Nitro1118

Zumanjaro is super ugly, and completely ruined the aesthetics of Kingda Ka, which earns it bonus points.

1a) Great Adventure 1b) Great America 3) New England 4) World's of Adventure GAdv and GAm are hard to compare. GAm has much better theming, better park layout, is nicer overall, much better HH that is physically connected to the dry park, and even back in 06 (before Goliath and X-Flight) I thought it was an impressive coaster lineup. GAdv meanwhile has hand-down the better coasters, the top flats are better than GAm's top flats, and the Safari is a major x-factor. If I had to choose, GAdv would get the edge. SFNE is very underrated. The operations are horrible, and they seem to do whatever they can to destroy the trains of their best coasters, but I love the park. 2 of the greatest coasters ever built, a few other solid coasters, another really nice HH attached to the dry park, some really nice theming for an SF park, and a pretty location next to the river. SFWoA was also underrated back in 2003. It's a theme I've noticed about SF parks...while they have some frustrating, lazy, and annoying tendencies, the parks themselves are often really solid, and get overly-bashed.

Why are Premier and RMC the only likely candidates? Looking at the manufacturers over the last couple of years that SF has contracted, they are the two that pop out. SF hasn't gone with B&M in 4 years, likely because a new B&M of decent size pushed $20M. Intamin has largely been non-existent in the US the last couple of years as far as large-scale coasters go. SF has shown no interest in GG, Gerstauler or Mack, and it's been years since SF has dealt with GCI. S&S HAS been contracted by SF in recent years, but that is what GAdv is getting this year with the Joker. So, that basically leaves Premier and RMC. They have been the preferred coaster sources for SF the last few years because of the bang for the buck they provide. A steel RMC will likely push the budget, which is why I feel if GAdv is to get it, there is a good chance they would get the Raptor design. Considering it'd be the prototype, and SF's noteworthy relationship with RMC, I could see them debuting it at a discounted rate (at least for the prototype). Of course, anything is possible...but Premier and RMC are the most likely candidates IMO. I'm apt to agree that RMC might be the front runner, but I wouldn't count out B&M, Intamin, Mack, Gertslauer or Chance at this point. I mever counted them out...but I don't see them as likely for the job based on the facts at hand. I also never expected an Intamin PnP after a strata, so we'll see.

Why are Premier and RMC the only likely candidates? I'd say because RMC and Premier are the only ones he wants. Read my post then respond with facts as to why they aren't the only likelycandidates. Not the ONLY candidates, but the only ones the park is likely to choose.

Why are Premier and RMC the only likely candidates? Looking at the manufacturers over the last couple of years that SF has contracted, they are the two that pop out. SF hasn't gone with B&M in 4 years, likely because a new B&M of decent size pushed $20M. Intamin has largely been non-existent in the US the last couple of years as far as large-scale coasters go. SF has shown no interest in GG, Gerstauler or Mack, and it's been years since SF has dealt with GCI. S&S HAS been contracted by SF in recent years, but that is what GAdv is getting this year with the Joker. So, that basically leaves Premier and RMC. They have been the preferred coaster sources for SF the last few years because of the bang for the buck they provide. A steel RMC will likely push the budget, which is why I feel if GAdv is to get it, there is a good chance they would get the Raptor design. Considering it'd be the prototype, and SF's noteworthy relationship with RMC, I could see them debuting it at a discounted rate (at least for the prototype). Of course, anything is possible...but Premier and RMC are the most likely candidates IMO.

Good to hear! Hopefully they are similar to MF's headrests, which are relatively open and non-obstructive.

Once again, thanks for breaking it down, super helpful!! One more question since you said you reserved your FP ahead of time...can you pick up the wristband itself a day or two in advance? I will be arriving Monday evening, spending few hours that night, then spending all day Tuesday and Wednesday. I will only fork over the FP money for only one of those two days, most likely. My question is can I pick up the wristband on Monday night for my visit on Tuesday/Wednesday? It wouldn't inconvenience me too badly if I can't, but it would save a bit of time. Also, where do I pick these wristbands up? Can I get one at the entrance by WT since that is where I'd go as a Breakers guest? And can I pick it up before I get in for early entry? Thanks in advance.

Love this pic!! Knowing RMC, both hills should provide strong ejector with laterals mixed in. This coaster is going to surprise a lot of people I think, despite RMC's reputation. As far as RMC's go, the elements and layout is pretty simple, which I feel will actually work in its favor, ride experience-wise. It will have a clean, smooth flow with some great new and traditional elements, whereas some new RMC's are a little choppy with the things Alan like to work into the design. This will be one of the most classic designs from them (despite crazy inversions and banking on seemingly normal elements). Can't wait to check out the POV since the animations were so crappy and far off from what the final product is shaping up to be.

Is it just me, or are the supports a tad darker than the original? My OCD keeps fixing on that and the new green rails, albeit both are inconsequential to the quality of the product. Really happy that it appears nothing is really changing at all. Hulk is my favorite B&M looper and up there with Nitro and AC as my favorite B&M overall. I would have been upset if they neutered the ride experience at all. It appears it will only improve, and that is without knowing what new effects are in store for the queue and launch tunnel, and possibly upgrades to the train.

The new paint looks great!! Really livens things up and fits in well with the area.

1. The last 4 years we have gone the first week in May, this year we are switching to June when the hours switch to 10 in stead of 8. The reason for this is we are bring a couple kids that need to finish school first. 2. We normally grab at least one meal at Pinks for some good dogs, other than that not a great selection of food places. We normally grab something once the park closes of the night. I wouldn't leave to go eat somewhere, that is going to take up a bunch of time that is better spent riding some coasters. 3. We stay on the Point at the hotels there and just get the FL+ when I book the hotel, no sense taking the chance of them selling out (I know they probably won't but driving from Minnesota I am not taking the chance). 4. FL lines. We always hit Millennium first thing and ride that as many times as we can before the park opens and don't ride it again till the next morning, the FL line is pretty crappy there and you can use your time on a ride with a great FL line to get in more rides. The coasters with good to great lines are Raptor, Maverick, Gatekeeper, Blue Streak, and hopefully Valravn. Rougarou has a decent FL line but the ride is such a head banger we normally only ride it once while there. 5..Have never seen a show while at the park, need more coasters rides so no time to sit and watch a show. Thanks so much for the advice, especially the part about which FL lines to use. 13 years ago MF was my favorite coaster at the park, but I can deal with spending more time at a ride like Maverick, which has had me salivating for 9 years. Really looking forward to Maverick, revisiting MF after 13 years to see how it stacks up to the many elite coasters I have been on since, and also giving Raptor a 2nd chance since my lone ride on it was underwhelming. Viewing the POV's of it, there is no way it should be on the lower end of my favorite inverts list, so I am hoping it was just from a bad mood from waiting over an hour to ride it.

One thing I would like to see for 2017, regardless of whatever addition comes our way, is a nice, decently large sitdown restaurant. BOTW, Granny's, Johnny Rockets and the new La Cocina are all ok, but for a park our size, we could really use a modern restaurant. I love what they did with La Cocina, and would like to see something similar, but larger in scale. If OC is to be rennovated, obviously something near the theater would be ideal. If not, maybe something over by the lake could work out well. The other major reason is food choices was a big issue for HITP this year. A nice, heated restaurant with drink offerings and maybe a few flat screens showing sports would be a great way to take a break from the cold.

Exactly what I said in the RMC thread. Considering it's the prototype, and considering SF's cheapness, I do feel there is a good chance the first installation will be the Raptor model. In some ways I liked the concept layout better than the T-Rex because of its compact nature and more elements packed per foot. If they expanded the concept layout a bit it would be a perfect addition to our lineup. They did say they want the Raptor design to be a cookie-cutter, so it wouldn't surprise me if GAdv was the first to get it, with a few other parks getting a clone/near-clone. Parks like SFA and SFFT would be great fits for the Raptor design as its a high quality steel coaster but could be affordable and fit tight footprints.

No one except "you know who" says anything is confirmed...just looking likely. Yes, I am sure they cut a deal to make it cheaper...but it's still an expensive job. Way moreso than the small electric bill on a largely unused building. I doubt after 9 years of vacancy with plenty of other demolition crews come and gone (as recently as 2013/2014 with RT) that they would take it down for no reason. I'm 99% sure they have plans for Old Country in the next year or two. Context clues point to a new coaster in the area, with only Premier and RMC being likely candidates. I do think it is very possible IF the park is to receive an RMC, that the Raptor design could be added instead of the T-Rex. Since it will be a prototype, I am not sure RMC or the park would go balls-first for the prototype.

Yes, but the T Rex thing is still a major stretch. I think it is looking likely...far from being certain about it like some people, but it's definitely looking more and more likely in the next year or two. Besides maybe a Premier, I cannot foresee any other coaster type coming to the park in the next few years besides an RMC. The cost compared to a B&M, the reliability compared to Intamin, the appeal compared to any other manufacturer, and their recent relationship makes it the next logical step. My only skepticism is when it happens. Before this happened, my gut was leaning towards a JL dark ride. But these 2 removals, OC being a dead area with prime real estate, the survey, the huge cashflow the park pumped in last year plus HITP, and what I mentioned in the first paragraph makes it really start looking very conceivable. It's just my opinion, and I am not sure enough to put my word on it for confirmation. Can't wait to follow that area closely throughout the year, as if they do consider renovating Old Country plus adding a new coaster, major prep work will be underway as summer starts kicking into gear. Also will keep an eye on the sim building as that would be the logical location for a JL dark ride. Can't wait!

That's a hell of a leap to make just because they demolished a mostly unused coaster station while they already had a crew in the park demolishing other unused and useless buildings. They demolished the other buildings for a major purpose. While they could have contracted a deal to make demolishing Chiller's station cheaper, it is still a pretty substantial cost tearing down a building of that size...far more than mostly unused electrical bills. After 9 year, I highly doubt they would year it down without ANY purpose beyond simply not having it anymore. Context clues lead me to the RMC, but it is far from a certainty. However, I am quite certain with this and Musik Express being removed, and SF stating they want no dead areas, that Old Country will be revitalized for the 2017 season. At that point, I don't think they would put in that work without adding a centerpiece attraction to draw the crowds over there. We are getting a 4D this year, a JL dark ride would go in the sim building if anywhere, and that leaves a Premier or RMC as the only likely additions given SF's additions the last 5 years.

Are we sure the entire plot of land was filled with gravel? And it could just be temporary to keep things tidy for the first half of the season before they start construction. The telling sign that SOMETHING is coming is they wouldn't tear down the building after nearly a decade for no reason. It isn't cheap to demolish a building of that size, plus cleanup, so I don't feel they would make that investment after 10 years unless they had plans to refurbish that area. Sure, it doesn't mean a major coaster will take its place, but it is a telling sign they do have plans for Old Country in the next year or two. Context clues lead to the conclusion of a coaster, but of course it is way too early for any certainty, and plans can also change many times between now and the 2017 announcement in August/September.

Actually, regardless of what goes in Chiller's footprint, give it only one more year before it looks completely different. Management has said they want no dead areas, which explains the Lakefront and OC being targeted for renovation. The Lakefront should look great this year with Joker and the wide open view of the lake, and next year I fully exoect OC to be completely re-done with a new coaster as the centerpiece. It's been years, basically since Chiller was removed, that the park felt complete. But with a decade of slowly adding flats, a new family coaster (TDK), a new drop tower, and at least 1 totally renovated area (possibly 2 with OC/new coaster), the park is really rounding into form. Joker adds some meat to our lineup, and an RMC would propel us to possibly the best 1 or 2 coaster parks in the entire world.we are very, very lucky that SF has given our park this level of attention over the past 20 years.

Definitely looking likely we are getting the first all-steel RMC. Two questions for you guys: 1) How closely do you think RMC will follow the concept layouts for the final design? 2) Considering it would be RMC's first steel coaster (besides SC), and considering Chiller's footprint isn't super big, hoe likely do you feel we get the Raptor design instead? I actually prefer the Raptor concept layout in many ways compared to the T-Rex, and I feel the more compact nature could prove to be the more thrilling design ala Maverick. A slightly more expanded Raptor concept layout would compliment our lineup beautifully.

Yep...even if it isn't a T-Rex, that is definitely confirmation SOMETHING is coming to Old Country for 2017. I doubt they will build a show building right next to TDK, so considering the plot of land, it will be something big. T-Rex looking more and more likely.

So, I am currently doing preliminary planning for my first trip to the Point in 13 years (when TTD was brand new). I plan on staying at Breakers Express, to get the benefits of staying on property while saving some money. I will also be leaving money aside for at least one day of FP and one day of FP+, as my only trip to CP was brutally crowded and was at a time where FP was not available. I want multiple rides on all the top 10 rides in the park, with at least 3-5 rides on the top 5 coasters in 2.5 days. Currently, I am looking at one of the final weeks of May or the 2nd week of June, which will be the first week where the park stays open until 10pm. I will be arriving in the evening on Monday, and leaving Thursday morning. Now, the upside of the May visit would be less crowds, whereas the upside of the June visit would be 6 extra hours plus opportunity for night rides on MF. As of right now, I'm leaning towards the June visit as FP + early entry should give me enough chances to get on as many rides as I want. Anyway, would like to hear some opinions to the following questions: 1) Would you pick May or June to visit the park? 2) Are there any eateries of remotely decent value at the park? And if we do decide to go off property to eat lunch/dinner, is the parking pass good all-day or would we have to pay for re-entry? 3) Should I purchase the flash passes ahead of time, or risk buying them on the spot? I am leaning towards waiting until I go since I will be going early in the season on weekdays, so I feel I should have no issue? 4) Do the flash pass lines merge in the station or in the queue? And what are the flash pass line lengths vs. The regular lines on a moderately busy day? 5) Are there any must-see shows at the park?

I really believe it is just the angle and other factors (For instance, was the pic taken through glass like a car window?). Even though it looks really obvious, there is NO way Intamin would design the track like that.

I'm so jealous! I finally got on my first RMC this year with Wicked Cyclone and it completely exceeded my sky-high expectations and vaulted itself right next to El Toro atop my list. I knew it'd be intense, but was still shocked that the airtime was as strong as ant Intamin I have been on. Also, while I'm not an inversion person, they offered some awesome hangtime and the whip-effect exiting the stall gave some crazy laterals. Lastly, WC was smoother than any B&M I'd ever been on, which I didn't expect. Definitely looking forward to riding more in the future. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like I will get on any new RMC's next year. Besides WC, there simply isn't any close to the NJ area, and with my big trip being CP this summer, it also isn't really close to any RMC's. So, with any luck I'll be taking a weekend trip to SFNE to get on WC again, then in 2017 I'll plan a trip centered around a new RMC.

MF's layout is beautiful, but not really diverse or exciting in its offering. It's one of my favorites due to height and speed, but not so much layout. Besides Superman at SFNE like I already mentioned, I do want to also give nods to the marvels that are Boulder Dash and Voyage. Boulder Dash's lineup is amazing due to how it hugs terrain, consistently picks up speed as it rips through the course, and the layout is basically two long lines of double up and downs. Voyage gets a mention due to its insane length, wealth of different elements, and just like Boulder Dash it gets faster as it continues through the course.

Rode it back in 06 as Chang...it was about the same from what I remember, maybe slightly smoother.