John Peck

New Dragster re-theme coming??? SCREAM! East???? (Picture taken yesterday 10/2) No worries... there are more of these Progressive signs around the park. New sponsor maybe?

My question is... is this a big enough project that would take this all the way into 2024, or could this reopen in 2023? I feel it's the latter. My guess is new trains, LSM's, a tunnel and a play on the old name.

I was on the valleyed invertigo train yesterday morning around 11:10am. I was in row 14 and the ride was running like it normally does... until I felt the trims after the loop and knew something wasn't right and exactly knew what was happening. It was indeed a little scary going "almost upside down" and flopping a bit in my seat in once instance while the train was being gently slowed and stopping and rolling backwards. Being in row 14 meant I was the last to be removed as they had to unload the whole train with a scissor-like lift platform and since I was over the queue awning, they had to release the brake and the train was able to lower a few more feet. They did a great job and i was off in about 30 minutes or so. They were on it.

^ I had also heard that as well that the Spider wasn't in good shape despite being refurbished. At GL the Spider was probably the most "moved" ride that they had, with at least 4 or 5 locations that I can remember. El Dorado had some refurbishments, but it was only a shadow of its former self from when they installed it in 1991. The Giant wheel at GL was taken down to its A-Frame in the winter of 2004-2005 and given an extensive refurbishment and that's why it most likely still runs today. Cedar Fair is accused of doing many things to GL, but one thing that was certain is that they poured a ton of money into many of the rides there.

Part of me was hoping they were finally going to put up the old Geauga Lake Spider that they have had since the park closed, but I think they might have sold or scrapped it.

So what are the best foods to eat there? I like chicken, burgers, pork. NOT a fan of Tacos or anything Spicy.

This is one coaster I will never ride having not been to the park. Doesn't look like I missed much, though. Hopefully they will build a Giga! (just kidding of course)

I had looked at Wonderlands attraction list for winterfest 19 and they did have thunder run listed. I think what it REALLY comes down to is manufacturers specs. Cedar Fair follows alot of it to Gospel. (Remember they turned the Racer trains in 3 former Paramount parks back forward) Many parks have seemed to stop running their Arrows/Vekomas and PTC trains for winter events (Six flags, Hershey, Kennywood even) GCI's limits are around 20-25 degrees (not warmed up) if I'm not mistaken so Renegade would probably be included. There comes a point though where if it gets that cold, do you actually want to go 50 mph in 20 degrees thus generating a wind chill of 0 or less. I love my Mystic Timbers, but after a few laps in 35 degree air temps I was like "okay... I'm done for the night." (i probally could have gone a few more times solo, but the wife was with me too and she was done. Compromise.)

We'll have to see what infrastructure improvements they make this year. Little by little, Kings Island had been improving themselves to handle the cold better with more indoor places and even the antique cars coming back. (despite them having winterfest back in the 80's... there wasn't much to it then) I hope Vallyfair can do it, I think it would be really popular.

Pipe scream wouldn't open at a winterfest as KI doesn't have Surf Dog open. But... hypothetically, VF would most likely have scrambler, flying scooters, antique cars, train, renegade, 1/2- 3/4 of the snoopy rides, the carousel, and probably the bumper cars running. Maybe up to 15 rides or so. However.... I can't think of enough indoor theater space, (other than Galaxy) though to hold large masses of people. Even in Cincinnati Ohio where it's not as cold as up there people try to get indoors after a while. I know wonderland has some decent indoor space.

I kinda hope a couple of the trains go to Carowinds. Cyclone could use these with the better seating position.

Goliath at SF over Georgia... finally got my fat @$$ into it.

On Saturday, I put an orange Carnation at Vortex. I know it's silly and I know that, but it's a memorial to the loss of my favorite ride at KIngs Island.

To me this is an absolutely profound loss. It is my favorite coaster there and has always been part of my Kings Island experience. I too breathed a sign of relief when it was Firehawk announced last year, but I was thinking.. you know.. i need to be kind.. that was somebody's favorite ride. With this said, I can't say I'm surprised in the least. The coaster is on the rough and violent side of things, I am always hearing complaints from riders when it pulls into the breaks, the age of course plays a factor, and I mentioned years ago to my freinds that once the park built a Giga, it was a matter of time before Vortex would be out the door, I was hoping it would last about 2 more years before a new mega looper could take its place. Cedar Fair itself came out a new years ago and said the average lifespan of a steel coaster is about 20 years, and this has by far surpassed that. Life is in constant change. Our bodies, the earth, the technology, our ways of thinking. It's a natural way of evolving. We are but a blip through history and time and it is our responsibility to be the best blip we can, enjoy the moments and cherish the memories. Nothing lasts forever, so let's enjoy the ride while we're on it.

I would love to see strickers pick up a couple of these too. They had the remains of their super round up on site as well, I wonder if that could be used for parts.