Summer vacation. End of the school year. Three months of freedom. With all of Louie's friends bragging about going to Snifferland, he fibs that his family is going there too. Unfortunately, Andy had his heart set on taking the family-yet again-to the Civil War Reenactment Camp. Louie and Tommy plead for Snifferland, and Ora is looking to continue her vast and colorful collection of salt and pepper shakers, and agrees that a change would be good. To sweeten the deal, Louie presents a coupon for Paws on Parade, giving them 50% off admission. Andy (very) reluctantly gives in, and so the Andersons are off to California. They take the train, as it's cheaper than a plane and you get a better view. Unfortunately, cheapskate Andy got them seats in the plush car, which means no beds, so they have to sleep curled up in their non-reclining chairs. They're awakened early the next morning due to the train breaking down in the middle of a field. Worse yet, Andy developed a serious neck cramp from sleeping in that chair and has to tilt his head horizontally. Knowing time was of the essence if they wanted to use that half-off coupon, so the Andersons grab their luggage and continue on foot... only for the train to miraculously get fixed and continue on its way. Who else saw that coming? But all was not lost, for they meet a friendly biplane pilot who agrees to literally give them a lift. They fly over the state's biggest shopping center, where Ora insists on making an emergency landing to buy more salt and pepper shakers. Once they were airborne again, Andy insists on taking the stick. He buzzes a flock of crows and even sky-writes the family name... unfortunately, he forgot to bring his spellchecker. At that point, Andy and the rest of the family are grounded as their flyboy companion takes off without them.
Planes and trains were out, time for automobiles. Incidentally, Edie McClurg (Ora) was also in that movie, and who else caught the reference in the train breakdown scene? Anyway, the Andersons hop a bus with an inexperienced driver. So, once again, Andy insists on taking charge. They take many twists and turns around a treacherous mountain road, even almost dropping over the edge! But after shifting weight (making Louie move to the front), they're back on track. Unfortunately the cops pull them over and cite Andy for reckless driving. Since there wouldn't be another bus for days, and the river washed out the road, they decide to take the river. They raft down the Colorado River, where Louie involuntarily bails out where he is almost attacked by a water snake and nearly goes over a waterfall. Fortunately he's rescued in time and they finally reach shore. Time to get up the canyon and continue on their way, so they rent a quartet of pack mules, only Andy gets a very lazy ass, which he has to practically carry up the canyon. Guess he's really... hauling ass. There was nowhere to go, but up. A hot air balloon! The ride goes smoothly enough, until suddenly they were headed for a mountain! They jettison the luggage, but it wasn't enough. They would have to make the supreme sacrifice: Ora's salt and pepper shakers. However, Louie tosses them up in the air just long enough for the balloon to successfully pass the mountain, and saving the shakers, however Louie insists he did it just to save the food. So finally, after days of risking life and limb to make it to Snifferland, they fly directly over the park and land successfully in the parking lot. They made it! Their tireless and treacherous efforts were all worth it. Unfortunately, when they get there... I'll bet you're thinking the park was closed for repairs, right? Nope. Abandoned and relocated to Florida. Cue muted trumpets. Ora manages to buy more shakers before they fly home and Louie tells his friends all about his harrowing adventure, and when they don't believe him, he shows them the pictures he caught in the moment.
This episode was a lot of fun. Road trips always are. It pays homage to both Planes, Trains & Automobiles and National Lampoon's Vacation, two of the greatest road comedies ever made. I definitely recommend this one. Not much else I can say. I guess the moral of our story is to call the park before you travel across the country to visit it. A piece of advice Clark Griswold definitely should've followed. This just goes to show how some people will go to absurd lengths to make sure they have the vacation of their dreams, or in some cases, nightmares. If you can find it, I definitely recommend Mr. Louie's Wild Ride.
Planes and trains were out, time for automobiles. Incidentally, Edie McClurg (Ora) was also in that movie, and who else caught the reference in the train breakdown scene? Anyway, the Andersons hop a bus with an inexperienced driver. So, once again, Andy insists on taking charge. They take many twists and turns around a treacherous mountain road, even almost dropping over the edge! But after shifting weight (making Louie move to the front), they're back on track. Unfortunately the cops pull them over and cite Andy for reckless driving. Since there wouldn't be another bus for days, and the river washed out the road, they decide to take the river. They raft down the Colorado River, where Louie involuntarily bails out where he is almost attacked by a water snake and nearly goes over a waterfall. Fortunately he's rescued in time and they finally reach shore. Time to get up the canyon and continue on their way, so they rent a quartet of pack mules, only Andy gets a very lazy ass, which he has to practically carry up the canyon. Guess he's really... hauling ass. There was nowhere to go, but up. A hot air balloon! The ride goes smoothly enough, until suddenly they were headed for a mountain! They jettison the luggage, but it wasn't enough. They would have to make the supreme sacrifice: Ora's salt and pepper shakers. However, Louie tosses them up in the air just long enough for the balloon to successfully pass the mountain, and saving the shakers, however Louie insists he did it just to save the food. So finally, after days of risking life and limb to make it to Snifferland, they fly directly over the park and land successfully in the parking lot. They made it! Their tireless and treacherous efforts were all worth it. Unfortunately, when they get there... I'll bet you're thinking the park was closed for repairs, right? Nope. Abandoned and relocated to Florida. Cue muted trumpets. Ora manages to buy more shakers before they fly home and Louie tells his friends all about his harrowing adventure, and when they don't believe him, he shows them the pictures he caught in the moment.
This episode was a lot of fun. Road trips always are. It pays homage to both Planes, Trains & Automobiles and National Lampoon's Vacation, two of the greatest road comedies ever made. I definitely recommend this one. Not much else I can say. I guess the moral of our story is to call the park before you travel across the country to visit it. A piece of advice Clark Griswold definitely should've followed. This just goes to show how some people will go to absurd lengths to make sure they have the vacation of their dreams, or in some cases, nightmares. If you can find it, I definitely recommend Mr. Louie's Wild Ride.
