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We're not water park people. I mean, we've been to a small handful, but it really needs to be something special to get us to deal with all the inherent inconvenience of the general water park experience. (And also, many water slides are terrifying.) However, Denver is home to a place with something that, to my knowledge, no other water park really has: "dark ride" water slides. So, we decided to check it out: Water World Their slogan is, "America's Largest Water Park." Is it actually true? Who the hell knows? It is pretty big, though. Okay, so, as I mentioned at the top, we haven't been to a whole lot of water parks. But none of the ones we had been to had the system that Water World largely employs. Basically, there's a line at the bottom of the slide, where you wait to get a tube form someone getting off of the ride. You then carry that tube up the hill to the top of the slide, where you wait in another line to actually go down the slide--but in this line, you're constantly having to wait longer as people who paid for "tube valet" cut in front of you. I say "you" because that wasn't me. We paid for tube valet. We also sprung for a little bungalow thing because I wanted to make our water park experience as pleasant as possible. I did see one complaint. But it was from a guest with tube valet who was upset that some regular guests had been allowed to go in front of her. Have I mentioned that that Denverites are very confrontational? The park is very relaxed about what guests can bring in. I mean, okay, they won't let you bring glass jars and the like, but you want to bring some chairs and a tent and a cooler the size of small car? Sure, just camp anywhere! What I'd heard (or maybe just assumed?) was that these "dark rides" were lazy rivers. But not so much. There are calm sections (where most of the scenery is), but there are also some pretty wild sections. This is a good photo. Relatively. At this point, I was using a cheap waterproof camera that, you guessed it, doesn't do so well in low-lighting conditions. It seems like the whole "theming" thing is doing well for them, so they're trying to incorporate more and more. Glacier Run. Did we ride it, or did we just take photos of it? You decide! Best ride in the park. Safety is for grownups. Also, Water World has a sky ride! This sky ride consists of two "trains" worth of gondolas that run in opposite directions. No turning in the station, though, they just reverse. Sort of like a funicular. From our vantage point high in the sky, we can see some peasants carrying their own inner tubes. I'm actually really against "fast pass" systems. All the more so because opting out just gets you screwed over. Still, having said all that, I was quite happy to not have to carry my own inner tubes up long winding uphill pathways. But, I now realize having typed all that, that it misses the real issue entirely. Put in some conveyor belts, you d*ickhe@d water park! I don't get this one. They just go along the outside. What's the point of the swirly bit? Well, it's not available, it's ours. Or, it was. I guess it could be available now. Anyway, here's lunch. Pretty standard stuff, but not horrible. Colorado is super-into its flag. Like, more than Texas. (To be fair, it's a nice flag. Who wants to cornhole Colorado's flag?) Schlubs carrying their own tubes up to The Storm. Actually, even people *with* tube valet have to carry their own tubes for this last bit. (Tube valet tubes are red.) The Storm's exit theming. Voyage to the Center of the Earth Again, this one is fairly wild in parts. Which I don't mind. What I was less fond of is that we kept getting stuck on, like, ridges on the bottom? We weren't the only ones, I don't think. And we sort of had to shimmy our way off of them to continue. Maybe weight was a factor, though we certainly didn't exceed any posted weight limits. At one one point, there was a backup that resulted in the tube behind ours slipping under the back end of our tube in a way that I would describe as alarmingly-about-to-capsize-we're-all-going-to-die. Still, we didn't. And I don't know if these "stalls" are a purposeful part of the design or not. We're not water park people. I mean, it didn't *feel* entirely safe. But what do I know? I can only apologize for the quality of this photo. Is it worse than no photo? If so, well, just don't look at it. STOP LOOKING AT IT! I'M SORRY! A lazy river. Of the type I would've preferred the "dark rides" to be. Still, they're unique and (mostly) pretty fun. But I'm still going to label them as a... *takes off sunglasses* ...disappointment. I believe this is called a Butt Bouncer. Or possibly an Aqua Scoot. Butt Scoot? Aqua Bounce? All of those are fine. They also have a couple of water coasters. So, certainly, they have a lot of stuff. And it takes up a lot of room. Of course, a quick internet search reveals that Noah's Ark in the Wisconsin Dells also claims to be the largest water park in the US. Neither of them have Commerson's Dolphins though, so whatever. On the other hand. What does Smisty have to say? So there you have it. Two people who have no business at a water park judging it as okay-ish. Stay tuned for more hot smoky Denver fun!

The dumbest feuds are Twitter feuds. I'm simply tired of the attitude, but I guess many people find it entertaining.

Now there's a Screamin' Swing worth a line! For comparison, Barnstormer at Dollywood hits 45mph and the swing height maxes out at 110 feet. 23mph faster and 25 feet higher? Sign me up!

Nah, this is not at all one-sided. They've been trading barbs for a while now and I'm absolutely here for it. https://brobible.com/culture/article/universal-orlando-seaworld-twitter-feud-fireball/ https://attractionsmagazine.com/seaworld-vs-halloween-horror-nights-theme-park-accounts-trade-snarky-tweets/ https://www.coaster101.com/2021/07/09/changing-tides-inside-seaworlds-social-media-with-josh-greenberg-director-of-social-media-digital-consumer-engagement/

^They can mean only one thing, your "New For 2022" Tilt-O-Whirl is going in that spot.

SeaWorld San Antonio has announced Tidal Surge, the largest installation of an S&S Screamin' Swing! SeaWorld San Antonio Welcomes World's Tallest and Fastest Screaming Swing https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/seaworld-san-antonio-welcomes-worlds-tallest-and-fastest-screaming-swing-301360640.html SeaWorld San Antonio is proud to announce the all-new, world record breaking, high-thrill attraction – Tidal Surge. Opening in Spring 2022, Tidal Surge will be the World's Tallest and Fastest Screaming Swing and will take riders on a journey above the clouds to feel the sensation of flying high above the park. Tidal Surge will seat 40 riders and feature two pendulum-like arms that will soar progressively higher to a staggering height of 135 feet at its peak. The dueling arms will alternate sides and sway back-and-forth at 68 mph, creating multiple airtime moments that levitate guests out of their seats with each heart stopping swing. Riders' legs will dangle and hang as they soar over the waterski lake and take in the beautiful views of the park, while reaching multiple negative G moments before plunging back towards the earth. The colossal Tidal Surge will mark a major addition to SeaWorld San Antonio's thrill ride portfolio, which currently includes four thrilling rollercoasters, a high swing, two animal rescue adventure experiences and a fun-filled family coaster perfect for families with younger children. With this new addition, SeaWorld San Antonio will feature even more adrenaline-pumping experiences, spanning a range of ages and thrills.

Yeah, I can't think of a place I wouldn't really go back to. I mean, even some of the worst parks I've been to I would give a second chance for one reason or another.

It's in the middle of the pack in deaths since the pandemic, but luckily none of this has been political.

Clearly those are markers for Batwing's relocation from SFA.

ORRRR just fast enough and just tall enough to be taller and faster than Skyhawk, the current record holder. Crazy it took this long for it to lose its title!

I'm not sure how this new system is going to work without selling out all the time. Of course, most everyone is going to pay $15 to $20 to skip the lines. I honestly think Disney should have charged more. I have to disagree with the comparison to the Universal parks...They have the best system imo. My wife and I have seasonal passes which we really only paid for what a 2 day ticket would have cost...And it gives us admission nearly all year long...Plus a %30 discount on Universal hotels. We just stayed at their Royal Pacific this past weekend which also gave us express lane. With the discount, our room was only $214 a night. A hotel, Admission and Express Lane all for $214 a day...Not even Six Flags can match that. I love Disney the best...But in the end, Universal has the best system if you utilize it the right way.

I thought that was Florida. That's all the news ever talks about.

That twitter post, so savage lolol

Incidentally, I was at the park on Sunday(8-22). There had to be no more than 3k at the park all day. Outside of Time Traveler and Mystic River there were hardly any wait times unless you want the front and it was only two or three trains. All coasters ran and all day at that. It was hot and the air wasn't moving much. But we first rowed ever coaster twice except for Time Traveler , we gotblucky and was assigned first and a last row on our 4 overall rides. Covid Notes, Less than 10% were masked. Hell, I doubt 5%. The Ozarks of Missouri and Arkansas was ground zero for the Delta strain explosion. It has peaked but just now starting to fall a bit. Most all employee were but there were a few not. Mainly those that don't interact with guests or do so from a good distance.

I've enjoyed some of the banter back n forth between the two companies but for me there's a fine line between playful/fun and rude/annoying. This most recent one has been fun but it's getting kind of close to being annoying. Seems like a couple years ago Universal's feed started on the fun side then quickly turned into being very obnoxious for everything they posted.

They only have one train left. In 2019 and 2020 the second train was in pieces on and off the storage bay. Now there are just some parts left under the storage bay. You can see different seats and lapbars in the only running train now (for example in the back row).

Expedition GeForce was a top bucket list coaster for me... I still have flashbacks of TPR's original EGF video playing "Stay Together for the Kids" by Blink 182 completely hyping up the ride for me many years ago. When we finally made it to Holiday Park back in 2019, to say I was excited was an understatement! Having been on it's other siblings from that era (SROS @ SFNE and Millennium Force) I was excited to finally ride all three and see which came out on top. I was able to get 5 laps on it, mixed between front/back and middle. They only ran one train, otherwise I would have gotten a few more. Smooth, insane airtime, fantastic layout... Wish Intamin still produced layouts such as this! Between the three, I would throw SROS at the bottom believe it or not... But between EGF and MF, it's splitting hairs and completely different experiences. Intensity and airtime focus on one, the other with speed and an epic setting along the lake. Both are stunning. As far as in Europe, that we have been on, I think Taron just edged it out. EGF was a killer time, but Taron left me breathless which is a rarity that few rides have done after the first ride. It's just too bad Holiday Park itself is so forgettable IMO... Planning our return next Spring on a similar trip and planning on skipping the park this time (but making sure we get back to Europa and Phantasialand!). I'd consider Expedition GeForce in the top 10 of ultimate steel coasters somewhere, that's no question. It is still that good after all these years!

Glad we have a date. I just hope they have a great opening. The surrounding area is pretty and it's looks amazing.

^^Bring back the Airtime Hill of Hot Death instead of the stupid loop!!!

I'm going to take the "never again" remark to a... "you can never go back, again" kind of comment. Two parks come to mind for that. Both in Japan. One is Toshimaen and the other by Tivioli. And Tivoli was where Kristen/Kidtums got her first coaster ride. Truth! And they are both closed, forever. So ..... "never again", but for sadder reasons. The Tivoli park ..... TPR Japan Tour, 2007.

No update on the guests condition but some more detailed info about what caused the incident. https://fox8.com/news/watch-live-officials-give-update-after-woman-hurt-by-flying-metal-at-cedar-point/

Can you show me on this doll where the bad man touched you? Jeez....Darien Lake sucks, always had sucked, and always will suck. Just because it's your home park, it doesn't change the facts.

Mt. Olympus. I went once and didn't die - why push my luck?

Absolute savagery

Basically any park could theoretically add something cool enough that it would get me to go there but barring something amazing being a built, a few come to mind. The first park that comes to mind is probably not what you were expecting, it’s Holiday World. The fact that people voluntarily drive like 15 hours every year to go to Holiwood Nights actually blows my mind. If I had ERT on those wood coasters for hours I seriously don’t even know what I’d do all night. I wouldn’t get a beer because they don’t sell that. I wouldn’t buy a Christmas ornament because why would a park named Holiday World in a town named Santa Claus with an entire Christmas “themed” (lol) section sell those (maybe that’s changed lol). I guess I’d ride the okay log flume and Thunderbird for hours. I don’t know... The park is ugly, Voyage is fine, Legend sucks and Raven is actually one of the worst wood coasters that I’ve ridden (at least that’s how everything rode a few years ago). I hate that place. I used to be convinced that people just talked it up to justify the fact that they drove to the middle of a cornfield to ride a bunch of bad wood coasters in an ugly park but they go back every year so I guess I’m the crazy one. Also, before someone shows up and says that Raven is running way better now and that I really need to ride Voyage on the one night out of the entire year that it runs the way that you think it should be running when I ride it: ... no, I don’t care. I’m not driving 137 hours to the middle of nowhere to go to that place ever again. Also, if I’m in the area and finally get back to Kentucky Kingdom I’m still not going. I’ll stay at Kentucky Kingdom because I like that park or go to Kings Island or go cow tipping or whatever the hell they do near Holiday World that’s not Holiday World. Aside from that’s, let’s talk about the big one... La Ronde. Yes, La Ronde is the worst park I’ve ever been to but if they built basically anything noteworthy I’d probably go for two reasons: 1) It’s in Montreal. I love Montreal. La Ronde got us to Montreal but we’ve since been back many times. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve driven straight over the Jacques Cartier Bridge literally within 100 feet of that dump and not gone but gone into the city for awesome food, drinks, sightseeing and whatever else. What a great place. I’ll take any excuse to go there. It’s also a lot closer than Holiday World. 2) It’s Six Flags and I get 4 line skips. I’m sure the process of picking them up will be maddening and overly complicated because it’s La Ronde but realistically I should be able to get in and out of that place in like 2 hours, ride the hypothetical new ride that’s going to get me there, ride the only other good coaster and then probably ride that Dragon thing like twice with my other line skips because it’s actually so stupid it’s fun. Then I could get the hell out of there. I hate that place but I pass it enough that I mean... whatever, fine. PS: Viper is not going to be that hypothetical ride. It’s the worst ride in the world so that ride and that park deserve eachother. Honorary mentions: Conneaut Lake but that won’t be a problem for long. I won’t quite say Lake Compounce because they’re only an hour from the house but if it’s even possible to put a park one hour from the house on this list, they’re trying.

La Ronde but I blame @coasterbill because his trip reports and all his talk about the place made me curious lol I thought there's no way it could really be thatttt bad and we already had six flags season passes so it wasn't costing us anything so we figured why not go see for ourselves. I have no problems admitting when I'm wrong. Bill was 100% correct lol

One of the weird things about this hobby is how very difficult it is to get the same experience as someone else. If we were all super-into movies, for example, even if maybe I saw it in a better theater than you did, we still basically saw the same movie. Of course we might have different reactions to it, but we wouldn't have to figure out which day the other person saw it on, what year, where they started, where they ate, what row they sat in, which employees they encountered, how the projector was running that day, their weight, height, and age, and a million other variables. We could just say, "Oh, you like different movies than I do." (And then we could have a knife fight about it.) But I've had vastly different enjoyment levels myself at the same park on different visits, and I'm sure most of you all have too. So how do you know the next one won't be better? Of course, I'm not advocating repeated visits to a park you hate. But I've personally never been to a park that was so bad that it couldn't possibly improve.

I don't think there is any park that I will refuse to visit again. Some parks are very far down my priority list to visit again until something major and significant comes along (such as Six Flags America), but that doesn't mean I would *refuse* a visit if presented the opportunity. Parks are constantly changing and evolving and always deserve another chance in my opinion.

The seats are huge and the train is comfortable, I agree with above that the most suspect part of the ride is the transition to the loop. But it's not near as bad as like, Raptor's snap into brake run. This coaster is an absolute gem and treasure, I really hope it continues to run for many more years.

Have y’all seen what appears to be markers up by the tidal wave field? I just saw them today.

Park President Jeffrey Siebert just shared these Poltergeist update pics - reopening to the public in two weeks! I asked for, and got, his permission to share here: here are the ongoing upgrades to the queue and station building (including the work we can see being done on the new indoor section on the "porch":

I heard that someone at Cedar Point had looked into a crystal ball and knew that the CP TTD accident was going to happen. They told Tony and he thought it would make sense to close down Wicked Twister because they could use the existing hardware to launch Top Thrill Dragster, save some money, and to please coaster enthusiasts which want the change for no apparent reason. PROBLEM SOLVED

OMG! YES!!! We're paying sooooo much money for our return to broadway NYC trip this fall. And should we mention sporting events? And parking fees for those?!?! What happened to all of us supporting paying all of these workers more money too? WDW is raising their pay rates and you didn't think that wouldn't be passed on to us right?

I made that point and no one paid attention. May the odds forever be in your favor.

Why is everyone discussing CP potentially changing of the launch on Dragster when that had nothing to do with something coming off the train when it hit the brake run?

Not surprising, Cedar Point has tweeted out a statement saying that Top Thrill Dragster will be closed for the remainder of the season.

Dang, what's going on with you? If an over 18 year old car would drive next to you and lose a part, would you really blame the manufacturer of the car? Wouldn't there be other people to talk to first? You are writing that you don't know who is to blame for the defect, but start your post with "what is going on with Intamin these days?"? How can you do that if you don't know when the part was built, when it was security checked for last time, and, the most important, why it came loose? Would you really blame Intamin, Cedar Fair or a technician if the train hit a bird while descending causing the part to come loose? You don't know nothing - as much as I and the most other of us do - and go for a full rant on everybody including the argument diligence in your first post here? Cedar Fair disassembles all of their coaster trains of all their coasters every offseason to every nut and bolt. Everybody following them on socials or going to Winter Chill Out knows that. Perhaps you can explain to us how they can work even better and how you can prevent loose parts months later. The only correct thing you wrote is the fact that it should be unacceptable that guests are hurt in amusement parks. And I'm pretty sure that Intamin, Cedar Fair and the TTD technicians agree on that without a beep. I even would include the riding guests, too - which you excluded. I'm also sure that they act and think before they write. Because of this, they will make sure to exactly know why which part came loose because of which reason before they talk to the people. And even then, the involved people are the first ones to talk to. Not the ones unaffected by the accident.

Did you really sign up just to come on here and trash Intamin or did you just conveniently forget about how an RMC Raptor also had a wheel fly off and towards guests literally weeks ago? Or any number of recent incidents involving a whole slew of manufacturers?

Going to BGW only for the coasters is really something only an Enthusiast would do. I could easily spend 3 whole days in BGW, doing the shows, looking at the animals, enjoying the grounds, shopping in the artisan shops over by Le Scoot/Invadr. And that's not including the handful of flats or the things like the riverboat excursion which is a lovely way to spend 20 minutes and can be done over and over. there's a TON to do in that park that's not just the coasters. (not to mention that Colonial Williamsburg is literally 10 minutes away from it and if interested in History, one can spend a full day + there as well). And Water Country is close by too, if you got a ticket that includes it).