DBru

Great trip report! Thanks for sharing!

That is easily the coolest-looking water slide raft I have ever seen. And 8 people riding on a raft? That's going to be one heck of a fun ride.

Can someone tell me where to find the best discount tickets for Kings Island this season? (The Club TPR discount isn't up yet.)

SFOG is in dyer need of a new flat ride (package). It already has a world-class collection of coasters.

Those sound extremely cool. I'd love to see a picture!

^I assume that's the actual cycle...so that guests can feel the XLR8tion...

Jeremy Camp is a great Christian artist.

That's what I was wondering. I didn't see anything like this in the concept art. (Yes, yes, I know...)

What's a roller coaster without a little discomfort? I actually chose that photo because of the position of the guys in the front row. If the train were to launch and catch people off-guard, you can see that this is as far as their upper bodies would go forward. Their faces wouldn't slam into the bars in front of them (which is what I assumed some people were picturing).

Looking at this image, it seems like Mr. Freeze's current restraints would be substantial enough to support someone during a backwards launch.

So no chance of this park being saved?

Thanks, AJ! I think I will take your suggestion of flying into and out of Orange County. I would REALLY love to experience SFMM's new drop tower, as I love that kind of ride and falling over 400ft sounds incredible to me. I'd also like to ride Matterhorn just for the sake of being able to say I've ridden it. I'd hate to miss out on one of the most classic coasters in the world, you know? Also, I am not at all opposed to buying a Flash Pass for SFMM. However, I wouldn't buy one in advance. I did both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure in one day back in October. The only reason I am including USH in this trip is for Revenge of the Mummy and the Studio Backlot Tour. I am a huge movie buff, so I feel like I need to experience the "Hollywood tour." If there is an alternative to this, please let me know! Here's an updated plan: Day 1 (a Tuesday)- Fly out of Louisville, KY, to Dallas, TX. Take a shuttle or cab to a hotel in Arlington. Day 2- Six Flags Over Texas Day 3- Fly out of Dallas, TX, to Orange County. Rent a car. Day 4- Knott's Berry Farm. Day 5 (a Saturday)- DCA, travel to San Diego that night (after World of Color?). Day 6- Seaworld, Belmont's Big Dipper, travel back to Anaheim. Day 7- Disneyland Day 8- Universal Studios Hollywood(???), explore LA, then Pacific Park that night. Day 9 (a Wednesday)- Six Flags Magic Mountain Day 10- Fly out of Orange County back to Louisville, KY. What do you all think of this?

Thanks for all the advice so far! I just discovered that Matterhorn (Disneyland) won't reopen until June 14th. I would really hate to miss out on that coaster...but will the crowds that far into the summer (and with so many attractions opening) be overwhelming for a first-timer? I'm not just talking about Disney, but throughout the entire trip. Adding an extra day for DCA (buying two one-day tickets instead of a one-day park hopper) will add about $100 in park tickets alone. I'm really afraid there isn't enough for two "adults" to do there to warrant spending the extra money. However, I could be totally wrong. And if I choose the June option, I will definitely change the schedule so we can make it to Sea World for Manta's opening day...though I usually try to avoid Saturdays at theme parks at all cost. Does anyone know when Tower of Doom/Superman at SFMM and Mr. Freeze at SFOT are supposed to (re)open?

Hey guys! My dad and I will be taking a trip out west this summer and I would really appreciate some input from everyone with more knowledge about traveling and the area than I have. The basic itinerary for the trip is as follows: UPDATED Day 1 (a Tuesday)- Fly out of Louisville, KY, to Dallas, TX. Take a shuttle or cab to a hotel in Arlington. SFOT that night. Day 2- Six Flags Over Texas Day 3- Fly out of Dallas, TX, to Orange County. Rent a car. Adventure City then Scandia that night. Day 4- Knott's Berry Farm. Day 5 (a Saturday)- Universal Studios Hollywood, explore LA. Drive to San Diego that night. Day 6- Seaworld, Belmont's Big Dipper, travel back to Anaheim. Day 7- Disneyland Day 8- Six Flags Magic Mountain Day 9 (a Wednesday)- Six Flags Magic Mountain Day 10- Fly out of Orange County back to Louisville, KY. That's the gist of the trip. Now we get to the tricky part--when to go? I basically have two options to choose from. I'm thinking either May 22-31, or June 19th-28th. (I'm open to suggestions, though.) Both spans have their advantages and disadvantages. If we take the May option, I'm assuming crowds will be lighter; however, some of the New for 2012 attractions at the involved parks might not be open yet. The June option will most likely present larger crowds but an opportunity to ride all of the new stuff. No matter what, I know I'll have an amazing time...but considering the amount of time and money we're going to pour into this trip, I'd like to make it as worthwhile as possible. If it helps in conceiving a few tips, I don't plan on returning to southern California for at least four more years (I'm considering attending graduate school at USC) and my dad will most likely never visit these parks again. I would love to read all of your suggestions about when to go, which LA airport to use, and absolutely any helpful advice or tips or anything you have to offer regarding this trip. I also need help deciding what to do about the Disney situation. I'm only allowing one day for Disney, and I've always been fascinated with California Screamin'. However, I'm afraid that DCA might not have enough for us to do to warrant the additional price if the major expansion isn't completed for our visit, and if it is, I fear we won't have time to get everything in. Thank you in advance for your help!

^That would seem most logical to me.

I feel like this paint scheme won't catch your eye/stand out as much from the interstate. I'm usually welcome to change, but I'm kind of hesitant to accept this one.

I added my own pun in there, Larry. Sorry to get your hopes up. Here is the statement I was referring to: http://www.thrillnetwork.com/content/20-questions-holiday-world-s-president-dan-koch-2995/ Will you retract your statement now? lol

Even if it was tame, I still loved The Crypt and all of its uniqueness. I'm sad to see another major flat go.

I think he's talking about the lap bar part of the OTSR's which can definitely crush you if you don't push against it the whole ride. This is a huge problem for me on Maverick. The lap bar always wants to slam down at the bottom of the first drop and during the launch. I wish Intamin would soften that lap padding or maybe shape the restraint to fit better to riders' thighs.

^Correct.

That non-braked first drop with only lap bars is going to be phenomenal. At least there won't be any lack of pacing!

What makes you think Holiday World wouldn't move their extreme rides to Santa Claus? I don't see how they could possibly concoct something more extreme than The Voyage, and according to a recent (Thrill Network) interview with Dan Koch, Holiday World will soon attempt to make a splash in the steel coaster polls.

^No, but I'm wondering if these new trains will look nearly identical.

Steve, do you honestly think this deal would go through if the Koch's didn't believe it was "logical?" The family has been running one of the most successful parks in the world for over half a century. Surely they know what they're doing/getting themselves into.

Ah. Thank you.