Happy 25th DCA Anniversay and more!

 

© Parker Marley / © Disney

(Special thank you for Parker over at on X.com for giving us permission to share this image with us.)

You can follow him over there: https://x.com/parkermarley

"Happy 25th Anniversary of 'Disney's California Adventure' and more!"

Hello Friends!

I know it's been a very long time since I made any postings on this blog.  I want to personally say 'thank you' for visiting this blog page and as well showing your #DisneySide by playing our simulations over at Themagical.nl !

Themagical team are safe and healthly as we exited the post-COVID years right now.  We thank you for checking in with us on our personal social media accounts over the post-COVID years.

:: Happy 25th Anniversary DCA ::

February 8, 2001 was the official date when 'Disney's California Adventure' park opened in Anahem, California. Within walking distance of the original Disneyland Park Resort, it was quite an undertaking as it was themed of sights of the state of California.

25 years later, this park had major theme changes and newer ride attractions were added and as well later rethemed.

As we look back on the wonderful ride attractions that Disney created for this unquie theme park, we added some of those wonderful attractions on our website. You can play our unofficial simulations that came from DCA.  

#DCA25 #Disneyland #DCA

© Themagical.nl / Josh Stauffer / © Disney

© Themagical.nl / Josh Stauffer / © Disney

Play it here: https://www.themagical.nl/simulation/soarin/

Starting with our dubbed at the time of the internet was changing over to #HTML5 our very own 'First Ever HTML5 simulation of it's kind on the internet' .... SOARIN'. 

Even though this simulation ride attraction is based off the 'Walt Disney World' ride layout, it was imported from Disney's California Adventure park for it's "Year Of A Million Dreams" promotion to be added to EPCOT theme park.

Grizzly River Rapids Simulation

© Themagical.nl / © Disney

Play it here: https://www.themagical.nl/simulation/grizzly-river-run/

 

Grizzly River Rapids simulation was Themagical's first ever water ride attraction.  It was such a delight for our visitors when we introduce this particular simulation.

It was greatly received and it's been one of most played simulations on Themagical's website.

Another great ride attraction over at Disney's California Adventure where you take a expedition raft tour of the mountain range of the great Grizzy Bear rock work, lush tree landscapes, and the rough water rapids that you know you'll be getting WET!

It's a great welcome to be relief of the heat during the summers in California.

Toy Story Midway Mania Simulation

© Themagical.nl / © Disney • PIXAR

Play it here: https://www.themagical.nl/simulation/toystory-midway-mania/

Join Woody, Jessie, Buzz Lightyear, and all the toys by playing their carnival games! 
 
Presenting Disney's California Adventure 'Toy Story Midway Mania' is another ride attraction where guests are shrunk down to a size of a toy to play in Andy's bedroom in a carnival playset style shooter game.

This is another 'first of its kind simulation' by using #HTML5 coding without the need of Adobe Flash Player.  Most of your smartphones, tablets, gaming platforms systems, and web browsers can handle the HTML5 coding.

:: Reighard's Personal Life Update ::

I had some personal milestones myself as I became a father of 2 in 2020/2022 , it's been a blessing as I entered fatherhood which at times made it difficult for me to write on here and as well the challenging times of COVID-19 situation and post-COVID.

I did whatever I could to help Martijn (founder/webmaster/simulator creator of Themagical.nl) while I did the night shift mode durning the nights with graphic design and research.  He understood the challenges of being a parent and the little time you have for personal time.

I was helping behind the scenes whenever I could and definitely grateful for my assistance.

:: TMNEWSIM: A new project: Droomvlucht Simulation, Efteling ::

Currently working on a passion project: a fully playable HTML5 simulation of the legendary Efteling darkride, Droomvlucht. From the spiraling heights of the Castles in the Sky to the glow of the Troll Swamp, I’m recreating the magic one line of code at a time. It’s been a challenge getting the unique suspended ride physics just right, but the dream is slowly coming to life!

Stay tuned for more updates—the gates to the dream world are opening this year.

© Themagical.nl / © Efteling

#Efteling #Droomvlucht #IndieDev #HTML5 #DarkRide #ThemeParkSim #CreativeCoding #themagical #TMNewSim

:: Closing thoughts ::

I want to say I'm sorry for the longest time of not postings on here. Don't forget our contest is still going on and winners have already received their prizes!

We appreciate all our fans and visitors who visit this wonderful place over at Themagical.nl .... WELCOME!

Be sure to follow our social media accounts for updates and fun surprises too!

Take care and be safe!

Until Then,

Reighard

Themagical is here for you

Hi Friends!

We hope you are doing well during this unfortunate virus outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) while trying to be safe and healthy.

:: "Checking In is NOT just for places" ::

We want to make sure that Themagical is here for you!   Even though we are a simulation website to past some (quarantine) time when you are bored, needing a #DisneyFix, having a #amusementparkwithdrawal , or maybe curious how the 'magic' of your favorite Disney ride attraction works.  Thank you for visiting us!

How is Themagical helping during the COVID19 outbreak:

• Social Media Accounts: If you aren't already following us, connect with us! Search "Themagical.nl" on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!
•  Website Access Availability: We may experience possible Internet lagging or server down-time due to heavy website usage in the weeks ahead. We are trying to keep this website available for all to enjoy during this unprecedented time. We apologies for any inconvenience it may cause for you.
• Messenger Chat: If you are a member on our Facebook page, you are welcome to chat with us! We will try our best to respond to your language via Google Translate if you are in need to talk to us. Themagical team will be happy to chat with you, but please understand the time difference that your message response may be delayed for a immediate response from us.
• Email Communications:  If you need to talk us via email, email Themagical team: Martijn (Webmaster/Founder of Themagical/Simulation Creator) webmaster@themagical.nl || Reighard (Co-Admin of Themagical/Simulation Creator) sdt_themagical@outlook.com 
• Live Stream Events: Reighard will be doing 'Live Shows' to connect with the community.  Be sure to follow him via Twitter (@randydorney) for when he will be broadcasting and click on the tab "Late Nite with Randy" above on this blog page. 

:: #TMNewSim on-track! ::

From our last update back in February of this year, #TMNewSim is on-track on our simulation development.

Beta testing will be announced to our beta testing members when we feel the simulation is ready for testing.

Be sure to keep an eye on our social media accounts for special previews of our upcoming HTML5 simulation for Themagical.nl by following #TMNewSim ! 


:: Closing Thoughts: How are you doing lately? ::

Themagical team is here for you and we want to make sure you how are you doing lately?  We will try our best to connect with you if you are in need to talk.

We sincerely appreciate you all.

Thank you for reading this blog site and visiting Themagical.nl !

Until then,



Reighard

We need your help! TMNewSim teaser

Hello There!

We hope you are enjoying your online experience of our newest and latest #HTML5 simulation! What do you think so far?

:: Toy Story Midway Mania : Now Available ! ::

On February 1, 2019 , Disney ­• Pixar Toy Story Midway Mania over at Disney's California Adventure park finally debut on Themagical.nl website. 

This is a 'first of its kind' simulation on the internet as it features #HTML5 coding interactive elements that can be played on smartphones/tablets/gaming platform devices due to the latest web browser rendering technology!

Martijn and Reighard was hard at work 'behind the scenes' by creating this newest simulation experience.  We hope you got a change to play it online while it was in beta and now general public release.

Are you an #WindowsPhone user? We need your help! We are looking for people to beta test our current #DCA Toy Story Midway Mania simulation. DM me for details! Thank you! °o° pic.twitter.com/wvUXC8EXLs

— Randy Reighard (@randydorney) February 25, 2019

:: Simulation Feedback :: 

With the release of this newest simulation, we would like to hear about your simulation experience!  

While playing this simulation, what was your favorite part while playing? Any dislikes of the simulation?  Were you happy while playing this simulation or more frustrated?

Did you introduce our website to your family/friends/co-workers recently?  Did you mention that you can play our HTML5 simulations on your smartphones/tablets/gaming platform devices? 

Baymax: 'On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your pain'? (Joking aside, how would you rate this as a favorite simulation to play online?)

We would love to hear your feedback!  Thank you in advance for writing back to us. We appreciate it if you could take a few moments of your time to write to us about your experience.

Email us at sdt_themagical@outlook.com

Thank you so much for being part of our beta testing team and can't wait to share with you as we are in the 'Blue Sky' phase on another upcoming '#TMNewSim' ! 

That's all I can say for right now! 

Can't wait to share with you as we are in the 'Blue Sky' phase of another upcoming #TMNewSim for @Themagical .nl ! That's all I can say for now! 😅 pic.twitter.com/9FOzbnweDd

— Randy Reighard (@randydorney) February 25, 2019

Until Then,


Reighard

Toy Story Midway Mania is Beta Ready!

© Disney |  © Pixar

Hello Friends!

We have a special treat!  Our current upcoming simulation 'Toy Story Midway Mania' is now 'Beta Ready'!

"Beta Ready" means you can beta test this simulation and help us find bugs before it can be released to the general public afterwards.

Visit Themagical's website for more details by clicking here: 

https://www.themagical.nl/development 

© Disney |  © Pixar  |  © Themagical.nl

#TMNewSim Toy Story Midway Mania and WDW Monorail

Hello Friends!

We hope you are all enjoying your summer holiday break with your friends and family!  The team at Themagical are also enjoying our summer activities and trips too!  We want to 'congratulate to the class of 2018' for completing their education and taking a break from all the school studies! Well Done 'Class Of 2018' !

:: #TMNewSim : Toy Story Midway Mania and WDW Monorail ::

With the website being updated, a new link appeared on the navigation bar "build a sim".  This new link gives users an insight of what it takes to create their one-of-a-kind simulation and how to make one for all to enjoy. You can read more about it by clicking here.

Announcing new simulations in the works: 

© Disney | © Pixar 

 Toy Story Midway Mania (Disney's California Adventure) #HTML5 Simulation

© Disney 

Walt Disney World  Monorail (Created by John from RideSims.com) Adobe Flash Simulation 

No announcement has been made for both simulations release dates at this time!

:: Closing Thoughts ::

We are exciting for our upcoming simulations and we hope you will too!

If you have questions about these simulations or other things I should write about, I would love to hear from you!  You can email me at: sdt_themagical@outlook.com  Please mention you read this blog post so I can see if you read this.   

Follow #TMNewSim for sneak peeks on our social media outlets!

Have a great summer!

 

Reighard

Introducing...Seven Dwarfs Mine Train HTML5 Simulation

Hello Friends!

Themagical team is happy to announce the newest#html5 simulation to be added for Themagical's website....

Introducing...Walt Disney World Resort "Seven Dwarfs Mine Train" simulation!

:: Moving Forward with #HTML5 ::

With moving forward with #HTLM5 development away from Adobe Flash program, this is the '2nd' simulation to be added for Themagical's website.

This allows us to reach more to our viewing audience who uses Apple/Android smartphones and tablet devices without the need of creating an additional application.  

Most of the newest smartphones / tablet devices can view #HTML5 creative content by using their mobile browsers via Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge which is a huge leap as technology continues to improve.

We are still migrating the other simulations over from Flash to #HTML5 but finding a proper application to keep intact the coding of the simulation is a bit challenging to find at the moment.  We are still searching for other options....

© Disney | © Themagical.nl

 :: Additional Features Coming Soon ::

While the release of the simulation is now available to play, we will be still adding additional features for this simulation.

Keep in mind that we are doing this out of our free time during our regular work schedule and family activities.  We will be adding new features, UI tweaks, and bug fixes along the way.

If you still find something wrong that doesn't seem right in the simulation, please let us know on our forums and email.  You can email us at: sdt_themagical@outlook.com and mention in the subject title: "Seven Dwarfs Sim Issues".

:: ::#TMNew Simulation in the works! ::

We’re back with an all-new #TMNewSim #HTML5 simulation at Themagical.nl ! With the import of #sevendwarfsminetrain simulation coding, this will speed the development process much faster!

Here's our 'first official' teaser of the newest upcoming simulation!  Do you have any thoughts or guesses what could it be?

Be sure to keep your eyes peeled as we are working fast on this newest simulation!  Use our hashtag to keep up with the latest sneak previews and possible 'on the spot' beta testing of this newest simulation!! 

:: Beta Testing Soon for the #TMNew Sim ::

 We need your help!  We are looking for those who are eager to find the glitches, testing on their devices via PC / Smartphones / Tablets , and as well having fun testing out the latest simulation(s) for Themagical.

We will be opening up the beta testing soon for this newest simulation, so be sure on the look out on how to join this fun and entertaining elite group.

If you want to join this group, send us an email at sdt_themagical@outlook.com and subject title "TMNewSim beta testing".

Please read our guidelines on this blog for more additional details! Click here to read our guidelines on our beta testing group....http://randydorney.blogspot.com/p/beta-testing-qa.html 

:: Closing Thoughts ::

We thank you all for your support and comments on our social media outlets on how we are doing over at Themagical.

We understand your passion on our simulations and we greatly appreciate your feedback on any issues you may have with our simulations.

We wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you enjoying our simulations, we 'Thank you' sincerely!

Stay Tuned for more updates on our upcoming #TMNewSim !!!

  

Introducing Ride Sims Simulations Exclusively For Themagical

Ride Sims donates 'Disney Ride Simulations' to Themagical

Enhances simulation current lineup for Themagical, new keyboard brings newer experiences to similar simulations, intact all Ride Sims Disney simulation lineup from the (now) dysfunction Ride Sims website.

Ride Sims community members and fans of the website can continue playing their favorite 'Disney Ride Simulations' and finding out newer or similar simulations without the use of using keyboard.

Themagical pursues to create new simulations in the near future by using current software for development and HTML5 to potentially reach more mobile smartphones/tablets audience.

Official Statement from 'Ride Sims Facebook Fan Page': 

(Friday September 23, 2016)

"Ride Operators, we are pleased to announce that you can carry on enjoying some of our simulations!

We have officially donated our simulations to our friends over at themagical.nl.

At the moment we only have a few available as we have to go through each one individually and recode them to make it work.

Thank you for your patience."

Source Link: https://www.facebook.com/RideSims/posts/1239344236130263

Themagical.nl (Netherlands) and RideSims.com (United Kingdom) announced today that they entered into a definitive agreement under which Themagical will acquire RideSims.com 'Disney Ride Simulations'.

Themagical's acquisition of Ride Sims 'Disney Ride Simulations' provides both Ride Sims community and Themagical community to enjoy Ride Sims 'Disney Ride Simulations' from their now dysfunction website.

With this donation, Themagical will be the ONLY exclusive website to acquire and display Ride Sims Disney Ride Simulations.  With the 'Official Seal' stamp marks it can only be played at Themagical.nl website.

This new agreement provide Themagical community to enjoy new enhanced magic of playing their favorite simulation attraction by using a keyboard to operate the simulation.  The Ride Sims community will enjoy newer simulations without the use of the keyboard to operate.

The 'Official Stamp' Ride Sims Donated to Themagical.nl presents an agreement of those who are playing the simulation agrees to ONLY play at Themagical.nl website and the exclusive rights to be played at Themagical.

With the duplication of similar ride attraction simulations, it brings a fresher way of playing a simulation with the use of a keyboard or mouse clicks. 

Ride Sims team wishes the best for Themagical to continue of developing newer simulation experiences and learn fresher ways to bring our favorite Disney Ride Attractions to life.  The Ride Sims team feels Themagical has a great community and hope Ride Sims community continues on playing their simulation games at a new home and community.

Dorney Park's GM-VP Mike Fehnel

Hello Friends!

I'm sorry for the lack of posting on here.  It's been slow on our end as we are still in transition our previous Joomla format to a newer updated website version.

For the time being, we have a treat for YOU!

As we are still in the winter season, behind the scenes at our local amusement park has been really busy with their preparations for the upcoming summer season!

I'm very pleased and honored to have a wonderful chat with general manager and vice president Mike Fehnel of Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom in Allentown, PA.

I got some nice insights of where he got started and as well some sneak peeks of what's coming ahead in the 2016 summer season at Dorney Park.

Special Thank You for Mike Fehnel for taking his time out of his pre-season duties to talk with us!  

(*Note: Pictures on this blog was used with permission to be posted online. © Mike Fehnel  © Cedar Fair L.P.)

On with the interview!

===

(*Note: Dark blue font will be Mike Fehnel's response to my questions.  Enjoy!)

© Mike Fehnel  |  © Cedar Fair L.P.

1.)    What got you started to work in the amusement park industry?

MF: I started working in the games department when I was 14 years old. My older sister had a job in merchandise and it was easy for me to take advantage of having a ride to the park. I remember being so proud of obtaining my first job. I was always a fan of midway games, thus it seemed as though it would be a fun summer job.

© Mike Fehnel |  © Carowinds

2.)    Was working for the amusement park industry your long-time dream job?

When I was younger I had always planned on being a teacher. My degree is for elementary education from Kutztown University. Somewhere along the way the amusement industry “got into my blood”, which is something many of us in the industry talk about. I guess it wasn’t my early intent for this to turn into my dream job, but it certainly has become the result!

3.)    How did you get where you are now?

There is no one reason, or secret, to how I landed in my current position. To succeed in any job, you need to have patience, dedication, respect others and have a desire for continuous improvement. The beauty of the seasonal amusement industry is we have the opportunity each year to look back, make improvements and try to make every year the best ever.

4.)    If someone wanted to join the career path you took, what type of education would you need to succeed in this type of career choice?

My colleagues and I have varying educational experience that can range from any of the fields of study you can imagine. It is certainly important to obtain a degree, however it is of equal importance to have experience in the industry. It is incredibly beneficial to have the perspective of working at multiple parks and for different companies.

5.)    Is there any fun perks of being in your position? What are your favorite perks?

Working at an amusement park is the best job in the world! It is our job every day to deliver the best day of the summer to our guests. We create memories that literally last a lifetime. One of my earliest memories as a child is from riding the train at Hershey Park. I was entrusted with a bag of gold by a sheriff before the ride. He tasked me with keeping the gold safe from the bandits. Sure enough halfway through the ride some bandits came along and stopped the train. I hid the gold under my seat and did not give in to their requests. At the end of the ride the sheriff rewarded me with a badge. I was probably 3 years old when this occurred, however I can recall it as vividly as if it occurred yesterday. That is the power, and responsibility we have running parks today as we continue to create memories for our guests.

I’ve also been the coolest dad at day care, as all the kids always want to know what is new at the park. My kids also have incredible access to the park, and I love taking them with me while checking out the park in the morning prior to opening.

:: Fun Questions ::

Mike Fehnel officially opening 'Snake Pit' at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom in 2014.

1.)    Are you a ‘dry guy or wet guy’? (@MFehnel: 10 Billion points if you know what I’m talking about that relates to Dorney)

10 Billion points to me!!! I’m a ‘dry guy’. I personally prefer the coasters to the slides, however my kids LOVE both.

2.)    Are you a coaster fan of wooden/steel? What are your favorite(s)?? Top 3 rides??

Am I allowed to love both? My top 3 are FURY325, Millennium Force and El Toro.

3.)    Is your job duties the same by day to day or does it changes based on the current activities during pre-season, mid-season, and post-season?

What I love about working at a seasonal park is the constantly changing work day. I love the planning of the off-season, but it is exciting to see the plans come to life as we open and judge the results. Haunt is always a fun break from the daily routine, as we have meetings to discuss all the disgusting or supernatural things that will bring the event to life. It is always sad to close out a season, however it is fun to reboot and fuel the park for another season.

4.)    What is it like going to another park as the new GM and VP for example Carowinds and then later coming back to Dorney Park?

It all comes down to observing and being part of a team that has the same goal, but finds other ways to execute the plan. After spending time at another property your eyes open to other ideas and plans. In the end of the day, we strive to find best practices to execute at all parks.

Mike Fehnel announcing Fury 325 coaster at Carowinds

(*Click on the image to view large)

5.)    While having many position changes within your career in your life, what was your favorite and why?

There is no doubt my time at Carowinds will always be a highlight for me. It is not every year that you have the opportunity to relaunch the brand of a park, execute outstanding events such as Taste of the Carolina's, and debut a world record breaking roller coaster. That said I look forward to future projects and events at Dorney Park. I absolutely love the history behind a park that started entertaining picnickers in the 1860’s.

© PTC |  © Dorney Park  

('The Coaster' in the white coaster track layout before it was later named to 'Thunderhawk'.)

6.)    Will there be any fun new things for the 2016 season that you can share with us?

Right now we are focusing on Thunderhawk and celebrating one of 10 oldest operating roller coasters in the world. We will also have exciting new and returning special events.

Thunderhawk will be receiving a pair of new trains from the Philadelphia Toboggan Company, known as PTC, that feature more modern upgrades with a classic look.  The trains will replace the older PTC running stock that have been on the coaster for many years.

The concept art for the trains can be seen above on the first picture, showing off a nice open-air front car with the ride's logo attached to it.  The trains will feature two main colors (blown up in size on the left), a deep shade of red that is accented with orange near the top of the car.  The concept photo above notes that the colors will be inverted on the second train to differentiate it.  The trains will feature individual lap bars and at least if we go off this art there will be no seat dividers or headrests.

Thunderhawk is the 8th oldest wooden roller coaster operating in the United States, and the 10th oldest on the planet.

© Philadelphia Toboggan Company

The park also sent to us this original contract document that PTC shared with them, from when Thunderhawk (then known just as The Coaster) was going to be built.  You'll have to click for the larger image to read it, but this is a wonderful find for those who appreciate roller coaster history!

The contract is between PTC and Richard Rusk and R. L. Plarr of Dorney Park for "all the cars, machinery, plans, specifications, etc." needed for the instillation of the coaster.  The total for the ride's train, machinery and chain and the ride's plans came to a cool $9,673.  In addition, the contract covers the services of ride designer Herbert Schmeck at $17 a day plus expenses.  Such a neat document to be able to read!

:: Questions related to online gaming: Themagical/DorneyOnline ::

© Dorneyonline.com | © Dorney Park/Cedar Fair L.P.

(Pictured: Steel Force® Simulation coaster web based online game. Play it here: http://www.dorneyonline.com/sims.php)

1.)    How have you heard of Themagical.nl simulations / DorneyOnline.com’s ‘Steel Force®’ simulation (respectively each site)?

I have played the Steel Force simulation, although I don’t think I can consider myself a master at this time…

2.)    Have you heard of Themagical.nl website before?  

I’m sorry I haven’t….

3.)    If you had a choice of picking the ‘next’ dorneyonline simulation, what would it be?

Although it is not a Dorney Park coaster, I think FURY325 would be a great subject for a future simulator!

-----

I hope you all enjoyed reading this special interview and as well an interesting look 'behind the scenes' of an amusement park general manager and vice president of a Cedar Fair L.P. park.

We greatly appreciate Mike Fehnel of taking his time for giving this special interview.  We thank him for also providing 'behind the scenes' look at what's happening at Dorney Park for the 2016 and some personal pictures while at Dorney Park and Carowinds. 

Until Then,

Reighard