Shaggy

Kind of like NORAD...lol...is this also the e-stop I often hear about....release the button and the ride stops or is that something else. Something else. EStop is a red button that, if pressed, stops the cycle/motors completely. When a ride is e-stopped, it must have it's systems completely re-set by maintenance before it can be re-started. If a coaster is e-stopped, the lift motors stop and brakes engage. If a cycle ride is e-stopped, the motors shut off completely typically locking a gondola in place or allowing it to settle back to a resting point. If a water-rapids attraction is e-stopped, the pumps shut off and the water drains to the lowest part of the course while boats settle to the bottom of the water trough.

With most, the load ops who are required to press a button do so in tandem with the driver. If the buttons are not pushed simultaniously, the ride will not start.

Not sure about headsets, but I dont' think they were added with this particular incident.

I personally do not recall Paramount Parks making the row alteration to TR:TR. I do recall they often would not load a row if there were not enough riders to fill the gondola. However I don't think the complete removal of seats occurred under their ownership. There WERE significant mechanical/operational modifications made to the ride by Paramount Parks. In particular, the ride recieved a technical/safety overhaul to the load operator platforms where ALL loading ops were required to press a start button in order for the ride program to begin. This was changed following a very hush-hush, non publicized and ultra scary incident invovling a loading ride op. Shaggy

You know, I was always told.... when I worked there... but don't have it on good authority, that the resevoir used to fill WWC at KI is fed partially by rain-run-off from the parking lot.

... and poop. I have a rule. I don't swim in water I can't see my feet in. I once walked out into Lake Erie at CP. Blech! It was the slimiest water bottom I've ever felt.

Yes. A young boy died after swimming at River Country in 1980. However it continued to operate until 2001. The addition of the other waterparks negated it's necessity, but also stricter laws in Florida were requiring that Disney install costly filtering systems into Bay Lake in order to kill the possible bacteria. They opted to close RC only to leave it standing in disrepair. (You can still see it as you pass by Fort Wilderness on the water taxis in Bay Lake. I just saw it in April when I was there.) Here's the new article that made national headlines in 1980: Thursday, August 28, 1980. ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - A rare but deadly disease caused by an amoeba found in Florida fresh-water lakes has claimed its fourth victim—a New York youngster who spent his vacation swimming at Walt Disney World’s River Country. The disease, amoebic meningoencephalitis, attacks the nervous system and brain, doctors say. It killed two Florida children earlier this month and appears to have been the cause of death of another youngster, a state health official said. The latest death was that of an 11-year-old boy who visited the Orlando area during the first week of August and swam at the water attraction at Disney World, said Dr. John McGarry, director of the Orange County Health Department. The child died after the amoeba entered his nose, went through the nasal passage and attacked the nervous system, including the brain, said Dr. Robert Gunn, state epidemiologist. The boy, who was not identified by New York or Florida health authorities, died last Friday. The story went on to describe the other three deaths, based on information from David Voss of the Florida Department of Rehabilitative Services. These deaths did not involve River Country. Several other "lake parks" throughout the US have shuttered from the threat of this type of bacteria. In the 1970's, prior to the evolution of the modern water-park, there were lots of small man-made lakes with hillside waterslides, zip lines, trapeze and diving boards that drew lots of tourists. Obviously the modern waterparks caused a lot of them to cease operation, but also growing concern over the cleanliness of the water shuttered many as well. I remember that when I was a kid, there were always a plethura of brochures advertising local "swimming holes" whenever you traveled and stopped at tourist info centers. (Cherokee/Gatlinburg used to be chock full of 'em.) You sure don't see those now! When I grew up in Virginia, there was once a park called "Club Lake Ahoy" that was a man-made lake with such slides, towers, zip lines etc. It closed after years, and even had a death with which the cause was never revealed. Some speculated it was related to bacteria. Club Lake Ahoy has it's own Wikipedia and Facebook page. Here's a pic taken at Club Lake Ahoy.

Between the two... Flight deck is by far a superior suspended coaster. I've ridden all of the existing (and now defunct) Arrow Suspendeds in North America. Ninja, XLR-8, Big Bad Wolf, Vortex, Iron Dragon, Flight Deck. By far the worst was XLR-8 with Iron Dragon ranking a close second. Both were/are snoozers. Shaggy

When I lived close to KI, I used to go there after work by myself sometimes just to hang out. I'd mostly people watch, play a game or two, take pics, shop for souvinirs, eat Skyline, see a show. It was actually relaxing and a great way to decompress after work. I loved it! I seldom rode anything on those visits. I got more enjoyment seeing others reactions as they came off of rides. Try it sometime, sit by a ride exit and listen and watch the people coming off. It's HIGHLY entertaining! Shaggy

Actually, the fault lies with the original posters, not the mods. If the off-KI-topic post had been placed in the proper off-topic forum to begin with, this would be a non issue. Mistakes will happen, of course, but it's becoming far too common for users to post anything on any topic in the KI forum... thus creating work for the mods. And of course, as you pointed out "YoungStud," the mods are busy with their lives too. They shouldn't have to be bothered with posts being put in the wrong forum, or blatant agenda layden spam posts, or dealing with suspending users. Right?

Add me to the list as well for the sheer fact that if I want to return to a post that's not about KI, I know where to find it.

I LOATHE Roger Rabbit and Stiches voices... that's my main source of disdain for the characters. But even so, I don't think those characters will ever have the staying power that so many other Disney characters will. Heck, RRabbit hasn't been an active costume character for over a dozen years.

That def looks like a pixellated satellite photo of the beach side of the point. Shaggy

You too? I thought that part of the ride with disgusting. Whatever that smell was it turned my stomach as well.

Yes. It was definitely a more intense experience. I think it fit the theme of tomorrowland quite well actually. The original concept was another Eisner decision. He def catered more to the thrill seeker audience. Once Disney began tying in more rides to its movies, the ride was renamed and toned down. Toned down? That's an understatement ;-) Snzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz I tell everyone to skip it. It's a complete waste of time, and beneath Disney... but then so is the Stitch Character. He's every bit as annoying as their other bottom tier character - Roger Rabbit.

The difference? Probably the main difference is that Delirium was the first. MaxAir has had it's share of downtime too. Seems to me I recall it being down for a good portion of the start of it's 2nd year of operation.

Delirium is a giant mechanical device that requires engines strong enough to safely swing and spin an enormous pendulum holding 50 riders with no counterweight and requires brakes strong enough to hault the intertia developed by the movement - over, and over, and over day after day, month after month, year after year. In addition, it has an extremely complicated computer control and safety system that runs through a battery of checks and balances to make sure the unit is operating precisely and with no danger to guests. Needless to say, that's a lot to ask of ANY mechanical device - thus problems will happen, and downtime will happen. Shaggy

Honestly? The parades bore me. But the Main Street Electrical Parade is still pretty special to me. Probably because I remember seeing it as a kid with my Mom and Dad. But I will admit something... Fantasmic at Disneyland (NOT the WDW version) makes me weep. It is one of the most amazing things I've ever seen. At DL, the first time I saw the "Pan" segment - I literally cried from amazement. It absolutely took my breath away! That is my favorite show! I think the whole concept is so beyond what I expected. I saw the DL version once while we were there and it is as you say simply amazing!!! We actually camped out for the first showing and stayed for the second showing after the fireworks. It was well worth it. We got ice cream from the Terrace (I think) and sat there watching people until the program....wow the fire, lights and water ,,,,,left me speechless! DWs is a close second, I have to see that one every time I go down. That and Illuminations. The WDW version of Fantasmic cannot begin to hold a candle to the DL version. I think being in a large arena with literally THOUSANDS of people around you lessens the experience. At DL, you are literally RIGHT THERE and if you're lucky enough to be up front, you gasp at the awe of it. It's much more intimate, but much more powerful at DL. The first time I saw it, I was with a good friend at the time (now the VP of ACE) and he had to sort of twist my arm to see it. He insisted on camping out early in front of the Pirates Plaza, and I just kept thinking we were waisting ride time! LOL Well, lets just say he got more than he bargained for because when the... *SPOILER* Pirate ship appears out of nowhere I literally lost it. Sobbing!!! That scene is the most amazing part (sans Malificent dragon) and it's not even in the WDW version! Oh, I haven't considered attending the KICentral bash. I will be at KI in a few weekends, so that may circumvent attending. Oh, and I'd hardly be the most popular. Now if Terpy went, I think he'd have to hold an autograph line. LOL!

Honestly? The parades bore me. But the Main Street Electrical Parade is still pretty special to me. Probably because I remember seeing it as a kid with my Mom and Dad. But I will admit something... Fantasmic at Disneyland (NOT the WDW version) makes me weep. It is one of the most amazing things I've ever seen. At DL, the first time I saw the "Pan" segment, it absolutely took my breath away! I literally cried "crocodile tears" from amazement.

About 90% of the "fur" characters are girls. Mickey, Donald, Minnie, Chip & Dale etc require a petite female frame. Goofy & Pluto are frequently played by males - but require a lanky build. Here's one that always blew my mind. The original Tinkerbells that flew at Disneyland and WDW in the early years were women in their 60s & 70s. Actually, at Disneyland, the first "flying" tink was a 71 year old lady who was traned as an airealist! (sp?) Back then technology was pretty non-existent and she literally repelled down a cable and landed on a matress!

I've got more... I love Disney "Magic!" ;-) Did you know if a "head" character is seen by a guest with their head off, it's grounds for immediate dismissal? Did you know the Princesses are instructed to be the last one to let go when hugging a child? Did you know the Princesses must spend time in "fur" (play a costumed character) before they can portray a Princess? Also, most of the "face" characters are under strict regulations as to what they can/cannot do even outside the park. These face characters are advised to not go to bars, or be seen in compromising places or parties. The fear is they will be recognized by a guest, thus muddying the clean image of the character. All "face" characters are reviewed every few months. If they've changed in looks, or gained/lost significant weight - then their contract is terminated. Most "age out" by the time they are 30. Shaggy

Speaking of parades... many think that the floats are "driven" by eye down Main Street and controlled completely from within each float. However, they are actually controlled via a sophisticated sensor and satallite system. Seriously. There are sensors embedded in the pavement that align the floats, spacing them properly and triggering the sound systems within. They are monitored via a control station elsewhere in the park that relays the speed and direction of the floats. There are still drivers in each float, but they simply mantain the need for a back-up for malfunctions or emergency. Also, certain windows on the upper floors of Main Street open automatically when a parade nears to reveal hidden speakers. As the parade passes, the windows close mechanically. This too is triggered by sensor. Shaggy

The other parks do not have a utilidor. They utilize perimeter access roads & paths.

Disney offers behind the scenes tours... for a fee of course. Part of that tour includes going into the utilidors. BTW, the utilidors are literally just cinderblock wall hallways. Nothing fancy. The swedish trash system actually runs through them. That is more fascinating that the utilidors themselves - all the Disney trash is literally "sucked" through pipes and dumped into trash trucks at the rear - and carted off. Actually, the coolest part of the utilidor area is the costume dept. Its pretty darn amazing. Shaggy

It's so sad to see a loving family unti unravel. Unfortunately, I have a bad feeling the park will continue to suffer in the crossfire. Summer in Louisville was missing something that has been a staple for eons - those unforgettable family based HW commercials. Consumers related strongly to the family representation HW always had. Without it, I would expect the park didn't seem "charming" as it had in years prior. That HAD to have affected their draw. Shaggy