carolinacaniac

If you get a chance to go back to BGE, you really should take in the shows, they are some of the best I have seen at any theme park, especially the Irish step-show. My wife and I both loved it. Also, you can't go wrong with the spaghetti and breadsticks at the italian eatery where the "Viva Italia" show takes place, which is a great way to eat and take in a show. Nice pictures to BTW! When you took the shrubbery pic, did that night from near Griffon come and tell you to cut down a tree with a herring?!?!?!?!

You know, I can't really remember. I just know that we saw that at a store in the Westlake Center, which is also where you get on the Monorail to get to the Seattle Center. I would guess that you could look it up online and find it pretty easy.

One thing I will say is that yes, most theme park jobs pay little, and yes the heat can suck, but I think working at Cedar Point made for some of the best times I had. Now I know that it may not be the same since I am talking about cedar point as opposed to six flags, but really, they are the same industry with mostly the same goals for customer service. We were expected to be friendly and helpful for guests, and we also were supposed to pick up any trash we saw. Now I know some people may have had some reservations about picking up trash, but I had a little pride in working at Cedar Point and when I saw trash on the ground, it was kind of like finding trash on my front yard. Like Disneyfan said, you can never make it in hospitality without being at least friendly. You don't have to be all "OMG, I am so wonderfully happy to see you!" like a valley girl off of the movie "Clueless", but you at least have to be a little personable with other people. This is true with anything in customer service.

^OMG, THAT IS TERRIBLE!!!! And yet oh so funny too!!!!

maybe he would have done better starting with an FEC type of facility with some rides, and then build it up as he started making money.

I think he will be alright. Not the first person I thought of for people to replace Bob Barker, but honestly, who can truly replace Bob Barker on the Price is Right? I can't think of anyone who would really be a great replacement on the show. Who knows, maybe it will end up being a disaster like when George Clooney became Batman Val Kilmer did alright, but Micheal Keaton did the best (I havn't seen Batman Begins, but I also kid of think of that as a new line of Batman Movies).

Mine is from me riding the carousel that they have at the Colonial Mall here in Greenville and trying to look terrified. Goofy? of course!

I would say that the big deal out of this is probably the fact that it is 2 bucks to use the locker for up to 3 hours. If it was for the day (even if it was only a one time use thing) or if it was a three hour limit at a smaller or no cost, then people would not be as up set. I think though that people may not care for the fact that you pay more for it than other places on top of the fact that it has a time limit.

I would take a wild guess that the euro fighter will have something to do with spongebob at boating school. I think that would make for a good theme, you take a ride with spongebob and mrs. puff as he fails yet another driver's test. But that is just me I think it will be cool just to have another eurofighter in the U.S. as they seem to be great rides.

I know, I couldn't believe how well we had it for the weather. The day we arrived, dad said that it reached 95 but we got to SeaTac around 9:30 or so that night, and it did not rain until the day we went back to the airport. Washington may have a lot of rain, but it is still a wonderful place. That and July, August and September is usually a time for good weather from what i remember.

I know exactly what you mean Ginzo, Last August I went down to Myrtle Beach for the day to get to the Pavilion before it was closed down. I also went to the Grand Prix and Family Kingdom in the same day. While I am glad I went to the Grand Prix for the Crazy Mouse Credit since it was closed down as well, I think I would have rather spent more time at the Pavilion than Family Kingdom since the Pavilion overall was nicer than FK. Although I did get the extra credit on Swamp Fox the same day. I also thought it would be fun to see if it was possible to do all the coasters in Six Flags America, Kings Dominion and Busch Gardens Europe in one day. While Possible it may not be feasable, but hey, could still be fun! 25 coasters in one day would be pretty fun to me!

^Reon: I know exactly what you mean, I went to the NC State fair last October and they had 2 Wacky Worms, both owned by different carnie companies. You can see them in my TR here: http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=30245&highlight=state+fair ^^65skylark: You know, I have never been to Portland before, even after living in Washington for most of my life. My dad was there not too long ago though for a conference for Head Start. Also, I agree with you that you can learn a lot about where you live when you get out and about more, like I never realized how much it did rain in Seattle until I moved to NC. ^^^ECZenith: Thank You, both for the congradulations and the comment on the TR. Melissa and I have been doing well together for about two years and marriage hasn't changed it And I always thought it was cool too when people had pictures of other things in the area to compliment the parks. Seattle isn't big in the amusement park industry, but there is still quite a bit to do out there. ^^^^Jahan We actually didn't quite venture out that far south on this trip, that may be on the plan for next time. I have been out there myself twice though, I even have some ash stored in a pepsi bottle somewhere in my closet. Thanks to you aswell for the compliment ^^^^^rock401 Have you had a chance to take the ferry across to Bainbridge Island or Bremerton yet? If you take the Bainbridge Ferry, make sure to head into Poulsbo and stop by Central Market for some great pizza! (If you like Pizza that is). Thanks to you as well ^^^^^^ Coaster Crazed: It could be possible, I remember when looking out the window there were tons of houses all around. One thing that I thought was really neat about Logan was that it is so close to downtown as opposed to say Detroit Metro which is not as close, so you don't get to see as much when landing. BTW, who did Boston play when you went? did they win? I am pulling for them to beat out the Yanks for the East title this year, can't stand that team Now that I did all of that typing, I will go ahead and post the rest of my pictures from our northwest adventure. On the 14th, we went to good old Wild Waves Theme Park (Formerly known as Wild Waves and Enchanted Village). The last time I had been there was in June 1999, just before we moved to North Carolina. The place has changed quite a bit since I was there last, but a lot of things were still there. The ride selection is not bad, although while we were there we did not do many of the flats for we went on TimberHawk 3 times, Wild Thing once, and I rode the Kiddie Coaster with my step nephew Kris once. The rest of the time was at the water-side of the park. I had ridden Wild Thing before, which was rather smooth for an arrow loop-screw, but TimberHawk (#134) and the Kiddie Coaster (#135) were both new for me. Melissa did not think TimberHawk was all that grand, and while I agreed with her that it does not do a lot for airtime other than two quick pops, it had a unique layout and is pretty smooth for a non-intamin plug-n-play woodie. I always felt the the water park itself could be more worth an indivdual addmission alone more so than Soak City at Cedar Point, but that is just me. I didn't get a lot of flat ride pictures since we did not ride any, but I hope you all won't be too disapointed Here thay are. Good bye old friend, I hope to see you again sooner than 8 years. Thank you all for checking out my TR. Hope you all enjoyed. Wild Thing in the Loop. As I said before, quite smooth for an arrow looper. One last parting picture of TimberHawk. While it isn't the most exciting coaster, it is at least a fun ride. I do recommend it if you stop by Wild Waves. "Fly like a TimberHawk........" I guess that just dosn't flow off the tounge as well, huh? SEE!!!!! I think this is a better angle for the train. Melissa: "How many pictures can you possibly take of a mediocore woodie?" Gary: "NOT ENOUGH!" Signature "Picture taken from the station as the coaster goes on the track near the station" Picture. You know, everyone on this site that does a TR seems to have at least one lift hill picture. But who is going to have the balls to say "NO, I WILL NOT POST ONE!!!!" Well, it isn't me, cause I just keep doing it Another "Gary Holds Camera and takes picture of both himself and Melissa" Picture. It seems to have become a bit of a signature of ours. "Grrrr, I am the TimberHawk! I don't know what that is exactly, but fear me!!!!!!!" This was actually a wicked little ride, I got jabbed in the ribs at one point at the bottom of the helix. Gary: Credit # 135 Kris: Credit # 1 Train full of Northwesterners. TimberHawk's station. Looks kind of like a barn to me I see wood!!!! Ahh, good old Carp waiting for you too feed them catfood! It was funny to watch the goose walk on them trying to get to the food before they did. The lake area in the middle of the park. I think it would be cool if they did a sort of boardwalk around the whole lake with more rides and games around it. And there is the bad news about the Klondike Gold Rusher. Looks like I will have to settle for two new coasters today, but hey, more reason to come back to Washington! The entrance has been changed, and looks pretty good. Signature coaster through trees shot. This time featuring Wild Thing. Klondike Gold Rusher through the trees, which I would find out bad news about later. After exiting and doing what seems like a half-mile loop to go through Federal Way, you come to the old sign with the old logo still on it! And here I thought only Cedar Fair did that. "Hey Jahan.......How's it going?" A little teaser if you are heading north on I-5 for the park, going completly past it to get to it's exit. Me and Kris trying our best to be "cool"

Visited: Carowinds (1) Kings Dominion (2) Six Flags America (2) Busch Gardens Europe (2) Cedar Point (2)(2 day trip) Fun Forest-Seattle (1) Wild Waves (1) Possibly to come later: -Kings Dominion, Carowinds or a Six Flags Park in late August -Busch Gardens Europe in October

Indeed Robb. Seems like you have great relations with many of the parks based on what you post on the website and what you have mentioned to me before. Great reports!!! It almost looks like GCI would have a hard time making a bad coaster. I know you said Thunderhead was overrated, but would I be wrong to assume that you and possibly others at least think it is better than many other wood coasters out there? Your updates are making me wanna do a trip more and more next year. Europe would be an awesome trip, but I think Texas (should it happen) would be more in my price range for next year. Gary "Always enjoy a good Robb Alvey update" Taylor

Next Update!!! These pictures were from our trip into Seattle for the day of the 13th. Melissa and I went around town for the morning and afternoon, then my Dad met up with us for the Mariners game that night against Detroit. I even got a couple credits too thanks to the Fun Forest at the Seattle Center. They included a kiddie coaster that I think was called Rainbow Chaser (#132), and a Windstorm coaster, much like the Hurricane at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (#133). I have been to the Seattle Center many times, but this is only the second time I have ever been on any rides at the Fun Forest. Rainbow Chaser was a fun little ride, and while I enjoyed Windstorm, Melissa suffered from the turn of doom as she banged her arm on the side of the car, Ouch! As for the game, Seattle lost 6-3 It's okay though, it was still a good day. If not tomarrow, I hope to have the rest of the pictures from the trip out west up by Sunday which will be mostly from our day at Wild Waves. And I end this update with the game in progress. The next and last update will have my collection of pictures from our day at Wild Waves in Federal Way! Melissa only likes this picture because it make her appear to be an angel when she can be viciously evil! (Just Kidding, she is a wonderful person, and I am glad she is in my life!) Melissa and I at Safeco Feild for the Mariners game, too bad they lost to Detroit After the Seattle Center, we met up with dad near Pike Place Market. Melissa loves the market and I can't blame her, it is a really nice place. I would recommend it to anyone going to Seattle. The International Fountain of the Seattle Center And there is the turn of Doom. While I like this ride, Melissa thought Windstorm blew. The northside of town, where the University of Washington is located. If you look you can see Husky Stadium. The waterfront of Seattle, better known as Elliot Bay Qwest and Safeco again The two of us again, this time 520 ft. up! My wonderful wife and the Skyline of my old hometown, what a wonderful pair in my view View of Windstorm from the Space Needle, 520 ft up Here we have Donald, Condalezza, Dick and George all linked together As we are about to go up the Space Needle, we see this little political specticle, which I couldn't agree more!" "Yeay!!!!! only 578 more to go until I catch him!!!!!" "I wonder if Jeff has his Rainbow Chaser Credit?" Some people want to be like Tiger Woods or Derek Jeter, but not me. I wanna be just like Jeff Johnson!!!! The Space Needle towers above us The front of the Monorail, which runs more than Metro at SFMM! Is that a credit I see? IT IS! Although we will get to that one later. Inside the Monorail on our way to the Seattle Center Our friend Sean is a huge Borat fan, he would have loved this shirt. BEST DRESS CODE EVER!!!! Melissa is trying to fit in here in Seattle, especially with all the coffee shops, cause coffee shops are to Seattle what trash cans are to any Cedar Fair Park! This is THE original Starbucks, and now there are some 13 thousand stores in the whole world I think? This is where the fish fly, but not many people were buying fish, so they did not fly ofton. The famous sign of the Pike Place Market, home of the flying fish! Well, I dunno if this was an erotic day yet HAMMER TIME!!!! Outside of SAM (Seattle Art Museum) While in downtown, you can find all sorts of these pigs all over with different themes and designs, although you can't see it in this pic, this was a bobble head pig. The Space Needle, nearly the official symbol of Seattle The skyline is now a little closer Melissa, taken as a test to see if the camera still worked after I dropped it Looks good to me! Qwest Field and Safeco Field, homes of two of my favorite sports teams. The only one not here is the RBC Center, but that belongs in Raleigh. Melissa and I with the Skyline Melissa enjoying the view from the Ferry of Seattle There it is, just off in the distance, The Emerald City! Newly Weds on our way to Seattle! The U.S.S. Turner Joy Bremerton's Naval Shipyard The new waterfront area of Bremerton Well, looks like anyone not on yet will have to wait an hour for the next one. ON TO SEATTLE!!! "Who-he-ha-ha, who-he-ha-ha, who-he-ha-ha. From this day forward, you will now be known as Sharkbait!" Here come the cars onto the ferry The Bremerton Ferry Terminal, much nicer than the old one from about 5 or more years ago. A fountain they added near the Ferry terminal in Bremerton. The whole waterfront area has been revamped since I was last out here in 2003.

Hey everybody, The past two weeks have been a lot of fun for Melissa and I with getting married on the 7th, two days at Cedar Point (where we met), and we just got back from our week long visit in Washington. Today I only have time to post a few pictures to start, but either tomarrow or sunday I will add pictures from out day in Seattle and our day at Wild Waves. We stayed with my dad and step-mom who live in Bremerton (an hour from Seattle). My step-nephew Kris lives with them and you all will get to see him in a later update. The pictures I have for now are from the day we flew into Seattle and the day after. I didn't take many pictures, but here is what I have to share thus far! This was from our little tour of Bremerton at the Kitsap Mall. I just thought it would be cool to go old school, what do you think? More to come soon! Mt. Rainer, always a welcome sight, greeting us to the great Pacific Northwest. This was our plane to Seattle. A 737-800 which was much bigger than our last plane. It was still a LOOOONG flight to Seattle (5.5 Hours). The Boston Skyline. I kind of wish we would have had the time to go check the town out. Oh well, that will be another time. This was our bus-with-wings that we flew in from Raleigh-Durham to Boston. Not a bad flight but it was a tiny plane. Yeah, I was way to damn excited to go back to Washington, but I spent the first half of my life there, so can you blame me? Melissa is happy to go the furthest west she has ever been, before, the furthest west she had been was Chicago.

A couple years ago I went with my sister and two friends to the Carolina Theatre in Durham to see Stephen Lynch. The cd's are great but nothing can match seeing the guy live! Especially when he and Mark Tiech go on and on about Nazis!

Personally, I am not much of a fan of the NBA because to me it seems like it is all about offense and most teams seem to have a ball hog or two. At least in college basketball there is more of a team effort and you hear a bit more about defense. But then again, maybe I havn't watched enough to notice.

Sonic Boom looks like a great thrill. I don't think it would do well for a major theme park just because of the fact that it appears to have a really low capacity, but it would be better off at a FEC type of place. I wonder how it's reliability is?

^Not sure if anyone had a video camera there or not, but when we get back from Seattle and if her aunt Karen caught pictures from the moment, I will post them

The first gravity defying coaster at good old Enchanted Village, I love it!!! Dominator at PKD? That could be interesting if that happend, but in the bus parking lot? Why does that sound like scream to me?

Melissa had heard about the promotion by Six Flags for 07/07/07. She thought I would have been begging her to agree to do it. But instead we went with the traditional church wedding. I don't think I would personally care to have done it any other way. But everyone has their choices, and those who chose to go with a coaster based wedding probably had a great time. Melissa and I had a great time with our plain old fashioned wedding, especially when her maid of honor passed out, that was a classic moment.

anyone think it may be possible that the kid had swimming lessons before and the parents thought it might be okay for the kid to go? I am not trying to say it was right to let the kid in there, but just thinking of possible reasons for the kid being in the pool. I do hope for the best for the family regardless of the situation

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Hey everyone. Just thought I would let everyone know that this past saturday, Melissa and I were married at New Hope Church in Camden, MI. We made up one of many, many weddings on 07/07/07. When we get back from our trip here in Seattle, I am going to scan and post a picture we had taken on Millennium Force at Cedar Point the day after the wedding. Her Aunt Karen was our photographer for the day, and when she sends us the disks, I will post some select pictures from the wedding. For anyone (which I am sure may be a lot more than I am willing to admit) who is not very familiar with myself or Melissa, you can see us in the trip report I posted about our trip to Charlotte back in April. http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=34414&highlight=concord+mills Gary "glad I have a significant other who likes to ride coasters with me" Taylor