Jump to content
  TPR Home | Parks | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram 

The PTR Adventures of Jordan!


Recommended Posts

This summer, I was privileged enough to travel to some of the world's best parks and ride some of the best coasters. I had an unforgettable experience, one that I will cherish the rest of my life.

 

First, I would like to send a huge thank you to all those who I got to experience these travels with. I also would like to send a huge thank you to Robb and Elissa for our great experiences in Europe, and all they did to make the trip a success. Without doubt, this was one of the highlights of my life, and I definitely look forward to joining in on China in 2012.

 

Since the middle of May, I have traveled over 18,000 miles to 6 different countries, visited 17 parks and rode 90 new coasters. All that can be said is that it was a very successful summer, one I hope to duplicate in the coming years of my life.

 

I hope you follow with me on this great journey and can share in on the experiences as I relive them.

 

May 24, 2010- Kings Island in Ohio

May 25, 2010- Holiday World in Indiana

May 26, 2010- Indianapolis Zoo in Indiana

June 25, 2010 - Chessington World of Adventures in England

June 26, 2010 - Alton Towers in England

June 27, 2010 - Thorpe Park in England

June 28, 2010 - Gardaland in Italy

June 29, 2010 - Mirabilandia in Italy

June 30, 2010 - Movie Studios in Italy and the drive through Switzerland!

July 1, 2010 - Europa Park in Germany

July 2, 2010 - Wurzburg Fair in Germany

July 3, 2010 - Phantasialand in Germany

July 4, 2010 - Efteling in Holland

July 5, 2010 - Walibi World in Holland and Amsterdam!

August 8, 2010 - Busch Gardens Williamsburg in Virginia

August 9-10, 2010 - Kings Dominion in Doswell, Virigina.

November 12-19, 2010 - IAAPA Convention in Florida

November 20, 2010 - Universal Orlando Resort in Florida

November 21, 2010 - Busch Gardens Tampa in Florida

November 22, 2010 - Disney (job??) and SeaWorld Orlando in Florida

 

 

 

I will start with Kings Island and move sequentially until we reach the end of my travels. Likely, my Europe trip will not be posted until the end of the month, as I have yet to start many of the reviews. But bare with me, all trip reports will be posted and the best of the near 3,000 pictures I took will be as well. I hope you enjoy and can share this experience with me!

 

As always, extensive (and otherwise very truthful) reviews are posted over on my site, The Theme Park Experience.

 

Without further adue, Diamondback and Kings Island!

Edited by themeparkman25
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Replies 37
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Kings Island - May 24, 2010 in Kings Mill, Ohio

 

First, I want to thank the park for a great day and a very fun time. This was my first experience at the former Paramount parks, and I have to say, I did enjoy my time thoroughly.

1.jpg.e1b255add842db5073b84513722f0e65.jpg

Kings Island! The first park of many on my agenda for summer 2010. I was on this trip with a friend from IAAPA, also known as, rcg19!

2.thumb.jpg.363750251872fdae232677540043e283.jpg

First up, Firehawk. We had been warned that this ride got busy, and even as we got there, it was already packed. The 30 min break down didn't help the cause either.

3.thumb.jpg.1663e51a26d7ec2615f683fce465be38.jpg

With this coaster, I have now ridden B&M, Zamperla and Vekoma flyers. My thoughts on Vekoma flyers? Not bad! I really enjoyed this ride, actually, and thought it was very different in comparison to their B&M counterparts.

4.jpg.f45933ecf69c2de12a1774c8db3d1576.jpg

This would be the underside of the trains. Looks a little complex, right? In all honesty, I did not find the ride rough, and rather enjoyed the loop and rolls. I definitely recommend.

5.jpg.d41c574a8711863d73f8784281ad4c36.jpg

nevermind

6.jpg.96431cba39ac0d1bc04fec07ce43e172.jpg

Behold, Son of Beast in all its glory. Truth be told, I really would like to ride this ride. In fact, it is one of those coasters I have always had my eye on. Maybe someday I will get the chance.

7.thumb.jpg.acaf295e051d1f56905b278552a13753.jpg

I've been to Cedar Point, but this is my first Huss Frisbee. I have good things to say about this ride! Definitely one of my favorite flat rides now.

8.thumb.jpg.9b9ba42079e762c9ab051c56c185b83e.jpg

These rides, though, take the cake for my favorite flat ride. I absolutely love any kind of Intamin drop tower. The added height of this one (as opposed to the one I am used to) definitely improved the experience. They make cool sounds too.

9.jpg.7cada18729c5757df6fb5e4491c4b519.jpg

Of all the suspended coasters I have ridden (Iron Dragon, Ninja, BBW), this one was pretty fun. I thought it was a little short and lacked a good layout, but had some good turns and speed. So, average arrow suspended it is!

10.jpg.b16b17a7bc34823de2283d16251fb6a9.jpg

For real, I want to ride it.

11.thumb.jpg.0c3c8db74695e9087c89936c3c811e61.jpg

We are now arriving at Diamondback! I really like this picture! It also has two trains in it, if you look closely (lift and pond). Review of DB comign!

12.thumb.jpg.10a6cd6857089b5fe1ff26371c7f33da.jpg

nevermind

13.jpg.91d452fda3fc87f7748215f38987f3af.jpg

The best part you ask? The corkscrews way off the ground! And the batwing, of course. Fun ride, I recommend it.

14.jpg.a07acf2de5c6036194778ecee6620f17.jpg

My first encounter with a Backlot Stunt Coaster. This one (as I would later find out), is one of the better ones. I enjoyed the bonus features like the helicopter seen and the shuffle going down the stairs. Definitely recommend this ride! It is a great mid range coaster for those not quite ready for the big stuff.

19.jpg.5fa468edcaaed58a000e3843bde2a2d2.jpg

nevermind

21.jpg.cc30d73215c2abaff249eb618ee03841.jpg

nevermind

16.jpg.eba9d9678213f2dcb77ce22380521cce.jpg

As you can see, we didn't have the best weather during our stay. This is not a reason to get down on the day, though, when we have a ride like DB to marathon.

17.jpg.e786453950cbd72d3ece77a43615cdcd.jpg

We took the train as a breather from the airtime. Of course, it also had some great pictures of DB! This picture was taken for linerinduction (be ready for lots more).

20.jpg.aa45b7a881fac9d94f47613de07a71b7.jpg

This too was another coaster I watched them build from start to finish. Maybe it is just me, but it is kind of rewarding riding a ride that you've seen built from the ground.

22.jpg.5e96add74c50485a12dde8e60dda99ee.jpg

What a great idea! I don't know how often I have to close rides to go get lost phones because some tweener's boyfriend was texting them and their life is now over because they lost their phone. Gah! I want one.

15.jpg.514d239af880368fdf7bf9643117cbc0.jpg

Diamondback- my number 3 favorite coaster. Truth be told, I have never had a more "magical" experience on a coaster than I did on DB, row 10. For the duration of the hills, it was pure floater air, on every hill. Absolutely astonishing. I occasionally thought I was going to fly from my restraint! I very much liked this ride, its layout, its interaction, etc. For this reason, it is rated so highly on my list.

 

Thank you for reading! Hope you enjoyed! Look for Holiday World in the coming days!

Edited by themeparkman25
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Awesome start on this (what I assume will be) monster of a trip report, Jordan! The pictures are beautiful---especially those taken from the Eiffel Tower.

 

I hope your descriptions of each park are as detailed as the one above, because this first part was great!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for the replies! Look for Holiday World coming up tomorrow!

 

Daniel-This definitely will turn in to a monster of a report, especially considering the sheer amount of pictures I took in Europe. But I plan on having each of the reviews to that depth, which shockingly is just a summary of the reviews on my site haha.

 

Joey-Kings Island is definitely a lot of fun and you have a lot to look forward to. Like I said, I thought they had a good balance of rides. Of course, it isn't like any of the parks we went to this summer, though.

 

Brian-I am very excited too! I have a lot of work before Europe though, as I need to prep some pictures and finish reviews. Should be soon(ish) though! Anyways, no I am not going on the NE trip. I wanted to but the timing doesn't work all that well with my move to Orlando. So, sadly, I will be doing the ACE Scandi trip instead. What are your thoughts on China in 2012?

 

Parktrips- HAHAHA! That was great. Thank you for that.

 

KT Kidd- Yes, sir! Flight of fear was a lot of fun! I thought it was better than its brother at KD too. The only reason I didn't like the ride was its semi-ridiculous wait time.

 

Sam- Isn't it funny we are all looking forward to something different in this report? Some Europe, some IAAPA, some KD/BGW. To each his own right?

 

Rebecca- Is this one better?

108_1982.jpg.515c9d0446ffe19c221b6d14623a5961.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Brian-I am very excited too! I have a lot of work before Europe though, as I need to prep some pictures and finish reviews. Should be soon(ish) though! Anyways, no I am not going on the NE trip. I wanted to but the timing doesn't work all that well with my move to Orlando. So, sadly, I will be doing the ACE Scandi trip instead. What are your thoughts on China in 2012?

 

I really, really, really want to do the China trip in 2012, but I've got a feeling that it will be a bit out of my budget. I'm hoping and keeping my fingers crossed though. There are some killer coasters that I want to ride there, plus that monster GCI that is being built right now!

 

EDIT: Just wanted to ask what your thoughts are on the 2012 China trip?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Jordan, Thanks for the Photo of Locomotive No. 12 on the Kings Island and Miami Valley Railroad, however, my 20 pics are from a better angle.

 

So which Junior Hang N Bang was better Jordan, Lagoon's or Kings Island's?

 

rcg19, when did you visit Lagoon this Summer and why didn't Jordan put you in touch with me?

 

- linearinduction

Link to comment
Share on other sites

May 25th, 2010 - Holiday World - Santa Claus, IN

 

As always, I want to thank Holiday World for a very hospitable and enjoyable experience during my stay. Like Kings Island, I have had my eyes on this park for quite a while and it was very great to finally visit this renowned park. Lastly, I would like to thank my friend, Lori, for the tickets, and also to Matt, for sharing Lunch with us.

 

Thanks again to Holiday World for a great day, and to all those that made the day even more enjoyable. Also, thank you for reading this review! It is longer due to the fact that I do not have as many pictures as I do for a normal review. As always, a much more extensive review can be found at my site, The Theme Park Experience.

 

Next up, a quick review of the Indianapolis Zoo, and then, EUROPE!! Stay tuned.

 

Jordan

1.jpg.e5e2f43ab58aeb0973f76bdd4a21fa54.jpg

We have arrived at Holiday World! We were both very excited to be here and get our Voyage on.

2.jpg.c51b872775dff57cb719cfb378bb7264.jpg

Walk on Wildebeest=great rides! I think we rode about 5 times without getting off. As you will see later, the weather was dismal, so we stopped after 5X to warm up a little. We all know wet jeans suck.

3.jpg.091325b6222590bf39d69b67c614d929.jpg

nevermind

4.jpg.fa7db3fe65be4d7721ca64b2a44602d7.jpg

The Raven is one of the better wooden coasters I have ridden. I enjoyed its speed, low turns and pond fly by! I think they should put Timberliners on all of their coasters, though.

5.jpg.a9b7093adfe04b131aea1aa700f8c623.jpg

Halloswings! What a great name and great ride. I thought it fit in perfectly with the theme.

6.jpg.bbf25c52e4f6256548df67c3a8726950.jpg

The only steel coaster of the day! Alright! You bet we rode it too. A cool thing about the kids area is that it only has one entrance, allowing parents to watch their kids a lot better.

7.jpg.a6821bb465c51b9d73e0ad62be758dfc.jpg

Wassup Holidog! Thanks again to Lori for the tickets, and Brittany for hanging out with us. You two made the day even more fun!

8.jpg.ed3cd0e0fd969eb16640ddea37c0713b.jpg

The real reason we came to Holiday World, The Voyage! What a great ride. Its sheer speed, size and elements make it (almost) my favorite coaster.

9.thumb.jpg.59c9a95800401380bc4226b21b2d5d51.jpg

Happy Jordan!

10.jpg.f16bea24e54ff53d2113e4ad564c7b84.jpg

New for 2011- Voyage with Timberliners. =[. It is a bummer there weren't ready for the visit, but such is life.

11.jpg.6313ee695bb92f67869ad129913e764d.jpg

Turkey Whirl! I liked this spin (pun intended) on the typical tilt-a-whirl. Great job!

12.jpg.3d690a61f9903829b56ae368c04ae581.jpg

Menacing clouds can't ruin your day when you have Raven, Legend and Voyage all as walk ons!

13.jpg.4ca3851bedc9535c9a8d5e27f4541953.jpg

nevermind

14.jpg.9066aa947e5fdedd9a053afdc465cf65.jpg

I spy with my eye, a 90 degree turn. Alright!

15.jpg.66b5f15dbfebece16eab3aff9bf69cda.jpg

Almost snapped them...

16.jpg.0b806e214fdbb101b9feaa95474aeb69.jpg

Legend through Legend! Does that make you a superhero?

17.thumb.jpg.b354dc27b4b905bd83293ab4dc9d8b80.jpg

To conclude, a picture everyone has of Voyage. Sorry for the lack of pictures this day, I was having too much fun with friends. Thanks again for reading and stay tuned for almost Europe!

Edited by themeparkman25
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Another great TR, Jordan!

I think the lack of "spunk" that you speak of back in the Thanksgiving section is just cause it is new. It has already improved since it has been expanded back there, and I know they said that they were adding some more back there for next season. I would imagine that they plan to expand the park back there (I feel like I've heard talk of it already), which would make that section not seem so out of the way. I personally feel like it works well now that they have connected it to Splashin Safari.

 

My explanation for the awesomeness that is Holiday World is, People work for people. When you have amazing people with great values that own, run, and operate the park, you get amazing people with great values to work there too. That's what I think anyway.

 

That Europe update is getting closer. I can't wait!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Darn. I didn't get to be the first person to respond to this update...so I hope it doesn't sound to repetitive when I add, "Great photos and trip report, Jordan!"

 

I think my favorite part about your reviews is the amount of honesty you put into them. People often put aside the fact that Holiday World has a lack of thrilling flats, due to the fact that almost every other aspect of the park is nearly flawless. Of course, being the parks #1...uh, excuse me, I guess I can't say that any more...#2 fan, I do my best to appreciate all of its positives, but I definitely agree with all of your thoughts on Holiday World, good and bad. (Shocked?)

 

Have you decided whether or not you will be coming back through these parts again next year?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 months later...

May 26th, 2010 - Indianapolis Zoo

 

After my little hiatus, I am back! Since my friend Hans is currently doing a Europe Tour trip report, I will skip over mine temporarily, and finish up my Kings Island/Holiday World trip and move to Busch Gardens Europe/King's Dominion.

 

So, after we finished our great day at Holiday World, we started driving north with the expectation to hit up Indiana Beach the next day. However, after looking at their website, we realized it was closed! Dag nabbit. So, looking for an alternative (and another credit), we settled on the Indianapolis Zoo! Given its size, we didn't spend an extended period of time at this (park), though we definitely tried to fit as much in as possible. If I recall right, the day we were there was rather cold and rainy, but that didn't stop us from having a good time.

 

We rode the only coaster, Kombo, a couple times, and then enjoyed the rest of the zoo. They had mantas and rhinos and other exciting animals! Unfortunately, I do think we only had a total of 2-3 hours at the park, so we didn't have a ton of time.

 

Without much adieu (and a lack of stuff to say about a park that has like 3 rides), pictures!

A.jpg.7648fb20cb000273cfc3c5ff178913a7.jpg

Kombo! Credit 175 range, I think. Wasn't a bad credit either!

B.jpg.d55e291ad0f9bde01312912884771ffe.jpg

One thing I definitely remember was that she was an expensive credit. Between admission and the ride ticket, I remember dropping a pretty penny.

C.jpg.c4868b553e404a760669b72cd374ff49.jpg

And that is it, folks! Quite the credit for you.

D.jpg.6c0171bb7f13f8078c21a05fa2dd2582.jpg

Hmm, could these be the best coaster trains in the history of ever? I think so.

E.jpg.797a960b7ae656323cb5557861321f2c.jpg

What's up carousel I did not ride...

F.jpg.37effa916df0b768ea3e6c815acc6f6c.jpg

I tried feeding them, but it was a fail...

G.jpg.8b3712e4a32f2142e0ac6d9fbd05323c.jpg

He was fat and sinking in the mud. Um, not a credit so I don't know why I am posting these pictures...So...stay tuned! Busch gardens williamsburg will be up shortly.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

August 8, 2010- Busch Gardens Williamsburg!

 

In order to celebrate another year of life, and a great summer with a couple of my employees, I traveled out to Virginia to visit, arguably, my favorite park in the country, Busch Gardens Williamsburg! I had been to the park previously, back in 2007 I believe, and had a tremendous time, and had to go back for the B&Ms.

 

From what I remember, all three of their "big three" were all on top of my favorite coasters, and the others were great too! Also, with the addition of Sesame Street, I had a new credit to get! All in all, I had a great day at the park but really wish we had longer to check everything out.

 

This was my first park in the States since getting back from the Europe trip, so I was excited to revisit the American way of things, and experience the nation's best. And I absolutely can say that Busch Gardens Williamsburg is my favorite park in the country, and up their for the world. The food is really good, the theming impeccable and the rides were incredible. I honestly have nothing poor to say about this park, other than the fact is a hundred million miles away from me, which sucks.

 

Regardless, I hope you enjoy the update! The first part will have pictures from Go Karts Plus, a little park we happened to stumble upon when trying to find gas. King's Dominion and Intimidator205 to follow!

 

Also, I would like to share a funny story with everyone. Since everyone I was with was under 21, myself included, we were unable to rent a car. Well, the Richmond airport is in the middle of the two parks, but not within a reasonable distance to not rent a car. I consider trains and busses, but it was difficult to work given our schedules. So then the question became, how do we get to all the parks? So, given the fact you have to be 21 to rent a car, I thought about the next best thing. Just previously, I had rented a Uhaul to move to my apartment for college, and I had remembered that you only have to be 18 to rent one of those. So my solution to getting to the parks? Rent a Uhaul! What a brilliant idea. Prolly one of my top ideas ever.

 

ENJOY!

1.jpg.f7a98361f9f5a1a9925bc32d966911d9.jpg

At 20.00 a day, and 0.50 per mile. A Uhaul is almost cheaper than an actual rental car. And its way cooler to pull up into the parking lot.

2.jpg.a1e6f9bacfbcfcf77306729c4d8d7e9c.jpg

Literally driving down the street and remembered the other Williamsburg credits! Bonus!

3.jpg.e1a353d2a68e11883a53dada6c731ead.jpg

And that's the credit. I think we went around 6 times...which was about 5 times too many.

4.jpg.49165edca097f5a9fc1490647aa61a93.jpg

Busch Gardens Williamsburg! My favorite park in the country.

5.jpg.97bcb389f14a3d699553dde4fe30fa05.jpg

The english section of the park. For being American, the theming is pretty good!

6.jpg.95abdf3454d7e79d729937e6e3e071eb.jpg

I think more parks should learn about theming. It truly does make the experiences magical.

7.thumb.jpg.a134cbb6c77c6f1a2d67dd04313b3ab2.jpg

So, one of my friends had never been on a B&M. Actually, he had never ridden a coaster outside of Colorado. So to bring him into the world of B&M love, we went right to Griffon.

9.thumb.jpg.4ed0c9ef4dac6dd0db1dbd8fa34faaa7.jpg

Though I like SheiKra more, I still really like Griffon. Actually, I just really like the dive machine.

10.jpg.d54ee8f4f51e71285adcba865bb12c70.jpg

Unfortunately, I had killed my camera pretty early in the day, so I didn't get many pictures of LNM. One of my favorite arrows, though.

11.jpg.49cdb25a970be85719e71fa8e13055c8.jpg

The day we visited was, I think, two days after one of these Family Guy tube men blew into Griffon. Good thing it was nothing serious!

12.jpg.2bc1a842214c06f6ebbf690dae627be0.jpg

The Italian section? I can't really recall. It's the one with the flying over something ride.

13.thumb.jpg.a76ea9a9caa9f96697f2b6d3bd137ea2.jpg

Not many parks in Ameirca, outside of Disney, have this level of theming.

14.jpg.0e298355d1421c153e1d463bec4d49cd.jpg

Actually, come to think of it, not many parks in the country have statues. Interesting...

15.thumb.jpg.cc60c497c5ed998bb688edf30bc2d17d.jpg

More griffon. She is definitely a picturesque coaster!

16.jpg.b3d677aae386cfeedadf1a36de1ce570.jpg

THis is what we ski back in Colorado. It made me feel at home.

17.jpg.94acc4603ed8e455b112de5c15bb16ee.jpg

I'm not sure which I like better....this picture....orrrrrr....

18.jpg.45d58c9978369ff342ed295d435272fa.jpg

This picture! You decide.

19.thumb.jpg.7fcbe80ffdaa576037f0dab3d76fd664.jpg

What I like most about Alpengeist, is her size. Every element is larger than life. I dunno, between Katun, Alpengeist and Nemesis, I had quite the decision on which B&M invert is my favorite. Just as a fun fact, they had frames on the wall of the top performering operating crews. One of them dispatched something like 100 trains in an hour, and another did 14,000 throughput on one day. Talk about great operations haha

21.thumb.jpg.39f42602e9d35f754e47e9a3fdfa0615.jpg

More examples of incredible theming.

23.jpg.786b60d841d0c397ee951ac15110440d.jpg

You knew it was coming...I did get the opportunity to ride Big Bad Wolf on my prior visit. Without going into too much detail, she was a great coaster, but what's coming will be better.

24.jpg.2f11202abe05d722b358fbfe6b9d4623.jpg

Apollo's Chariot is one of the best hypers of ridden. Which of the B&M sort, I have no been on 5, I think.

25.jpg.92842303410dce0617653f32b3a4cd99.jpg

Absolute insane airtime towards the back part of the coaster. It doesn't quite have that magical airtime of Goliath or Diamondback, but still has pretty good floater air. This section in particular always gets me.

26.jpg.6b33f19ac7406ec108d12b96c992e8ad.jpg

pretty lift hill!

27.jpg.eeba0c6cfce3df52aebf084295ece249.jpg

These rapids got me absolutely soaked. One of the better ones in the nation, too, in my opinion.

28.thumb.jpg.c80c1be0f6dd2f867ccc52fc2dacfeed.jpg

Can someone please tell me what this support is for? I'm literally baffled over it's purpose.

29.thumb.jpg.dc5df2d38042031f4e07547fd63ecf07.jpg

Escape from Pompeii. For whatever reason, last time I was here I didn't ride it. Really glad I did this time because it was fun!

30.jpg.20bd22937b349225eb4baff16d9c440d.jpg

The new sesame street area. It was packed when we went to get the credit. So clearly it was welcomed by the families!

31.jpg.bb7f68450b71c850145a619d878f27fc.jpg

New credits are always fun.

32.jpg.ad75b8235c37f96645547ef2ca91debf.jpg

Cobra roll getting eaten by Immelmann. Ain't nothing better!

33.jpg.4c6ff637bb79ca9f81909572662d09f9.jpg

First drop...going dowwnnnnnnnnn

34.thumb.jpg.a9d1b7d71f11b811996e67b9dded5e94.jpg

Looks a little beyond 90 degrees, doesn't it.

35.thumb.jpg.5d830418fc2de51dbca9f825797748a7.jpg

A nice little pop of floater airtime headed into the splashdown.

36.jpg.4bae16f3572a113fa57e3c82213622b8.jpg

Mmmmm. Favorite element ever. Especially fifth row on an inside seat.

37.jpg.3720d4190d70cdea8a0190acf2bb2649.jpg

And to conclude, a picture for Hans of some German cake! And it was delicious! Stay tuned for Intimidator305 and Kings Dominion!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Terms of Use https://themeparkreview.com/forum/topic/116-terms-of-service-please-read/