Archive - Park Journey

Published on

March 30, 2014

Despicable Me has AP Previews and Wizarding World Construction update at Universal Studios Hollywood

2014 Attractions Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem Fast And Furious: Supercharged Harry Potter Hogwarts Simpsons Springfield Studio Tour Universal Studios Hollywood Wizarding World

Universal Studios Hollywood held their first weekend of Annual Passholder previews this past weekend after a pretty successful "Technical Rehearsal" period over the last week or so. The Super Silly Funland area is still not ready however and the official opening date for the new ride has been moved from April 10th to April 12th.
We'll also have some updates on the fast moving Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the return of a classic segment of the Tram tour.

Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem

If you saw our pictures and review from last week (and if you didn't, why not ... you can see that update here) then you saw everything we were able to see during the AP Previews.

Having already seen the attraction I was able to enjoy the entire thing with my family.
I was a bit disappointed that during our ride we completely bypassed the first pre-show room due to a ride breakdown in the time we were in the outside queue.
While I get the need to have everybody go through the attraction and keep waits down, the pre-show is just as big a part of the ride experience as anything else.

Below are a few pictures from our update last week. But you all saw that update already right? =)

Wizarding World of Harry Potter

The biggest update this week is going to be from Wizarding World which continues to move at lightning speed.

First you build a box ... then you put a hole in the box.

What will likely be the future wizards village of Hogsmeade.

As seen from the end of the tram.

Jaws 17: The Return of the Revenge of Bruce

Jaws is back from it's refurb on the tram tour. Nothing really different from what we could tell. Not sure if there is any change in script as our tour guide had to be silent during the segment due to nearby filming.

Fast and Furious: Supercharged

Even though nothing has been announced yet, it looks like the new attraction for the tram tour is going to be called "Fast and Furious: Supercharged". Obviously at this point we have no idea what it is going to be or when it is going to be open. If we had to guess this is likely going to be ready for the 2015 season with Wizarding World coming in 2016.

Springfield

Last, a quick look at Springfield construction. Not really much to report other than some steel coming out of the ground. But it looks like some buildings will likely start taking shape soon.

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Published on

March 28, 2014

Construction Reaches Dizzying Heights on World’s Tallest Drop Ride

2014 Attractions Six Flags Six Flags Great Adventure

Towers on Six Flags Great Adventure’s Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom Nearly Complete, Final Piece Expected Monday

JACKSON, NJ – March 28, 2014 – Only four pieces of track remain on the ground today, the final orange components to Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom, the world’s tallest drop ride, opening at Six Flags Great Adventure this Memorial Day weekend. The center of three towers was completed March 27 at 41 dizzying stories, and the final track piece of the right tower, considered the “topping off,” is expected to be set Monday morning, wind and weather permitting.

“Wind is certainly a factor at 415 feet,” said Mike Fatovic, construction supervisor at Six Flags Great Adventure. “It can seem very calm on the ground, and sometimes it is a very different story at the top of the tower.” Due to today’s high winds, no track pieces will be set; however electrical work continues at the construction site.

Following the topping off, the construction, maintenance and engineering teams will focus on adding three gondolas that will whisk riders to the top of the tower, installing the lift mechanism—a winch and cable system--and ride controls, followed by extensive ride testing, inspections and certification before the first passengers board the ride later this spring.

Connected to the iconic Kingda Ka roller coaster—the 456-foot monster that ranks as the world’s tallest coaster and fastest in North America—Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom will hoist riders 41 stories into the sky and rocket them back to Earth at 90 miles per hour while Kingda Ka trains launch right toward them at speeds of up to 128 miles per hour. Riders will pause for a few terrifying moments 41 stories in the air—even higher than London’s Big Ben and twice as tall as the Statue of Liberty—allowing them to catch a glimpse of the skyscrapers in Philadelphia 52 miles to the south before gravity plunges them back to ground level in less than 10 seconds.

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Published on

March 25, 2014
Lagoon Announces 2014 Opening Day Saturday, March 29th, 2014

2014 Attractions Lagoon
Farmington, UT (March 25, 2014): It’s go time. Lagoon Amusement Park will be open weekends beginning Saturday, March 29, 2014 at 10:00a.m. (weather and other factors permitting). Lagoon has been thrilling Utah families since 1886 and will open its gates for another season of fun on March 29th. Lagoon boasts over 50 rides, Lagoon A Beach waterpark, historic Pioneer Village, along with games, food, fun and gifts.

From roller coasters to entertainment, there’s something for everyone at Lagoon. Lagoon’s season runs from March 29 through October 30 with live entertainment and fun-filled attractions all season long. New for 2014, enjoy the extraordinary talent of Cirque Innosta in Bosque, a stunning visual show sure to delight audiences of all ages. This unique show will combines high-end acrobatic skill, comedy, spectacular visuals and a driving soundtrack. Bosque will run June 30 through August 16.

Lagoon also offers stay and play packages at nearby hotels and at the Lagoon RV Park and Campground with over 175 sites with full service amenities. Visit www.lagoonpark.com for operating times, pricing, and other information.

Lagoon season schedule:

Open Weekends: March 29 – June 1
Open Daily: June 2 – August 24
Cirque Innosta Show: June 30 – August 16
Frightmares: September 19 – October 30

Lagoon is an amusement park in Farmington, located seventeen miles north of Salt Lake City. It is privately owned. It has nine roller coasters, three of which are unique; one of these being Colossus the Fire Dragon, which is the only Schwarzkopf Double Looping coaster still in operation. Another is the park's largest and fastest coaster, Wicked (2007). The third one is BomBora, the newest family coaster.

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Published on

March 23, 2014

Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem opens for Technical Rehearsals at Universal Studios Hollywood

2014 Attractions Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem Harry Potter Hogwarts Studio Tour Universal Studios Hollywood Wizarding World

This past Thursday the new for 2014 attraction, Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem opened for Technical Rehearsals. So of course we had to head over to the park to share with you some pictures and our review.

We'll also have some pictures from the VERY fast moving Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem

Below is our walk-through and review of Minion Mayhem.

The queue line entrance. Word must have spread quickly because when I got to the ride it was only a 10 minute wait and it stretched to 55 about 25-30 minutes later. The rides pre-show is probably about 15 minutes total and the ride another 5 or so minutes.

As soon as you enter the queue you are greeted with a life-size version of Gru's living room.

Lots of great jokes and pictures throughout the queue that will probably take a few rides to touch on all of them.

The extended queue. I don't really mind that it's not heavily themed, but some shade would be nice as they already had to use the queue over the weekend. It can get into the 100's at Universal Studios during the busy summer season.

The engine for Gru's car as seen from the queue.

Symbol O' Gru.

The gist of the ride is that you are in training to become a Minion. I mean, who doesn't want to be a Minion? Some recruiting posters are placed throughout the queue.

I seriously want one of these for my dining room. Can anybody hook that up? =)

Of course, in order to be a Minion you need to have your Minion Goggle's. These appear to be the same goggles that are used on Transformers: The Ride.

As you enter the first pre-show room more decorations that have been featured in the movies are on display.

Minions in Training are situated into 6 rows. There is PLENTY to look at in this room.

The Gru Family Tree

To quote another Universal Attraction character ... "layers"

After everybody is situated, Gru and the Girls begin to walk you through your Minion Training.

I really want this for my porch to scare people away. =)

Minion Family Picture

Every Dad needs to have his favorite chair

Once you leave the first pre-show room you are directed into another pre-show room. We were asked not to take pictures in this second room so I of course did not.

Below is the theater where the actual ride takes place.

Overall I give the attraction a SOLID B. The queue is great (minus the outside part) and the pre-show is hilarious. I do think the pre-show is actually slightly better than the ride (Shrek 4D suffers the same fate) but overall the entire attraction is very well done.
One thing I think the park missed out on was that the West Coast version is not an actual dark ride instead of another simulator attraction. I think a dark ride with the Minions would be AMAZING.

Of course, unlike the Orlando Version, the party doesn't end with just Minion Mayhem. As soon as you exit the ride you are greeted with a Minion Dance Party!!!

This is a fun room that I'm sure the entire family will enjoy.

Once you exit the dance party you are of course magically transported into the Minion Store. It does contain some nice murals of Super Silly FunLand.

An overview of the store

Minions pretty much dominate the store, which isn't a bad thing at all.

Easter Minions. I actually look forward to collecting these for all seasons!!!

Slippers

Shirts ... huh?

CARL!!!

GRRRRRRR

Once you exit the ride you can have a bite at Gru's Lab Cafe

The inside is the standard layout of most of Universal's Quick Service Restaurants

I tried the Vector's Grilled Cheese with Pulled Pork and BBQ Sauce. And I must say, everything on the plate was absolutely delicious. The chips were fresh, the sauce was great and the sandwich itself was everything you'd want from a Grilled Cheese Sandwich. Melty and Juicy. I'm a huge fan of Cole Slaw and and not a fan of gross Cole Slaw. This one was tangy and went well with the food.
I do think the name could use a change though, I told the staff that it should be called a "Gru'd Cheese Sandwich", especially since it has the Gru symbol on it. Maybe I'll try one of those petition things. =)

There is also a dessert/beverage walk-up counter. I didn't try any of these but I'll be sure to when I return with my family this weekend for the Season Pass Preview.

A look at the rest of the building facade that we were unable to see during our previous updates.

The rest of the neighborhood, be sure to ring the doorbells on the houses when you visit!!!

The other part of the Despicable Me addition is Super Silly Fun Land. It wasn't quite ready for prime-time yet but we were able to see more than we have before.

Coming Soon!!! Hopefully by this weekend?

The new spinner ride in the area is called "Silly Swirly".

It really does look like the amusement park from the first Despicable Me movie.

One of the new games is going to be located between the ride exit and the quick service restaurant.

The back of the Super Silly Fun Land gate.

Keep in mind that during "Technical Rehearsals" Minion Mayhem could close at any time. Also keep in mind that during the next 2 weekends the ride will be open for Season Pass Previews so it may not be available to the general public during that time.

The ride officially opens on April 10th.

Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Just a brief update from Wizarding World.

This is what the area looked like on Friday March 21st, by Sunday March 23rd there was already quite a bit more added. They are really moving fast.

The show building for Forbidden Journey is really starting to take shape. Once they put Hogwarts on top of this you'll be able to see it from all around the area.

Super Extreme Close-Up

Around The Park

Not a whole lot going on elsewhere.

Tram Production Schedule for Friday March 21st.

Jaws is still closed. They are doing a LOT of work on the attraction.

Our face character of the week, one of the guards.

There is also still the construction going on near the old site of the Mummy's Curse Tunnel. Nothing has been announced by the park but all rumors point to this being a new Fast and Furious segment for the tram titled "Fast and Furious: Supercharged. We'll make sure to get some current construction pictures of the area when we are at the park this weekend.

That's going to wrap it up for this update. Have you ridden Minion Mayhem yet? Give us your review below!!!

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Published on

March 21, 2014

Batman Backwards Media Day report from Six Flags Magic Mountain

2014 Attractions Six Flags Six Flags Magic Mountain

We were invited out to Six Flags Magic Mountain on Friday March 21st for a small media event promoting Batman Backwards (or namtaB). We were able to get some reverse POV footage of us making fools of ourselves and we've also compiled some screen shots from the POV and B-roll below.

In addition, the new Jelly Belly store is opening so we'll re-share those pictures of the store from our last update.

Before we get to the pictures, here is our video. It includes our Reverse POV and some great B-Roll provided by the park. Please share!!!!

Below are some of the more hilarious screen captures from the video above.

Below is the full press release along with some other cool captures of the B-Roll footage provided by the park.

BATMAN™ The Ride Backwards Opens for a Spring Exclusive at Six Flags Magic Mountain

VALENCIA, Calif. — March 21, 2014 — Go Big. Go Backwards! For a limited time only, Six Flags Magic Mountain’s popular suspended looping coaster, BATMAN™ The Ride, is more intense than ever as riders dare to take on an all new experience – going backwards!

As the roller coaster climbs the 10-story lift hill, riders will take in the full scope of BATMAN™ The Ride's track as they anticipate the adventure that lies ahead. The train will reach speeds of 50 mph and travel through 2,700 feet of track, all while maneuvering hairpin turns, vertical loops, corkscrews and a zero-g roll … all while going backwards! The excitement is magnified since guests cannot see the twists and turns that await them.

“In honor of BATMAN™ The Ride’s 20th anniversary, we’re offering our guests an entirely different ride experience by going backwards. No matter how many times you have been on BATMAN™ The Ride, nothing compares to the thrill of racing down 10 stories facing the other direction," said Bonnie Rabjohn, Six Flags Magic Mountain park president. "You have no idea what is coming next. This is a tremendous new experience and one guests should take advantage of quickly since it will only be available during the spring."

Celebrating its 20th anniversary on March 26, BATMAN™ The Ride has given close to 32 million thrilling rides and reigns as one of the most popular roller coasters in the world. BATMAN™ The Ride backwards opens to the public on Saturday, March 22.

Also going backwards this spring, trains on the iconic “woodie” Colossus, hit the tracks in reverse. Covering 10 acres of land, with tracks measuring nearly a mile long at 4,325 feet, this classic wooden coaster features drops of more than 100 feet and a total of 14 hills including a climactic triple jump towards the end … backwards! Colossus celebrated its 35th anniversary in June, 2013.

Six Flags Magic Mountain 2014 Season Passes provide unlimited visits for the entire 2014 season and can be purchased online for a low monthly payment through the annual membership program. For a limited time, with the purchase of four or more Season Passes, guests will receive a free upgrade to Combo Season Passes which include with every pass, a free Hurricane Harbor Season Pass. Additional Season Pass perks include free tickets for friends and more. Offer expires April 27, 2014. Season Passes can be purchased at the main gate ticket booths or online.

Six Flags Magic Mountain is located at 26101 Magic Mountain Parkway, in Valencia, north of Los Angeles off Interstate 5 at the Magic Mountain Parkway exit. The park opens for daily operation on March 22. For complete operating days and hours, and for more information call (661) 255-4111 or visit us online at www.sixflags.com/magicmountain.

In addition to Batman: The Ride Backwards, Colossus Backwards also opens tomorrow for a limited engagement. (The Pictures Below are from Fright Fest 2013)

Lastly, the Jelly Belly store we reported on last week is also opening tomorrow. Below are the pictures of how the store looked last week. We'll be back up at the park soon to take a tour of the new store.

That's all for this update. Hope you enjoyed this look at Batman: The Ride Backwards. Do yourself a favor and get up to Six Flags Magic Mountain and ride it. It's a unique experience for sure!!!

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Published on

March 20, 2014

THIS SPRING FUN IS BLOOSSIMING KNOTT’S BERRY BLOOM

April 12 - 27, Larger-Than-Life Décor, Entertainment and Boysenberries Galore Will Fill the Park

BUENA PARK, CA (March 2014) – The second annual Knott's Berry Bloom returns this spring season with larger-than-life displays of beautiful spring colors, interactive family-friendly activities, expanded gourmet food and wine tasting opportunities, and more! New for 2014, celebrate the nostalgic history of Knott’s roots (literally!) at the Ghost Town Boysenberry Festival. This immersive festival honors the delectable berry that started it all in inventive and delicious ways.

This spring, the historic theme park will host the inaugural Ghost Town Boysenberry Festival where guests can wine, dine, and buy boysenberry inspired products throughout the windings streets of the Old West. Festival entrances feature rustic banners and oversized boysenberries, just ripe for taking that special photo. Walter & Cordelia Knott’s Original Roadside Boysenberry Stand will be recreated for the special event, from which guests can purchase authentic boysenberry plants. The Knott family sold freshly picked boysenberries from the original stand, and the rest, as they say, is history!

As part of the festival, inside Wilderness Dance Hall guests will find a variety of boysenberry inspired gourmet food and wine offerings from around the world. Just outside of the Dance Hall, towering sculpted topiaries provide shade during warm April days and twinkle brighter than stars at night. Ghost Town will be filled with the mouthwatering aroma of ribs, chicken, alligator and other charbroiled treats smothered with boysenberry glaze and cooked on open-air barbeques throughout the streets of the festival.

On School House Road, guests can try their hand at western themed games with a boysenberry twist! Winners can take home an exclusive Boysenberry Festival prize. And what’s a festival without a pie eating contest? Daily boysenberry pie eating contests will also take place in front of the Bird Cage Theatre. It’s almost too much fun to stomach.

While strolling the streets of Ghost Town, guests can capture the moment and the memories at boysenberry themed stand-in cutouts, each featuring fun historical facts and special moments from Knott’s history. Some will resemble original photo ops from the historic Pitchur Gallery on Main Street. While enjoying the festival, guests may meet Logan Berry, the mayor of Ghost Town, presiding over the Boysenberry Festival. But watch out for bandits hankerin’ to steal a piece of boysenberry pie. From day to night, Ghost Town has never looked so deliciously fun.

When the sun sets, things get krazy when Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies mount their toe tappin’, knee-slappin’, gut-bustin’ country comedy show in front of the Bird Cage Theatre that has Knott’s audiences clamoring for more! It’s the perfectly krazy end to a day at Knott’s Berry Bloom.

Knott’s Berry Bloom also features an extensive line up of live and interactive entertainment. The iconic Charleston Circle fountain transforms into a beautiful floral fountain, adorned with colorful flowers creating an iconic centerpiece for Bloom. Located in the Boardwalk area, the stunning monument will serve as a dramatic backdrop for two spectacular interactive shows. Peanuts Party in the Park returns bigger and more interactive than ever with an all-new rockin’ set list, more Peanuts characters, and tons of fun surprises in Charleston Circle. And this year Knott’s debuts a new nighttime dance party, Bloomination! After sundown, larger-than-life flowers and vines affixed to the Charleston fountain light the night with LED lighting effects; butterfly stilt walkers prance among the crowd, and a DJ spins the hottest dance music for all ages.

Last year’s guest favorite, the Search for the Easter Beagle returns this year as the Easter Beagle's ENORMOUS Egg Hunt. This year, all five of the interactive Easter Beagle locations will also be prize locations for kids 3-11 years old who are on the hunt for spring time fun. The path will lead explorers to a grand finale meet and greet location with the one and only Snoopy, himself in an area of Camp Snoopy created just for this experience!

Near Xcelerator, challenge one another to an oversized game of shuffle board, giant tic tac toe, larger than life bowling, and more at Big Boardwalk Games. This season, Big Boardwalk Games has sprouted new and exciting games, and throughout the day, Sally and Peppermint Patty come out to play along and challenge park guests to some friendly competition. Let the good times roll!

In the Camp Snoopy Theatre, Lucy’s Really BIG Show, will showcase the Peanuts pals singing, dancing, and celebrating springtime to cheerful tunes – and they just might invite little ones on stage to celebrate with them! As part of the 30th celebration of Camp Snoopy and renovation of the entire land dedicated to kids, guests will enjoy the show in the comfort of the new audience shade structure!

Guests don’t have to be experts at the cha-cha-cha to enjoy Salsa Dancing in Fiesta Village, where everyone can to take to the floor with some of their favorite dance music.

Most of the exciting Knott’s Berry Bloom activities are included with admission to Knott’s Berry Farm, which also offers a full day of thrilling coasters and family fun rides, like the all-new Boardwalk attractions and the beautifully restored Timber Mountain Log Ride. Knott’s is open extended hours from 10am to 10pm during Knott’s Berry Bloom, April 12 – 27, 2014 allowing guests extra time to take advantage of all of the limited-time offerings.

Join the conversation by using #KnottsSpring on Twitter and Instagram. For information about the day you plan to visit and available discounts, visit www.knotts.com, call (714) 220-5200, or download the Knott’s Berry Farm mobile app for your smartphone.

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.

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Despicable Me has AP Previews and Wizarding World Construction update at Universal Studios Hollywood

Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem

Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Jaws 17: The Return of the Revenge of Bruce

Fast and Furious: Supercharged

Springfield

Construction Reaches Dizzying Heights on World’s Tallest Drop Ride

Lagoon Announces 2014 Opening Day Saturday, March 29th, 2014

Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem opens for Technical Rehearsals at Universal Studios Hollywood

Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem

Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Around The Park

Batman Backwards Media Day report from Six Flags Magic Mountain

THIS SPRING FUN IS BLOOSSIMING KNOTT’S BERRY BLOOM