Forums Closed
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As of January 1, 2019, we have closed our forums. This is a decision we did not come to lightly, but it is necessary. The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk. The server software itself must be updated, and it cannot be without removing the forums.
So it is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to our long-running forums. They came online in 2000 and brought together so many wonderful Disney fans. We had friendships form, careers launch, couples marry, children born ... all because of this amazing community.
Thank you to each of you who were a part of this community. You made it possible.
And a very special thank you to our Guides (moderators), past and present, who kept our forums a happy place to be. You are the glue that held everything together, and we are forever grateful to you. Thank you aliceinwdw, Caldercup, MrsM, WillCAD, Fortissimo, GingerJ, HiddenMickey, CRCrazy, Eeyoresmom, disneyknut, disneydani, Cam22, chezp, WDWfan, Luvsun, KMB733, rescuesk, OhToodles!, Colexis Mom, lfredsbo, HiddenMickey, DrDolphin, DopeyGirl, duck addict, Disneybine, PixieMichele, Sandra Bostwick, Eeyore Tattoo, DyanKJ130, Suzy Q'Disney, LilMarcieMouse, AllisonG, Belle*, Chrissi, Brant, DawnDenise, Crystalloubear, Disneymom9092, FanOfMickey, Goofy4Goofy, GoofyMom, Home4us123, iamgrumpy, ilovedisney247, Jennifer2003, Jenny Pooh, KrisLuvsDisney, Ladyt, Laughaholic88, LauraBelle Hime, Lilianna, LizardCop, Loobyoxlip, lukeandbrooksmom, marisag, michnash, MickeyMAC, OffKilter_Lynn, PamelaK, Poor_Eeyore, ripkensnana, RobDVC, SHEANA1226, Shell of the South, snoozin, Statelady01, Tara O'Hara, tigger22, Tink and Co., Tinkerbelz, WDWJAMBA, wdwlovers, Wendyismyname, whoSEZ, WildforWD, and WvuGrrrl. You made the magic.
We want to personally thank Sara Varney, who coordinated our community for many years (among so many other things she did for us), and Cheryl Pendry, our Message Board Manager who helped train our Guides, and Ginger Jabour, who helped us with the PassPorter-specific forums and Live! Guides. Thank you for your time, energy, and enthusiasm. You made it all happen.
There are other changes as well.
Why? Well, the world has changed. And change with it, we must. The lyrics to "We Go On" for IllumiNations say it best:
We go on to the joy and through the tears
We go on to discover new frontiers
Moving on with the current of the years.
We go on
Moving forward now as one
Moving on with a spirit born to run
Ever on with each rising sun.
To a new day, we go on.
It's time to move on and move forward.
PassPorter is a small business, and for many years it supported our family. But the world changed, print books took a backseat to the Internet, and for a long time now it has been unable to make ends meet. We've had to find new ways to support our family, which means new careers and less and less time available to devote to our first baby, PassPorter.
But eventually, we must move on and move forward. It is the right thing to do.
So we are retiring this newsletter, as we simply cannot keep up with it. Many thanks to Mouse Fan Travel who supported it all these years, to All Ears and MousePlanet who helped us with news, to our many article contributors, and -- most importantly -- to Sara Varney who edited our newsletter so wonderfully for years and years.
And we are no longer charging for the Live Guides. If you have a subscription, it's yours to keep for the lifetime of the Live Guides at no additional cost. The Live Guides will stay online, barring server issues and technical problems, for all of 2019.
That said, PassPorter is not going away. Most of the resources will remain online for as long as we can support them, and after that we will find ways to make whatever we can available. PassPorter means a great deal to us, and to many of you, and we will do our best to keep it alive in whatever way we can. Our server costs are high, and they'll need to come out of our pockets, so in the future you can expect some changes so we can bring those costs down.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for your amazing support over the years. Without you, there's no way us little guys could have made something like this happen and given the "big guys" a run for their money. PassPorter was consistently the #3 guidebook after the Unofficial and Official guides, which was really unheard of for such a small company to do. We ROCKED it thanks to you and your support and love!
If you miss us, you can still find some of us online. Sara started a new blog at DisneyParkPrincess.com -- I strongly urge you to visit and get on her mailing list. She IS the Disney park princess and knows Disney backward and forward. And I am blogging as well at JenniferMaker.com, which is a little craft blog I started a couple of years ago to make ends meet. You can see and hear me in my craft show at https://www.youtube.com/c/jennifermaker . Many PassPorter readers and fans are on Facebook, in groups they formed like the PassPorter Trip Reports and PassPorter Crafting Challenge (if you join, just let them know you read about it in the newsletter). And some of our most devoted community members started a forum of their own at Pixie Dust Lane and all are invited over.
So we encourage you to stay in touch with us and your fellow community members wherever works best for you!
Best wishes for a wonderful and magical new year!
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Welcome! We're happy you've found the PassPorter Community -- the friendliest place to plan your vacation to Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland, and the world in general! You are now viewing the PassPorter Message Board Community as a guest, which gives you limited access. As our guest, feel free to browse our messages by selecting the forum you want to visit from the list below.
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08-20-2002, 06:10 PM
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#1
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Community Rank: Legend 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,365
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Cedar Point - It\'s a Giant Pop Up Book!
Hey ya'll. We're just back from 2 full days at Cedar Point and I'll be doing a mini trip report - and I do mean mini - here! We had a blast! I'll update soon...
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08-20-2002, 06:11 PM
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#2
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Community Rank: Jetsetter 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: British Columbia, Canada
Posts: 2,077
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Re: Cedar Point - It\'s a Giant Pop Up Book!
Welcome back Steve. [img]graemlins/wavin.gif[/img] Hope you guys had a great time!
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08-20-2002, 07:03 PM
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#3
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Community Rank: Legend
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,365
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Re: Cedar Point - It\'s a Giant Pop Up Book!
Okay, so I decided on Friday, August 16 that we were going out of town for a long
weekend - maybe forever, as it had been a pretty trying week for me - one of those weeks
from beyond you know where. So me with this thrill ride gene being the spontaneous kind
of guy I am - the next thing I know (after some SERIOUS drama finding a hotel room)
we’re headed for Cedar Point on Saturday, August 17 for 2 full days! WHOO HOO!
Now for those of you who don’t know - Cedar Point is THE place to go for coasters (they
have 15!!), thrill rides - and well, just plain old fun carnival style rides. It’s a really nice
resort with onsite resort hotels, early entry to the park for resort guests (hello, Disney!),
beach access - just the works. The park itself lacks theme, but more than makes up for in
character and what everyone is there for - the coasters!!
We arrived late on Saturday night and headed straight to the park to purchase our 2 day
tickets for Sunday and Monday. Now the park is located on a peninsula, surrounded by
water on three sides - Sandusky Bay and Lake Erie - it’s just gorgeous. You drive over a
causeway and - BOOM - there it is. A city of coasters! Seriously, for those of you who
have been, you’ll relate to this - my daughter immediately announces “It looks like a huge
pop up book come to life, Daddy!” - and yes it does - literally! There are 15 - 20
structures shooting up into the sky for as far as the eye can see - many topping out above
200 - 300 feet - coasters, a huge freefall ride, a giant ferris wheel, observation tower - it is
almost like a fantasy world. Driving up you can see why this park is called “America’s
Roller Coast”. Yes, indeed, this is going to ROCK!
We purchase our tickets, drool that we can’t quite go in yet and then head back across the
causeway to grab a bite to eat. We find a local place with patio seating and the weather is
perfect! I enjoy a couple of Corona’s, we head back to the hotel room for an early night’s
sleep for tomorrow is a BIG DAY!
Coming up: The view from 300 feet up doesn’t last long!
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Sponsored links
 | | PassPorter's Free-Book to Walt Disney World
It’s hard to believe anything is free at Walt Disney World; but there are actually a number of things you can get or do for little to no cost. This e-book documents over 200 free or cheap tips to do before you go and after you arrive. You could save a considerable amount of money following these tips. Perhaps more importantly; you can discover overlooked attractions and little-known details most people whiz by on their way to spend money. Click here to see free sample pages from the e-book!
Get this popular e-book free of extra charges when you join the PassPorter's Club for as little as $4.95. A club pass includes access to all our other e-books; e-worksheets; super-size photos; and more! This e-book is also available for separate purchase in the PassPorter Online Store for just $5.95. |
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08-20-2002, 07:09 PM
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#4
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Community Rank: Trailblazer 
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: jacksonville, fl usa
Concierge Level: 3
Posts: 5,790
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Re: Cedar Point - It\'s a Giant Pop Up Book!
Uh huh...Uh huh! Waiting for more!!! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]
Love the catchy title by the way...very smart daughter you have there. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]
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08-20-2002, 08:07 PM
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#5
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Community Rank: Legend
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,365
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Re: Cedar Point - It\'s a Giant Pop Up Book!
Sunday, August 18, 2002.
So, we’re all up early and at the front gate for “unofficial” opening at 9:30 am. We’re
about 10-15 people deep by the time the gates open - and once they do, watch out!
People make a mad - I mean lightening quick - dart towards Millennium Force, the 310
foot world record coaster. There is nothing to do but join them! Now, my youngest son
isn’t tall enough for most of the big coasters, so just me and the older two head off
towards MF with plans to meet Susan at the exit for the baby swap (yep, Cedar Point has
this great feature. MF is about halfway back and after what seems like an endless jog with
the tow older kids in tow, we line up for our first ride of the day.
Since this is a mini report, I’m really just going to give you impressions of the coasters and
some of the other rides along with a recap and thoughts on the park instead of giving you
a blow by blow depiction of every waking minute!
Millennium Force - 310 foot non looping Giga coaster. This is the most insane looking
coaster you have ever seen! The lift itself is unimaginably steep and while you are not
launched up to the 310 foot point, you travel up to the peak at a speedy clip - the view
doesn’t last long as you head down what is nearly a vertical 310 foot drop - the view is
spectacular, but it sure doesn’t last long! All I can tell you is that it hits 92 mph and it
busts loose after it goes over the top! For those of you who like “airtime” you are nearly
ejected out of your seat more times than you can imagine! It literally nearly took out my
daughter’s pony tail! Since my youngest wasn’t quite tall enough, I waited with the older
kids each time we rode it (longest wait was 45 minutes - and this ride is known for having
2-3 hour waits!) and Susan did the child swap each time.
The 310 foot first drop!
Wicked Twister - a 200 foot “Impulse” coaster. Now this one is hard to describe. This is
a suspended coaster where your feet dangle below. You are launched down a flat run and
up a vertical spike that, well, spirals. You then fall backward and you again are launched -
backwards up a second spiraling tower. The coaster continues to launch back and forth
until it reaches the tops of both spirals. It’s an unbelievable experience! Now we actually
got “stuck” on this ride - no, no, no, not on one of the spike - gravity would take over.
Somehow, the launch misfired and we were stuck for a good 45 minutes on Sunday
morning! Ugh! Not fun being held in those restraints for so long - but Cedar Point came
through and they gave us front of line passes that we were able to use on Millennium
Force later on again on Sunday (when the wait was 2 hours) and on Raptor, which I’ll
describe later on.
Wicked Twister going up backwards on the rear spiral!
Coming up: 13 More coasters!
[ 08-20-2002, 08:14 PM: Message edited by: Dadtojbj ] |
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08-20-2002, 08:47 PM
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#6
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Community Rank: Trailblazer
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: jacksonville, fl usa
Concierge Level: 3
Posts: 5,790
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Re: Cedar Point - It\'s a Giant Pop Up Book!
Steve, you are the coaster king and sure know how to make these all sound so awesome, which I'm sure they are! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] Looking forward to hearing more...
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Sponsored links
| | PassPorter's Free-Book to Walt Disney World
It’s hard to believe anything is free at Walt Disney World; but there are actually a number of things you can get or do for little to no cost. This e-book documents over 200 free or cheap tips to do before you go and after you arrive. You could save a considerable amount of money following these tips. Perhaps more importantly; you can discover overlooked attractions and little-known details most people whiz by on their way to spend money. Click here to see free sample pages from the e-book!
Get this popular e-book free of extra charges when you join the PassPorter's Club for as little as $4.95. A club pass includes access to all our other e-books; e-worksheets; super-size photos; and more! This e-book is also available for separate purchase in the PassPorter Online Store for just $5.95. |
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08-20-2002, 09:58 PM
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#7
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Community Rank: Explorer 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: In the state of Disney Dreaming!
Concierge Level: 6
Posts: 10,572
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Re: Cedar Point - It\'s a Giant Pop Up Book!
Absolutely love the photos...45 minutes stuck in the restraints...you make sound like fun!
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08-20-2002, 10:01 PM
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#8
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Community Rank: Traveler 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Michigan
Posts: 400
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Re: Cedar Point - It\'s a Giant Pop Up Book!
CEDAR POINT ROCKS!!!
At least I live close to one of My favorite places(only 2 1/2 hour drive with a little extra push of RPM'S). We were just there in July and had My first ride on MF. I can't say what was said on the way down(DS ears are still burning) but it TOTALY ROCKED!!! Couldnt work up the courage to get on Wicked Twister yet though. Oh well, always next time... NOT!!!
We always go twice a year, once in summer then back in Oct. for Hallow Week-Ends which is always a blast. Stayed at the Great Bear Lodge this time and it was very nice. Good sized rooms and indoor water park.
Keep it up, I think my stomach just left the building.
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08-20-2002, 10:18 PM
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#9
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Community Rank: Globetrotter 
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: East Haven, CT, USA
Posts: 3,406
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Re: Cedar Point - It\'s a Giant Pop Up Book!
c'mon with the rest Steve, only 5 more days until we get there. Though the coasters will not be meeting this chicken.
Where'd ya stay and where'd ya eat?
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*
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Sponsored links
| | PassPorter's Free-Book to Walt Disney World
It’s hard to believe anything is free at Walt Disney World; but there are actually a number of things you can get or do for little to no cost. This e-book documents over 200 free or cheap tips to do before you go and after you arrive. You could save a considerable amount of money following these tips. Perhaps more importantly; you can discover overlooked attractions and little-known details most people whiz by on their way to spend money. Click here to see free sample pages from the e-book!
Get this popular e-book free of extra charges when you join the PassPorter's Club for as little as $4.95. A club pass includes access to all our other e-books; e-worksheets; super-size photos; and more! This e-book is also available for separate purchase in the PassPorter Online Store for just $5.95. |
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08-21-2002, 07:19 AM
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#10
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Community Rank: Explorer
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Poinciana, Florida
Posts: 9,422
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Re: Cedar Point - It\'s a Giant Pop Up Book!
Hey that's cool Steve! [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img] I think I saw something about the coasters there over the weekend on the Travel Channel.
Signed: A coaster chicken.
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08-21-2002, 07:51 AM
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#11
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Community Rank: Legend
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,365
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Re: Cedar Point - It\'s a Giant Pop Up Book!
Okay - continuing the coaster countdown!
Raptor - an inverted steel multi-looping coaster that sits in the front of the park with a
commanding presence! This ride is one of my favorite coasters I’ve ever ridden - the
speed it maintains is simply unbelievable - it’s relentless and you can hear the roar of the
coaster from just about most anyplace in the front of the park! This was one of two rides
that my middle daughter and youngest son both just missed the height requirement on so I
rode with my oldest and then Susan got to ride with him via the child swap! Also, we got
the most rides on this one with literally a walk up to the coaster station on Monday night!
The Raptor's first vertical loop!
Mantis - a stand up multi-looping coaster right across from Millennium Force. This
coaster is absolutely HUGE and they built it right along the midway and queue area - it is
scary to watch let alone ride! You “stand” in specially designed vehicles for a HUGE
drop and multiple loops and twists. Again, the younger two were just a tad to short to
ride this one, but it was one of our favorites - warning, though. Make sure your knees are
slightly flexed or the G-Forces WILL let you know they are present!
Keep in mind - you are standing up on this!
Magnum - this is a non-looping steel coaster and the first one to hit the 200 foot mark!
It’s located right along the beach and the view is great (again, it doesn’t last long)! The
cars are VERY open which makes it scary as you slowly climb to the top and again this
ride ejects you every time you crest a hill! There are a few tunnels - one of which has a
surprise drop in the dark! Totally fun!!
A great ride along the beach!
Iron Dragon - this is a suspended non-looping coaster that is a good start for the young or
those who need to “work up” to the bigger coaster. Mild drops and great turns that make
the suspended cars swing out. It has a super finale over a lake with mist as the train
negotiates a huge twisted pretzel knot. This was one of the big rides that my youngest son
was able to ride and we rode it too many times to count! Josh and Brittany even got to
ride in the very front seat while Justin and I rode Mantis! Very fun, not very scary - a
good family coaster!
Great swinging action of the Iron Dragon!
Coming up: What? There are still 9 more coasters, countless other rides and shows!
[ 08-21-2002, 08:05 AM: Message edited by: Dadtojbj ] |
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08-21-2002, 07:58 AM
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#12
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Community Rank: Wayfarer 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Yarmouth, MA
Posts: 136
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Re: Cedar Point - It\'s a Giant Pop Up Book!
Wow! This place sounds awesome! Can't wait to hear more!!
[img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] A fellow coaster junkie [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]
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08-21-2002, 08:09 AM
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#13
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Community Rank: Legend
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,365
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Re: Cedar Point - It\'s a Giant Pop Up Book!
Quote:
Originally posted by aurora1429:
Where'd ya stay and where'd ya eat?
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<font size="2" face="Comic Sans MS, Arial">Unfortunately, we couldn't get a room onsite (part of the hotel drama) and had to stay in a chain (Sleep Inn). It was absolutely no frills but clean, which is the most important. We were about a 5 minute drive from the park. We pretty much ate quick meals but they do have an all you can eat buffet near Raptor called Midway Market that we had dinner at on Monday night. Surprisingly good food with very good selections.
If you can stay onsite at Sandcastle Suites or the Breakers, I'd recommend it. We stayed at Sandcastle in 2000 and we could walk to the park - plus they still have early entry for their resort guests! |
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08-21-2002, 08:12 AM
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#14
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Community Rank: Legend
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,365
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Re: Cedar Point - It\'s a Giant Pop Up Book!
Quote:
Originally posted by DisneyDude:
Stayed at the Great Bear Lodge this time and it was very nice. Good sized rooms and indoor water park.
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<font size="2" face="Comic Sans MS, Arial">Hey! We were right near there - no room at the Inn for us (they were booked! [img]images/icons/mad.gif[/img] ) but it looked very Disneyesque from the outside! Might try it next time!
Hey - Wicked Twister was a piece of cake compared to MF! It has a similar sensation to those swinging ships - only MUCH faster and with that twist! Don't pass it up next time! It's worth it! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]
[ 08-21-2002, 08:14 AM: Message edited by: Dadtojbj ] |
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08-21-2002, 08:14 AM
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#15
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Community Rank: Trailblazer
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: jacksonville, fl usa
Concierge Level: 3
Posts: 5,790
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Re: Cedar Point - It\'s a Giant Pop Up Book!
Great coasters, and great pics. I love the one where you can see the beach...how cool is that! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]
Cindy! I meant to quote you and somehow it ended up in your post! I guess since I moderate this board! STRANGE!
[ 08-21-2002, 08:22 AM: Message edited by: Dadtojbj ]
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