to see if the park will let us go up on the tower of Tornado or even the racing slides, because that will be nice.

Signature Shot ... because we can

Ok, I lied about the last picture being our last look at Mr. Twist

A closer look at the Double Down and blue track diving.

On the backside, even more track is on site.

Moving on to Scream, it appears the repaint is done.

Not sure how well you can see it, but it appears the maintenance bay has been painted with the blue.

It did look like a couple of supports in this area weren't completely done, but that could have just been the reflection of the sun.

It appears the track up to the station is painted, but that seems to be the only station work that's been done so far.

As we reported on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages on Saturday, there is a new "Drink Free All Season" Sports Bottle for only $19.99. This is a GREAT deal, especially considering how much we go to the park.

We've also confirmed with some of our site friends (Texas Thrill Seekers, SFNE Online and Coaster ChitChat) that these were at other parks. So if you will be travelling it's an even better deal.

And yes, they do work for the Coke Freestyle machines in the park. Will be interesting to see how much we save this year.

The Flash Pass office got some new paint and a new name. It looks great.

Looks like there has been some activity at The Swashbuckler, but doesn't look like it's going to open anytime soon.

The new asphalt they added last month has been painted and looks nice.

Even if they'd do something like this to the bottom of Scream it would improve that parking lot immensely. Heck, I'll come out and volunteer to do it. I'm sure we could have a big Park Journey Scream Painting party. =)

Tidal Wave opened back up over the weekend

It was only running 1 boat, but if I had to guess, the park hadn't planned on opening the ride this weekend. But temperatures were in the 90's so I'm guessing they got it opened before they wanted to.

Moving outside, the park continues to update Handicapped facilities, such as wheelchair ramps at the ticket booths.

And new pavement at the bus load/unload stations.

With all the recent changes adding more handicapped spots and obvious work on this front we aren't sure if the park wasn't meeting some ADA requirements or they just felt they needed to update that aspect of the park. Either way, it's nice to see.

Alright everybody, that's going to wrap it up for this update. We hope you enjoyed a look at the park and hope you are getting excited for Twisted Colossus.

As of now we have NO idea when the ride will be opening, but as soon as we know, you will too.

Thanks for reading, have a great week everybody!!

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Published on

March 12, 2015

Disneyland Resort Update - March 12, 2015

Disney California Adventure Disney Parks Disneyland Disneyland 60th Frozen

Thanks to good friend of the site Chris (who I've known for probably 20 years now) we have a surprise Disneyland update for you this week.

We'll take a look at some of the work being done to get ready for the 60th, the off-season refurbishments and Frozen Fun!!!

Pictures by Chris Moghtaderi - Words by Gregg Condon

Spring has definitely sprung at Disneyland. And as of this article it's technically still "winter" in Southern California.

Hi Disneyland!!

An empty Main Street USA. Don't see this very often these days.

How you doing Walt.

So the Disneyland Castle recently got some work done for the 60th and has emerged from under it's tarps.

Peter Pan's Flight is closed for refurbishment and plussing of the show, similar to what Alice in Wonderland received. So it's gonna be pretty awesome.

King Arthur Carrousel

Mad Tea Party

Mikey Moose!!!!

Critter Country is also closed for refurbishment. All of it.

THOR!!!!

So here's that Frozen Fun thing you've heard all about. I don't get it, but get used to it as Frozen 2 was just announced today at the Disney Stockholder Meeting.

But seriously, if you had the ability to pretty much print your own money, you'd do it too. And the kids love it, my kids would if they were younger and as a stockholder I can't hate it that much.

Lastly, I wasn't going to show any pictures of Chris' family vacation, and certainly not his awesome kids, but this one I wanted to share ... because this is really what it's all about. The perfect Disney moment. I think a lot of people forget that, even us to a certain extent.

Alright, that's going to wrap it up for this look at Disneyland. Thanks again to Chris for the pictures, they are MUCH appreciated.

And remember, if you'd ever like to share any park pictures with us, feel free to email us at admin@parkjourney.com as we'd love to share them. Full credit is ALWAYS given around here. =)

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Published on

March 11, 2015
Disney announces another 24-hour party and more Frozen

Disney California Adventure Disney Hollywood Studios Disney Parks Disneyland Disneyland 60th Disney's Animal Kingdom EPCOT Frozen Magic Kingdom Star Wars Weekends Walt Disney World
This morning on Good Morning America, Disney announced an all new 24 hour party at both Magic Kingdom and Disneyland as well as Frozen Fun making it's way to Disney's Hollywood Studios in Florida.

Details of the announcement from The Disney Blog are below.

As you may have seen on ABC-TV’s “Good Morning America,” we shared some true Disney magic in winter-weary Boston by creating a warm summer scene, inspired by Olaf’s “In Summer” dream, to officially announce that the “Coolest Summer Ever” is coming to the Walt Disney World Resort. And it all begins with a Disney Parks Blog reader favorite – a 24-hour event at Magic Kingdom Park – during Memorial Day weekend, the traditional kickoff to summer.

Olaf, who is the official host of our “Coolest Summer Ever,” surprised Bostonians near historic Faneuil Hall with a 20-foot wide beach that included a Cinderella Castle made of sand, beach chairs, beach balls and other reminders of summer fun at Walt Disney World Resort. Check out how it all came together in the video below.

We’re kicking off the summer with an all-night party at the Walt Disney World Resort. Magic Kingdom Park will be open to guests for 24 hours of nonstop fun from 6 a.m.-6 a.m. May 22-23. Guests are invited to dress to show their Disney Side while a selection of favorite attractions, entertainment, merchandise, food and beverages will be on tap all night long to celebrate the start of the “Coolest Summer Ever” at Walt Disney World Resort.

For the “Coolest Summer Ever,” we’re already planning experiences you won’t want to miss. Here’s an early look at some of the highlights:

Frozen Fun – “Frozen” Summer Fun LIVE will bring Princess Anna, Queen Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf with citizens of Arendelle appearing daily at Disney’s Hollywood Studios June 17-Sept. 7.
Cool Thrill Rides – Guests will find thrills from mild to wild to out of this world in all four Walt Disney World parks. Choose from Seven Dwarfs Mine Train plus Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain and Splash Mountain at Magic Kingdom Park; Test Track and Soarin’ at Epcot; Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom; Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Star Wars Weekends – Guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios find stars from another galaxy during Star Wars Weekends May 15 – June 14.
New Restaurants and Shopping – Throughout the summer, new waterfront dining and boutique shops flow into the Downtown Disney shopping/dining/entertainment district as its transformation into Disney Springscontinues.
Epcot Entertainment – New entertainment acts will appear throughout Epcot World Showcase, which also brings a fresh summery twist on fan favorite, Voices of Liberty.
A Splash at Water Parks – A cool new deal doubles the fun at Disney’s two iconic water parks – Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach.
There’s more to come, so keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog for future details and information about the “Coolest Summer Ever.”

Also, later this morning, Erin will be sharing a special announcement from Disneyland Resort right here on the blog.

EDITORS NOTE: The announcement later today is rumored to be a 24 hour party at Disneyland on May 22-23. That's completely original and TOTALLY unexpected.

It's time to for Disney to surprise us again. There's nothing remotely original or exciting about these announcements. We will update later when the Disneyland announcement is made.

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Published on

March 9, 2015

Knott's Coaster Run and Iron Reef update

2015 Attractions Berry Bloom Boysenberry Festival Camp Snoopy Cedar Fair Coasting For Kids Knott's Berry Farm

Yesterday we headed back out to Knott's for the 10th Annual Knott's Coaster Run. I had previously done this event 3 years ago and I have to say this years event was great, some things better, some things not so much (which we'll get into below).

We also have some Iron Reef pics from our visit last Wednesday.

Our Sunday morning started about 2 1/2 hours after our Saturday ended. Due to the time change we were up way too early with too little sleep.

The start line at about 6:00am

After getting our bibs, hanging out a bit, seeing some of you who came out, we started to get in our corrals. And this was the one big issue of the day.

The corrals made no sense.

Usually corrals are sorted by your projected finish time. Now, I'll be honest, I can't remember if I put in a time when we registered, but I don't think we did. It seemed that the corrals were sorted by registration date, which makes NO sense.

Hanging out in Wave 6, behind walkers and people with strollers.

Even the people behind me were confused, or they were confused at how tired I looked. LOL.

Now I'll admit, I'm not the fastest runner, usually around 10:30 per mile on my normal runs, but I admit it and will always put myself in an appropriate corral/wave/whatever. My wife walked the 5k and stated in the back, as it should be.

Corral issues aside though, I will admit, that there was enough gap between waves that it really wasn't as big of an issue as it could have been. But catching up to the previous waves walker 3-4 minutes after the race started was kind of weird.

Headed into the park

And here is the BIGGEST improvement over the last time we did the Coaster Run, actually running through the park. The last time we did it we ran around the park, but never in it. So this was awesome.

Beware of Boomerang supports

Log ride looks awesome in the morning

Running through Ghost Town

Lines for character pictures weren't that long at all

Fog Alley

Heading out of the park

Looping around the Marketplace, through the tunnel and into Soak City

Believe it or not, this was actually my first time in Soak City. We'll certainly be checking it out this summer.

The 5k/10k split. If you did the 5k, your course was entirely on Knott's Property (which is awesome). For the 10k the 2nd half of our race was on nearby streets, which was totally fine. Lots of great staff out to cheer you on.

I ended up finishing the 10k in 1:03:46 and a pace of 10:07 per mile. Not my best, not my worst by a long shot. The 2nd half of the race was faster due to not having to dodge strollers and walkers.

And of course, no day at Knott's would be complete without some Boysenberry Pie.

After a tasty breakfast at Mrs. Knott's, a post race selfie, showing off the medal in a theme park. =)

Overall, I'd give this race about a 8 out of 10, it's well organized, the course is great and the minor weirdness regarding the corral placement aside, we had an absolute blast.

I would suggest having people with strollers at the very least start in the back next year. If you are pushing a stroller and can pass me more power to ya. But we'll certainly be back next year.

Moving on to Knott's Iron Reef construction, they are starting to work on the outside of the building now.

And apparently the ride vehicles have shown up at the park as well.

The station is receiving a bulk of the work

Ground work for the building

An overview of the work area, looks like the brick is staying.

Not sure what they are doing on this end yet

A peek inside

Around the rest of the park, is this thing ever open anymore?

Jaguar was closed for a brief refurb, but was back open over the weekend.

Montezooma's Revenge just returned from it's rehab and is running great as always.

Lastly, not sure when these were replaced (probably been awhile) but they look great. I don't normally go into Camp Snoopy, just always find it weird when I'm without kids. =)

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

We'll be back at the park on the 28th for the Boysenberry Festival. Looking forward to trying out lots of great food.

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Published on

March 6, 2015

Universal Studios Hollywood Update - 3/6/2015

2015 Attractions 2016 Attractions Fast And Furious: Supercharged Harry Potter Harry Potter And The Forbidden Journey Hogwarts Simpsons Springfield Studio Tour Universal Studios Hollywood Wizarding World

As you can see above, we've just started dating our Universal Studios Hollywood updates, there are only so many adjectives you can use to describe the incredible volume of work they are doing at the park. But work is continuing to progress at a ridiculous pace. Springfield and Fast and Furious are well on schedule for their Spring openings.
We'll also take a look at the Studio Tour and elsewhere in the park to touch on a couple of things.

* Pictures and Words by Gregg Condon

This update we'll start off with Wizarding World, because we can.

Welcome to Wizarding World. Can't wait to walk through this arch.

A couple of close up shots

The great hall ...

It's big

The part of Hogsmeade that's not as done

The part of Hogsmeade that's really not as done. So while the front side is looking great, there's still a LOT to be done. And that doesn't even include all of the interior work.

This side is basically as done as the front side was a few months ago.

Moving over to Springfield, the walls have moved again as they are working on the area between the Duff Brewery and the rest of Springfield.

You now basically go just outside Stage 56 (the Special Effects Show) to get to the other side of the park.

Kent Brockman reads the news ... "Yeah, I know I'm on ... but I don't care! I don't read the news until I get my danish. Go ahead, try to find a replacement"

Krustylu Studios ... coming soon.

Mmmm ... Donuts

A little better shot of the Springfield sign that we couldn't get in our last update

Facades for the Aztec theater and Cletus' Chicken Shack appear to be done.

A week? Still 5 days longer than it took to write the movie they are making fun of. =)

Anybody know if the smoke stacks are going to have actual smoke? Because we weren't sure, but now we want to see it.

The walls were down around Disco Stu's ... which looks pretty close to being done as well.

Lisa is so Prim and Proper ...

The main reason we went by the park was to check out Dig: The Escape Room. Unfortunately we were unable to visit due to some bad organization.
We arrived shortly after 10:00am and were told the first group of the day had already pre-reserved a time (VIP's we presume). We have no problem with that and were told to come back after 11:00. Once we came back at that time we were told the next available time was 2:45.
Now, it wasn't a busy day in the park, at all. But it seemed like people were able to reserve times between 11:00 and 2:45, yet we were unable to.
But it is what it is. We would have liked to try it out. Perhaps they should come up with a reservation system should they do anything like this again. I don't think we were the only ones who had issues.

Groot and his Minion were kind of confused as well ...

The Palace Cafe is back open and looks great.

Universal Plaza is back to normal after the Lunar New Year celebration

Signs for Jurassic World on the backlot. Is it June 12 yet?

Speaking of the Studio Tour, apparently the awesome Mindy Kaling from The Mindy Project took the tour a few days ago and sent out a Facebook p ost about how her show (which currently films on the backlot) was only mentioned once, yet shows like The Ghost Whisperer were mentioned repeatedly. She's kind of got a point, but we did hear them mention her name a few more times than usual during the tour on this visit. Maybe they need to update the script more often?

While we're talking about things on the tour that have worn out their welcome, can we stop calling Colonial Street "Wisteria Lane"? That show has been off the air for how long now? People don't care anymore. And don't get us started on War of the Worlds. =)

Back to the awesome stuff on the tour, The Psycho House is getting a pretty extensive Restoration, which is awesome.

And lastly, Fast and Furious. Looks like the front of it is going to resemble a warehouse of some kind?

The door was open. Nothing to see here. =)

EDIT: Apparently there IS something to see here. Kolby from the awesome Kolby Konnection caught that the screen that is visible in the last picture for F&F has a cut in it very similar to the door in Gringotts.
Hmmm ... very interesting indeed.

Alright, that's going to wrap it up for this update. We'll likely be back at the park in the next couple of weeks and hopefully we'll start hearing about some opening dates for Supercharged and Springfield soon.

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Published on

March 5, 2015

The Empire Strikes back at Legoland California

2015 Attractions Legoland California Star Wars Star Wars Mini Land

Yesterday we were invited out to Legoland California to check out the all new Star Wars Death Star Mini Land exhibit. As a huge fan of Lego and Star Wars, this is probably my favorite exhibit in all of the Star Wars Mini Land. It's truly a marvel.

Below you'll see some pictures from the event as well as the official press release. The Death Star display opens today!!! So head down and see it.

It was weird arriving at Legoland at 4:30pm.

Behind here is the ultimate battle station

Before the reveal we got to check out the trench battle display which also has a building station where you can build your own Star Wars vehicle

"The Force is Strong with this one"

They had a nice little band playing Star Wars music which really set the mood

I still want a Lego R2

Legoland General Manager Peter Ronchetti addressing the crowd

Oh no, the party is disrupted by some uninvited guests ...

"Don't be too proud of this technological terror you've constructed"

"Don't Underestimate the power of the Dark Side"

Use the force Darth ... =)

"That's no moon, it's a Space Station"

After the reveal we were able to get a closer look, pictures really don't do it justice, you need to see this for yourself.

You can see Luke's X-Wing circling around the trench while being followed by Darth Vader and Tie Fighters

Turns out they are proud of the technological terror they constructed, as they should be.

As it got darker we were able to get some cool shots, I think this is my favorite.

As the sun continued to set, we took the advantage of getting some sunset pictures of miniland.

Thanks to Legoland for having us out, we love the new display. Be sure to go check it out, it opens today!!!

See the full press release below.

The empire returns to lEGOLAND® CALIFORNIA RESORT with the unveiling of the new
LEGO® STAR WARS™ MINILAND DEATH STAR MODEL DISPLAY
Resort adds largest Lego star wars miniland lego model

CARLSBAD, Calif. (March 4, 2015) – Stormtroopers rushed to secure the area as Darth Vader used the Force to unveil the LEGO® Star Wars™ Miniland Death Star Model Display and ignite its superlaser during the opening ceremony at LEGOLAND® California Resort. The LEGO Death Star model is LEGOLAND California Resort’s latest major addition to LEGO® Star Wars™ Miniland and opens to guests on March 5, 2015.

With the help of R2-D2, LEGOLAND California’s General Manager Peter Ronchetti welcomed guests before the massive LEGO space station model and its planet-destroying superlaser was unveiled. At 8-feet wide, 13-feet high, weighing more than 1900 pounds and made out of more than 500,000 LEGO bricks, the LEGO Death Star model is the largest addition to LEGO® Star Wars™ Miniland. The new model display features iconic film scenes made of LEGO® bricks that were filmed inside the Galactic Empire’s space station including the famous trench run scene where Luke Skywalker maneuvered his X-wing fighter through the combat zone to destroy the Death Star. Adjacent to the planet-shaped LEGO model, guests are invited to use their imaginations to construct their own LEGO starships at building stations.

“Since opening in 2011 and making the first major addition in 2012, LEGO Star Wars™ Miniland has become one of the most popular areas for children and their parents,” said Ronchetti “We are thrilled to add a LEGO model that our guests have been asking for, the LEGO Death Star! Truly, this addition is galactic!”

The LEGO Star Wars™ Miniland Death Star is designed from Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope. It includes six animated Turbo Laser Turrets and LEGO starship models built out of more than 20,000 LEGO bricks. The unveiling of the new LEGO Star Wars™ Miniland Death Star Model Display kicks-off the fan favorite, LEGO Star Wars™ Days event on March 7 and 8, where guests can spend the day participating in Star Wars™ related activities.

LEGO® Star Wars™ Miniland Death Star Model Display 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).

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).

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Twisted Colossus Update #18

Disneyland Resort Update - March 12, 2015

Disney announces another 24-hour party and more Frozen

Knott's Coaster Run and Iron Reef update

Universal Studios Hollywood Update - 3/6/2015

The Empire Strikes back at Legoland California