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We had intended to travel from Orlando to Charlotte to visit Carowinds for my birthday weekend. Unfortunately the weather and Spirit airlines had other plans on Saturday evening and $600 later we were rerouted the next morning. Spirit customer service was pathetic and there were practically no seats on any flight out of Orlando on any airline for the next morning except Richmond or Knoxville. Eager to get on Pantheon, we opted for the former and booked the expensive JetBlue flight. We checked into the Courtyard early and headed to the park on Sunday arriving around noon. Thankfully they still had preferred left for my Platinum Pass and we were quickly in the park. Guest services honored the 50% discount on Quick Queue that I couldn’t seem to buy online so that was appreciated. We spent 8 hours in the park on Sunday and were gifted and extra 6 hours in the park on Monday due to a delayed flight home on our dear friend Spirit. Here are some highlights: - I’ve always preferred this to the Tampa park. I think Tampa might have a slight edge in the coaster line up, but Williamsburg is significantly better in every other area. - Sunday was fairly quiet but QQ still came in handy and well worth the $65. We managed to snag a ride on Pantheon fairly quickly first thing both days. We had a ride in car two row 1 and I’m car 4 row 2. Not surprisingly, I preferred towards the back of the train. The ride was about what I expected based on the reviews I had read. First portion is…fine… kind of awkward. The swing launch is fantastic. The backwards ejector airtime isn’t a sensation I’ve felt on any other ride. The top hat and outer bank are fun but are taken a little too slow. The stall was better than I expected and the ending was pretty good. Definitely the best ride in the park but not at the same caliber as Iron Gwazi or Velocicoaster. - Alpengiest is my #2 in the park. Unpopular opinion, but I think the cobra roll is outstanding and the ride is a solid 8/10 on the smoothness scale. Objectively, Montu is probably the better coaster but I prefer Alpengiest’s setting. - We enjoyed Verbolten and Tempesto for what they are. I don’t particularly care for how Tempesto looks against the skyline and think Tigris fits in better at BGT comparatively. - Invadr is very underrated and I prefer to White Lightning. Had some Thunderhead vibes to it minus the straight first drop. - Apollo’s Chariot is my least favorite of the B&M hypers but the setting is easily the best. The elements are a tad drawn out and with Mako down the road back home, the airtime particularly in the front is very mild. - Loch Ness Monster was one of the coasters that got me hooked as a kid. This and Alpengiest are probably the two most nostalgic rides in the park for me. Still a well-maintained ride with character that has a certain magic about it similar to The Beast. - Operations we’re pretty solid given the crowds. I was pleased to see coasters running multiple trains even on Monday. SeaWorld has been guilty of dropping to 1 train on Mako on some weekdays had me concerned we’d have some long lines without QQ on day 2 but that wasn’t the case. - Staff was definitely above average. Everyone seemed confident without that deer in the headlights look you get when you ask someone a question. - Food was definitely better than Tampa. Some interesting options for the food festival although the matcha Ice Cream made me gag. Overall we had a wonderful time. As much as I would have enjoyed binging Fury325, I actually think we had a more “full” trip visiting BGW instead. The park looked gorgeous and we had all the rerides we wanted with the exception of Pantheon. It’s such a refreshing change from the manufactured feel of the Orlando parks. Thanks for reading!

someone wake me up when something other than dumb shit about kites - that I don't care about - gets posted.

It appears that Arizona is finally getting a new park. MATTEL AND EPIC ANNOUNCE ADDITIONAL BRAND EXPERIENCES FOR UPCOMING MATTEL ADVENTURE PARK EL SEGUNDO, Calif., – May 24, 2022 –Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) and EPIC Resort Destinations, LLC. announced today that Mattel Adventure Park in Glendale, Arizona will feature additional brand activations from Barbie, Masters of the Universe, and Mattel Games when it opens in 1Q 2023. These Mattel brands join the previously announced Hot Wheels roller coaster and go-karting experiences and Thomas & Friends indoor theme park. “Mattel Adventure Park will be even more engaging and entertaining at launch, with the addition of these iconic Mattel brand experiences,” said Julie Freeland, Senior Director, Global Location Based Entertainment, Mattel. “The expansion of this flagship attraction brings together the largest representation of Mattel’s beloved brands in a live space as never before.” The additional brand experiences planned for Mattel Adventure Park will be highlighted by the Barbie Beach House, designed to be a must-visit destination for Barbie fans of all ages. The Barbie Beach House features the Barbie flying theater, taking riders on a journey from deep underwater to outer space; the Dream Closet Experience, where Barbie, through state-of-the-art hologram technology, is brought to life to help curate the ultimate wardrobe; and the Barbie Rooftop where guests can enjoy a selection of signature pink beverages perfectly paired with sweet and savory snacks while enjoying panoramic views of the property. Mattel Adventure Park will also feature a nine-hole mini golf experience that translates the Mattel Games portfolio into an immersive environment. Families can putt-putt while battling Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots, or through a life-sized Pictionary game board with additional games featured throughout. The #1 card game property, UNO, will be represented as a larger-than-life climbing structure where guests can jump on oversized UNO cards and race to the top. Master of the Universe’s iconic Castle Grayskull has been transformed into a 4,500+ sq. ft. state-of-the-art laser tag arena where fans “have the power” to fight for Eternia. A Laser Tag experience will bring the world of Eternia to life and invites guests to join an epic battle to regain the power of the Universe. “We are extremely excited to add Barbie, Masters of the Universe and Mattel Games themed attractions and rides to an already outstanding offering in development at the first-ever Mattel Adventure Park. We have spared no expense to bring these iconic brands to life in ways that will delight visitors of all ages for years to come.” Said Mark Cornell, President, Epic Resort Destinations. About Mattel Mattel is a leading global toy company and owner of one of the strongest catalogs of children’s and family entertainment franchises in the world. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain, and develop children through play. We engage consumers through our portfolio of iconic brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends®, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, Monster High® and MEGA®, as well as other popular intellectual properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include film and television content, gaming and digital experiences, music, and live events. We operate in 35 locations and our products are available in more than 150 countries in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering children to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us online at mattel.com. About EPIC Resort Destinations EPIC is a resort destinations developer specializing in Intellectual Property driven resorts and location-based entertainment. We are guest obsessed and, on a mission, to create, develop, and operate world-class destinations and attractions that are extraordinary, safe, and fun places where epic memories are created and shared. Our unique blend of family-friendly fun is created by combining time proven “wind in your face” themed rides, globally iconic brands with multigenerational emotional resonance, and immersive theatrical experiences featuring original media content. Current developments under construction include Mattel Adventure Park, Barbie Beach House, and a flying immersive theater in Glendale, Arizona, with future destinations under consideration across North America. Visit us at matteladventurepark.com.

Repeatedly complaining that you are not being entertained in the manner that you desire, on a free website no less, is sure to get people to engage with you constructively. I'm sure it will work if you keep at it.

Little Dipper has been open! I'm not sure about the other kiddie rides, but these folks at Six Flags Great America Junkies on facebook might be your best source https://www.facebook.com/groups/2328379897405728 This past Tuesday, lots of everything was closed, including 4 coasters. Staffing is low because high school is still in. Upon exiting the Raging Bull queue, there was a group of young people starting in with eachother, and then it got LOUD and physical. They were blocking the exit of RB near the on-ride photo booth. I was there with 2 friends and it took us a bit of hanging back and strategy just to get out of the mess. Then it nearly followed us, bad times. I'm a 6-1 grown adult man, and I was scared. On a side note, everything has a fresh coat of paint, and is running like new, tight and in top condition. Have you considered Santa's Villiage? It's VERY clean, safe, pretty and fun... they have lots of great rides (including a terrifying drop tower that puts the BIG corporate park towers to shame - not that your daughter would be ready for that.) Also, Little Amerricka in Marshall, Wisconsin (about another hour north, then west) is a hidden gem. It's a showcase of 50's rides that all run like new, with a 20 or 30 minute long miniature train ride through the farms - with animals, including a zebra. Frankly, I often have more fun there than at Great America. Their Little Dipper called "Meteor" runs all-manual, and you "go round" anywhere from 2-5 times. Just thought I'd through that in, but if your daugher has her heart set on Great America... then it's gotta be Great America. I remember waiting to go for the first time as a kid, and it meant everything. Hope it all works out in your favor and congrats on your daughter's graduation!

They reposted the image to Facebook. Here’s the concept art for the summer celebration “kite sky” and fountain.

Alright good to know!

^ PACKED (schools are mostly out, or getting out early on that last day). . and it's the start of a 4 day weekend. the likeliest LIGHTEST day this Memorial Day holiday is gonna be Monday. . .tho Sunday shouldn't be too terrible (as it gets later, folks will leave because get togethers are planned for the next day). I say this because I always go to SFOG on Labor Day and it's always pretty dead on the actual holiday.

Thank you for the thorough response! I have lots of fond memories of going to Six Flags as a kid-the progression to bigger and bigger rides was great. A shame to hear there are fighting issues at the park-I probably ignored that when I was child-less. Will join the Facebook group as well and keep tabs on how things go at Six Flags-would still like to make it out there this year. If I could be guaranteed everything is open, it'd be great-I just can't roll the dice with a 4-year old. But I really appreciate the information about Santa's Village! It looks like a more appropriate theme park introduction for a 4-year old, and it's closer to boot. Will probably aim to go next Saturday then, weather permitting. My daughter has been promised Six Flags but is too young to really know the difference, I think Santa's Village will look more appealing to her anyways. Little Amerricka also looks great, but that drive would be too much-perhaps if we're passing through that way someday. Thank you!

^^ If your idea spreads throughout the boards, you might as well just go ahead and lock the WoF thread.

I say stick with your original plan. Gaining (as opposed to losing) that extra hour driving from KK to Holiday World is crucial. If you're just interested in riding the coasters at HW, midday is actually the best time to arrive. Crowds will likely be high on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend, but most of those crowds will be absorbed by the (giant) waterpark at that time of day.

Someone wake me up when something worthwhile gets posted.

Glad to hear you enjoyed your visit on that pretty miserable Sunday. Scrambler's no single rider policy is in line with an updated safety bulletin recommendation from Eli Bridge. Music Express is an electrical issue we are working with Bertazzon to get to the bottom of, and Vortex was having issues with the damp track affecting ride speed and whatnot. Things are coming together around the park, and staffing is dramatically improved so far. As for this..... The statement applies to over 95% of full-time and seasonal employees, so you are not alone feeling that way.

Usually (not always, but most of the time).... the park will have two designations in terms. "Temporarily closed" means that the ride went down for some reason but it supposed to be open. "Closed" means that it's not being offered at all. So if it was showing as temp, then that should mean it's not on any kind of extended closure. (Fun fact: they started doing this a few years ago on the app, after I sent an email to Guest Relations expressing some frustration that there was no way for guests to tell the difference. So sometimes parks DO actually listen and take suggestions!)

Everyone knows you have to visit Cedar Point in that magical three-week time span every season where rides are open, actually running at full capacity and food locations are open. But be quick because as soon as school is back in session it’s all over!

"New and unique elements throughout the park enhance the summer fun for guests with new decor elements like the all-new Kite Sky, unexpected splash and play elements, colorful kids play activities in The Village, a bubble foam party in Wilderness Pass, and an unparalleled and interactive art installation that invites guests to spin on life-size tops in Wildwood Grove." I saw a picture on their FB page, but can't find it now - looks like its been pulled down. So - BITCHY - I saw it... didn't post it yet and now it's gone. I was asking if anyone else saw it and had thoughts about it. This site is pretty much pointless now - no one actually has any productive discussion, just unnecessary comments that the poster "thinks" are funny.

I feel like dragster is as likely to be removed as the F-150 is to stop production. Dragster is going to open just how it operated before, no new launch system. The safety upgrades will be barely noticeable on the track components and trains. They don't have to do much to make the public come back, and they already passed their government inspections with contingencies to fix the issues.

I too think you will beat the 4th of July crowds, most of those people are liable to come in on Friday and stay into the next week when the holiday occurs. Also, CoasterCon will be there the week before you 6/19 - 6/22, so that is 600+ thoosies that won't be back the next week. Should help put a little dent in the crowds

If you use a debit card at the park you'll have to put in your PIN number, too... all while looking at the LCD displays. Luckily I was smart enough to pass my SAT test.

not "several". .. NINETEEN. and the Texas Governor, Lt. Governor, AG, Senators. . have done NOTHING other than make it easier to get guns here in the past 2 years. it's easier to buy a gun than it is to drive a car. no, really. and did you know the murderer bought the guns - two assault rifles - LEGALLY. . . a week ago, for his 18th Birthday. yeah. . oh. .and I shit you not, the NRA (National Rifle Association) are having their big convention in Houston (less than 4 hours from the site of the massacre) and the Texas Governor, Senator Ted Cruz, and Former President Trump are all *still* scheduled to attend and speak. yeah.

It's not a rant. But then, we really don't have a Sadness Thread, yes? No? Anyway... Healing thoughts go out to all close to the madness that happened at the Texas Elementary school yesterday. Several 9 and ten year olds. And two teachers.