Nitro1118

Ever since they slowed down the lift, the ride has run noticably slower. However, since then I've only noticed it running slower in the morning.

I personally preferred BGW. BGT was excellent, but I prefer BGW's lineup (AC is my favorite B&M hyper and Alpie's my favorite invert, while I found Montu and Kumba a touch overrated), much preferred BGW's theming and landscaping, and also found they had the better food service. Either way, both parks are among my favorite out of the 20+ parks I've been to.

IMO airtime simply deals with negative G's. Rides like El Toro and Skyrush are airtime machines despite 95% of their riders physically not able to have their butts leave the seats. With that said, it is a plus when the restraints do allow this movement, as "literal" airtime is uniquely exciting. That is why I always slide up an inch or two while the op's check the restraints; it negates even the most extreme stapling (DISCLAIMER- do this at your own risk, especially if you fall under the skinny or overweight categories).

At the park now. Wanted to get in for early entry but the biometric scanners were giving people major difficulty. Walked to Toro first, waited 10min for the front, then the back was a walk-on. I've always considered Toro a back row ride, but the front row was fantastic. Then we walked onto front row of Bizarro, which gave me a bit of a headache because of the bad rattle exiting the cobra roll. Oh, and prepare to see stacking at ET, every train seemed to have issues with the lap bars not going all the way down for heavier riders.

Then why doesn't any other B&M hyper owned by any other park have these belts? FWIW, when Nitro opened it had this weird retractable seatbelt that connected the lap bar to the side of the seat. I don't think they even lasted the entire 2001 season, though, and they definitely weren't as restrictive as these seatbelts. Seems like excessive precaution taken by CF.

I know I brought up the Movietown rebuild like 10 pages back, but while certain areas have been left to rot, overall the park has made dramatic improvements the last decade. 10 years ago BBL was awful, the Boardwalk looked stale and beat up, closed rides everywhere, the RT/Viper area was neglected and straight-up ugly, etc... Since they added 2 of the chain's most well-themed areas (GK and PDC), added 2 of the world's most exciting coasters, added an indoor family coaster, gave Medusa a makeover, spruced up the Boardwalk and gave it a solid B&M, and created an extremely popular safari ride from a drive-thru attraction that had a decaying reputation. They also added 2 much-needed major flats. I'm very critical of how the park let certain areas decay, but overall the park is in a better space than it was in 2004.

It wasn't redundant with RT because that was an old school, family wooden coaster. An RMC, which run like a steel coaster just like Intamin pre-fabs, with similar height/forces as Toro just doesn't make sense. A GCI twister I could make some sense of. As for the KK thing, there is a MAJOR contrast between a coaster with one crazy launch and a 456ft tophat and a coaster with multiple launches, sub-150ft in height, and multiple inversions and other elements. I could easily see them themimg it to as KK's son or something too.

Personally, I'd like to see a complete Movietown renovation. It's been very sad watching what was once the park's hotspot be neglected, gutted and essentially left to rot over the last decade. Since the addition of Nitro, the Boardwalk added 2 major B&M's, the GK was added and given a record breaking Intamin, the park's 2 worst coasters were removed and basically replaced with arguably the world's best coaster (along with rebranding the area with some of the better theming in the chain), and even Medusa was refurbished and FA added a completely unique safari attraction. In other words, it's time to give the East side of the park some love. Looking at plans I've seen most enthusiasts, most people seem to simply fill Chiller's vacant spot with a wingrider and opening up the old path that used to lead directly to Chiller's station. This isn't necessarily a bad plan, but I do think it's a little narrow-minded if a coaster is to be the centerpiece of a Movietown revival. Realistically they could completely dig up that old path and make use of that, the Freefall spot, and possibly even cut into the employee parking lot (I'm not opposed to knocking down one of the theaters either). Not saying this is the route to take, but the point is there is great opportunity for that area simply than simply by filling Chiller's spot with a coaster. As for type of coaster...a Mack or Intamin, Maverick/helix style coaster would fit the lineup perfectly and could make awesome use of that space. A GCI twister would give the lineup much better balance, and at least it wouldn't be right on top/under Toro. Of course an RMC creation would be an enthusiast's wet dream and would give a park which had one of the country's worst wooden collections 10 years ago arguably the best wooden lineup in the entire world. Equally as important as the coaster is repainting Nitro, adding a flat or 2, retheming the area (the whole Movietown theme once was executed well, but under current management I think they'd have better luck with a DC Universe angle), and adding new shows to one of the theaters along with major refurbishments. Turning Batman backwards could also be an easy solution to bringing attention back to the area. If SF decides to use the old RT spot instead, then IMO the only addition that makes sense is a Mack/Intamin launcher like Maverick that runs parallell to KK and maybe hops over to that empty area behind GL like a poster a few pages back suggested. A major wooden coaster right next to Toro seems too redundant, even if an RMC would be incredible.

GAdv is my homepark and I visited SFGAm back in 2006 and I completely disagree. Toro is arguably the #1 coaster in the world (steel or wood), Nitro is a much better ride than RB, front row on Ka is better than any ride I rode at SFGAm, both have B:TR and S:UF clones, then GAdv still got 2 medium-quality B&M's and a few decent family coasters. GADV also just added a 200ft Skyscreamer and the tallest drop ride in the world, a one of a kind safari attraction which the GP go nuts for, and a package of other flats. I LOVED SFGAm...it's the nicest SF park I've been to and is quite well-rounded. But I still slightly prefer GAdv altogether when factoring in coasters, flats, and the safari. GAdv is also very nice besides a couple dead-ends, and operations are among the best in the chain. Your criticisms do apply to SFMM, though. SFGAm and GAdv are probably the cream of the SF crop. Safari is a capacity nightmare and a waste of time to see something at any zoo, just without the chance of the animals attacking each other. Kingda is a great coaster, I agree with you. But Kilo is just a waste of space... Getting rid of a woodie for a record breaking drop tower and a capacity nightmare. Great. Nintro is just and out and back with more airtime; Raging Bull is for the twists and some air time. El Toro may be great, but the turns at the end seem a bit obnoxious. SFGAdv has great pontential, it's just being operated by the wrong person. In my opinion, there are too many large holes in the park at the moment. 1) The safari always has a huge line, but it is also a 1 hour experience that can be longer if you decide to chill out at the stops. It is the largest safari around and inctedibly unique for a free, in-park attraction. They executed it exceptionally well, too. It is a ride that people go to the park solely to ride. 2) Rotting Lumber was a woodie in terrible condition and the GP hated it. Removing it for future expansion and adding the tallest drop tower in the world is a damn successful upgrade. 3) Who cares if Nitro is a simple out and back? It has about 7-8 pops of nice floater, a very intense helix and one of the best settings around. I was surprisingly impressed with RB despite mixed reviews. It has a neat layout and awesome fitst drop, but trims render the ride forceless and a solid step down from Nitro. 3) El Toro's ending is "obnoxious" to YOU, but to the court of public opinion it helps make it the best coaster in the world.

GAdv is my homepark and I visited SFGAm back in 2006 and I completely disagree. Toro is arguably the #1 coaster in the world (steel or wood), Nitro is a much better ride than RB, front row on Ka is better than any ride I rode at SFGAm, both have B:TR and S:UF clones, then GAdv still got 2 medium-quality B&M's and a few decent family coasters. GADV also just added a 200ft Skyscreamer and the tallest drop ride in the world, a one of a kind safari attraction which the GP go nuts for, and a package of other flats. I LOVED SFGAm...it's the nicest SF park I've been to and is quite well-rounded. But I still slightly prefer GAdv altogether when factoring in coasters, flats, and the safari. GAdv is also very nice besides a couple dead-ends, and operations are among the best in the chain. Your criticisms do apply to SFMM, though. SFGAm and GAdv are probably the cream of the SF crop.

If ya'll check out the webcams on the last page, the first half of the camelback is going up!

I can tell you guys this...I've been on the Thrillshot at SFGAdv, and been on a few real slingshots, and slingshots are much better IMO. They feel like they have stronger launches, and the flipping is a lot more wild.

Wow...I've seen thousands of coaster pics over the years (became an enthusiast back in 1999), and that is one of my 5 favorite pics EVER. Amazing job by Europa Park for that amazing idea, and you for the pic.

We're on a theme park forum in a topic called "Hurricane Sandy vs. Roller Coasters." What do you expect? I just moved to Long Branch two weeks ago, and this storm's effects are still keeping this area paralyzed. I grew up going to places like Seaside, so seeing all this destruction to those awesome boardwalks/piers is really sad. Hopefully they get the funding necessary to rebuild.

Ha I probably saw you Saturday, I saw at least 40 people with ACE shirts throughout the day. Great day at the park, the first 2 hours were amazing since the early morning rain scared everyone away. I was on like the 3rd train of the day, front row on KK, and was able to stay on a few rides (Toro, Nitro and B:TR) without getting off. FINALLY got my Green Lantern credit too, though I rode it as Chang back in 2006. Delivered more forces than I remember, but still found it a bit uneventful. Just never liked the stand-up gimmick. Oh, and Nitro was running FANTASTIC. Rode it in borderline-pouring rain and it was a helluva lot of fun. Toro was amazing as usual (though I hate how they slow it down at the top of the lift now...it takes a lot out of the first drop, and a little bit out of the 1st camelback), and since it's been a year, riding KK was awesome in the front row. I wish they'd just replace those trains, though, and go with the slicker trains on TTD. The restraints don't bother me, but I think the bulkiness of the trains just don't do well at those speeds, and it makes for an earthquake-like ride in every other car besides the 1st.

I find it strange, too. When you give your park so many additions all in a short matter of time, you kind of saturate the market and don't see the kinds of revenue/attendance increases that you'd want as opposed to if you spaced them out (and had some park rennovations/improvements inbetween). Sometimes I get jealous, then I remember when we got Chiller, Medusa, Nitro, S:UF, KK and El Toro in an 8 year span Well, technically 9, but Chiller didn't fully open until 1998, sooo....

It's crazy, because just 10 years ago Movietown was THE corner of the park to be in. Nitro, Chiller, Batman, Freefall, MTWF...it was where all the major thrills were, besides Medusa. Then, they added S:UF which brought a lot of attention to the Boardwalk, Toro and KK brought attention to the Rolling Thunder area, and Green Lantern brought even more people to the Boardwalk. With 3 of those 5 rides I mentioned in Movietown being removed, and a huge section being cutoff, it's really sad to see that area in the state it is now. Chiller actually occupied a pretty big footprint, and I'm sure they could make something extend to where Freefall was as well. That area could use a new major thrill ride and retheming/major rennovation.

So, yesterday since I just moved out to York I decided to take the rest of the day to chill and do Hershey today instead. In retrospect, it was the wrong move. To get to Hershey from where I'm at it's only a 30-40min ride (all highway driving), and I got there at about 3:15pm. I had only 40 bucks, so I couldn't afford a full day admission or parking, so I parked at that Red Robin by Lightning Racer that a member suggested yesterday, had an iced coffee from Dunkin' Donuts, and made the long walk over. About 20min later, I was at the entrance. I got in line for a ticket (I got to the window at 3:59 and the lady actually made me wait the extra minute to get the Sunset admission price...kinda ridiculous), and headed in. The walk to Skyrush is extremely quick via the newly built pathway, and pictures do NOT do this ride justice. From the pics I had seen the ride didn't look all that visually appealing, but in real life it is a beauty. It was the first time I saw the new style track Intamin has been using (as seen I305), and it really make their rides look more slick. Now, this is where things turned the wrong way. I noticed while walking to the ride they were cycling an empty train, which didn't bother me as I figured they'd do a few test runs and open it back up. Wrong. When I got to the entrance, I was told that ALL coasters at Hershey would be down due to a thunderstorm warning. Now, I understand this rule, however the sun was shining with no clouds for miles. Now, in the horizon I noticed there was some dark clouds coming in, but it took those clouds about 50min before they even reached the park. From 4-6:30, all coasters were closed. The clouds produced a minimal amount of rain with no lightning, and there was little to no wind so the clouds just hung over the park seemingly forever. Finally, at 6:15ish, some rides began testing and opening, and by 6:45 all coasters in the Hollow EXCEPT Skyrush were running. Skyrush opened shortly after, cycled the first batch of riders that had been waiting in the station since it went down 3 hours prior, and I got right to the back row. I got the far right wing seat on that 2nd train, pulled down the lap bar, and was off...not. They released the restraints and directed me back into line, and they proceeded to close the ride for another 30min due to a slight drizzle. That stopped, they cycled both trains, I hopped on the train, and was off. My experience was...slightly underwhelming. Now, don't get me wrong, the ride has unbelievable airtime (comparable in strength to El Toro's camelbacks), AMAZING laterals that fling your upper body parallell to the track due to the incredible open-ness of the trains, and definitely packs a huge punch. However, it just felt like something was missing. It may have been the length of the ride, or how all the elements are pretty low to the ground (as a result the camelbacks don't give the crazy sustained ejector that Toro gives 2-3x), the restraints do get uncomfortable during the moments of ejector airtime...I don't know. My gut feeling is this is more of a front row ride (like Bizarro at SFNE), and maybe I was just expecting too much and wasn't in the greatest mood after 3.5 hours of waiting. I'd definitely put El Toro, Voyage (rode it in 2006 before it supposedly tore itself apart) and Bizarro at SFNE over it, and I feel that would be the case no matter what row I rode it in. The layout is just missing something. DEFINITELY one of the best coasters I have ever ridden, and likely one of the very best in the entire world. I need more rides on it before I come to an honest conclusion. After my ride I had about 30min left before closing, so I rushed over to Storm Runner, which has always stoof as my favorite of the Intamin hydraulic coasters. It was a walkon and the ride was terrific as always. I will never understand how the launch feels so much more intense than Kingda Ka's. I suppose because the launch has one strong tug as opposed to 2-3 seperate tugs on Ka, but it always fascinated me. I had about 15min left, so I rushed over to Fahrenheit, which was the opportunity to grab another credit since my last visit to Hershey was back in 2007. It was a 10min wait, and I came off pretty impressed. It seems to get some hate among enthusiasts, but I found it to be enjoyable. The first drop is fun, and the inversions, while not intense, are very interesting the way they are banked and transition from one to another. The rattle in the cobra roll was pretty bad, though. Overall, I accomplished what I set out to do, but the massive rain delay left a slightly sour taste in my mouth. Still, being so close to Hershey now, this will just be the first in many visits this summer to what is one of my favorite parks in the world.

I have plenty of gas and food cards, and am getting more money Friday. Sorry I wanna have a little of fun in the middle of nowhere

NEED HELP!! So, I moved out to York P.A today, and want to go to Hershey tonight. I only have 39 bucks. I know after 4pm I can get the Sunset admission, which is about $29. The issue is parking is an extra $12 from my knowledge. Is there any store or whatever in the area that I can park at and walk to the park? Or am I screwed?

I know, but it is still a layout that has its clones, and a bunch of near-clones. And don't get me wrong, I LOVE my home park's coaster collection, and I am damn lucky that it is within an hour's distance of me. I wouldn't trade the coaster collection for any other park I've been to, and with a coaster count of about 135 credits, I've probably been to nearly 30 parks. With that said, if a new coaster is to be added, I do feel that a quality, unique looper would be the perfect fit. This is amplified by the fact that in the last 5 years they've removed a former record-breaking looper in GASM, and the 2 most unique loopers in the park (and my favorites) with Chiller. And as I said, when it comes to coasters the park doesn't "need" anything, and I'd be perfectly fine with no new coaster additions for a few more years...but if the opportunity is out there to add a new, major coaster, I think a ride like Maverick or Cheetah Hunt would be the perfect fit.

Ok, I'll be a little more detailed and take away some of the "enthusiast" in me that recognizes things like some of these rides are clones or hand-me-downs...S:UF relies on a gimmick and gets boring after a few rides, Bizzaro has developed an awful rattle with some significant head-banging (especially for a Beemer), and B:TR is nearing its 20th anniversary. I rode GL when it was Chang, and similar to S:UF it relies on gimmick over substance. I don't think the park "needs" anything in terms of coasters...but if they are to get another major coaster, I think a ride similar to Maverick or Cheetah Hunt would be perfect. GL has been the only looper the park has added in the last 13 (going on 14) years, and I think something unique and highly rated like those Intamin creations would be a great fit and would balance out the lineup.

Personally, I would LOVE a massive drop tower, and it would definitely help balance out the park...however, deep down I'm wishing for something along the lines of Maverick like that survey mentioned. Since the park removed Chiller and GASM, they somewhat lack a quality looper, with 3 clones (Bizzaro, B:TR and S:UF) and GL (a near-clone, and hand-me-down) serving as the only coasters with inversions. A ride like Maverick or Cheetah Hunt would be an unbelievable fit, either somewhere by the Golden Kingdom, or in Movietown on and around Chiller's old footprint.

Thing is, though, that those rides all offer basically the same experience in any row. Of course the outside seats offer a slight advantage, but that's beside the point. A big aspect of this ride's marketing is the outside winged seats, which unlike the inner seats are floorless and ride along the "outside" of the track. Therefor, moreso than those other rides, I see people making a bigger fuss over who gets what seat. In the grand scheme of things, I highly doubt it will cause any significant issues once Skyrush opens. Most people will just want to get on the ride, and I'd venture to guess most groups will have already figured out who rides in what seat before the air gates even open.

I'm with the other people who have said this looks a LOT better in real life as opposed to the animation. In the animation I felt this looked really short with transitions that didn't seemed too intense. However, now that it is nearing completetion, seeing the proportions, tight transitions and sharp turns, this thing looks like it is going to be quite intense with some great laterals. The newly completed camelback also looks like it is going to provide a very strong pop of airtime, although I don't think this ride is gonna have a ton of ejector air like a lot of people are expecting. I do feel, however, it will provide some amazing laterals, consistent speed and some sharp turns that come very close to the ground. Also, besides the lift, this thing is absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!