Theme Park Insider Staff Columns

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)


The BLOG FLUME - The Real City that Never Sleeps
By Kevin Baxter
August 24, 2004: Vegas is hot this month. And not just according to the thermometer. Kevin has the major goings-on in Las Vegas.
9 responses. Last on August 28, 2004 at 3:24 PM (MST)


RESTAURANT REVIEW - Les Chefs de France @ Epcot
By Kevin Baxter
August 23, 2004: Epcot visitors have many choices when it's time to eat. Kevin reviews one of the most popular World Showcase restaurants.
3 responses. Last on August 24, 2004 at 9:09 AM (MST)


PENNIES FROM KEVIN - Of Paramount Importance
By Kevin Baxter
August 19, 2004: Now that Paramount is creating yet another themed ride, Kevin looks at what other properties the company can put into its parks.
32 responses. Last on October 6, 2004 at 5:57 PM (MST)


What Happens in Garden Grove, Stays in Garden Grove
By Robert Niles
August 18, 2004: Hey if a west-coast International Drive didn't get the tourist development dollars flowing to this Orange County 'burb, perhaps a Vegas-style casino resort will.
4 responses. Last on April 24, 2005 at 8:29 PM (MST)


JOE INSIDER - Hurricane Wrap-up
By Joe Lane
August 17, 2004: Brief details on the damage done to Central Florida's major theme parks by Hurricane Charley.
13 responses. Last on August 23, 2004 at 6:06 PM (MST)


The BLOG FLUME - Between the Lines
By Kevin Baxter
August 16, 2004: Disney has released its report for the Third Quarter and things are looking pretty good... or are they?
13 responses. Last on August 19, 2004 at 4:00 AM (MST)


Robert's Tour, Conclusion -- Questions Answered
By Robert Niles
August 13, 2004: Robert's answers your questions about his summer theme park tour, including where to go, what not to miss and what parks are doing the best job.
20 responses. Last on May 1, 2005 at 9:50 AM (MST)


CHARACTER MEAL REVIEW - Garden Grill @ Epcot
By Kevin Baxter
August 11, 2004: Finding character meals is not always an easy task. Kevin reviews what may be the most accessible character meal in the resort.
14 responses. Last on August 16, 2004 at 2:16 AM (MST)


PENNIES FROM KEVIN - Snow White's Less Scary Adventures
By Kevin Baxter
August 10, 2004: After Disney's first big box office opener, plans are in the works to get some Village action into the parks...
19 responses. Last on September 1, 2004 at 2:17 PM (MST)


JOE INSIDER - What You've Been Missing / Epcot
By Joe Lane
August 10, 2004: A new photo eassy series pointing out interesting tidbits from Florida theme parks. The premier article features places and things of interest around Epcot.
8 responses. Last on October 2, 2004 at 12:29 PM (MST)


Robert's Tour, Part Nine -- Cedar Point
By Robert Niles
August 8, 2004: Robert hauls the family up north for a day at Ohio's Cedar Point. But he makes the mistake of not skipping breakfast first.
5 responses. Last on April 1, 2005 at 3:23 AM (MST)


The BLOG FLUME - Eisner's Legacy
By Kevin Baxter
August 5, 2004: Things are bad at most of the Disney parks now, so what is Michael Eisner doing about it? The answer might surprise you.
46 responses. Last on August 27, 2004 at 2:50 AM (MST)


JOE INSIDER - Busch Gardens Tampa
By Joe Lane
August 3, 2004: A trip report and suggestions on how to visit and what to do at the African-themed Tampa park.
23 responses. Last on August 9, 2004 at 9:29 AM (MST)


RESTAURANT REVIEW - Tony's Town Square @ Magic Kingdom
By Kevin Baxter
August 1, 2004: For those people who grow weary of the non-stop kidmosphere in Walt Disney World's flagship park, Kevin reviews this somewhat grown-up, sit-down restaurant.
5 responses. Last on August 4, 2004 at 2:37 AM (MST)


RESTAURANT REVIEW - 50's Prime Time Cafe @ Disney/MGM Studios
By Kevin Baxter
July 30, 2004: Kevin's here with a review of one of his favorite Walt Disney World restaurants.
10 responses. Last on October 18, 2004 at 6:25 PM (MST)


Celebrating a Birthday at a Theme Park
By Robert Niles
July 28, 2004: Theme parks offer a variety of packages for parents looking for someplace a little more special than the backyard for a special celebration.
8 responses. Last on November 28, 2004 at 7:22 PM (MST)


JOE TOURIST - I Got Mistified
By Joe Lane
July 27, 2004: A review of the new SeaWorld Orlando nighttime extravaganza--can it compete with the other Central Florida offerings? Plus, some riddles about the new BGT coaster.
11 responses. Last on December 9, 2005 at 11:56 AM (MST)


PENNIES FROM KEVIN - Merger Madness
By Kevin Baxter
July 27, 2004: With the four largest Strip casino operators melding into the two largest casino operators in the world, Kevin looks into what may lie on the horizon for a city constantly in flux.
3 responses. Last on July 30, 2004 at 12:39 AM (MST)


Robert's Tour, Part Eight -- Epcot
By Robert Niles
July 24, 2004: Disney shows that it still knows how to tell a great interactive story in the world's leading non-fiction theme park.
20 responses. Last on August 5, 2004 at 8:29 AM (MST)


Robert's Tour, Part Seven -- Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom
By Robert Niles
July 22, 2004: Robert returns to his home park to watch a new show, and reflect upon his former park's performance over the past decade.
16 responses. Last on July 28, 2004 at 1:27 PM (MST)


Robert's Tour, Part Six -- Universal Studios Florida
By Robert Niles
July 21, 2004: We head to the east coast to ride the movies, in new ways and old.
16 responses. Last on August 15, 2004 at 11:04 AM (MST)


JOE TOURIST - A Day In The Park With Barney
By Joe Lane
July 20, 2004: A brave review of the USF show featuring the popular children's character. Does it succeed in its delivery?
20 responses. Last on August 22, 2005 at 3:26 PM (MST)


The BLOG FLUME - Something from Everyone
By Kevin Baxter
July 20, 2004: Vegas is going crazy. Disney continues having problems. As does Six Flags. SeaWorld Orlando keeps offering new things. And there's early Halloween news too!
13 responses. Last on December 11, 2005 at 9:02 PM (MST)


PENNIES FROM KEVIN - Renew This!
By Kevin Baxter
July 19, 2004: The Disneyland Resort does its best to get Kevin to renew his Annual Pass. Or does it?
23 responses. Last on July 22, 2004 at 5:23 PM (MST)


Robert's Tour, Part Five -- Disney's California Adventure
By Robert Niles
July 16, 2004: Are things getting any better at Disney's second Anaheim theme park?
37 responses. Last on April 28, 2005 at 8:24 AM (MST)


Kevin's Independence Day in Vegas
By Kevin Baxter
July 16, 2004: Now there was no way Kevin could allow Robert to hog the limelight for so long, so here is his trip report of his holiday weekend in Sin City.
10 responses. Last on July 17, 2004 at 7:12 PM (MST)


Robert's Tour, Part Four -- Disneyland
By Robert Niles
July 15, 2004: Is the magic back at Disney's flagship theme park?
14 responses. Last on July 17, 2005 at 10:17 PM (MST)


Robert's Tour, Part Three -- Knott's Berry Farm
By Robert Niles
July 14, 2004: Come wade through the sea of summer campers and other kids as the tour visits Orange County's original theme park.
17 responses. Last on October 10, 2004 at 7:36 PM (MST)


Robert's Tour, Part Two -- Universal Studios Hollywood
By Robert Niles
July 13, 2004: It's Universal's 40th anniversary week. So... where's the party?
26 responses. Last on December 25, 2004 at 10:40 PM (MST)


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