rollin_n_coastin

Bas, looks great! Cool to see some "beyond the park" pictures. Can't wait to check out Florida again one day soon. I miss the beaches, although I've only been the Gulf side. Cheers, J

Jay, you’re right, it did feel a lot different then the last few times I rode El-T Daren, so happy that everyone who chose to go to SFGA again had a chance to ride that bull all warmed up and possibly, when the ride ops were a bit more tired. I had never been stapled in El Toro until that morning and with it running a teensy bit rough, made for a somewhat uncomfortable, although still rockin’ ride. Scott, did you buy that video yet? Seriously, how random was that van? Even with the rain, it still was an awesome day. I really like that park. I can only imagine if they added a few flats, it would just make it that much better. Leaving early because of the rain worked out because I think that was the night we ran into the most insane traffic…ever. I’ll never forget that rest area line for any type of food – Mmm pasta, and a pound of water with tomato sauce and vegetables, with a pound of water, which consequently, we paid for by the pound

Canadian National Exhibition....ug..that really means summer is over. Conklin lost the contract for some reason which was too bad because their midway was way better in terms of rides, or maybe it was because I was much younger and it used to be more fun (There used to be a powered train, Schwarzkoph Dopple Looper and a kiddie coaster). Last year, they had a Crazy Mouse. The best and scariest though was the Starflyer. If it counts any, they have one of those Fireball loops. Other than that, crazy turbo-charged flats. If you love that classic midway and carnival feeling, it's a great vibe and there's a lot to do and see besides the Midway. Access to Ontario Place is still included with the price of admission to the Ex. OH..and the Food Building! Fellow food lovers unite. After the admission, you can buy ride tickets or an all day wristband. Advice: Just walk around and enjoy. If you need to get away to a more refined setting for a bit, walk over the bridge to Ontario Place (they have a water park, log flume ride and lots of stuff for young kids). If you need more action..you're a very short distance from the city centre. Air show is on this weekend, which draws the largest crowd. The dog show is always full and they usually have a cool show at dusk. Last year they were firing people out of a canon at regularly scheduled time during the day...not sure how popular that was lol Hope that helps. Official info I'm guessing is at: www.theex.com

Great TR! Haha I didn’t know who Max was on that day but now I remember seeing him and his group soaking wet after experiencing our brilliant Mondial Splashover. Honestly, the only time I ride it is when they have the water off in the fall or during the first part of the morning. The fountain reaches up to the gondolas but never further in those cycles. Eric, I think Shockwave would have been the least painful of the coasters at KD. I never really found Skyrider to be that bad. Although, considering every coaster at CW was running particularly rough that day, I’m not surprised to hear about a bad Togo experience Were there any other stand-ups on the add-on? Cheers, J

Eric, cant' wait to see more stabland! I honestly had a great night there! I mean, you make the most of what you're given and I really think everyone did, whether checking out the crazy dark rides, the whip or even hanging out on the boardwalk. Thanks for the great updates to date! Cheers, Jay

Jason, I totally forgot about the height restriction on the mouse. Even though I'm not 6'', apparantly when you go up there, they count a small platform as part of your total height. Eric and Candace, great pics again! The Derby was definitely a long ride, especially with the really nice ride op yelling at us to keep leaning in.

OH cool! So this is the thread to watch. Great start Hanno!

hahahaha....yah..thank goodness for belt clip on that Q-Bot! I almost forgot, the rain allowed for a lot of time to wonder around and even shop! Olivier was on a mission to find a Kingda Ka shirt, even though..Khan is better Let's just say it was evident that Olivier's girlfriend picks everything out. Between determining the right style, logo, print, colour and size, I think he spent 30 minutes in the Ka gift shop while the rest of us where grinding our teeth. Then at check-out, he changed his mind. Then, when the lady at the cash said they had more in the back...that was it..add another 15 min. Needless so say by the end, we just added fuel to the fire and kept changing our not very important opinions about his latest choice lol.

Ask and ye shall receive! On to Day 4! My apologies in advance, I really didn't take a lot of pictures as we were mainly there for the morning. Why? Well, the afternoon turned into downpours that would continue on throughout the night. A few good things came from the rain: -Re-ride after re-ride with our Gold Q-bots on the Dark Knight, to see if we missed anything the first time around...nope, not much. I still think it's a great family attraction. Whether or not it was worth the investment or worth the normal wait in line may change that perspective. -Saw the 4-D movie, something that I'm sure we would have skipped otheriwse -Left my poncho on the bus so bought a Six Flags poncho! See, lots to do in the rain In all seriousnous, this day truly showcased the dedication that Robb and Elissa put into the site and the trips. As this was a major park on the tirp with many credits, Robb and Elissa figured that the rain killed all chances of everyone experiencing all that the park had to offer. During our bus ride, the announcement came that an optional return to SFGA would be offered later in the week for those who chose to go. Return admission was provided by the park due to the rain, transportation was provided and Q-Bots at a discount. What more could you ask for? One more. Who doesn't love animals? So after that, it started to spit a bit. We cleared off Great American Scream Machine and headed to Medusa where the ride shut down. That was it for the day, for all rides, except the Dark Knight and the 4-D movie. Regardless, it was a great morning . Stay tuned for Day 5! The Golden Kingdom - live theming Spectacular. The Dutchmen will fly again! But just in case they didn't, I held on to the Q-bot..barely lol So, was it as scary as the first time? I personally still have major butterflies just before launch. As soon as ERT on Toro was done, we were walked to Kingda Ka for the first runs of the day! We had it to ourselves for one or two runs, depending on a front seat wait or not. It takes a bit for people to get back there at park opening. A bygone ritual of a bygone era, the caressing of horns. Normally, this would provoke the bull into an intense and insane run. However...being Jahan and Dave, the bull was flattered and wasn't running as intense or as hard as usual during ERT so as not to upset its gentle caressers. Match the quote to the character in the picture: (a) Olivier (b) Robb (1) "Dude, that was totally freakin' awesome!" (2) "Kahn, is much better". What better way to start a morning: ERT on El Toro! Oh btw, Dark Knight was our first 30 min. ERT session..I almost forgot. Front row: "Something flew off me...it's got to still be here somewhere. I'll make my group find it." Sam "Dude, I'm so not sure what happened so I'm just going to sit here....motionless. Oh, no smiling. either" Jay: "WEEEEEEEEEE, haha, that was fun!" Well hey, if there's a profit to be had, why not? It seems tasteful enough as it focusses on the misunderstood crackhead as opposed to pimps and crackwhoores. Hmm...yah..no...I think it's a straight to internet download DVD. Group business was abundant in the hotel. I don't think we ran into these people at all, which is a good or bad thing, depending on how you look at it.

Yah, especially like the Volcano crew Speaking of Talon, Bethany, I thoroughly enjoyed the staple runs on Talon with you!

Again, great pics, love the night ones! Lake Compounce really was a great park.

Eric: Never thought you'd wuss out on something like that? haha Just kidding man. Yah, I think the Whip and the Derby at Playland are worth the visit alone, along with the Boardwalk. Scott: I watched your car and just couldn't stop laughing along with Kerry. I was a bit jealous that ours wasn't doing the same. Gary: Thank you! I do hope that what happened was not done intentionally, as I don't think that it was. I say that because there were one or two others where it happened to on every Q-Bot occasion, which means that it wasn't you or your fault. I do hope that your time at Playland with all the craziness helped out as much as possible. Look at that day as a new beginning. Dave: I am so happy to hear that EB Headquarters keeps its finger on the pulse of what's going on in the field and adapts or adjusts accordingly. I'm not sure what ended up happening or if anyone did manage to fill out a complete card. Is there a thread dedicated to all Elissa Bingo efforts that perhaps shows off the best examples of the winning cards (photos, video/photos of the best soap carvings, sketches and interpretive dance segments)? That would be so funny. By the way, the not so mysterious bag of mystery was amazing! Kerry: The boat wasn't really all that thrilling apart from boarding it lol Will you go back with me to finish looking for Zoltar? Jay aka A-Jay: Thanks buddy! Definitely doing the best I can. Yah, and the avatar..mamma mia! I think I blushed after a double take lol Drew fell for it again this year huh? Phil: Definitely a new progressive definition of PG-13 lol

Adam, nice start to your TR! Can't wait to see the rest and especially Behemoth Bash Cheers, J

Ben, great PTR so far buddy!

First off, let me say thank you to all the posters! This is the first time that any of my Photo TRs has made it to Page 3, let alone past page 1! Very cool! So, before the weekend gets rolling I thought I'd add Day 3, Six Flags New England Day 2 and the one, theeee only government operated Rye Playland! For those who saw my New York TR, you'll know I really enjoyed the movie Big and as such, had my pics of FAO Schwartz, home of the giant keyboard. So..going to Rye Playland, home of Zoltar the Magnificent, truly completed the trip in nostalgia. Oh yah..they also filmed a scene or two from the Muppets take Manhatten there. (Robb and Elissa, I think I may have been one of only a few, but thank you, thank you, thank you for having The Muppet Show as part of our in-bus entertainment) Notwithstanding being unable to find Zoltar anywhere, it was a great day and night! More Highlights: -From Day 1 - Amazing Waterpark ERT! Yes, I broke Typhoon twice and yes, two evacs. OH..I didn't do it alone..partners in crime were A-Jay, Kim, Trent and Baywatch Taylor. -The Tornado with Kim, David and Eli -More Superman ERT -First day of Q-Bots -Broke the Boomerang/ stuck on the lift hill -Could not get the spinning coaster to spin..both rides -Chickened out of riding Scream drop tower, as witnessed by GJ, Jason, Erik, Eric, Candace and my group -The announement of all announcements, the Superman Intamin wheel shall have dominion over all other prizes in the bag of mystery! -My first Double Shot at Playland and subsequent screams of terror. -The Whip at Playland was turbo-charged! You've never been on a whip until you've tried that one. -Watching Jenn and Scott's Whip cart lift off the ground -The most gory of all haunted houses and dark rides -They had more than one Burger King at Playland! -Apparantly I was a tard and decided to ride a grocery store boat ride on the Boardwalk. More cool Peeps (who's names I can remember and not mentioned above or previously haha): -Got to see and chat with Robb and Elissa a bit more -Met James, MouseAT, David Fudge and company, a great group of Brits and Aussies -Met Alan, Brandon and TP Dave -Lara showed up for a bit, even when not feeling that great (a real trooper) -Met the one and only Richard -Continuing interaction with the one and only Bethany After riding the Dragon Coaster we saw it from afar...The Volare. It was everything that you could imagine it to be...pass the Advil.. Any ride with Ghetto Kruger next to the devil has got be insane. To end off our rides and for me to recover and catch my breath still from the Double Shot, we tried out a few dark rides. The most gory of which, was the Flying Witch. Dork shot! Olivier with Tony, our personal videographer and photographer on our new flat ride adventure. But most importantly...The original Whip, a ride that edges out the rotor, especially after that night! Turn around..Lean in!! One of the first rides at Playland in Rye. We really got a good idea of how awesome the ride ops were here... Put your right foot on the top rung! Sit your a$$ down and put put your left foot on the bottom rung! ..we'll end with another post-volare shot.. So, after all that, it was chow down at Burger King, boardwalk, boat ride, avoiding tickles and fixing the glasses. How cool is it seeing our groups name up in lights in Rye? Another amazing day. Thanks for checking this out and stay tuned for Day 4. Thanks for an amazing two mornings SFNE! Just amazing. Almost time to go, so it was time to squeeze in one last ride on Superman ROS. There ya have it...two dissoriented dorks in a tea cup.. By the time it stopped, every parent of every kid on the ride and standing beside the ride was clapping and laughing WITH us...we were the blur that passed by every few seconds. Dorks in a tea cup. We were only there for one reason...spin them as fast as humanly possible. Wet (on a ride where you're supposed to stay dry) Or was something just really funny during the ride? An awesome ride! Let's continue the theme.. Dry Wet Water Dry Yah thanks, I'll stay on the ground. The other cool group in line for Scream. Ok, so Kerry is waving, Kim is smiling....the other two..I'm really not quite sure. If I were to guess, biatchin' maybe? The Thunderbolt. A classic coaster in desperate need of paint and lurvin'. I could say something related to Superman...but nah. Just fun, craziness and riding whatever we could. Credits were never a major part of the trip for us, which was cool given that I have no idea what I'm at. We just made sure we respected Olivier's choice of coaster for any milestone credit. Ok, so our new Q-bot group of 4 (Olivier, Selwyn, John and myself) got off to a good start. From the looks of it, we were all crazy and easy going enough to make it all work out. Superman was that good, hold that pose.

Eric and Candace, fantastic shots. I honestly completely forgot about that water coaster and I have no idea why. I just remember climbing out of the boat and seeing a bunch of cameras pointed at us….even when hoping that no one would notice. It is a TPR trip so that was all false hope lol Although, I think the second evac wasn’t really noticed? *fingers crossed* Totally embarrassed by that point.

Olivier: Hmm….that was all Selwyn. He wanted to ride the Roman Rapids….and how sweet it was that he was the only one who got soaked! I bet you’re already telling your kids about this craziness haha I’ve got a copy of the video and love it. That and the one on the paddle geese, which will be posted up here at some point. Eric, Pompeii was crazy! Robb said we’d get soaked on Rapids and could dry off a bit because of the fires in Pompeii. I think the opposite happened to us with those rides. But no fire was great enough to dry off our legs and feet after the tidal wave came into the boat. The shoot the chutes at Dorney did the same to an extent in the front row, but not nearly as much as Pompeii, where our boat actually dipped under for a quick second lol

Robb, awesome update as usual! Love the captions, they're what I look forward to the most haha Looks like you guys had an amazing time at the add-on. Can't wait to see the rest. That pic is priceless man! Ok, very happy to know that I wasn't the only one who had that look on those things. Atmosfear was my first and only huge drop tower on the trip, which I think is like that one at Waldameer. It didn't even stop at the top for a breather....

Kerry thanks for the post! It would have been cool but I think you were hanging out with some cool people in the meantime! Glad we were n'sync with our marathon ERT coaster and dark ride riding! It was a blast. Well, there are some brutal shots of us all I'm sure. Hmm..way to ruin it I didn't want to get you in trouble with anyone *cough, Eli, *cough (I'm just kidding around man!) Scott, John, Eli, way too funny! Trust me, there are some pics of me that I've seen where I look like the overlord of the crypt keeper, sometimes more than 15 pounds heavier looking so not to worry lol Brent, honestly, thank you for being that way because it gave many of us the courage to actually go on crazy S**t like that mouse and even a drop tower. Chris, you can't tell at all! That is an awesome pose! I mean..if there is a special seat on coasters for people creating such magnificent poses, let me know and we'll take it next time haha Thanks Jason, same to you man! I'm definitely planning on another trip at some point for sure so we'll have to bring some of the Dorney craziness to the parks. Eric - Thanks for the note. That mouse really was insane, a real thrill ride. Olivier - what can I say? As Jason also said, Dorney was pure craziness. Thanks for the note. I can't believe you saw me that nervous on the double shot and drop tower. I don't think I can go through that again for a while but you never know. Looking at the gyrodrop at KD made me sick. Glad I could add another convert to the flat ride dark side! Regardless I owed you that Drop Tower in exchange for trying to make you puke in the tea cups.

Dave and Falafel! Awesome trip report. That was a great day at Hershey and not to mention the Lightning Racer time. I definitely had the same thoughts regarding the waterpark/ boardwalk area. Although, coming across water canons 1 and 2 made for an amazing experience. I could have done that all afternoon, it was therapeutic to an extent.... I have to say also that the Elissa Bingo instructional/ educational video was a blast as was TPR Trivia. Cheers, Jay

Hey Sam, great pics and TR so far! Great meeting up with you and Drew at Ka. Later, Jay

Kerry, I will forever remember our time on Great White! It hurt so good! lol How many times did we end up on that? Like most, I used ERT to the fullest extent possible. But not always, there were times where one or two quality rides in the front and back was more than sufficient in a 30 minute window.

That is way too funny! I almost forgot about that. Luckily the other Sbarros didn't weigh that water-soaked spagehetti and veggies by the pound.

Hey Eric and Candace! Amazing Photo TR so far. What an amazing camera and photographers of course! Looking forward to the rest. It was great meeting you both! Cheers, J

What a crazy schedule! It was well worth it. Day 2 for example was jam packed with three parks! Six Flags New England Day 1, Quassy (aka the Aussie Speedbump) and Lake Compounce. Other highlights of SFNE and the trip to date: An interesting trend: -Note Christiana's hair - it defies the laws of physics and has not moved to date. Other cool peeps: -Met my awesome roomie Luko -Met Eric and Candace -Met Drew's awesome tormentors, Chris and Daren -Met Trent, Jake, Luke, Ben and other Aussies and Brits who joined up with Baywatch Taylor, Jenn and Scott -Met the 3rd Jason on the trip and obviously like all Jasons, a very cool guy. -Met JakeG and EricM, a section of calmness at the back of the bus and a ton of fun (they were never picky about where to go and when) -Met the famous Hanno and Erik Johnson and crew at SFNE -Also really cool seeing Brent and "N-G" Adam and Matt from Behemoth Bash -Oh, and it can't be forgotten that Olivier and I met our soon to be awesome Q-Bot partners in line at Superman ROS, the flying Dutchmen themselves, Selwyn and John. Drinking Night 1: -Given how aggressive the schedule was, drinking nights were far and few between. I think we only had two main ones in total! -The bar next to the hotel rocked. Thanks to JasonM, Drew, Olivier Eric and Luko for the drinks and company. -This night of course was only a warm up for the Dorney Hotel bar! More on that later… Finally, what we all came for.. I rode Boulder Dash for my very first time at night in the dark. Until you try, you'll never know what you're missing....or what's coming (bruises, fun, screaming. laughing, air, speed, etc etc). It was truly an amazing day! Stay tuned for SFNE Day 2 and the no longer Surprise Park, Rye Playland. Drew, Chris and Daren John isn't at all bored. He's got a pole....and it's got a horse attached... "Now that we're all on this thing..I'm kinda bored" Screamin' Swing take over! One of my favourite flats..the Rotor. Others will have tons of pics and videos of us trying to enjoy this after riding the turbo-charged waveswinger. Zoomerang boomerang takeover! The smoothest one I think we have all ever been on. A lot of fun. Captain Scott trying to film. I think he fell on David's lap trying to move around while Studio 54 was in motion? The one and only Fred, our driver and mentor offering sage advice and support...the real Captain of Party Bus Studio 54..all bow. Back on the bus. The coolest t-shirts...ever. My awesome roomie Luko with Eli and Kerry. That's it for Quassy, a small Aussie speedbump (as Trent would say) in the way of getting to the good shtuff....the oldest amusment park in America, Lake Compounce. Interpretive dance Kerry styles, now say her name! "This ride was very very very scary, but I liked it thiiiiisss much!" Whoot whoot! My first kiddie coaster takeover! The coaster with the lift hill of death. Hopefully someone filmed it because the thump of it trying to get us all up the hill was priceless. Regardless, it was definitely a lot of fun. It really felt like it was either going to fall apart or the car was going to fly off the track. Arriving at Quassy. A great small family park where the motto is that you don't have to spend a lot to get a lot (of fun). Well I mean look at that mouse. Classic is the only way to describe it, even the bolts holding it together. A$$ credit! "No! You will not take my beer hat of coolness!" Drew, that hat rocks! Roomies..chillin' "I will still never admit that Superman is better than Khan" With Day 1 at SFNE done, it was back on Studio 54 Party Bus and off to Quassy family park. So, here we have one cold, one hot and Jenn....either looking for something on the floor or ...well...I dunno. The winners! Team Petunia rocked it. Ok, it was mainly Kerry and Petunia. I only managed one spare. After ERT it was time to check out the park. We were talked into Wii bowling with Porky and Petunia. Requisite Superman pose! "I for one, will never admit that this is better than Khan". Ok, the happiest front car I've ever seen. Brent, glad you made it up there, no front car is the same without you man! We met front row Behemoth! Hmm..Jay has that "That was soooo much better than last night" look. Spectacular. Front row! Where else? Superman ERT! Could a morning get any better? It was running a bit rough but once it warmed up. whoooaa! Some sweet Intamin goodness.