pianojohn

I remember back in the 80's there was an incident at the one in Chicago where the car went up the shaft but did not move forward at the top. It then dropped straight down, injuring the 4 riders. They closed all the Intamin FreeFalls until they could figure out why it malfuctioned. I think I remember cutting out an article about it when it happened. The next time I am home in Cleveland, I will look for it.

My sentinments exactly! I went to Dollywood for the first time this summer and I will definately be back as often as possible! The landscaping reminded me more of Opryland, but the attention to detail and excellent food are Busch Gardens Williamsburg-esque!

Funny story: when I was working at Cedar Point back in the 80's, we used to have rock groups come to the park all the time after performing in either Cleveland or Toledo. My friend Jackie was stage managing one of the shows at the front of the park. A group of guys approached her and asked if they could rent out the park for the day. She said she didn't think so. Then one of the guys said "But we're from Skid Row." Jackie had never heard of the group Skid Row, and thought they meant skid row, as in homeless! They told her they were a famous band. To shut them up, she said, "Well, I am more of a Barry Manilow fan myself!" They were not amused, but I was and still am!

nice pics and comments! Makes me miss the Point!

How about this: get the guys who built Gwazi to re-track it, add some Millenium Flyer cars, and VOILA! A top ten ride! I can dream, can't I?

Wow, Opryland! I was lucky enough to go to the park twice, once in 1989 and once in 1991. The park was the only place you could see totally live shows. As someone who works in the Entertainment area of theme parks, I appreciated that and the effort it took to keep them running. After visiting Dollywood this past spring, I felt a little Opryland there as well. Hopefully they will continue their tradition of totally live entertainment. As for coasters I wish I rode, the only ones I can think of that I missed since I was too scared are the Coaster at Chippewa Lake, the Jumbo Jet at Cedar Point, and the Bavaruan Beetle at King's Island. I DID however ride Gemini in 1978, its opening year, and was scared to death!

I think the rough part is paying $12.50 and then getting beat up in addition to that! Yes, the ride just sucks. Although, I think Viper at SFGA is even worse.

I know this was mentioned, but those of you who REALLY like HHN, this is a great deal! I have not been to HHN in several years, but the trick back then was to try to go both early in the season and NOT on a weekend. I did go to BGT's Halloween thing a few years back and it was WAY too crowded. Of course, the worst thing was the traffic into the park. That should be fixed now that they have widened the road and installed the bridge under which the trams travel. Info below for those interested in the Frequent Fear Pass! Also on the website: Frequent Fear Pass 11 Nights for the Price of 1! Now you can get admission to Halloween Horror Nights EVERY Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday when you purchase a Frequent Fear Pass. Plus, you also get admission on the FIRST Friday and Saturday AND Halloween Night! Frequent Fear Pass admission dates include Sept. 30, Oct. 1, 9, 12, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, 30 and 31. $59.75 + tax

Cedar Point: Mill Race Shoot the Rapids Funhouse Earthquake Pirate Ride Tiki Twirl Trabant Schwabinchen Double Ferris Wheel Rotor Frontier Lift (Sky Ride) Super Jets Jumbo Jet And that S&S Upcharge which lasted a few months (I forget the name)

I am with you there! I did ride the Raven in the afternoon as well as early evening, but the Legend REALLY impressed me more. I could never tell where it was going, and it seemed to just pick up speed towards to end. A great ride in my opinion! I also went to PKI a few days before Holiday World, and like you, I don't care if I ever go there again! However, I have been telling EVERYONE about how awesome Holiday World is, and I cannot wait for next year's visit! Glad you enjoyed it as well!!

Great pics! I really enjoyed seeing HKDL pre opening. The park looks beautiful, and the setting is definately one of a kind. I have seen pics of the castle with the mountains behind it. Too bad there are no mountains (natural ones anyway) at WDW. Anyway, thanks again for the entertaining comments and awesome pics. I am soooooooo looking forward to this year's DVD!!

Did Sheikra last Monday three times. And the amazing thing is tha even though the park was crowded, they were REALLY getting people through the que quickly! Taking the plunge!!

At Dollywood a few weeks back, a mother and daughter were standing in line behind me for Thunderhead. As the train passed by, the daughter (with an accent that would rival Cletus the Yokel from The Simpsons) says, "Mama, does this one do the loop dee loop?" I then knew I was in the south.

Great report! As someone who spent 2 months on Osaka, I can relate to just walking around to get your bearings but also find some of the comforts of home. I have friends working at Hong Kong Disneyland. Hopefully you will be able to check it out or at least stick your camera through the front gate for some pics! Enjoy!

Hmm....I think he meant good wood you can ride without having to have traction afterwards!

If a coaster is moved to a new park (ie Greezed Lightnin' at SFKK formerly Viper at SFOG) is it considered another credit? I have ridden this and many other coasters in 2 parks, but I was wondering what you think. Thanks

As someone who actually rode this thing back in 2001, I was VERY unimpressed. It felt like a bigger version of Magnum rather than a true hypercoaster. The cars were very big and boxy, and not that cool to look at. The ride itself felt overly long and boring. Even the first drop was just kind of...there. I had a better time on the Ultra Twister and shuttle loop than Steel Dragon! Just my two cents...or should I say 2 yen! Me in front of Steel Dragon circa 2001

Good job! And I third the idea of getting there early. In my travels, I was one of the first people in the park at SFKK, CP, and Lake Winnie, and I got on all the major rides with no wait!

In a word: horrible! It is too bad that Disney felt the need to dumb down and make more "family friendly" the one original attraction idea they have had in years. The whole Magic Kingdom is for kids! How about just ONE adult attraction? Or better yet, finally build that adult theme park that everyone has been asking for.

Thanks Elissa! I guess there are stupid people everywhere!

WOW! Road trip! I finished my show in Roanoke, VA on Sunday July 10th and began the road trip to Ohio to see the family and then back home to Orlando. After 6.5 hours of driving, I arrived in Mason, OH, got some sleep, and headed to PKI on Monday. I had not been to the park since 2000 so I was anxious to ride the new stuff, esp Italian Job. I met at the ACE logo on International Street, met two other ACEer's from New Jersey, and awaited the arrival of the PR rep. At about 9:30, Beth showed up and informed us that both Italian Job and the Beast were not ready for early rides. So, we opted for Son of Beast instead. The ride was better than I remembered, but still pretty rough. And those CARS! I had to cross my ankles to fit my legs inside, and I am not that tall. The ride op even told me that there was not a lot of leg room. Can you say BAD design? Anyway, finsihed that and started collecting credits. Did Flight of Fear (eh) and Runwaway Reptar (eh again) then headed for the Beast. Man, was I disappointed. First, there was NO line at all. This usually would be a good thing, but every time I had ridden the Beast in the past, there was always a crowd. Then I rode it and I knew why there was no line: the ride was terrible. VERY rough, very bumpy, and very uneven with the multiple trim brakes throughout the ride. Finally got on Italian Job in about 30 minutes. Not a bad ride, but very low capacity with only three trains and 12 people per train. The drop into the tunnel after the helicopter scene was cool, but that's about it. Decided I had enough and started my drive home to Cleveland. Stopped off at Wynadot for the Sea Dragon credit. What a fun little coaster! It ran great, the ride ops were awesome, and it was smooth! Cedar Point was up for Wednesday July 12th. Got there early and did TTD (awesome) and Millenium Force. The line was about 1/2 hour all day! Did a few more rides, got soaked in the rain, and headed home. Since I worked at CP for 5 years, I didn't feel the need to spend all day there. But the park looked great, the rides ran (except for Wicked Twister) and I had an awesome time. Friday was the start of road trip day. Left Cleveland at 5am and pulled into Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom about 10:45am. The gates opened at 11, and by 12, I had ridden every coaster at the park! The park was that dead! The rides were ok, nothing spectacular. Chang was cool but very faded. Thunder Run was awful and Twisted Twins was actually a lot of fun. Did Greezed Lightnin' twice 'cuz it was cool, and headed out! I was on my way to Holiday World since it is only about an hour west of Louisville. What I didn't know is that there was a time change, so I got an extra hour of fun at the park! I LOVED HOLIDAY WORLD! I had heard and read so much about the park online, but I ws not prepared for how great it was. Everyone working there had the best attitude, and the servcie and efficiency were top notch. Also, the pizza was great! Almost as good as Knoebels! Now, I may be in the minority here, but I preferred the Legend to the Raven. Both coasters were great, but the Legend really surprised me! I loved how smooth they were and how courteous the ride ops were. It was a real pleasure to see people who enjoyed their jobs! The water park was awesome and I did my first Tornado (Zinga) which I LOVED! Add to that the free soft drinks, small crowd, and perfect weather, and I didn't want to leave! I will definately be back next year for The Voyage! Thanks Holiday World! Drove south to Nashville to get a hotel room but was told everything was sold out due to a Nascar race. Ended up driving another hour south and finally found somewhere to sleep! Saturday morning drove to Rossvill, GA and Lake Winnie. Got there right at 10am to beat the crowds.HOWEVER, had a situation at the park that still ticks me off. At 10, I made my way back to the Cannonball and enjoyed several wonderful rides. After exiting the coaster, I went on the Paratrooper since most parks do not have them anymore. I finished the ride and was taking another picture of the Cannonball from the exit area and across the field. It was then that I was approached by one of the security guards who asked me what I was doing. I was somewhat taken aback by his question since it was obvious I was taking a picture of the coaster. He then asked, “Are you taking pictures of family or friends?” I obviously was not since I was alone, there was no one around me, and I had just taken a picture of the Cannonball. “No,” I replied. I then told him that I am a coaster enthusiast and I take pictures of coasters and parks. He paused and then told me that the park really doesn’t allow that. I was shocked! I asked him what he meant by that, and he said “Well, people take pictures of LOTS of things these days, if you know what I mean.” I then realized what he meant and I was DEEPLY offended and insulted at his insinuation. How DARE he make such an accusation and offend a park guest in such a way. Has anyone EVER has something like this happen to them? I have already written the park, but I wanted to let you all know what happened to me. ANYWAY, left there and headed to Atlanta and SFOG. I know....a Saturday, 90 degrees out, and you are headed to SFOG! Well, I had my season's pass, so all I was paying was parking. The park was PACKED, and after an hour, I left! Deja Vu WAS running, but the line was about 2 hours long. I will just have to get that credit some other time. Drove home on Monday and stopped at Wild Adventures. Cheetah is running HORRIBLE, with major whiplash over the 2nd hill. I did get two rides on Screamin' Swing and loved it! Anyway, here are the pics! The kiddie coaster at Lake Winnie. The ride op was cool and took my pic! The Cannonball from the front seat. The Legend's first drop. Ah...what a great ride! MaxAir from the parking lot. MaxAir from...MaxAir! Greezed Lightnin' headed up the spike. The empty Beast station...sad. Two clowns at Wyandot Lake. When I asked them for a pic, they turned into mimes! Scary! The splash down at the end of Italian Job. Kind of cool, but no Sheikra!! From the front...still one of my all time favorite views!

It is to the right of the fountains as soon as you get inside the gate. There is a gift shop right there too and you can't miss it. I was there 2 weeks ago and both Italian Job and the Beast were not ready for the early ride, so I got 2 spins on Son of Beast! It was awesome! Woo hoo! getting ready for ride #2!

Again, another trip to a theme park on my one day off a week! This time, I brought along 3 friends from the show to PKD, or as I called it the "ghetto Kings Island!" Well, the last time I was at the park was 1999, and things have really changed!! It seemed cleaner, friendlier, and the rides all ran! What a concept! We started at Hypersonic since I assumed this would be the longest line of the day. 10 minutes later we were on! The ride is short and intense, and I felt the launch portion has too short a piece of track before the ascent. I rode Dodonpa in Japan 2 years ago, and the launch was much longer. Anyway, got the credit and moved on! Did Richochet for the credit then the Hurler. What a shame! This coaster used to be fun, smooth, and themed! Now it was rough, rough, and looked like sh*t! The rails were all rusty, the station is like a furnace, and there really isn't anything redeeming about it! Did Rebel Yell but only one side was running. Still not a bad ride. Volcano was next and boy was I pleasantly surprised! I had ridden it a few years back and didn't think much of it. But this time it was running great, smooth as glass, and a blast! And they were cycling trains REALLY fast! We got a ride in 20 minutes and rode again later in the day in about 10. Awesome! Right across from Volcano is Tomb Raider. Although we didn't ride it, the ride looked awesome, there was tons of water, steam, and fire effects, and a sound track. Great job PKD!! Flight of Fear was next. I had ridden it back in its headbanging OTS restraint days, so I was looking forward to it. Well, the NEW lap bar comes down at such a weird angle that I was forced to sit with my back off the back pad and my knees bent way up. VERY uncomfortable. The ride itself was OK, but on the mid course brake we came to a dead stop! After a few seconds we started moving again, but it really killed the momentum of the ride. I did see an AWESOME show: School of Rock Live. Now, I have worked in theme parks in the Entertainment department for almost 20 years, so I have seen and done a LOT of shows. However, this show was by far the loudest, most un-theme park type show I have seen! The music was live (a BIG plus in my book), the songs were rock (not FM lite rock but real classic rock stuff by Pat Benatar, AC DC, even Nirvana!) and the singers really belted it out. If you like classic rock and the movie, do NOT miss this show! I am looking forward to seeing it again at PKI in 2 weeks! But be warned: it is LOUD!!! The rest of the day was spent at the water park checking out the fashions (or lack thereof) and the plethora of tatoos. What fun! Next week: Busch Gardens Williamsburg then a road trip from Roanoke, VA to Ohio and back to Orlando with stops at PKI, Wyandot Lake, Cedar Point, SFKK, Holiday World, Lake Winnie, and SFOG! Whew! Any advice for SFKK, Holiday World, or Lake Winnie since those will be virgin parks to me? Thanks!!

Started off on my adventure to Dollywood at 4:30pm Sunday, heading out from Roanoke, Virginia. A fun-filled 4 hour drive later and I was pulling into the tourist trap mecca of Pigeon Forge, TN! I had never seen so many tacky shops and eateries in one place, and I live in Orlando! Monday morning I was off to the park. I was really impressed with how rural it feels, even the 2 lane road that takes you to the parking lots. After paying $6 to park (NOT $10 Six Flags!!) I got a close spot and walked up to the gates. The park reminded me a lot of Opryland with the beautiful natural surroundings, many shops and eateries, and general laid back feeling. There were no crowds to speak of at the beginning of the day, and this made for many re-rides! Oh yeah! Thunderhead was first. I had heard a lot about it, and a good friend raved about it last year. Well, it did NOT disappoint! This coaster is AWESOME! It reminded me a lot of the old Idora Wildcat in that it kept getting better and faster towards the end of the ride. The cars were comfy, the ride attendants were VERY efficient and courteous, and the coaster was just plain FUN! Why isn't there a THUNDERHEAD in every park in the country? It fits in a small space, it runs great, it loooks great...and yet, this is the only installation so far. I would think every small-medium sized park would kill for a ride like this! Hmm....maybe GCC can re-track Gwazi, put on these Millenium Flyer trains, and save that coaster! For me, it is the best woodedn coaster I have ever ridden. Anyway, I then headed out to do the Tennessess Tornado. On the way, I mistakenly did a water ride where I got soaked. They did warn me, but I thought, nah not me! Did Blazing Fury (and thought WTF!) as well as the log ride. Anyway, the Arrow monster was next. I honestly had not heard a lot about it, and all I knew is that it had some different elements. Man, was I blown away! The coaster was smooth (for an Arrow), and the transitions between elements were great. The whole ride was fast, furious, and for me, unpredictable. I took my first ride in the back so I would not know what was coming next. That drop into the tunnel and "iron butterfly" blew me away! I felt like I was hanging upside down for 5 seconds. What a great ride! The remainder of my day was spent walking around and taking in the sites. My only complaint (and this is really nit-picking) is that the park's two best coasters are worlds apart in walking distance. It would be great to get another coaster or two between these two. The County Fair section is beautiful, very well themed, and CROWDED! I guess since the area is new, but also, the pathways could be about twice as wide. Or maybe the people could be half as big! Honestly, there were more wheelchairs than people it seemed, and these were mainly for people who....how shall I put this, NEED to walk a mile or two. Also, the lines at all restaurants were out the door, and the buffet restaurants were even worse! C'mon people!! Anyway, had a great time and cannot wait to return. Thanks Dolly!!! Next week: King's Dominion...wish me luck!!! PS Anyone know if Hypersonic is running?? Ah Tennesse Tornado. Thanks for the unexpected thrill! The station fly thru on Thuderhead. I think it sounded better than it turned out. Not bad, just boring. Not sure who this is...but I HAD to get a picture with her. At the front gate...Hello Dolly!! The sky flyer. It looked better than it flew. Flying Scooters it is not.

Great pics and captions! Being from Cleveland, I loved the pics of downtown and the Art Museum area. Now that I live in Orlando, I miss all of the cultural thing I took for granted back home. And Geauga Lake looks great. I may have to swing by there next month when I am north visiting the family. Again, thanks for the pics!!