Theme Park Insider Staff Columns

The BLOG FLUME -- The Good, the Bad and the Interesting
By John Franklin
October 3, 2004: A recap of what's coming up, and breaking down, at theme parks around the world.
25 responses. Last on October 8, 2004 at 5:53 PM (MST)


The Monsters Are Due on Knott's Streets
By Robert Niles
September 29, 2004: A year's worth of work prepares Knott's Scary Farm for the granddaddy of all theme park Halloween events, the Halloween Haunt.
11 responses. Last on April 17, 2005 at 3:03 PM (MST)


The BLOG FLUME -- That French Word All Over Again
By Kenny Hitt
September 29, 2004: In this edition, we have information about even MORE troubles for Eurodisney, along with new developments in the Touchy-Feely Tigger case, the fate of MGM, and a whole ton more...
31 responses. Last on October 5, 2004 at 6:29 AM (MST)


The BLOG FLUME -- Hold On To Your Hats
By Russell Meyer
September 27, 2004: It's more of the same as another hurricane hits Florida, another show hits the road and another movie hits theaters.
27 responses. Last on October 6, 2004 at 12:49 PM (MST)


RESTAURANT REVIEW - Teppanyaki Dining Room @ Epcot
By Kevin Baxter
September 25, 2004: Kevin has eaten at almost every restaurant in the World Showcase section of Epcot. On his last visit, he decided to try out one of Japan's sit-down restaurants.
8 responses. Last on October 31, 2004 at 8:15 PM (MST)


ATTRACTION REVIEW - DisneyQuest @ Walt Disney World
By Kevin Baxter
September 25, 2004: Kevin reviews the VR "theme park" at WDW. Is it a family destination, or are these tricks for kids?
10 responses. Last on September 28, 2004 at 5:11 AM (MST)


PENNIES FROM KEVIN - What You've Been Missing/Universal Studios Hollywood
By Kevin Baxter
September 24, 2004: Kevin has come up with a completely original idea for a photo essay! That's right... COMPLETELY ORIGINAL.
9 responses. Last on October 18, 2005 at 7:59 PM (MST)


The BLOG FLUME -- A Bad Day on the Mummy
By J. Dana
September 23, 2004: Universal Orlando pulls out all the stops to say, "It wasn't our fault" after a guest death. Eisner's two-year exit plan is a no-go. Hong Kong tops off the new Disney park. And Georgia rattles some swords.
28 responses. Last on September 25, 2004 at 5:23 PM (MST)


PENNIES FROM KEVIN - Second Chances
By Kevin Baxter
September 22, 2004: Kevin returns to Universal Studios Hollywood to see how things are going.
4 responses. Last on September 23, 2004 at 5:35 PM (MST)


'Persister': Finding the New Blog Flume Writer
By Robert Niles
September 20, 2004: It's the new online reality show where several contestants vie to become the next author of the BLOG FLUME on Theme Park Insider.
15 responses. Last on September 27, 2004 at 8:20 AM (MST)


The BLOG FLUME -- Deciding Disney's Future
By Robert Niles
September 20, 2004: The Walt Disney Company's board meets, and begins the process of deciding whom the company's next CEO will be. Also, Universal Studios Hollywood reaches out to Spanish-speaking theme park fans.
19 responses. Last on September 23, 2004 at 3:13 PM (MST)


In Defense of CBS
By Robert Niles
September 17, 2004: Robert responds to a MousePlanet.com commentary ripping CBS for its conduct in pursuing a story on Disneyland safety last fall.
20 responses. Last on September 23, 2004 at 6:53 PM (MST)


PENNIES FROM KEVIN - From Leg-assy to Legacy
By Kevin Baxter
September 17, 2004: Kevin finally finishes his thoughts on what Michael Eisner could do to untarnish his legacy after he leaves Disney.
12 responses. Last on October 23, 2004 at 2:03 PM (MST)


The BLOG FLUME - Déjà Vu All Over Again
By Robert Niles
September 16, 2004: Another hurricane. Another charge against Tigger. Another version of Roller Coaster Tycoon. Another Cirque du Soleil show. And one more stupid reminder of America's most horrible day.
12 responses. Last on September 18, 2004 at 4:27 PM (MST)


The BLOG FLUME -- Disney A.E.
By Robert Niles
September 13, 2004: The ink-stained class ponders the Walt Disney Company's future After Eisner. Hey, haven't we been fantasizing about that for years?
5 responses. Last on September 17, 2004 at 1:21 AM (MST)


Don't Blame Eisner
By Robert Niles
September 12, 2004: Disney fans wanting a scapegoat for the company's recent problems should not look to CEO Michael Eisner. They ought to look in the mirror instead.
14 responses. Last on March 17, 2005 at 5:05 PM (MST)


ATTRACTION REVIEW - Cirque du Soleil's 'La Nouba'
By Kevin Baxter
September 12, 2004: Enjoy the Festival of the Lion King show at Animal Kingdom? Then why not check out the resident show from the group that Disney has 'borrowed' liberally from? Kevin tells you why you should.
7 responses. Last on October 31, 2004 at 8:26 PM (MST)


RESTAURANT REVIEW - Le Cellier Steakhouse @ Epcot
By Kevin Baxter
September 12, 2004: Yeah, Epcot's World Showcase has fancy schmancy French food, la-dee-dah seafood, weird-sounding Norwegian food, but where's the beef? At Le Cellier, which Kevin reviews for you.
1 response. Last on September 16, 2004 at 6:17 PM (MST)


JOE INSIDER - What You've Been Missing / Seuss Landing, IOA
By Joe Lane
September 9, 2004: Who knows what you've been missing at Seuss Landing? Joe Lane does, and he has the pictures to prove it in this photo essay!
2 responses. Last on September 10, 2004 at 3:29 PM (MST)


The BLOG FLUME -- Putting It in Perspective
By Robert Niles
September 7, 2004: Two accidents, one fatal, mar the recent weekend at amusement parks around the world. And... just the who the heck actually voted FOR Michael Eisner? Blog Flume minds want to know!
3 responses. Last on September 10, 2004 at 6:43 AM (MST)


The BLOG FLUME - Happy Second Anniversary to Me!
By Kevin Baxter
September 6, 2004: Two years of the most sarcastic column on the web! What's next? Kevin has no clue.
2 responses. Last on September 7, 2004 at 9:02 AM (MST)


PENNIES FROM KEVIN - More Hurricane Coverage than CNN!
By Kevin Baxter
September 6, 2004: We all know how disastrous Hurricanes Charley and Frances have been. But is the disaster all in the past?
7 responses. Last on September 25, 2004 at 12:12 PM (MST)


THE BLOG FLUME - Bedtime for Frances
By Robert Niles
September 6, 2004: The hurricane closed central Florida theme parks for the traditionally busy Labor Day weekend. But this might not be the last storm of the season to hit the state.
1 response. Last on September 8, 2004 at 3:25 PM (MST)


JOE INSIDER - It's Tough Being King
By Joe Lane
August 31, 2004: If you've ever wanted to file legal action against Disney, 'tis the season. The king of the corporation may soon find his Magic Kingdom crashing down around him.
12 responses. Last on September 2, 2004 at 9:52 PM (MST)


Changes Coming as Gates, Snyder Target Six Flags
By Robert Niles
August 31, 2004: The owners of Microsoft and the Washington D.C. pro football team each filed papers declaring their intention to seek changes at the top of the troubled amusement park company.
6 responses. Last on September 4, 2004 at 2:10 AM (MST)


Low Pay Buys Poor Quality in Theme Park Employees
By Robert Niles
August 30, 2004: Low pay in the theme park industry is driving high turn-over among ride operators. And that leaves the public at risk.
11 responses. Last on September 6, 2004 at 7:42 AM (MST)


ATTRACTION REVIEW - Miniature Golf Courses in Walt Disney World
By Kevin Baxter
August 29, 2004: Orlando has all kinds of hyper-themed mini-golf to entice visitors. So how do the two courses at Walt Disney World compare?
7 responses. Last on May 25, 2005 at 4:52 PM (MST)


RESTAURANT REVIEW - Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater @ Disney/MGM Studios
By Kevin Baxter
August 29, 2004: What do you do if you want your mealtimes to be just as themed as your day in the parks? The Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater MAY solve your problems.
15 responses. Last on September 1, 2004 at 12:27 AM (MST)


Answers for Your Theme Park Questions
By Robert Niles
August 24, 2004: TPI's editor opens his in-box and shares some of his answers to readers' questions about theme parks and vacation planning.
13 responses. Last on October 15, 2004 at 1:03 AM (MST)


JOE TOURIST - RESTAURANT REVIEW - Sharks Underwater Grill
By Joe Lane
August 24, 2004: Terror--and fancy dishes--together, underwater, in a sharky atmosphere.
2 responses. Last on August 25, 2004 at 5:31 PM (MST)


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