The year in Beaver 2016 (Photos!)

Associated parks:
Kings Island, Mason, Ohio, USA
Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio, USA
Holiday World, Santa Claus, Indiana, USA
Kentucky Kingdom, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia, California, USA
Kings Dominion, Doswell, Virginia, USA
Carowinds, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
Kennywood, West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, USA
Knott's Berry Farm, Buena Park, California, USA
Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Williamsburg, Virginia, USA
Disneyland, Anaheim, California, USA
Knoebels, Elysburg, Pennsylvania, USA
Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, USA
Dorney Park, Allentown, Pennsylvania, USA
Waldameer Park, Erie, Pennsylvania, USA
Disney California Adventure, Anaheim, California, USA

At the end of the year, its time to look back on all that was in travel. I enjoyed it, so I hope you enjoy the pix.

So after a long winter, surgery, and an arduous recovery, I rung in the new year (while still healing up) in Asheville for a show at the Orange Peel.

Untitled by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

RJD2 plays for the crowd.

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It was very good to get back to this on opening weekend. Never before have I looked forward to Opening weekend quite as much as I did for 2016, what with Fury being so amazing. And with 4 new flats and other improvements, I can't wait to get back to the park in March 2017

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My first one of these! And then it got destroyed when a picture on the wall fell and knocked it off and flattened it. So I'll be getting another one when the park opens back up in March...*grumble grumble*

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A job well done and a really fun interactive attraction. I'm glad they're getting use out of the theater, and this was a genius idea. Well themed and loads of fun.

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And later on in the year, of course, there was this. And it was great. There are a few empty spots that are ripe for new slides going forward, so I hope that they come to fill said spots sooner rather than later.

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You have no idea how excited I was when I found out these were coming back. Now if only they'd reopen the treasure cave.

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This was a great addition to Kings Dominion, and I really hope one finds its way to Carowinds soon.

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I thought this was a surprisingly good coaster. Thankfully we got 2 rides with minimal wait.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg 2016 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Me just living up to my reputation online.

IMG_20160424_144120 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Tiger World, a non-profit animal reserve, is less than a mile from my house, and I finally went for the first time this year. I've heard the lions and tigers (and bears, oh my) Roaring in the mornings for years, but finally went to meet them.

IMG_20160424_154343 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Sleepy Tiger.

100_0595 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Queen Bey came to Raleigh (Yes, that is a photo of the screen)

100_0650 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Half way thru the show, we were evacuated from Carter-Finley stadium due to lightning (It rained on and off the whole time).

Formation World Tour 2016 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Then 90 minutes later, Beyonce came back to slay the rest of the show.

PANO_20160528_094147 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

For the second year in a row, I spent Memorial Day weekend at Cedar Point. Valravn was fun.

IMG_20160528_111110 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Can't wait for 2018 (for all of you doubters, I'm guessing you didn't see the new teaser by the park basically confirming 2018...).

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Thanks to birdhombre, we ate lunch here, and it was great.

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The beach on Presque Isle was very nice. Perhaps a visit just for the beach is in order one day.

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And because of weather, Kennywood shut down for the evening, so we ended up staying at Waldameer for most of the day. Which ended up being great, because trips to Waldameer tend to be short for me, so spending the day there was a nice change of pace, and I love that park.

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The re-vamp of Noah's Ark was great. I'm fortunate in that I got to experience it in 2005, 2015, and 2016. There were differences each time.

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No nite time at Kennywood like we'd planned, but I did get to do this!

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Exactly 365 days later (on a leap year) from seeing Weird Al's Mandatory World Tour in Charlotte, he came back to NC (this time in Greensboro) and I went again. This was my 4th Weird Al concert.

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It was great to return to Kentucky Kingdom after all these years and see a much improved park with great rides and a bright vision for the future.

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Fourth overall RMC, first (of 3) for the year. All of them excellent.

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The new trains were interesting, but this ride still shuffles Terribly.

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This, though, was amazing. Kentucky Kingdom has 3 amazing coasters in it's lineup now.

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This was a lot of fun. The total lack of customer service at the park? Not so much. I guess that's why most enthusiasts only go during events.

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But the new enhancements on Legend were much appreciated.

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I discovered my new favorite invert.

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My friend Isaac liked it too, and he got me this! Number 2, and this one didn't get destroyed in the fall.

Cabarrus County Fair 2016 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

I took my friend Stefan to his first ever fair. This fair brings thrill rides every September, so I usually go and check it out.

Cabarrus County Fair 2016 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Decent midway, and they have 3 kiddy coasters. I've still yet to lose enough dignity to stand in long lines at the fair just for the credits, though.

SoCal 2016 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

If I could afford it, I'd move to SoCal. Tons of parks, beach, mountains. And food.

SoCal 2016 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Speaking of food, I can't recommend this (which we got on recommendation) enough. Packing House in Anaheim.

Knott's Berry Farm 2016 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Its always special returning to one of my favorite parks. I just wish it wasn't so far away.

Knott's Berry Farm 2016 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

I didn't bother riding even for the nostalgia, but I hear it may be on the chopping block.

Knott's Berry Farm 2016 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

I wasn't impressed with video I've seen of Wonder Mountain Guardian. This, on the other hand, I Loved.

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The queue for Xcelerator. The coaster gods were smiling on us all week.

Knott's Berry Farm Day 1 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Staying so close with a platinum pass (three visits in a week) gave me the opportunity to do a lot of great things at Knott's I've never had time to do before.

Knott's Berry Farm Day 1 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

I love that they switch out the larger train for the cute small one on the off season.

Sunset at Huntington Beach by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

First sunset on the ocean. Nailed it!

Sunset at Huntington Beach by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

I could stay and watch the surfers for hours.

Huntington Beach 2016 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

I could have just stayed here. Forever.

Disneyland Resort 2016 Day 1 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Speaking of places I never want to leave...

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Me making sure the bag of electronics doesn't get doused.

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Haunted Mansion Holiday (Photo taken & edited by Isaac).

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Because OF COURSE I did.

Disneyland Resort 2016 Day 1 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Leave it to Disney to try and out do Kennywood...

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The Ghost Galaxy overlay was interesting.

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Yes, I was Disneybounding.

Disneyland Resort 2016 Day 1 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Certain people complain about the size of the castle. I like it. Having said that, I am actually glad that Hong Kong Disneyland is adding on to theirs, I'm glad they're not demolishing it, but adding on to make it a different castle, but retaining the charm of the original for that park.

Disneyland Resort 2016 Day 1 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

It's a mad tea party.

Hollywood & DTLA 2016 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

I'm guessing we were in an arts district because there was a lot of interesting art on the buildings around.

Hollywood & DTLA 2016 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Next time I'm doing the entire walk up the trail.

Disneyland Resort 2016 Day 1 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

We got such a hookup at Disneyland for two days. It was much appreciated.

Disneyland Resort 2016 Day 1 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

As much as I liked California Adventure in 2005, the park looks more mature and is much better done now. The only thing I liked better from before was the Golden Gate Bridge at the front.

Disneyland Resort 2016 Day 2 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Did I mention how much the coaster gods were loving us this week? Granted, we sacrificed several coaster enthusiast virgins, but, hey, at least the discourse around here should improve. I'm kidding, we pillaged virgins from from TPR.

Disneyland Resort 2016 Day 2 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Seeing how much detail they put in to Carsland, based off of a series of a couple of movies, makes me so excited for Star Wars Land.

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That's right, I'm Becky. #IaintSorry

Disneyland Resort 2016 Day 2 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

I won't lament the loss of the theme on this one so much as long as the Florida version remains themed to Twilight Zone.

Disneyland Resort 2016 Day 2 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

These girls were really fun.

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I love how unimpressed Isaac looks.

Disneyland Resort 2016 Day 2 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

I wonder if they're removing the pool as well...

Disneyland Resort 2016 Day 2 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Not much airtime on the final bunny hops, but still a fun ride.

Disneyland Resort 2016 Day 2 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Bellagio does it better...

Disneyland Resort 2016 Day 2 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Toy Story Midway Mania had a 10 minute wait. Suck it, Florida.

Disneyland Resort 2016 Day 2 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Getting ready for the real fountain show.

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One of the better Disney shows, and a great use of repackaged IP.

Disneyland Resort 2016 Day 2 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

And then the background lights up too.

Disneyland Resort 2016 Day 2 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

It really is phenomenal. And really great from our seats in VIP.

Disneyland Resort 2016 Day 2 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Ending the day on a high note in a beautiful park.

Seal Beach, LBC, Whale Watching 2016 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Seal Beach was very nice. I'll take the small light blue one, please, unfurnished.

Seal Beach, LBC, Whale Watching 2016 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Looking towards our next stop, Long Beach.

Seal Beach, LBC, Whale Watching 2016 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

LBC was very nice as well. There was a lot to do here, I'd love to go back.

Seal Beach, LBC, Whale Watching 2016 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

The Queen Mary.

Seal Beach, LBC, Whale Watching 2016 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

I finally got to see a Humpback! Another bucket list item marked off.

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We stumbled upon a monster rally on our way in to Scary Farm.

Knott's Scary Farm 2016 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

I was afraid they'd ruin it. While it is definitely different, they didn't ruin it.

Knott's Scary Farm 2016 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

I love parks at nite.

Knott's Scary Farm 2016 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Little did we know then what was about to happen in November.

Knott's Scary Farm 2016 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

#word

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Bullet & Monte.

Knott's Scary Farm 2016 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

He'll never be the head of his class.

Knott's Scary Farm 2016 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Did she just crawl out of a TV set?

Knott's Scary Farm 2016 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

I took this photo to show just how much fog was in the hallway. It was light up and bright. And yet still terrifying.

Six Flags Magic Mountain 2016 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

The last time I was here was December 2012 and Apocalypse crew was having an end of the world party.

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Really fantastic ride. I'd like it to have about 3 bunny hops and a dive loop or Immelman at the end in to the brakes coming back to the station and then it'd be perfect.

Six Flags Magic Mountain 2016 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr