Photo TR: 2800 miles through the South and up the Mississippi

[larrygatorObsessive Overlord of the TPR Park Index]

Since I had some spare time on my hands and Harrahs Corporation decided to reward me for frequenting their casinos I decided to embark on a 6 day trip to include some parks I had not been too before. I piggybacked 3 free nights at Harrahs New Orleans with 3 free nights in Harrahs Tunica for some free lodging.

I did not do anything touristy in New Orleans since I have been there many times and I also had a lot of driving each day. I lucked out at Newark Ariport as I volunteered to be bumped and ended up with a $600 travel voucher (which has already been applied to a new trip I'll be taking in 2 weeks). Being bumped was no big deal as I had no plans for the first night in New Orleans and arriving 3 hours later kept me out of the casino. I enjoyed a steak at John Besh's Steakhouse (sorry, no photos). I was very impressed with the BBQ Shrimp appetizer (so fresh) but not with my ribeye steak.

On the morning of June 28th I embarked on a huge drive to Galveston Pleasure Pier. I'm not a big fan of 5 hour drives for one credit, but what the hell.

Iron Shark blew me away with both its forceful nature and the comfort level. The coaster is completely re-rideable and I did ride it 6 times. The rest of the rides on the pier are fairly standard (The Star Flyer and Giant Wheel are not open yet) and the discounted $21.99 preview price was fair, I believe the price will increase to $26.99 when the remaining two rides open.

Galveston Pleasure Pier on June 28th (see below)
Waterville USA and Dixie Landin' on June 29th
Magic Springs on July 1st
SFStL on July 2nd
Memphis BBQ Pulled Pork Challenge

[beatle11I prefer to mate with donkeys over humans!]

Nice pics Larry. The pier looks really good, and nice to hear good things about Iron Shark.

[RoCo"Excuse me, miss, may I pound my large rooster into your donkey?"]

I love seaside/pier amusement parks and this one looks pretty sweet. Very cool; thanks for the report.

[sspaz1000I prefer to mate with donkeys over humans!]

Great pics Larry!

[willh51Don't let this donkey melt you with its laser eyes!]

That pier looks great; makes me miss the Myrtle Beach Pavilion. The price seems pretty good, too, despite the non-stop bitching on the park's Facebook page.

[Hilltopper39Don't make me kick you in the donkey!]

I feel like every seaside town in America should have a park like this (you hear me Daytona?), this place looks great. How were the new Eurofighter trains on Iron Shark? All reviews so far have been great.

[larrygatorObsessive Overlord of the TPR Park Index]

How were the new Eurofighter trains on Iron Shark?

They were dreamy! Very comfortable.

[Hilltopper39Don't make me kick you in the donkey!]

I LOVED the trains on Dare Devil Dive, glad that these are on the same level.

[chadsterThe Pony Express can't find my teepee]

Awesome, can't wait to get out there!

[grimbyI Love Donkeys!]

Great. Last time I was down that way the weather was terrible and the winds were up. Everything was closed. I want to get back there very soon.