rollin_n_coastin

Thanks Adam and Matt. Matt, yes, 15 credits can be just the temptress that you need!

Thanks Jon! I’m the only one who has been on a Starflyer since they’ve never ventured beyond Canada’s Wonderland. But after explaining the chain and basket thing, they could see it being more ‘interesting’. That Tivoli one was an experience…especially for you lol I’d say all B&M hypers are pretty consistent. That’s not a bad thing since they do offer a great ride. They don't seem cookie cutter but definitely all interesting variations on a similar theme for the most part, Raging Bull excepted. I just prefer Intamin stuff so I’m a bit biased but definitely enjoy Behemoth. To me, it’s on par if not a bit better than Nitro and Goliath at SFoG and definitely a bit more interesting than Apollo’s Chariot and Raging Bull. I hear that Goliath at La Ronde bests it still. Haven’t tried that, Diamondback or Intimidator yet. Nope! It’s still fun and looks great. On it’s worst day, it’s at least a great train ride through the water park. An interesting and I'm sure fair opinion of Minebuster, but my mouth still dropped. We need to get you out to some other places, stat. I can understand Behemoth, you probably got an ok ride. The trims are there to maintain a certain speed from my understanding and are definitely not always on. My ride on this last visit was trimless, very smooth and just crazy. I had a new appreciation for what that ride is capable of, even though it's still not a number one for me. Minebuster is still fun/ ok. It looks the part but doesn’t do as much as it used to. I guess they all have their good and bad days and years. Back then, I do remember it having a great ride, if very rough. I almost wish it was like that again.

Couldn't have explained it better! Although the threat of being left in the cave forever if we didn't get close and personal in the train was a bit scary lol

Thanks! yes, it's open! Some friends were at the park yesterday and said it opened as of 5pm yesterday and they got the 5th ride ever. It apparently broke down with people up at the top for a very short while, then started up again. They said it wasn't very scary and would give it a 2 out of 5 on the thrill meter but agreed that it's a great attraction that slots in the middle of an observation deck/tower and a drop tower though.

Thanks for the comments! Nick and Oli, yes, you both need to get here! I think it is, it didn’t hurt as much. Just to be safe, stick to the front half of the train. Thanks and agreed! Minebuster used to amazing but accommodating the water park has meant that it is what it is these days. At the very least, it’s incredibly smooth now. In terms of painting, The Bat just looked more menacing in black. Vortex trains look good as does Dragon Fire. Other colour schemes just make you scratch your head. But I’m sure there’s a good reason. On a similar note and not to take away from the amazing job done in keeping the landscaping and look of the park consistent and very well maintained, the CF style seems to be showing in the design of the station buildings and operator booths now that they are adding new attractions. It really kicked in when I saw the Windseeker cookie cutter Cedar Fair booth. What a huge difference from the ones built under Taft, Keco and even Paramount, which added to the experience and complimented the theme of the ride or look of the park in its area. New Texas Giant, as an example, is really well done. Using CF examples, Maverick and Shoot the Rapids also look great and are done well. Just my opinion though. On the other hand, we’re getting much better attractions so far so if something has to give, better those items.

Yee haw! Is this the first that is open?

I still think it's amazing that we all managed to squeeze into that train back up out of the caves. Things were sure tight in there after all that eatin'!

This is fantastic! Congratulations! Looking forward to using more of these. For those that don't know if you'll get your money's worth, spontaneous events are very possible and you'll find it a great benefit! After Texas Giant Bash, a few of us really wanted to check out Schlitterbahn. I had no idea that they are a supporter and provide pre-arranged ERT on the Master Blaster with resort guests in addition to discounted admission! An awesome surprise and full value right there, which made the trip there even more exciting! ERT left time to finish off the rest of the resort, even to show everyone how to have the shortest flowrider turn ever Remember to check out what discounts or other perks are available and how to get them before you show up. More often than not, everything needs to be pre-purchased or arranged before you go.

Thanks for the post! It really is a nice property. So glad that CF is maintaining the tradition of keeping it looking the way it does. ******** I'll end with the parking lot. Now, this is just before the front lawn/ sitting area before you even get to the entry area. Thanks for checking out the pics! Why is this relevant? It's just a group of people hanging out. This just isn't any line, it's the line for Human Processing! They process you in exchange for a Season's Pass and if you so wish, parking! I've never seen the season's pass line so long before. Very cool for the park though!

More pics! Let's take that majestic bridge over to the other side..ok..if only for the DQ. Mmm...cookiewich. I know what you're thinking. What about Windseeker? Well, it was at the bottom of the tower, now it's back up and hanging out there. It's funny how everyone has been told when it'll open. The latest was that it would open today. Judging by this pic, I'm not so sure. The truth is, no one knows. It is a prototype and new design after all. They are working very hard on it without a doubt. Vortex is still looking and riding great. Happy riders? Sledgehammer is down again. But they were working on. The arms were just raising up and down and man, was it ever loud. It may look more impressive than it rides, but I still love it. There's hope, it was running yesterday! Anyone spot Texas? Mighty Canadian Minebuster and oh yah, Behemoth... Speaking of Behemoth... It may not be on the park map but it is for sure still here!

More pictures! Discuss.. Love these or hate them, at least this has the most creative name,compared to the popular 'Boomerang' or 'Mind Bender'. La Ronde wins though. Like I said, huge lines! This was the tallest coaster here before Behemoth. Happy riders! Before The Bat, this train was on the 1980 Arrow Looper. I still can't picture Dragon Fire with three trains. Still think these are the best here. Ol' rickety! It's actually running well this year! The back is still a bit bumpy... Up.. ...and over. Still like the Grizzly version a bit better, mainly because it goes through a forrest area. Drop Tower and Wild Beast. Another classic flat, a UFO. This one can be a bit uncomfortable. Some pics of Dragon Fire. The dragon may have seen better days, but nothing a trip to Lowe's or Home Depot can't fix... The next few shots also show off the ground clearing up to the new wooden fence that now borders the Go-Kart track. It's simple, but still a lot of fun and most people's first looper. Calypso ride. Outdoor/ water performance area. If you can eat a lot, this is where it's at! Snoopy show! Moving on to the other side of the park next!

I stopped by to pick up my parking pass on the way home to Toronto. Love having this place in my 'almost backyard'! Crowds weren't bad at all and the park looked great. Today is a holiday Monday so picked up my pass at the longest line of the morning -- Guest Services. Since I was there, I walked around for a bit and snapped a few picks, highlighting the Northern section of the park, which is never as busy as the other side, with Behemoth and Flight Deck and all. That new construction happening near Drop Tower should hopefully change things up and bring about a better balance. Fingers crossed as the cleared area doesn't look very large. You never know though! Had 'almost ERT' on The Bat and Wild Beast. I can't believe this but Wild Beast actually had two moments of out of your seat goodness. Is this the same ride? I think it's cool that they let everyone stay on the ride if no one is waiting for your row. Ended with a ride on Behemoth before the storm started. Did anyone ride Behemoth today? I have never greyed on on that ride before but I did at the bottom of every drop. It was pretty much ejector with a strange feeling that you could slip out of the restraint there for a minute. It was just awesome in an out of control, relentless and insane way this morning. Anyways pics. Overcast but a nice day nevertheless. It is quite possible that most people spent their morning in the Guest Services or the human processing line where you get some sort of pass after you've been processed..... Bryan, are you in agreement? Ah, our friend Windseeker. The question is, will it spin or come down today? Lite on the crowds today! Still up there. It does look cool though! A majestic walkway. As we all know, all majestic walkways lead to DQ! Or to international tensions! Japanese or Chinese! You may only pick one! The rather small crowd waiting for the 'rope drop' at opening to head into Medieval Fair. I think the storm predictions kept people away, when in fact it only rained for 15 minutes. Predicting crowds at this place is such a crapshoot. A little up close and personal with Wonder Mountain Closer still. Only one goose today? Wow, crowds really are lite. First up on this side of the park are the bumper cars. I miss the Bayern Curve that used to be here. The powered mine train tracks, the first ride to interact with Wonder Mountain. This standard Mack Blauer Enzian was on the ground close to this location when the park opened in 1981. The park modified it and placed it in the mountain as Thunder Run in 1986. It only goes through two times! Anyone on the Scandi trip will remember being 'stuck' on one of these at Skara Sommarland on a special "TPR cycle" A Swing Around classic flat. This one goes like stink. Haven't seen these in too many places other than Worlds of Fun and Darien Lake. A bit of Shockwave. Just a bit. Not too much. The best ride I've had on one of these was at Grona Lund, again on a "TPR" ride. The Fly in the backround. Moving on to Medieval Fair area next!

Awww, I was so hoping to get to the Little Dipper. That bridge party was awesome! A great park and a great Bash event for sure. Whizzer, American Eagle -- so many great attractions. I could have sworn both sides of American Eagle were running at one point, if not simultaneously? So Divv, Cyclone or Viper?? Awesome pics, thanks for keeping this going!

Never been able to tackle those cliff drop slides. Cool that they took an older style ride and added a few elements. Water Country is still one of the most rounded and fun water parks that I've been to.

^Sounds like a plan, maybe we'll even post something up here during the summer. If we get enough people maybe we can try for a group rate? I'm a bit disappointed that the Ripley's name will be on our aquarium. It just screams Clifton Hill tackiness to me. But then, I've never been to one of their aquariums so I guess I can't really comment thoughtfully on it yet. I'm kinda leaning toward maybe trying it out. We'll have to pick a date out soon, so as not to lose someone like me who's a bit freaked out about this thing. I'll bring the Depends. Shawn, totally agree with your thoughts and am a bit up in the air about it. In terms of design, I guess it was always meant to provide utility and serve a function for communications rather than being an object of beauty. You can only do so much with concrete. It will always be an architectural achievement, no doubt and hopefully this won't be too noticeable from far away or down below. I don't think the tower will be fully whored out until they put actual rides on the roof of the main landing, which would really be disappointing. The difference with this compared to the ultimate in tackiness that was Tour of the Universe is that it isn't hidden inside.

Great news! I'm a huge fan of the Star Flyers but this machine does look fantastic, especially the lighting package. ^^I wouldn't put too much stock in that just yet since the same crew told us that it would be open last weekend. You never know though given that there's way more activity going on. Plus they apparently insatalled some sort of retrofit kit (unpainted and different colors pieces) to the arms, which hopefully will solve the issue of the ride being the world's biggest "kick boodie" ride, aka, the chairs swinging into each other at the top of the tower.

Whatever it is, it is a fantastic roller coaster! The airtime was a bit harsh but in a good way if that makes sense? Definitely is Intamin-esque without a doubt. I guess the closest comparison in terms of structure only are Gemini, Excalibur or mine trains but on steroids, growth hormone and above all, done right. Agree about the Voyage. I got a great first hand critique sitting behind you and Robb in the last row back in August. I wish I could have ridden it new.

^Thanks Nick! More coming after Texas Giant Bash. Hey everyone, Speaking of Texas Giant Bash, there are apparently still tickets available! Are you still trying to decide if you should go? Make it easy on yourself and just go It's going to be a great event.

Hey Dan, yah it is but we do have shoddy journalism up here at times . I'm guessing they're just using what Cedar Fair gave them in the press kit since the ride is exactly the same.

They saw the light!

^^Paul, this definitely includes admission, just as the restaurant does. It's a good thing that they don't overly rip one off. The packages that they offer really are reasonable considering it's a tourist attraction. Joey, would you come up and give this a try with all of us northern TPR folks? It's just a 'tad' taller than Macau I think

Like everywhere else, Windseeeker is delayed a bit up here. Although a a mild winter, it was quite windy and rainy during key construction periods, making the delay quite understandable. Judging from the article, there will always be people who just don't understand what it takes to get these things built and launched safely.

The foundation of Silver Dollar City, its first attraction if you will, was Marvel Cave. First used to house guano, it returned to its cave touring roots after the guano ran out, making it the perfect target for a TPR take over! I"ve seen small caves but never anything like this. It was really breathtaking. A comfortable spot in the line Any movement of air was welcomed...ok, almost any.. Our pre-tour ranger/ guide was fantastic! We all went to the rest room to avoid that "inkling to go a' tinkling". We start up higher up on Earth. and slowly... ..make our way... ...down.. Our awesome tour guide! The light peaking through sure created the coolest effects. Moving on to the 'shoe' cave Just when you thought it wasn't possible, we climbed down further still. This tunnel is Divv approved! Wow, it's really high here but wait....it gets... ...much lower here.... Time to climb back up How we all fit in there is still one of life's greatest mysteries! Just an awesome day!

^Agree, but all the ones that were there were quite memorable in terms of riding the most interesting wooden coasters around. Some of them for sure shook us all up! After a crazy night in Branson, we got up on an especially humid day to check out an extremely charming and special place, Silver Dollar City. You could tell this was Herschend-run, akin to Dollywood. This, is a very good thing. I honestly think that it's next to impossible to pick one over the other. They both have this uniqueness and charm that is not that easy to duplicate anywhere. It's as if it merges the best of small family owned and operated parks with the best aspects of being part of a larger company. You'll just have to visit both and find out for yourself! On to some pics. I notice I'm a bit behind since Divv, Jake and Joey have jumped ahead Don't forget to check out their awesome TRs to get a true sense of how amazing this trip was! Are you ready to rumble? Without a doubt, this gentleman was. I've honestly only ever had an interest in car lifting, but to each their own.... Have you tried the stuff? It's amazing! Ok, I know I beat the pastries the size of your head thing to death in my Dollywood update, but they really are. Here, I think Dollywood had Silver Dollar City beat in the selection and dare I say it, size of pastries available Chirstiana's bo announced that the park is now open. We're off! I'm surprised all the smokers hadn't found this spot just yet. Just like Dollywood, there are a few hills, but wow is it beautiful! A huge surprise for me was how amazing Powder Keg is. One of my favourites of the trip. Group melt! Did I mention how hot is was? Ah Powder Keg, you rock my world. One of the trains kinda flew off the track? Pure awesome. We need more of these! A well-themed Screamin' Swing A bit of Wildfire awesomeness! This coaster may be a bit older but it looks great and is a lot of fun. Loop! Exhilaration! Moving on, Mike gets his eye poked out... Nick controlling the trains... Chris was of the mind that flatulence was the language of choice to clearly get your point across. I have to ask. Was there ever another time where a Brit seemed so out of place? Time for a quick break! It was off to lunch before checking out Marvel Cave!

Oh, this should be tied into a park in some way. Just as it's really cool how you can clearly see the city and tower from the top of Behemoth, I'm sure you'll be able to see Behemoth from the top of the tower? There, that should do it