Reon

I've been to Coney Island's Fall-o-ween event 6 times (yay for working there), and the Kings Island Haunt 3 times so far. I had planned on going up to CP and/or SFGAm, but now that I have a new job thats weekends only, I think the best I can do is a few more trips to KI, and maybe CP if I get lucky and have a friday off...

To those looking to make any KI trips in the next few weeks, GO ON FRIDAY!!!!!!! Saturdays have ungodly long lines for everything, and the park gets super crowded. Fridays are much more managable....To put things into context, between 2 fridays and 2 saturdays during the offseason, I average 6-7 haunts and all the coasters each friday, and 1-2 haunts and maybe 1 coaster each saturday....

I think the best way to put it is Vekoma has awesome ideas, but needs to...smooth out the details a bit. Seriously though, some of the notorious coasters (SLC, the SF Ninja Duo) have pretty cool layouts that are kind of fun. Its just the whole OMGWTF pain that distracts you from the interesting twisty layouts. On the other hand, I love Flying Dutchman. Havent been on any of the custom B&M flyers yet, but after riding all of the SUF and Flying Dutchmans, Vekoma definately wins it for me as far as flyers go...

Its a shame you hadn't gone to KI last year. Crypt...went through cycles. As TR it had good themeing and a decent cycle. Last year the themeing completely changed, they took out all the theming in the ride chamber, and cranked they cycle upto about 48/10. This year...well, you experienced that. Also, as much as I love my home park's BM, I have to agree with you. I've only been on 3 of their hypers (Raging Bull, Goliath SFoG and obviously LSHoF), and as fun as it is, it lacks the twistyness of Bull and the pure speed rush of Goliath...Glad you enjoyed Firehawk though. Flying Dutchman>>>B&M flyers for me.

I'm just saying...compared to Canada's view of all the themed attractions, KB's decorated top and good placement, and CP's beachside view, another tall view of a midway isnt that special. We already have multiple rides that do that....

I hate to say it, but aesthetically, KI's Windseeker is the worst of the 4. The location is horrible among the tall coasters, and too far back in the park to make an effect on the park skyline. Its cool that we're getting one, but KI already has multiple tower rides, and 2 other sets of swing rides....Sad face, Cedar Fair, sad face.

My thoughts exactly. Being the KI homeboy I am, I'm really suprised I heard nothing about this anouncement until a few hours ago, and its only about 13.5 until the big announcement. Shame I'll be working Coney from 10-6.....Oh well, cant wait to come home and find out or get texted by JZ/Ted (I have a feeling ONE of them will end up spilling it...)

^^Have fun at KD! SFA isnt anything TOO spectacular outside of a few good rides, but I think I can best describe KD as Kings Island with GOOD rides and theming. Aside from a bit of a park layout malfunction, I can't recomend the place ENOUGH (especially now that they have I305 )

Thanks for posting these...it brings back memories of the awesome days at KI (aka still having King Cobra). Obviously I wasnt there in 1987 since that was kindof the year I was born, but I have been going to KI for longer than I can actually remember, so I've been through most of its phases (and I work at Coney so I know and brag about the others constantly) Either way, old KI is awesome and its great to see it again...thanks

So far.... Kings Island xX Coney Island xX Waldameer x1 Holiday Wolrd x1 Cedar Point x1 Kennywood x1 Strickers Grove x1 SFA x1 Kings Dominion x1 SFoG x1 Not too bad. Hoping for another trip to HW/CP before the season's over, and maybe hit Beech Bend or Indiana Beach.

I tend to prefer flumes in general. That being said, my favorites are probabbly the one at Waldameer for its pacing/layout/theming, Knoebels for being a fun ride, and SFA for being a crazy dark ride/coaster/flume hybrid.

My first coaster was Adventure Express, and I think that generally went over well/was what got me to be the coaster enthusiest I was today. Mine Train coasters have that blend of thrills, theming, and a general easiness that the whole family could enjoy, which includes introducing children to what coasters could do without going overboard on thrills. Aside from that, the classic kiddie woodies that are at the ex-Paramount parks are also good starters in terms of giving a fun ride thats not too thrilling/intense.

I'm just going with 5.... 5. Coney Island, OH. Kind of cheating since I work there, but its a nice park. Might not be the biggest place or anything, but its got some pretty cool rides (EPIC dodgems, Rock'o'Planes, a decent credit, Super Round Up), and the largest re-circulating pool in the world! Not to mention its an overall nice atmosphere, and since most people think KI when they go to Cincinnati, Coney usually isnt too busy and you know what that means.... 4. Six Flags. Yes, I'm talking the chain in general. From the ones I've been to, SF parks are kind of hit or miss, and greatly depend on either coming with a plan or a flashpass to have a good time. In general, each park has enough to do to keep you occupied, some pretty awesome coasters, and decently themed areas. Might be a little hit-or-miss in the long run, but I think theyre better parks than CF in general (so speaks the guy who was pretty much born and raised at Kings Island) 3. Holiday World. God, I love living so close to this legenedary park...Some of the world's best woodies, a great water park, free unlimited Pepsi, and some of the best customer service I've seen to date. Honestly, whats not to love about this park? Will's passing was among the biggest tragedies to befall me since I strive to be like him (park owner with good public relations and such), but I'm confident that HW will continue to be a great park in the future.... 2. Kennywood. A perfect mix of classic atmosphere, unique rides, and the technology that thrillseekers love. Kennywood is home to my 100th coaster (Phantom), awesomly themed attractions like Exterminator and Noah's Ark, and that new little piece of awesome Sky Rocket, along with good customer service, plenty of rides you won't find anywhere else (uphill flume, auto-race, Noah's Ark, Kangaroo just to name a few), and the best fries ever....and thats just the start of it 1. Knoebels. Anyone who knows anything about me should have seen this coming a mile away. I'm a sucker for traditional parks and good customer service. That aside, ZOMFG I this place! They really know how to turn ordinary rides into spectacular attractions (Cosmotron anyone?), have awesome food, Fascination, a pretty cool flume and haunted house, SKLOOSH, and thats just the tip of the iceburg. Oh, and don't get me started on the coasters..Lets just say I got my HSTC credit, and Phoenix...well, yeah. You should all know about me and my favorite coaster that changed how I rate everything by now.

Now that I've finally ridden it, Arachnophobia. Havent tried any Tower of Terror's yet, so I dont know their wonders, but Arac=ZOMFG wow. First of all, the standing up element REALLY makes it feel alot "scarier" then just sitting with your feet dangling. But to add the whole tilting straight down while dangling 200 feet in the air? It was one of the few times I have ever been legitimately frightened by an attraction (the others being my first trip to CP looking up to MF and TTD and Mr Freeze going through the top hat backwards). Arac is INSANE, end of story....

So I've noticed that this thread has got no loving at all. I know I haven't updated in a while, but thats mainly because no one checks out when I DO update...Anyways, I've had quite a few trips since last time, and I'm about to embark on another one today. I'd like for you all to pick what I post first (aside from the daily updates on today's trip.) Your choices are as follows: Holiwood Nights Waldameer Kennywood More KI/Coney Island updates As for today's plan, I'll get a new Coney update up later. Today, Vans Warped Tour comes to town, so the Island should get interesting. Then, I travel up to Knoxville to start off my week long journey. Photos later for obvious reasons.

^Just when we thought backyard rides couldnt get any wierder....

Eh, I'm pretty much investing all my life and funding into amusement parks anyways...count me in

My 2 cents on Sky Rocket.... First the positives, and there are alot. Although I only got in 1 front seat ride on my trip (July 5th lines=fail), it was DEFINATELY worth the 1 hour wait. As an airtime enthusiest (remember, I now rate completely differently thanks to Phoenix), I automatically give SR 8/10. PURE FLOATATION ON ALMOST EVERY ELEMENT!!!!! The top hat/cliffhanger/whatever doesnt really have that noticable of a stall to me, but thats mainly because I was too busy concentrating on the fact I pretty much floated from the bottom of the launch to the end of the 90* drop. Then for the rest of the course....some nice ejector in both of the inversions was VERY welcome, and the high speed curves gave some good lats. THe pullout was pretty insane ala Mystery Mine's first verticle drop, and the bunny hills towards the end gave some decent air for what they offered.... Now for the negatives. First of all, the surf curves did nothing. A bit nitpicky I know, but compared to all the fun and forces from the rest of the ride, that was a bit of a boring transition. Maybe if it had more speed or substance....Also, I have to agree on the unfortunate restraints. Even though I was relatively unaffected since I'm decently short at 5'8", I could tell that the foot part of the restraints could cause problems for bigger riders, especially with all the INSANE AIRTIME the ride has to offer. My only other gripe is the horrible capacity, espeically coming from a ride operator's point of view. 2 trains with 12 seats each IS doable...the only thing is, you practically HAVE to keep a good interval going to push the line. Since Sky Rocket takes just as long to load as it does for a train to run the full course, this will NOT do.... Overall, my verdict is 9/10 for Sky Rocket. The course is extremely fun and forceful, and the only way I could think to make it better is to do something with those horrible surf curves and add some theming/terrain features. Aside from horrible capacity and unfortunate restraints for tall people, SR is a solid addition to Kennywood, and I'd LOVE to see more of these come from Premier. Not sure if its top 10 material since I rate steels randomly, but its definately up there and one of the most fun steel coasters I've been on...

I guess that works too. I was just thinking in the long run...Initially I was planning on hitting SFA, SFOG, SFGAm, SFFT, and SFOT this year. The SFA/SFOG trip might not go through and thats where I could have got the cheap passes. On the other hand, the awesomeness of the Club TPR card gives a pretty good discount on admission, and I really want to hit some more events this year like PPP and Ride Warriors at my homepark of Kings Island.....

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!! I was really hoping this would pull through ever since we started speculating the Midwest Bash. I'm definately coming, but the one question is this: For someone who hasnt bought a TPR card or a SF pass yet (though constantly debating on which), what would be the best option price-wise?

This thing looks like coaster sex right now. I'm gonna wait on the X claim until we find out more, but I'm definately seeing the best of B&M combined with Baco.....

I wouldn't say Erie is a shakey place so much as MAKE SURE YOU RESERVE YOUR ROOM IN ADVANCE! I made the mistake of just driving up there,and by thetime I got in the only place with any vacancies with a run down motel near the park....As for Ravine Flyer 3, I rode it. Then again I eternally look 16, so...

Did anyone notice how the raft actually FLIPPED OVER with all that airtime?

I would also like to know if the tickets would have to be used that week, or if they are available until the end of the season. I'm teetering on buying a season pass for this year, but with the amount of parks I'm going to visit, this might be just as good a deal unless I'm able to make it to Texas....

AWE looks pretty sweet. I saw them rehearsing when I went up to the point a few weeks ago, but I want to see the actual show now! I'll have to go watch it next time I make it up to CP (and try out for the Rock Band show since I missed my chance at KI)