rollin_n_coastin

After dropping off the 'Gheypri/ Treehugger-mobile' at the airport on the first official day, I headed to the hotel. Those of us who just couldn't fathom getting up early to go to Sesame Place were hanging out at the hotel waiting for the bus. We took over the banquet area entrance. Once the bus was ready, it was off to Brooklyn and Coney Island. The Manhattan skyline was incredible that night. You can see my more detailed Coney Island pics in my Photo TR: Jason Takes Manhattan. *sideshow photos from coneyisland.com. This one used to eat insects and is known at times as Insectavora. On our visit she was the Queen of Kerosene! What she did with flames, her mouth....yah ok you get the picture, it was hot...literally. Our bus was leaving shortly after her show so a large group of us left the theatre. The queen of kerosine was sad that we left...I think Kerry filled in the details in the official East Coast thread haha So, one last ride on the Cyclone and on the bus headed to New England. That's it from Brooklyn and Coney Island! This chick was struck by lightning many times and as such, could manipulate electricity. She sat in a live electric chair and lit a torch that was rubbed on her tongue and also lit a lightbulb with her fingers. Hot? Still trying to figure that out. Ok, so after that, we had to do all that you must do at Coney Island after the Cyclone and Wonder Wheel. Nathan's and the Sideshow. After some awesome hot dogs we went to check out the side show theatre. Some highlights included the three-fingered/ claw man followed by this dude. He did some crazy juggling with knives and such and MC'd the show. Max being hyper active and doing something crazy...surfing as the car slides to who knows where. Ok, here we remembered that the car slides forward and actually looks like it will fly off the wheel. Dino's famous wonder wheel. Of course, we went for the sliding car. This pic was easy to take and for a moment, we really forgot that the car will eventually slide and look like it will fly right off the wheel. Now here's the stuff! Chris, Nick and Jay. Nick was just as afraid of drop towers but did this one and became the biggest drop tower whooore Not pictured but still on the ground - Olivier, John, Jenn, Scott and Gary. David, Eli and yes..there was Max, uhm..nothing else needs to be said I have no idea why but I decided to ride the Cyclone in the back. Not the best idea. For the second ride I moved right up to the front. For those who didn't know already, I fear drop towers terribly, so skipped this one out and said no to the peer pressure. Now that I look at the next few pics, here is another group of people that made the night at Coney Island and the entire trip truly amazing. Starting off with Kim, Kerry and Cora Ah Brooklyn, how sweet it is! Full of conveniences. You can pick up your chicken and then some! Yah ok...who knows when that'll be done Regarding the hair, there's a great story and happy ending there but I'll leave that to the hair owner or hair stylist. Nick basically supervised. A very cool and laid back dude and thank goodness for that. He wasn't too tough on us to get the signs done before the bus left. I ended up colouring in part of a bus sign that Cora is working on here. Cora and Taylor, thanks for letting me help out and having full faith in my ability to stay inside the lines! Very cool ElToro A-Jay was of course getting his hair done by the very talented Chris. You know, we could have been at Sesame Place instead!

East Coast Tour 2008 - The C-Jay Perspective Day 0: Pre-Game (Below) Day 1: Coney Island (Below) Day 2: Six Flags New England 1, Quassy and Lake Compounce (Below) Day 3: Six Flags New England 2 and Playland Day 4: Six Flags Great Adventure Day 5: Six Flags America Day 6: Busch Gardens Europe Day 7: King’s Dominion Day 8: Morey’s Piers Day 8: Morey’s Piers slides/ video and Clementon Park Day 9: Hershey Park Day 10: Dorney Park Day 11: Knoebels Hey all. Well, hard to believe it's over! A fantastic trip! Looking over the pictures as I do this mini Photo TR really brings back the trip and is definitely helping me deal with it being over. Before I begin, let me just say that I resigned myself to not taking many photos because let's face it, Hanno and Dan just do it better! Ok, in addition to Hanno and Dan, there were certainly a lot of others with much better cameras and some phenomenal shots, all which you will be able to check out in the official updates I'm sure, along with the official DVD! I for one can't wait! My aim was basically to cover some fun and craziness as I experienced it and to share with the forum and add to the official East Coast update by filling in some blanks. If any of my pics are used, I would be of course honoured and bow down to he who holds the bags of mystery (aka crap)and authors the official East Coast Tour thread! Hope you enjoy! First up, those of us who arrived early enough spent the prior day at SFGA. Ah, the skyride. Roy56 Rocks! The rest of the day was spent mainly on El Toro and many many re-rides on Nitro, one my newest favourites, which is hard to admit since we just got the amazing Behemoth at my home park. Yes, we waited a good hour and a bit for Kingda Ka. Truly worth it to see the look on Olivier's face for his first anticipated wait for launch. Chris is just a pro at it! We met up with Drew and Sam in line. After a brief airport meet, we arrived at SFGA. A truly beautiful day and the park didn't seem overly crowded. We're here pictured by our custom transportation, the Mini and the Prius (aka the Gheypri as apparantly it is really either 'ghey' or 'treehugger'). This was truly an amazing way to meet some the people who I'd become very close with over the trip as great friends. Not pictured - Drew and Sam joined us later in the day.

Hey Chuck, great pics! Those were definitely two great days. The Dark Castle Tour was definitely something special.

Usually when I hit the border I try switching my terminology; I've found that the same thing happens when you ask for a double-double at most places! hahah or try accidentally asking for Poutine at a Burger King in the midwest

I tried to stop using the word "pop" on the trip since I just got some cofused looks haha I love seeing other people enjoy Dragon Mountain. It was my first looping coaster at 8 years old. Mr. Holer is definitely putting most of the money into the core marine exhibits with the world's largest aquarium being built (When that will be done is anyone's guess) and putting in new rides and attractions that no one else really has in the area. Not sure who else has a topple tower or condor in the immediate area. The park has a cool laid back atmosphere with all the open space. How awesome would a GCI woodie be using that terrain?

Awesome update! Was that at least a Tim Horton's Donut? Glad you enjoyed it up here!

Kerry, you did not just find Angelica aka the Queen of Kerosene aka Insectavora online! I have never smiled so much remembering how our "discreet" exit from the sideshow theater ended. Thank you for that great memory and somewhat pleasant surprise now that I'm home from work after a long day. I'm still iffy about those tatoos though... Olivier, my thoughts are with you and your family. I am so sorry to hear about your loss. As Kerry said, you have many folks on this side of the Atlantic supporting you. -Jay

Thanks Scott! Same to you and Jenn of course! David and Kerry, way too funny! I have to say, I can’t imagine Coney Island without you both and the rest of the crew that night (Eli, Kim, Gary et al) We were an awesome sideshow audience and I’m still of the belief that we should be paid to attend them. BTW, do you still have those scary photo booth pics?

What an amazing trip! It definitely was a pleasure meeting everyone. Party bus Studio 54 aka Short and Stubby....the best! Definitely one of the most unique (but amazing) groups of people I've spent long hours in close quarters with. The past two weeks have truly been a memorable experience. For those who helped bring out the awesomeness and coolness of the Prius during the pre-game...thanks! Luko, I can't believe it but I think I actually beat you to checking out the site today! Thanks for being a great roomie man. Just in the airport waiting for my flight home. I think the longest line I waited in is the Dunkin' Donuts today at the airport. That really speaks to how amazing ERT was on this trip! Robb and Elissa, great meeting you both and thank you for all of the evident hard work and long hours that you put into this trip to ensure its success. Hope everyone has a safe trip home and looking forward to another trip, hopefully next year. Cheers, J

Definitely a great event! I wish I could have stayed for the whole day. Really a pleasure meeting everyone -- Robb, Brent, Adam, Tony, "the Matts" and everyone else (yes bad with names), including other cwmaniacs. Thanks for the great company. For everyone on the East Coast trip, see you tomorrow or Thursday. Cheers, Jason

That's a great number, lines should be moving fast. Hope everyone has a great long weekend and looking forward to meeting everyone. Should be an awesome day!

Woohoo Dragon Mountain at Marineland..I was 8 years old then and the theming still isn't done Pictured Center: The infamous Bowtie that no one expects, Arrow's first I think? Pictured top: First two loops after the first drop.

Hey thanks. It is a cool city. I try to go once or twice a year, whenver there's a seat sale since the flight is only an hour. There's still so much left to check out/ see/ do. So yah, friends, coasters, culture, great food and drinks! Just what a trip should be.

So on to a borough with a ton of character, Brooklyn. Williamsberg and Brooklyn Heights were cool places to visit on past trips. I even ended up in some of the places I shouldn't have been at the wrong time of day (only because a friend lived there) so I think I've seen and experienced a bit more than I ever wanted to. I even lost a cell phone in Bushwick. Anyhow, two things left..the pizza tour and Coney Island! It rained on the Sunday so I did some geeky stuff including a Lincoln Center tour, some museums and hanging out with Mia, who is the only one who escaped my camera! Everyone was working on the Monday so before I met up with my old roomie again there was some time to fill and shopping is never really on my radar. After missing the pizza tour, I decided to fill the time by taking the subway downtown, walking over the bridge and back on the subway to the end of the line---Coney Island. I know I'm going there with East Coast but I've always been so curious about it. After Coney, it was off to meet up with my old roomie for a bite and lots of wine, catch a show and get ready to head home the next morning. Thanks for checking out the PTR! Cheers, J With that, it's good night and good bye New York! Walking back to the hotel, taking the route through Times Square. There's nothing like deciding to catch a Broadway show while buzzed! In the Heights seemed really cool since not only did it win a Tony, it was something that a non-hardcore musical fan would find cool. It defintiely caught my attention. The whole score was hip hop and latin and was rapped all the way through. Definitely cool stuff! My old roomie Jeff, who from taking business with me moved to NYC to study acting and is doing really well acting. Keep an eye out! His girlfriend was at Tae Kwon Do so we hung out for a bite and wine at Riposo 46 in Hell's Kitchen, a really cool place (if you like wine)! This is after a bottle, definitely a bit buzzed haha Top of the tower, over 600' up in the air. Wanna spend a night? It's only $30,000/ night. All I can say is...mamma mia that's a spicey meata ball. The hotel I feel so lucky to be staying at..thank you work! It's always fun to go back to those in the budget after staying there but what a cool experience regardless. It's the tallest hotel in Manhattan and for you architecture fans, it was designed by I.M. Pei, who designed the pyramid at the Louvre. Yes, I'm a hotel geek! Any other John Hughes fans? The New York Plaza just re-opened after a reno and condo conversion on the upper floors. Famous for being the hotel where Home Alone 2 was shot. Oh yah, didn't The Donald's first wife run this place? Oh yah..for the real kids, this place rocks! No, I didn't pretend I was Tom Hanks playing the huge piano keyboard upstairs (I did like Big). Actually, I wanted to but I would have had to wait in line with eight year olds....maybe next time haha Off the subway at 5th. I'm a big kid so love my toys! Especially the ones at this place! No sign of iPhone 3G yet. Surf Avenue on the way back to the subway station. It was a great afternoon at Coney! Back on the subway and back uptown. Pathway to the other amusement areas and the arcade The beach somewhat busy. More views from the Wonder Wheel Yes, it is old and scary! Cool views! Honestly, for picture taking, maybe the sliding car wasn't the best idea Heading to the Wonder Wheel. As with the Cyclone, the people running this thing looked a bit scary, I'm not gonna lie. But they gave me a sliding car! What more could you ask for? I gave my camera very hesitantly to the ride op and rode twice, once in the front, once at the back. It was phenomenal! I was spotted with my camera, that is a no no on this ride. You must check your camera. You are not allowed to even have it on you in any way shape or form, including in a pocket (zipped, buttoned or otherwise). The queue area is pretty intense...hamster in a cage styles. After doing a double-take on the $8.00 ride cost, I had to keep telling myself that this is a historic landmark and that it will go to good things. At least re-rides were $5.00 thereafter. Cyclone sweetness Ok, now that's the stuff! What's that in the background? Wonder(ful) wheel! The freakshows and museum were closed as they're not open on Mondays. So, where are you supposed to get your freak fix on a Monday? Heading down Surf Avenue, I saw something at the end that really was of interest. No pizza yet so why not a hot dog? Why not a hotdog at the oringal Nathan's? I didn't want to remind myself of what I ate so it'll stay covered for the picture...haha Classic parachute tower and Coney Island landmark. I think Intamin is going to try and restore it? Surf Avenue and the original Nathan's Coney Island Station. It was busy but not overly busy being a Monday. Pizza lovers unite! The Famous Grimaldi's. The line was insanely long so I skipped that and headed for the subway. Woohoo...Brooklyn Midtown Manhattan Caption not needed here. Downtown Manhattan Halfway to Brooklyn, cars are below to the sides View of Williamsburg, Brooklyn (I think?) The top. You get a great view of some of the waterfalls installed along the East River. Closer to halfway It was peak workout time! Downtown Manhatten heading to the Brooklyn Bridge

Hey, thanks guys. I've been a bit swamped but will get the rest of the trip up soon. That KK photo was taken from a cool spot that I never would have thought to look for. I'm pretty sure that I looked like a geek (I was the only one out of the car) but at least it turned out..haha. Oh and for sure, Gold Qbots are amazing but just imagine ERT! Cheers, J

Oookie Dookie..on to some good stuff! So, knowing that I was close to SFGA, not going would be sacrilege, even though I knew I'd be going at least two more times this year. Besides, I thought spending one of four days at the park would be cool since those I knew in NYC were working that afternoon/ evening. Who better to ride coasters with than someone from TPR? I met up with another Jay (ElToroExtreme) who was an awesome Jersey and SFGA host. I hope that I can remember all the cool short cuts and ways around the park! Since most everyone knows what the coasters look like, there is more on the safari here. Enjoy! After the park, it was back to NYC, rest and check out Mansion Ultra Lounge, a high recommend along with the park and Safari! Next up: Brooklyn & Coney Island, Stay tuned! Back to the park and back to Toro! I lost track of how many more rides we squeezed in but it was an awesome day! I add one more to remember that this was the first ride that I ever needed to buy headache pills for right after. I think it was becuase I was running on no sleep combined with it not exactly being the smoothest ride around. It was my first time in front and it was awesome regardless! A little more of the world's tallest and fastest. A view of the park from inside the safari. Obviously, one ride really stands out. Baby baboon hanging out on top of mom or dad.. You get a great view of these guys while riding Kingda Ka or Medusa. More random birdlife. This is really the only outback picture I have since the animals were no where in site. It was really hot out. Once you get past the fact that this one can claw our faces off, it can remind us of why some of us grew up with teddy bears.... Random birdlife Very cool, but glad they're behind a fence Double take! Also loving the Zebras. Yes, we had nothing. Obviously, whatever they gave this dude at the truck wasn't enough. Maybe he or she smells Surf Taco? How cool are giraffes? A meeting of the Loyal Order of Water Buffaloes This one looks ready to peck out a moon roof. Rhinos Amazing animals, but now that I look at this pic again, uhm..yah..I'll stop right there. "You think everyone is checking you out" "Thanks for walking with me..by the way, did you see those people in the Mini checking us out?" Ostrich or feather duster... Elephants rock! I just keep thinking of chef from Southpark singing about how to make a pig make love to an elephant... Heading into the next section. It was really hot out so not many animals out and about as normal. Who wants an Emu? Reindeer I think? Now, you don't see this next to your car every day. Buffalo and deer...just chillin' Ok cool, so they actually hang out around the cars.. Ok, now this place was awesome! The food was amazing! After a quick lunch, it was back to check out the Safari. Ride and ride op (anyone else scared...haha) Believe it or not, I was looking forward to riding in a Mini as much as El Toro, and they were both amazing and pulled some crazy g's! The view from Superman...a new ride was spotted out in the parking lot.... El Toro was as amazing as ever! Next up, Superman. We came across this guy on the way. After checking out Dark Knight and Nitro, we took the skyride to where else but...El Toro. A little Great American Scream Machine in the background for any other Arrow fans. A hot but really nice day!

Why: So I managed to score some hotel nights through work in Manhattan before they expire and decided to head down solo to visit my very first roomie from university and his girlfriend. We had a 4 day long weekend for Canada Day, which fell on a Tuesday this year. So the trip fit in perfectly with enough time to make it back home on Canada Day. Tough Travel Lessons: One thing I learned, if flying out of Buffalo, they don’t care for smaller airports in jam-packed LaGuardia so they’ll bump you, yes you Buffalo. If you’re booked in a small prop plan (ie Dash-8), they can’t land in all types of weather that a larger plane may be able to land in, especially at LaGuardia. That is potential for a double bump. So, bad weather for small prop planes plus congestion at LaGuardia that afternoon, evening and night = cancelled flights for all Dash 8s! I was peeved that I wouldn’t make it in on time to meet up with my buddy and all the Friday night plans were flushed down the jon of that US Airways plane outside the window. I also had plans for Saturday in Jersey (a little Six Flags goodness) and there was no way I’d let US Airways ruin two of my days and I especially didn’t want to mess up a fellow El Toro fan’s day who already planned to meet up with me. I sucked it up and took the Greyhound down since any other flight would get me there by Saturday night, pretty much ruining the trip by making a short getaway that much shorter. Getting there: So, I left work at 12:30pm on Friday to begin travelling to catch my flight and rolled’ into NYC for 6:30am on Saturday. Mamma mia! That was a long a trip! Oh, did I mention the cabs didn’t know where the hotel was so they dropped me off in the middle of Manhattan and told me “it’s down that street just keep walking”. Needless to say, it wasn’t there. So, I hopped into another cab and he just asked me to look it up in his guide book and rather than throw it back, I made him look it up. Got to the hotel, slept for 1.5 hours, got up and went to catch the Jersey Express! (..because 8 hours on the Greyhound just wasn’t enough..haha) What happened?: ..and so began what actually turned out to be a great trip, notwithstanding the adventure of actually getting there. It really was an awesome trip and I have to thank Mia, Jay and Jeff for hanging out! Coming up: The ‘themepark’ parts of the trip and some other cool stuff! Stay tuned! Most importantly..it's not a greyhound seat...a bed..woohoo! With that, it was good night, or good morning, for a bit before taking off for Jersey. Very sweet view out the window. Big windows and space for..well...whatever.. Ok, just before bed, I had to check out the room. New York is one of the toughest locations to get into through work so this was like Christmas day for me. So a quick tour. Uhm..yes, it has a bathroom and wow, it looks like I shouldn't even dirty it... ...you can be the judge... So this is me finally in my hotel room and from the looks of it, time to squeeze in as much sleep as possible before heading to Jersey. But...it's not about this Jason...although after 18 hours of travel, a lot mostly on a red eye Greyhound, the resemblance is striking.. Even other Jasons have been there before me....what gives? Hmm...I guess a lot of other people have taken Manhattan.. Here I am thinking I was an original or something...

Yah, it's a cool place! Just a bit insane on a Leafs game night...it fills up fast for some reason...

Woohoo, all registered! A little pre-main trip goodness! Robb and Elissa, the day sounds awesome. Looking forward to meeting you and everyone else going. Not sure how to compare a Monte Carlo Inn..maybe like a new La Quinta or Hilton Garden Inn is the closest, they are limited service hotels with a restaurant. Regardless, the Vaughan location is new and they're very clean and comfortable. BTW, as the trip organizers, you should ask for an upgrade to one of their jacuzzi suites (the location near me is all cheesy Roman column styles) On the night of the 3rd or 4th...a pretty cool place to check out by the park is Wegz http://www.wegz.com/ Cheers, J

Hey thanks Jay! CP just seems better after the first visit. So, did you finish yours up yet? haha Cheers, J

The rest of Coastermania was amazing! Night ERT, I didn't end up sticking around because the weather was really wonky. Anyone know how it went? So, I booked a firm room in Pittsburgh hoping that the Penguins were going to get to game 7, but, it wasn't to be! Detroit had won on the Thursday and I had a room in Pittsburgh. No biggie, Kennywood was on the agenda on the Saturday regardless as tickets and breakfast came with our hotel room. After Kennywood and not watching hockey at the stadium, it was time to get ready for the fairly short drive home the next day. An awesome trip! Hope everyone enjoyed the PTR.... Turtle madness.... We tried out a few of the classic flats, including The Whip and this turtle ride, both the last in the US if not worldwide? I think Jess just wanted the day to end it was so hot haha Complete with a nuclear rabbit on a really classic train...must be insane..all I can say DOUBLE DROP sweetness! Jack Rabbit Goodness! Yet another classic that honestly, still packs a massive punch! Hmm...bunny in the background.. We headed over to Racer after trying out Ghostwood Mansion. It was ...meh... Racer is a great ride! Definitely another classic. Our train won...ahem..of course.. America's favourite cookie! Deep fried....who would have thought? Angioplasty anyone? (Yah, I also had the famous ice cream chocolate dip with a cherry lol) Now what is this tasty confection? Another view of the center of the park. Patato Patch on the bottom right...I dunno how the arteries held up that day... Thunderbolt goodness....it really makes use of the terrain and the first coaster I've been on with no single riders permitted and after you ride, you'll know why. Phantom's revenge was great with insane air. Looking around, time to try out the Thunderbolt! It's crazy watching the trains just drop into the ravine Walking to..the Phantom..oooga booga! A little Kennywood atmosphere. We were definitely looking forward to trying Phantom's Revenge out. The parking, entrance, music, atmosphere were all very much traditional and classic. A very cool atmosphere. After a quick stop at the hotel, it was off to Kennywood to make use of those tickets. It was really, really hot that day. Whoohoo, Pittsburgh! I honestly thought it was flat and pictured it to be like of the Hamilton, Ontario of Pennsylvania, which it isn't. K Penguins..next year!! The interstate became road kill alley, kinda nasty. See ya Sandusky! Helloooo Pittsburgh! We passed by the Geauga Lake exit on the way down, never been so no real comment.

Thanks for the posts! Oh for sure, it was a one-of-a-kind experience seeing the park during non core hours. The fresh lake air, no bumping into anyone, etc etc. Whacky Shack wasn't very ghetto believe it or not, the visual effects inside weren't that bad! I even felt sick after the last 'veritigo' type section. Just the cars alone rock...

Ok..so on to Cedar Point! I think most have seen the park in many trip reports so here is an experiential snapshot: In the park from 6:30am to 10:00am - Coastermania 2008! After the last pick, we rode some flats and other rides and headed back to the hotel to rest up for night ERT. More to come! I had some serious making up to do for that crazy Caddy ride. I was sentenced to watch The Misadeventures of Molly and Maverick... You're turning it the wrong way!! No, she doesnt' have a license yet haha Ok car buffs, take a look at this! Is that a Briggs & Stratton under the hood? Wooooeeee! So after all the driving during the past two days, time for a break. Looking for someone to drive me around... ..taking the dog out for a walk Ok, this just didn't turn out as I hoped. I had the pose a few seconds before haha. Cool mural of Snoopy (at a new Planet Snoopy entrance) Park is open, waiting in "no line" for Wicked Twister. Cool view of the beach. Wow, what it looks like 'on the other side' before 10:00am. I dunno, will this ever come back in style? Again, just an indication of how much space there was around us as the park just opened to resort guests, who were being filtered through the entrances. We began walking up to Raptor for a ride on that before heading to Maxair and Wicked Twister for 10:00am. The not so fun part of being early, waiting for a train to fill. Things could be worse! We rode one more time after with still no wait. Walked back to Millennium Force and were second in line for 9:00am. One last look at Maverick and Lake Erie at ERT. Morning Coastermania ERT finished at 8:30am so that the park could prepare for Resort and Season pass ERT from 9am to 10am. We were included in that as well. 2nd of three rides (2 in back, 1 in front) Waiting for the front, thumbs up to that! What an amazing day out on Lake Erie! About those enthusiasts, happy to report that there were no incidents of biting or attacking. Although, I was a bit worried to see these dudes. Honestly, it was a pleausre meeting everyone that we did. Just a great group of people all around that along with all the ride ops (and Tony spending ERT at Maverick) made for a phenomenal event! Just to think there was still night ERT! So, about that line. Long? Jess looks happy so not so much. 10 min tops! Absolutely amazing! "Where have all the enthusiasts gone?" Oh yah! That's the stuff! Now, about that line...a bit nervous about how long that sucker is going to be! Oh, that would be Mean/ Rough Streak in the background. With ERT half over....a brisk walk to Maverick. Hmm...how long will that line of coaster enthusiasts be? This was a first coaster event of any type for us. So of course we were both wondering if hardcore coaster enthusiasts bite or attack due to the use of flash photography? Waiting for the front...I forgot how steep that lift is. Getting in line for the second run Classic Millennium Force shot The way a line should be....running to the station and still waiting for the train to fill! Just awesome.. I think I mentioned this is a favourite? Oh I should qualify by saying that I've never been on any Superman ride. But I'm sure I'll always love Millennium! Drool.... Passing by Mantis on the way to Millennium Force! A personal favourite! Still early in the season, but the trash cans are in full bloom. Again, a great indication of what the park is like with just us coastermaniacs around during ERT! Definitely lots of space. Before hours shuttle? If only! The park really is massive. It's a good 15-20min. average pace walk to Maverick. Classic Corkscrew shot Midway Mania! Raptor and main midway shot, no one around (most ran to Maverick I think). We opted to get about three rides in at Millennium Force first since Maverick will most likely always have a line. Walking in, man it was early! Loved the Starbucks coffee and donuts at registration! It was also a really hot day but they gave out hoodies as part of the gift pack? Apparantly this time last year, it was a lot cooler.

Hey thanks James! My first comment to my very first PTR! Waldameer is a great little park. RVII was definitely a fun coaster. They had all trains running and were very efficient. Like I said, I still can't believe how smooth a woodie can be. I thought El Toro was a one-off but this was just as smooth or very close. Mind you, who knows what it will be like after its first year Coming soon....Cedar Point (Coastermania08 day)

On to our first stop, Waldameer (Erie, PA) A great little park where the flats are on "traditional" or "carny" settings. Honestly, I never felt sick on a spinning ride until that day... I had never been to a park like this so it was definitely a great experience with a lot of new and old mixed together. Although the park is small, between the park and the waterpark, there's definitely a lot to do to keep anyone busy. You enter at the park's railway crossing. Parking is free, definitely a welcomed surprise.. Last look at the park from the wheel The other side of the highway Crazy disappearing act..yes..into the Ravine, who would have thought? The bridge.. Ok, back to the good stuff..RVII! ARRrrrr!.....didn't have time for whatever that building Captain Hook is on.. BTW, evil, evil Tilt a whirl.. Great flume, but man...way to rub it in! The bigger drop is Big Thunder and of course flies the US flag. Well, Canadians will have to be happy with being recognized as Little Thunder at Waldameer. Another look at those well...whacky (and very old) cars in that...well...whacky shack. Another look at the 'good shtuff'... A very old ride but a lot of fun! There are definitely a few crazy sections in there! From the looks of it, I don't think my sis really wanted to give it a try, but we did. Ravine Flyer II! I was definitely looking forward to riding something other than a KECO woody at Canada's Wonderland or Mean Streak. I never knew how smooth they could be! A short but cool climb through the trees. Yes, we were the largest people squeezed into the back of that train Peeking up Comet's hill? The park looked great and was very clean. Definitely a family atmosphere for the most part. ...or a skyride? What would a park be without a ferris wheel? A bit dizzy afterwards, but whatever, bring on the insane spider/ monster ride (more 'on' that later). Paratrooper action. Never saw one of these before so it was the first ride. The Comet is a great little kids coaster that looked and felt 'classic'