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As my work trip neared its end, I used my remain mid-evening breaks to explore a little more, starting with The Jewel at Singapore Changi Airport. While I had planned to spend a little time here before my departing flight, due to the timing of that flight, I knew I wouldn't have a chance to see the place at night unless I made an earlier visit... The Jewel is super accessible in regards to the rest of the airport, but it is much easier to navigate without having to worry about bringing (or paying to check) your luggage while you explore.  I can't say I ever expected to be able to see this up close. But the experience is definitely worth it! Very EPCOT-like vibes! And at night, they do a projection show on the waterfall! Exploring the rest of The Jewel means seeing some great shops and enjoying some dining along the way. I was pleasantly surprised to find a Pokemon Center in the mall.  I had to be very good about not buying a ton of this. I was VERY tempted to buy this Slowpoke plush. It is very similar to the other Pokemon Center locations I'd been to in Japan. And they (kind of) have a Disney store here too. Tons of Singapore-exclusive Disney merchandise here. The most American meal I had the entire was this dinner at Shake Shack in the Jewel, as it was one of the few things still open by the time I finished roaming. The next evening I explored a little more of Sentosa beyond the main area nearest Universal. They have their own SkyHelix in Sentosa, similar to the one found at Area 15 in Las Vegas.  Elissa had recommended that I try out the Singapore Luge if I had time. As it turns out, this is operated by the same company that I had experiencing luging with at Mont Tremblant, Canada a decade earlier. The complex consists of four trails of varying lengths and difficulties, but they all overlap along the way. You sit in a luge cart wearing a helmet for safety and control your luge by steering these handlebars. Pulling back releases the brake/increases the speed and releasing the bars/tilting them forward increases the brakes.  After each run, you end at a station at the base where you return to a chairlift that can bring you back to the top for another round.  From the chairlift you can see some of Sentosa's other attractions including this scary-looking bungee jump tower. They have a Madame Tussauds here as well. Back on the Luge they had this neat light tunnel. Once I was done with the four courses, I decided to keep roaming on foot to see what I'd find. The complex is absolutely huge. Neat to see an iFly here. I've experienced this several times over the last few decades in Orlando and it is always a good time. Sentosa is full of neat art installations that come to life at night. Several of these structures lined one of the walking trails... Each one had their own elemental experience, whether it be water... Nature... Light. Or a combination of all of the above in the finale. And somehow the path led me back here. I worked up an appetite with my adventures in Sentosa and figured I'd finish up my evening break with another round at my favorite food stop of the trip. Did I go back here for more wings and satay? That would be a yes. When in Newton Food Centre. Did I come back to try more seafood while there? That would be a resounding... YES! You'd think these were lobsters based on the size but in reality these are black pepper crawfish and they were delicious.  But there was no way I was going to leave here without another round of BBQ stingray. Absolutely incredible. 

Fuji-Q Highland and San-X have announced that San-X Paradise will open later this year in the former "Mini Fuji" section of the park! https://www.fujiq.jp/en/special/sanxparadise/index.html  https://www.san-x.co.jp/en/blog/2026-03-post-0649290/  Fuji-Q Highland x San-X new information ♪ What is the name of the new San-X area born in Fuji-Q Highland “San-X Paradise” has been decided! Also, it has been decided that it will open in the summer of 2026 ♪ At the same time, the area logo and new key visuals will also be unveiled for the first time! “San-X Paradise” is a themed area with an area of about 6,500 square meters, and was born on the site of an old facility once called “Mini Fuji” in Fuji-Q Highland. It is the only outdoor theme park in the world that has attractions, restaurants, shops, etc. where you can experience the world view of the characters from the San-X universe in a perfect location overlooking Mt. Fuji. The new key visuals to be released this time express how characters wearing original costumes from “San-X Paradise” welcome customers in a new area where the excitement of the amusement park and “healing” coexist. Also, various characters will appear in the area, including “Rilakkuma” and “Sumikkogurashi”! Official X: https://x.com/sanxparadise  Special site: https://www.fujiq.jp/special/sanxparadise  Area Overview Name: “San-X Paradise” Opening date: Summer 2026 Area: Approximately 6,500 square meters Location: 5-6-1, Nishihara, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi 403-0017 Business hours: Same as Fuji-Q Highland business hours Annual holidays: irregular access: By car... Approximately 80 minutes from Shinjuku on the Chuo Expressway, next to Kawaguchiko IC Approximately 90 minutes from Tokyo via Tomei Expressway/Gotemba IC or Higashi-Fujigoko Road Bus... From Shinjuku, take the express bus for about 100 minutes and get off at Fujikyu Highland Train... Transfer to the Fujikyu Line at Otsuki Station on the JR Chuo Main Line and get off at Fujikyu Highland Station Approximately 50 minutes from Otsuki Station Concepts The concept of “San-X Paradise” is “character x healing x amusement park = chemical change in 'kawaii'”! By combining many characters with the thrilling excitement of an amusement park, we aim to be an area where you can enjoy a sense of immersion into a special world. Starting with “Rilakkuma,” “Sumikkogurashi,” “Tarepanda,” “Nyan Nyan Cat,” and new characters that have appeared in recent years, etc., there will be a large gathering of San-X friends ♪ It is planned to be a structure that both children and adults can enjoy. What is “San-X Universe”? With the magic of San-X's Yosei, friends with rich personalities crossed the world and were filled. Designs where nostalgia and freshness intersect, from long-loved characters to new friends, We will deliver a moment where a smile spills out while snuggling up to you. Why don't you feel the little magic that softly unravels your heart with the San-X girls? Click here for the official website of “San-X Universe” We will continue to deliver information sequentially in the future, Please pay attention to “San-X Paradise” ♪ Official X: https://x.com/sanxparadise  Special site: https://www.fujiq.jp/special/sanxparadise [Contact] Fuji-Q Highland Co., Ltd. Email: highland@fujikyu.co.jp Reception hours: 9:00 to 17:00 *Same as business hours

Universal Studios Hollywood has shared new looks at the upcoming Scooby-Doo Meets the Universal Monsters: Mystery on the Backlot experience exclusive to this year's Universal Fan Fest Nights! https://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/hhn/en/us/things-to-do/entertainment/ffn-scooby-doo-universal-monsters  It’s Universal Monsters, Mayhem, and Meddling on the Backlot’s Biggest New Mystery Yet! Get ready for Scooby-Doo Meets the Universal Monsters: Mystery on the Backlot, a new interactive whodunit only at Universal Fan Fest Nights! Become an extra in a movie gone wrong as iconic Universal Monsters are unleashed on the Universal Studios Backlot. You must join Scooby-Doo and gang to solve the case and save the shoot. With immersive sets, character encounters and cinematic chaos, this is one mystery you won’t want to leave unsolved. Lights. Camera. Chaos! Four suspects. One masked mastermind. Help Scooby-Doo and gang solve the mystery and come face-to-face with Frankenstein's Monster, Dracula and other iconic Universal Monsters! Hop off the tram to explore Little Europe including the Court of Miracles on Universal Studios Backlot—where the original monster movies were filmed—and meddle in the mystery of The Phantom Director’s true identity. Work together with Daphne, Shaggy and the rest of Mystery Inc. to save the day. Scooby-Doo Meets Universal Monsters Meets Yummm Fuel up like Scooby and the gang with a frightfully fun menu! Scarf down Scooby Snacks™ and indulge in tasty bites inspired by your favorite Universal Monsters. It’s a deliciously immersive way to keep the fun going between meddling and mystery. Universal Monsters, Meddling & Must-Have Merchandise Commemorate your mysterious, monstrous experience with merchandise featuring Scooby-Doo and Universal Monsters. Think You Have What It Takes to Crack the Case? Team up with Mystery Inc. as you uncover clues to solve an original case and come face-to-face with the Universal Monsters who roam the Universal Backlot. It's only at Universal Fan Fest Nights!  

Just remembered... Me and Celine Dion share the same birthday .... Today! Happy B to Us, lol! 🎂

^^ Yeah, that. It was quite a while ago when we went. However, I still remember Carowinds being a much nicer and more clean park. Six Flags Great Adventure gave us the Magic Mountain affect of poorly maintained aesthetics combined with a non cohesive park feel. The rides were great, and it stopped there. I remember the strong smell of weed and empty liquor bottles in the parking lot gave us a great initial impression. It didn't get much better from there.