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Knoebels will surprise you. Aside from the big three woodies (Phoenix, Twister, and Flying Turns - which hasn't yet operated this year and possibly won't), there is Impulse, a surprisingly smooth Zierer, and Black Diamond (an incredible rebuild of a historic ride) for coasters, and a ton of awesome historic flats, including: -A whip that runs close to its original speed. -Bumper cars that run at an insane speed -A great Haunted Mansion ride-through haunted house. -Looper, which if you have a partner for this trip, is something to be experienced. -Cosmotron, an indoor Musik Express-style ride with an actual DJ and light show -A great log flume -A classic carosel with the ability to grab brass rings! -A hillarious drive-'em boat ride. -Paratrooper, Roto Jets, Satellite, and Round-Up, four classics that are tougher and tougher to find. -A nutty drop tower that, while not that tall, doesn't brake until like the last 10 feet. It is really not a place to be trifled with, and if you end up there on a Saturday you can easily spend the whole operating day there.

As an Admissions Associate, I can confirm that Steel Vengeance is only open for early access on the weekend.

but Wilderness Run goes around twice! does it therefore count as TWO credits?

This is an uncomfortable amount of kiddie coaster discussion.

It’s expected to open this weekend.

So, I had intended to write up a full report of my public-opening Saturday trip to Kings Island, but life kinda got in the way and put a stop to that. So, instead, here's a brief report with some pictures. I had arrived to the park for a 11:00 opening at around 9:30 and found literally over a hundred cars in front of me behind the locked gates. Lovely. Made my way to the front gate; it was good to be back! As has been discussed, no temperature tent, just a security guard asking the COVID questions. Got inside and grabbed my FL+ wristband, and then made my way over to Flight of Fear, knowing that it was the only coaster with limited capacity still and that the line would get insane later in the day. Passing by, all of the seats have been returned to Wave Swinger. Flight of Fear still wasn't letting anyone into the queue, so I took some pictures of Orion's line 6 minutes prior to opening. Yeesh. So they once again re-routed FoF's FL line - you still enter from the exit side, but instead of heading straight up to the inside of the UFO, you now enter into the warehouse with the general queue and then head up into the space ship where they merge. As you can see, social distancing is a thing of the past. After FOF, I went to Racer (red side, retracked parts were awesome, as I mentioned earlier), then Adventure Express (all effects in tunnel, even the lava-tip, were working). Most ride attendants were super-enthusiastic, interacting with the crowd to a level I haven't seen in...ever, probably. Grabbed some pretzel bites from the bar near Adventure Express, which were delicious. ...and then made my way over to Bat, which was good as always. Does anyone know what these footers to the left of the station were for? After Bat, hopped on Banshee...getting a little bit of that B&M rattle in the back row but still awesome. Rounded back around the front of the park for Diamondback, then Mystic Timbers (snake and "Cars" ending). Definitely flying once again with a full train, I forgot how fast this was despite getting on it a dozen times last year. Here was the queue at 2:00 PM: After that, hopped on Beast, then had my longest wait of the day: 43 minutes for a Classic and Grilled Cheese Donut at Tom+Chee. After that, I left the park to go back to the hotel for a bit, and took a drive around the lot to see how packed it was at 4:30 I've kinda drew it on this map, pretty much everything within the red box was full. Got back to the park and jumped on Orion. Pretty much same as last year, a lot of groups self-imposed distancing on the train so I didn't get to experience it with a truly full train. Then I hopped on Windseeker, and made a lap around the park, hitting Woodstock Express and made my way back to Banshee to find it down. Two maintenance guys on the bottom of the lift, both on cell phones, is never a good sign: Then it was back to Racer, to try for the blue side, but it was closed due to "fireworks setup," so I got another ride on the red side. Back to Mystic Timbers (bat and "Can't Take my Eyes Off of You" ending), and made my way to back to my #1 coaster here, Beast, to round out the night. Once they stopped running for the fireworks, like half of the FL line in front of me exited, telling everyone "the rides closed until 10:30" and the rest of us were like "yeah, no shit." Was able to capture some good video of the fireworks, which have to look awesome from Windseeker. VID_20210515_220035433.mp4 After the awesome Beast night ride (front row of course), I made my way out of the park and back to my hotel. Got a good night's sleep, went back to the park in the morning for a Grilled Mac & Cheese from Tom+Chee for breakfast, then started my drive home. All in all, a great trip....but FL+ really saved me. Without it, I would've had a lot less fun. Most major rides were posting 1-2+ hour waits throughout the day, and the food lines were all around insane. I've said it before, and I'll say it again - Cedar Fair needs to offer a Fast Lane pass for food service. I'd easily drop $100-200 for that. Ride waits, with FL+ (times are from when I enter the queue to getting off the ride): -Flight of Fear, 26 minutes from opening at 11:00, row 6. -Racer, red, 25 minutes, front row -Adventure Express, 16 minutes, front row -Bat, 36 minutes, back row -Banshee, 17 minutes, back row left -Diamondback, 7 minutes, row 2 (outer wing of the front car) -Mystic Timbers, 12 minutes, back row -Cup of water from a Refill Station, 11 minutes -Beast, 27 minutes, front row -Food from Tom+Chee, 43 minutes -Orion, 13 minutes, front row -Windseeker, 15 minutes -Woodstock Express, 32 minutes, back row -Racer, red, 13 minutes, row 5 -Mystic, 17 minutes, front row -Beast, 1 hour 16 minutes (including fireworks shutdown), front row But wait, there's more! On my trip home from KI, I always pass by Adventure Park USA, a small FEC with some rides in Monrovia, MD. They're always closed whenever I happen to pass by. But not this time! I saw the Wildcat running, and made a quick detour in. Notably, there was only one car on the track, and no others were to be seen. Here's some photos of this survivor. Their other adult coaster, a Zamperla Windstorm, wasn't ready for the season yet, ...so I still need to come back here and grab that credit, but the Wildcat was a very nice bonus. Fun Fact: This Wildcat started its life at Busch Gardens Williamsburg way back in 1976, and made its way around including a brief stint at Steel Pier in Atlantic City in the late 90s, before I got into coasters. Anyway, that's all for this report...tomorrow I leave for a rain-filled Memorial Day Weekend at Cedar Point, with another stop back at KI, mostly for their water park, on Tuesday.

With less then a week until opening... here is some footage from the final testing of Monsters two trains.

if you've never been to Knoebels before, I'd strongly suggest you plan for more than just a partial day there. the place really is pretty incredible, and you're going to want multiple rides on both Phoenix and Twister. (and flats you may think you have no interest in? run incredible programs at Knoebels and are worth riding. That's not even mentioning the food, playing a game (or several dozen) of Fascination, or wandering thru the mining museum). if you do end up trying to do Dorney & Knobels on the same day, do Knoebels 1st. . so that way when you decide you want to stay longer, you can just blow off Dorney

Go to Knoebels instead of, or in addition to, Dorney. Unless you're big on water parks, you can bang Dorney Park's unique adult rides out in like 2 hours. Driving from PA down to Carowinds, you will pass right by Kings Dominion, which is a much more time-worthy stop than Dorney.

As much as most people here will harp on the "benefits" of staying at Breakers to get early access, if you only have X dollars to spend, you will undoubtedly get more bang for the buck from the FL+ option.

Ah nah all good I don’t come here too regularly so I machine gun post lol Yeah Phantoms is possibly down (but word is it will be up soon) and I305 was down but those are indeed a different trip. I needed a break between the coastering LOL And yeah I definitely am looking forward to the Kings Island I really wasn’t sure what to expect but I found it a wonderful place and it had some of the best ops I’ve ever seen. I’m banking that the park will again not be too crowded when I go on a weekday.

I think KD has a good line up. To me, the stand outs are stunt track, grizzly and dominator. While I do like 305, it just isn't that stand out to me (unpopular opinion. . . it could have did the exact same thing it does and be 100 ft shorter in height and not need those trims).

While not on the Elitch Gardens level of suck, Kennywood was a letdown for me in 2018, as well. Phantom was awesome, Bayern Kurve (RIP) was a lot of fun, Exterminator had us laughing the whole time, and Jackrabbit was definitely a sleeper hit for me, but.... operations were painfully slow; Sky Rocket was closed; the grumpy-looking ride ops pushing a button that played a recorded, cheerful, "All clear!" was simultaneously depressing and comical; and we only got one ride on Phantom because it kept going down throughout the day. But we had also just come from Cedar Point - which was a stark contrast to Kennywood. I think we might have enjoyed Kennywood more, had we gone there first. All that being said, I would go again if I happen to be in the area - mainly for more Phantom and Jack Rabbit rides, and to ride Sky Rocket and Steel Curtain.

Hey if Cedar Fair has taught us anything...at least they're not closing for the whole day!!!

^Yup! We also booked as KT has become quite the Marvel fan and this was the ONE thing she really wanted to do this summer.

They got rid of all of the dilapidated buildings? Wow, walking through a park with zero buildings is going to be weird.

it's low to the ground, so that was the best I could come up with. hey. . concrete can be a terrain

X2 - Bankrupted Arrow Titan SFoT. - Bankrupted Giovanoli

The ride doesn't support squishy dummies? Chris Christie will be upset! I'll be in the Showcase theater at 5 and 7pm folks.

I grew up with Conneaut Lake and I am very apprehensive about what’s going on. Based on the article, the only rides that will be there this year are the Carousel, Devils Den and some kiddie rides. The Bug, Witch’s Stew, Trabant, Music Express, Bumper Cars and Tilt A Whirl were all removed. Blue Streak is questionable for the future. So that leaves the train (which I doubt will remain as it always seemed to have problems and even derailed once when I was riding a few years back), the Paratrooper, Flying Scooters, and the Ferris Wheel as rides I didn’t hear about. It sounds like they may add a used ride or two, which would be nice, but even still, this is going to be an interesting year. I sincerely hope they survive, but as an amusement park, it doesn’t sound promising.

Have done many of the above and can add: - King Cobra (Kings Island) - first coaster built as a dedicated stand up - Double Loop (Geauga Lake) - first coaster to feature consecutive vertical loops - Superman Ultimate Escape (Six Flags Ohio, now Posessed at Dorney) - first Intamin impulse

The Palace chain is very good at keeping the list of open and closed attractions up to date. For example, Lake Compounce listed Boulder Dash as opening late a few weekends ago and sure enough it opened around 1-2 pm. The most interesting thing to me is that Noah's Ark was moved from closed indefinitely to temporarily closed, so maybe they're finally willing to reopen soon it after it was closed for covid.

Millennium Force - world's first giga coaster Top Thrill Dragster - world's first strata coaster Magnum XL-200 - world's first hyper coaster X2 - world's first 4D coaster and Arrow's last coaster Revolution - first modern coaster to feature a vertical loop Matterhorn Bobsleds - world's first coaster to use tubular steel track The Beast - world's longest wooden coaster Jack Rabbit - one of the world's 10 oldest coasters still in operation Montezooma's Revenge - last Schwarzkopf shuttle loop still operating in the U.S., and the only one still in its original location. Scream - most inversions on a coaster installed over a parking lot

So it seems the consensus is this will be a family coaster. Watch them go and build a beast that rivals Steel Vengeance just because.

LOL. . @Mike240SX. . I basically said the same thing about Knoebels you did. . LOL (was typing when you posted it!)

Damn even better!! Paid to have free access to all CF parks, now that's the life! But yeah as it's been said, since you've been to CP a few times and seem to be doing a coasters trip vs an experiences trip, a weekday and FL+ is prob way to go, as someone said "most bang for your buck" and you've been so you aren't missing out. Though as all have said you really can't do CP without it regardless even with early access. Yeah deff squeeze in Knoebels. Its true you can spend all day there, but even if you just wanna do a "hit and run" its deff worth it, some solid coasters! And yeah hit KD along the way/from Carowinds since you're going down there, I mean if its for free If you wanna put faith in an employee...they told me there was no cable snap and they don't think the I305 issue is major, so I'd bank on it and Twisted Timbers is also damn glorious. Like it exceeded my expectations, which were already quite high!

Will probably do both Knoebels and Dorney in the same day, honestly there's only like 4-6 rides total between the two I'm interested in riding. King's Dominion looks very promising, wish V:TBC was still there tho. Heard I:305 is down but will still absolutely go, not sure if BGW is worth the $$$ to just try and and squeeze the coasters in and not experience the whole park.

Volcano Flyers at Knoebels - First ride of its type and the only one to have a gasoline engine Claw at CW - Only ride of it's type Wild One - More modifications than any roller coaster in history Olympia Looping - World's largest transportable coaster Bobsled at Seabreeze - First wood to steel track conversion(I think) Shoot the Rapids - World's crappiest log flume

My mistake. I lurk a lot of threads lol and I thought you already had some unfortunate timing with Kings Dominion, Kennywood, and Cedar Point. I guess I assumed they were all part of the same trip. I like your positive attitude though!

You're really not having much luck with this trip. Sorry man I love the night rides at this park so the shortened hours would be a big blow if I was planning to visit these days. But as mentioned above, at least they're not removing days from the calendar!

Ah good to know! That said I wish they would just open the rides with gate opening lol Edit: Same Joel, ops were so slow I actually missed Jack Rabbit and Racer by choice. I was in a bad mood and given how slow lines were and the length when I went... would've been brutal. I can't fault them for Skyrocket being down and I knew it would be but also Exterminator went down though I heard rumblings it was bc lack of staff....which I could see bc this one ride had like maintenance/non ride ops doing it. Not kidding. They were clearly not ride ops and had no idea what they were doing. Sad to say but I only did Phantom's and Thunderbolt and left. I was also on my way back from CP, this year I'm stopping before (and on a weekday) so I'm hoping it's better.

Palace didn’t do the best job with the park from 08-18. But have since hired new Corp leadership and a new GM. Starting to see some positive improvements this year but it’ll take time.

Soooo, you're coming to CA this summer?

My son Joel got a ride on Wilderness Run when he was 16. The ride op wasn't thrilled but let him do it, can't remember if it was just slow that day or he was technically still a kid or what. Thankfully for him he is super skinny so no issues getting the click.

Fun topic idea! Jack Rabbit (KW) - one of several 1920 coasters that first introduced upstop wheels Sky Rocket (KW) - prototype Premier Sky Rocket Phoenix - proved viability of relocating woodies Not to nitpick, but I think that Montezooma is just the last American shuttle loop in its original spot.

I want to say that at the last Coasterstock in 2019 they had in the neighborhood of 500 people. But I am not sure where I got that number, someone else might be able to confirm or tell me if I am way off base. As far as the attendees influencing the FL lines...........many will not get FL because you get to go on every coaster at some point during ert over the two days and many will use the afternoons to leave the park and take a break; on the other hand it will be in July for the first time and I am guessing park attendance will be high along with all the extra Coasterstock people. So the answer to the FL question is the same as any other day. If you want every coaster and re rides and have the money get them it will be worth it. If you have multiple days and are satisfied with whatever you get and/or cannot afford it, don't get them. I really don't think Coasterstock is the influencer on FL.

1) Grammar is important 2) Maybe read the whole post before you attempt to (incorrectly) summarize a discussion? After all, the original comment ends noting they have a lot of land, and expresses enthusiasm for what might be built there.

On the topic of the topper track being dead: I’m at Silver Dollar City for my first visit today and rode Outlaw Run as my first topper track RMC. First ride was in the front row, and it was great - a little bumpy but definitely nothing this 34 couldn’t handle. Then we rode in the back row (row 12). Holy eff. That ride hurt me in a way I’ve never in my life been hurt on a coaster. It was brutal. Several pot holes that I swear compressed my spine a quarter inch or so. It took me by complete surprise to the point that I didn’t really even remember most of the ride because I was too focused on it being over. I’ve done several other RMCs - Steel Vengeance, Twisted Colossus, New Texas Giant, Twisted Cyclone - all obviously IBox, and Lightning Rod this year, which is mostly IBox now (and you can tell a different in the sections that were redone). But Outlaw Run today was night and day when compared to every other RMC I’ve done. It was unpleasant in the back to say the least. I did give it another try in a non-wheel seat in the middle of the train, and it was tolerable again, but yikes - if this is how topper track RMCs are going to age, it makes complete sense that no park would want anything to do with installing a new one. I also wonder if Outlaw Run being the first topper track had anything to do with its roughness, and if Wildfire, their most recent installation, will age better, but damn. I’ve always considered myself “not a wimp” when it comes to roughness - Magnum is one of my all time favorites, I’ve never been put off by a B&M rattle, and usually find traditional woodies fun when they jostle me around a bit. Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk.

Instead of everyone being happy about a new coaster being built lets all complain about a grammar in the advertisement lmao

just remember. . the one at 5 points is "family friendly" (ie: touristy) the one on Peachtree (only 5 MARTA stops down from the Peachtree Center stop where the Con is), is way more adult in both decor, and waitstaff interaction. That's our favorite. KILLER drinks too. it just wouldn't be a trip to Atlanta without a stop at Vortex for some amazing food, some good comedy (if a show is going on in the attached comedy club), and a rub on the Phallus shrine for luck completely honest. . the moment our entire "core" group gets checked in across the various hotels? we head out to Vortex for a meal. (and thruout con end up going back with friends here and there as they missed the initial meal, and wanna go) here are pics from a couple of visits from 2019 (the last Dragon*con they had before 2020 went virtual)

For comparison. . here's the official POV for Wilderness Run (and note they refer to it as a kiddie coaster in the description) Let the kids take a virtual ride on Wilderness Run! Sit back, relax and enjoy this POV on this popular kiddie coaster. and here's Woodstock Express, which is a Junior coaster, and is described thusly: Woodstock Express is the perfect ride for your roller-coaster-riders in training! Sit back and enjoy the speedy bends and hills. it's interesting that they are right across the walkway (maybe 20 feet) from each other.

#tHeWOrldIsFLaT rite? Youtubers are mostly full of shit and completely shoot from the hip. Nothing about the description suggests Cedar Point. They're having a hard enough time as it is this season, let alone adding some challenging new ride which they won't even have enough people to staff. This ride will face additional challenges from the supply chain, anyway. I can't even get a new washer and dryer until August. I don't expect anything to surface anytime soon. Regardless, I have an announcement to make for everyone that I'm going to do something awesome and world record breaking. It will be challenging. It's such a sure thing the person I'm doing it for doesn't want to announce the achievement. Stay tuned and share my publicity link.

Colossus not only made its international debut at the 1984 Louisiana Worlds fair before calling SFSL its home in 1986, but it is still the largest Ferris Wheel in a US theme park.

Between now and the 5th I am going to post a random fact about the park. - Red steam engine was originally named "Eureka". Can anyone tell me when was the name changed to Tommy G and who was he? - Green Steam engine was named "Little Rock"

Great POV of a really nicely presented ride. That first drop looks so good, especially into the first inversion.

Just got back in myself...due to work and Springfield traffic I didn't get into the park until 6:40. Decent amount of cars in the lot upon arrival. Be aware that the tram is closed, so be ready to walk. They also currently have two big tents set up for temp checks and security. Can't wait to go to Ohio and not deal with this crap. Everything was quick and was in the park in no time. Headed to the North End first and started at Wicked Cyclone. Two trains with every other row closed. Line at that point was under the crossover which was about 20 minutes. Lucked out with the back seat. You could pick your row but they were only letting 12 people in at a time so you still need to be one of the first into the station to pick what you want. This thing still never fails to amaze me with how much steam it loses by the end of the ride. It's a great coaster, but just so weird compared to other RMCs which tend to go batsh*t right to the end. Good to be back! Hopped on Skyscreamer which was a walk on and had a great ride. We had a nice San Diego afternoon with temps in the 70s, so a pleasant breeze 400 feet up. On the way out, Pandemonium had a 30 minute line, so headed past to Flashback. Skipping every other row but it doesn't matter because no one rides Flashback anyway. Goliath looks to be going the way of the Dinosaurs. They fed this dino the "Temporarily Closed" sign for Goliath. Must be getting a more permanent one. Wandered up to Tomahawk which was also a walk on. It's laughable how little it swings these days, but they make up for it by having it spin in "Gravitron Mode" for 2 straight minutes. Anyone miss the old concrete path with the horseshoes carved in? More boring pavement at New England's Blacktop Capital. They could've really gone all out on the New England theme by littering this area with potholes. Headed towards Gotham where I found Harley Quinn and Batman both down temporarily. Got in line for Riddler and despite running at full capacity, the dispatches were a bit atrociois due to only having 1 ride attendant (yet half full Cyclone and Superman had 4). Ended up being about 30 minutes. A little bit of jackhammering but fun ride. Batman was back up so hopped in line for that. Would've been like a 10 minute line but it had another (rather short) breakdown which turned it into 25 minutes or so. Also hit Joker which only had a 5 minute line. Crazy as usual. Love how close Harley Quinn gets to Joker. By then it was already pushing 9, so I made my way to DC. App said Superman had a 10 minute line, and with that said I had a heart attack when I walked down the stairs and saw the line back to the Superman logo near the locker building. Turns out they weren't using any switchbacks but it still ended up being almost 40 minutes. Every other row closed but they were filling the station and letting you pick what you wanted. Went for the back and enjoyed the OG Intamin Masterpiece. LightSabre The Ride Ended up calling it a night after that as it was pushing 10. They still had the line open, so kudos to them for keeping it going till closing which wasn't always the case in the past. Gotta say things went pretty well tonight. Good sized crowd and the park was strict about masks and social distancing, and people were more observant of that here than I've seen at any other park. Looking forward to "normal" park days in Ohio though. All major rides open except Blizzard River I believe. Overall was impressed with the staffing level, although the one area they struggled was on the food side of things. Lots of stands closed and the open ones had huge lines. All applicable coasters running two trains and they're doing their best keeping capacity up with the restrictions in place. Something new to look forward to in the next week! Goodnight SFNE. Good to be back at the ol' home park.

Or they could just close it and leave it rot and not put anything there, which is the cheapest and likeliest option.

I just don't get it. Six Flags says, flat out, "15 rides will be closed/removed from parks as a cost-savings measure," and then everyone clamors about how they're going to spend more than zero dollars to relocate-old/install-new rides at parks that generally, during normal, non-pandemic, times, don't see substantial investment. It's like the world has lost its mind.