Originally Posted By WDWdreamin <<WDWDreamin - I take your point but even with a SEVEN week holiday, I WILL NOT be able to see ALL of those things.>> I’m not saying you have to visit these all. I was saying that instead of some of your places, I would be more interested in the ones I listed. <<Also, please remember this is a "Disney" board, NOT the "American historical sites" board.>> I found absolutely no fault with LA or SF or Orlando. If you had spent all seven weeks in them I would have understood. My surprise was in your visiting the places I listed at the top of my post, “Colorando Springs, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, or Cleveland”. I do realize now that maybe Cleveland was a Cedar Point thing? I’m too Disney-centric, excuse me. I certainly don’t think of NO or NYC as American historical sites, and I kinda thought I listed a FEW non-historical reasons to visit NO and DC. I listed 12 non-political things to do in DC, besides the monuments which I think are architecturally, aesthetically, and culturally interesting. I was responding to your comments that you did not visit NO because you are not a big party/bar person, which I am also not, and your not visiting DC because you are not a big politics person, as I am also not. When I mentioned the historical plantation and homes, I meant more old and “folksy” than such-and-such battle was fought here. Sorry, I don’t know Skywalker Ranch or AOTC. I have heard of Tony Baxter. Can you please tell me more about that? I had no idea that Australians were interested in the folksy places in the US. You learn something new every day. From the parts of the United States that I have been to, I didn’t notice people living much differently than in LA. Cars might be older and tvs smaller and skirts longer, but not that different. What did you notice? I am sure that you had very good reasons for visiting every place that you did, and I am glad you enjoyed it. I was trying to understand why some places made your list when what I see as more obvious choices did not. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Dave, having never been to any of the above places, would you choose Colorando Springs, Kansas, Missouri, or Arkansas over the places I have listed? Now if they have great amusement parks too, please tell me, please. And I did list three cities (after LA, SF, and Orlando) and five natural wonders first. Besides, I didn’t mention Hawaii because I figured that was another kettle of fish. Besides the Alamo and the Mission in San Antonio are: the river walk, gardens, caverns, natural bridges, art museums, and a Sea World, and a zoo. I love zoos. I think I will end up in San Antonio again because of in-laws. Trust me, it’s much better than Killeen, Texas.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo >>>Colorando Springs, Kansas, Missouri, or Arkansas over the places I have listed?<<< Definately not, though if I recall, isn't Paramount's Kings Island near Kansas, which has some big coasters, and Silver Dollar City and Pidgeon Forge parks are in Missouri if I recall. But each to their own. I know some people from the UK who went to Michigan because they liked M&M. For me, the recommendations I make to non Americans going to the US are - California, Los Vegas, Seattle, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, New York, maybe Washington DC, and Orlando/KSC. If they are big into music, then Nashville could be worth while. As for Texas, unless I am motivated to visit people, or if work forces me, I doubt I will ever return. No offence Texan posters. If I want to see animals, then San Diego always wins.
Originally Posted By Bob Paris 1 WDWDreamin - you did not read my post correctly. I said I HAD FRIENDS LIVING IN THOSE PLACES, hence me going there. Yes I would rather have visited NYC or even maybe somewhere like Philadelphia(wherever it is - I have always heard of it but have NO IDEA where it is!), but the accomodation would have been prohibitive(at the time the $AUS was buying about 50c US, compared to now almost 1 to 1). By staying with friends I got to visit some folksy, different places and got free accomodation. As a bonus, in Missouri they have this park called Worlds of Fun which is WONDERFUL and by going to Cleveland to stay with a good mate I got to visit Cedar Point which is THE BEST coaster park I have EVER been to!
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo >>>Cedar Point which is THE BEST coaster park I have EVER been to!<<< The battle is often between 6Flags Magic Mountain and Cedar Point for that title (Alton Towers and Blackpool used to try to compete, but slowed it down years ago). I am more of a theme park fan personally, I find with many coasters, once you have ridden them once and faced the fear factor for that design, they are never as enjoyable again. Nemesis, Duelling Dragons and California Screamin' are as enjoyable every time though!
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo I meant to warn you WDW Dreaming - Heide Park and Holiday Park are often mentioned as big draw parks in Europe, and even though they are in Germany, I would skip them if I were you. They are mainly coaster and carnival ride type parks. They are fun, but forgettable, and only for thrill seekers really.
Originally Posted By Mr X ***The battle is often between 6Flags Magic Mountain and Cedar Point for that title*** Having been to both, I much preferred Cedar Point all around. Magic Mountain had a dangerous feel to it (and I don't mean the coasters!), and seemed all around pretty run down. Some of the coasters were great though, that's true enough. Cedar seemed to be more relaxed, nice location by the lake, and I liked the coasters a bit more. ***I am more of a theme park fan personally*** I like both. ***I find with many coasters, once you have ridden them once and faced the fear factor for that design, they are never as enjoyable again*** Not for me. Coasters never scare me, I love the adrenaline rush and the airtime, and I actually enjoy some of the better ones more and more the more I ride them and get to know them. Just a "different strokes" thing, I suppose. On the flip side, ferris wheels scare the crap out of me. Go figure. ***Nemesis, Duelling Dragons and California Screamin' are as enjoyable every time though*** Can't speak for Nemesis. Only rode Screamin' once but thought it was pretty good (not sure what theming excites you so much, it's themed as a COASTER so you'd think all of them would be equally repeatable for ya lol), and as for D.D., never liked it all that much (probably been on it at least 15-20 times as we had an AP for both Universal parks for a while). In fact, my favorite inverted is Montu, and I guess my expectations were high for D.D. but honestly I thought it was "just okay", and prefer Hulk much more in that particular park.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo See Hulk was a meh coaster for me (though I think riding in a painful rain after waiting for an hour maybe hurt the experience, literly). I wasn't refering to Screamin' for themeing, just fun. With a lot of coasters, after the first drop or helix, they get old as they try to just slow down afterwards, Screamin' has features throughout. I did a tally and have ridden >100 coasters. The only ones I feel compelled to ride again (in no set order): US: Ghost Rider - Knott's - one of the best woodies ever Montazuma's Revenge - Knott's (nostalgia, and the G's are so much fun) Screamin' DCA - so much fun throughout Matterhorn DL - nostalgia, great views, theming and fun Duelling Dragons (IOA) - I love suspended coasters and the theming of this was great (not sure what it is like with HP overlay) Lover the loop where we met each other. RNRC DHS/WDSP - Ok, I love Aerosmith however the ride is only fun for the first 1/3rd then gets dull. If not music, would not bother. Used to love Collosus at Magic Mountain, but now the park is aweful (Goliath looks like a fun first time) UK: Nemesis at Alton Towers (perhaps my fav coaster ever, great features throughout and being blasted into ravines in the ground add to it's awesomeness). Megaphobia - Oakwood. Perhaps the perfect woodie, love it, and it's not painful like Ghostrider. Collosus in Thorpe Park deserves an honourable mention - 10 inversions is pretty cool, though it is a little too rough. The Vampire at Chessington (a little like the Big Bad Wolf at Busch Gardens Williamsburg) is a fun family coaster with lovely twists. Dragon Coaster at Legoland (really only because of the cool legodark ride AA's of wizards and dragons and such. Same attraction available in San Diego, but this one is a slightly better version. For coaster enthusiasts, good first timers include: Alton Towers: Oblivion (1st 90 degree drop coaster) Air 13 (skip Rita Need for Speed - there are better accelerator coasters out there) Thorpe Park Collosus Saw the ride Nemesis Inferno Afterburner X No Way Out is fun - imagine space mountain in the US, backwards, with wind machines, helicopter noises and search lights) Drayton Manor: Shockwave (Europe's only stand up 0G looping coaster) Blackpool: Grand National - 100 year old dual racing woody The Big Dipper Pepsi Max Big One (was the tallest and fastest coaster in the world when it was built).
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo For coasters in Europe, hmmm. For wanting to repeat: DLP: Spacemountain (cannon launch, 3 loops, synched soundtrack - first mega coaster Disney did with soundtrack, though technically Casey Jr at Paris was the first coaster with soundtrack Disney did) Big Thunder (gotta love the plunge under the Rivers of the Far West). Tonnera de Zeus - Parc Asterix - great woodie Dragon Khan - Port Aventura, Spain - 7 loops and taller than it's older brother Kumba, this is a smooth and sexy coaster. For first timers in Europe: Crush Coaster at Walt Disney Studios Paris - take a spinning Maurer Sohne coaster, and put it in a dark ride and you have Crush Coaster (no wonder we don't tend to bother with Space Mountain in the US). But I refuse to wait the 60-90 min wait for this one. Any of the coasters at Europa Park. I really like coasters, but to be honest, they are not enough to entice me to travel 90 miles. After the disappointment that was Expedition Everest (which I would have loved the effects worked - only the projection did), it is not enough to entice me. Highly themed environments and shows, yes, great. Coasters, not so much (then again my size excludes me from many, as does the petitness of my kids, as does the heart problems of extended family. I was thinking, what was it that annoyed me about Epcot these days? Well thinking it through, the kids were not able to ride Test Track, Mission Space, Body Wars (now closed) and Soarin' last time. That is a significant number of attractions in futureworld that are not family friendly. Back in the 80's they could have ridden everything (if I recall Body Wars used to have an age limit, not a height one). I like parks the whole family can enjoy together, you know, the original mission Disney had. That does not mean taking turns for attractions while at the same park.
Originally Posted By Mr X ***Used to love Collosus at Magic Mountain, but now the park is aweful (Goliath looks like a fun first time)*** Goliath was cool...but very similar to Fujiyama which was the ORIGINAL hypercoaster and in the Guinness Book for a while if memory serves. For some reason, riding something so awesome, yet loopless, sort of doesn't do the trick for me. Still...both amazing coasters I could only DREAM of as a kid. For ME, the ultimate thrill of Magic Mountain was the now ancient, white loop coaster (maybe gone now? I dunno), that I used to watch on T.V. as a kid when it was the ONLY loop coaster in the world and dream about maybe someday going there and riding it (it was featured on several T.V. shows in the late 70's or early 80's, I think there was a whole Wonder Woman episode built around it in fact!). As a modern day ride, yeah it sucked. It was old and rather painful. But it was more the hype of it than anything else for me. Out of all the awesome coasters there I *had* to ride that one! ***After the disappointment that was Expedition Everest (which I would have loved the effects worked - only the projection did), it is not enough to entice me*** I guess I got lucky, the effects seemed to be working well enough (though the 1.5 second glimpse of the Yeti was more of a tease than a thrill), and I thought it was impressive. ***Highly themed environments and shows, yes, great. Coasters, not so much (then again my size excludes me from many, as does the petitness of my kids, as does the heart problems of extended family*** I understand your concerns on that front. In fact, we've not been back to DisneySea now in nearly two years due to the fact that Little X isn't tall enough to ride many of the attractions (she's totally good to go at TDL, so that's where we've gone whenever a Disney Day has presented itself). ***I was thinking, what was it that annoyed me about Epcot these days? Well thinking it through, the kids were not able to ride Test Track, Mission Space, Body Wars (now closed) and Soarin' last time. That is a significant number of attractions in futureworld that are not family friendly*** Soarin'? Are you sure? Little X rode that when she was just 3 and a half years old. Perhaps she was tall for her age? But still, it seems to me she qualified for Soarin' even before Space Mountain back in Tokyo (I don't think we even rode Space in Florida, I honestly don't remember doing much of anything at the Magic Kingdom that trip due to various issues though we did Stitch together and then the Mrs and Little X enjoyed Monsters while I ate a turkey leg, they also enjoyed Philharmagic with my cousin which I skipped, having already seen it in Hong Kong). ***Back in the 80's they could have ridden everything (if I recall Body Wars used to have an age limit, not a height one)*** If the age limit was the same as TDL is now, it's three. Does that ring a bell? But yes, Epcot has gone thrill happy and Future World is a pale shell of its' former, family friendly glory to be sure! On the other hand, much to my chagrin Little X's very FAVORITE experience in all of DisneyWorld (three parks, we skipped MGM), was Nemo along with Crush in the Living Seas. So...there you have it. *shrugs*
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo >>>Soarin'? Are you sure?<<< Yep, it was not until our trip to DCA a couple of years ago that Mikey was tall enough, and Jess still was not. They are now, but my point is, what used to be great about Disney when I was a kid was there were few if any height restrictions on attractions. Now, the amount of restrictions is much, much higher.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo >>>On the other hand, much to my chagrin Little X's very FAVORITE experience in all of DisneyWorld (three parks, we skipped MGM), was Nemo along with Crush in the Living Seas. So...there you have it. *shrugs*<<< Lol, though Crush is kind of cool, my two love Stitch Live at WDSP which is similar. But ya, our WDW trip, I remember Mikey most liked Listen to the Land and Spaceship Earth, Jessica most adored Living Seas and the Osborne Lights.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo >>>For ME, the ultimate thrill of Magic Mountain was the now ancient, white loop coaster (maybe gone now? I dunno), that I used to watch on T.V. as a kid when it was the ONLY loop coaster in the world and dream about maybe someday going there and riding it (it was featured on several T.V. shows in the late 70's or early 80's, I think there was a whole Wonder Woman episode built around it in fact!)<<< If I remember right, that was the Revolution, and I kind of remember that Wonderwoman episode too! for me, my fav coasters are the immersive themed ones first, then the suspended, and then the woodies, and then the multiloop. But nothing to me beats an immersive environment, quality dark ride, or a tight stunt show. and if I can learn something in my park experience, or am inspired by the theme to go away and learn something, then I am even more thrilled.
Originally Posted By Mr X Yup, definitely understand your underlying point. I'm just surprised to hear about Soarin' being part of the issue...I guess Little X really IS kind of tall (she's the tallest in her class, but I figured that was just cause all the other kids were Japanese lol). I recall step-by-step her height issues at TDL, and the first one she was qualified for was Splash, then Thunder, and finally Space Mountain. Around that time, iirc, she was good for the first two but not Space, but rode Soarin no problem. Aside from all that, I DO certainly agree with your main point, the parks should be largely family-friendly and as they get more thrill-centric that goes away in large part. Epcot, in particular, is a sad story. It used to be a place where the entire family could enjoy the entire day together, even MORESO than the Magic Kingdom for pete's sake. Too bad so many people thought that sucked (and yes, I DO blame the patrons because WAY too many people didn't 'get' how incredible Epcot was, and thus forced the company to bow down to the pressure...but we did have one gloriously incredible theme park for a while, didn't we!?).
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo If people are interested, we will share our European park expereinces this year. So far on the radar for planning are in this order for 2011: Yorkshire - National Railway Museum, National Armeries Museum, National Media Museum and other things besides. Disneyland Paris Walt Disney Studios Paris Europa Park (including the hotel Colloseo) Phantasialand (including the Ling Bao) Legoland Windsor De Efteling I am sure there may be others, but this is the rosta so far this year.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo >>>Too bad so many people thought that sucked (and yes, I DO blame the patrons because WAY too many people didn't 'get' how incredible Epcot was, and thus forced the company to bow down to the pressure...but we did have one gloriously incredible theme park for a while, didn't we!?).<<< Yes we did, and now, like all the WDW parks except DAK, it is a shadow of it's former self. But I suspect we are in the minority. At DLP, the height restictions are worse. My kids are still too short for Indy, Space Mountain, RNR Coaster (though they are likely too intense) and Jess is too short for RC Racer (and I am too big). Star Tours used to be up to age 3 until last year, where now they have put a height restriction on it. Last year was the first time we could all ride Big Thunder as a family.
Originally Posted By Mr X ***If I remember right, that was the Revolution*** Yup, that's the one! ***for me, my fav coasters are the immersive themed ones first, then the suspended, and then the woodies, and then the multiloop*** I am so much the opposite of this, in fact I sort of *hate* themed coasters. They are generally tame, and the theme is difficult to catch anyway. Give me a SLOW moving themed attraction anyday compared to a themed coaster. They have just never bothered to make it work the RIGHT way (closest would be Spidey, which while not a coaster is at least a quasi-thrill ride with incredible theming, including that ending drop that I love even though I realize it's mostly simulated). I prefer an all out, fast and furious COASTER if that's what I'm lining up for. Space Mountain gets a pass because it's in the dark, Aerosmith also has some awesome elements that make it great DESPITE the theming (and yeah, the music adds a LOT lol)...Thunder Mountain makes me yawn, I really hate it. And don't get me started on the crappy Matterhorn, we could be here all day (I will ALWAYS ride it everytime though, but not because it's any good but because it's DISNEYLAND, personified...so I guess it really IS special even though it totally sucks). I'll ride Hulk over any of those pieces of crap, for the sheer power of it all...and Montu, and Goliath, and a few others.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Get your butt over to Europe, and I guarantee you will change your mind about Big Thunder and will fall in love Space Mountain. The versions in the US are a waste of time in comparison.
Originally Posted By Mr X ***Indy, Space Mountain, RNR Coaster*** Understandable, as they are all looping coasters with over the shoulder restraints. As for Little X, Raging Spirits (that's an Indy Paris clone, except much better) will be the LAST attraction at TDR she is qualified for. And the only one with over the shoulder harnesses (she might be okay for Indy and Journey now...I'll have to check). The less, the better as far as I'm concerned. Believe me Dave, the "family friendly" part of Walt's dream is VERY important to me (and that included people who insist that Grandma is a wimp if she doesn't want to board Tower of Terror...those types of rides have their place, sure, but FEW and FAR BETWEEN should be the rule for Disney. Like, one per park is enough frankly).
Originally Posted By Mr X ***Get your butt over to Europe, and I guarantee you will change your mind about Big Thunder and will fall in love Space Mountain*** Too expensive. ***The versions in the US are a waste of time in comparison*** Sure, but I have Space Mountain AND Thunder Mountain in my backyard. Why would I travel all the way to Europe for them? And if you throw out the "well, they're better over here" argument at me, I have two words for ya. Disney. Sea.
