HogarthOK

It's kinda sad really. I think "IOA theming level" was part of the goal. Bad location, not enough rides, cost way too much to build, but we enjoyed our trip to the park. If it had opened in, say, 2002, it would've had a number of good years, and added a few more coasters in the interim. While I can't debate the owner's misguided intentions, the *result* had potential. (Certainly more than, say, Wild West World.)

No debate on that point. I just want Big D to have more coasters.

Dude, if Dollywood could afford Led Zeppelin, I might need a tissue. All Dollywood needs to go from AWESOME to FLAWLESS would be a nice B&M. H

Don't be nervous. The ride is quite tame compared to Dragster. It is, however, fun.

It's also a very unimaginative B&M, with the worst rattle of any B&M I've been on. We still had fun, but only because we were already in Myrtle Beach. Without a decent hypercoaster or something more interesting, the park is toast.

I think HRP was uniquely hit by the "American kids go back to college, exchange students tend to still need a gig" vibe. Everyone I ran into had an Eastern European accent. W/e. Probably would've been much better in May.

Thirded. We went last week, and while we had a good time -- when the sun came out, there was not nearly enough protection anywhere. Granted, there's Slippery When Wet, and Reggae River Falls, but they're only worth a few moments of cooling ability. (plus you are assaulted by children) Zep really does have a bit of a rattle to it, but it's still a good ride. I'd rather be on Patriot any day of the week, though. Nights in White Satin is surprisingly good. I expected it to be fairly dull but it was *really* trippy and quite a visual delight if you like that sort of thing. Maximum RPM loads FOREVER but the Karaoke Queue is worth a chuckle (and the hostesses are hot). Food is pretty good, too, although service is exceedingly slow. Props to them for not serving just the basics! (I had a Black & Blue Burger, My Mom and Wife had really good Fish & Chips, and another in our party had a Prime Rib Sandwich.) They have dropped the daily price to $45 -- not a good sign for the park's stamina -- and while it's still more than some parks, it's a BARGAIN for a Myrtle Beach attraction. Also note if you would be going with kids who are too old for kiddie rides but not yet 48", they're gonna be real bored. They can't ride even Slippery When Wet, which is extremely tame. I would *NOT* ever take a trip just to go there -- but if you're IN MB for any other reason, it's **definitely** worth going. H

This season had a really sweet mama duck near the Wave Swinger and Maverick, nesting in the spring. 8 eggs, if I recall. She just sat there and sat there.. Really sweet temperment. My wife gave her some bread.. all the red tags and blue tags knew the duck was there, too, and occasionally would check in on her. qwak qwak

OK, so I'm in Southern California for a conference. I went to California Adventure... I enjoyed it quite a bit. Screamin is great. The single rider line is *fantastic*. I imagine the fact that it was a Wednesday and there were no lines over 15min anyways helped. However, I don't think it needs a "face lift". It needs more rides. Period. That alone would make it way more fun once you're in there. Ariel whatever. Cars whatever. Less High School Musical. People want things to *do*. .. and maybe a little less sponsorship.. The "Hand washing tips brought to you by Brawny" was ridiculous -- especially since the paper towels weren't Brawny. .. and what's with the vomit guards on Maliboomer? H

Oh.. is that what that is? I thought it was just a new ride from Vekoma. Thanks for the advice, everyone. I plan to only go during the day. I'm not that mobile and the thought of braving a big crowd in the dark sounds unfun.

Hey folks. How crowded do you think Knott's will be during the day *before* Haunt? Specifically, it looks like I can go next Friday. H

.. and this one is only 85 seconds... while longer than Storm Runner... it doesn't have a whole lot of track. I'll still ride it and love it, i think I think maybe a little GAdv -> Dorney -> Hershey -> Kennywood -> CP action is in order for next summer.

That looks like the greenery around Paddlewheel Excursions and near Mantis. Makes sense, as that's the least developed remaining land.

If people are line jumping, I say PLEASE report them. Enforcement is the only way we policy-abiding decent people will have a good time. Confronting them yourself is unwise -- but the ride ops are there not only to ensure everyone's safety, but to ensure your *enjoyment*.

http://www.rialtoplus.com/rialtoplus/ConsumerControlServlet/home/initialise?webId=AltonTowers ?? Google rocks

Aha.. so I will likely be able to get in with my season pass during the day, and then back in with a Haunt ticket (if i happen to get one?) Not that it sounds like I'll need it -- but I rarely get to California, so want to make sure I ride everything I can. Thanks muchly.

Related question -- I'm speaking at a conference in October in LA, and I want to go to KBF. At the moment, I'll only have about 5 hours to do KBF, on a Friday. Is that doable? I'm tempted to stay until Saturday, but I know the crowds will be an order of magnitude worse on Sat. Second question -- I thought my Maxx pass was not valid during Haunt, but I don't even see anything about Haunt. Anyone have any clue? I was surprised to see the park was closing at 5:30 (considering on the same day, CP is open until Midnight). WTF?

I concur on all points -- except I think Patriot is a signature ride. I think it's a great, great ride. It might not age well, but it's terrific. I also think Mamba is better than Magnum -- Magnum has much, much more airtime, but it's getting kind of rough n' tumble. Mamba is just smooth and fast. While the drop is great (mainly because you can look down about 300ft to where Africa is), the helix is awesome, especially on a chilly night. H

Maybe that's the policy, but my experience says it's not true in practice. We have WoF Maxx Passes and were let in early ON MAVERICK'S OPENING DAY. If one is let in early on a day like that, you'll always get in early.

Indeed. What it may lack in bone-shattering force, it more than makes up with smoothness and a great sense of speed. My second favorite ride next to Mavvy.

Well done TR! Spinning Dragons is actually a great ride if you get some heavier people to sit catty-corner to each other. It will spin wildly and differently every time. A little dizzying, maybe, and certainly not as much fun as Patriot, but fun nonetheless. H

As a followup, guys, we're planning a trip in late September or early October. Is one day enough to do the entire park? Judging from the map and the number of coasters, my intuition is just barely. H

It's a little rough, and it's not aging well, but it's fun enough. The inversion taken backwards, if you've never been on one, is an interesting enough sensation to merit a ride or two. I like back seat for Boomerang -- the first drop is worth a small scream if you're up high enough. The only thing that I won't ride at WoF anymore is Timberwolf -- but I haven't tried it this year. It's been closed every time I go but I've been on Tomb Raider at Kings Island, which is the same ride, indoors (a Huss Top Spin)... a little dizzy, yes, but not nauseous.

I like to head for Patriot first. You may get a ride or two on it before anyone else even shows up -- unless the park is mobbed before you get to the gate.. People will tend to run to Patriot or, more usually, Mamba. Some clueless folks hit Spinning Dragons first, but it has a relatively short queue, and is not worth the wait until you've done most other things. Back seats on Patriot and Mamba are probably the best seats they have, in terms of ride interest and intensity, but each is in a fairly open space -- so if you go for the front seat, too -- each presents a breathtaking view, with less force, and a greater sense of speed. Therefore, do both.

Not a bad guess, but I'd think a Huss Giant Frisbee more likely than a Screamin' Swing. WoF would want something to differentiate from SDC, who just put in a Swing. It's possible Cedar Fair may like Maverick enough to begin getting more rides like it, but I would think WoF fairly far down the list when it comes to another "big" ride.