tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331513278730173456Fri, 08 May 2026 08:30:32 +0000Cedar PointWinterimHersheyparkKings IslandKnotts Berry FarmEuropa ParkSix Flags Magic MountainIAAPAKennywoodSix Flags New EnglandUniversal Studios FloridaIslands of AdventureCanada's WonderlandDollywoodUniversal Orlando ResortValleyfairWDW Magic KingdomDisneylandElitch GardensLake CompounceQuassySea World San DiegoSix Flags Great AmericaThorpe ParkTokyo Disney ResortBusch Gardens TampaBusch Gardens WilliamsburgCarowindsHoliday WorldKings DominionSiam Park CityWalt Disney WorldWizarding WorldCanadas WonderlandDarien LakeDisneyDisney California AdventureDisneyland ParisHeide ParkHong Kong DisneylandKentucky KingdomKnoebelsMorey's PiersNickelodeon UniverseSix Flags Great Adventureconey islandfreestyle music parkhard rock parkmyrtle beachuniversal hollywoodAdventure World WarsawCalifornias Great AmericaCedar FairChippewa Lake ParkDania Beach HurricaneDorney ParkDreamworldFun Spot AmericaHalloweekendsHappy Valley WuhanHaunted HousesLisebergMirabilandiaOcean ParkOcean View ParkOhioOrlando Thrill ParkParc AsterixPlayland ParkSanduskySeaWorld OrlandoSix Flags AmericaSix Flags Discovery KingdomSix Flags Fiesta TexasSix Flags Over TexasSix Flags St. LouisTakabishaUniversal Studios JapanWaldameer Parkchinaepcotgeauga lakeintroduction writing editorials site news cedar point theme parks coastersroller coastersuniversal singaporehttp://parkimpressions.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (Wynn)Blogger136125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331513278730173456.post-5948155231828353413Fri, 06 Dec 2013 03:56:00 +00002013-12-05T22:56:44.211-05:00Cedar PointIAAPAUniversal Orlando ResortWinterimHey guys, I know it's been a few days since the last post so let me bring you up to speed: After finishing at the IAAPA convention, I enjoyed visiting Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure again on Friday followed by Walt Disney World over the weekend. I enjoyed each park immensely and you can take a look at all of the new park photos, plus all photos from the last month, on the official http://parkimpressions.blogspot.com/2013/12/days-15-17-winterim-wraps-up.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (ParkImpressions)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331513278730173456.post-5521462847550878985Thu, 05 Dec 2013 12:00:00 +00002013-12-09T19:46:12.906-05:00Cedar PointIAAPAWinterim My final requirement before my Winterim truly comes to an end is to review my SMART Goals and evaluate my performance. What are SMART goals, you might ask? They're right here, from my very first Winterim post: 1. Update the Park Impressions blog at least every other day with news, photos, and videos of my work. 2. Revise and publish an iBook on the history of the amusement industry. 3. http://parkimpressions.blogspot.com/2013/12/final-smart-goal-review.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (ParkImpressions)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331513278730173456.post-1188401792159261574Fri, 22 Nov 2013 00:30:00 +00002013-11-25T18:01:59.507-05:00Cedar PointEuropa ParkIAAPAUniversal Orlando ResortUniversal Studios JapanWalt Disney WorldWinterimMy last day of IAAPA came quickly and quietly; by the time it arrived, I was most definitely not ready to be nearly done. It was easily the biggest day for me at the convention, with three classes on my schedule and still lots to see. I started the morning very early as I needed to be at the convention center by 9:00 a.m. for my first class. The trade show floor wasn't open yet, so just the http://parkimpressions.blogspot.com/2013/11/day-14-last-day-at-iaapa.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (ParkImpressions)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331513278730173456.post-4036015992132640024Thu, 21 Nov 2013 03:00:00 +00002013-11-25T10:04:22.278-05:00Cedar PointFun Spot AmericaHersheyparkIAAPAUniversal Orlando ResortWalt Disney WorldWinterimDay two of the IAAPA Attractions Expo got a slow start. After two full days of amusement parks and then walking the massive trade show floor all day yesterday, my body was exhausted. I took advantage of the opportunity to get a little bit of extra rest in the morning, seeing as I had no formal classes today. The only thing set on my schedule would be the Brass Ring Awards at 4:30, a celebration http://parkimpressions.blogspot.com/2013/11/day-13-iaapa-continues.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (ParkImpressions)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331513278730173456.post-7857299410664286853Wed, 20 Nov 2013 00:30:00 +00002013-11-25T00:56:56.575-05:00Cedar PointIAAPAWinterimHey guys! Today was my first day at the IAAPA Attractions Expo and let me just say, it was incredible! I have followed coverage of the annual convention & trade show for years, and to finally be here was like a dream come true. I had one class today, "Marketing Plans for Attractions: Beyond the Basics," but I'll get to that in a minute. I arrived at the Orange County Convention Center http://parkimpressions.blogspot.com/2013/11/day-12-iaapa-begins.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (ParkImpressions)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331513278730173456.post-1185659318558142754Tue, 19 Nov 2013 01:00:00 +00002013-11-24T08:20:03.280-05:00IAAPAIslands of AdventureSeaWorld OrlandoUniversal Studios FloridaWinterim So far, my time in Orlando has been absolutely wonderful! I spent yesterday visiting Universal Studios Orlando and Islands of Adventure, both of which are among my favorite parks and I always enjoy (I'll have more on that later). However, I had not yet visited SeaWorld so I made that my plan for Monday. SeaWorld was a park I was particularly excited for, not only because it was new to me http://parkimpressions.blogspot.com/2013/11/day-11-seaworld-orlando.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (ParkImpressions)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331513278730173456.post-8566433861032824196Mon, 18 Nov 2013 02:00:00 +00002013-11-22T10:32:08.827-05:00Islands of AdventureUniversal Orlando ResortUniversal Studios FloridaWinterimHey guys, I wanted to let you know I posted a handful of photos from my day at Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure here. I'll be adding more soon, but for now please follow the link! Here are a few of my favorites: Stay tuned for further posts and pictures! -Wynnhttp://parkimpressions.blogspot.com/2013/11/weekend-photo-update.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (ParkImpressions)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331513278730173456.post-4054316271404330265Fri, 15 Nov 2013 11:30:00 +00002013-11-22T01:32:49.625-05:00IAAPAUniversal Orlando ResortWalt Disney WorldWinterim Today is my last day in Toledo before I head down south to the warm weather in Orlando! I'm really looking forward to the IAAPA Convention and Trade Show, as well as a few park visits I have planned. Unfortunately, most of today was spent packing and preparing for the trip rather than working on the iBook. I'll be continuing my work on it while I'm in Orlando nonetheless! After spending the http://parkimpressions.blogspot.com/2013/11/day-10-wrapping-up.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (ParkImpressions)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331513278730173456.post-4556261472701402739Thu, 14 Nov 2013 23:30:00 +00002013-11-22T00:57:12.609-05:00Cedar PointDisneylandKennywoodKings IslandWinterimWhen I planned this Independent Study, somehow it hadn't occurred to me just how much reading and writing I'd be doing. Not only would I be writing the better part of a book on the evolution of amusement parks, but I also had a business plan on my schedule as well as daily blogs. With it comes a lot of reading, since of course all of this requires research. Yeah, it's a lot of work. But the good http://parkimpressions.blogspot.com/2013/11/day-9-lots-of-writing.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (ParkImpressions)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331513278730173456.post-5542407182157584629Wed, 13 Nov 2013 23:30:00 +00002013-11-22T00:06:11.414-05:00Cedar Pointconey islandDisneylandKings IslandWinterimI gotta say, after three great, full days at Cedar Point, it's been kind of quiet working back in Toledo. I started out the day by heading downtown to the library once again. I needed to take stock of my work and figure out what needed to be done. Unfortunately, it was a short day as I had separate dentist and orthodontist appointments this afternoon. Knowing that time was in short supply, I http://parkimpressions.blogspot.com/2013/11/day-8-home-again.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (ParkImpressions)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331513278730173456.post-5695587447368049391Wed, 13 Nov 2013 00:23:00 +00002013-11-20T19:23:38.057-05:00Cedar PointKnotts Berry FarmWinterimAfter the amazing time I had enjoyed with Planning & Design the previous week, I was greatly looking forward to a second afternoon with them. As I entered the low building, Mr. Decker once again came out immediately to greet me and shake my hand. Today, he said, my time would be spent with his associate I met last week, Mark Schoelwer. Mr. Schoelwer's office is located just down the hall, http://parkimpressions.blogspot.com/2013/11/day-7-designing-guest-experience.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (ParkImpressions)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331513278730173456.post-2521390805380119430Tue, 12 Nov 2013 18:01:00 +00002013-11-20T13:01:46.899-05:00Cedar PointWinterim As I would quickly find out, Operations is the everything-and-the-kitchen-sink department at an amusement park. I arrived at Cedar Fair's corporate offices and had barely even sat down when in walked Jerry Niederhelman, head of Cedar Point's Operations department. Coat still zipped, he shook my hand and told me a bit about himself: Mr. Niederhelman began at Kings Island (Cincinnati) many years http://parkimpressions.blogspot.com/2013/11/day-7-operating-worlds-greatest.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (ParkImpressions)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331513278730173456.post-9014422504367415724Tue, 12 Nov 2013 00:24:00 +00002013-11-16T19:25:32.973-05:00DisneylandKennywoodWinterimAfter two long days at Cedar Point, I had the luxury of spending the next few days right here in Toledo. As much fun as it was to be at Cedar Point, I would not miss the hour-long drives in the early morning! That said, I've spent most of my time doing a lot of reading. I've been scouring each branch of the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library for books on amusement parks and roller coasters. The http://parkimpressions.blogspot.com/2013/11/days-5-6-home-sweet-home.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (ParkImpressions)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331513278730173456.post-1024421211479524063Fri, 08 Nov 2013 02:56:00 +00002013-11-15T21:58:53.681-05:00Cedar PointWinterimThe Planning & Design building is a magical place, sitting in the shadow of its own creations right on the Cedar Point peninsula. Inside the low building, the walls are lined with past Cedar Point concept art. This is Corporate Planning & Design, however, which means that they are responsible for all ride concepts, creative direction, and final imagery that we see when a new http://parkimpressions.blogspot.com/2013/11/day-4-awesome-by-design.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (ParkImpressions)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331513278730173456.post-3587492447681589538Thu, 07 Nov 2013 16:59:00 +00002013-11-15T21:58:30.863-05:00Cedar PointWinterim "Uh-huh. Uh-huh uh-huh." Eric Lapp continued like this under his breath, barely audible over the sound of the rusted-out pickup truck as it rumbled across the causeway. Mr. Lapp is a Ride Maintenance Manager, and I had the privilege of spending my Thursday morning with him on a tour of the Cedar Point maintenance department. I started the morning by meeting Ed Dangler, the head honcho for http://parkimpressions.blogspot.com/2013/11/day-4-nuts-and-bolts-of-cedar-point.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (ParkImpressions)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331513278730173456.post-8962425405482305036Thu, 07 Nov 2013 01:40:00 +00002013-11-10T20:41:28.434-05:00Cedar PointWinterimMy third day was spent with the history makers themselves. I woke up bright and early this morning and made the hour-long trek to Sandusky for my first day at Cedar Point. My day would be spent learning the ins and outs of the fabulous marketing department. Hurrying out of the windy gray weather into their corporate offices, I took a moment to admire the portraits of each former CEO. Beforehttp://parkimpressions.blogspot.com/2013/11/day-3-amazement-park.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (ParkImpressions)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331513278730173456.post-1948215495441314141Tue, 05 Nov 2013 05:10:00 +00002013-11-10T20:42:18.754-05:00WinterimThe last few days have been simply incredible. Let me start by giving you a quick recap of Monday and Tuesday. I had the privilege of spending my time on Monday and Tuesday at the Toledo library's main downtown branch. Though all the individual study rooms were taken, I holed up at a quiet partitioned-off desk in the back near all of the patent records. Curiosity getting the better of me, I http://parkimpressions.blogspot.com/2013/11/days-1-2-research.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (ParkImpressions)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331513278730173456.post-1025480554736066864Tue, 05 Nov 2013 03:10:00 +00002013-11-10T20:42:37.455-05:00WinterimWelcome! For those of you who don't know me, my name is Wynn Turner and I'm a high school senior who is very excited to spend the month studying roller coasters and amusement parks! This is where I'll be posting daily progress updates on the many things I've been working on. To start, this blog may look a little cluttered; let me explain. This is Park Impressions, an amusement industry blog http://parkimpressions.blogspot.com/2013/11/welcome-to-new-park-impressions.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (ParkImpressions)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331513278730173456.post-3930055397215021916Sat, 21 Apr 2012 23:21:00 +00002012-04-21T19:21:53.912-04:00Disneyland ParisThorpe ParkHey guys, Just wanted to let you know that Disneyland Paris photos are up on our Facebook page (including Walt Disney Studios). Check them out if you want. Otherwise, here are a few of my favorites: Be sure to check out the rest of the photos right here, along with our Thorpe Park photos as well! Enjoy!http://parkimpressions.blogspot.com/2012/04/disneyland-paris-photos-are-up.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Wynn)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331513278730173456.post-5782715089223795626Tue, 17 Apr 2012 23:24:00 +00002012-04-17T19:24:09.848-04:00Disneyland ParisThorpe ParkHello readers! First of all, I definitely need to apologize for the lack of updates. I've been ridiculously busy with other things over the past several months, and I regret not updating this sooner. Sadly, I simply haven't had time. Thank you to those who have continued to visit and check on the site - I appreciate it greatly. On that note, I'm hoping to get the site going again with news, http://parkimpressions.blogspot.com/2012/04/were-back.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Wynn)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331513278730173456.post-8106170493837060250Fri, 09 Dec 2011 19:42:00 +00002011-12-09T14:44:56.930-05:00Islands of Adventureuniversal hollywoodUniversal Studios FloridaWizarding WorldWell, it’s official. The Wizarding World is moving into Universal Hollywood. I’m not sure what attractions it will replace, but I do remember Universal saying that they would demolish anything to install it. That’s devotion! Also, we Floridians are lucky to get an expansion of the Wizarding World at IoA. However, for the first time in theme park history, this will be a land spread out over TWO http://parkimpressions.blogspot.com/2011/12/wizarding-world-ii-news-update.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331513278730173456.post-4370066530157632182Sat, 03 Dec 2011 04:54:00 +00002011-12-02T23:54:15.769-05:00universal hollywoodUniversal Studios FloridaWizarding WorldOn January 12th, we will mourn the loss of an old friend: RIP, Bruce. We'll miss you. On the other hand.... More Harry Potter attractions! Squeeee!!! Oh, but those of us in Florida have to wait for them. Well, that's a bummer... Here's what Universal had to say: Hey fans, we want you to be the first to know… JAWS! and the Amity area will officially close on January 2 to make room for an http://parkimpressions.blogspot.com/2011/12/sudden-news-break.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331513278730173456.post-7862122096084941298Fri, 02 Dec 2011 19:45:00 +00002011-12-02T21:56:52.339-05:00Chippewa Lake ParkKings DominionOcean View ParkPlayland ParkSix Flags Magic Mountain I’m trying something different this time. Let’s analyze some parks that served as filming locations for various movies through the decades. There are so many, so count on this being an ongoing series. Many sites list these locations, but my goal was to be a bit more in-depth. Closed For the Season-2008 This first one is an indie movie shot at my local Chippewa Lake Park in Medina, http://parkimpressions.blogspot.com/2011/12/amusement-parks-as-movie-sets-part-1.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331513278730173456.post-3057232164501783756Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:48:00 +00002011-11-28T12:48:54.413-05:00coney islandepcotHoliday WorldKennywoodTokyo Disney Resortuniversal singaporeWell, after a Holiday Hiatus, we're back! First thing I want to do before getting to some editorials is to catch up on some of the bigger news. So, the Transformers ride is opening. This is considered big news, so here's a recap. It's basically a new version of the Spiderman ride in my viewpoint, but I suppose this is a good backup plan for Universal if and when they ever lose their Marvel http://parkimpressions.blogspot.com/2011/11/were-back-and-were-stuffed.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331513278730173456.post-256109167229544012Mon, 28 Nov 2011 04:35:00 +00002011-12-02T22:01:28.852-05:00Kings IslandSix Flags Magic MountainHello everyone, I'd first like to apologize for how slow it's been here lately. I've been traveling a lot over the past month and have had almost no time to work on the site. Add that to the fact that it's the off-season now, and you can see why we haven't posted an update in a while. Don't worry though, I'm working on the next Impression already and we've got a few other articles planned as http://parkimpressions.blogspot.com/2011/11/two-new-rocky-mountain-coasters.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Wynn)0