Theme Parks, Roller Coasters, & Donkeys!
Discuss theme parks, roller coasters, and donkeys!
18,026 topics in this forum
-
- 3 replies
- 2.2k views
-
- 16 replies
- 7.3k views
-
- 1 reply
- 1.8k views
-
- 0 replies
- 1.6k views
-
- 6 replies
- 2.9k views
-
- 15 replies
- 5.5k views
-
- 0 replies
- 3.8k views
-
- 11 replies
- 4.8k views
-
- 5 replies
- 2.7k views
-
- 7 replies
- 3.6k views
-
- 5 replies
- 2.5k views
-
- 12 replies
- 6k views
-
- 6 replies
- 3.3k views
-
- 5 replies
- 2.8k views
-
- 0 replies
- 2.1k views
-
- 0 replies
- 2k views
-
- 11 replies
- 6.3k views
-
- 10 replies
- 6k views
-
- 3 replies
- 3.2k views
-
- 12 replies
- 12.7k views
-
- 18 replies
- 7k views
-
- 1 reply
- 2.3k views
-
- 3 replies
- 2.5k views
-
- 0 replies
- 1.9k views
-
- 5 replies
- 3.1k views
-
- 6 replies
- 3.4k views
-
- 0 replies
- 2.1k views
-
- 13 replies
- 5.8k views
-
- 21 replies
- 8k views
-
- 18 replies
- 6.9k views
-
- 2 replies
- 2.4k views
-
- 8 replies
- 5.7k views
-
- 6 replies
- 3.8k views
-
- 8 replies
- 5k views
-
- 18 replies
- 7.3k views
-
- 2 replies
- 2.4k views
-
- 0 replies
- 2.4k views
-
- 14 replies
- 6.6k views
-
- 8 replies
- 4.2k views
-
- 2 replies
- 2.9k views
-
- 3 replies
- 2.9k views
-
- 14 replies
- 7.8k views
-
- 8 replies
- 4.4k views
-
- 1 reply
- 2.2k views
-
- 9 replies
- 4.8k views
-
- 6 replies
- 3.8k views
-
- 0 replies
- 2.1k views
-
- 13 replies
- 7.3k views
-
- 0 replies
- 2.1k views
-
- 0 replies
- 2k views
-
Posts
-
Wanted to post some thoughts from my 2nd trip to Epic and first since the park officially opened. For future reference, today was a Monday and the general consensus amongst regular park-goers is that today was on the busier side for Epic. Despite staying on property at Aventura I decided not to get up early for early entry and I'm glad I made that decision. Apparently the security line was a mile long before they opened and then they didn't bother checking for hotel reservations to get into the lands so everyone was able to get in. Therefore lines in Nintendo immediately went over 75 minutes and Ministry was over 3 hours within 15 minutes of opening. I would've been pretty pissed if I got up before 7 to experience that. We ended up hopping on the bus right at 10:30 and in the park around 10:50. After getting shut out on Ministry last trip, that was my #1 goal today. Stopped at the French cafe thing on the way in for a crepe for breakfast which was pretty good, nothing spectacular. Hopped into line for Ministry right at 11:50 which was posting a 150 minute wait. We were sent into the outdoor section but only for 5-10 minutes before making our way to the Floo network. The queue is jaw dropping, there's no other way to put it. Our wait ended up being about 1:45-1:50 and I don't think there were any breakdowns. If you're trying to judge times, I would say once you're through the Floo network it's going to take you 1.5-2 hours. And then add to that with any of the queue outside being used. The ride itself is absolutely one of the best dark rides I've ever ridden, a nice blend of technology and storyline. Not gonna throw out tons of spoilers here. To me it was worth the wait once for sure. If it was 3+ hours? Maybe not. But for the line it had today it definitely met expectations. Thankful to have finally ridden it and for not having to deal with any virtual queue systems to do so. Be patient with this, the line will be insane right from the get go. But it usually comes down a bit midday. Just be careful if you want to save it for later, they capped the line just before 7:00 today. I thought waiting in the a/c during the midday sun was the best choice and my plan worked very well. Stardust Racers is incredible with the dueling aspect which I didn't get to experience. Night rides are mind blowing. They kept it open an extra hour tonight which was terrific of them to do. They got each side running 3 trains later in the day and the line does not stop moving when they do that. The green side is indeed very slightly more intense than the yellow side, but you can often get on in about 3 less ride cycles on the yellow side because everyone chooses green. I think I still cast my preference to Velocicoaster simply because it has the mosasaurus roll which is my favorite element of all time, but I absolutely understand how people can put this ahead. It hits from beginning to end and is frankly one of the best ejector air machines ever built. This ride is a home run and extremely rerideable. I can't say enough good things about it. Nintendo World was a circus. I love hanging out in there but this area badly needs that rumored expansion to happen asap. Rode Yoshi but even that was 30 minutes for a short ride. Mario Kart and Mine Cart almost never dropped below 2 hours today. Monsters Unchained was a lot of fun the 2nd time around. I think the first time my expectations were a little unrealistic. I had a great time on it tonight, the line was very short and fast moving. The ride was great and if anything wasn't working than I couldn't care to notice. Definitely my 3rd favorite ride in the park. Skipped the spinner as it never really got below an hour. Hiccup was a quick 25 minute wait around 6:30 and was fun as always. The restraints blow and I wish they would've done a little better with that. But the ride it zippy and fun and the theming is adorable. Also viewed Untrainable Dragon which is a bit short but a lot of run. Go check it out! Want to point out two negative experiences from today. First of which was Pizza Moon. Went in there around 4:00. Ordered a Space Cowboy which is essentially BBQ chicken pizza. People next to us sat down 5 minutes later and they had their two pizzas and a salad before we got ours even though the app said our pizza was ready. After about 20 minutes we asked a staff member who was like "oh those take extra long to make but it will be out soon!" (then why would the app say it's ready)...so ok. The people next to us are their pizza, left, and the next seating sat down and ordered and still no pizza for us. It was 45 minutes in at this point so I asked again and this time the waiter sent over a manager who had a terrible attitude and made us feel like shit for even asking about it. But he radioed something in and a few minutes later our pizza finally came over just as the people next to us (keep in mind this was the SECOND seating at that table after we ordered) got their meal. The pizza was very good. I still have no idea why it took almost an hour. And some of the staff members here need to remove the stick from their ass when people ask about something. Something obviously happened with our pizza. Just apologize and say you're working on it instead of being a complete jackass about it, and don't gaslight me with "oh that one takes longer" when the app clearly showed that it was done and ready. 2nd negative experience was that goddamn Carousel. We got in line at 7:55 with a posted 15 minute line and a couple switchbacks full. Just after getting in it changed to 25 minutes, understandable because it was one of 3 rides actually open during a small shower that passed through. At 8:45 I saw Stardust running again and finally bailed after being 50 minutes into a 15 minute line and still being multiple cycles away from riding. They were taking at least 7/8ths of each cycle from Fastpass. And the load times on this are atrocious, usually 5+ minutes. The ops are just obscenely bad on this. How can you screw up the ops on a Carousel? All in all definitely a fun day but I'm done with this place till they add it to the annual pass. It's a gorgeous park with 3 great rides and a few other very good rides, but it needs a lot more to keep up with the crowds it is going to get when they open up to max capacity. I shudder to think of how long the lines will be when they allow 100% capacity. Even if it was dead, I'd still rather be at IOA. In a few years this park may very well eclipse IOA but I don't think it's close right now. It's gorgeous and especially stunning at night, but the lack of shade is draining during the day. -
Based on what a ride op at Mr. Freeze told me while waiting for maintenance to push the train back into the station, this will probably be JL's last year as it has the highest maintenance cost, lots of downtime, & its license expires at the end of this year. -
Just a photo reminder of what I used to get, for $1, each container - ten years since The Beast opened in 2015! Was nice while it lasted, even during the PNE, where the refills were accepted, and done. 🍿 Also, here's the link to this summer's PNE, and everything in it: https://www.pne.ca/fair2025/ The offer was great, while it lasted. I mean, a buck for all this popcorn? Sold! Wonder if they'll do the offer again, eventually, in a different version of... -
A contracting company that was involved with the retracking of Mighty Canadian Minebuster have shared a video of the work completed! I can't wait to ride it again! https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKZTd_6uj7M/?igsh=d2MyZ3Q5Z3d3c2N5 -
I'm sure the rides will be dispersed throughout the chain, but the coasters I am truly interested in what will happen to them. Here's what I think: Superman: With it being the tallest and largest in the park, realistically, I don't know if it will be saved due to its size. It's possible, but I don't think it will happen. But if, by chance, it does, here are the parks it could go to. Michigan's Adventure (some bias here due to it being my home park), Kings Dominion (giving them a hyper finally that is different from Apollo's Chariot at nearby Busch Gardens Williamsburg), and MAYBE Six Flags St. Louis. The Joker's Jinx: Sadly I see this being used for spare parts on Poltergeist at Six Flags Fiesta Texas and both Flight of Fear coasters. Professor Screamore's SkyWinder: Since this got a refurb recently, this could go to any park in the chain that doesn't have a B&M or Vekoma SLC or similar. My choice would probably be Valleyfair giving them a second coaster with inversions that they desperately need. Ragin' Cajun: I actually rode this when it was at Six Flags Great America. This is one that could easily be saved. It could honestly go to any of the parks, but I think it could either return to Great America or go to Six Flags Great Escape, or even be sold to a traveling fair or another park outside of the Six Flags chain. Firebird: I also rode this when it was Iron Wolf at Great America. This may be done, but IF it were to move, I see Michigan's Adventure getting it, though I think Patriot at CGA is a much-better choice IMHO. Batwing: It's done. Last Vekoma Flying Dutchman. Yeah, this one is definitely getting scrapped and riding into the history books. Great Chase: Of all the Six Flags America coaster, this one has the greatest chance of getting relocated due to its small size. And I have a few choices for this one. One, it could go over to Cedar Point in the Planet Snoopy area giving that area a coaster finally. It could also go to Six Flags St. Louis for the Bugs Bunny National Park area and keep the same name. And now the two wooden coasters. Roar: Honestly, I'd be surprised if this coaster is saved. IF by chance it does get saved, there's only two places I believe it should go. Cedar Point or Carowinds. Here me out. If this were to happen, they would have to have GCI completely re-track it and add some Millennium Flyers on it. This would give Cedar Point or Carowinds a modern wooden coaster everyone was wanting. The Wild One: Again, like Roar, I would be surprised if it was saved. Yeah it had moved once before and it is the oldest operating coaster right now, but is anyone in this day and age willing to move a coaster over 100 years old? It isn't impossible, but still, I don't have high hopes for this classic coaster, not like Roar. Those are my thoughts. -
By teacherkim · Posted
JL was kind of funny actually. It was like it was in little old lady mode, just trolling along verrrry sloooow so no one got jostled or scared. Hopefully, a computer reboot got it up and working properly again. Bert and I had a fun few hours at the park though and the new menu at Fowl Ball was nice. The chicken tenders aren't new, although they were quite good, but they now have cheddar biscuits, peach cobbler, and coleslaw (which actually was more like a kale salad) all recommended. On another note, I realize Tsunami Soaker is probably not reopening ever but it sure is going to look kind of sad sitting there dead all summer. Too bad it didn't work out and let's hope the body isn't there as long as the dead Hannabarrels were 🙄 -
By Sportsdude360 · Posted
Manufacturer: ......"Uh yeah, man, this thing is a real piece of crap! A 309FT Giga-Dive Coaster! Can you believe that! This has to be the worst idea B&M ever came up with" It’s gonna be forceless and shaky as hell!" Over Texas: ......"We don't want that!!! Send that Sh#%$ to St. Louis!" Manufacturer: "Sorry, but corporate says you gotta take it! They have something else planned for St Louis. We think it's a new type of mule go-round." Over Texas: ........"Well, ok! We'll put in the Spain section. La Vibora and El Diablo were getting to be a pain in the ass anyway." Manufacturer: ....."Oh by the way, the color is two tone..... brown and yellow!" Over Texas: ......."Effin WHAT!!! 😅🤣😂 -
Shocking!!!! not... By August... no effects and it will be a walk-through -
Adding express to Hagrid seems to be going swimmingly. Edit: in the past 50 minutes it has apparently gone down to 1.5 hours. That pretty cool that they went through 2.75 hours of line in 50 minutes and no one else got in! Edit edit: I'm currently at Epic Universe and it's unfortunately one of the busier days it's had so far. I'm in line for Ministry and... ...it's not the longest line in the park. I haven't seen that happen yet. Did I walk into some sort of miracle?
-
By prozach626 · Posted
Same, except I told the bathroom attendant. -
-
By prozach626 · Posted
The 90's and 2000's were great for massive expansion of thrill rides and roller coasters, but there's a lot to appreciate from the modern day park experience. From my recollection, those were the days had more focus on quantity over quality. Parks seem to have an increased goal of immersion. There's less focus on jamming as many thrill rides into a park as possible, with more attention to placement and detail from an aesthetic standpoint. There are more junior rides that cater to families. Restaurants, bars, and even coffee shops have been added and vastly improved. I'm thankful that the industry has almost seemed to progress with my age and desires. Granted, my experience was limited. My home park was Six Flags Saint Louis, and I went to Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun once. We also had a trip to Disney. Splash Mountain (RIP from DEI death), Space Mountain, and Pirates of the Caribbean were pretty much all I can remember. I can't attest to quality parks such as Silver Dollar City, Hershey, and Cedar Point. -
actually thought they resurrected that this past Thurs. . the whole train station reeked of Horses. (turned out they had freshly manured the flower-beds). it was a shame, that Boss was down the day I was there - they were trying, but both trains on brake run the whole time. And had the worst ride I've ever had on any Justice League (only the "Barrel" effect working, and the car didn't STOP in front of any screens - just kept moving. we told the op she needed to call maintenance for a hard reboot. otherwise, Eagle and Thunder were both running amazing. . and the best coaster ride of the day was Mine Train ! (shocked me too, but I think the rainy weather made the ride that much faster). the new coaster is not much, but loved the theming, and Joker looks great over there. -
By jedimaster1227 · Posted
After a great first day aboard, it was time for our first day at sea... A leisurely opportunity to enjoy more of the ship's venues, food and fun! It's never a bad day when your morning starts at Marceline Market! How could you go wrong with a breakfast like this? A fun piece of art found near the entrance of Hero Zone aboard the Disney Treasure. The Rose acts both as its own venue as well as the pre-show lounge for Palo Steakhouse and Enchante. It is inspired by the live action version of Beauty and the Beast. And the lounge offers a fantastic view! Today was a great day to enjoy the ship's many pools. I love capturing a variation of this funnel photo with each Disney Cruise I take. Mickey’s Smokestack Barbecue at Mickey & Friends Festival of Foods is one of my go-to places for quick and tasty food. Any chance to meet Stitch is one that I'm going to take! That night we had dinner in 1923, home to some of my favorite dishes, like this fantastic Hyperion Four-Cheese Tri-Color Tortelloni. The Kingswell Duck Confit Pastilla is another favorite of ours we repeat every time we can. The Alameda Porcini Spiced Ahi Tuna is always a refreshing choice, and the black sesame brittle is a unique accompaniment I love. The Flourless Orange Almond Cake was a great dessert option. But the Burbank Blueberry-Lemon Bavarian Cream takes the cake! Yes, I went back to Haunted Mansion Parlor. And yes, I sat in the chair! I might have ordered this piece of art from Art of Disney On Demand onboard... I might have. Next up was another new lounge for me, the Skipper Society. Inspired by the Jungle Cruise and its associated lore, I was in heaven taking in all of the detail found within. The menu is also quite nifty... Another interactive tablet menu... Some unique choices on tap... And they have waffles! And for the Trader Sam's fans in the house. A Typhoon Lagoon connection via S.E.A.! A "Soaring: Fantastic Flight" (Tokyo DisneySea) reference via S.E.A.! You can bet this skipper boat tiki bowl made its way home with me! Awesome details on the bar back! Neat tap too! A telegram from Walt himself! Disneyland fans may recognize this copy of The Daily Gnus which was given out as a part of the short-lived Adventureland Trading Company game. Love it. Hi Donald! Disney Seas the Adventure was our first show in the Walt Disney Theatre and a great way to kick off the cruise's main stage entertainment. I love the interior of the theater. Never a bad time to enjoy Funnelvision onboard... Did I go back to Haunted Mansion Parlor again at the end of the night? Sure did! There are tons of hidden details throughout the Parlor... You simply have to look closely. Deadpool & Wolverine was playing onboard in the ship's movie theaters during our sailing. I adore this view. Love it! Our second towel animal of the cruise, marking the end of another day... -
-