coaster magazine
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Magazine featureing theme parks and travel tips.TRANSCRIPT
LIVE FAST. TRAVEL SMART.
AMUSEMENT PARK FOODS | WHAT TO PACK | AROUND THE TOWN | WALT DISNEY
SPRING 2013
LIVE FAST. TRAVEL SMART.
- WALT DISNEY
PACKING JUST GOT EASIER.
05
What’s your favorite theme park?
Amanda Carracci
“Six Flags in
St. Louis! Mainly
because I’m from
St. Louis and
everything there
is radical.”
“Sea World, even
though all the
animals are locked
away and sad. Other
than that it’s great.”
“Definitely Disney
World, so many
sweet characters
running around
scaring kids and
lovin’ life.”
“Disney World
because it has
everything and
people pick up the
trash every five
seconds.”
Melissa Meyers
Stephanie Roche Jon Marzette
CONTRIBUTORSCONTRIBUTORSWE ASKED OUR
FEATURESnew gadgets
ESSENTIALStraveling entertainment
CIRQUE DU SOLEILtop 5
ROLLER COASTERSHow it’s made
SPLASH MOUNTAIN0
7
FLIP FOR JOY
SURVIVAL GUIDE
AROUND THE TOWN
FINDING FOOD
WALT: MAN VERSUS MYTH
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The Golf BlueMotion.Reduce your carbon footprint. Only 99/km CO².
Visit environ-normal.com.au
Why be environ-mental when you can be environ-normal?
10
NEW GADGETS
Spring is coming up and it’s time to ditch all the snow-covered,
frost bitten iPhone chargers from this past winter and dive into
some seriously awesome gear for the warmer gear.
SPRING ESSENTIALSSPRING ESSENTIALS
STREAMING PROJECTOR
Prices Starting at $300
Prices Starting at $200
KINDLE PAPERWHTIE
Yeah, this is a little bit of déjà vu. But we can’t say it enough:
when you’re carrying around a beautiful camera, the cheap
strap that comes in the box won’t do. Tanner Goods knows
how to make leather gear that lasts—and unlike your camera,
you won’t want to upgrade this strap in a few years.
TVs have been getting jacked up to the Internet over the
past few years, with WiFi connectivity and streaming
services like Netflix and Hulu Plus baked into their hardware.
And now, projectors are getting in on the Internet TV game.
The 3M Streaming Projector has the ability to stream content
from Netflix, Amazon Video on Demand, and other streaming
services, without having to string any boxes to it. All you
need is a power outlet, a white wall, and a WiFi connection.
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You know who they are. Maybe you are one: the techno-
outdoorsy types, who do 10K trail runs so they can Instagram
the finish, and someday hope to tweet from base camp
at the foot of K2. And now, for those Patagonia-wearing,
plastic-and-paper-separating enviro-techno-obsessive
friends, there’s the BioLite CampStove. When they’re out in
the sticks, they can stuff in twigs and leaves to power their
gadgets via USB, and boil a liter of water in 4.5 minutes.
Prices Starting at $129
CAMPSTOVE
Prices Starting at $82
Yeah, this is a little bit of déjà vu. But we can’t say it enough:
when you’re carrying around a beautiful camera, the cheap
strap that comes in the box won’t do. Tanner Goods knows
how to make leather gear that lasts—and unlike your camera,
you won’t want to upgrade this strap in a few years.
CAMERA STRAP
For the last few years we’ve been rambling on about the
benefits of the interchangeable lens camera (ILC, if you
wanna show off in a crowd of nerds). You get all the killer
photo-taking power of a bulky procamera—including
swappable lenses and a big sensor—in a smaller body. Except
Marc Newson, designer of the 16.3-megapixel K-01, missed
that last part of the memo. Instead he created something
that looks part Playskool, part pop-art.
K-01 HAND HELD CAMERA
Prices Starting at $500
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FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THESE PRODUCTS, VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.COASTERMAG.COM
If you’ve ever lost your precious smartphone on a messy
desk or nightstand, you’ll appreciate the Milo. Just press the
back of your phone against its microsuction—but not sticky—
surface and your phone stays put, levitating in midair.
The Zik, designed by Philippe Starck, is nothing short of a
miracle: a Bluetooth headphone that’s actually—get this—
intuitive. Instead of buttons that all feel the same to your
fingers, it uses touch controls: stroke the right ear cup’s
surface up or down to tweak the volume, forward and back
to change the track. Take them off your ears and the music
stops, and vice versa. Plus it has active noise canceling and
a smartphone app that lets you tweak the sound.
Think of a headlamp as a no-hands flashlight, and you’ll
realize that you to don’t have to climb Kilimanjaro to
appreciate the SnowMiner. Yeah, it works great for finding
the perfect tree after you’ve tossed back a few at the
campsite. But it’s also great for everything from grilling in the
dark to working under the sink. And in lantern mode it’ll light
up a dark corner as easily as it does a tent.
Prices Starting at $129
SNOWMINER HEAD LAMP
Prices Starting at $15
IPHONE STAND
ZIC HEADPHONES
Prices Starting at $400
They’re here.
14
TRAVELING ENTERTAINMENT
CIRQUE DU SOLEILCIRQUE DU SOLEILA fascinating journey into the evolution of mankind
TOTEM traces the fascinating journey of the human
species from its original amphibian state to its ultimate
desire to fly. The characters evolve on a stage evoking
a giant turtle, the symbol of origin for many ancient
civilizations—as well as other mythical creatures.
A young girl’s escape into a world of imagination
Young Zoé is bored; her parents, distant and apathetic,
ignore her. Her life has lost all meaning. Seeking to fill the
void of her existence, she slides into an imaginary world—
the world of Quidam—where she meets characters who
encourage her to free her soul.
Upcoming sHows
Macon, GA May 03, 2013
Savannah, GA May 07, 2013
Columbus, GA May 11, 2013
Orlando, FL May 15, 2013
Cedar Rapids, IA June 06, 2013
Upcoming sHows
New York, NY May 03, 2013
Philadelphia, PA May 30, 2013
Columbus, OH June 11, 2013
Long Beach, CA June 29, 2013
Orange County, CA July 16, 2013
TOTEM QUIDAM
Tickets Starting at $55.00 - $140.00 Tickets Starting at $28.00 - $95.00
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The newest touring show creation A high-energy Cirque du Soleil classic
Amaluna invites the audience to a mysterious island
governed by Goddesses and guided by the cycles of
the moon. Their queen, Prospera, directs her daughter’s
coming-of-age ceremony in a rite that honours femininity,
renewal, rebirth and balance which marks the passing of
these insights and values to the next generation.
Mystère is classic Cirque du Soleil, combining the
powerful athleticism, high-energy acrobatics and inspiring
imagery that has become the company’s hallmark.
Deemed a theatrical “flower in the desert,” Mystère thrills
generations of audiences with its exhilarating blend of
whimsy, drama and the unimaginable brought to life on
stage. Presented exclusively at Treasure Island, Mystère
provides the ultimate discovery that life itself is a mystery.
Upcoming sHows
Columbus, OH May 02, 2013
Cedar Rapids, IA May 16, 2013
St. Louis, MO June 01, 2013
Kansas City, MO June 19, 2013
Oklahoma City, OK July 10, 2013
Upcoming sHows
Denver, CO May 29, 2013
Minneapolis, MN June 23, 2013
San Francisco, CA July 18, 2013
San Jose, CA Aug. 07, 2013
Phoenix, AZ Sept. 01, 2013
AMALUNA MYSTERE
Tickets Starting at $50.00 - $130.00 Tickets Starting at $69.00 - $119.00
Cirque du Soleil is a legengdary traveling entertainment company
that has many different shows to view, which makes it universal.
These short descriptions feature the top shows Cirque du Soleil offer.
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A door opens and two worlds collide. Enter the attic of
make-believe, where the mundane meets the marvellous.
Dreams and nightmares intertwine. La Nouba which
calls on both individual and collective memory, is an
unforgettable journey into a world at once threatening
and exhilarating, frightening and familiar.
Cirque du Soleil weaves an aquatic tapestry of artistry,
surrealism and theatrical romance in the timeless
production, “O”. Inspired by the concept of infinity and
the elegance of water’s pure form, “O” pays tribute to
the beauty of the theatre - from the simplest street
performance to the most lavish of operas - where
anything is possible and where the drama of life plays
itself out before our very eyes.
A Boundless and Festive Journey of the Imagination An aquatic masterpiece of surrealism and theatrical romanceLA NOUBA O
Upcoming sHows
Atlanta, GA May 13, 2013
Columbus, GA May 20, 2013
Orlando, FL June 3, 2013
Miami, FL June 17, 2013
Cedar Rapids, IA July 15, 2013
Upcoming sHows
Dallas, TX May 9, 2013
Oklahoma City, OK May 30, 2013
Wichita, KS June 13, 2013
Cedar Rapids, IA June 27, 2013
Columbus, OH July 11, 2013
Tickets Starting at $61.00 - $144.00 Tickets Starting at $109.00 - $180.00
PURCHASE TICKETS FOR ALL CIRQUE DUE SOLEIL SHOWS AT WWW.CIRQUEDUSOLEIL.COM
WWW.KASHI.COM
When you are getting ready to head to the park, make sure to
pack a healthy snack so you are not stuck with sugar packed
items. Theme park foods are notoriously bad for your health, so
bring your own snack from Kashi!
UNNECESSARY SUGARwill slow you down and take away from your park day
18
YOUR PLANNING—AND FUN—can start as early as
now. Build your group’s anticipation by visiting the
park’s website together. Get to know the map, de-
cide what your must-see attractions are, and find
out about special events such as shows, character
parades, fireworks, and laser displays.
Of course, while you’re getting your kids pumped
up for their park visit, you also have to manage
their expectations. Take the time to prepare them
emotionally for the big trip, suggests George Scar-
lett, a professor of developmental psychology.
HOW TO AVOID HEADACHES
TO TRIP PLANNING
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Don’t forget to bring these items: 1 . Reusable Water
Bottle, 2. Sun Hat, 3. Hand Sanitizer, 4. Sun Screen,
5. Extra Set of Keys, 6. Power Cords, 7. Band-Aids,
8. Earplugs, 9. Camera, 10. Wallet with ID, 11. Sunglasses
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A theme park is awash in eye candy that can test
kids’ self-control, especially preschoolers’. Let
them know there are park rules, just as there are
rules at home. They may need to stand patiently
in line before they can board a ride. They’ll likely
have to wear safety belts or protective gear, and
they’ll need to keep their hands and feet inside all
attractions. Because many rides have minimum
height restrictions, make sure they understand
which ones will be off-limits to them. Robert Niles,
founder and editor of ThemeParkInsider.com, sug-
gests that in the weeks leading up to your theme
park visit you should let your kids earn a “souvenir
allowance” to spend at the end of the day or the
trip (remember, you don’t want to be stuck carting
around a collossal stuffed animal from ride to ride).
wHat’s tHe best ticket deal option?
Some things are obvious: You can save money
and time, buying park passes online; multiday
tickets will usually bring the per-day cost down.
But some seemingly high-priced offers—such as
park combo deals and annual passes—can ac-
tually save you a bundle. A season pass to Six
Flags, for instance, gets you into all 13 of the
company’s theme parks for the year. (If you de-
cide to get an annual pass while you’re at a park,
ITEMS TO PACK
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4
6
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MAN DOES NOT PLAN TO FAIL,
HE JUST FAILS TO PLAN. FREDERICK DOUGLASS
for the year. (If you decide to get an annual pass
while you’re at a park, you can usually upgrade
your ticket right on the spot.) Theme parks can
be a lot of fun. Be sure to follow a park on Twitter
or Facebook, so you’ll be alerted to flash promo-
tions—last-minute offers that can include discount-
ed nighttime attendance, buy-one-get-one-free
deals, and savings on meals or souvenirs.
Hotel package deals will certainly cost you more,
but they also come with perks. A family of four can
expect to pay several hundred dollars more for, say,
a three-day Walt Disney World package than for a
comparable “a la carte” stay at a nearby Marriott.
But Disney packages often include discounts on
on-site hotels, dining, and special events that may
make up the difference. At Universal Studios Flori-
da and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, if you stay
on-site you get a complimentary Express Plus Pass
that lets you skip lines for certain rides and attrac-
tions. (For more on express passes, see “Should
You Pay Extra for Shorter Lines?” to the left).
i never take my kids anywHere witHoUt a loaded
backpack. is tHat a good idea at a tHeme park?
Just because a park features a castle doesn’t mean
you should have to pay a king’s ransom for basics
like water, snacks, sunscreen, and bandages. “Nev-
er buy anything in a theme park you can buy out-
side the park,” says Niles. If you worry about things
like food spills, cuts, inclement weather, and melt-
downs, by all means do some schlepping. Bring
packaged snacks, wet wipes, Ziploc bags, a change
of clothes, disposable rain ponchos, sunscreen,
bug repellent, water bottles, a small first-aid kit,
small toys, coloring books, and glow-in-the-dark
sticks and necklaces (which the parks sell at dusk
but they charge a fortune). While we’re obsessing
over details, don’t forget to pin your name and cell
phone number to the inside of your kids’ clothes
and wear closed-toe shoes to the park. You don’t
want your little one’s flip-flops flying off on the new
Wild Eagle ride at Dollywood.
Planning ahead can save
a lot of stress and even stop you
from overpacking.
mickey probably didn’t need to
bring six suitcases.
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CHECKLISTMake sure you’ve completed these tasks before your trip.
Book all of your tickets: For everything from airline to day-park passes
to special event tickets. This will help you avoid ticket lines.
Pack your backpack: Look back a couple pages to see what you should
be bringing to the park with you. If you’ve already got your backpack set
up, you won’t have to worry about forgetting anything.
Day-to-Day Itenerairy: No one is saying you need every minute of your
trip mapped out beforehand, but have a rough idea of where you want to
be each day at the least. By planning ahead, you can look up which days
are busier than others at each park.
How you’re getting around: Be prepared to walk in the park, but con-
sider whether or not you’ll need a rental car or if there is pulic transpor-
tation available to get to and from your hotel.
wHat are tHe best times of day to visit?
Remember one thing: Always go against the flow.
The more you can anticipate where the herd will
be—and flee to where it’s not—the more elbow
room and (relative) solitude you’ll enjoy. For in-
stance, most visitors don’t show up first thing in
the morning. Arriving at least 15 minutes before the
gate is thrown open (c’mon, your kids are going to
be up at dawn anyway) and heading for the most
popular rides first can be the difference between
no wait and a wait of 60 to 90 minutes for marquee
attractions. Niles notes that, amazingly enough,
you can walk right on to Tatsu, billed as the world’s
tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster, at Six
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ARRIVE 15 MINUTES BEFORE GATES OPEN
Flags Magic Mountain in Los Angeles when the
park opens at 10:30, but by 11 the wait can be as
long as two hours. But do your homework so that
you choose your morning rides carefully. A water
ride that soaks you to the bone may be a less than
inspiring way to start your day.
The same goes for lunch. If you head to a popu-
lar watering hole such as Three Broomsticks in The
Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal’s Is-
lands of Adventure between noon and 2 you’ll find
that a thousand other Muggles had the same idea.
Instead, pack a lunch, or make reservations to eat
early or late (check reservation policies; Disney, for
instance, will let you make online restaurant reser-
vations up to 180 days in advance). While every-
one else is chowing down, enjoy some shorter wait
times at attractions that are otherwise jammed. If
your park features a midday character parade or a
popular live show, you’ll likely find rides less crowd-
ed at those times as well.
PLAN AHEAD TO CREATE
MOMENTS LIKE THESE WITH
YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY.
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Other go-against-the-flow techniques include:
heading for the back of the park at opening while
everyone else is boarding the rides nearest the
front gate; leaving the park at midday for a dip in
the hotel pool or a nap, then returning in the early
evening when crowds are often lighter; opting for
the left-hand line at snack bars and souvenir shops
because most folks are programmed to turn right
(sounds crazy, I know, but park sharks swear this
one is true).
If you remember that your phone or tablet works
for you (and not the other way around), it can help
solve some problems.
As for time of year, most major parks are less
crowded in September and October, as school
starts up, and April and May, as school winds
down. (But if anyone asks, I’m not the one who
suggested you take your youngster out of class
to shake hands with Mickey!) Theme parks are the
best. Some parks have trends all their own: Busch
Gardens Tampa Bay sees an increase in student
tour groups from Brazil each January and June;
Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays are more
crowded at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom;
at its Southern California cousin, Disneyland, locals
flock on Saturdays and Sundays.
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THINGS TO DO IN...
sanduskY, ohio
orlando, Florida
anaheim, caliFornia
mason, ohio
EVEN THOUGH YOU’RE THERE TO go to the
theme park of your choosing you can only spend
so much time inside the park. Eventually the sun
will set and the neon lights will turn off and you
will slowly make your way to the front of the park
and take trek back to your car, the same one that
seemed so short this morning. Though you are
tired, and maybe a little sunburned. You still need
to eat, and sleep somewhere. Within this article you
will find useful information about each of the towns
featured in the previous story about the parks in
The United States with the best roller coasters.
OTHER PLACES TO SEE
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Top: ghostly manor
Left: cedar Points hotel
Right: kalahari resort
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Kalahari Resort
From the moment of arrival there is a sense that you are a world away.
Kalahari Resort with its authentic African themed guestrooms and suites, by
design, goes beyond expectations.
Cedar Points Hotel Breakers
This elegant, historic hotel blends modern conveniences and amenities
with the turn-of-the-century sophistication and elegance of the building’s
true character and includes hardwood floors, wicker furniture, a five story
rotunda, and Tiffany stained glass windows.
Ghostly Manor
Welcome to our newest attraction, Wizard’s Journey! Wizard’s Journey is a
one of a kind 3D blacklight adventure. It takes you on an interactive quest to
slay the dragon through caves, waterfalls, a forest, and much more.
Red Gable Mesquite Grill
The Red Gables, where you can dine on the finest steaks and freshest
seafood served anywhere in the world. All of the meals are cooked over
mesquite wood to add flavor. Red Gables stepped into history in the 1930’s
as a truck stop, diner and weigh station.
Chet & Matt’s Pizza
At Chet and Matt’s pizza they make their own pizza dough and pizza sauce,
layer on a secret blend of cheeses, combinations of toppings. Their specialty
thin crust lets the pizza’s many flavors power through.
1
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5Weather Averages
Fall: 48° – 65°
winter: 29° – 40°
spring: 38° – 65°
summer: 68° – 80°
SANDUSKY
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Cincinnati Marriott Northeast
Located in the suburb of Mason, Ohio and minutes from offices, attractions,
shopping and more, the Cincinnati Marriott Northeast is an ideal destination
for every traveler. Leisure guests enjoy our family-friendly hotel.
Great Wolf Lodge Water Park
Located near Kings Island and The Beach Waterpark, this hotel offers guest
rooms with either a king size bed or roomy suites for the whole family. As
well as an indoor waterpark. Great for children and young adults.
Beach Waterpark
One of the top five waterparks in the nation, the Beach Waterpark boasts a
750,000 gallon wavepool, over 40 rides and attractions including five-story
freefall slides, sand, palmtrees, and much more.
Cazadores Mexican Restaurant
A very casual, authentic Mexican restaurant popular with family groups. We
go for the great food, especially the wonderful pork carnitas. The menu has
many authentic dishes along with the basic tacos and enchiladas. Service is
very quick and attentive.
Aponte’s Pizzeria Family
Tony Aponte began his pizza career in north New Jersey at age 11. “We were
poor,” he said about his first job. “I had four brothers and sisters, and I started
to work to take care of my family.” Thirty years later, Aponte has opened his
second Aponte’s Pizzeria.
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5
Weather Averages
Fall: 41° – 62°
winter: 39° – 42°
spring: 49° – 69°
summer: 75° – 85°
MASON
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Top: Beach waterpark
Left: aponte’s Pizzeria
Right: great wolf lodge
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Top: gatorland
Left: margaritaville
Right: seaworld
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JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes
The JW Marriott Orlando is set among pristine lakes, sweeping vistas and
fragrant gardens that will bring you back to the genteel elegance of old-
world Florida. Located just minutes from the Orlando International Airport.
SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld Orlando is a theme park, and marine-life based zoological
park, in Orlando, Florida. It is owned and operated by SeaWorld Parks &
Entertainment, a subsidiary of The Blackstone Group.
Gatorland
Take a trip to this 70-acre park and see thousands of alligators, and the
kindred crocodile, up close. Visit breeding pens, nurseries and rearing ponds.
Children love the site’s mini water park, and the petting zoo boasts goats,
lamb, and other barnyard animals.
Margaritaville
Escape to Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, right in the center of Universal
Orlando CityWalk. From a volcano flowing with margaritas to suspended
airplanes, Margaritaville is more than a restaurant; it’s a state of mind.
Hanamizuki Japanese Restaurant
Graced by a fountain at its entrance, this small, casual eatery offers an
intriguing variety of Japanese dishes that range from standard Japanese
culinary items to more exotic selections. If you want to walk off your dinner,
visit the popular Mercado shopping next door.
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Weather Averages
Fall: 58° – 64°
winter: 45° – 58°
spring: 60° – 73°
summer: 75° – 89°
ORLANDO
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Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
Designed in the early 20th century Arts and Crafts architectural style,
this luxurious hotel celebrates the California lifestyle with a wide range of
amenities on site for guests to enjoy including 751 elegant accommodations.
Gaya Island Resort
Locaated 15 minutes off Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Pulau Gaya is underlaid by
folded sandsrone sedimentary rock and is part or the Crocker Range rock
formation of the western coast of Sabah.Be refreshed with a welcome treat
and mineral water.
The Winchester Mystery House
It once was the personal residence of Sarah Winchester, the widow of gun
magnate William Winchester. She thought the house was haunted by the
ghosts of the people who fell victim to Winchester rifles, and that only
continuous construction would appease them.
Kareem’s Restaurant
Homemade, low-fat, and low-cholesterol Mediterranean food is the specialty
of this restaurant that has appetizers, shish kabobs, soups, salads, hummos,
falafel, BabaGanoosh, and a variety of sandwiches on its menu.
Ruffino’s Italian Restaurant
This comfortable restaurant serves authentic Italian seafood, veal, and
chicken entrees, all prepared fresh daily. Catering and take out services are
available. Ruffino’s is perfect for date night.
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3
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5Weather Averages
Fall: 64° – 75°
winter: 45° – 58°
spring: 60° – 68°
summer: 72° – 87°
ANAHEIM
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Top: ruffion’s italian restaurant
Left: disney’s grand california hotel
Right: winchester mystery house
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AMUSEMENT PARK EATS
SUMMER JUST ISN’T QUITE summer without a
trip to the amusement park. But between the
cotton candy, chili cheese fries and nachos you
may think your family is destined for a day of
high-calorie, nutritionally empty meals and snacks.
“Eating right at an amusement park can seem like
an impossible feat, but it doesn’t have to be,” says
Jim White, RD, ACSM-HFS, a spokesperson for the
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. “Now that
OF AMUSEMENT PARK FOODS
EAT THIS AND NOT THAT!
strawberry
ice cream
125 calories
snow cone270 calories
lemonade
300 calories
iced sweet tea30 calories
nacHos1 ,100 calories
corndog
240 calories
cotton candy
220 calories
45 caloriespopsicle
kettle corn195 calories
cHocolate
marsHmallow
fUdge 400 calories
JUST BECAUSE YOU’LL BE AT THE PARK
FROM DAWN TO DUSK DOES NOT MEAN YOU
HAVE TO EAT EVERY MEAL THERE.
people are more health conscious than ever, there
are a surprising number of healthy options. You
just need to know where to look for them.” Here’s
how to snack responsibly:
scoUt it oUt
While you’re walking through the park keep your
eyes open for healthy eats. You’ll be surprised what
you can find. Skip the hot dogs and hamburgers
and go for a grilled chicken breast sandwich with
a side salad or corn on the cob instead of fries.
Or squeeze in a serving or two of veggies with a
veggie burger or grilled vegetable skewers.
byo snacks
Just because you’ll be at the park from dawn
until dusk doesn’t mean you have to eat every
meal there. Before you leave, serve up a healthy
breakfast at home. That way you’ll know your
family started the day fueled up and ready to
go. At the park, fill in with nutritious snacks from
home. A few well-planned snacks can cut down
on the number of meals you’ll have to buy and the
amount of time you spend waiting in line for food.
“A small bag of granola or nuts or a piece of fresh
fruit can help hold kids over between meals and is
a lot healthier than an ice cream sandwich,” says
White. If the park you’re visiting doesn’t allow you
to bring in food from outside you can still snack
right. Many amusement parks now stock healthy
nibbles like fresh fruit cups, yogurt, and even carrot
and celery sticks.
sip smart
Supersized sugar-filled drinks can bring lots
of hidden, empty calories to the table. While
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IT’S COMPLETELY
OKAY FOR KIDS TO HAVE
A SMALL TREAT.
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fat-free or 1% milk or chocolate milk are great
choices so is water. “If it’s hot and everyone’s
sweating, replenishing fluids is key for preventing
dehydration,” says White. Encourage kids to hang
on to their empty water bottles and refill them
throughout the day rather than tossing them in
the trash.
don’t cave
Nothing’s more frustrating than listening to your
kids nag you for kettle corn, giant pretzels and
funnel cake. While there’s certainly room for the
occasional treat, don’t feel that you have to say
yes to everything. A 2012 Journal of the Academy
of Nutrition and Dietetics study found that parents
who were most permissive when it came to kids’
eating were the most likely to have children whose
diets had the fewest nutrients.
indUlge
If most of the day’s eats are healthy it’s completely
okay for kids to have a small treat. Rather
than snacking while walking through the park,
encourage your children to sit down and savor
their food. They’ll actually enjoy it more. If you
are going to have a treat, try to save it for later
you for kettle corn, giant pretzels and funnel cake.
While there’s certainly room for the occasional
treat, don’t feel that you have to say yes to
everything. A 2012 Journal of the Academy of
Nutrition and Dietetics study found that parents
who were most permissive when it came to kids’
eating were the most likely to have children whose
diets had the fewest nutrients. If you are going
to have a treat, try to save it for later in the day,
suggests White. That way you won’t feel like your
kids stuffed themselves with not-so-nutritious
food the minute you got to the park and you can
focus on what really matters – the fun.
44
a
mu
se
me
nt
Pa
rk
ea
ts
1. snow cones have been a popular
pick in amusement parks, but
now with the options of toppings,
including chocolate and cream,
snow cones are more unhealthy.
2. amusement park food stand
profits have decreased starting in
2010. visitors now take advantage
of the surrounding resturants and
choose healthier foods.
1
2
45
4. the funnel cake is a unique
favorite to the amusement park. the
fried dough and powdered sugar
make it delicious, but it also is the
most unhealthy item of food offered
in the parks.
3. ice cream is the best seller in
amusement parks. the combination
of homemade ice cream and the
usual warm weather are the reasons
for this great achievement.
3
4
46
THE INFLUENCE
the
the
MAN
tHe
MYTH
THERE’S NO DOUBT OF THE AMOUNT
OF IMPACT WALT DISNEY HAD
ON THE ENTERTAINMENT
INDUSTRY. BUT WHAT KEPT
HIM SANE? IS HE REALLY FROZEN?
frozenINSIDE
an ice block?
HONESTLY, IT WAS
ALL REALLY AN ACCIDENT,
I ALMOST BLEW IT.
49
TRY TO IMAGINE A WORLD WITHOUT DISNEY.
A world without his magic, whimsy, and optimism.
Walt Disney transformed the entertainment indus-
try, into what we know today. He pioneered the
fields of animation, and found new ways to teach,
and educate.
Walt’s optimism came from his unique ability to
see the entire picture. His views and visions, came
from the fond memory of yesteryear, and persis-
tence for the future. Walt loved history. As a result
of this, he didn’t give technology to us piece by
piece, he connected it to his ongoing mission of
making life more enjoyable, and fun. Walt was our
bridge from the past to the future.
During his 43-year Hollywood career, which
spanned the development of the motion picture
industry as a modern American art, Walter Elias
Disney established himself and his innovations as
a genuine part of American art.
Probably the most painful time of Walt’s private
life, was the accidental death of his mother in 1938.
After the great success of Snow White and the
Seven Dwarfs, Walt and Roy bought their parents,
Elias and Flora Disney, a home close to the studios.
Less than a month later Flora died of asphyxiation
caused by a faulty furnace in the new home. The
terrible guilt of his mother’s death haunted Walt
for the rest of his life.
In 1940, construction was completed on the Bur-
bank Studio, and Disney’s staff swelled to more
than 1,000 artists, animators, story men, and tech-
nicians. Although, because of World War II 94 per-
cent of the Disney facilities were engaged in spe-
cial government work, including the production of
training and propaganda films for the armed ser-
vices, as well as health films which are still shown
through-out the world by the U.S. State Depart-
ment. The remainder of his efforts were devoted to
the production of comedy short subjects, deemed
highly essential to civilian and military morale.
Disney’s 1945 feature, the musical The Three Ca-
balleros, combined live action with the cartoon
animation, a process he used successfully in such
other features as Song of the South and the highly
acclaimed Mary Poppins.
Life: December 5, 1901—December 15, 1966
Cause of Death: Lung Cancer
Home Town: Chicago, IL
Awards: 7 Emmy and 22 Academy Awards
FAST FACTS ABOUT WALT
IF YOU’RE GOING TO ACCOMPLISH SOMETHING, YOU
HAVE TO MAKE SURE TO BELIEVE IN YOURSELF OTHERWISE
YOUR DREAM CAN’T REALLY COME TRUE.
Close to the Disney family farm, there were Santa
Fe Railroad tracks that crossed the countryside.
Often Walt would put his ear against the tracks,
to listen for approaching trains. Walt’s uncle, Mike
Martin, was a train engineer who worked the route
between Fort Madison, Iowa, and Marceline. Walt
later worked a summer job with the railroad, selling
newspapers, popcorn, and sodas to travelers.
During his life Walt would often try to recapture
the freedom he felt when aboard those trains, by
building his own miniature train set. Then building a
1/8-scale backyard railroad, the Carolwood Pacific
or Lilly Bell.
Besides his other interests, Walt attended McKinley
High School in Chicago. There, Disney divided
his attention between drawing and photography.
During the fall of 1918, Disney attempted to enlist
for military service. Rejected because he was
under age, only sixteen years old at the time.
Instead, Walt joined the Red Cross and was sent
overseas to France, where he spent a year driving
an ambulance and chauffeuring Red Cross officials.
His ambulance was covered from stem to stern, not
with stock camouflage, but with Disney cartoons.
Once he returned from France, he wanted to pursue
a career in commercial art, which soon lead to his
experiments in animation. He began producing
short animated films for local businesses, in Kansas
City. By the time Walt had started to create The
Alice Comedies, which was about a real girl and
her adventures in an animated world, Walt ran out
of money, and his company Laugh-O-Grams went
bankrupted. But instead of giving up, the early flop
50
t
he
in
Flu
en
ce
51
of The Alice Comedies inoculated Walt against
fear of failure; he had risked it all three or four
times in his life. Walt’s brother, Roy O. Disney, was
already in California, with an immense amount of
sympathy and encouragement, and $250. Pooling
their resources, they borrowed an additional $500,
and set up shop in their uncle’s garage. Soon, they
received an order from New York for the first Alice
in Cartoonland(The Alice Comedies) featurette,
and the brothers expanded their production
operation to the rear of a Hollywood real estate
office. It was Walt’s enthusiasm and faith in himself,
and others, that took him straight to the top of
On July 13, 1925, Walt married one of his first
employees, Lillian Bounds, in Lewiston, Idaho. Later
on they would be blessed with two daughters,
Diane and Sharon . Three years after Walt and
Lilly wed, Walt created a new animated character,
Mickey Mouse. His talents were first used in a silent
cartoon entitled Plane Crazy. However, before the
cartoon could be released, sound was introduced
upon the motion picture industry.
RUMOR HAS IT WALT DISNEY’S BODY IS FROZEN IN
A CRYONICS CHAMBER—HOWEVER HE WAS ACTUALLY CREMATED.
During the fall of 1918, Disney attempted to enlist
for military service. Rejected because he was un-
der age, only sixteen years old at the time. Instead,
Walt joined the Red Cross and was sent overseas
to France, where he spent a year driving an ambu-
lance and chauffeuring Red Cross officials. His am-
bulance was covered from stem to stern, not with
stock camouflage, but with Disney cartoons.
Once he returned from France, he wanted to pur-
sue a career in commercial art, which soon lead to
his experiments in animation. He began producing
short animated films for local businesses, in Kansas
City. By the time Walt had started to create The
Alice Comedies, which was about a real girl and
her adventures in an animated world, Walt ran out
of money, and his company Laugh-O-Grams went
bankrupted. Instead of giving up, Walt packed his
suitcase and with his unfinished print of The Alice
Comedies in hand, headed for Hollywood to start a
new business. He was not yet twenty-two.
The early flop of The Alice Comedies inoculated
Walt against fear of failure; he had risked it all
three or four times in his life. It was Walt’s enthusi-
asm and faith in himself, and others, that took him
straight to the top of Hollywood society.
52
th
e in
Flu
en
ce
Cinderella Castle was inspired by a
variety of real and fictional castles.
Cinderella Castle was completed in
July 1971, after about 18 months of
construction. The castle is 190 feet (58
m) tall, as measured from the concrete
bottom of the moat, which itself is 6
feet (1.8 m) deep at the drawbridge.
Cinderella Castle is more than 100 feet
(30 m) taller than Sleeping Beauty
Castle at Disneyland in Anaheim,
California. An optical trick known as
forced perspective makes the castle
appear even larger than it actually is.
THE CASTLE: A DREAM INTO REALITY
No matter where life takes you.Your Chacos can handle it.
PURCHASE A PAIR OF CHACO FOOTWEAR
DURING THE MONTH OF APRIL AND THE
ARBOR DAY FOUNDATION WILL PLANT A
TREE IN OUR NATIONAL FORESTS
Fit for Adventure.
Get closer to the world around you.
Discover what it feels like when minimal meets supportive.
56
TOP FIVE
BEST ROLLERBEST ROLLERCOASTERSCOASTERSWe’re back and just in time for summer with our list of the
top five coasters as voted on by the travel enthusiasts all around
the country and help from our experiences readers.
At 364-acres with 75 rides, ten shows, a water park and
seventeen roller coasters, Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio
packs more thrills per square foot than anywhere else
on the planet, and that makes it our choice for the very
best amusement park in America. Among the 17 coasters,
the most of any park on Earth, you’ll find several notable
must-rides. Magnum XL-200 was once the tallest and
fastest steel coaster in the world. Mean Streak is surely
one of the most visually arresting wooden coasters we’ve
seen. And with its astonishing 120-mph, 400-ft. 90-de-
gree drop, the Top Thrill Dragster separates the thrill-
maniacs from everyone else in only 17 seconds!
For More Info: www.cedarpoint.com
Call: (419) 627-2350
Ticket Prices: $22.99 - $85.99
CEDAR POINTSandusky, OH
“LIFE IS A ROLLER COASTER; YOU CAN EITHER
SCREAM EVERY TIME YOU HIT A BUMP OR YOU CAN
THROW YOUR HANDS UP IN THE AIR AND ENJOY!”
WALT DISNEY WORLDOrlando, FL
What isn’t there to say about Disney World? The largest,
most-attended recreational complex in the world and
home to some of the most iconic landmarks and imagery
on the planet, Walt Disney World is an American pastime.
You can call it expensive, you can call it corporate, but
you can’t deny to sense of wonder that greets you
at every turn.
The Disney World Resort is a collection of four theme
parks and numerous other attractions like waterparks,
shopping districts, concert venues and restaurants. The
original park, and still the most popular to this day, is the
Magic Kingdom, home of the world-famous Castle.
For More Info: disneyworld.disney.go.com
Call: (407) 939-7211
Ticket Prices: $83.00 - $89.00
For More Info: www.visitkingsisland.com
Call: (513) 754-5700
Ticket Prices: $21.99 - $54.99
King’s Island started much lower on the list, but
as the debate raged back and forth it crawled higher and
higher on one simple fact: this is a good, old-fashioned,
pretension-free, no guff, no gimmicks thrill-park.
It’s also humongous, with 364 acres of park grounds
boasting over 80 rides and attractions. Coaster-enthusi-
asts take note: this is the kind of park for you! King’s Island
features 15 roller coasters including Beast, the world’s
longest wooden roller coaster, and Son of Beast, the
world’s fastest and tallest wooden roller coaster. The 2009
addition, Diamondback, is causing quite a stir already, so
we can’t wait to get up there again.
KINGS ISLANDMason, OH
59
For More Info: disneyland.disney.go.com
Call: (714) 781-4636
Ticket Prices: $81.00 - $87.00
For hundreds of thousands of theme park fans, Disney-
land could never be anything but #1, but even in fifth
position there’s no question that Disneyland Park and the
larger resort, with 20 million annual visitors combined,
is simply one of the best. Disneyland Park, the original
opened by Walt Disney himself in 1955, is visited by more
than 14 million guests every year, the second most of any
theme park in the world, and you can bet that this jam-
packed park has something for them all.
So much of what makes Disney parks great started at
Disneyland: the monorail, It’s a Small World, Mr. Toad’s
Wild Ride, Haunted Mansion and The Matterhorn.
For More Info: themeparks.ustudios.com
Call: (407) 224-4233
Ticket Prices: $83.00 - $89.00
Having seen countless end-caps on Nickelodeon featur-
ing the iconic Universal Studios Globe as a child, this
Orlando, Florida juggernaut was always more exciting to
me than Disneyland or Six Flags. When I finally saw it for
myself, it did not disappoint! With more entertainment
than you can experience in a whole week across two
large parks and the retail-centric CityWalk, the Universal
Orlando Resort is simply a lifetime must. At this theme
park, rides and attractions are based on popular movie
and TV show properties, including Shrek, Men in Black,
The Mummy, Terminator, Jaws (a classic, as always) and
so on. The new The Simpsons RideTM is just awesome!
DISNEYLAND RESORTAnaheim, CA
UNIVERSAL STUDIOSOrlando, FL
Making your family vacations more memorable.One rental at a time.
62
HOW IT’S MADE
CONSTRUCTION OF
The idea for the attraction was originally conceived in the summer
of 1983 by Imagineer Tony Baxter while stuck in rush hour traffic
on his way to work. This is how Splash Mountain was made.
SPLASH MOUNTAINSPLASH MOUNTAIN
1983
Tony Baxter comes up
with the design concept.
From there he created
blueprints, three-demin-
sonal models and survey
the land before construc-
tion can even begin.
1984
Baxter and co-creator
begin the surface design
aspect of the ride. Includ-
ing landscaping and what
visuals riders will see both
on and off the ride.
1988
Construction based on the
model went way over
budget, eventually reach-
ing $75 million.
1989
The attraction opened in
Disneyland to acclaim
and was eventually du-
plicated in other Disney
parks around the globe.
STAGED PHOTOS Plan ahead for your image on the ride
how do You do?—The Floozies
ev’rybody has a laughing Place—Newton Sisters
Burrow’s lament/sooner or later—Newton Sisters
Zip-a-dee-doo-dah—choir of 75 members
RIDE SOUNDTRACK
The Lumix DMC-FX 100 camera.
With 28 mm wide-angle lens
ideas for lifeideas f
LIVE FAST. TRAVEL SMART.
AMUSEMENT PARK FOODS | WHAT TO PACK | AROUND THE TOWN | WALT DISNEY
SPRING 2013
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- DAVID NIVEN
70
SNEAK PEEK
Next quarter look for an exciting issue including some ways to
find free entertainment, the best water parks to cool off in, theme
parks with a theme, and where you can find the best summer deals!
Coast anywhere.Coaster™ for the iPad