Theme Park Insider Staff Columns

The Rainforest Cafe Takes a Stumble in the Jungle
By Robert Niles
August 4, 2005: Disney World's outpost of the popular theme restaurant chain offers interesting recipes, but poor ingredients and an atmosphere that is showing its age.
17 responses. Last on September 16, 2005 at 8:10 PM (MST)


Blue Horizons @ SeaWorld Orlando
By Joe Lane
July 28, 2005: Cirque-like acrobatics combined with well-trained dolphins, SWO has unleashed a show designed to compete with the growing entertainment venues at rival theme parks.
9 responses. Last on December 9, 2005 at 4:38 PM (MST)


'Wild Woods' Is Too Wild for Young Golfers
By Robert Niles
July 11, 2005: Legoland California's hot streak with new attractions comes to a close with a kids-sized course that's too much frustration and not enough fun. Save your money for the park's breakfast buffet, instead.
16 responses. Last on September 1, 2005 at 5:24 PM (MST)


Fear Factor - Live! at Universal Studios Hollywood
By Jim Frye
June 30, 2005: The NBC grossfest finds a new home at Universal's California park, and might just stick around a while.


The BLOGFlume—Weekender
By Russell Meyer
June 19, 2005: A weeked trip to Dorney Park and Six Flags Great Adventure
3 responses. Last on June 24, 2005 at 2:21 PM (MST)


Fear Factor Live at Universal Orlando
By Joe Lane
June 6, 2005: In a self-fulfilling prophecy, Universal brings the NBC stunt show and gross-out fest into its park and puts guests in the spotlight.
11 responses. Last on December 19, 2005 at 4:25 PM (MST)


'Rush' Launches At Thorpe Park
By Ben Mills
May 28, 2005: For their latest addition, Thorpe Park has gone back to the basics of the playground and opened Rush – the largest swing in the world. With ride video
5 responses. Last on October 23, 2005 at 11:08 AM (MST)


Sheikra @ Busch Gardens Tampa
By Joe Lane
May 23, 2005: Will the new addition to Busch Gardens' coaster family play nice? Joe Lane reviews North America's first Diving Machine.
8 responses. Last on December 27, 2005 at 6:59 AM (MST)


Innovative 'Robocoaster' Debuts at Legoland California
By Robert Niles
May 19, 2005: The new Knights' Tournament continues the Carlsbad park's tradition of interactive attractions.
6 responses. Last on May 21, 2005 at 10:21 PM (MST)


JOE INSIDER - Lights! Motors! Action! Extreme Stunt Show
By Joe Lane
May 9, 2005: Joe Lane reviews the new automobile stunt show at the Disney-MGM Studios. Does it live up to the hype?
5 responses. Last on May 29, 2005 at 1:16 PM (MST)


JOE INSIDER - Soarin' at Epcot
By Joe Lane
May 2, 2005: Disney brings another E-Ticket to Epcot with Soarin', but is it worthy of your attention?
6 responses. Last on November 10, 2005 at 1:12 PM (MST)


The BLOGFlume—Busch Gardens Williamsburg Sets New Standard with 'Curse of DarKastle'
By Russell Meyer
April 29, 2005: Busch Gardens Williamsburg debuts The Curse of DarKastle
40 responses. Last on October 6, 2005 at 3:29 PM (MST)


JOE INSIDER - Cinderellabration
By Joe Lane
April 25, 2005: Joe Lane presents a review of the fully-saturated Princess performance at WDW's Magic Kingdom.


Disneyland is Back
By Robert Niles
March 27, 2005: Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, a restored Tiki Room and an amibitious clean-up program are helping the self-proclaimed 'Happiest Place on Earth' challenge to regain its throne atop the theme park industry.
18 responses. Last on June 19, 2005 at 6:00 AM (MST)


JOE INSIDER - Stitch's Great Escape at The Magic Kingdom
By Joe Lane
November 7, 2004: A stitch in time saves nine, but only if the budget is up to the challenge. Joe Lane reports his findings at the "new" Tomorrowland show.
13 responses. Last on August 21, 2005 at 8:41 PM (MST)


ATTRACTION REVIEW - Cirque du Soleil's 'La Nouba'
By Kevin Baxter
September 12, 2004: Enjoy the Festival of the Lion King show at Animal Kingdom? Then why not check out the resident show from the group that Disney has 'borrowed' liberally from? Kevin tells you why you should.
7 responses. Last on October 31, 2004 at 8:26 PM (MST)


JOE TOURIST - I Got Mistified
By Joe Lane
July 27, 2004: A review of the new SeaWorld Orlando nighttime extravaganza--can it compete with the other Central Florida offerings? Plus, some riddles about the new BGT coaster.
11 responses. Last on December 9, 2005 at 11:56 AM (MST)


JOE TOURIST - A Day In The Park With Barney
By Joe Lane
July 20, 2004: A brave review of the USF show featuring the popular children's character. Does it succeed in its delivery?
20 responses. Last on August 22, 2005 at 3:26 PM (MST)


Revenge of the Mummy: Saving the Best for Last
By Robert Niles
June 24, 2004: Universal Studios Hollywood's new dark ride/roller coaster stands above the other attractions that have debuted in Southern California this year. But the ride lacks the length, and the heart, to become an enduring classic.
23 responses. Last on November 25, 2004 at 11:51 AM (MST)


A Dark Ride Lost to the Sea
By Robert Niles
June 6, 2004: The continent of Atlantis isn't the only thing missing from SeaWorld San Diego's newest thrill ride.
14 responses. Last on June 26, 2005 at 11:41 PM (MST)


Ready, Set, Go for Legoland's New Challenge
By Robert Niles
May 22, 2004: The Carlbad, California park unveils Fun Town Fire Academy, the latest of its five new attractions marking the park's fifth anniversary.
1 response. Last on May 23, 2004 at 10:13 AM (MST)


Revenge of the Mummy at Universal Studios Florida
By Joe Lane
May 21, 2004: Ride like an Egyptian with this look at the ride's opening ceremonies, plus a ride review. With photos!
18 responses. Last on October 16, 2005 at 12:31 PM (MST)


Robert Niles Reviews California Adventure's Tower of Terror
By Robert Niles
May 5, 2004: It's a good ride, but 10 years after its initial release, shouldn't it be even better than the original?
21 responses. Last on April 30, 2005 at 10:44 PM (MST)


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