Continue reading »]]> We’ve got a fantastic guest article by Sally Stacey.  Sally loves roller coasters, travels around the world to ride them and even works in a theme park in the UK from time to time as a ride controller! She writes for a number of websites including Vision MX where she got herself a Contour helmet camera to record on-ride action when she gets the chance.

I absolutely love roller coasters and often travel great distances to ride these thrilling machines. These days I constantly marvel at how things have moved on since I experienced my first coaster back in 1977. In those days the corkscrew at Alton Towers was where it was at with thrill rides but coasters of this type are now rather tame in comparison to the complex masses of colourful metal that now propel their riders to ever increasing altitudes and speeds. Curiously, though, it not always the tallest or fastest rides that prove to be the best. A great coaster is produced when the perfect combination of elements result in the creation of a superlative ride experience. Bigger is not always better and now coaster manufacturers seem to moving away from creating more and more enormous constructions towards novelty, innovation and even playing tricks on the mind.

The Best

All coaster enthusiasts have their favourite rides and so there can never be one which is definitively the best but for me the greatest ride experience in the world is to be had on Maverick at Cedar Point in Ohio. At 105 ft this ride is diminutive in stature compared to many of the behemoths on offer but the 70 mph chase through sharp twists and inversions, the mid cycle launch and the ride’s layout combine to produce a compelling experience with no equal that I have found. Having constructed the 420 ft giant Top Thrill Dragster and the much heralded 310 ft Millennium Force, the park turned away from altitude and maximum velocity to commission a ride full of energy and surprises that may be small but packs a real punch. The construction of this ride seems to have turned coaster design in a whole new direction with some interesting results.

Maverick at Cedar Point, Ohio.  Photograph by Craig Lloyd via Flickr(CC BY 2.0).

New Innovations

Just as steel coasters saw a new breed emerge with the introduction of Maverick so have wooden coasters taken a new turn. Like their steel cousins wooden coasters were growing bigger and bigger but new rides built by Great Coasters International Inc (GCII) use twisting tracks, steep cambers and high speed station passes to generate the thrills. The new woodies use articulated Millennium Flyer trains to negotiate the track. These vehicles can cope with the sharp turns and certainly deliver a very comfortable ride. Wodan, the new coaster at Europa Park in Germany, is a fine example of a GCII ride and delivers full on thrills from start to finish. I love this ride and it doesn’t matter at all that it is neither the highest nor fasted woody on the planet.

Wodan at Europa Park, Germany.  Photograph by Gabriel Rinaldi via Flickr (CC BY 2.0) .

Mind Games

Things are now set to take yet another twist with Alton Tower’s new ride for 2013. Smiler will be a steel coaster with multiple inversions but that is not where the trickery will end. The ride is set to incorporate several features deliberately designed to confuse the mind in order to exaggerate the intensity of the experience. The cars will charge towards giant hypodermic needles and hypnotic spinning wheels with the accompaniment of lighting effects. These features will distract riders, diverting their attention from the drops and inversions thus making them more surprising and of greater intensity. Well that is the theory anyway! There are strict limits to how much G force a coaster is permitted to inflict on riders and so if you have reached that limit and cannot make the ride any more severe you simply have to make it feel like it is. I can’t wait to try Smiler which is scheduled to open in May 2013 and I shall try to smuggle a helmet camera onto the ride in order to record the faces of the guests which are often as much fun as the rides themselves!

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This week, our focus is on the brand new and exciting attractions opening Summer 2013. Summer is the time of year when parks across the world battle for the attention (and dollars) of tourists and visitors, by debuting their new attractions. These are the coasters, dark rides, water slides and more that will be coming to a park near you. Each year the competiton gets more fierce as coasters go higher and faster, and dark rides get more intense and technologically advanced. Here’s what you can look forward to this summer:

Cedar Point: Gatekeeper

Riders will enjoy the sensation of flight as they climb the 170-foot lift hill along the beach, then charge toward the main gate at speeds up to 67 mph. Their seats will be suspended from the car, allowing them to soar with nothing above or below them. Throughout the 2-minute, 40-second adventure, they’ll undergo six spine-tingling inversions and roll through the two keyholes, flying directly over the approximately 3 million guests who enter the park each year.

Ripley’s Aquarium of Toronto

No official opening date has been set for this brand new aquarium at the base of the CN Tower in Toronto, but construction has been progressing quickly so a late summer opening looks to be possible.

Aqua Twist at La Ronde

This circular attraction is comprised of nine boats that can seat up to six passengers. Just after boarding and before the ride starts, the floor disappears and is entirely covered with water, allowing each boat to flow and rotate. Boats are equipped with six water pistols so passengers can interact with guests aboard the other boats and with bystanders.

Hong Kong Disneyland: Mystic Manor

A brand new take on the world-famous Haunted Mansion, this new attraction provides a richly detailed new back story and ditches the traditional Doom Buggies for wi-fi and GPS enabled trackless vehicles. Using the latest technology, this looks to be one of the most technologically advanced attractions Disney has ever created.

Universal Orlando: Transformers: The Ride

A clone of the mega-awesome attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood an Universal Studios Singapore, except this time it’s two storeys to fit within the confines of New York Street. Expect high-definition 4D projections combined with animatronics, pyrotechnics and pulse pounding soundtrack.

Springfield at Universal Studios Florida

Not yet officially announced, this is another hyper-themed land Universal is adding to the park. You’ll be able to visit the Android’s Dungeon comic shop, Moe’s Tavern and more. A brand new spinning ride will be included in this area of the park themed to Kang & Kodos, the popular aliens from The Simpson television show.

Seaworld Orlando: Antarctica

Another Hyper Themed Land is opening in Orlando, this time at the gorgeous Seaworld. With a breathtaking new dark ride experience that allows you to get up close and personal with penguins, along with themed merchandise and food locations, it promises to be the “coolest” attraction on earth!

Six Flags Magic Mountain: Full Throttle

Full Throttle will feature the world’s tallest vertical loop on a roller coaster, in addition to three linear synchronous motor launches both forwards and backwards through tunnels and along the hilly terrain.

World of Chima at Legoland Florida

The fantastical new World of Chima will immerse guests in the only place in the world that brings the LEGO Legends of Chima to life. Amidst dramatic landscapes and the magical waters flowing from Mount Cavora, families will embark on an interactive water ride, The Quest for CHI. In this epic adventure, families will unleash the power and battle with water cannons in a journey through the diverse world of Chima where they will meet some of the highly advanced animal tribal habitats to help their hero Laval the Lion Prince defeat Cragger the Crocodile King in his quest to steal the mystical energy source, CHI.

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One of the best parts of heading off to Walt Disney World is plopping down in our hotel room, turning on the television and watching the effervescent Stacey guide us around Walt DIsney World. Who are we talking about… oh so you haven’t met Stacey? She’s the in room host of the Walt Disney World Resort, bopping around showing you the best of what to do! No matter where you stay from Pop Century to Animal Kingdom Lodge, she’ll be the first (and most likely last) person you see on your television.

As quoted from her website:

If you have been anywhere near a television screen at the Walt Disney World resort in Orlando, Florida since 2005 then you have been captivated by a vivacious and adorable woman telling you about the fabulous rides and attractions you’re going to experience during your stay. The hyper-energetic, totally mesmerizing personality, known to her fans as “the human exclamation point” is Stacey J. Aswad. She is the Resort TV host of Walt Disney World’s TOP 7 MUST SEES and MUST DO DISNEY TV shows that loop 24/7 and are watched and memorized by millions of people!

Her full name is Stacey Aswad, and she hails from California. Believe it or not, Stacey has her own cult following. Her Facebook Page has over 1500 fans and she regularly responds to people’s comments. You can even donate $20 to save animals and she will send you an autographed picture.

She’s been the host of Must Do Disney since 2005. The best part is that each time Disney adds new attractions, they get Stacey to update her original video. If you didn’t notice, the original video was filmed a few years ago!

If you ever feel like you need a taste of home, just watch this video and pretend you’re getting ready to head off to your favourite park:

Don’t forget to visit her official website!

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Zumba Flume was a classic log flume ride that was located in the Grande World Exposition of 1890. It was removed to make way for Flight Deck (Top Gun).

The ride was one of the original attractions in the Park when it opened in 1981, and entertained over 14 million riders in its 15 years of operation. Zumba Flume was removed to make room for Top Gun (now Flight Deck), which opened in 1995.

Flight Deck (Top Gun)

I remember riding this on my very first trip to Canada’s Wonderland in the early 90′s. We got to skip school, and it was wicked awesome! As we were waiting to unload on the turntable, a kid got his leg stuck between the platform and the log. They had to call the Paramedics to pry his leg out and unfortunately it was broken. Maybe this happend a few too many times? Who knows! Either way, the ride was pretty awesome. Look for a shot of it in this classic Wonderland ad:

What’s your favourite lost attraction at Canada’s Wonderland? Comment and let us know!

Continue reading »]]> In case you weren’t aware…memories are very easily triggered by scent. This is why you may think of your mother when you walk through a department store and they spray her perfume. Branding works with all five senses, with scent being the most powerful (check out a blog post I wrote for my former employer all about Scent Marketing). Disney knows this, and that’s why they do things such as pump out the smell of baked goods from the Main Street Bakery and popcorn scent at the Popcorn Carts to attract guests. This isn’t exclusive with food items, even certain areas of the parks have a specific smell, and memories of these areas can be triggered by everyday products. We’ve searched far and wide across the web, and found a fantastic list compiled on Disboards all about everyday products that trigger Disney Parks memories.

One of our favourite smells is when you step off the plane and out into the Florida climate. We just wish we could bottle the mix of heat, humidity and tropical oasis that greets us when we visit our favourite place on earth!

Here’s a great list of products that can take you back to some of your favourite Disney locations:

 Old Spice Komodo Body wash = smells just like Norway.

Old Spice Komodo Body Wash – Norway/Laila

Target bathrooms – various WDW bathrooms (clean only) – and Soarin
Citrus Mist air freshner – Soarin
Yankee Candle Home Sweet Home – Be our guest scene from Philarmagic
Loreal Vive Shampoo in the gold bottle – Florida/WDW smell
Glade Christmas Pine – Soarin
L’Oreal Ever Pure with rosemary and juniper shampoo – GF Lobby
Gardenias – Poly
Yankee Candle- Beachwalk candle -ocean scene from Soarin
Yankee Candle – Sun and San – Yacht Club
Glade Apple Spice Air freshner – floating pie from Philharmagic
Bath and Body Worlds Seaside Escape – BC lobby
Burning leaves/woodburning stove – Flame Tree BBQ (be sure to get a permit please)
Elephant cages and or Band Aids – monorail (do what you will with this one)
D & G Light Blue cologne – Soarin beach scene
Yankee Candle Winter Wonderland – Soarin skier scene – piney, wintery and crisp
Bath and Body Works Tropical Spice – Disney resort TBD
Paula Deen Pecan Pie candle – Main St.
Bath and Body Works Sea Breeze cotton – Norway
Clean and Clear morning burst face wash – Soarin orange.
Aloe and Green Clover – Enviroscent – BC lobby
Lush Cosmetics – Soak and Float solid shampoo – burning Rome scene from Space Ship Earth (for those who want to be smokey)
Fabreeze Lavender & Comfort – BC lobby
Rainkissed Leaves and Dancing Waters from B&BW – scenes from Soarin
Oscare Meyer pre-cooked bacon – AKL (yum! – hehehe)
Ocean mens line from B&BW – Soarin
Targets new candle – Sweet Spun Sugar – candy stores in the World.
Soft Soap – Deep Cleaning Sea Mineral Soap – BLT
Sun Inn Hair lightener – AKL
B&BW Sparkling Icicles – Soarin

If you absolutely need to have the real thing, Disney has actually released a line of air fresheners mimicking the smells of Turkey Legs, Mickey Premium Bar, Candy Apple and Mickey Waffles. Now we just need a Dole Whip, Soarin’ and Spaceship Earth burning ember scented air freshener and we’d be set!

What other everyday items trigger happy memories of Disney, Universal or any other park you enjoy visiting? Leave us a comment and let us know!

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Look out friends, I am on a roll. I have been drooling over some tasty treats Disney has created the masses. From a delicious crazy drink contraption to scrumptious sweets……..Disney Chefs are totally IMAGINEERS in their own right I can assure you.

So, in honor of those hard working chef’s and for all the behind the scene cast members who create these mouth watering treats, we here at THEME PARK CANUCK have decided to dedicate a TOP 5 list of the newest Disney creations that will certainly help you with your trip planning and are MUST-TRIES:

2. GASTON’S TAVERN CINNAMON ROLLS

Not really a new treat but certainly a scrumptious one. These delicious treats are hot, gooey goodness. Need I say any more???

3. SPICED RUM DOLE WHIP

New for the 2013 EPCOT FLOWER & GARDEN FESTIVAL, Disney has decided to add something special to their HEAVENLY DOLE WHIP CREATIONS.

If you ever visited Aloha Isle in Adventureland, you will see multiple guests with these sweet, TASTY TREATS. One of this girls favorites and certainly a MUST HAVE for ANY Disney visit. However, for Flower & Garden, Disney decided to spice things up alittle and add some spiced rum.

Now, I have come to realize that as a LONG TIME fan of the regular Dole Whip, the added Spiced Rum is certainly NOT for everyone. It somewhat takes away from the deliciousness of the regular WHIP, however, it is a refreshing new treat to enjoy. Keep in mind, for $6.25 US, it is NOT the same size as those served in the regular locations at Magic Kingdom. Try one for yourself and let me know what you think.

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Canada’s Wonderland has announced its entertainment lineup for the 2013 season, with two brand new shows: British Invasion and Charlie Brown’s Jungle Journey. Returning favourites include an upgraded Starlight Spectacular, along with Crique Ambiente and the famous Victoria Falls Divers. Canada’s Wonderland opens to the public on May 5th for it’s 2013 season, but Season Passholders can attend Season Passholder Preview Night on Friday, May 3 from 6pm-10pm.

British Invasion

Charlie Brown’s Jungle Journey

Playhouse Theatre
Weekends starting May 5; daily June 15 – Labour Day
12:00 PM, 1:30 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:30 PM, 6:00 PMNew for 2013! Come along for the journey as Charlie and the rest of the Peanuts gang go on a wild adventure as they dance and sing their way through uncharted terrain.

Starlight Spectacular

Illumination of Water
June 22 – August 31
Approximately 10:00 PM nightlyNew for 2013! Prepare to have your imagination come to life as Starlight Spectacular showcases an all new breath-taking illumination of water, special effects and brilliant bursts of colour as our fountain dances to a stunning composition of inspirational music set to the magic of Wonder Mountain.

Cirque Ambiente

Wonderland Theatre
June 22 – Labour Day
3:30 PM, 5:30 PM, 7:30 PM, additional show at 2:00 PM on Saturdays & HolidaysPrepare to be mesmerized by the acrobatic performances in Cirque Ambiente, featuring an incredible showcase of strength, balance and athleticism. *Please note there will be no performances of Cirque Ambiente on Wednesdays.

Kinet-X

Arthur’s Baye
Performances from June 29 – Labour Day
1:30 PM. 3:30 PM, 4:30 PM, 5:30 PMFollow the rhythms of urban acrobats having a blast while performing amazing tricks where the sky is the limit! Enjoy watching them dive and twist above the Trampoline, and fly from the 70 foot platform in this high energy, urban acrobatic show!

Victoria Falls High Divers

Wonder Mountain
Performances from June 29 – Labour Day
11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:15 PM, 6:15 PMAs part of the Park’s history, Victoria Falls High Divers have been performing death defying dives since 1981. Watch as divers perform acrobatic dives off a 60ft platform from Wonder Mountain’s Victoria Falls into the fountain.

Continue reading »]]> Canada’s Wonderland has switched ownership three times in its history. It was originally built by Taft Broadcasting Company and The Great-West Life Assurance Company in 1981, sold to the now defunct Paramount Parks in 1993 and has been owned and operated by Cedar Fair since 2006. With each of these acquisitions  new versions of the logo were created. Here are a few versions of the Canada’s Wonderland logo’s from park opening to present day. If we forgot to include any, drop us a line!If you’re interested in seeing the Canada’s Wonderland Opening Day Map, check it out here! ]]> http://themeparkcanuck.com/2013/03/03/from-the-archives-canadas-wonderland-logos/feed/ 0 http://themeparkcanuck.com/2013/03/01/where-to-find-old-theme-park-maps-brochures/ http://themeparkcanuck.com/2013/03/01/where-to-find-old-theme-park-maps-brochures/#comments Fri, 01 Mar 2013 18:22:56 +0000 Theme Park Canuck http://themeparkcanuck.com/?p=1935

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For you theme park junkies out there, we’ve discovered an awesome resource for old park maps and brochures. We like grab a few park maps on our visits to parks to take home as free souvenirs, but sometimes it’s nice to see older versions we don’t have.  Whether you use them as your desktop background, print them to post on your wall or take them to your favourite park to compare old vs. new, this site is full of maps & brochures for parks big and small. It’s always fun to see what parks were like way back when!

Check out Theme Park Maps for the entire list of maps & brochures.

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ORLANDO, Fla. (February 26, 2013) – Guests can now book reservations for Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort,the new, 1800-room hotel at Universal Orlando Resort that will feature value-priced guest rooms and moderately priced family suites.

The hotel is scheduled to open in early 2014 – with reservations now being accepted for stays beginning on March 31, 2014.

The new hotel is the fourth hotel within Universal Orlando Resort and will evoke the classic, retro-feel of iconic beach resorts from the 1950s and 60’s.  An area located around the North Courtyard will open first, followed later in 2014 by an area located around the South Courtyard.  Each area will have a unique look and feel.

Families will have two options for experiencing the hotel – a value-priced standard guest room or a moderately priced, 430-square-foot family suite that sleeps six.  From the moment they arrive, they will be surrounded by the hotel’s bold design, period colors, neon and retro feel.  When complete, there will be two pool complexes with sand beach and interactive features, a themed lazy river experience and 10-lane bowling alley.  Family suite rates will begin at $174 per-night; standard room rates will begin at $119 per-night.  Package rates are available with savings based on length-of-stay; a family of four can stay for seven nights for $47 per person, per-day – including accommodations and tickets to both Universal Orlando theme parks.

“We believe Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort will offer an experience unlike any other in Central Florida,” said Alice Norsworthy, executive vice president of marketing and sales at Universal Orlando Resort.  “And at the same time, it will create an entirely new, value-driven option for families that want to stay within the Universal Orlando Resort.”

As with all Resort hotels, guests at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort will be just a brief walk from Universal Orlando’s theme parks and Universal CityWalk.  They will enjoy benefits that include Early Theme Park Admission, complimentary shuttle bus transportation to the theme parks and Universal CityWalk, complimentary delivery of merchandise purchased throughout the resort to their hotel and resort-wide charging privileges with their room key.  Guests can upgrade to one of Universal Orlando’s three deluxe hotels for additional benefits – including complimentary Universal Express Unlimited ride access.  Those hotels are Loews Portofino Bay, the Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort.

Each of Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort’s Courtyards will have a unique design and atmosphere.  They will share a highly themed, two-story arrival building that will also be home to a food court serving traditional American classics along with an ever-changing selection of international cuisine, a 10-lane “retro” bowling alley, a game room and a fitness center.

 

FAST FACTS Book now.  Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort is accepting reservations. Opening Dates: early 2014; reservations being accepted for stays beginning on March 31, 2014. Style: Inspired by the iconic beach resorts of the 1950s and 60s, when the pool was the place to relax after the day’s road trip. Rooms: 900 Guest Rooms and 900 Family Suites, each with colorful “retro” décor. Pricing: Starting at $119 per night for guest rooms and $174 per night for family suites.  Guests who stay longer will save more with discounts up to 25 percent off per night.  Packages are available. Unique Amenities: Highlights include a 10-lane, “retro” bowling alley; two main pools; and Universal Orlando’s first lazy river. Dining: Food court serving American classics and international fare. The resort also offers light bites in the bowling alley and in the South Courtyard. How to Book: Visit universalorlando.com or call 888-273-1311.

 

North Courtyard (Reservations Being Accepted for Stays Beginning March 31, 2014)

First to open, the North Courtyard and its 600 family suites will be inspired by the sweeping motor courts of the 1950s and 60s.  It will feature four-story buildings with open corridors and direct access to guest rooms.  Each of the 600, 430-square-foot suites will sleep up to six and include a fold-out foam bed, kitchenette, a sliding partition for privacy, two flat-screen TVs, and an extra-large bathroom with preparation spaces for three people at once.

The suite buildings will surround a more than 10,000-square-foot, zero-entry pool with a 100-foot water slide, waterfall features and 4,000-square-foot interactive play area.  Cabanas will be available to guests for rent, and lounge chairs will ring the deck, backed by zones for sunning, game playing, picnicking and relaxing on the grass.

 

South Courtyard (Opening Later in 2014)

The South Courtyard will also be inspired by the 50s and 60s, but with an entirely different feel.  The South Courtyard will feature a colorful, tropical resort design with serpentine, seven-story towers flowing like waves around a massive pool and lazy-river complex.

A more than 8,000-square-foot, zero-entry pool with a 6,000-square-foot sand beach will offer plenty of entertainment options, including the first lazy river at Universal Orlando Resort, a 700-foot-long feature offering multiple interactive zones.  In addition to 300 suites, the towers will feature 900 guest rooms that are each 300-square-feet and that sleep four and include two queen beds and mini-fridge.

Rates begin at $119 per night for guest rooms and $174 per night for Family Suites (guests who stay longer will save more, with discounts up to 25 percent off per night.  Package rates are available with savings based on length-of-stay; a family of four can stay for seven nights for $47 per person, per-day – including accommodations and tickets to both Universal Orlando theme parks.

To book, visit universalorlando.com or call 888-273-1311.