Weekend Update: Terminator Salvation Debut, SeaWorld Double Dip, Tokyo Time, Venice

Weekend Update goes aquatical this week with a bicoastal report from the Sea World parks, courtesy of SummerInFL and CaptPhoebus. Then TDLFAN shares a whimsical look at the clocks of Tokyo Disneyland. Last week I asked Ian Parkinson where he was taking us next. His answer? A Venice vacation, of course. This time around Ian's report also includes photos by Richard Williams. Plus, stick with us until the very end and you'll be treated to a rare look at the MiceChat server and the technical brains behind this website!

First up, though, we have breaking photos from Six Flags Magic Mountain. sir clinksalot had the privilege of attending a private party featuring the debut of Terminator Salvation: The Ride. His report follows:


Terminator Salvation: The Ride
Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia, California


A sneak peek at the new $10 million dollar coaster at Magic Mountain that opened on Friday.

The ride is located in the same spot as past Magic Mountain coasters such as Shockwave, Sarajevo Bobsleds and of course, Psyclone. But don't be fooled. This is a wooden coaster, but it's NOT Psyclone.

The ride entrance.


There is also a big humvee type vehicle out front.


The legal print.


You're entering a highly secured facility.


You have no idea that your actually crossing a bridge here.


Just like most Magic Mtn. rides these days, Terminator features lockers to store your belongings.


As soon as you enter the line, the theming begins.


Not only are you surrounded by the coaster, you're surrounded by theming.


This is an actual prop from the movie.


The entrance to the pre-show.


In the first pre-show, we are introduced to two members of the resistance (Moon Bloodgood and Common's characters from the actual movie). One is on a scouting mission and one is at the home base of the resistance. During the scouting mission, Terminator's are after Blair (Moon Bloodgood's character) and she is not surprisingly at what used to be Six Flags Magic Mountain.


There are many props (some that are within touching distance) that help the storyline. Hopefully they will be there for the foreseeable future since they are close to the public.


We then move into the 2nd area of the pre-show where we are all discovered by the Terminator's and the characters of the movie are trying to find an escape for us.


Moving into the 3rd area of the pre-show, it's revealed we are actually in an abondoed Terminator Factory, and our only escape, you guessed it, a long abandoned train.


Then you are led up to the ride station and the ride itself. Yes, those are speakers you see. The ride is equipped with on-board audio which only adds to the amazing experience.


The ride features 2 tunnels (1 filled with mist), a station fly-through and fire effects. Yes ... FIRE!!!!!

Entering the Station Fly-Through.


FIRE!!!


As night falls, the entrance sign takes on a new color scheme, which is VERY cool.


sir clinksalot's review of the ride:

To say this is the most themed ride at Magic Mountain is putting it lightly. I put the pre-show on par with that of Rock n Roller Coaster at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Sure it's campy, but it TOTALLY works. Isn't that what it's all about anyway? I give Six Flags all the credit in the world for making a totally immersive experience.

We did find the pre-show a bit loud on our first couple or rides, almost as loud if not louder as a concert. I think they did tweak the volume at some point, or we just got used to it. But if you have sensitive ears, you may want to bring earplugs. Hopefully this is something they will address soon. But the ride wasn't even open to the public when we rode, so some tweaking may happen.

The good thing about the pre-show is, that once you get to the actual station, you are on the next train out. There is no standing in the station for 15-20 minutes just waiting for your train. It goes very smooth. Breaking up the pre-shows into 3 sections basically means each pre-show section is 1 train full of riders.

The ride itself is AMAZING. To say it's the best wooden coaster in California is putting it mildly. The people at Great Coasters International (GCI) have done a great job not only just making the "Coaster" fun, but with the added effects have gone the extra mile.

Do yourself a favor, get out to SFMM and ride Terminator. You will not be dissapointed.


Thanks for sharing with us, sir clinksalot! MiceChatter robb alvey posted some opening day photos HERE and some video HERE.





SeaWorld
Orlando, Florida

Here's the rest of SummerInFL's SeaWorld photos. And no, you're not seeing double. Summer's report is followed by CaptPhoebus' report from SeaWorld San Diego.



Brrr, hope you brought your parka!


This adorable bear doesn't look that dangerous does he?


It's important to have all supplies available, just in case of blizzards.


DTD as seen from Sea World


Shark Encounter


If you are really courageous, you can get into a tank and get an even closer look at the sharks.



SeaWorld
San Diego, California


Recently, CaptPhoebus, DOOM BGI, and Monorail Man ventured south to SeaWorld San Diego. CaptPhoebus got some great images.

Take one of these...


and one of these...


and one can get views like these:


The big attraction is, of course, the shows featuring critters of all types.


And then there's this guy...


To the many, many live shows, toss in a couple of themed attractions.


Around lunch time, MickeyMaxx and Rixter joined the group. We had purchased our passes online, and a quick stop at the ticket kiosks, we were quickly headed to meet our friends and find some grub.


We decided to eat at Shipwreck Reef Café, which features burgers, ribs, sandwiches and salads. MickeyMaxx took these food photos.

This roast beef sandwich is hand carved when you order.


The seafood salad was excellent and large.


And the carrot cake (and unseen chocolate cake) were a cut above.


We had not been to SeaWorld in many years, and were impressed with the landscaping, improved quality of show sets, and the friendliness of the help.


Here are CaptPhoebus and DOOM BGI.



Tokyo Disneyland Resort
Tokyo, Japan



When TDLFAN goes to TDR, it is often times for just a few hours of the day and rushing to do as much as possible... so one question on TDLFAN's mind is "what time is it at TDR?" Well, usually it's time for FUN before taking the train when it's time to leave TDR.



And that's all the time we have at Tokyo Disney Resort for today!

Looking for up-to-date reports from Disneyland
including photos, gossip, park schedules and more?

Visit these MiceChat columns each week:

Andy Castro's Dateline Disneyland

David DarkBeer Michael's In the Parks

Ian Parkinson and Richard Williams take us on a multi-part trip to Venice, Italy and environs. First up, we take a look at Venice's famous canals and gondolas.

Venice, Italy




MiceChat Server
Undisclosed Location


Monorail Man caught in a rare photo at an undisclosed location with what we believe is the MiceChat main server.



And that brings us to the end of another week. Our photographers have just enough time to reload their cameras before we see you all again next weekend. Thank you to all of our wonderful readers, and as always, a huge thank you to our amazing team of global photographers, spies, and gossips:


TDLFAN
Denise nbodyhome Preskitt (mousesteps.com)
SummerInFl (wdwfanpics.com)
sir clinksalot
MickeyMaxx
BigPigletFan
Abominable Snowman
"Postcard Junkie" darkfairycthulu (postcardjunkie.blogspot.com)
Fishbulb
PhotoMatt
Jack Hollywood 1939 Wixom

A very special thank you to to our wonderful guest photographers CaptPhoebus, Ian Parkinson and Richard Williams for sharing their vision with us.

Your Editor - Rixter

Where have YOU been recently? We invite you to share your photos of theme parks or any other destination that may be of interest to our readers. Please feel free to contact me via MiceChat Private Message (screen name Rixter)
or send me an email: oceansiderick@gmail.com.