• Published on

    Knott's Berry Farm’s Annual Military Tribute is back

    Cedar Fair Knott's Berry Farm Military Days
    Image description
    KNOTT’S ANNUAL CELEBRATION HONORS VETERANS, RETIRED & ACTIVE MILITARY WITH FREE ADMISSION 

    - November 2, 2014 through January 4, 2015 -

    Picture
    BUENA PARK, Calif. – Knott’s Berry Farm continues its tradition of honoring the brave men and women who have served in the U.S. military, both past and present, with free admission during its 25th annual Military Tribute. Knott’s is the only theme park that has continuously offered free admission to veterans and active military personnel in honor of our nation’s Veteran’s Day holiday. 


    The free-admission offer applies to all U.S. veterans, retired and active military personnel and their spouse (or one guest.)  Up to six additional tickets may be purchased at Knott’s Ticket Booths for only $24 each from November 2 -21 and for $29 each November 22 through January 4, 2015.  Military personnel may also purchase additional tickets at a participating local Military ticket office. 
    Picture
    U.S. veterans, retired and active military personnel must present military ID or proof of U.S. military service at Knott’s ticket booths to receive the complimentary tribute tickets.  Veteran, retired and active military personnel must be present.

    U.S. veterans, retired and active military can also take advantage of a great $84 a night rate at the Knott’s Hotel, plus free parking. Rate is based upon a standard room and subject to availability. For reservations, call (866) 752-2444, or visit knottshotel.com or your local military base.  For information on Park operating hours, please call Knott’s Information at (714) 220-5200 or visit knotts.com.

    About Knott’s Berry Farm and Cedar Fair Entertainment Company: 
    Knott’s Berry Farm is owned and operated by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, a publicly traded partnership that is listed for trading on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “FUN.” In addition to Knott’s Berry Farm, Cedar Fair owns and operates ten other amusement parks, three water parks, one indoor water park, and five hotels. Cedar Fair also operates the Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park in California under a management contract. Visit knotts.com or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
  • Published on

    New ride system coming to a Disney Park near you?

    Image description
    We recently unearthed a very interesting patent application for an innovative new ride system created by the nice folks over at Walt Disney Imagineering. In many ways this system could be a game changer, allowing guests to interact with attractions like never before.
    Full Disclosure: This is a patent application. They are typically written in the broadest spectrum possible as to not let on to competitors what the specific plans for the system are as well to have the legal protection of the patent cover as many iterations or ideas as possible.



    Picture

    Figure 1

    At it's essence, this is a ride vehicle you sit on straddling like a motorcycle or even a dragon (hmm) where by leaning (to the side, forward or backward) you can control the direction, speed, or height of whatever you are riding on in a virtual world.

    The system works by using sensors (gyroscopes) integrated into the seat. The seats sits on a motion actuated base (think Indy or Dinosaur) that responds to your leaning by moving or angling itself to correspond to your movements.  In different iterations of the patent application, the motion base can be attached to a track as well as projected images.

    Picture

    Figure 2

    So let's blue sky some possible uses of this technology with in the works Disney rides.

    Tron Light Cycle at Shanghai Disneyland 

    This idea is doubtful as the ride is currently already under construction, but adding a motion base platform to this launched roller coaster where you sit on a "motorcycle" would add a sense of control, freedom, and pitch and yaw that has never been done on a ride of this type.
    Picture
    Avatar

    Many rumors point to Avatar being similar to Soarin' . In this idea you would be able to feel like your were steering the dragon through this space as opposed to a static experience like on Soarin by replacing the large Soarin' screen with an Occulus Rift type VR headset. The tilting action of the motion base with the head tracking of a VR headset would be an amazing 1-2 punch of immersiveness to really bring you into the world of Pandora.
    Picture
    These are just a couple of ideas. The patent also mentions using the leaning element to free hands for interactive shooting game. You lean to turn in the direction or on the angle you want to to be and have your hands already free to shoot.

    So there you have some new technology that Disney is hard at work developing and a few possible scenarios that would make for completely unique experiences. We have no inside information of how or when this system may see the light of the day, but..... I'm just sayin'- The ability to fly your own dragon wherever you like in a completely convincing and free 3d world. I could see even the biggest opponents of the Avatar expansion flying down to Florida to try that.

    So what do you think? Excited about this possible new technology coming to an attraction at one of the Disney parks? What would you like to see it used for? Imagineer away!!! 

    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

    A closer look at Disney's park spending numbers

    Avatar Disney California Adventure Disney Hollywood Studios Disney Parks Disneyland Disney's Animal Kingdom EPCOT Festival Of The Lion King Magic Kingdom Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Walt Disney World
    Image description
    Yesterday our friends over at Screamscape ran an article from Fool.com about how much Disney was actually spending inside it's parks since 2011. 
    While the numbers are "technically" correct, what they were actually spent on has been lumped together with numbers from the motion picture and consumer products divisions to make certain things (MyMagic+) seem like it was a higher cost than it was. 

    Luckily Chris is a spreadsheet master and put together some numbers to show exactly what was spent and where it was spent. We'll take a look at the Fool.com numbers and show you what was ACTUALLY spent and where. 

    The author of the article took the number for ALL capital expenditures for all parts of Disney including movie production and consumer products.. He used the bottom number on the spreadsheet below instead of using the number next to domestic Parks and Resorts. 

    As you'll see, the TOTAL for all Parks and Resort expenditures since 2011 is $6.7 Billion not the $14 Billion that is mentioned in the article. 
    Picture
    Walt Disney World Numbers: 

    The article states that $3.8 Billion was spent on New Fantasyland in Florida and an additional $2.8 Billion was spent ONLY on MyMagic+. 
    Picture
    The numbers break down more like this: 

    • Art of Animation Hotel = $105 Million
    • Grand Floridian Villas = $95 Million
    • Test Track = $50 Million
    • New Fantasyland = $550 Million
    • Disney Springs (Initial Construction) = $200 Million
    • Princess Hall Meet and Greet = $15 Million
    • Lion King Relocation = $10 Million
    • Star Tours 2.0 = $25 Million (Split with Disneyland for a total cost of $50 Million)

    • My Magic+ = 1.5 Billion


    So yes, a LOT of $$ was spent on MM+. More than DCA 2.0 and CarsLand combined. And it's an obscene amount of money. But it's still about $1.3 Billion off from what the article states. 
    Disneyland Numbers: 

    Moving over to the West Coast and the numbers for DCA 2.0 and CarsLand area actually LESS than MyMagic+. Could you imagine what DCA would look like if the numbers were actually $3.8 Billion? 
    Picture
    • California Adventure 2.0 and CarsLand - $1.3 Billion
    • Star Tours 2.0 = $25 Million (Split with Walt Disney World for a total cost of $50 Million)
    Additional Parks and Resorts Numbers: 

    And lastly, not even mentioned in the article was spending for the Disney Cruise line and Aulani. 
    Picture
    Picture
    • Disney Dream = $900 Million
    • Disney Fantasy = $950 Million
    • Disney's Aulani = $264 Million (Total cost of $800 Million assuming 33% in 2011)


    So at the end of the day, Disney is still spending a LOT of $$ in their parks and resorts. MM+ cost a LOT of money, so there is some truth to all those articles you've been reading over the last few years. 

    But this just is another example of shoddy journalism to try and prove a point. In this case, you don't really need to fudge the numbers, the proof is already there. 

    What are your thoughts? 
    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 sends out survey with new Twisted Colossus artwork

    2015 Attractions Colossus Six Flags Six Flags Magic Mountain Twisted Colossus
    Image description
    Yesterday Six Flags sent out one of their "Advisory Panel Polls" and this one was exceptionally interesting. 

    If there has been one complaint in the "Enthusiast Community" about Twisted Colossus, it was that on August 28 they announced that the theme for that area of the park would be "Back Alley". 


    Nobody really knew what it meant, there was no artwork for the area, and for me (Gregg) who grew up with the park and went through years of "That place is overrun with gangs" talk (even though it's not) Back Alley just seemed like something that would remind people of that. 

    So yesterday when we got the artwork below in the survey it was a pleasant surprise. 
    The first image below is for the entire Colossus and Scream area. There are four names below, all which are better than "Back Alley". Take our poll and let us know which one you think is best. 
    Picture
    These are the Twisted Colossus trains we saw in August. You'll also notice the sign says "Twisted Colossus", "Scream" and "Looking Glass Theater". Works for us. 
    Picture
    They also had some artwork and a new name for the Magic Moments Theater. The names are ok, although "Gearworks Theatre" reminds us of the old Grinder Gearworks in Gotham (now The Flash). 
    Picture
    Lastly, they added some artwork for trains, which we all thought looked great on the Aug 28 announcement, so not quite sure why they'd want to change it. We are guessing it's just for the actual car design, and they wouldn't actually be using a design for an existing coaster? 
    Pretty sure these are the Wicked Cyclone trains and artwork with just "Twisted Colossus" on them? Do Not Like ... 
    Picture
    They also included artwork for all of the existing RMC conversions or new coasters that are in operation at SF parks. Not sure why. 

    Goliath
    Picture
    Medusa Steel Coaster
    Picture
    New TX Giant
    Picture
    Iron Rattler
    Picture
    So what do you think? Are you ok with the apparent "Steampunk" theme they are going with for the new area? It certainly seems to fit the theme and design of the trains we saw. 

    What other things would you like to see in this new area other than what's shown in the artwork? Let us know in the comments below. 
    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

    Twisted Colossus Update 6.5

    2015 Attractions Colossus Six Flags Six Flags Magic Mountain Twisted Colossus
    Image description
    We hadn't planned on doing a Magic Mountain update this week, but I was in the area and figured I'd stop in and take a walk around the park. 

    Unfortunately there really wasn't much change since last Saturday so that's why this is update 6.5. But upon looking at the pictures there were a couple of things that have changed, and we'll share them with you below. 

    Twisted Colossus

    Picture
    Doesn't look like much work has been done at the top of the lift, but there has been a LOT of work going on at the lower parts of the coaster. They do have to reinforce the existing lift and probably replace a great deal of wood in the process. 
    Picture
    Picture
    The crane was lifting pieces over the brake run and near the lift hill. Not sure why they didn't just get rid of this section of track already. 
    Picture
    Track and wood
    Picture
    More support pieces. These are what have been placed on the lower parts of the structure this week. 
    Picture
    Picture
    They are doing some painting as well. 
    Picture
    Picture
    Really kind of surprised that Goliath was open today. 
    Picture
    Inside the park, the bathrooms have a more evident board on them, although I still think there should be a sign directing people to the next closest restroom. Not everybody knows where it is (DC Universe or Fort Le John near Goliath for those of you who aren't sure). =)
    Picture
    More trees are gone
    Picture
    Not sure what these trees did to deserve this treatment, and really, not sure why they'd need to get removed. 
    Picture
    The chain has been fixed. Don't break it again!!! =)
    Picture
    Obligatory track picture. Once some of these leaves fall (yes, we do have fall in southern California) we should be able to see the pre-lift section a bit better. 
    Picture
    Most of the visible work this week has been done inside the station
    Picture
    Picture
    At first glance while in the park today I could tell that you could see "more" in this shot from last week, but it didn't quite hit me why. 
    Picture
    In comparing the above picture to the picture below from last week you can see that not only have all the air gates been removed, but the ride operator booths as well. 
    Picture
    Picture
    All of the track on the right side of the station is gone. Will be interesting to see how the station is redesigned. Shouldn't be quite as cramped as before. . 
    Picture
    Almost looks like some track was removed in this spot, but we can't be sure. 
    Picture

    Apocalypse

    The only other thing from this week is that Apocalypse is back open. It didn't seem to be any better or worse than last time I rode (probably a month ago) but it was only running 1 train. The other was in the transfer track, but I couldn't tell if there was anything wrong with it. 
    Picture
    Picture

    No Trucks in the Zombie Apocalypse 

    One other very quick note, guessing they've had some work trucks heading into Zombie Xing and messing up some Fright Fest decorations? 
    Picture
    Picture
    And that's it for today's update. Unless some major construction happens this week, we'll have at least 2 weeks before our next SFMM update. 
    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

    LA Haunted Hayride a mixed bag of Halloween Treats

    Image description
    Last week we were invited out to the Los Angeles Haunted Hayride, a very cool and unique Halloween event. 

    The Hayride itself is amazing and is something that can't be matched. Unfortunately the two other sideshow attractions don't quite work, but they are worth checking out nonetheless. 
    The entry to the Hayride
    Picture
    Once inside, there are very cool directions signs that lead you to the different attractions in the area. On the outside it doesn't look like a very big area, but there's a lot to do. 
    Picture
    Picture
    The entrance to the Hayride itself. The entire experience is probably about 20 minutes and features 9 or 10 different "scenes" with a lot of very talented actors. 

    We don't think the event is particularly "scary" compared to some other local events, and depending on the child we think this would be perfectly acceptable for kids around 10 years old. 

    But not everything has to be scary, it just has to be fun. And the Hayride is a LOT of fun. 
    Picture
    Picture
    The media headed for our special hayride. We were able to take pictures and flash, so there will be some flash pictures below, which we normally don't do. But the hayride is VERY dark, so hopefully the pictures will give you a good idea of the fun within. 
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    This was a kind of "circus" theme, but very different from everywhere else. 
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Sacrifice scene, this was probably the most disturbing part. 
    Picture
    Flying stuff, really cool and one of the best parts of the Hayride. 
    Picture
    Part of the Hayride features a little game. 
    Picture
    Picture
    Spin the wheel, choose your doom
    Picture
    We have the KTLA reporter to blame for getting us all killed. =)
    Picture
    Picture
    Awesome pumpkin room. 
    Picture
    Attack of the killer pumpkin! 
    Picture
    Killer tree. Again, sorry for the flash, it looks so much better under show lighting. 
    Picture
    The last scene features a kind of heavy metal demon thing which is great fun all the way around. 
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Like any good ride, it ends with a gift shop. 
    Picture
    The Seven Sins Sideshow ... where to begin. 

    First off, we'll say that we totally get where they are going with this. It's basically 7 "shows" that are triggered by the audience and a 2-3 minute "act" by one or two actors. 

    The dedication of the people inside isn't in question here at all, but the execution is a bit off. 
    Picture
    We actually found the sideshow comical, not the least bit disturbing which probably isn't what they are going for. In addition, the effects weren't really up to the point you'd normally see in an event of this size. 

    Again though, we applaud them for wanting to do something other than just another "maze", but this needs some help before next year for sure. 
    Picture
    The other Sideshow attraction is "House of the Horsemen" which is basically supposed to be the Horsemen of the Apocalypse. 

    Like the Sideshow, we get what they are trying to do here, there are individual show rooms and some audience participation moments. But again, the execution is lacking while we do think the effects in the Horsemen is better than the sideshow. 

    Maybe they should combine the two and make one great sideshow attraction?

    The Backwards Scary-Go-Round is great fun. 
    Picture
    In Between is pretty much the only "Maze" at the event, and is a kind of "Blackout" maze that's just unique enough to be great. Other than the Hayride itself, this is the second best thing at the event and shouldn't be missed. 
    Picture
    That's going to wrap it up for our look at the LA Haunted Hayride. Despite a couple of "ok" sideshow attractions, the entire event is great fun and the idea of a hayride basically in the middle of LA is a unique and cool thing. Be sure to check out this recommended event prior to the end of it's run. 

    Details, hours and prices can be found on the LA Haunted Hayride website. 
    If you enjoyed this update please share with your friends and make sure you "like" us on Facebook and "follow" us on Twitter. 

    If you have any comments, please share them below.