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Thank God we have an all new "rough or smooth" debate. The Kings Island thread has been dead, lately.

Nothing like cutting down a wild grove of trees to create a land themed to a wild grove of trees

^I grew up in Columbia two hours from both WoF and SFStL and I always chose SFStL when presented with the option. Oceans of Fun is definitely more popular, and they have kept it up with exciting additions. Not adding coasters is one thing when you are investing in other things, but WoF's recent investments have given me zero excitement about going. Since their last coaster they have added: 2010: A light show and a Subway restaurant (eat fresh! $20 footlong!) 2011: Planet Snoopy (okay, family areas are a good investment... but not really that exciting for anyone who isn't a kid or doesn't have them) 2012: FastLane (literally... that's the addition for the year) 2013: OoF gets new slide complex, WoF gets Dinos Alive (happy 40th birthday!) 2014: SteelHawk (another good investment) 2015: Nothing notable... some stuff was removed 2016: More Planet Snoopy stuff (woo!) 2017: New front entrance and some (sucky) flat rides (the front entrance is nice...) 2018: Another (sucky) flat ride and Timber Wolf got neutered 2019: A new BBQ restaurant (a NEW RESTAURANT guys! come visit!!!!) 2020/2021: New ride for the water park So in over a decade they have made ONE investment in SteelHawk that was interesting enough for me to be like "oooh, I think I should go to WoF." The place is essentially the same as it was in 2009. Meanwhile during the same time period, SFStL has added (or is about to add) six interesting flat rides (SkyScreamer, Tsunami Soaker, Fireball, Spinsanity, Supergirl, and Catwoman Whip), a new coaster (okay it was a Boomerang but hey, it's at least a coaster), updated their dark ride, and managed to keep the water park updated. They continue to at least add rides that are newer within the industry and provide exciting experiences. As much as people say Six Flags doesn't care about SFStL, it seams like Cedar Fair has literally given up on WoF ever being a place people outside of Kansas City will ever bother spending their time going to. I don't want to sound like I don't like WoF, I have had many fun times there. However, they really need some investment if they want to pull any sort of crowds.

I just got home from Dollywood. Lightning Rod was down until 1 pm. When it opened, I was on the 3rd train full of people. The ride is just as fast and relentless as before, but I thought it was going to be much smoother with I-Box track and to my surprise, it was ROUGH, really rough. Rougher than I remember it being last year. They were only running one train, so the lines were almost two hours long after I got off. Lines for food and drinks were longer than the lines for rides. Some staff was very rude and they were very understaffed just like they were all last season due to COVID. Mystery Mine was running test cars and it looks just as good as before, and might even be better with the new turn and drop. Lightning Rod though, was a huge disappointment. Just too rough to enjoy.

Since they aren't in Phase 4 Step 1, the earliest they can open is Phase 4 Step 2. Phase 4 Step 1 starts later this month. MA has said each step has to occur at least one month after the prior. They've announced reopening phases/steps a month in advance, so we should know a month in advance before the park is allowed to open. The earliest it can happen is the end of April.

I dislike it too. Some are speculating that trees were removed all around the layout to prevent potential clearance issues down the line without having to bring in maintenance to cut tree limbs every year, others are thinking that they are keeping the area relatively clear so that they can replace the rest of the Topper Track with I-Box track at a later date.

If it can run consistently over the next month and MM reopens with no issues, I gotta visit. Really LR's unpredictability was the only thing keeping me from going down there.

Yes. It's open daily from 11am to 7pm. I've gone a couple of times. Really enjoy it. I went last week and could hear some of the rides testing. Can't wait for Lagoon to open next weekend.

^ yes. Yes they did. I wanted to get down there sometime in the winter, but could never quite justify the drive (at least, without being able to ride some coasters as part of the trip). I've got my season pass, and am super excited for the 2021 season. Especially with them opening a week earlier than usual this year. Unless I manage to make it to Silverwood or Adventuredome this summer, it looks like it's going to be mostly Lagoon and a bunch of water parks -- but hey, I'm not going to complain, that should still be a lot of fun. And don't quote me on it, but I've been hopping on some of the livestreams Lagoon does on their Instagram page, and I believe Julie said that they are planning on operating Jet Star this season. Things can always change, of course, but I'm excited -- haven't been on Jet Star in a while.

Sorry for not replying to this way earlier! I haven't logged on here in a hot minute. I'm glad you were able to take the trip down there! I ended up not being able to go when I was hoping to, primarily because we left too late in the morning to fit it in. It's hard to fit a park trip in the middle of an all-day drive. I'm hoping to go at some point this year, though. I really have my heart set on that El Loco credit.

I am very surprised you found the coaster rough. That would genuinely shock me, since 2/3 of the track is now IBox. The existing wooden parts - that's fair game. Haven't ridden Lightning Rod, but I've ridden a half-dozen or so IBox coasters and none of them were remotely rough in any shape or form. Not trying to negate your experience (since I haven't ridden), but that is why I would be super shocked!

Rough? Did we ride the same ride? Seemed really smooth to me on my rides. Like any other ibox. I'll get back this weekend to try it a few more times. I don't think any parks are skipping rows on coasters anymore.

I'm thankful I got to ride it (in 2019, I want to say). An old-school waterslide with nice terrain. But removing it opens up quite a bit of space for the dry side. Maybe a flat or two, maybe even a coaster, who are we kidding, it's SFA.

Another so cal park not in a rush to open. Who could have guessed? Im glad parks are taking their time to get it right and not rushing. Going to be tough to make a profit with the low capacities.

That is all I needed to hear! Excitement level back to 10 ha I don't mind rough so that's fine. Hmmmm interesting on the end of social distancing, but I get it. We don't need to like it/agree but just factually: people will be returning to parks this year. Maybe not back to normal, but close. Limited capacity will make lines just brutal, with cases down, vaccines up, more ordered etc tough call but I get it. I'm driving anyway and will self quarantine when I get back, even if I'm vaxxed, to be safe anyway.

LRod "Just as fast an relentless as before" See there we go. All I needed to hear : D Oof, sounds like not the best visit. Sometimes I avoid start of season openings for that reason, get the kinks worked out. Esp these covid days. Though oof I hope one train ops are not normal! Great photos btw, I think the new little part of MM looks kinda neat myself.

SFA is removing Zoomazon Falls as part of the 15 ride removal. It's not on their map this year. Too bad, I enjoyed it last year.

Got on the first public train. First impression: It's smooth. Really smooth. Didn't seem quite as intense. Still a ton of fun. Approx 5000 dead trees all over the backside of the hills.

Knott's emailed that they plan to finish Boysenberry Festival until May 2nd without rides and then open the amusement park rides/theme park sometime later in May. I am so excited considering the only coater I have ridden in the past year is Desert Storm in Phoenix. I do get to go to Circus Circus for a weekend next month to ride their coasters for the first time in 10 years. Are there any masks that filter the smell of cigarette smoke? Knott's email: "We are encouraged and excited by the recent announcement that came out of the California Governor's office regarding the reopening of theme parks in the state. We know that it's been a long year, and as our most loyal guests, you have been incredibly patient with us as we have navigated through this difficult time together. As we look forward to reopening our gates, we still have some work to do. From hiring and training new associates, to working with Government officials on finalizing guidelines, we will work hard to ensure that we can reopen our park safely for all to enjoy. Our plan is to welcome you back to Knott's Berry Farm this May. For now, we are humbled by the astounding response we have received on our Tasting events. Currently our Taste of Boysenberry Festival is underway and will continue to receive guests as planned until May 2. As announced earlier this year, season passes purchased prior to park opening will be valid for the remainder of 2021, plus a day-for-day extension in 2022 for the number of days the park was closed in 2021. We can't wait to celebrate 100 years of original family fun with you during our Knott's Anniversary Celebration this summer. We especially look forward to creating new treasured memories as we once again open our gates and welcome our family back to the farm. We'll see you all real soon"!

The only update I can give is to say the ride opened three years ago

I am in the same boat. I missed out pretty much that same time frame other than going to a few Florida parks, and a few coasters in Vegas in the early-mid 2000's. I would say missing out on Volcano & HyperSonic XLC at Kings Dominion, Big Bad Wolf at BGW, and Batman and Robin: The Chiller have to be a few that I regret missing out on.

If operating Kraken (SWO) taught me anything, it's that run times vary GREATLY depending on weather/weight/etc. There is a timer for every cycle that showed on the screen and it always shocked me how big of a variance there was from a cold morning to a sunny afternoon. A 2 second difference in the videos you saw doesnt mean anything. Just as any other coaster I'd assume you'll see a much wider variance than two seconds even during the same day for the exact same ride so comparing the two isn't really a fair comparison if it's only 2 seconds because I'm sure you can find two POVs on the old lightning rod or two POVs on the new lightning rod and see the same variance. All of that being said, looking forward to trying this again! As someone else said, visibly I've seen el toro crawl through the layout on a windy day (and subsequently valley near the end of the ride, lol) which is unheard of to most people.

I really can't stress enough how people have been saying since half-way through the first season that the ride has been slowed down, the launch is slower and whatever else. I'm not saying that people should be happy with a diminished ride experience and suck it up so it operates, I'm saying that it's **probably** not diminished and the "I rode it when it was better" crowd is lying to themselves so they feel cool for being one of the six people to successfully ride it when it first opened. I have no doubt that the day the ride opens and the train is half empty for social distancing and it's cold and crappy out these people will be blowing up the internet talking about how much better it used to be but let's wait and see if that's actually even true. I'm optimistic that it won't be. PS: everyone also complained about a pothole endlessly that won't exist any more, so maybe it will actually be better! Now Mystery Mine? That's a different story. lol

Lol, they just did a report on the local news about the park opening on the 20th and that it was the 50th anniversary; the stock footage they were showing included Tidal Wave and Superman and the entrance to MT from about a 100 years ago. Maybe they could get out there and record some footage from this century before the next news blip

I expected the "1-2 mph slower is better than moving at 0" / "slower and reliable > unreliable" type of comment was coming so: 1 I dont care. I just dont, tis my venting 2 its annoying when that type of comment comes from people who've ridden...like yeah, easy for you to say lol Like, ya gotta at least give us that one. "pfffft quit whining this is better than it not running" from someone whos ridden something multiple times to the person who's never experienced it. Not here necessarily IDK who has, but I've gotten that from others and for other rides in the past and sorry, its not real helpful lol Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaanyway I did acknowledge it could be time of year and empty train. I shall await rider reviews. But yeah aint apologizing. Its valid to be concerned it may run slower only been trying to ride this for years and I cant help big daddy rona thwarted last time. I guess it's my eyes. Even in that side by side...it looks slower. BUT I had my vent, not gunna sweat it now. We shall see. Long as people say the ride feels unchanged that's all that matters.

Did I call this or what? Anyway, I did better side-by-side comparison for you.

It's a "Taronasaurus Rex."

Honestly maybe I’m wrong but I’m totally expecting them to just open the whole park except maybe Batwing because... it’s Batwing.

I visited Adventuredome last Friday (1/15) for the first time in several years. I believe I was last here in November 2015 or 2016. I had a nice time, mostly because those of us living out west are quite deprived of theme parks at the moment! Crowds were a little heavy near the front of the park, but the back of the park was deserted. Lines for El Loco and Canyon Blaster were nonexistent. I felt safe COVID-wise as long as I avoided the front of the park. In addition to the coasters, I also rode the Chaos (since I know it is one of the last of its kind, if not the last). It was a lot of fun and not nearly as disorienting as I was expecting. I also rode the new Nebula Z, which was also fun, but definitely more on the family side. That ride is much more about the visuals. I also quickly hopped on the drop tower (which has quite the gut-punch of a launch) while I was briefly at the front of the park. I was able to ride these flat rides along with 5 rides on El Loco and 4 on Canyon Blaster in under two hours. As I mentioned, I had already visited the park and ridden both coasters a handful of years ago, but I had honestly forgotten what I thought of them. It was nice to ride them again and gain a fresh opinion. El Loco is very weird (and quite rough in a few spots), but the excessive hang time and comfortable lap bars make up for it. Canyon Blaster was a bit rougher than I remember, perhaps because the train was mostly empty and therefore rattled a lot, but it is INTENSE. Those loops and corkscrews made me grey-out a bit, not to mention the insane head choppers going around that final helix. Right now I give the slight edge to El Loco for its unique layout and nice trains. But Canyon Blaster is also exceptional as far as Arrow loopers go. They really make quite the one-two punch. A third non-inverting coaster could work well at the park, but dang, I have no clue where they would put it. I am by no means a photographer, but I did snap a few photos just to make reading this more interesting and more than just a wall of text.

Did you end up visiting? I am curious to hear about your experience with crowds. I plan on visiting the Friday of MLK weekend. Since it is an indoor park, I am a bit more concerned with COVID than usual, particularly if it is crowded. It has been several years since I have visited.

We decided to take a quick drive (6 hours) from Vegas up to Lagoon, just north of Salt Lake City this past weekend. We had to get a haunt in this year. Even though the park was busy and mask rules are only enforced in queue and in mazes, I never felt uncomfortable as people pretty much kept their distance. Overall we had a really enjoyable visit to Lagoon. This park is very well ran, operations are smooth and queues keep moving constantly. They were loading all rows on all rides, hand sanitizer before and after each ride and before and after all haunted mazes. We have arrived for Frightmares! Happy to experience a theme park haunt this weird year! Employees carrying “Please Social Distance” signs were all over the park and enforcing mask wearing and distancing in the queues I like the skyline of this park! Roller Coaster celebrates 99 years this year! New hotness being built on the northeast corner of the park! I forgot how good Cannibal is! Super fun and smooth! I don’t normally like Ferris wheels, but this one is fun, you can spin your gondola like a tea cup! Cannibal’s station and a cameo of a couple Big Ass Fans! I’m really looking forward to this new coaster! Samurai was running, it runs a pretty weak cycle but it’s still fun! I approve of any park with a sky ride! Nice way to get across the park and get off your feet for a few minutes You can see social distance markers for the shows later in the evening The Wave Swinger is missing it’s top from the storm damage a few weeks ago Colossus, what a great ride!! The rides here are operated well and efficiently. All lines kept moving. Love the Flyers here Cannibal’s first drop is fantastic! All rows were being loaded on all rides Two trains, one photo This was the only part of the park that felt congested to me This ride was missing it’s roof from the storm damage too The Biergarten was amazing, if you visit you must have a meal here! Joey highly recommended getting a Beaver Tail and he was right! They were delicious! Oreo Cheesecake Hey! This Shake Shack still has Peanut Butter! Roller Coaster’s new trains and retracking made this such a smooth and fun ride!!! Denied a ride on Jet Star 2 For $20 you can skip the line for 7 of the mazes, completely worth it as they have to socially distance groups in the mazes Super busy for the mazes, general lines were over an hour, but with Time Warp, we didn’t wait over 15 minutes I felt that they did a great job with their haunt, the scare actors wearing masks made it harder to see them, so some of the scares were really really good We ended the night with a couple of walk on rides on Colossus Thanks Lagoon for a great visit!