RIP Psyclone

Yes! So true! Thanks for saying it, it needed to be said. But... Wha?!?! Do you mean it's the one you personally visit the least often? It's the most attended of the four parks at WDW, in the state of Florida, U.S.A., and the world.

Sue: Were you representing TPR at this media day, or another media/news entity? Just wondering...that doesn't change the fact I want to say GREAT JOB! I do agree with some of the others that it should have been painted to better reflect the name, though. But your coverage was superb, so no criticisms there. -chris

^How about if putting one's profile in Lou's "super top secret stealth anti-stalker mode" was as easy as clicking a box?

^Yeah, I agree that theme park employee apathy is a definate problem. It seems to be less of a problem at a seasonal park, like, let's say Cedar Point. CP seems to be one of the only major employers for kids in the area, employing them by the thousands during the busy summer season. Some of the kids may come in enthusiastic about the job, and maintain that level of enthusiasm throughout the summer in the hopes of being rehired the following year. For Knott's employees it's just another, year-round job. At a park like Disneyland that is open 365 days a year, perhaps some of that "magic" rubs off on the cast members, although I know the turnover rate is quite high.

Wow, how did you (or whoever was the photographer) get that picture? It really is the beam circled in the construction pic (any way of knowing 100%)? Anh, I'm sorry to nitpick, that is an awesome and rare pic, and I (& others, I think everyone, pretty much) hope to see more like it in this thread. Keep up the good work, this is one of my favorite threads. -chris

I'm happy that X2 has been received so well. Now, they just have to master the running of 3 trains and getting dispatch intervals averaging under 2 minutes and X2 will be perfect, pretty much. Dual loading stations like Tatsu is what X2 would really need, but imagine how wide the station would be. If they could figure out how to load/unload 2 tandemly, like some other coasters, making use of the old unload area, then that would also be a bonus. It also occured to me that if they're never going to use the unload area again, they should theme it to a cave! Audio saying something like "You've made it back this time..."

Yeah, so, how is it possible? I'm kidding. It is absolutely awesome and incredible that you're able to take such a trip. It would be fun for a single guy like me to do it, but to do it with your family while you're still young makes it even better. You've also found the perfect balance of seeing the world and getting credits too!

Your friend made a thread for you and you didn't use it! Hehe, looking forward to the promised pictures tomorrow, Natatat!

I actually thought you were being sarcastic, and 10,000 people would be a light day at SFDK. (Disneyland averages over 40,000 guests per day.) I quickly realized, however, that you were being serious! Anyway, looks like the after hours event was a lot of fun, and I hope to make it out to SFDK sometime soon.

I heard that Fahrenheit did finally open later that day, so maybe you guys should have stayed! Seems like you had a fun day at Knoebel's, though. Can't wait to see the rest of the parks you guys visit!

I've heard that since the trims aren't working, the forces are too great in the back of the train going over the airtime hills.

www.themeparkreview.com/eejanaika/eejanaika_belson.htm Watch that video and you'll have no doubt as to how to pronounce Eejanaika!

While everyone was rushing out to ride X2, thanks Brent for going the road less traveled and reporting on the "other" coaster opening this weekend. Good report and great pics!

"Is everybody in?" -- is that what it was? Jim Morrison of The Doors saying it? Anyone know for sure?

I'm going to hope that you're being really sarcastic with that statement.

I've just got word that they are selling individual Papa Johns pizzas to people in line for X2. THAT is the NEW Magic Mountain! Jay Thomas and crew, keep up the good work!

^Yes, I do remember that one! You beat me to it!

You made it out from my 2nd home, Las Vegas, so I guess there's no excuse for me not going. Oh, other than thinking I wouldn't have a car! But I did get it back from the shop in time, and I wish I had gone. I can tell from your report I really missed out! BTW, I still think Desperado is fun!

What is the little building behind the sign?

Attention anyone who was at the park today: 1. How long was the line for X2 at its longest? Was it 2 train operation the entire day? Any idea what the average dispatch intervals were? 2. How long were the rest of the lines? Thanks!

In the video you posted, Jay Thomas said something like "(In the morning)you won't be riding alone, you'll have that for your ERT time." I also heard that morning ERT was only 20 minutes, not the hour as previously stated. I was just wondering about that, no biggie.

So what happened exactly with morning ERT? I see you still got at least 20 minutes of it, but what did Jay Thomas mean when he said you'd have to be riding with other people?

I really can't believe people are already complaining, especially those who haven't ridden it yet. Six Flags recognized that X was one of, if not the most popular ride at Magic Mountain, and saw an opportunity to perfect it! Of course, it was going to be a big investment, so to get a return on that the ride has to be repackaged and remarketed. What's wrong with that?! I'm happy it now is much closer to its full potential, and so should everyone else.

Does anyone know which Frank Sinatra song it is? So now we all have to compile the new song list... 1. Rage Against The Machine - Wake Up It's the song from the end of The Matrix when Neo walks out of the phone booth and flies, then cuts to the credits. Yeah, I believe the figure stated at West Coast Bash was $2.1 million per train, so I guess we can thank Larry H. Parker. It's not known if the onboard audio system was even being planned at the time of WCB, what the cost of it per train was, and if that's included in the $2.1 million.

Buzz bars are great for airtime, but, let's be honest, do not properly secure both riders in a row if they are of completely different shapes and sizes. If riders and operators are smart enough, there's a way around that as well. I agree with Ginzo, individual, ratcheting lap bars are sufficient for most rides. I don't think lawyers really should have any say in what is required in terms of restraints on any given ride--they're really experts in nothing.