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I’m fully aware - I worked at the park for 5 summers and I guarantee you management doesn’t give two effs that everyone is working open to close - especially right now when the park is only open Friday-Sunday. They’re closing lines early because last year was a financial disaster and this is the year they’re playing catch-up.

Hi Everyone! I'm new to this whole "Create a thread" thing, so please bear with me as I figure it out. As a side note, if this thread/post breaks any rules or there is a better way to do it please let me know! I looked in the TPR Rules thread and couldn't find anything, but I want to respect the rules of the forum above all else! Today, RMC (Rocky Mountain Construction) introduced a new website! While that may not seem newsworthy on it's own, what is notable it this introduction of two new ride/track models and a new standard Raptor layout!! First up is the new "Hybrid Family Coaster": https://www.rockymtnconstruction.com/family-hybrid-coasters/ "RMC began its journey into the amusement industry through traditional wooden roller coaster installation. In an effort to improve the ride experience, RMC developed the patented Ibox track system. These rides have been thrilling park goers across the world for over a decade. However, these rides may be too thrilling for some guests. Family coaster passengers will enjoy the smooth ride of the Ibox track system while experiencing family friendly elements. RMC offers (3) standard layouts with different elements and footprints to best fit the available real estate. There is also the ability to develop a custom layout. The family hybrid coaster utilizes the same state of the art Ibox track technology as RMC’s award-winning hybrid coasters, but with a more modest ride layout. This allows patrons to enjoy a smooth ride as a family with a thrill level more suitable for those who are may be too short, or just not ready to ride an extreme RMC hybrid roller coaster. Family coasters are all designed and manufactured by RMC at our facility in Hayden, ID." This appears to be an extension of the company's I-Box track what we have seen on their hybrid coasters, just with tamer layouts and no inversions. Kinda an interesting concept, although I don't see a park really ordering one of these being as that their are similar options available from Gerstlauer, Zamperla, etc. But you never know I guess...? (I got to be honest, that layout in the concept art looks super fun for a family coaster!!!) Next is the new standard Raptor layout! https://www.rockymtnconstruction.com/steel-coasters/ And before anyone asks...no this is not Stunt Pilot's layout. Stunt Pilot has the standard layout that Railblazer has (see below). This layout looks like it has a few extra elements (namely the "Fakey Airtime Hill" and a pre-lift section), and a little more track. Also, notable both standard Raptor designs on their website feature 2 trains, instead of 3 so I guess that's the new standards for cloneable Raptors? They still offer a custom version as well for parks who want it. Here is the first standard layout for comparison (which looks like Stunt Pilot's, although I don't know where the 180 degree stall and overbank turns came from?): Lastly (and perhaps most interesting), is a new track type they are calling "208 RetraK" (And...that's the actual name...I didn't make it up...): https://www.rockymtnconstruction.com/wood-coaster-refurbishment/ "RMC has been successfully upgrading traditional wood track with steel track for decades, which improves the ride and dramatically reduces maintenance. 208 RetraK is our latest innovation in track replacement and is based on our proven Ibox and Topper track designs. 208 RetraK will last for years and eliminate the need for continuous inspection, repair, and replacement of traditional wooden track. Additionally, 208 RetraK is able to utilize a rides existing trains, mechanical system, and controls to deliver a smoother ride, reduced downtime, and improved wheel longevity at a reasonable price. Custom 208 RetraK is precision manufactured utilizing RMC’s laser measurement system, CNC plasma cut, and patented semi-automated welding technology. 208 RetraK is manufactured with premium grade weathered steel to match the existing coaster profile and installs effortlessly to existing structure. 208 RetraK can be utilized as a small track upgrade in a troubled area of a coaster, or even as a full coaster renovation. Simple track upgrades of 150’ or more can be installed throughout a ride and added onto year after year. A complete circuit replacement at one time is also possible. 208 RetraK can be installed turnkey by RMC’s factory team or by the park with RMC providing technical support. 208 RetraK is designed and manufactured by RMC at our facility in Hayden, ID." I'm not an engineer, so I don't know the difference between this 208 RetraK and I-Box track, but they seem similar albeit slightly different in how they attach to the support structure. I'm (of course) biased that this is the most important development, since this is what was installed on Tremors (at my homepark) this past off-season, and apparently more is on site to be installed for next season. I am intrigued by this RetraK as it seems to be RMC's response to GCI's Titan Track, and I'm curious to see how the RetraK vs. Titan Track battle might play out. Personally, I think RMC has the upper hand, but we shall see... This leads me into the sadder (for coaster enthusiasts) part of the update, and that is that there is NO REFERENCE ANYWHERE of the T-Rex (and believe me I scowered their site). On the "Steel Coaster" page only the Raptor is mentioned. Also, aside from the Goliath, Outlaw Run, and Lightning Rod pages these is no mention of Topper Track either. So I am going to officially guess (I have no inside info of any kind this is just my opinion) that the Topper Track has officially been discontinued, and the T-Rex officially shelved... I don't think the Topper is a huge loss, but thinking that the T-Rex might be officially dead certainly is a disappointing thought... Other than that...Iron Gwazi is listed as "Coming Soon" (Stunt Pilot is as well) so no spoilers there... I wish RMC luck with the new track type, coaster model, and standard layout. They seem to be facing increased competition from GCI and Intamin, so we will have to see how this plays out! I like that they are moving away from just converting the Mean Streaks of the world into amazing rides, and trying to (further) cement themselves in the industry by offering a wider range of models for parks to choose from. Cheers to them!

Nor in the last 20 years. Marriage and children hinder life!

How awesome does THIS event sound?? If I wasn't in Ohio the week prior, I would seriously consider going! https://www.sixflags.com/fiestatexas/events/roller-coaster-rodeo

What does closing lines early have to do with understaffing? The crew is there. This just screams of being cheap and saving on employee hours.

Last week I had the opportunity to attend an annual passholder preview of the Jurassic World VelociCoaster at Universal's Islands of Adventure... I'll start the report by simply saying this thing is AWESOME! The VelociCoaster is designed with a fun first half that weaves in and out of itself after the first launch before throwing you into a much more intense second half. The drop coming off of the top hat gives some insane airtime and the inverted stall is such a neat maneuver. The final roll over the water is also intense and flips you only a few feet above the lagoon. All of this said, the coaster flies over and around the guest paths and viewing areas without nets, which makes these flyovers even more exciting--this is accomplished by requiring all riders to put their belongs (save for their park tickets/annual passes) in the lockers in the queue so nothing is dropped below. The lockers are double sided, so you load them in the queue and you access the other side and open the locker in the exit flow. The queue for the coaster is very cleverly designed, wrapping around the ride in key areas and setting the story of a rollercoaster in the raptor paddock being the newest attraction in Jurassic World, the still-open dinosaur park on Isla Nublar. The coaster sits inside of the Jurassic Park island with some of the land's design elements matching Jurassic World's aesthetic while others still tie into the Jurassic Park's styling. Let's take a look around... This view greets you as you enter the park... The top hat's wide curve is deceiving--that drop feels way more steep than it looks. There are many spots outside of Jurassic Park where the coaster can be seen running. Hello beastie! According to one of the creative team for the project (on Twitter), these raptors facing off against each other is a not to the former entrance sculpture that was once at Dueling Dragons. Outward banked airtime! Hangtime! Such a great dive! I really do love that there are no nets beneath the coaster. The plaza is full of kinetic energy. No nets! In case you were wondering where the entrance is in relation to the Jurassic Park Discovery Center. Dive! Dive! Dive! So great! Looks so great! The entrance of the queue is covered but not fully enclosed. Despite this, giant fans help to keep the space well cooled. This queue space is absolutely filled with dynamic lighting. There's definitely nods to different elements of the franchise's iconography throughout the queue. Very cool. Hard to photograph, but Robb & Elissa's video shows the effect really well. The raptors chase after the trains as they go through their second launch. BD Wong's Dr. Henry Wu makes an appearance for several videos in the queue. I can't say I expected animatronics to be featured in the queue... Clever girl! I love that they brought Mr. DNA into the queue loops! A look at the double-sided lockers. inGen gets a nod in the exit of the attraction. There is a separate location for single riders to use lockers. A pop-up VelociCoaster Store has been set up at the ground floor of the Jurassic Park Discovery Center, which double's as the exit path for the VelociCoaster. Merch, merch, merch. Walking around Jurassic Park, you can get some more fun views of the coaster in motion. My favorite photo spot because you can see the train move through a ton of different portions of the first half of the coaster. Here is the first launch... Going up... Going down... Heading into the second launch... In the back row you get a bit of hangtime as you move through this element. Hairtime! Prepare to be launched! VelociCoaster is a great addition to the Universal Orlando Resort and a fantastic addition to Central Florida's world-class collection of coasters!

Last bit of this Midwest trip in 07 was spent at Kings Island. Beast at night was a lot of fun. It was kind of challenging to get fun pictures from a lot of rides back then. so you will have to do it with these Thanks for reading, should i continue with updates like this or is nobody interested? such a weird ride. still bummed i did not make it to korea in time. These rides are fun (when done right) most people have a picture like this another weird ride. time to cool down a little talking about weird rides.. grin fun for all ages yeah, 2 trains that's all for today (and midwest 07)

hah. . Universal's response:

So to answer your question, they closed SV about 2 hours before closing on Saturday. They closed Maverick around 1 hour and I believe the same went for MF. Now, for those wondering, did these lines finish out before the park closed? Yes, they did and yes they did open them back up since they extremely over estimated the wait times to push guests to the front of the park. When they opened back up for Maverick they did not reopen FL (many people with it just jumped over to it anyways and they let them on). SV is easier to open FL so it did open back with the line. This resulted in essentially no waits for both so if you were patient and risked it, you did get to ride. They would close the lines back off about 15 minutes before so they would have a strict 8pm closing on both rides. It was a rocky start and as usual rides weren't open, some were broken and they had typical opening day issues. The biggest frustrations I saw from employees and park goers were these new ride line closures and guests becoming extremely upset especially with FL. The persistent ones got to ride though and if you were reasonable the employees gave a "non answer" of sorts if it would open and appreciated reasonable guests just looking to get a few last rides in. Hopefully the park changes this policy since this was definitely the straw that broke the camels back for many people. Customer Service lines were insane with FL Saturday, haha.

Such amazing photos!! I’m so sad to see Firehawk gone. It was such a great ride!! Backlot stunt coaster is such an underrated coaster. That upwards helix is intense!! keep up the posts! I love them!

Looks like you made good use of the KI's Eiffel Tower in a few of these shots.

I didn't have the best of weekends - I had a couple commitments where I didn't worry too much about what I ate. I was focused more on changing a couple other bad habits during the week, which I made a little progress on. Didn't cut certain foods completely out of the diet yet, but I definitely ate them less frequently. Noom has been a help, but I need to get better at doing it every day. I did like the first three days consecutively, then I forgot about it for a couple days. Overall down 3lbs, though.

only been a week since back on the wagon - but down 3.2lbs. hopefully by the end of May will be down under 200 again.

Um. That is why I am here to get a feel of what to expect so we can be prepared? Oh wait. I already clarified that above. LOL

Robb's "theme park idiot" speech is needed here. I have no idea why anyone would think going on opening day after the pandemic, or even opening day in general, would guarantee anything close to a positive experience.

Yeah honestly one of the largest inconveniences of the pandemic has been turning the water fountains off. I've resorted to filling my bottle with tap water from the restrooms at times...

Steel Curtain is expected to open this Friday (possibly with single train operations) if anyone is planning a trip.

(after the video) Oh my. Wow. I mean. Oh. My. Damn. It's. I mean. Wow.....

Agreed, I would wait and see how the crowds are before making a decision on FL+. I went to KI on a weekday in early June a few years ago and the coasters were mostly walk-ons. It could be different this year due to pent up demand, but I'd still wait to make a decision until you see the lines at the park.

No way they sell out on a Wed. If it's crowded and you want it, buy it then.

I love how one of the best coaster types ever is still alive and well to this day. (fight me)

I cant believe people wait in those ridiculous lines.

Single rider line on LR up and running today. Use the Timesaver entrance. Ride ops seemed to be in good spirits this morning. They seemed happy to let folks know they didn't have to wear masks on rides anymore and were doing it often. Crowd was picking up when I left around 11. Beautiful 70s today. Going to get busy, I bet.

Knoebels is great but they don't have a Skyrush. Don't worry about credits and just go to the Skyrush.

There will be no checking. You are on your own. If you've been vaccinated, why would you care. If you haven't, it's clearly a decision you made.

Those of us waiting for a full FDA approval would never lie.

Yeah, it’s been closed for budget since the park reopened last year. I mean “because of Covid” as they say. They run the one at their San Diego park but though so I guess they just don’t care if their west coast guests die of covid by riding the best ride for social distancing ever invented.

Okay, I'm coming around on this new poetry form. !!!! is a brilliant line. You pronounce that chk-chk-chk-chk, right?

^ "a bunch of 80 year olds will die" seriously? how about showing some goddamn empathy, these are PEOPLE you're talking about.

I hope the capacity is really good. That way it would be... ...wait for it... A purple people eater.