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thegajone

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Everything posted by thegajone

  1. Flight of Fear for me as well. Posted wait was 4 hours, but actual was just under 3. I got in the queue on the Coney Mall midway right next to Zephyr. And at the time I thought it was totally worth it. Days of Thunder had some brutal waits as well. Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk
  2. Can you use a credit card to load the game cards? If so then I'm way more likely to play games now seeing as I almost never have any cash on me Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk
  3. I find Skyflyer to be the far superior upcharge attraction. Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk
  4. I've heard the "personality" argument many times before, but a well-produced auto-spiel can add just as much personality -- and even theming to an extent -- to a given ride. And I wouldn't think it would be all that expensive to implement. The game spielers don't bother me as much as they bother Terp, but I can certainly understand how they can be annoying. I don't mind them in Coney Mall because it reminds me of a carnival barker and somewhat fits the theming, but outside of that midway I could certainly do without the rest. Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk
  5. I'm not nearly enough of an enthusiast to know the difference between types of coaster cars, but I'll echo the previously shared sentiments that those orange restraints are garbage. Not only are they uncomfortable, but their appearance is off-putting to say the least. Otherwise I think the ride is just fine as-is. I'm a pretty big wuss and I don't find it to be the least bit rough. Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk
  6. I loved Kongfrontation also. Still have the picture of Kong "holding" me and my brother in his hand from back in the day. Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk
  7. Looks like a POV video of the ride experience has now popped up on YouTube. So far I've resisted the urge to watch but we'll see how long I hold up for... Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk
  8. This is the best post in this whole thread. Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk Might even be the best post ever on the forum. I legitimately laughed out loud [emoji1] Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk
  9. Definitely make sure you do your research on the Dining Plan. I added up a conservative estimate of what I thought I'd spend on food and it was less than what the Dining Plan would cost, and the actual money spent ended up being even less than that. Plus I liked the flexibility of not having the dining plan. I could get what I wanted when I wanted, and didn't have to worry about consciously trying to get the more expensive food items to get the most "value" out of the plan. But if you do your research and are on top of ADRs (especially with character meals), you can get decent value out of a Dining Plan. However for 2 days, I probably wouldn't even bother. Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk
  10. It all depends what you value the most. Art of Animation IMO is the best resort for young children, and is one of the most affordable options to boot. If convenience is your main factor, you're going to have to fork up some serious cash for one of the resorts near MK. If cost is your main factor, Airbnb is for sure the way to go IMO. You'll pay less to stay at a house and pay to park at the parks than you will to stay at a resort on property. Plus you'll save more money by having access to a full size kitchen. And you won't have to deal with Disney transportation which is convenient at times, but can be a major nuisance other times. It'll be crowded, but the crowds are certainly manageable. With a good touring plan and smart FastPass+ usage, you'll absolutely be fine if you're worried about the crowds. If you're looking for the best days to visit MK, you want to try to avoid days with Extra Magic Hours for sure. If you can go on a weekday with no EMH, that's your best bet. As far as best times to book, the earlier the better. You're more likely to find availability for the room you want the further out you book. Also, buying your tickets as soon as possible isn't a bad idea either. Granted they just raised ticket prices a couple months ago, but I'd expect at least 1 price increase per year. If you wait too long it could end up costing you. Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk
  11. I loved the music in the park from the Paramount days. Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk
  12. I've read a couple comments now about some level of blame being placed on the zoo for having an enclosure that is accessible for a 4 year old. I'm certainly not a zoo exhibit expert, but I've been to many zoos in my lifetime, including Animal Kingdom at WDW less than a month ago ("not a zoo" slogan aside, that park certainly has zoo exhibits for sure). That park's gorilla exhibit is set up very similarly in certain areas, though is much larger and also includes a glass enclosed exhibit similar to Cincinnati Zoo's tiger and lion areas. Not to mention a 4 year old could jump out of a moving safari vehicle there with ease if unwatched for 2 seconds. Maybe you could say that the AZA and other associations need to stiffen their policies on dangerous animal exhibits, but if you compare Cincinnati Zoo to other major zoos, it certainly seems that their exhibits are on par with the others, at least to a novice like me. Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk
  13. Since everyone is sharing their opinions on each park, I thought I'd share my opinions as well. TL:DR warning. First I'll start with rides that have a fairly direct comparison: - I like Racer slightly more than Blue Streak. - I like Adventure Express WAY more than Mine Ride (which is wildly uncomfortable for me at 6' 190 lbs. which really isn't much above average for height and weight for an adult male). - I like Vortex slightly more than Corkscrew, though I really like the fact that Corkscrew goes over the midway. That's a really neat element. - Controversial, but I prefer Iron Dragon slightly over Bat. I just really like the 2nd half of the ride over the pond, and I'm a sucker for coasters with 2 lift hills. But that element of Bat after the first drop is awesome too. - I like DB more than Magnum. Magnum is great but the airtime gets my thighs pretty bad, and DB is my favorite Mega that I've ridden. - Beast crushes Mean Streak IMO. I kind of like MS's layout and I just enjoy the appearance of it, but I still haven't had an experience that hasn't beaten the crap out of me yet, no matter which seat I try. - Surf Dog = Pipe Scream, maXair = Delirium, Monster = Monster, Scrambler = Scrambler, Troika = SRR, Wave Swinger = Zephyr, Eagles = Eagles, and WindSeeker = WindSeeker (if they're different, I can't tell the difference) - I like Banshee more than Raptor. Love both, but the setting and theming of Banshee are far superior. - I like Drop Tower a lot more than Power Tower, although I do still really like PT (both sides are fun). - Viking Fury crushes Ocean Motion. - I like Snake River Falls more than Congo Falls. - I like WWC more than Thunder Canyon. - I think KI's water park crushes CP's. Things I don't care about/have no opinion on: - Kids' rides - Dodgems - Carousel - Train (only because I have never been on CP's; I enjoy KI's) - In-park entertainment (couldn't tell you the last time I saw a show at either park) OK, this is where it gets a little tricky but I'll try: - IMO CP's other coasters obliterate KI's. I haven't been on Valravn yet, but MF, TTD, Maverick, Gatekeeper, Wicked Twister, Rougarou and Gemini all range from great to amazing IMO. GK seems to get a decent amount of hate but I love it. Compare that to Firehawk, Invertigo, Backlot, FAAC, WE and FoF, and there's no comparison. Now KI obviously has the far superior family coaster lineup (which is why my head hurts when people on here post that KI's biggest hole in its coaster lineup is a family coaster, but that's a different discussion that has already hijacked enough threads on here), but for thrill seekers, it's CP by a mile. - CP has some other enjoyable flats as well that KI doesn't have. Cedar Downs is kind of neat, Matterhorn is enjoyable, Witches' Wheel is fun (though not as good as Skylab was!) and I love Skyhawk. Plus there are a couple other spinny things that I don't go on, lol. KI has ET and....that's about it. - As far as "others" go, I give KI the edge. CP has Antique Cars, Giant Wheel and a weak Sky Ride, but KI has RFYLCB and Boo Blasters. While BB certainly has its flaws, I still usually ride it each visit just to see how high of a score I can get. That's certainly better than no dark ride at all. Then finally you have the "intangibles". This will be the hardest to evaluate but I'll do my best: - I like KI's food better because of LaRosa's and Skyline. Being from Cincinnati, I understand that both of these can be unappetizing to outsiders, but I love both. Meanwhile I've never eaten anything at CP that I actually enjoyed. - Overall atmosphere is a tough one. CP being on a peninsula surrounded by a lake is really cool, and I love the theming of the Frontier area, but otherwise theming is sorely lacking there. KI's theming is nowhere near what it used to be but still has better theming overall IMO. One other consideration as far as atmosphere goes is Breakers; staying there and having the "resort" experience is really neat and something KI doesn't offer. - Weather is a factor to consider as well. I'm an "I'd rather be hot than cold" person so I prefer KI's weather to CP. I wasn't too thrilled about wearing a hoodie at CP in July last year, and freezing on the water rides. - KI gets the edge for travel/parking as well. It's right off an interstate highway, and I'm pretty sure the longest I've ever taken to park at KI is shorter than the shortest I've ever taken to park at CP. Oh, and I live way closer to KI There's some things I left out that don't matter to me much, if at all, but that covers a lot of it. Based on all of that, which park do I enjoy more? Well I'm pretty much all about the thrills so I have to go with CP. But it's close. Either way, I love both! Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk
  14. I know this doesn't answer your question but one thing I regret is losing all the pictures I took of KI from a prop plane that my buddy flew me around in 14 years ago. It was a cool experience and one I'll never forget, though I wish I still had those photos to help me reminisce.Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk
  15. Years? If the ivy in my yard is an example, it'll take months at most.Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk
  16. I was pretty depressed for most of the evening after reading about this, and even more depressed after making the terrible mistake of reading the comments section on some of the articles covering it. Holy moly, the amount of vitriol out there is staggering. You had people lashing out at the parents (who no doubt just went through the most traumatizing experience of their lives regardless of their negligence), people furious with the zoo for putting down Harambe instead of tranquilizing him (despite every article I read including explanation of why that would be a very bad idea), and a ton of people livid over the fact that zoos even exist at all because it's "torture" to all the animals in all the zoos that have ever existed apparently. I try to react to this story with compassion for all parties -- the child, the parents, the zoo, the witnesses, and most of all Harambe who lost his life despite being the most innocent one in all of this -- but I struggle to have compassion for those who are quick to judge! This is not aimed at anyone in this thread -- I think the comments here have all been reasonable -- but I just get a little fired up over the people who go way over the top with their anger! The litigation resulting from this incident will be interesting to say the least. For selfish reasons I hope the zoo doesn't go broke over it (I'm sure they'll be fine), but it'll be interesting to follow nonetheless. Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk
  17. This may be a dumb question, but would track pieces already be getting assembled for a coaster build that hasn't even broken ground yet? Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk
  18. So you couldn't name a park with a better lineup of family coasters? That's about what I expected.You're asking for a coaster to fit a very specific age gap that covers about 2 years of age, for a park that already has a couple coasters that fit that exact age range. I just don't understand how people can say that's KI's biggest coaster gap. Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk
  19. I've seen the comment that KI is in need of a family coaster like a hundred times on here now. What park out there has a better lineup of family coasters than KI?Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk
  20. I went a couple months ago. It exceeded my expectations. The only big drawback, and there's nothing they can do about it, is the clientele. There were some pretty rough, pretty rude people there on my only visit. Also they could use someone to man the mini bowling area. When I was there many of the machines were freezing up and on top of that, many groups were waiting for a lane to open up with no one there to facilitate. This wouldn't be a big issue if everyone there was respectful and waited their turn, but see my first point. The variety and level of fun of their different games exceeds D&B and Gameworks, in my opinion. Also I consider myself a mini golf aficionado and theirs is top notch, possibly the best in Greater Cincinnati indoor or outdoor. I'll definitely be back. Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk
  21. That's funny, I have a park hopper from 1999 too. Does anyone know if there's there any way to tell if it has any days left on it other than going to the gate? I'm visiting Orlando again in October to visit that resort up I-4, but would be interested to know if I could bring this park hopper along and catch rides on some of my favorites at the World. Update: Called Disney, I'm out of luck as far as theme park admissions go, but apparently there is still a possibility of having credit available for water park admission? As much as I'd love to return to Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon, I think I'll just be staying at my resort for this trip. (Staying at the brand new Sapphire Falls at Universal, pretty excited!). Got a good week of Disney last summer. I'll return when Star Wars land opens. Please post a trip report about Sapphire Falls when you go! I'm jealous! Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk
  22. Some of the Shanghai rides look absolutely amazing. From what I've read, park admission over there costs the equivalent of about $75 here. I'm sure getting there from here is a wee bit expensive though. Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk
  23. Just bumping this so I'll see it later and remember to post a recap, lol. Still down here and having an amazing time! The weather has been absolutely perfect the last 3 days but it is supposed to heat up today, but even if it's hot, how can you beat spending Mother's Day with your mom at Magic Kingdom?! Even if you're 31 and 51 years old, I can't think of a better Mother's Day plan!
  24. Disney didn't buy just Star Wars, they purchased Lucasfilm. They got an amazing deal and the buying price was too low if you ask me. $4 billion for JUST Star Wars would've been about right, but throw in everything else they got with that price and Disney made out like a bandit. With the Lucasfilm deal, not only did Disney acquire Star Wars, but also Industrial Light and Magic, Skywalker Sound, and the Indiana Jones properties. Disney paid $7.4 billion for Pixar back in 2006, so $4 billion for Lucasfilm and everything that comes with it seems a little low to me. They'll make their $4 billion back and then some on Star Wars alone considering the first movie in the new franchise cashed in at over $1 billion or more, that's not including the merchandising and theme park opportunities.Here's an interesting article that talks about Disney's purchase of Lucasfilm being "The Deal of the Century" and estimates that Disney will generate $500 million in revenue just from Star Wars alone by the end of this year and that Star Wars toys and merchandise generated about $2 billion in retail sales by the end of last year. This article breaks down the value of Star Wars and all it's products and claims that Disney should be able to turn their $4 billion investment into $30 billion. The article also states that, "Along with the buyout, Disney is getting Lucasfilm’s operating businesses in live action film production, consumer products, video games, animation, visual effects, and audio postproduction. Disney is also getting the substantial portfolio of entertainment technologies that can be licensed out, something which we never included in any valuation analysis because it was not tied solely to Star Wars. That is potentially hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars more for Disney when you stretch those sales and license fees out for years and years into the future." I'm not sure if we can compare the price of what Universal paid for Dreamworks to what Disney paid for Lucasfilm. I think one price was about right and the other way, way too low. Ah, so it's more a case of Lucasfilm being a value moreso than Dreamworks being overpriced. Thanks for the info.Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk
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