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TPA 4: Chatter

From Tim W
Posted August 16, 2012 at 8:42 AM
Here you may post general questions, opinions, and anything else you may want to talk about relating to the competition.


Comments in chronological order. Most recent at the bottom. This discussion has been archived, and is not accepting additional responses.

From Karly Tenney
Posted August 16, 2012 at 10:24 AM
Well hello Timmy turner, cosmo and Wanda

From Dominick D
Posted August 16, 2012 at 10:35 AM
Karly, you're aware you're trolling, right?

From Karly Tenney
Posted August 16, 2012 at 10:37 AM
Yes I am very aware ;)

From Mike Gallagher
Posted August 16, 2012 at 11:21 AM
Whazzat?

From Dominick D
Posted August 16, 2012 at 11:34 AM
Mike, trolling is when someone brings up things off topic.

From Mike Gallagher
Posted August 16, 2012 at 11:55 AM
Dom, I know what trolling is. I may be old...and technologically impaired..but give me SOME credit, willya? :)

No, I was referring to the names Karly brought in on her post.

And I don't really agree with your definition of "trolling"..to me, trolling is when a NEW poster comes in spouting unrelated nonsense..not somebody we "know." God knows *I* go off topic more than anyone, and I still consider myself a member of this community.

From Dominick D
Posted August 16, 2012 at 11:57 AM
Mike, they're the main characters from The Fairly Odd Parents,

From Matt Babiak
Posted August 16, 2012 at 2:32 PM
You know, some people would consider a thread with chatter in the name made for trolling! I personally like the idea of themed seasons, just not the environment. I think that using the theme has forced the contestants to make educational rides, and I may be in minority, but theme parks are usually my getaway from education! I like the movies/TV theme, but education shouldn't be forced into proposals!
Oh, and I demand acceptance into the exclamation point club! It's fun to use!

From Dominick D
Posted August 16, 2012 at 2:39 PM
Ok Matt, just punch in a bunch of exclamation marks!

From AJ Hummel
Posted August 16, 2012 at 4:12 PM
We have a discrepancy!

In the challenge thread, the original post states that the proposal is due by August 25th. However, Tim's post from today states that the deadline has been extended to August 20th, which isn't an extension at all. Is this a typo, or was the original date in error?

If it is actually due the 20th, I better get started immediately.

From James Koehl
Posted August 16, 2012 at 4:50 PM
I sent Tim a note to get this clarified asap. I suspect he is at work but will respond as soon as he gets the note.

What? You mean your proposal isn't done yet?

From Karly Tenney
Posted August 16, 2012 at 4:53 PM
I am very sorry Tim to post a TPA thread without your permission. I hope to not be banned from TPA threads and future competitions. I am very sorry again and hope you are having a good day/evening.

From Bryce McGibeny
Posted August 16, 2012 at 5:14 PM
Mine isn't done either. I've been so busy recently with my last week of summer doing things like reading, volunteering at church, Disney church dance (woo-hoo Mad Hatter) 4 sweet sixteens (ugh), essays on history/books/marine science and major school shopping.

I'm close to being halfway though! I haven't even gotten into describing the attractions or shops yet though...

From Chad H
Posted August 16, 2012 at 5:15 PM
I think I'm about 40%, got most of it nailed down themewise, but having some trouble filling the "lands". Hope to have mine up sometime saturday.

From Bryce McGibeny
Posted August 16, 2012 at 5:28 PM
I think I'm going to have the same problem with "filling the lands". And really spreading the eco-theme.

And can someone tell me if my teaser is visible because mine is showing a Photobucket message saying that Photobucket is down instead of the picture and I wanted to know if it was just me or what.

From James Koehl
Posted August 16, 2012 at 5:35 PM
Bryce, I can see it fine. Awesome logo btw.

From Bryce McGibeny
Posted August 16, 2012 at 5:41 PM
Thanks! I saw that picture and I was like "oh god, the internet has blessed me with this amazing picture that is so perfect". Hahahahaha, just kidding. But I still can't see it... Maybe it's my iPad(?).

From Chad H
Posted August 16, 2012 at 8:23 PM
I was convinced you'd commisioned it or something, it was awesome.

From Bryce McGibeny
Posted August 16, 2012 at 9:04 PM
Thanks! And nope, I just use Photobucket to make the logos!

And wow, this has nothing to do with TPA4, but my mom has gone into labor and I'm so nervous right now and I just felt like I needed to tell a majority of people because I don't know if I should post it on Facebook or Twitter already.... Ahhhhh. First-world problems?!

From Chad H
Posted August 16, 2012 at 9:28 PM
Towels, Hot waater. thats as much as I know to help.

From Bryce McGibeny
Posted August 16, 2012 at 9:32 PM
I'll just leave it up to the doctors...

From James Koehl
Posted August 17, 2012 at 4:05 AM
Keep us posted on this- all our prayers with Mom and newbie TPIer. Any names chosen yet, or can we run a vote in here for the favorite? ;+)

From Chad H
Posted August 17, 2012 at 4:13 AM
Surely naming rights belong to the winner ;-)

From Bryce McGibeny
Posted August 17, 2012 at 8:05 AM
He has officially been born! His name is Declan.

From James Koehl
Posted August 17, 2012 at 8:23 AM
Huzzah!! Here's to a long and happy life!

From Karly Tenney
Posted August 17, 2012 at 11:39 AM
In Tennesse going to Dollywood tomorrow and Sunday.

From Karly Tenney
Posted August 17, 2012 at 11:41 AM
So Tim do you forgive me? :):):)

From Bryce McGibeny
Posted August 17, 2012 at 11:53 AM
So jealous Karly.

From Dominick D
Posted August 17, 2012 at 12:46 PM
I honestly would go to Disney or Universal this weekend if it weren't raining.

From Chad H
Posted August 17, 2012 at 2:23 PM
With that attitude, you'd never manage to visit theme parks in the UK. It seems to rain every second day...

From Mike Gallagher
Posted August 17, 2012 at 5:02 PM
And besides, Dom, wooden coasters are better in the ra...oh, wait I forgot. You're talking Disney/Universal.

In the sacred words of Emily Litella..mever mind.

From Dominick D
Posted August 17, 2012 at 5:22 PM
Mike, I wouldn't be able to ride BTMR or Splash Mountain.

From AJ Hummel
Posted August 17, 2012 at 9:32 PM
Does Disney World not run anything outdoors in the rain? Out here, only rides that are fully exposed or have uncovered electrical parts close. I've visited Disneyland on rainy days before, and the most major ride that usually closes is Alice in Wonderland. My brother has even done California Screamin' in the rain. Also, when I went to Disneyland Paris, I got rain rides on Big Thunder Mountain, Casey Jr, Indiana Jones, and a few others. The best part...rain makes the lines short (at DLP, we walked onto rides that had 60+ minute waits earlier in the day).

From Dan Babbitt
Posted August 17, 2012 at 11:35 PM
AJ most WDW rides and attractions are indoors because of the amount of rain fall Florida gets a year. But the rides and attractions that are outdoors will close but they mainly close or cancel shows due to lightning in the area.

The first to shot down is Astro Orbiter it needs to close down with lightning strikes in a 10 mile radius (it may be more), the next to close is Lights, Motor, Action and that cancels shows with lightning in 5 miles radius.

Fantasmic! and other shows and parades can still go on if its sprinkling or the rain has just started or if there isnt a lot of rain on the ground.

Some rides like Splash Mountain and Kali River Rapids will stay open for rain and it doesnt phase them as long as the water levels dont rise to much.

There are contigency plans for rain at every attraction and show even at the Tower of Terror where I work there is a plan.

Mainly we close for lightning though. You dont want to be at the top of Splash Mountain with lightning in the area!

From Karly Tenney
Posted August 18, 2012 at 7:33 PM
Going to Dollywood Monday. Went to ripleys aquarium and titanic musem, Both awesome.

From Bryce McGibeny
Posted August 19, 2012 at 1:49 PM
I think I just realized how vital pictures are to this challenge... Hahaha.

And I am so stressed. I don't know how this is going to turn out. I had to watch my toddler sister for a few days while my parents were in the hospital and now they're back with the baby and I am so exhausted. And school starts tomorrow and I have cross country all week and agh. I just hope you guys think it is good when I'm done... I just feel so overwhelmed and that it won't be as good as the proposals I've managed to produce before. :(

From Chad H
Posted August 19, 2012 at 3:08 PM
It is a tricky one Bryce. you need to have a big idea, at least 4 ideas on the same level as last week, 12 ideas around the size of the early ones, An idea in a similar size of week 3, another idea for a show, and I havent even gotten to the retail and restaurants yet... argh.

For anyone thinking about next year.... Stop, write a response for this challenge, if you still want to do it, then join in. Its fun, but a hard slog.

I'm around 66%-ish; hope for posting tuesday

From Bryce McGibeny
Posted August 19, 2012 at 5:35 PM
I'm panicking. Ugh.

From Dominick D
Posted August 19, 2012 at 6:19 PM
Bryce, take a nice, warm relaxing bath. That should make you feel better.

From Bryce McGibeny
Posted August 19, 2012 at 6:48 PM
Hahahaha I can't even remember the last time I took a bath....

From Chad H
Posted August 19, 2012 at 7:25 PM
Just sort of an additional teaser I guess. ALthough there's no reuse of attractions from previous challenges, in mine I think you're going to see a few common signatures in a few places , and in some cases a what could seem a "Second go" at a posted challenge... still got a few big gaps that are worrying me, but its looking good I think.

From Bryce McGibeny
Posted August 19, 2012 at 7:31 PM
I'm so not confident in mine so far. I've said this a million times but there is so much going on I just can't get my head in the game when I type. Currently laying in bed dreading school tomorrow... Ugh.

From Dominick D
Posted August 19, 2012 at 8:32 PM
Oh yeah that's right, school starts tomorrow in Florida. Since I'm homeschooled I started 2 weeks ago.

From Bryce McGibeny
Posted August 19, 2012 at 8:38 PM
I tried FLVS (if that's what you do) over the summer and hated it. Pre-cal online was not a good thing for me.

From Dominick D
Posted August 19, 2012 at 8:45 PM
Nope, I use Abeka. Most of the others were too easy for me.

From Bryce McGibeny
Posted August 20, 2012 at 3:03 AM
Oh, I haven't heard of that.

From Dominick D
Posted August 20, 2012 at 4:56 AM
Believe it or not, it's the most used homeschooling program.

From Karly Tenney
Posted August 20, 2012 at 5:20 PM
Good Dollywood trip Thunderhead was great mike :), Mystery Mine was closed for technical issues so I didnt get to ride :(:(:( and Wild Eagle was amazing :):):):).

From Andy Milito
Posted August 20, 2012 at 5:33 PM
You should post a trip report!

From Karly Tenney
Posted August 20, 2012 at 5:47 PM
I will Andy

From Bryce McGibeny
Posted August 20, 2012 at 6:06 PM
Sorry about Mystery Mine... That's my favorite there.

From Karly Tenney
Posted August 20, 2012 at 6:54 PM
Yeah it sucked it wasn't open :(

From AJ Hummel
Posted August 20, 2012 at 7:02 PM
That's too bad you missed Mystery Mine. When I went, it was my favorite ride in the park (of course, I visited before Wild Eagle). Thunderhead is, in my opinion, the best GCI (at least out of the four I've been on). Dollywood overall is great, definitely one of those parks I'd go to yearly if I had unlimited funds.

Since people were discussing Challenge 11 proposals, I'd say I'm probably about 70% done with the idea part, but I have yet to start writing it out (I plan to start today). It's a pretty good bet that mine won't be up until Friday. I'm not too confident in mine, but I think it will be halfway decent. Here's a teaser: It will be a completely independent park located in a section of the United States currently devoid of major parks, and it will be closer to Dollywood than it is to Disney or Universal parks (no, it won't have Wild Eagle or a wing coaster since I already did one (Falconidae), but if you look closely at Dollywood's non-coaster attractions you may be able to guess a signature attraction at my park). I'm not saying any more, at least not yet...

From Chad H
Posted August 20, 2012 at 7:12 PM
"but if you look closely at Dollywood's non-coaster attractions you may be able to guess a signature attraction at my park"

Err, I don't think its allowed to have Dolly Parton as an attraction in your park....

From Dominick D
Posted August 20, 2012 at 8:55 PM
The next attraction should be a shoot em up ride where you have to get Miley Cyrus's hair she shaved. If you didn't know, Dolly Parton is the aunt of Milerz. And in case you haven't seen the new do, here it is:

Miley Cyrus new hair cut Pictures, Images and Photos

From Karly Tenney
Posted August 20, 2012 at 8:26 PM
OMG Hilarous Dom! Puffs lips peace sign

From Mike Gallagher
Posted August 21, 2012 at 4:05 AM
Miley might CALL Dolly "Aunt"...after all, I called MY Godmother "Aunt Mary" my whole life. But she's not her aunt, Dom.

From Dominick D
Posted August 21, 2012 at 6:06 AM
Well Dolly is her Godmother

From Mike Gallagher
Posted August 21, 2012 at 6:17 AM
My point exactly..and the reason I mentioned "godmother" in my post. An aunt is related by blood or marriage, but a godparent may or may not be. My godparents were friends of my Dad, and I'm godfather to my niece (brother's daughter.)

This tangent is now closed :)

From Karly Tenney
Posted August 21, 2012 at 7:12 PM
Hey guys how you doin?

From Chad H
Posted August 21, 2012 at 7:40 PM
Running behind, maybe up Friday, but added another coaster to the design.

From Karly Tenney
Posted August 22, 2012 at 8:03 AM
Yay! For another coaster!

From Bryce McGibeny
Posted August 23, 2012 at 4:31 PM
I'm so worried about the quality of mine. I just got home from doing things after school like Cross Country and club meetings and now I'm exhausted, but I have so much homework.

When I finally get around to typing mine, I'm just too stressed and have my mind on other things.

Maybe I should wait till Saturday to really get cracking on this thing. The first week of school and having a baby in the house is just too crazy! :P

From Karly Tenney
Posted August 25, 2012 at 10:45 AM
How are the proposals coming along...

From Bryce McGibeny
Posted August 25, 2012 at 2:51 PM
I have a goal to hopefully finish mine by tonight, the original deadline date. But I don't know if it will come true...

From AJ Hummel
Posted August 25, 2012 at 3:33 PM
Slowly. I've got attractions done for two of the four areas (the larger two), but I still need to come up with shops and restaurants, as well as the remaining attractions. Don't even get me started on the nighttime show (it can't be fireworks because those aren't environmentally friendly, and I'm not sure what else will work in my park since it's not flat and there's no large open area). I'm not too confident in my idea simply because it is turning into more of a environment themed park rather than a park about the environment, and the theme is not nearly as immersive as a Disney or Universal park. However, it should be an interesting twist. I'm hoping to be done by Tuesday.

Teaser #2: Among the 20 attractions at my park, you will find 3 roller coasters, 2 water rides, 2 scenic rides, a 3D movie, a live show, a dark ride, a simulator, a handful of flat rides, and several attractions that are either not that common or are not typically found at theme parks.

From Karly Tenney
Posted August 25, 2012 at 4:02 PM
Well, I hope you all do great.

From Dominick D
Posted August 25, 2012 at 6:18 PM
Is tonight still the deadline?

From Bryce McGibeny
Posted August 25, 2012 at 6:44 PM
No, it was moved until next Wednesday. I don't think I can finish tonight so nevermind.... Hahahaha.

From Chad H
Posted August 25, 2012 at 8:32 PM
Crawling along, but should be able to finish between gliding on Tuesday my time.

From Bryce McGibeny
Posted August 26, 2012 at 1:27 PM
Whenever I try to post my proposal, it cuts off halfway through. I figured it would be like the sh!take mushrooms thing, but there isn't a cuss word anywhere...

Is there a word amount that is oo long to be posted a message...?

From Bryce McGibeny
Posted August 26, 2012 at 2:53 PM
Okay, I had to split mine up into two posts... Sorry!

I really wish we could have more than 10 pictures... Hahahaha.

From Dominick D
Posted August 26, 2012 at 3:31 PM
Great post Bryce!

From Bryce McGibeny
Posted August 26, 2012 at 3:42 PM
Thank you Dominick!

From Karly Tenney
Posted August 26, 2012 at 4:26 PM
Dom is sucking uppppppppp! Hello Dom I am stalking you again. ;) ;) ;)

From Chad H
Posted August 26, 2012 at 4:35 PM
Nice entry.

This is where going first plays off... I had a "OneWorld" element I need to rethink.

From Chad H
Posted August 28, 2012 at 4:49 PM
Sorry if this is a pain guys, but I'll be posting within the next 24 hrs, absolutely, positively, even if its not 100% done - but it probably will be.

Had to deal with a drama on a wiki I moderate thats distracted me a little, but in compensation I've added another coaster for Karly (making a total of 4 or 5 depending on how you count em).

From AJ Hummel
Posted August 28, 2012 at 5:14 PM
I just saw Bryce's entry...I think he has me beat. Either way, I'll have mine up either very late tonight or very early tomorrow. Currently, I'm 100% done with the attractions and general stuff, and just need to finish the restaurants, shops, and the nighttime spectacular (that one is going to be a pain). Whatever I end up doing, I have to be done before I head to Knott's tomorrow (got to get my last rides in on Perilous Plunge before it closes on Labor Day).

Final Teaser: Since Karly wanted coasters, here are mine: a Vekoma mine train, a GCI woodie, and a B&M inverted, all three with unique layouts that would be nearly impossible to duplicate elsewhere.

From Karly Tenney
Posted August 28, 2012 at 5:47 PM
Awesome guys!

From Chad H
Posted August 29, 2012 at 4:37 PM
I could keep working on that for a month and still not be done... But I just have to stop....

Seriously, anyone thinking of doing this, I mean what I said before. Try this challenge first.... Its a tough one.

From Chad H
Posted August 30, 2012 at 6:32 AM
Further to this, I think I need to withdraw at this point and ask that my entry not be included in the final vote. Although there are some really good bits I'm proud of, there is just so much that is underdeveloped there that needs more work to bring it up to code...

From Jeff Elliott
Posted August 30, 2012 at 8:51 AM
Funny enough that is how I felt with my proposal last year, right before I got something crazy, like 73% of the vote.

Have a little faith and confidence in your ability.....and if you lose at this point, realize how hard it was just to make it here.

All three of the finalists should be extremely proud of their work and deserve to be here.

Even if you don't think it is your best work, let the voters make that determination.

....and there is always next year.....and a rumored winter tournament......hopefully with some judges who aren't so #$%^#&&% mean.....

From Chad H
Posted August 30, 2012 at 11:08 AM
Okay Jeff, thanks for that, I'll hold in for now.... I guess we're our own greatest Critics in the end

From Bryce McGibeny
Posted August 30, 2012 at 3:08 PM
Whew, that was the definition of a rough review...

And hey, I felt accomplished with my witty ManatEATS name... Though it spells teat at the end... Hahahahahahaha.

From Chad H
Posted August 30, 2012 at 3:19 PM
Well, I came into this game with 3 goals... I wanted to win the Eliminated too soon title (Failed), I wanted to put in my cray Dr Who Roller coaster idea (failed), and I wanted to do the Mythbuster themed land (Succeeded, but with only one of the attractions I was hoping to include, and even that was completley redone {JATO Car was originally just going to be a reverse freefall coaster... then I saw Ultimate Coaster Wars and had a brainwave...}).

Well, I suppose one out of 3 ain't bad.

From Karly Tenney
Posted August 30, 2012 at 4:25 PM
I once again have to say. I am proud of my three boys Bryce, Chad and AJ. It was hard for me to choose who to vote for. I will reveal later....

From Mike Gallagher
Posted August 31, 2012 at 4:30 AM
Karly Tenney..a young lady of many secrets...:)

From Karly Tenney
Posted August 31, 2012 at 11:56 AM
I had voted for Bryce.

From Chad H
Posted August 31, 2012 at 12:06 PM
Who needs Roller Coaster Tracks.....

Sorry, thought I'd share one of the things that was distracting me the last couple of days.... (although I shot this today).

From Bryce McGibeny
Posted August 31, 2012 at 12:51 PM
Yeah, my mom was the only person in my life I told about this thing (I just had to share with someone) and she was so into reading what I wrote when I was done, hahaha.

From Karly Tenney
Posted August 31, 2012 at 3:15 PM
You'll be expecting an email Mike :) ;)

From James Koehl
Posted August 31, 2012 at 3:27 PM
Chad, that was remarkable! It looked so enjoyable, gentle yet exciting! No wonder you were a bit distracted.

From Mike Gallagher
Posted August 31, 2012 at 3:41 PM
"You'll be expecting an email Mike :) ;)"

Got it. Very odd, but I got it. But we all have a little nerd in us, don't we? I feed mine cookies.

From Bryce McGibeny
Posted August 31, 2012 at 3:37 PM
Aw, when this thread reaches 100, TPA4 will be gone forever...

From Mike Gallagher
Posted August 31, 2012 at 4:14 PM
Nah, TPA Chatter threads are like Zombies...unless you get 'em in the head, they'll keep on coming.

I miss the Walking Dead....

From Andy Milito
Posted August 31, 2012 at 4:17 PM
I never got to watch it. By the time I was interested, AMC was removed from Dish Network :'(

From Chad H
Posted August 31, 2012 at 4:20 PM
So guys, as I guess we get close to wrapping it up, any regrets?

For me it was the 2nd last challenge. If I could go back in time and do something else, and instead done "The Dreamtime" in the finale as a park in its own right, I think I would have had a better time with the last one (presuming whatever I did instead had a similar impact...).

From Bryce McGibeny
Posted August 31, 2012 at 4:26 PM
For me, it was taking out Journey to the Center of the Earth and the Mysterious Cave from The Bermuda Triangle. I should have thought of more original attractions not inspired by Jules Verne and that had a more tropical island and environmental feel.

While I was proud of my last challenge, it would have been better if I didn't have to have that environmental message behind it.

But my favorite things I produced was the re-hashing of the Imagination! Pavilion and the Kodiak Retreat hotel at Walt Disney World.

From Karly Tenney
Posted August 31, 2012 at 6:18 PM
I feed mine cookies too Mike ;)

From Bryce McGibeny
Posted August 31, 2012 at 6:25 PM
....

This discussion has been archived, and is not accepting additional responses.