Showing posts with label Trip Report. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Trip Report. Show all posts

Nike's Chinese New Year Book Giveaway

First, I want to apologize. This will be my third post in a row now about books. Sorry! Also, it's time for some shameless self-promotion. I recently published my first book, Coasters 101. Well, I am now announcing the release of my second book and first work of fiction entitled Nike's Chinese New Year. It's a funny coming of age story about an engineer's adventures in China taking place over the Chinese New Year holiday.


Now, since this book doesn't really have anything to do with theme parks (though I did manage to through in a couple of references including Hong Kong Disneyland) I've decided to give away a copy for free! How do you enter the giveaway contest? Simply comment below leaving your name, email address, and preference if you'd like the paperback or Kindle eBook edition will give you one entry into the contest. But that's not all! Each time you share this page via Tweet, Facebook, blog post, etc. will grant an additional entry per each share (just make sure you tell me what you did via the comments). The winner will be announced during the Superbowl! Catch a quick preview of the novel here.

Most Popular Amusement Posts of 2011

Everyone is doing it so I might as well too. We're taking a minute to review some of the highlights in the amusement industry from 2011 by linking to our most popular posts from 2011:


  1. S&S Worldwide's new thrill ride
  2. Roller Coaster Tycoon 4 Under Development 
  3. Fun Facts: Disney Hollywood Studios Tower of Terror 
  4. What are the mechanics of Mission: Space at EPCOT? 
  5. EPCOT's Spaceship Earth Layout Ride Diagram 
Now let's look at some of my amusement park related videos I put together, including my winning K'nex Demon Drop model (in no particular order):

Check out our sister site: Zoo Tails!

Not only am I a fan of amusement parks, I also really enjoying visiting different zoos across the country. I have created another blog called Zoo Tails to post all of my zoo related news, stories, pictures, and trip reports. As an engineer, I am think I am drawn to zoos because I love to see how the exhibits are designed. I especially like exhibits with creative, innovative, or interactive features, such as the "Sniff Ports" in the Polar Bear exhibit at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium (my "home zoo").

Embedded below is a quick video I put together from my visit to the Cleveland Zoo in June. Check it out!

Vintage Park Pictures: Universal Studios Hollywood 1985

Time for a new series of posts titled "Vintage Theme Park Pictures." I discovered a treasure trove of pictures in some of my parents old photo albums. First up is a set of photos taken at Universal Studios Hollywood taken in 1985. The first picture is actually of the house used in Leave it to Beaver and Marcas Welby. These were all taken from the studios tram tour. I'll be bring many more of these vintage pictures to you soon so be sure to follow me on Twitter and subscribe to my YouTube for the latest updates.




Dollywood Slideshow

I visited Dollywood back in May and had a great time. We stayed in one of the Dollywood Vacations cabins and I think it just might be better than any other place I've stayed (including onsite at Disney and Universal). Way to go Dollywood!

Enjoy the slideshow (which also includes pictures from the national park and Gatlinburg area). Song is Thunderhead (acoustic) by the Elms.

Why Disney's Customer Service is Better than Universal

On our recent vacation at Universal Orlando Resort, we waited over an hour in line for Rip Ride Rocket and they closed the ride right before we were about to get on. At that point, the park was closed and we didn't get to do anything else and had essentially wasted the last hour or two of our time in the park. There was no compensation for us or any others waiting in line. We left the park very disappointed and frustrated, along with countless other guests- not a good lasting impression for first time visitors. I understand there are mechanical problems, no big deal, especially if they are early in the day. My issue is that it was the end of the day and there was no attempt at correcting the feeling that our time and money had just been wasted- the two most important issues for me as a park guest. At Disney, they give you fast passes good at any park for x number of days. Thus their customer service will always be better in my eyes.