Verruckt - The Highest Water Slide In The World

Verruckt what? I thought so too. Verruckt is German for insanity and when you see this Verruckt Water Slide in Schlitterbahn Water Park in Kansas City,  you're really insane to try it.

What makes this water slide an "insane" ride? For one, it's very high. It's higher than the Niagara Falls and it's so steep. It is a whooping 168 foot 7 inch and 607 feet long structure! You get to strap yourself along with 2-3 more people in a raft that will slide down on this very steep water slide. I'm not a physicist but just by looking at the steep angle of the slide, makes me wonder how the raft, along with its riders will remain "in" the slide and not go airborne. Upon further investigation and research, I found a video from The Travel Channel where "half the real Verruckt" was made for testing in Texas by Jeff Henry, the Wizard of Water as he is famously known. He's also the inventor of the insane water slide and son/co-owner of the Schlitterbahn Water Park. Watch it and you be the judge.




 



If you're having trouble watching the video, here is the link to the video: http://www.travelchannel.com/video/worlds-tallest-waterslide

I do hope they keep an overhead net all throughout the slide, just for extra precaution.


Here are some pictures of the Verruckt Water Slide. All photos, except for the first one are from travelchannel.com.

(the link: http://www.travelchannel.com/tv-shows/xtreme-waterparks/photos/making-of-verruckt-waterslide-pictures)

Photo from theverruckt.com

Model of Verruckt being constructed in Texas

It's still not open. It was slated to open last May and further moved to June 29. I haven't heard about it's actual opening date again after its postponement. If you have news about and if you're one of the insane, er I meant "brave" ones to have tried it, please share your experience. I'm all ears.

Our Visit To Tokyo Disneyland 2014 Part 2

Visiting Tokyo Disneyland will not be complete if you haven't even visited the other half of the theme park.  I have featured the other half of the theme park in the first part of this post. The other half of Tokyo Disneyland is featured in this post. The resort map below is for illustration purposes.

Taken from http://www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/en

Fantasyland

Of all the attractions in the park, this is my favorite because I can ride in most of the attraction rides here. Also, my favorite Haunted Mansion is in this lot!

• Peter Pan's Flight
• Snow White's Adventures
• Cinderella's Fairy Tale Hall
• Mickey's PhilharMagic
• Pinocchio's Daring Journey
• Dumbo The Flying Elephant
• Castle Carrousel
• Haunted Mansion
• It's A Small World
• Alice's Tea Party
• Pooh's Hunny Hunt

Toontown

• Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin
• Minnie's House
• Chip 'n Dale's Treehouse
• Gadget's Go Coaster
• Donald's Boat
• Goofy's Paint 'n' Play House
• Toon Park
• Mickey's House and Meet Mickey

Tomorrowland

• Monsters, Inc. Ride & Go Seek!
• Star Tours: The Adventures Continue
• Space Mountain
• Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blasters
• Captain EO
• StarJets
• Grand Circuit Raceway

The whole day is not enough to explore the whole area. And we are talking about 1 part of the Tokyo Disney Resort. Next time we come back in this place, I will really make sure to book another extra night so we can enjoy the other theme park.

Here are more pics around Disney.

and lastly...

Tokyo Disneyland is located in 1-1 Maihama, Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture 279-0031, Japan. There are various ways to get there. For more information, please visit their official site.

Our Visit To Tokyo Disneyland 2014 Part 1

Disneyland is the happiest place on earth! And this is the third time I have to say that. We have been to the other Disney franchise in Paris, Hong Kong and this one, in Tokyo.  And they exude the same kind of happiness no matter which Disneyland park you visit.

Our one-day pass to Disney, again, is not enough. When will I ever learn? Each time I plan for a trip, I would say 2-days then we end up buying only 1-day pass. Next time, I will make sure it is 2 days. Besides, we have yet to visit the ones in Anaheim and Orlando.

Park ticket rates varies per season. At the time of our visit, it was still not peak season and it was a weekday. I bought the 1-day pass for: 1 adult is JPY 6,200 and 1 junior (from ages 12-17 ) is JPY 5,300 and 1 child (from 4-11)is JPY 4,100 (excluding taxes).

The Tokyo Disney Resort comprises of 2 theme parks - Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Sea Resort.

I will only feature Tokyo Disneyland here as we didn't have time to visit the other. We also only bought 1-day pass for Tokyo Disneyland. Below are some snaps from our adventure in Tokyo Disney. Let me just break it down for you per areas of the park.

Photo from http://www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/en/

What are the attractions in Tokyo Disneyland?

World Bazaar

• Penny Arcade
• Omnibus
• The Disney Gallery

Adventureland

• Pirates of the Caribbean
• Jungle Cruise
• Western River Railroad
• Swiss Family Tree House
• The Enchanted Tiki Room

Westernland

• Country Bear Theater
• Westernland Shootin' Gallery
• Big Thunder Mountain
• Mark Twain River Boat
• Tom Sawyer Island Rafts

Critter Country

• Beaver Brothers Explorers Canoe
• Splash Mountain

- To be continued in Our Visit To Tokyo Disneyland 2014 Part 2 -

Our Vacation in Seoul, South Korea Part 2

Our Seoul, South Korea trip will not be complete without a day visit to Everland Resort in Yongin, Gyeonggi-do Province of South Korea. It is similar to Disneyland Resort in Orlando as it is always compared to the latter due to the similarities in layout. It features a zoo and water resort as well.

We took the bus near the Lotte Department store that goes straight to Everland Resort. We got there around 10:00 a.m. It was not a very long ride. I think it was just around an hour if my memory serves me right.

As soon as the bus reached the terminal, we started taking pictures as the view was magnificent. There were plenty of unusual plants that I have seen for the first time. Such a lovely place and the pictures I am sharing here would show how beautiful the place was.

Enjoy viewing!



The ample parking lot of Everland Resort. This is where you will catch your ride back to the city as well.


This was taken near the bus terminal, few metres away from the main gate of Everland.

Notice the pretty "cabbage-like" plants behind me? They look so yummy! hahaha This is the area before you enter the park.

Just a bit of posing in front of the Everland Resort Logo as you enter the park.

This was taken at the Global Fair. It's the main area of the resort and so is the picture below.





This is my favorite view of the park. This was taken near the big fountain and you could actually see the various colors of fall in the vista. This place is a must-visit place in Seoul.

We were standing just outside the "gate" where the parade would start. We didn't realize the parade would start any minute and we were lucky enough to be in front of the sideline.

At the European Adventure





Bum poking hahaha




Taken near the T Express, the largest wooden roller coaster built in Seoul.

We Love Disneyland Paris!

They say, Disneyland is the happiest place on earth. My family will agree with me in saying that because we have been to Disneyland twice -  one in Hong Kong and the other one was in Paris last August 2006.

We had more fun in Paris than in Hong Kong because the latter recently opened last 2005 when we went. Disneyland Paris is bigger and has more attractions than in Hong Kong.

Disneyland Paris consists of 2 parks:  Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. Let me break them down for you in terms of attractions and some famous rides found in each Park's sections.

Disneyland Park
Main Street 

Lovey dovies in front of Disney Paris

• Disneyland Railroad
• Horse-drawn streetcars
• Discovery Arcade

Fantasyland

• Alice's Labyrinth

Nope, we didn't get lost!

• Casey Jr. - le Petit Train du Cirque
• Dumbo
• It's A Small World
• Le Carrousel de Lancelot
• Mad Hatter's Tea Cup
• Peter Pan's Flight



The royalties!

• Sleeping Beauty's Castle

Our Princess enjoying her time at the park

• Fantasy Festival Stage

Frontierland

• Big Thunder Mountain
• Critter Coral
• Legends of the Wild West



Our favorite ride, ever! This is the crypt before entering the Phantom Manor.

• Phantom Manor
• Pocahontas Indian Village



River boat ride around Thunder Mesa

• Thunder Mesa River boat Landing

• Rustler Shooting Gallery
• The Chaparral Theater

Adventureland

• Adventure Isle
• Captain Hook's Pirate Ship
• Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril



Hubby, going alone for the Temple of Peril ride.



• Enchanted Passage to Aladdin
• Pirates Beach
• Pirates of the Caribbean



Pirates of the Caribbean ride


Discoveryland

• Alpha and Beta Arcade
• Buzz Lightyear Lazer Blast
• Captain EO
• Autopia
• Nautilus Mysteries
• Space Mountain: Mission 2



Nope, didn't ride this one because I got duped the first time when we rode it in Hong Kong thinking it was some  space train ride inside. Boy, I was in for a thrilling surprise!



• Star Tours
• Videopolis
• Orbitron



Near Orbitron



Walt Disney Studios Park

• Disney Studio 1
• Animagique
• Art of Disney Animation
• Cars Race Rally
• Flying Carpets over Agrabah
• Crush's Coaster
• RC Racer
• Slinky Dog Zigzag Spin
• Tower of Terror
• Toy Story Playland
• Armageddon Special Effects
• Action Stunt Show
• Toy Soldiers Parachute Jump
• Rock n' Roller Coaster
• Studio Tram tour
• Playhouse Disney Live on Stage
• Stitch Live


The whole resort is big and has many attractions for both kiddies and adults to enjoy. We didn't have  time to explore the Walt Disney Studios Park as we had to head to Paris' city proper for the remaining part of our vacation.

There are plenty of shops and restaurants to choose from in the park. Aside from that, there's a meet and greet session with the Disney characters you love. We managed to scour several pictures with them as we were in the park the whole day until 11:00 p.m. after the fireworks show. The fireworks show was late because it didn't get dark until around 10:00 p.m.! It was still like dusk around 9:00 p.m. since it was not yet totally autumn that time so the sun set quite late.

Buzz, my man!

Still can't figure out if it's Chip or Dale ?!?

Sneaking! hahaha...

The fireworks was spectacular! I could watch it over and over without feeling tired. It was staged in Sleeping Beauty's castle with lights and music to go with it. We chose a perfect spot near the Main Street's grassy areas where we could sit and just enjoy the breath-taking show. I have never seen such beautifully coordinated lights, music and fireworks show in my life and the one we saw there was probably the most beautiful fireworks I have ever seen. I have placed a short clip of the firework's finale here. It's a teaser to encourage you to save up for that once in a lifetime dream vacation to Paris!

Lovely castle at night, getting ready for the big fireworks show.

Marvelous fireworks show. I think it ran for 3-5 minutes until the whole song was over.

 

Celebrants' tiles in front of the park

 I forgot how much I paid for in the park since it was almost 7 years ago. The price listed in their site now shows GBP 52.00 for adults and GBP 47.00 for kids from 3 to 11. The rates are for 1-day pass only for 1 Park. The rates include VAT as well. I'm not sure if they increased over the years. If ever, it may not be that much so roughly, I must have paid around those rates in 2006.

I highly recommend this place to families out there and even to couples.  I have seen tiles with names of married couples who celebrated their wedding or anniversary in the park set on the front area near the ticket booth. So I am sure that Disneyland is great for all ages. If you wish to visit both parks then 1 days for each park must be allocated because there are so many rides inside and shows to watch that you need 1 whole day for each park.

As soon as we arrived Charles De Gaulle Airport, we went to Terminal 2 to catch the VEA Shuttle. It was not hard to miss because it was red and had Disneyland logo all over the bus. It had several stops on the main Disney hotels in the park but it also passed through official Disney resort "other" hotels in the list. Our hotel was Kyriad just few meters away from the Disney Park. The bus shuttle's rate was around Euro 11 for each of us. This may have increased by now.

Going to the Paris' city proper was also convenient. We just had to take the free hotel shuttle to the main gare or train station. The train station just in front of the Disney Village is the last stop so if you're coming from the city, you'll never miss the place.

So, what are you waiting for? Plan your magical experience now and visit Disneyland Paris! They have an extended 20th Anniversary until September 2013 and lots of fun and surprises await revelers!

(All photos and video are personal property of www.riatravelbug.com and copyright to me, the owner. Please do not copy or use without written permission. Thanks.)

Universal Studios Singapore July 2012

Yes, finally! My daughter and I had an amazing time in Universal Studios Singapore last July 5, 2012. It was just a mere 10 minutes walk away from our hotel in the Resorts World Sentosa so going there was a breeze.

I paid S$74 for each of us for an adult one-day peak pass because our date of visit fell during the peak season. I bought it online few weeks in advance to ensure that our entrance was covered because you just don't know if it would become too crowded.

We were there around 11:00 a.m. There was gray overcast but I didn't anticipate heavy rain on that day. Good thing we bought rain coats so even if it was raining like cats and dogs, we managed to go around wearing our rain coats. The rain stopped around 1:00 p.m. so it was cool to roam around again and ride the other attractions.



There are 7 areas in Universal Studios Singapore namely:

• Hollywood - near the entrance, has souvenir shops and other food outlets like the Mel's Diner   and Hollywood China Bistro. We had lunch at the latter. It was quite pricey but it was delicious. Celebrity Cafe and Bakeshop is also in this place.
• New York - you can find the Lights, Camera, Action attraction here. This is where I had a pose with Marilyn Monroe and watched the Sesame Street characters performed.
• Sci-fi City - Transformers Ride and Battlestar Galactica Human vs. Cylon ride and the Accelerator are  in this area. 
• Ancient Egypt - The very scary Revenge of the Mummy ride is right here. Treasure Hunt is another slow ride which is okay for kids and even myself with hypertension.
• Lost World - Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure, Canopy Flyer, Dino-Soarin' rides are right here. Water World is also found in this area. 
• Far, Far, Away - The very fun and exciting Shrek 4D ride is in this area. I had so much fun in this simulator ride. Magic Potion shop is also here which is a merchandise store. There are some food outlets here too.
• Madagascar - The fun Madagascar: A Crate Adventure ride is found here. I love this ride so much although we all got wet because of Marty. No, I will not give any spoiler here :) You have to go to Universal Studios and enjoy the ride!

I managed to take pictures with Marilyn Monroe and Betty Boop. I was looking for the other characters but didn't catch them. Better luck next time!

The whole Universal Studios experience is so wonderful. My daughter  would like to go back and take her dad with her so she could try out the other rides we missed during our visit because of my condition. I wanted to take the rides but I was hyperventilating already just reading the description and looking at the other riders who got out of the rides. However, I know I missed so much on the other famous rides, I still look forward to go back and this time, with my hubby who is as adventurous as my princess.

I do recommend this place to everyone. It is a wholesome, family-oriented theme park in Singapore.