Book Review - Heart and Darkness: Scary Adventures and the Evolution of Disney’s Dark Rides by Shawn Patrick Farrell

I found this book by accident while searching for Disney-related guides. I didn't expect much looking at the cover but it turned out to be a real treasure. The author not only dives into the history of dark rides but also details almost every single dark ride that ever existed at all the Disney parks. And I really enjoyed learning how the Imagineers handled different situations and the "secrets" of how they made these rides so popular.

The chapters are broken out in logical order starting with the history and making of dark rides in the first few chapters. Chapter 4 describes the World's Fair where Disney showcased Carousel of Progress (and an early version of People Mover) as well as Pirates and Haunted Mansion. Chapter five, humorously titled "Go East, Old Man", is an exploration of Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Chapter six delves into Disneyland Tokyo and Disney Sea. Chapter seven visits Disneyland Paris. Chapter eight goes to Hong Kong Disneyland and chapter nine goes to Shanghai Disneyland. Chapter ten visits other amusement parks like Universal Studios and Knott's Berry Farm and their stand out dark rides. Chapter eleven discusses some abandoned dark ride ideas or concepts and the end of the chapter talks about the future of dark rides and some upcoming rides.

Keep in mind this book was published in 2017 which means a few of the rides are now retired and some of the rides listed in the future section are up and running today.

I like that each chapter that lists rides puts them in ascending order by date so we can see the evolution. A lot of the early rides are still operating.

This is a great book for not only Disney lovers but Amusement Park enthusiasts as well.

Title: Heart and Darkness: Scary Adventures and the Evolution of Disney’s Dark Rides
Author: Shawn Patrick Farrell
ISBN: 978-1683900962
Pages: 237

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Event - #Travel #Texas - #Denison - Saint Patrick's Day Pub Crawl and Stroll - March 14, 2026

Denison, Texas - Saint Patrick's Day Pub Crawl and Stroll
March 14, 2026
Downtown Denison
Denison is hosting it's fourth annual St Patrick's Day Pub Crawl throughout downtown (and the rest of the town as well). Wear your green and get ready to enjoy the local vendor's foods and drinks. Check the website for participating locations and parking information. Some shops will offer family-friendly crafts or activities. There will be live music throughout plus shopping opportunities.

Address: N/A
Hours: See Website
Fees: No fees to stroll

For more information, click here: https://discoverdenison.com/event/st-patricks-day-pub-crawl-shamrock-stroll-2/

Book Review - The Rough Guide to the 100 Best Places in the USA

I am always seeking suggestions for my next or future trips and while I was wandering the bookstore, I came upon this book full of amazing photographs of locations around the US. The book is broken out into major geographical areas - the Northeast, the Great Lakes, the Plains, the Southeast, the Southwest, the Rocky Mountains, and the Pacific Coast.

Although there are metropolitan cities showcased in here, such as Boston, Philadelphia, Miami, Austin, the pictures and text highlight little lesser-known places or must-see suggestions to check out while you are in town. Many of the places in this book are well-known tourist stops, I found many interesting places to visit as well.

My friends call this a great coffee table book. I think it's a great inspirational guide.

Title: The Rough Guide to the 100 Best Places in the USA
Author: Rough Guides
ISBN: 978-1789196917
Pages: 232

This article may contain photos and links that take you to third-party Affiliate sites. If you purchase any item on those sites may contribute a small monetary amount back to our website without any cost to you.

Event - #Travel #Texas - #Kerrville - Classic Music Festival - March 7, 2026

Kerrville, Texas - Classic Music Festival
March 7, 2026
First Presbyterian Chruch
Wonderful choral performance sponsored by Hill Country Vocal Arts Society by a forty-member chorus.
While you're in Kerrville, there are many other events taking place on this Saturday.
The Museum of Western Art is featuring Illustrator A.R. Mitchell's exhibit, The King of Western Pulp, through April 18th. Entry fee is $7.00 for adults or $5.00 for children. Address is 1550 Bandera Highway Kerrville, TX 78028. Their hours are 10:00am through 4:00pm CST Tuesday through Saturday.
Arcadia Live is presenting "Prohibition to Present: Our Centennial Celebration" from 6:00pm to 9:00pm CST. Tickets are pricey but this is a fund-raising event.

Address: 800 Jefferson St., Kerrville, TX 78028
Hours: 4:00pm CST
Fees: Donations accepted

For more information, check out: https://hillcountrychorale.org/

Book Review - Fodor's InFocus - Turks and Caicos Islands

I've started to plan to take a cruise next winter so I picked up a couple of books from the library and this little guide caught my attention. Turks and Caicos Islands are absolutely gorgeous and a few cruises make stops there.

Turks and Caicos are actually a series of islands. From the left, there is the West Caicos, Providenciales (the main tourist hub, also called Provo), North Caicos, Middle Caicos, East Caicos, and South Caicos. Followed by Grand Turk Island. Then there are the smaller islands like Salt Cay which are challenging to get to but very beautiful.

The main airport is Providenciales International Airport (PLS) in Provo. From Provo, you can utilize InterCaribbean or Caicos Express Airways island-hop flights to visit the other islands, utilize the local ferries such as Caribbean Cruisin (but the schedules may not be regular or may depend on the weather), or (at a much higher cost) hire a tour company to transport you. The authors repeatedly say the adventure is worth it because the sandy beaches on these smaller islands are amazing.

The first chapter of this book has many highlights - "17 Ultimate Experiences", "Best Beaches", "Best Outdoor Activities", "Top Hotels for Families" and more.

The next chapter, "Travel Smart" offers tips on getting to the islands and then getting around; using money (US Dollars) and credit cards; Events throughout the year; suggested itineraries.

The next four chapters break down the islands themselves including detailed city maps and points of interest. Hotels and restaurants are listed and reviewed for each island as well as activities ranging from diving and snorkeling to paddleboarding or kayaking and more.

Grand Turk is where the cruise ship terminal is stationed and the book offers things to do nearby and excursions you could sign up for.

So, even though this book is about half an inch thick, it is packed full of useful information if you are planning an upcoming trip.

Title: Fodor's InFocus Turks and Caicos Islands
Author: Fodor Travel Guides
ISBN: 978-1640975606
Pages: 208

This article may contain photos and links that take you to third-party Affiliate sites. If you purchase any item on those sites may contribute a small monetary amount back to our website without any cost to you.

Trip Report - Texas - San Antonio - Six Flags Fiesta Texas - Mardi Gras Festival

This was the first time I'd attended the Mardi Gras Festival at Six Flags Fiesta Texas and was really impressed by the offerings.

When you head toward the entrance, you will be greeted by a giant sign.

And you will find decorations throughout the park.

There are creole and cajun style treats throughout the park - look for these colorful displays. Look for the beignets (ben-yays) or the French-style donuts covered with powdered sugar. Also, if you purchased the dining package add-on for your ticket, some of the booths offer items that work with that program (look for the "M").

The Six Flags app lists the locations and times for live entertainment if you don't find the signs. The Big Easy Band was playing jazz hits near a nice sitting area where you can find adult beverages and some time to sit and enjoy. Right across this area was the kid's craft stations where they were making masks and coloring pages. There was also a family-friendly show featuring singing and acrobatics on the Texas Stage (near the center of the park). Looney Toons characters were roaming outside their photo studio wearing Mardi Gras colored accessories if you or your kids enjoy meet-and-greets.

Also, the staff at different rides and at the entrance booths were handing out beaded necklaces.

Lots of photo props throughout the park.

The highlight of the festival is the Mardi Gras Parade which runs through most of the park with guest interaction, music, and lots of fun. Good for the whole family.

Maardi Gras Festival February 7 – March 15

Six Flags Fiesta Texas, 17000 IH-10 West, San Antonio, TX 78257

Park is open weekends and daily through during Spring Break (March 9-15th plus March 19th-22nd)

For more information, click here: https://www.sixflags.com/fiestatexas/events/mardi-gras
You can also find a park map here: https://qr1.be/ZYX2

Event - #Travel #Texas - #Oglesby - Rattlesnake Roundup - February 21-22, 2026

Oglesby, Texas - Rattlesnake Roundup
February 21-22, 2026
Oglesby Community Center
Looking for something different that benefits the entire community? How about learning about rattlesnakes? Enjoy a car show. Purchase some crafts or food items. Wander around Oglesby and enjoy the local businesses. At 11am on Saturday, watch the North Star Cloggers and Brazos Valley Cloggers do a thirty minute show. From 12pm to 5pm on Saturday, catch Colin Dexter's show. From 12pm to 5pm on Sunday, catch Ed Leonard's musical show.
Join a coloring contest or take part in a Cornhole Tournament (entry fee required)

Address: 118 Main St., Oglesby, Texas
Hours: Snake shows are at 10am, 12pm, 2pm, and 4pm CST on Saturday and 12pm, 2pm, and 4pm on Sunday.
Fees:

For more information, check out: https://oglesbyrattlesnakeroundup.wordpress.com/