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New Kong ride at Islands Of Adventure finally confirmed
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surfd...@aol.com
Feb 24, 2015, 11:49:34 AM2/24/15
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skiguy777
Feb 24, 2015, 2:43:17 PM2/24/15
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On Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at 11:49:34 AM UTC-5, surfd...@aol.com wrote:
> http://m.bizjournals.com/orlando/blog/2015/02/breaking-comcast-confirms-king-kongs-return-to.html?ana=twt&r=full
Two more abusive reports came into my e-mail box recently.
02/16/15 - It's a long story and I don't have time so sorry for all of the typos. I was with my boyfriend my brother and his girlfriend. It was at Mardi Gras at universal orlando and it was one of the scariest things that has ever happened to me. What happened was there were no people in line at the concession stand and my brother stepped over the line dividers to get to the front. Next thing you know this guy in normal clothing gets into my brothers face. I thought he was a drunk angry guy trying to start something with my brother until I saw his tag it said "bill" on it. I stayed back bc it wasn't my business and I thought everything would get settled and we would go on our way. Well that didn't happen. My brother told bill sorry over and over and over again and the bill guy kept poking at him so my brothers gf went over there and bill said very loudly "WHO ARE YOU?!?" And my brothers gf got defensive because who wouldn't with a grown man yelling at a lady like that. And they started arguing back and forth so I went over there and I said "ok this can stop right here and we will just leave" bill leans over gets in my face and says "WHO ARE YOU?" And yells it at me then he says " WHO ARE YOU TO TELL ME TO STOP?" And I was like woah because it scared me I backed off and stood next to my boyfriend who hasn't said anything. Then next thing you know security is all over us tell us we're getting kicked out to follow them. My boyfriend said why am I getting kicked out? And bill said you didn't do anything wrong but security was still escorting is out. So, we thought we were leaving the park but they took us this back way and told us to stand here which we did but my brother kept walking toward the exit because that's where we thought we were heading because these guys gave us no direction or told us anything so we didn't know. Next thing you know all the security Rush my brother to catch him to turn him around and bring him into this hallway. At this point I'm crying because I'm scared idk what's going on and I seen a bunch of people chasing my brother. It was just scary. Next thing you know they say that my brother and his gf need to go in the room. Then they said my boyfriend and I need to go in there too then we go to walk in the room then they say nvm yall stay out here then I went to walk out they they said no you need to be in here I was so confused. Anyways we end up in this room and I'm still crying bc I'm scared and confused. Well we were in there for what felt like forever my brother and his gf had to sign papers but my boyfriend and I did not. My brother asked like 3 times if he could leave and no one would answer him. There were two real police officers in there with us and like a bunch of other people I didn't know. Made me feel overwhelmed. Anyways my brother for the last time firmly said can we leave? And everyone got mad one guy said yall can stay and get this sorted or leave then the lady officer said if you guys don't leave now you will all be arrested for trespassing. So it's like do we stay or do we go? It was all very confusing we got no clear direction. So my boyfriend said what do I have to do to not get arrested? And they said leave so we all got up and left. As were leaving we have 3 security officers escorting us out. They said we had to get off property so as were getting escort they told us where we could stand to stay off universal property which was across a busy street they showed us where to cross with no pedestrian signs and we looked back at them and they were waving us to go and there were cars that had to stop to let us cross. We could of been hit by a car! Everything was handled so unprofessionally. I left out that when we were leaving and my brother asked if he could leave some guy comes in and says all of our passes are suspended forever and we can never come back onto the premises ever again or we will all be arrested. I felt like all of universal was a prison I felt trapped, confused.... It almost felt like they were trying to make a reason to arrest us. Turns out that bill guy is bill coddington. Head of security and loss prevention. He was a very angry hot headed guy. It was a very very scary night.
02/24/15 - Another report came into my e-mail box. And what's really terrible about this story, is the ban on water bottles has since been lifted. All of this happened for nothing.
Family Bullied by Universal Studios
"Please, internet community, read and be a witness to what occurred on Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at a Universal Studios theme park in Orlando, Florida.
My two granddaughters and I, along with a dear friend using a walker, took a bus from our on-site Cabana Bay Beach Resort hotel to the theme parks' security checkpoint just before 8 a.m. All four of us were eager and excited to visit the world of Harry Potter for the first time.
We went up the elevator and took our places in the security line. When our turn came, a guard searched my handbag and announced no water bottles were allowed. I probably said, "That's harsh," but I had no H2O. I told the guard my granddaughters had water bottles and removed them from one granddaughter's backpack. I showed him the water and asked if we could keep the bottles. He said "yes." I twisted off a cap with my arthritic fingers. The lid popped onto the pavement. I bent over to retrieve the top and emptied water from an 8 oz. plastic bottle onto the asphalt.
When I stood back up, the angry-looking security guard said, "You poured water on my foot!" (His verb may have been "splashed" or "dripped" or "dumped.") I no doubt looked at him with astonishment, but quickly said, "Oh, I'm sorry." (I knew I had not done or intended anything of the sort.) Confusion reigned as security guards began calling for supervisors. (My friend asked if she could bring in water to take her medicine; no one appeared to know the protocol.) Already through the search line, I was anxious to get out of the mob scene. But some guard said to me: "We don't want people like you in the park! You're going to be banned."
We are two, retired and handicapped 70+ women, a former teacher and a nurse, with two young, half Chinese girls who have read all of Harry Potter.
With my granddaughter's hand in mine, I proceeded to the moving sidewalks. A large man appeared to be pursuing us. I didn't know why he was following us. I shooed him away and then asked him to stop harassing me. He began yelling: "I'm calling the police. You're going to be arrested!"
My granddaughters were terrified. So was I. I wanted to protect them from further trauma and was relieved to see a uniformed police officer show up with a badge. I inquired: "What is going on?" I asked for business cards so I could accurately record the disaster. Someone uttered the word "trespass." No one asked my name. The police officer explained he had to escort us off the property because such is Florida law. No arrests, no citations, no warnings, no reports, no reasons--be gone, with the wave of a magic Universal Studios' wand.
When we four returned to our on-site hotel, we were in despair. My youngest granddaughter would not hold my hand. I called Guest Services at Universal and reported the incident. The responder said I had to talk to the man who had been chasing me. "What for?" I asked. He had banned us from Universal. Was I to beg for a change of heart? Prostrate myself at the feet of an intimidating bully? (Frankly, I would have done anything to dry tears; I apologized profusely for any misunderstandings.)
The supervisor clarified that only I, the grandmother who had arranged the surprise adventure for two grade school children from MA, was banned from the theme park. After a careful discussion with my friend, she agreed to accompany the children herself, as the girls were flying home the next morning. The three hobbled back, four hours after the "early admission" had commenced. I collapsed.
News reports suggest the ban on water bottles was a disaster for Universal, poorly planned, managed, and executed. The ban was lifted within three days. I had no problem with the policy and complied willingly.
My question is: can we trust Universal to treat seniors, the handicapped, children, and families with respect? All of humankind? What are my granddaughters to make of this terrifying scene, the accusation, intimidation and bullying? How are they to think of their place in the world with this wet blanket of humiliation around their shoulders?
Check out the many online complaints against Universal. Is Orlando still part of the land of the free? Is there a pattern of abusive behavior at Universal that might suggest the theme parks are dangerous? Please share your thoughts."
Once again, everyone needs to take out their cell phones and video tape this abusive behavior.
> http://m.bizjournals.com/orlando/blog/2015/02/breaking-comcast-confirms-king-kongs-return-to.html?ana=twt&r=full
Two more abusive reports came into my e-mail box recently.
02/16/15 - It's a long story and I don't have time so sorry for all of the typos. I was with my boyfriend my brother and his girlfriend. It was at Mardi Gras at universal orlando and it was one of the scariest things that has ever happened to me. What happened was there were no people in line at the concession stand and my brother stepped over the line dividers to get to the front. Next thing you know this guy in normal clothing gets into my brothers face. I thought he was a drunk angry guy trying to start something with my brother until I saw his tag it said "bill" on it. I stayed back bc it wasn't my business and I thought everything would get settled and we would go on our way. Well that didn't happen. My brother told bill sorry over and over and over again and the bill guy kept poking at him so my brothers gf went over there and bill said very loudly "WHO ARE YOU?!?" And my brothers gf got defensive because who wouldn't with a grown man yelling at a lady like that. And they started arguing back and forth so I went over there and I said "ok this can stop right here and we will just leave" bill leans over gets in my face and says "WHO ARE YOU?" And yells it at me then he says " WHO ARE YOU TO TELL ME TO STOP?" And I was like woah because it scared me I backed off and stood next to my boyfriend who hasn't said anything. Then next thing you know security is all over us tell us we're getting kicked out to follow them. My boyfriend said why am I getting kicked out? And bill said you didn't do anything wrong but security was still escorting is out. So, we thought we were leaving the park but they took us this back way and told us to stand here which we did but my brother kept walking toward the exit because that's where we thought we were heading because these guys gave us no direction or told us anything so we didn't know. Next thing you know all the security Rush my brother to catch him to turn him around and bring him into this hallway. At this point I'm crying because I'm scared idk what's going on and I seen a bunch of people chasing my brother. It was just scary. Next thing you know they say that my brother and his gf need to go in the room. Then they said my boyfriend and I need to go in there too then we go to walk in the room then they say nvm yall stay out here then I went to walk out they they said no you need to be in here I was so confused. Anyways we end up in this room and I'm still crying bc I'm scared and confused. Well we were in there for what felt like forever my brother and his gf had to sign papers but my boyfriend and I did not. My brother asked like 3 times if he could leave and no one would answer him. There were two real police officers in there with us and like a bunch of other people I didn't know. Made me feel overwhelmed. Anyways my brother for the last time firmly said can we leave? And everyone got mad one guy said yall can stay and get this sorted or leave then the lady officer said if you guys don't leave now you will all be arrested for trespassing. So it's like do we stay or do we go? It was all very confusing we got no clear direction. So my boyfriend said what do I have to do to not get arrested? And they said leave so we all got up and left. As were leaving we have 3 security officers escorting us out. They said we had to get off property so as were getting escort they told us where we could stand to stay off universal property which was across a busy street they showed us where to cross with no pedestrian signs and we looked back at them and they were waving us to go and there were cars that had to stop to let us cross. We could of been hit by a car! Everything was handled so unprofessionally. I left out that when we were leaving and my brother asked if he could leave some guy comes in and says all of our passes are suspended forever and we can never come back onto the premises ever again or we will all be arrested. I felt like all of universal was a prison I felt trapped, confused.... It almost felt like they were trying to make a reason to arrest us. Turns out that bill guy is bill coddington. Head of security and loss prevention. He was a very angry hot headed guy. It was a very very scary night.
02/24/15 - Another report came into my e-mail box. And what's really terrible about this story, is the ban on water bottles has since been lifted. All of this happened for nothing.
Family Bullied by Universal Studios
"Please, internet community, read and be a witness to what occurred on Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at a Universal Studios theme park in Orlando, Florida.
My two granddaughters and I, along with a dear friend using a walker, took a bus from our on-site Cabana Bay Beach Resort hotel to the theme parks' security checkpoint just before 8 a.m. All four of us were eager and excited to visit the world of Harry Potter for the first time.
We went up the elevator and took our places in the security line. When our turn came, a guard searched my handbag and announced no water bottles were allowed. I probably said, "That's harsh," but I had no H2O. I told the guard my granddaughters had water bottles and removed them from one granddaughter's backpack. I showed him the water and asked if we could keep the bottles. He said "yes." I twisted off a cap with my arthritic fingers. The lid popped onto the pavement. I bent over to retrieve the top and emptied water from an 8 oz. plastic bottle onto the asphalt.
When I stood back up, the angry-looking security guard said, "You poured water on my foot!" (His verb may have been "splashed" or "dripped" or "dumped.") I no doubt looked at him with astonishment, but quickly said, "Oh, I'm sorry." (I knew I had not done or intended anything of the sort.) Confusion reigned as security guards began calling for supervisors. (My friend asked if she could bring in water to take her medicine; no one appeared to know the protocol.) Already through the search line, I was anxious to get out of the mob scene. But some guard said to me: "We don't want people like you in the park! You're going to be banned."
We are two, retired and handicapped 70+ women, a former teacher and a nurse, with two young, half Chinese girls who have read all of Harry Potter.
With my granddaughter's hand in mine, I proceeded to the moving sidewalks. A large man appeared to be pursuing us. I didn't know why he was following us. I shooed him away and then asked him to stop harassing me. He began yelling: "I'm calling the police. You're going to be arrested!"
My granddaughters were terrified. So was I. I wanted to protect them from further trauma and was relieved to see a uniformed police officer show up with a badge. I inquired: "What is going on?" I asked for business cards so I could accurately record the disaster. Someone uttered the word "trespass." No one asked my name. The police officer explained he had to escort us off the property because such is Florida law. No arrests, no citations, no warnings, no reports, no reasons--be gone, with the wave of a magic Universal Studios' wand.
When we four returned to our on-site hotel, we were in despair. My youngest granddaughter would not hold my hand. I called Guest Services at Universal and reported the incident. The responder said I had to talk to the man who had been chasing me. "What for?" I asked. He had banned us from Universal. Was I to beg for a change of heart? Prostrate myself at the feet of an intimidating bully? (Frankly, I would have done anything to dry tears; I apologized profusely for any misunderstandings.)
The supervisor clarified that only I, the grandmother who had arranged the surprise adventure for two grade school children from MA, was banned from the theme park. After a careful discussion with my friend, she agreed to accompany the children herself, as the girls were flying home the next morning. The three hobbled back, four hours after the "early admission" had commenced. I collapsed.
News reports suggest the ban on water bottles was a disaster for Universal, poorly planned, managed, and executed. The ban was lifted within three days. I had no problem with the policy and complied willingly.
My question is: can we trust Universal to treat seniors, the handicapped, children, and families with respect? All of humankind? What are my granddaughters to make of this terrifying scene, the accusation, intimidation and bullying? How are they to think of their place in the world with this wet blanket of humiliation around their shoulders?
Check out the many online complaints against Universal. Is Orlando still part of the land of the free? Is there a pattern of abusive behavior at Universal that might suggest the theme parks are dangerous? Please share your thoughts."
Once again, everyone needs to take out their cell phones and video tape this abusive behavior.
surfd...@aol.com
Feb 24, 2015, 3:09:49 PM2/24/15
to
Yet in over 20 years of going there very regularly, including during busy times and special events like Halloween Horror Nights and Mardi Gras, I've never had a problem.
Thom25
Feb 26, 2015, 8:55:01 PM2/26/15
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skiguy777
Feb 28, 2015, 9:32:57 AM2/28/15
to
On Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at 11:49:34 AM UTC-5, surfd...@aol.com wrote:
> http://m.bizjournals.com/orlando/blog/2015/02/breaking-comcast-confirms-king-kongs-return-to.html?ana=twt&r=full
Right, it doesn't happen often, but when it does, things are horrific for those involved. In the cases I just posted, both people didn't touch anyone. One ducked under a rope in an empty line and security got in their face. The other went off about the water bottle stuff. Of coarse we don't know exactly what happened, but security escalates things until OPD is involved.
> http://m.bizjournals.com/orlando/blog/2015/02/breaking-comcast-confirms-king-kongs-return-to.html?ana=twt&r=full
Both people I mentioned are trying to contact the media and get their story out.
It's too bad people don't know what can happen before entering the park. Otherwise everyone would have their camera out documenting the abusive behavior.
surfd...@aol.com
May 6, 2015, 8:19:59 PM5/6/15
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It was officially announced today. Opening in summer 2016. Kind of surprised it's opening is that far away. It's been coming along nicely from the outside and universal works pretty fast.
Summer 2016 will be a good time for Orlando with the new coaster at SeaWorld and also this!
Summer 2016 will be a good time for Orlando with the new coaster at SeaWorld and also this!
skiguy777
May 6, 2015, 9:37:05 PM5/6/15
to
On Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at 11:49:34 AM UTC-5, surfd...@aol.com wrote:
> http://m.bizjournals.com/orlando/blog/2015/02/breaking-comcast-confirms-king-kongs-return-to.html?ana=twt&r=full
Glad you bumped this post. The latest e-mail to me is from someone interviewing for a security guard position. They didn't like what they were hearing, so they declined a followup interview.
> http://m.bizjournals.com/orlando/blog/2015/02/breaking-comcast-confirms-king-kongs-return-to.html?ana=twt&r=full
Good Morning,
I saw your website and felt compelled to write to you. To give you a little background I am a security officer who has tried to work outside of all the horror stories and stereotypes that you often hear about. I do the job because I like helping people and keeping them safe. I was trained by both an ex-army ranger and a former Mossad operative. I worked overseas guarding aqua-ducts in Nigeria, and protecting villages in the Sierra Leone region (Over 6 and a half years). All that being said I just moved to Orlando and what I experienced in an interview process made a whole lot of sense after reading your site.
I was given two interviews at Universal(For security), the first being a general interview by a very nice individual who really had nothing to do with the security operations. The second was done by a low speaking man who seemed to say his name very low so I could not hear it. He asked a series of questions about handling drunk and/or angry individuals to which I always replied that I would try to speak to the person. That I would want to get to the root of what was causing the problem as every industry (Whether they wish to believe it or not) is a customer service industry. The man interviewing me seemed irked by the fact that I would want to do anything but call all the other officers in the immediate area or the OPD on site. I asked if he didn't feel that by doing this that he was actually elevating situations where they may have been none to begin with. I told him that if you start acting in an intimidating fashion when there is no need, people will react to that. Again he did not seem to like my response. I could see clearly that rather than trying to help someone, that they were in more in tune to calling the goon squad for fear and intimidation. Upon realizing that I was seeing through him (i.e. his insecurities, small mindedness and social ineptitude) the interview was concluded. He claimed that they would be possibly be calling to fill out paperwork, and I told him not to bother.
It actually made me sad to see people working in a place associated with fun and family conducting themselves in such a manner. The lack of professionalism, courtesy and understanding was unbelievable. I believe one of the individuals who sent you an email before had referred to these individuals as "wanna-be cops" and that is completely accurate. I don't even work there but feel compelled to apologize to all the people that have gone through such horrible things with these individuals. The parks should be a place to get away from your troubles and everyday worries, not be subjected to worse ones. I would just hope that the individuals who were subjected to this poor treatment know that not everyone wearing a badge or doing work in this type of field are bad or out to intimidate or hurt them. I wouldn't blame them if they did, but I for one would never engage is such activities and will never work for Universal Orlando in any capacity. There is just never any place for this type of behavior and I am truly sorry for those who were subjected to it.
Regards,
Charles
BaSSiStiSt
May 7, 2015, 12:45:37 AM5/7/15
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^ I love how this just sits here, completely out of context for anyone who hasn't been here in the last 10 years.
surfd...@aol.com
May 7, 2015, 7:25:52 AM5/7/15
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I know... Said glad that I bumped this post, but doesn't mention a word about what the post is about.
David H.--REMOVE "STOPSPAM" to reply
May 7, 2015, 6:58:38 PM5/7/15
to
On Wed, 6 May 2015 21:45:36 -0700 (PDT), BaSSiStiSt
<bassi...@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
>^ I love how this just sits here, completely out of context for anyone who hasn't been here in the last 10 years.
Are there actually new people coming to usenet in 2015?
<bassi...@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
>^ I love how this just sits here, completely out of context for anyone who hasn't been here in the last 10 years.
Maybe one or two.
But usenet is mostly over, other than for pirated stuff.
"With the first link, a chain is forged. The first speech censured,
the first thought forbidden, the first freedom denied, chains us
all irrevocably." -Capt. Jean-Luc Picard
"The Drumhead", _Star Trek: The Next Generation_
BaSSiStiSt
May 7, 2015, 9:08:04 PM5/7/15
to
On Thursday, May 7, 2015 at 3:58:38 PM UTC-7, David H.--REMOVE STOPSPAM to reply wrote:
> Are there actually new people coming to usenet in 2015?
Yes, David, new people have come to Usenet since 2005. Not a lot, to be sure.
> Are there actually new people coming to usenet in 2015?
skiguy777
May 9, 2015, 9:56:25 AM5/9/15
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On Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at 11:49:34 AM UTC-5, surfd...@aol.com wrote:
> http://m.bizjournals.com/orlando/blog/2015/02/breaking-comcast-confirms-king-kongs-return-to.html?ana=twt&r=full
Of coarse I read surf's post. I even went on Screamscape and watched the youtube video. I'm thinking another simulator. It could even be a walk through knowing Universal. Let's recap what all the major parks are doing.
> http://m.bizjournals.com/orlando/blog/2015/02/breaking-comcast-confirms-king-kongs-return-to.html?ana=twt&r=full
Universal - Motion simulators with movie screens.
Disney - Mine train rides, celebrations.
Sea World Parks - Firings, revamped shows, Mack coaster (or some off brand)
Cedar Fair - B&M (hopefully Giga coaster at KD, hopefully Fury425)
Six Flags - RMC (Yes)
Where's Intamin? Just because their rides require more maintenance and break down, doesn't mean Cedar Fair and Six Flags need to give up on them. Just look at various polls and Intamin is up there. In fact, in my bucket list top 10, 5 are Intamin. The new B&M hyper is not MF, but it is a fun ride.
surfd...@aol.com
May 9, 2015, 11:06:44 AM5/9/15
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The Orlando Eye is supposedly an Intamin.
David H.--REMOVE "STOPSPAM" to reply
May 9, 2015, 11:32:43 AM5/9/15
to
Reliability is key when you're spending 20+ million dollars.
How pissed would you be if you flew up to say North Carolina or California
for their new ride, but it was broken down for the day and you never got to
ride it?
It's a shame, because Intamin makes great rides. I'd LOVE to see a
Mega-Lite in the US. But no one is going to buy one, because they've
apparently given the parks who have them too much trouble.
surfd...@aol.com
May 9, 2015, 7:47:45 PM5/9/15
to
Visited the park today, and it is progressing nicely. It is HUGE! Very much looking forward to this addition. All the Jurassic Park themeing is gone from Toon Lagoon until Thunder Falls Terrace, it's a Kong themed construction wall all along that route.
skiguy777
May 9, 2015, 7:50:27 PM5/9/15
to
On Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at 11:49:34 AM UTC-5, surfd...@aol.com wrote:
> http://m.bizjournals.com/orlando/blog/2015/02/breaking-comcast-confirms-king-kongs-return-to.html?ana=twt&r=full
You've put yourself into a box on this one. I actually visited CP when MF was down, and didn't get to ride. It was August of 2000. I remember flying up there, visiting CP, and MF being down. It was testing while I was there. I took pictures of the train zooming up the track with no one on it. That didn't matter, I came back and rode many times since.
> http://m.bizjournals.com/orlando/blog/2015/02/breaking-comcast-confirms-king-kongs-return-to.html?ana=twt&r=full
Look at the polls. MF is #1. My poll, the GTA. Only Mitche's poll ranks it further down. Go ahead, make your own poll of Steel coasters. You can't talk until you put your butt out there and make your own poll. Robb is too scared to do this, but my poll is right out there for everyone to see complete with links to all the RDCB pages.
http://www.nogodforme.com/USA_Top_Steel_Coaster_Bucket_List.htm
MF is #1 in the USA. There is no doubt. RMC is chasing. Where does that leave Intamin? Do you think they've died and gone away? Are you kidding me? They'll come back with something cool. The problem is, the parks won't tell us what it is. And we don't know what park has an exclusive with them.
Some park planning something huge with Intamin, and we don't know who. We won't find out for 2-3 years. No one will know until the construction starts. You can't deny the polls when Intamin is at the top.
surfd...@aol.com
Jun 9, 2016, 10:40:46 PM6/9/16
to
The ride soft opened today in late afternoon. I won't give anything away. Waited about an hour. Had a great time though!
Got to ride Mako and Skull Island within a week!
Got to ride Mako and Skull Island within a week!
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