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2009 Theme Park Insider Award Results

Figment1986 — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:39:56 GMT

There is a new king of sit down restaurants in Orlando, and Manta won an award as well. The 2009 Theme Park Insider awards were recently awarded and there was an upset in the category of Best Theme Park Restaurant.

For six years this award went to Mythos restaurant at Island of adventure but this year the award went to Epcot�s Les Chefs de France, with Mythos following in second place.

The 2009 Best Theme Park Restaurant, Photo by Robert Ashburn

SeaWorld walked away from the 2009 Theme Park Insider awards with Best New Attraction, Manta. "We've known since the early design stages that Manta would be crowned as one of the world's top thrill rides, there's just nothing else like it," said Nick Gollattscheck, SeaWorld spokesperson.

Best New Attraction, Photo by Robert Ashburn

The park also came in third place for Best Theme Park Restaurant with their Sharks Underwater Grill.

Sharks Underwater Grill was in the top three Best Theme Park Restaurants. Photo Courtesy SeaWorld Orlando

Other categories included Best Theme Park, which went to Disneyland Park in California, and Best Theme Park Hotel, which went to Lowes Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando.

For a full list of the parks, restaurants, and attractions that made the top three list visit: http://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/200907/1277/

Seeing Stars: Rookie Buccaneers Team up to Ride Manta

Figment1986 — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:18:10 GMT

Some of the 2009 Tampa Bay Buccaneer draft picks spent last Saturday at SeaWorld Orlando with kids from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida to ride Manta.

Cornerback E.J. Biggers chats with Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida member Destiny Perry.

Quarterback Josh Freeman enjoys the day with the Boys & Girls of Clubs Central Florida.

Starting from the front left corner of the first row, Quarterback Josh Freeman sits next to Takara Fuller and Emil Lewis along with Defensive Tackle Roy Miller experienced Orlando�s newest, must-see coaster, Manta.

Second row front left corner, Defensive End Kyle Moore, Clark Lafond, Cornerback E.J. Biggers and Darren Larsen. Third row, Wide Receiver Sammie Stroughter, Marlon Jones, Ashton Frazier and Eric Burns experienced Orlando�s newest, must-see coaster, Manta.

Cornerback E.J. Biggers and Defensive End Kyle Moore along with Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida members Destiny Perry and Dayana Vega prepare to ride.

The rookies and kids also fed dolphins, watched Shamu�s show and even met a penguin.

Photos by Jason Collier/SeaWorld Orlando

Statix Comes To Tampa

Figment1986 — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:42:40 GMT

CoasterDynamix has worked with sister park Busch Gardens Williamsburg in the past on Statix replicas of Griffon and Alpengeist, It was these models we saw at IAAPA 2007 that they won best new product for merchandise for.

CoasterDynamix Booth at IAAPA 2007, Photo by Robert Ashburn

Today SheiKra_Rocks informed us CoasterDynamix has a small order for a new static model placed by Busch Gardens Tampa for a Statix of SheiKra and Kumba, It is unknown if they will create a statix for Montu.

SheiKra Statix next to a Griffon Statix, Photo by CoasterDynamix

If this order proves popular Busch Gardens Tampa may make additional orders and get a Statix of Montu created.

Prototype for Kumba Statix, Photo by CoasterDynamix

For more information on this product please visit their thread: http://coasterdynamix.com/forum.aspx...d&TopicID=1777

Discussion Thread: http://floridathrills.net/showthread.php?t=6174

Six Flags Improving Quality

BGTKing — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:20:12 GMT

It often seems that Six Flags parks in general have a reputation of being dirty and not superbly managed parks, especially compared to Busch and Universal parks, to just name a couple. This has likely, in part, led to the financial troubles Six Flags as a company has been experiencing. So what are they doing about it? If my trips to Six Flags Over Georgia are any indication, they are doing a lot to improve their image and park quality.

The first step they have taken in to lower ticket prices. Anyone can get into the park for $30 for a single day. A season pass was once $50 and now has been bumped up to $60. They are trying to make it affordable for anyone to visit. It's nice to see the lower prices, especially compared to the ever increasing prices to visit a theme park in Florida.

So far this year, I have made two trips to Six Flags Over Georgia. In these visits, I have noticed that the park is much cleaner than in years past. There are staff members that patrol the park specifically looking for trash on a frequent basis. A big problem the park has had in the past too is out of control gum throwing/placement. The park has taken steps to remove gum from many places, including covering stops that the damage is too great, such as trees near queue lines. The bathrooms is the park are also visibly cleaner. This is typically not a big deal for men, but it is a huge deal for women.

Even though Six Flags as a company is struggling financially, Six Flags Over Georgia looks the best it has in years. The steps the park has taken to improve the overall cleanness of the park is going to pay off in the long run as it will encourage visitors to visit again, especially with low single day and season pass visits.

So if you haven't visited Six Flags Over Georgia in awhile because of the ways it was managed in the past, go and take a look and you may be surprised at the improvements.

Coolest Chairs on Orlando's Hottest Beach

Figment1986 — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 04:20:59 GMT

(From L to R: Brittany Green, Brooke Green, Jennifer Green, Jack Green, Jaclyn Carpenter, Debbie Carpenter, Jack Carpenter)

The Carpenter family, from Richmond, Va. and Green family from Durham, NC kick off the first day of summer by finding the coolest spot in Orlando, sitting in icy lounge chairs at Aquatica. Crafted from a solid block of ice and weighing more than 2,000 lbs each, the lounge chairs lasted for only a few hours in the Florida sun but for that period of time they were the coolest chairs on the beach.

Are You Ready to Setup a Date for Howl-O-Scream?

Figment1986 — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 22:20:31 GMT

After this years "Pre-Scream� party on July 25 the scare actors and even park guests will only have so many months to prepare as the dates for Howl-O-Scream 2009 have been released, despite the fact Busch Gardens has yet to tease the theme for this 10th anniversary event.

Starting off with the traditional Freaky Preview on Friday September 25 and Saturday September 26 Howl O Scream will span Thursdays through Saturdays in October.

The current dates are:
Sept. 25- Sept 26
Oct. 01 - Oct.03
Oct. 08 - Oct. 10
Oct. 15 - Oct. 17
Oct. 22 - Oct. 24
Oct. 29 - Oct. 31

Haunt Season May Start Sooner Than You Think Tampa...

Figment1986 — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 06:47:04 GMT

Were you a scare actor or know an actor who performed during one of Busch Gardens Tampa�s Howl O Scream event? Then there is a big party coming up on July 25 just for you.

Pre Scream 2009 is an inaugural charity event being put on by Society of Wicked Minions and the Greater Tampa Showmen�s Association. This event features: dancing, comedy, seven bands on four stages, and much more including the band Holes and Hearts.

If you are interested in attending Pre Scream 2009 the cost of this event is $5 online and $10 at the door, with proceeds benefiting Foster Care Children's Christmas Programs, and will be hosted at the West End Pavilion in Tampa, Fla.

We will present more information about Pre Scream 2009 when it gets released, till then check out their website at: http://www.prescream.com/ (Warning: Site may not be suitable for all ages)

This event is sponsored by the Greater Tampa Showmen's Association and is in no way associated with Howl-O-Scream, Busch Gardens Tampa, Worlds of Discovery or Anheuser-Busch InBev

This event has been added to our Calendar: http://www.floridathrills.net/calend...&day=2009-7-25

Busch Gardens 2010 Project Permit

Figment1986 — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 21:45:08 GMT

Last night while surfing the Florida Thrills forums I came across a post in the one of the rumor threads that gave information on a permit recently filed by Busch Gardens for demolition, and construction. Upon reading the permit I remembered that Busch Gardens Tampa�s sister park, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, just opened a new sesame street land. While this new land incorporated pieces of Jungala it also uses elements from Land of the Dragons and also included a �kiddy� roller coaster. Could this new permit be for the rumored redevelopment of Land of the Dragons into a sesame street safari?

A screen shot of the online permit, edited to remove sensitive information

Blue and White Ignite and Take Flight on Manta and the MVD

Figment1986 — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 07:21:13 GMT

Photo By: SeaWorld Orlando�s Adventure Photo

Orlando Magic fans donned game-day gear to ride head-first, face-down on SeaWorld�s newest, must-see roller coaster� Manta.

Photo By: SeaWorld Orlando

Fans painted their faces, arms, legs (and even hair) and sported Magic-inspired shirts and shorts to root on their home-town team as they cheered aboard Manta.

Photo By: SeaWorld Orlando

In related news, we also have Orlando's Most Valuable Dolphin (MVD)

Photo By: SeaWorld Orlando

Tipping off the day at Discovery Cove, a group of campers cheered on Discovery Cove�s MVD as he showed off his b-ball skills during a pep rally for Adventure Campers.

Jaguar Cheerleaders Spend Time at Universal Orlando

Figment1986 — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:38:31 GMT

The Jaguars cheerleaders spent the week at Universal Orlando Resort to shoot their annual swimsuit calendar at the resort's three on-site hotels.

Monica, member of the 2009 ROAR of the Jaguars squad, shows guests Kaitlyn and Lauren McConkey how to shake their pom poms at a meet and greet/autograph signing session at Universal Studios Florida on Wednesday, June 10.

Photos by: Universal Orlando. All rights reserved.

Rockit: New Information and News

Figment1986 — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 08:04:39 GMT

With the summer concert series about to kick off next Saturday, Universal Orlando has released some new photos, information, and a computer generated point of view of their newest attraction, opening soon, "Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit". But first here is an update on its construction.

Today cranes removed a few pieces of track from the lift. This is rumored to be for the installation of newer anti-rollback devices, allowing the train to ascend the lift at a faster rate than it was originally tested at.

Photo by Mookie (IOACentral Forums)
Click Here for more photos

When they finally finish Rockit, the attraction will be about the production you will experience.

"This is where high-speed coaster meets outdoor mega-concert meets user-generated content - all shot on production-quality video," said Mark Woodbury, president of Universal Creative. "No one has ever created such a sophisticated ride experience. And no one has ever used technology the way we have to pull it all together."

Photo � 2009 Universal Orlando.

Rockit is full of innovative technology from high speed cameras used on high speed passenger trains to using speakers from wake board boats, and in this case computer effects.

To create the point of view rather than strap a camera and shoot it when they are still making sure the vehicles can make a compete circuit they created a computer generated representation of the attraction and provided a multi camera point of view for everyone to enjoy.

If you anyone is still unsure about Rockit, here is all the information anyone would want to know about the technology used to create and run Rockit, from the X-CAR design to the touch pads guests people will use to select their song choice, and even an innovation on the ride system to make loading more efficient.

Ride Vehicle
Guests begin their adventure when they slide into the bucket seat of the specially designed X-CAR. The X-CAR's wheelbase is short enough to allow for the tight, intricate maneuvers that only Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit will deliver. The vehicle features stadium-style seating so that everyone has an unobstructed view. And there is no over-head/pull-down restraint system. Instead, a revolutionary lap bar allows for unprecedented freedom of movement.

The ride vehicle features a radical new restraint system designed to put riders closer to the experience than ever.Photo � 2009 Universal Orlando.

Guest Interface Panel
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit is the country's only coaster where guests can choose the soundtrack to their ride from songs representing five different genres of music. They will use a personal touchpad - or guest interface panel - mounted on the lap bar to make their selection. The panel is designed for ease of use and visibility. It is military-grade durable and waterproof. And it uses wireless servers to upload each rider's music pick.

Audio
Each seat is outfitted with Polk Audio marine-grade stereo speakers that can push out 165 watts. Guests will rock to 90 decibels of music - and yet never hear the songs playing for other riders. This sound system - typically installed on wakeboard boats - gives riders an entirely new way to experience music.

Cameras and Video
There are 14 cameras that will capture the guest experience: six on-board each ride vehicle and eight along the track. They are designed to provide production-quality footage under intense conditions. Used on high-speed trains, the digital cameras will perform at ultra-high data capture rates for up to 14 hours a day - all at variable Gs and high-speeds.

A series of lasers will trigger timing devices and computers to ensure that the rider's music and video are in sync. After the ride, each guest video is downloaded wirelessly from the ride vehicle to a viewing kiosk in 25 seconds. Guests will be able to purchase a specially edited take-home version of their experience and share it with their family and friends.

Lighting
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit is the only coaster in the world with daytime LED color-changing lights. Each ride vehicle has 36 different lights that will be programmed to change color and to either be steady, strobe, twinkle, race or pulse. That means the coaster will be an ever-changing light show for those on the ground.

Ride System
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit features the country's only operating moving roller coaster load platform - meaning it uses a people-mover-style conveyer belt to get people to their vehicles so that riders and vehicles never come to a complete stop. This allows vehicles to leave the station every 23 seconds.

Power gets to each vehicle's cameras and computers via on-board capacitors that get freshly charged each time the vehicle passes through the load station - similar to how an electric subway train is powered. And finally - the brains of the system is a network of self-checking computers called Programmable Logic Controllers which constantly check the entire system and synchronize wirelessly.

Disneyland and Walt Disney World Presidents Celebrate NBA Finals with Friendly Wager

Figment1986 — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 21:11:53 GMT

Everyone has heard of friendly wagers during big sporting events, usually between governors or mayors where the teams are from, but have you herd of one between divisions of the same company? Today Ed Grier, President of the Disneyland Resort, and Meg Crofton, President of the Walt Disney World Resort, made a friendly wager involving custom Mickey ears and walking down the middle of Main Street USA.

(Photo by: Gene Duncan, Walt Disney World)

�The Lakers are going to make your team very Grumpy this week,� predicted Grier to Crofton.

�But we have �Magic� on our side,� countered Crofton. �And isn�t that what Disney is all about?�

(Photo by: Scott Brinegar/ Disneyland)

If the Magic win, Grier will walk down Main Street, U.S.A., at Disneyland park wearing a pair of specially made Mickey Mouse ears in Magic blue and silver. If the Lakers win, Crofton will don a pair of Lakers� purple and gold mouse ears and walk down Main Street, U.S.A. at Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom.

The park presidents even pledged to turn the lights of their respective castles to their team colors in celebration of the historic pairing.

June 6: Summer Nights Concert Performers

Figment1986 — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 02:34:12 GMT

While at Busch Gardens I did a little investigating and found out a list of artists who will be performing in Gwazi Park during the Summer Nights Kick off event on Saturday June 6. I was also informed that the park�s hours have been updated and Busch Gardens will close at 10 p.m. on June 6 and June 12, and possibly the rest of the Saturdays during summer nights.

Performing on the stage in Gwazi Park will be:

Richard Street, former lead singer of The Temptations
Bay City Rollers, featuring Ian Mitchell
Terry Sylvester, formerly of The Hollies
Jay and the Techniques

New Darren Romeo Dinner Packages

Figment1986 — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 02:05:31 GMT

Today while I was at Busch Gardens I found out some details on a special dinning opportunity for park guests who are going to see Darren Romeo throughout Summer Nights.

There are two packages being offered, one is the Darren Romeo VIP Member Ticket. The VIP Member Ticket is available Sunday though Tuesday as well as Thursday. The package contains VIP seating for a specific show as well as a meal certificate good at all the quick service restaurants in the park. The price is $30 for adults and $15 for children, with an optional 10% annual pass discount.

The other available option is the Darren Romeo Pre-Show Reception VIP Ticket. The Pre-Show Reception VIP Ticket is only available on Fridays and Saturdays. The offer includes a Pre-Show reception at the Moroccan Palace Theater Terrace. The reception will include snacks and drinks including select Anheuser Busch beverages and wines, for those with a legal ID, as well as meeting with the summer night performers. It concludes with VIP seating for the show. The price is $23 for adults and $10 for children, with an optional 10% annual pass discount.

If you do take advantage of this offer, feel free to post a report on the FTN Trip Report Forums.

Click Here to Book Online - Just Click Exclusive Dinning.

Free Safari Offer on your Birthday!

Figment1986 — Sun, 31 May 2009 05:57:17 GMT

Ever wanted to go on a safari at Busch Gardens but didn�t think it would be worth it, well there is some good news. To honor its 50th anniversary Busch Gardens is currently giving away a free safari on the guest�s birthday. To claim your safari you will need to need to show your drivers license or an equivalent such as a passport. It�s as simple as that. This offer is good from now through the end of the year.

If you have taken a Safari feel free to share you experience on the Trip Report Forum.