scooterdoug

I went to CP for my first time on a Sunday last September. TTD had the longest line (1 hour, 1.5 for the front...and with a few breakdowns). MF was about 10-15 minutes for the front in the morning, 30-40 minutes at the height of the day. The rest were pretty much walk-ons. The ride ops are remarkably efficient, they move people through those lines pretty fast.

Hello, I'm Doug. I grew up in Los Angeles (the San Fernando Valley, to be specific) and got into roller coasters when my mother took me to SFMM to get me over my fear. My first coaster was Ninja (it had just opened), and I've been hooked ever since. My wife and I recently moved to Reno, Nevada. Unfortunately, while I'm psyched to have the Sierra Nevadas in my backyard, the silver state is an embarrassment when it comes to roller coasters. I will be travelling to Japan late June/early July for 2 and a half weeks. I look forward to visiting Fuji-Q Highland (keep your fingers crossed for me that Eejanaika isn't closed when I visit) and La Qua (can't wait for Thunder Dolphin). Maybe I'll even take a stab at a TR! See ya' around the forums. -Doug

I'm very impressed by your ambition. When I was your age, it was a miracle if simply turned in my homework on time. I have to agree that No Limits is a very worthwile investment. The CAD-type interface is very easy to use, and the physics simulator (gravity, g-forces, etc.) is very accurate. However, they do not have 4D coasters available. However, there is a similar game called Scream Machines (http://www.wounded-heart.com/) that does have a 4D design. I've only owned No Limits, so I do not know how they compare. However, from what I've seen, the design and simulator modules seem to be pretty much the same (though the graphics seem crisper and cleaner in No Limits). Good luck with your project. -Doug

I went to Marine World (Discovery Kingdom) on a Sunday in September of 2005. The crowds were really low and it was easy to ride yourself silly. The longest line was for Kong, but that's because it only has one train running. Medusa (which is brilliant example of B&M floorless perfection) was a walk on all day. That's my only experience with the park. If I want to get crowds like that at SFMM, I have to take a day off work and go mid-week while schools are still in session.

^Yeah, the original Walley World is indeed SFMM. The coaster that Chevy Chase forces John Candy onto (at BB gunpoint, noless) is Revolution. I haven't been on that ride in years. Why oh why did they add those over the shoulder restraints? (sighs)

Hello all, I will be joining my Aikido dojo on a trip to Iwama, Japan (the birthplace of the martial art) to train at the end of June. I plan on staying after for about a week (first week in July) to check out Tokyo, Kyoto, and possibly some parks. Seeing as I have a massive aversion to waiting in long qeues, I was wondering what sort of crowds I can expect at that time, specifically at Fuji Q Highland and Nagashima Spa Land. What kind of wait times can I expect? I think I already know the answer, as Japan is one crowded country. But, I figured I would tap into the collective knowledge/wisdom of this community. Thanks for your advice, Doug

This is such good news!!! I am flying from Reno, Nevada (alas, my state is depressing when it comes to coasters) to go to SFMM Superbowl Sunday. Being from SoCal originally and knowing how SFMM works, I was not expecting them to make their projected Feb. 3 date. This is a pleasant surprise. Especially because I'm going with a friend who hasn't been in 15 years. He has no idea what X does and I'm not telling him. I can't wait to see the look on his face at that evil first drop. Thanks for the update, Elissa. If I see you guys there, I'll be sure to introduce myself.

My mother is the one who got me into roller coasters (she sincerely regrets it now ) I recently went to BGT with her. I was a bit nervous that she wouldn't be able to ride (she's 62 and hadn't been on a coaster in 16 years). We went on Sheikra first. After the ride was done, she said, "That's all? I wanna go again." Her response to Montu: "That made me feel young". I do agree with Elissa that most people see no difference between coaster enthusiasts and people dressed as Klingons at a Star Trek convention. I waited until my girlfriend was plenty in love with me before letting her know how obsessed with coasters I really am. It must have worked, as she is now my wife. She enjoys coasters and rides with me, but doesn't have the passion I do.

I went to SFMM one Superbowl Sunday years back. The park was very quiet and the lines were very low. I would highly suggest it (from my one experience). I will be at SFMM this Superbowl Sunday, in fact. I don't care about the game, but coasters with no lines...that's a different story.

Hello! My name is Doug...new to this forum. I went to CP last September and stayed in Breakers Express. Nothing fancy, but it's clean and cozy. And, like Elissa said, you get into the park before everyone else (and they'll sell you discounted tickets). Getting into the park early is a HUGE plus. I got to ride MF a half dozen times before the crowds swarmed in. Enjoy your time at the Point. -Doug