Giving thanks, as theme park fans

November 23, 2011, 2:42 PM · As a theme park fan, I am thankful for...

- Advance sale, print at home tickets

- Free parking, drinks and sunscreen at Holiday World

Wild turkeys in Florida
These turkeys are having a much better Thanksgiving than most….

- Free WiFi at the Disneyland hotels and Six Flags Cyber Cafes (everyone else in the industry, do you hear this?)

- "My France…"

- Hitting the flashing red button first

- Real, metal utensils with theme park meals

- That the Tiki Room is no longer "Under New Management"

- Catching a flying biscuit from Miss Lillian

- That I no longer have to wear a "Randy" nametag in the presence of elderly English ladies

- Butterbeer (and I would be even more thankful if I actually had a Butterbeer right now)

- Popcorn lights on Main Street at sundown

- Every time a cast member/team member/employee looks a guest in the eyes and smiles

- Every time a guest returns the smile

- And, of course, readers!

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! (And feel free to keep the list going in the comments.)

Replies (16)

November 23, 2011 at 3:05 PM · I am thankful to live close enough to a theme park to make a yearly pass worthwhile. I have to admit, when we discovered we were to be stationed at Los Angeles AFB again...my first thought was, "Yeah...I get my Disney Annual Pass!! And I get to share it with my girls this time!!"
November 23, 2011 at 3:55 PM · I'm thankfull to be near Orlando, have APS, that Star Tours 2 is open, and most importantly, NARNIA'S CLOSED!!!!!!!!!!!!!
November 23, 2011 at 4:47 PM · I am thankful for Theme Park Insider- I cannot tell you how much I've learned over the past fews years, reading and researching on TPI. It has made a world of difference in my theme park experiences. Thank you!
November 23, 2011 at 5:19 PM · Iam thankful that God gave me the opportunity to live in Orlando because here my favorite theme parks take place and my favorite rides im glad that I have.
1. The Simpsons ride
2.FJ
3.Toy,story midway mania
And all the good rides in Florida theme parks.
November 23, 2011 at 7:30 PM · That working at a theme park on Thanksgiving gets you holiday pay.

That most people are understanding when you sell out of things on a busy day.

That come January, I will be able to get on all my favorite rides again without waiting. :)

November 23, 2011 at 8:51 PM · I'm thankful to live an hour away from the theme park capital of the World!
November 24, 2011 at 4:25 AM · I'm thankful for
maintenance service elevators
'Some imagination huh?'
Those blue horizons
Being a Shamu splash victim
ponchos
and sharing all of the above and more with my fabulous family.

Oh and TPI of course!

November 24, 2011 at 5:04 AM · I'm thankful that all the staff at all parks are so nice and customer service makes a vacation perfect.
I'm also thankful for aquatica and the cabanas - I love them
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO EVERYONE X
November 24, 2011 at 5:43 AM · I'm thankful for Blackstone's commitment to honoring the traditions and environment of the Seaworld and Busch Gardens Parks. This year has been a year full of pleasant surprises from BGW.
November 24, 2011 at 7:35 AM · I'm thankful for Cars 2 arriving from Netflix in time for me to watch it today. That was in doubt...

..for already having my SFGAdv 2012 Season Pass already in my wallet at the lowest price I've ever paid...unless you count the time I WON one by eating some rather unpleasant seafood at Fright Fest a couple of years ago.

November 24, 2011 at 9:03 AM · Hope you enjoy Cars 2, Mike. I found it a good movie, due to the fact that I figured out the plot. ;)
November 24, 2011 at 9:00 PM · i would like to give thanks to;
-Allowing me to visit Hogsmeade and not be made to feel like an absolute Potter geek!!!

-Watching Blue horizons with my mom and knowing that we both sing along shows we've seen it 1 to many times!!!!

-Being thrown around a roller coaster for 2 mins listening to Led Zeppelin "immigrant song"

and most importantly the fact that no matter how old i or any other member of my family or friends are, as soon as we hit theme park territory it is perfectly ok to act like a massive child!!!!

November 25, 2011 at 3:50 PM · I am thankful for being gifted with the best thing since sliced bread, Toy Story Midway Mania
November 27, 2011 at 1:37 PM · First and foremost, cast and team members that make any visit a joy with a smile or friendly hello.

Seeing fellow visitors treat each other with friendliness and respect.

A magical evening in WWOHP with all the lights and magic in full display.

Butterbeer!

Any visit with Botanicus in my favorite queue in the world.

The enhanced playfullness of the Hitchhiking Ghosts.

The enthusiasm and cleverness of a really good boat skipper in Amity.

Melon Shaved Ice from Kakigori's!

The spirited competition between Disney and Universal that keeps Orlando THE place to go.

HHN!!

November 28, 2011 at 8:14 AM · I had the great privilege to meet Miss Lillian last week myself. What a wonderful lady and a real asset to DollyWood. I didn't get to catch a flying biscut, but she did agree to pose for a photo with Phileas Frogg, my friend and constant traveling companion. http://www.flickr.com/photos/orlandorob/6415469757/in/photostream
November 28, 2011 at 7:30 PM · I thankful to Canada's Wonderland for adding another huge coaster so soon after opening Behemoth.
Cheers from Punclejim.

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