Electerik

^ I am surprised and chagrined. /Erik's theory: 0

Sure, I remember Sean from the RRC days. Pretty sure I would have recognized him if I'd run across him in the park. It's funny that I parked right next to his car, though. Actually, it was Misty who spotted it. I was too busy looking at the big shiny roller coasters.

Great photos! Holiday World is one of my favorites.

Except that it's height restriction is 48", which is the same as The Beast, Vortex, Son of Beast, etc. Fair enough. To be honest, not having kids, I really don't even look at the height restrictions most of the time. Backlot Stunt Coaster just felt like a family coaster to me. I totally agree with you, though. It's all part of Cedar Fair's approach to safety: The fewer people who can ride, the fewer people who can potentially get hurt. /Wonders how many CF management types can actually ride their own coasters.

It was supposed to be just a driving day. Then, looking at the atlas, Misty says, "Is there anything interesting in Cincinnati?" "Well...." Okay, which one of you other losers was at King’s Island on Friday? Okay, so instead of two hours, it was more like seven. And we still have a long drive home. But, at least I got this exciting King’s Island T-shirt! The best part of this photo is the little kid amazed at how childish we are. The interior queue. I’m so glad we stopped for this. It was really good! Wait, what’s this? A shooting dark ride? Well, I guess a few more minutes in the park wouldn’t hurt anything.... And that’s just awesome. Looked fun, but the line was too long for the time we had. Walking out through the Nickelodeon section. I didn’t even know King's Island had a train. (Super double awesome photo by speedmetal.) World’s biggest dippin' dots stand. Also, the train station. I thought this section was interesting. The way they’re just kind of dumped in here, it looks like it might actually be possible for boats to pass each other. Hey, I hiked all this way, so you’re gonna get a picture or two. Um, yeah. Anyone who complains about Dueling Dragons’ queue being long has never walked down White Water Canyon’s exit path. Misty was really impressed by the inclusion of "pants." Let’s just run down to the observation area and get a quick photo or two! Not sure what all the effects even are, but I didn’t notice anything obviously missing. What a great family coaster! The trains are slightly cramped, but I guess that fits the Mini Cooper theme. And I love the little doors! And it was awesome. A bit short, but that’s never been a deal-breaker for me. This would be my first Italian Job/Backlot Stunt Coaster. One more coaster before we leave. How about that one? I was kind of thinking that Diamondback’s splash area was lame, since there’s no way for bystanders to get wet--but it’s actually much more visible from the midways than I’d thought. Two coasters, three trains. Can’t beat that. Firehawk and Racer. Neither were on the agenda for today. I know it’s insane, but there’s a little part of me that really believes Cedar Fair removed Son of Beast’s loop just to rub in its victory. That's Adventure Express in the foreground. We did ride that, and we both liked it. Challenge Park, or X-Treme Action Cool Zone, or some such nonsense. The oddly-named Runaway Reptar. For some reason, I didn’t get to go up in the Eiffel Tower on my previous visit. Wait…Ohio law forbids dropping objects? Must suck to play for the Reds. So imagine my surprise when Misty didn’t like it--especially after she liked Iron Dragon! Top Gun/Flight Deck is actually my favorite suspended coaster, and one of my favorite coasters of any kind. Yeah, just kidding. Okay, we don’t have much time. Which one should we ride? This pirate ship was lame in its swinging, but terrifying in its crazy noises. This is the Festhaus. You know, like at Busch Gardens. Inside, you’ll find Panda Express, LaRosas Pizza, video games, and TV monitors playing country music. Parents, tell your kids about theming...or Cedar Fair will. I guess King’s Island has different "themed" sections...supposedly. I rode this back when it had over-the-shoulder restraints, and found it fairly head-bangy. Even having gone to lapbars only, I think it might actually be a worse ride now: violent, slow, jolty and weird. I can’t even imagine it with the old OTSR still on. Inside the Flight of Fear queue. Granted. King’s Island is very “coaster built way outside the berm.” Not that there actually is a berm, mind you. Vortex. Maybe next time. It’s notoriously hard to photograph, though. This is the best I could do. It’s an okay ride. Might be better if it was a bit smoother--in fact, it should really just be steel, now that I think about it. Misty’s first visit to King’s Island and first ride on The Beast. I think she liked it. I nominate Beast for worst coaster entrance ever. Such an historically important and well-regarded ride deserves better than playing second-fiddle to a bunch of drink machines. Cool. What else have we got? We rode once in the outside back seats, and once in the inside front seats. It’s very similar to like SFOG’s Goliath, in my opinion--except that where Goliath sits me down hard in the front seat during the second half of the ride, Diamondback sits me down hard in the back seat during the first half of the ride. Both are excellent, but I still prefer Apollo. I guess I’m an old-school B&M hypercoaster kind of guy. The plan was to spend maybe two hours in the park, ride Diamondback and maybe Flight Deck, and then get back on the road. Yeah.... I’d only been to King’s Island once before this visit, in 2000--the year of Millennium Force vs. Son of Beast.

I suspect that it largely depends on whether you're comparing it to Spider-Man or not. Judged in a vacuum, DarKastle is pretty amazing. But compared to its obvious inspiration, it feels like a bit of a poor copy. You know, like how Coldplay might sound really original if you'd never heard Radiohead.

Great photos! Personally, I would have liked more captions to go with them--but I'm weird. Still, very nice. Thanks for posting it.

I can't recall ever seeing a TR for ValleyFair's water park. Thanks!

Lots of great reaction shots there! You may simply have been joking, of course--but, Dragster very specifically forbids riders from putting their arms up. In fact, during at least the first year of operation, they would actually hold the launch if anyone tried it. They did seem to have relaxed a bit on my last visit, but there's still an autospiel to that effect to riders waiting to launch.

^^ Dude, you totally just out-nerded me.

At this point, the distinction between amusement parks and theme parks is mostly semantic. Basically, the term "theme park" was created as a way to distinguish oneself from the old, dirty "amusement park." But, of course, there are no rules as to how a park may label itself. And time has marched on from there anyway. I also think the GP have latched onto "theme park" because it's shorter and easier to say than "amusement park," which has only served to confuse matters further. This might just be one of those things in life that you have to let go of, man.

That was terrifying. But thanks for posting it.

Monday, May 18th & Tuesday, May 19. The best one (and the closest to Cedar Point) is the dairy itself, located at 3717 Venice Road, Sandusky, OH 44870. Make sure you post an ice cream report!

I'm going for the South, simply because of all the "open all year" parks. Of course, the West has that going on as well, but...yeah, let's go with the South.

Love the "Holdy Spike" photo! I'm really fond of those Arrow mice. As a matter of fact--and even though it's kind of weird--I consider "them" one of my top ten coasters. I haven't been on this particular one, though. When do they run Wild Thing unbraked? /Been to ValleyFair as a kid. Really need to go back.

Yes, well, Misty and I seemed to be the only ones. Everyone around us loved it. *shrugs* I guess that's why they make chocolate and vanilla. That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard. A reminder to yourself...that you're doing what you're doing? I really wonder about Cedar Fair sometimes. My theory was that it was to draw that guest's attention to the fact that you had checked their restraint--which is also stupid, but I like it better. Yes, though, I did enjoy my visit. It's not, ultimately, my kind of park--but it's still better than sitting on the couch...or working. On a side note: It's funny to me how many enthusiasts seem to think that Millennium Force is "overrated," yet it placed #2 in the US in Mitch's most recent Steel Coaster Poll. Kind of makes me wonder what "overrated" even means....

The shot of MF's line was actually during early entry, as we bought Platinum Annual Passes. And, no, not a Saturday. We went in briefly on Sunday night, then all day Monday and Tuesday. I figured the lines would be fairly short during the first week of daily operations, but there were lots and lots of school kids there both days. And, of course, all the downtime made the lines for the things that were working that much worse. I discovered Toft's while working at the park, also. I was on the opening crew of MF back in 2000. I had never been to the park prior to working there, and just figured that I would love it. Instead, I found the place highly mediocre. I liked my ride, though.

As an ice cream enthusiast (and card carrying member of ICE), I frequently travel to far off regions of the country to sample different ice cream establishments. I’m always on the lookout for the latest and greatest. But my number one ice cream parlor has, for a long time now, been Toft’s Dairy in Sandusky, Ohio. What makes Toft’s so special? It’s not just a high percentage of butterfat. It’s also the fact that they’re one of the very few dairies left that still cook their vanilla base rather than cold whipping it. Toft’s has remained family-owned for over 100 years, with just three parlor locations: Sandusky (adjacent to the dairy itself), Port Clinton, and Fremont. So when news reached me of a new, fourth location--located inside the world’s largest amusement park--I just had to see for myself. This is my report: Now that's what I call a successful trip. (Photo by speedmetal.) I'll have the "Herd of Cows," please. (Photo by speedmetal.) Yes! Despite all the mechanical problems, brainless "safety" policies, and complete indifference to anything that can't be marketed as the biggest of something, Cedar Point now has a Toft's and that makes it cool. Didn't ride Maxair on this trip, but I do like it. CP also has an observation tower. Maybe we can use that to find this pesky ice cream parlor! Kiddy Kingdom, Wicked Twister, Giant Wheel, Troika, Disaster Transport, and Maxair. Looking down the beach towards Magnum. (Photo by speedmetal.) The Giant Wheel offers a nice view of the park. How much does CP like seatbelts? This is their Ferris Wheel. Disaster Transport's load station. In fact, thanks for making me feel like a huge fat ass in general. I've never had any problems at any other park. But at Cedar Point, I constantly feel like I'm on the verge of being kicked off half the rides. Normally, I like Intamin Impulse Coasters. But this one hurts me. The problem is the tiny little seatbelt. I basically have to pull the restraint down so hard on my chest that I can barely breath to get the thing buckled. Note: not my stomach, my chest. Thanks, CP. If you look closely, you can see Smisty at 9 o' clock. My gosh...it's almost...themed. Planet Snoopy...not to be confused with Camp Snoopy. Because that's how big Cedar Point is. That one got in the wrong box. So Misty bought it. (Photo by speedmetal.) A sort of photo op playground thing inside the gift shop. The various wares. Smisty really enjoyed the Snoopy Boutique. Corkscrew being its normal uncomfortable but photogenic self. You definitely know you've ridden something. What can I say about Top Thrill Dragster? It's really fun, but almost too intense. Baby, I'm ready to go! Or maybe it's finally just old enough that it's crossed over into "funky" territory for me. Whatever, I liked it. In fact, for the first time ever, I actually wanted to ride again. That's some serious sign mojo. I think I finally found a seat I like on Magnum: the penultimate one. I tend to be pretty forgiving about downtime. But, at a certain point, it sort of has to become the park's fault. Something was definitely not right with the amount of downtime we experienced. On the other hand, the new sign really improved the ride. Ooh, pretty. (Photo by speedmetal.) It's kind of like the Jungle Cruise. Er...well, I did say "kind of." This ride shrinks a bit every few years. It may be the closest thing CP has to an immersive ride experience at this point. Woodstock Express: Now with seatbelts that must be individually released by the ride operator! I think this photo gives some of the flavor of the park. Gemini only ran one side both Monday and Tuesday--often with quite a line (probably because of all the downtime on the more popular rides). Still, that's a disappointment I wouldn't normally expect from CP. Whereas going from the back of the park to the middle will take you through "Boneville." I recommend both. The train ride has two stations. Going from the middle of the park to the back will get you some good views of Millennium, Maverick, and Mean Streak. Cedar Creek, presumably. Arrow: "We're Just Guessing" The best of CP's three (admittedly similar) car rides, the Antique Cars. It was really fun, but (like most of CP's flat rides) ridiculously short. (Photo by speedmetal.) Skyhawk...as opposed to a groundhawk. Snake River Falls. Dig the ride op climbing the lift. Where Cedar Point sends its history to die. (In truth, I did see more nods to the past throughout the park than I ever have before. I was actually kind of impressed.) Mean Streak. Um...it was better than Maverick. It was like getting kicked in the nuts and karate-chopped by a little gay ninja the whole frigging way. Once was enough for me. Also, the transitions would have sent Ron Toomer back to his drawing board. Making the prospect of strong airtime considerably less appealing. I don't know if it's my weird body shape or what, but my nuts were completely squashed by the seat horn just sitting in the station. All that's left of White Water Landing. So...I'm not quite sure how to say this...but Maverick sucked. I went out of my way to take this. So he'd better appreciate it. You are guilty of liking Knott's more than Cedar Point! We shall leave you here until we've ruined Knott's enough that you change your mind! (Photo by speedmetal.) This always makes me happy. Now if I could just find that ice cream shop.... The Frontier Trail kind of ruins CP's concrete and trashcans theming. In case you're wondering about the layout. Or need to buy me a gift for some reason. Well, the people in the front liked it. How did the rest of you like it in the rear? Other than the seatbelts being shorter and some random pirate theming on the island, the ride is still the same: Awesome. I don't think Misty liked it on our first ride, but it grew on her. New thing: On nearly every ride, the operators say "check" to you as they check your restraint. It's really odd. My favorite roller coaster since the day it opened. Two trains is relatively easy at Cedar Point. Banshee We never made it onto Wildcat, unfortunately. I was hoping the park would be slightly less busy than it turned out to be. Misty surprised me by really liking Iron Dragon. This photo pretty much sums up the park for me: Lots of coasters and lots of concrete. And they aren't kidding. One of the few things left at CP that might be described as "funky." Cedar Point has three seperate car rides. None experienced significant downtime while we were there. Raptor looking squashed above Cedar Downs. This was our choice for lunch on the first day, primarily because it was one of the few places that hasn't been turned into a Panda Express or a Subway. And I'm normally against that kind of thing--however, I'm pretty sure that's how I got my Toft's here, so I guess I have to give CP a pass on that one. Such an odd looking ride. Here we are stuck on Blue Streak. Almost all of the rides were plagued with significant downtime during the three days we were there. (I find it best to spread my ice cream eating out over several days.) Raptor and Blue Streak, as seen from the marina. Coolest coaster tag line ever: Raptor Rules The Sky! I think Cedar Point ignores their rich heritage far too much. So I always appreciate little acknowledgments like this one. Misty's first visit to Cedar Point. We got there a little early. We do that. Though Cedar Point has never really been my kind of park, it's hard to argue with a skyline like that. Plus, there's ice cream over there somewhere! (Photo by speedmetal.) They even have a Millennium Force flavor. I didn't try it, though. I mean, come on, vanilla? I'd be laughed out of ICE. I'll stick with my Caveman Chocolate, thank you. This is a small. (Sorry, I ate a little before I thought to take a picture.) Price: $2.55 with tax. The inside. Hooray, we're here!

Depends on the sign. /Wait...what?

Even on Top Spins? I recall one strapless Top Spin ride with my finger on the bridge of my wanting-to-fall-off glasses throughout. Like Radiohead says, gravity always wins. Yeah, but I do worry about it on those--hand hovering and all that. Still, no problems. I did lose 'em on that little butterfly slide at Dollywood's Splash Country, though. Anyway, my point isn't so much that everyone can or should wear them on everything. Do what makes you feel the most comfortable, within the park's rules. (Of course, I usually bring my old pair with me on trips, just in case....) /Also, Radiohead rules.

No. It just seemed wrong. Actually, I saw another guest using it before I saw the sign, and I thought it was hers! Good thing I didn't yell at her for it....

Glasses policies are very inconsistent from one park to another, but they're all intended to prevent injury to all riders. (However, intention does not necessarily equal logic. Still, you have to go with what the park asks.) I wear my glasses on every ride that allows it (even Top Spins and such, on the rare occasions I ride those). And I only wear a strap if park policy requires it (Cedar Point, for example). I've never had any problems. In my opinion, the details of park policy seems to depend largely on whether or not the people who set said policy wear glasses themselves. /I agree with Holiday World. The safest place for (properly-fitted prescription) glasses is on your face.

I think I actually started out on Alt.Disney.Disneyland before I migrated over to Rec.Roller-Coaster. I don't look at too many Disney-specific sites anymore, but I do like MiceAge. Thanks, Robb.

Just an FYI: In a day or two, we'll be leaving for a coaster trip outside the area. Which means that this thread probably isn't going to be updated for at least a couple of weeks. I'm sure you're all heartbroken--but fear not, more adventures shall be forthcoming!

^ You didn't go at the right time.