FeelTheFORCE

I would guess mostly walk-ons except for I305 and Volcano. That's how it was when I went in August of 2010, so I would guess April would be even lighter.

I'm not sure if I believe in them or not, but there is one occurrence that really stands out. This happened to my uncle (dad's brother), and occurred after my grandfather (dad's father) passed away back in 2003. My grandfather had been in a nursing home for a few months, and hospice for a few weeks before hand, so it wasn't a shock or anything that he passed away. When my relatives, my dad and uncle included, got the word that he may be taking a turn for the worse, they all went to the nursing home to say their last goodbyes. The next part needs prefaced by saying that for some reason, my grandfather always hated when someone left the porch light on at his house. I don't know whether it was because of the electric bill or what have you, but he definitely made sure that light was off every night before he went to bed. Back to the story, after he had passed away, everyone went to my grandma's house to be with her and comfort her. At the time, my uncle was living with my grandma, so before he went to bed he purposely left that porch light on and uttered the words, "this is for you, dad." The next morning, one of the fairly large and heavy square-shaped candles that was on the dining room table was found on the floor all the way on the other side of the room. Now, there is no way that thing could have rolled, and it was definitely way too heavy for the wind or something to have done that. I like to think it was my grandfather, angry that the porch light was left on.

"Every single coaster they introduce," or at least the majority, is some form of a prototype or new design that has been previously untested, or tested very little. There isn't much data and/or previous models to go on when most Intamin coasters are first built, so these kind of things are going to occur when wondering into uncharted territory as often as they do. Having the 'trial and error' approach is really the best they can do. Everything can look great on paper, but they'll never know until they actually try it, and not everything is going to be a success. This isn't just V2 either, WT at Cedar Point is the same way (as is every other Impulse, I'm sure)...it eats through wheels, has had new seats, chassis', belts, etc.

The three choices on CP's Facebook are... Dragster H2O Aqua Racer Runaway Racer ...with Dragster H2O leading by a huge margin.

After days and days of trying, I FINALLY beat Juan Pablo Montoya's time in this month's "King of the Track" event on Forza 4. That was the hardest one yet!

No, I never said no theming whatsoever should be used. They themed the important areas that guests will notice, and left the unneeded areas unthemed, achieving a perfect balance. Keep in mind that Busch still has to follow a budget, and isn't Disney or Universal with basically unlimited money that can build $100+ million attractions/expansions at will. Perhaps more extensive theming was on the table at one point in the development stages, but they axed some of it for a better ride experience. Would you rather have more theming, but a shorter and duller ride (i.e. Terminator/Apocalypse at SFMM) or a better ride experience and a bit less theming/detailing. I don't know about you, but I vote the latter. And even then, who says they still don't plan on adding some smaller little details? It's not like this is opening tomorrow. Using your logic, Universal should have added millions upon millions of unnecessary dollars to the Harry Potter expansion by theming the entire Forbidden Journey ride building, instead of just the front facade, right? Even though you can barely see the building, except in a select few areas of Jurassic Park.

Why should they unnecessarily waste that much extra money on something no one is going to notice anyway? That will be the fastest part of the ride, will it not? I highly doubt someone is going to come off the ride extremely disappointed because the footers at the bottom of the drop weren't shaped like rocks...let alone even notice them in the first place.

My only definites so far are Kennywood and Cedar Point. I'm currently planning a trip to Canada's Wonderland that is tentative based on my vacation time being approved. I also would like to go to Hershey to try out Skyrush, but that's no guarantee...more of a play it by ear type of deal.

Just a random picture of my Nova SS 396...

^ I've felt that also on Maverick. I always thought that was very interesting! ^ Also, regarding TTD and KK, I would guess it has to do with maintenance, as others have said and hinted at. Six Flags and Cedar Fair probably maintain what are essentially the exact same ride in completely different ways. Parks develop maintenance and operational tricks and techniques over the years that perhaps some use and others don't, or aren't aware of. It might take some time and growing pains, but CW will also develop little tricks and techniques for Leviathan to help better maintain it and run more efficiently.

Yeah I can't stand it on mine either. Luckily I don't need two plates, but I'm still looking for a plate badge to cover up that flat spot. For reference, here are some pictures of the plate relocation, and here are some of the front badge.

As far as I know, every Impreza has that, no matter which state you purchase it. You can't just buy a new bumper without that part, unless you buy an aftermarket bumper or body kit...but then you're paying in the thousands and have to deal with fitment issues, drilling, stretching, painting/color-matching, etc. You could always buy a Grimmspeed relocation kit if you think it looks better on the side. There are also many companies that sell plate badges to give that area a more 'clean' look.

^ Cool collection! I also collect model cars (primarily 1:18), and started when I was about 6 or 7. It's been a good while since I've bought one because I ran out of room, but I do plan on continuing my collection. I own about 50-60, but only have room to display about 30. If I can get some decent pictures, I'll post some.

That reminds me, I could've sworn I saw a closed dark ride (I'd assumed it was a generic haunted shooting one) near Blue Streak. I believe it was a low, gray building. Am I insane? And if I'm not, what is it in reality? You are not insane! It was called The Pirate Ride. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpsR3Dkrr9M

Sounds awesome! Can't wait to see everything with their new lights!

Very cool! Thanks for sharing!

Rumors have it that the chip for the next Xbox (code-named "Oban") begun development in the fall of 2011 by IBM and Global Foundries. I could definitely see a small announcement coming, and you know if one company does it, they both have to. I wouldn't expect it to be anything more than Nintendo's very vague and brief Wii U "announcement" (if you can even call it that), though.

I preordered it from Amazon to get the LE upgrade for free. I'm glad I did because Axel is a kickass character, and TM Black was a cool incentive. I had been looking to re-buy that.

Yeah, I mean they should totally spotlight a team like, say the Columbus Blue Jackets! That would definitely attract more fans!

Malkamania can't be stopped.

I guess what I have been trying to say is that I believe if Cedar Point finds a suitable plot of land to build whatever it is they want to build, they're going to build it. I'm not denying the boaters have some influence...over small things (employee movie nights, queue music adjusting, laser show times, maintenance loudness, etc. are all minor convenience adjustments). But I still have a hard time believing they would have much say when it comes to a major $25+ million investment. You said it yourself, they complained about Millennium Force being too loud, but it was obviously built, and I don't see any scream/noise shields going up anytime soon, like those on Silver Star at Europa Park. I'm not doubting either of you have a vast knowledge-base on Cedar Point, as I'm sure you do and I respect that, this is just my opinion.

^ Cedar Point's management hasn't changed, and Kinzel still remains on the board of directors.

Then going back to what I already said, they wouldn't have any trouble at all filling vacant spaces. Having a mindset like that would not surprise me one bit, as Cedar Fair is not exactly the epitome of "guest service."

Boaters probably make up a small fraction of the park's revenue. Upholding a good image and performing positive PR moves is all well and good, but in the end they are a corporate business. They probably won't cancel building some new state of the art roller coaster that could potentially attract a significant amount of guests from all over the world just because some local "boaters" think it's going to be too loud or annoying.

Times change. If they don't like it, I'm sure there is a long waiting list of people who would.