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Good to hear! We were there in December on a larger family FL Christmas trip and this was my son's feelings on Gwazi not being open yet. When we had booked the trip a year ago we were still hoping it would be. But we will be back down for the ACE spring conference in May and catch a ride then.

Ninja was built in '86 and should have been scrapped in '87.

My home park being Over Georgia, SFStl was the first different SF park I ever visited. This was in 1998. I have since been back a half dozen times over the years, including 2019. I have enjoyed every visit I have made to this park. The rides are decent and the terrain of this park is amazing. Some on this list are so busy complaining about what they don't have that they fail to appreciate what they do. And we have not even seen what the new corporate has planned for the chain. As for St Louis, I have enjoyed my visits to the city. I have not yet been able to go up in the Arch as it was always insanely busy with several hours' wait but ... someday. I understand St Louis has its share of problems, but then so does Atlanta, as do most major cities. So take your pick...glass half full or half empty, just sayin'

People have been riding it for like a month.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. . new signs going up today, to warn that the Railroad might not operate consistently due to how close to the tracks the construction work is: OMG. . I love this park & Park President.

Over the last few weeks I've had a chance to experience several of Central Florida's newest coasters while also taking in some artsy experiences along the way. The first of these three was a visit to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay for a passholder preview of Iron Gwazi, the park's RMC conversion of the former Gwazi dueling wooden coaster. Let's start by stating the obvious... This is a much better experience than the previous version of Gwazi in every sense. Iron Gwazi is smooth, fast, intense experience. Gwazi, especially in its latter years was rough, aggressive and meandering at times. The new coaster leverages approximately a third of the former coasters' wooden structure and while the geek in me wishes we could have gotten an updated dueling or moebius style coaster (akin to Twisted Colossus), I'm grateful for what we got. The only other Rocky Mountain Construction coaster I've experienced to date is Steel Vengeance at Cedar Point, so I expected to really like this one purely for its similar style. I wouldn't consider this better than Steel Vengeance, considering the Cedar Point attraction has a longer ride time, more airtime, more inversions--there's just more to it. But I do find there to be some elements that are better on Iron Gwazi, such as the transitions between elements. There are some really jarring transitions on the Ohio-based coaster where Iron Gwazi really flows smoothly (with no abrupt changes) from maneuver to maneuver. There's much to love about each coaster, but having Iron Gwazi so much closer to home makes my sense of urgency to return to Sandusky that much less. Almost all of the former Gwazi queue is intact and in use for Iron Gwazi. One side of the queue, dedicated formerly to one side of the coaster is now used exclusively as the Quick Queue/Platinum Pass re-ride line where the other serves as the standby queue. Once in the main station building, it is hard not to recognize the former second track's loading section and dispatch opening from the building (if you know what you're looking for), both covered up but noticeable. It should be noted that from the front side of Iron Gwazi as well as inside of the queue and station, there are few good vantage points to see the majority of the coaster's biggest maneuvers. Your best views when not on the coaster will be from when Gwazi Park is open for special events or from the Sky Ride when it reopens later this year. Gwazi was themed to a mythical creature with the head of a tiger and the body of a lion--each of the two coaster tracks was themed to one of the two actual creatures. The color scheme of light blues, yellows, oranges, purples and greens has been replaced with a more streamlined (and pronounced) purple and green to match the new alligator-themed Iron Gwazi. Since my visit Montu has reopened with a bright new color scheme. Iron Gwazi has definitely changed the park's skyline. As I'd imagine will be the case once the ride officially opens, the line for the passholder previews ran down near the park entrance. The ride was still testing as of park opening. This was my first time seeing the overbanked curve behind the entrance. The station has been repainted with bold colors that really pop against the replenished thatch roofing. This will look familiar for those that previous experienced Gwazi. One section of the queue takes place in the lower pit area where the two Gwazi tracks would cross before heading towards their respective lift hills. Now guests pass directly underneath the track as it turns towards a dip that leads to the coaster's lift hill. It was neat walking in this space without any wooden track around it. Iron Gwazi facts. Picturesque. More Iron Gwazi facts. They aren't kidding with "The Death Roll." It is definitely the wildest element of the coaster besides the initial drop. One of the few areas where you can see track semi-clearly from the queue. The majority of coaster is hidden behind the queue and station. Wooden structure from the former Gwazi coasters is bolstered by new steel supports in high-stress sections of the new coaster. Peaking through the supports you can see a portion of The Death Roll. Going down! The coaster zips through this portion of the layout. Like most new coasters at SeaWorld and Busch parks, there is a monitor in the station showing which seats are locked in and how long the train has been parked in the station. Iron Gwazi operates with two trains and due to its quick layout, it works out pretty well that a train is dispatched right around the time the other train hits the block section. The former spot where one of two Gwazi tracks would exit the station. Notice the lighter-colored flooring on the left... That is the filled in portion of the station where the load section used to be for one of the two Gwazi tracks. A neat pattern found when you look up in the station... With a fun nod to the old coasters found by the loading side of the last row. In the block section/transfer track you will find the former lead car decorations from the Gwazi Lion and Gwazi Tiger trains hung on the wall. I couldn't get a picture since my phone was secured for the ride. The front of the train looks great! And the side panel detailing is neat too. There is a Ride Photo location at the exit and it is powered by the park's PhotoKey service. Definitely a different view compared to a few years ago. Such a fun element! Zooming past the ride photo location. The ride's gift shop is currently selling a series of classic Gwazi-inspired merchandise. These neon shirts were available to purchase in years surrounding the original coasters' debut. Pin collectors will be happy with these new options. And of course there is Iron Gwazi merchandise. I love that they have CoasterDynamix Nanocoasters for both Iron Gwazi and Gwazi. The Gwazi model is super detailed and I was very tempted to buy it on the spot if not for the $50 price tag. There's less metal to the Iron Gwazi model and the price is $40. I love the side by side comparison of the stats... I definitely didn't realize that despite two coasters becoming one, Iron Gwazi manages to have more track than its predecessors combined. Commemorate concept art prints are available in a limited edition size of 2022. I wish there was a better angle to watch the drop... The Death Roll is experienced with such speed, I was flying out of my seat, held in only by the snug lapbars of the train. And yet, this was exceptionally comfortable with no collars or over the shoulder restraints. Flying through a mess of track. Fly by! I love this element! It was neat to see that the park has defined two walking trail layouts that can be experienced while in the park. Cheetah Hunt has a new neighbor on the horizon. Over in the Serengeti Overlook (the former Crown Colony House) the Giraffe Bar opened to offers guests drinks with a view. A new restaurant, Treetop Kitchen will open on the third floor in the place of the former Crown Colony House Restaurant. Cheetah Hunt also reopened recently after receiving a fresh coat of paint. The Skyride is set to reopen this summer. Can't get over The Death Roll. Another fun maneuver! Sorry but I can't help but admire. I'll be back to ride this again soon! A fun momento guests received for attending Iron Gwazi's passholder previews...

Better food would be a VERY nice start. Sigh.

This. Plus, it's ok to appreciate what the park has and be disappointed at the lack of new rides and the dismal (I do agree with this description) 50th anniversary at the same time. You always expect the most of the ones you love, and suffer the most disappointment when they don't live up to your expectations. None of our friends/family are all good or all bad but we love them anyway.

Now who insisted you ride Mine Train even though you were ready to be done for the day after Ninja? You're welcome!

Ended up getting 4th train today, but we were present for the grand opening ceremony! Absolutely fantastic ride, even better than Steve imo. Gonna have to ride it again at night!

Overall the single seaters seem to just make me slightly less queasy - the Gs are pulled on-axis to your center of gravity as opposed to being offset to the left or right. Certainly nothing unique though, I didn't find it that different than SFOT. Outlaw is in fact the same 16 rider model. And I'm trying not to use the word glacial to describe the pace of the line but frankly that's what it is. Even with a short cycle it takes a long time to lock the arm in place, get the seats in the correct position, the lift raised and the restraints unlocked and locked. Unfortunately even if they could run it with twice the riders it'll still be an annoying pace because it's just a long load/unload process no matter what. The ride looks great I'm just not sure it'll ever be truly viable for real amusement parks. I'll still ride it, probably have a blast and maybe even consider it my favorite flat in the park. None of that will change that in operation these don't seem too practical

You guys can criticize me all you want, but it doesn't make me any less wrong. In the last five years alone, five attractions were removed in the main park, and one of those was just half removed and looks awful. In the last 5 years, we have gained three rides in the main park. Three. Just three. That's a net loss of two full rides. And one of them was delayed for two full years while literally every other park had their ride open in 2021. What the chain is doing for the park is literally the bare minimum. I'm supposed to appreciate the bare minimum? That's like going to a franchised steak house that calls itself the best steakhouse in Missouri, ordering a moderately priced steak and they give you a plate that had a thin steak that's mostly all bone. Would you send it back and demand something better, or would you accept the moderately priced steak and just say "well the cooks tried their best, its okay". That's literally what most of you sound like. Anyone remember our 50th park anniversary? What a dismal display. Some fireworks, some dippin dots, and a pin, I seem to recall many of you being disappointed in what we got for that. That disappointment is what us hardcore fans have felt for the last 10 years I dont care if you like me or hate me, although it's pretty obvious it's the latter. But good lord, it is not too much to ask for the chain to do more than the bare minimum, which they havent even done that sad to say.

I'm just going to chime in here and say Saint Louis is a crime ridden shithole. Bert, I'm sorry. I've been here for 37 years. It may be fun to visit, but it's not nice to stay. We may have the city museum, a nice zoo, and a lot of other fun 'attractions,' but no one is rushing to this area to raise a family. This area has been depressed for years. I personally like a lot of things about our park, but it also needs a lot of work. You come from one of the best parks in the chain. SFFT has gotten a considerable amount of attention in the last decade. SFFTL got a used boomerang. In the meantime, they took away Splash Boats, Antique cars... and half... of our Go-Karts. The carrousel is rightfully being renovated, but even that is currently not operating. Xcaliber was SBNO for two years. American Thunder is arguably the last real exciting attraction the park received. I'm not really complaining about our park. It's fine. Personally, I don't give a shit. But, it's not cool to criticize the rightfully-so jaded long time members of this thread.... Except for the "Corporate hates our park" guy. Criticize away, because he'd hilarious.

Universal Parks & Resorts has announced that Super Nintendo World will be opening in 2023, with Nintendo merchandise coming to the Feature Presentation store in 2022! https://www.nbcumv.com/mediavillage/interactive/2929fed4187b40648b79a9839e70e91fproduct169208/index.html#/brand/25dc392f-2f08-452b-9b31-52704ab0689e/press-releases/775aaed4-7ad8-4784-8828-8908d40a5b95 It’s official! SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, the innovative, immersive and highly-anticipated themed land, will open at Universal Studios Hollywood in 2023, and will be the first SUPER NINTENDO WORLD to debut in the United States. SUPER NINTENDO WORLD opened first at Universal Studios Japan to rave consumer and critical reviews in 2021. The U.S. debut of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD at Universal Studios Hollywood will transport theme park guests and Nintendo fans into the world of Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach to become part of their compelling universe. SUPER NINTENDO WORLD was conceived in partnership with Nintendo and the visionaries at Universal Creative to deliver exhilarating entertainment with innovative technological achievements inspired by characters and video games that have appealed to generations of Nintendo fans for over 40 years. The immersive land will be a visual spectacle of vibrant colors and architectural ingenuity located within a newly expanded area of the theme park, featuring a groundbreaking ride and interactive areas, to be enjoyed by the whole family. Themed shopping and dining will enhance the entire experience. To mark the occasion as the countdown begins to the land’s exciting debut, Universal Studios Hollywood will unveil a takeover of its popular Feature Presentation retail store with SUPER NINTENDO WORLD theming, opening soon. Located just inside the theme park’s main entrance, guests will have a chance to share their excitement for the land’s 2023 arrival by gearing up with merchandise such as Mario and Luigi themed apparel and iconic character hats. A selection of plush characters, including Yoshi, Mario, Bowser and Luigi in a variety of sizes, will also be among the many fun items available for purchase.

It all started when STL Leadership denied Disney to build a Park here in the mid 60s

So what I am reading is they are making all of the improvements they announced for last year and are actually going to do them now. Woo. The loss of the tipping bucket is notable. That image looks almost as good as the theming/queue for Pantheon. Parks are really going for that "we're broke" look apparently. Next we will see their characters holding cardboard signs on the side of the highway. "Six Flags over there, broke, anything helps." EDIT Also, @bert425, in this case I totally disagree. New paint is like the bare minimum one can ask for. I maintain the paint on my own home, that's expected. The new ride was delayed (okay, pandemic) but it is a low capacity nightmare that would be better served as an upcharge ride. There is a reason no other park wants one. Are you really looking forward to driving 10 hours from Texas to ride this ride?

Comes from the Supergirl school of theming.

Pretty sure it's been talked about somewhere one here, but we can officially add Racer to the list of rides being painted this off-season: https://www.visitkingsisland.com/blog/2022/march/bringing-back-original-color-scheme-on-the-racer Looks pretty snazzy to me! Was kinda hoping they'd bring back the backwards train though, now that sounds fun!

I haven't been down there in a few years. I remember the TSUs being in the neighborhood of $40 and thinking it was ridiculously cheap compared to, well, pretty much every other park's unlimited line-skipping passes. This price increase is definitely more in line with its actual value, and I can't fault them for that.

Also, these things sell out regularly. They would be stupid not to raise the price. They make more money, may not sell out, and it's potentially a better value for those that do buy.

We went to the park again on Friday to get one last day (for us at least) of passholder previews before Iron Gwazi opens to the public next week. As my bf and I both have busy and conflicting work schedules, coupled with not being all that interested in visiting any of the parks during spring break, we likely won't make it back out to the park again until sometime in April. After fighting absolutely horrendous pre-weekend I-4 traffic, we were dreading a busy park and prepared to buy QQ just in case, but we got to the park around 3:00 PM and we got a bunch of Iron Gwazi rides with 2-4 train waits, max. Operations were super fast and consistent, and as on our first day riding it, Iron Gwazi was kicking all sorts of ass. One thing we either didn't notice before or was added since the VIP event was a small selection of pre-mixed drinks sold at the popcorn stand outside Iron Gwazi's entrance. We got the Iron Gwazi Fizz, which was some kind of gin-lemonade drink and it was really good and fairly strong. We also love that SeaWorld continues to be the only park chain to do a passholder discount on alcohol! After some of these, we headed up the left path and found SheiKra operating with riders, a surprise we didn't expect to see. The park finished maintenance work early and decided to re-open it a day early, sweet! They were only using one station but operating 3 trains, so the 10-minute or so wait moved fast. We also rode Kumba, which was running two trains with zero wait, so we rode our hearts out on what was Florida's best coaster for like 25+ years until these new gen-Zers came in with their iron alligators and velociraptor nonsense. While I'd say it's now the third-best coaster in Florida, Kumba still kicks all sorts of ass and is still a top-15 or so coaster for me. Ride it in the back on an edge seat for positive-G bliss. We saw Montu cycling and got excited for a second, but it was to cycle past park close with no riders. It wasn't scheduled to re-open until Saturday anyway, so oh well, but we definitely miss our only B&M invert in Florida. We went back and got some more rides on Iron Gwazi, with a line that at first was 30ish minutes, then died completely out again. Overall we were in the park for about 5ish hours and got to do everything we wanted to do. Operations were good and we're happy that the park continues to improve. The fact that we've now been able to get something like 20 rides on a brand new RMC so easily in just 2 visits is so, so awesome. To compare, I think I've been on Steel Vengeance like 15ish times total and we've gone every year with multi-day stays onsite with Fast Lane. This isn't a knock to Cedar Point, as we also take kind of a "chill" approach to parks we go to and don't get there at the crack of dawn nor run around like maniacs to ride every coaster during every possible moment until we're blue in the face, but it shows how easily accessible Iron Gwazi has been during just two visits during passholder previews. I already can't wait to get back to the park when it's off-peak again.

A Busy Wednesday, This Week! Usually, I am there at 4pm at the restaurant's opening, and "maybe" a few people will show up, or a couple, later on. This past Wednesday, as soon as I was seated, several other people showed up, most of them to dine in! I was a bit shocked, since this is The First Time a crowd has shown up at opening hours. Hmmm. Guess the word's catching on about the place opening at 4, instead of when they used to open, 5pm. That, and Co-vid rules are starting to be relaxed (a little) about public indoor places, like gyms, restaurants, movie places, etc. Anyway, I decided to really treat myself, and once again, enjoyed The Cappricciosa pizza. With a tomato base, and plenty of cheese on top of it, with mushrooms, artichokes, olives, and wonderful prosciutto and pepperoni! Busy busy, already at 4pm! The Cappricciosa. Mmmm. The all-important close up shot of it all. What I left for David to enjoy, later on.

The Canadian truckers' blockades are stupid and useless, for what they've done already. Which includes hasseling a Food Bank for free food, something they should have never done. One of them quoted, said this was a Big Deal and not a minority that is unhappy with the vaccine mandates. Fuck them. It IS a minority of truckers, not to mention people there who aren't truckers, causing additional hassels. Get your shots for C's sake. Your life is not being totally taken over by The Government. Idiots.

SeaWorld San Diego has released the official POV of Emperor:

Alright, I'm in Tampa and the plan is in full motion to be one of if not the first to ride IG. Does anyone know if they do rope drop around 30 mins early like some other parks do? Planning on getting there around 8:30-9:00am to beat the rush.