Canobie Coaster

I've never lost my glasses on roller coasters, but I am kind of weird when it comes to wearing them. Some days I wear them, while other days I decide not to. I've never come close to the entire pair of glasses coming out, but Behemoth last summer almost knocked one of my lenses out after my front seat ride. Needless to say I didn't take my glasses on Behemoth again. One thing that I always avoid is wearing glasses on launched coasters. I just can't see them holding up on something like Kingda Ka or Storm Runner.

Off the top of my head, here are the worst lines I have waited in purely based off of length... 120 minutes- Ripsaw Falls- I rode it the first summer that lapbars were installed. The ride kept breaking down. 90 minutes- Bizarro at Six Flags New England- There were 2 trains, but stacking was very bad and it was during Fright Fest. 90 minutes- Volcano the Blast Coaster- 100+ degree heat and slow dispatches caused this. But the hands down worst line that I have ever waited in was Great Escape's old Nightmare coaster. There were probably 40-50 people ahead of me in line and it was an hour wait. With dispatches over a minute apart and just 2 riders per car, this ride literally was a nightmare.

My 3rd favorite wooden roller coaster is Hershey's Wildcat. I haven't ridden it since they replaced the old PTCs with Millennium Flyers, but I found there to be a ton of ejector air time. Plus I found the entire ride very wild and intense without being too aggressive. I know others found it to be quite rough. Also, I am a fan of Kings Dominion's Hurler. I think I rode it the year after it got retracked so that could explain why. I found the entire ride to be very smooth. Some of the steel coasters that I love that others hate would be Zamperla Volares and Kings Dominion's Shockwave.

For me, the roller coasters that I have ridden most would be a lot of the New England ones such as Excalibur, Bizarro, Pandemonium, Batman- the Dark Knight, Rudy's Rapid Transit Coaster (for 10 years I went to Santa's Village, so I may have gone of this about 15-20 times per visit), Yankee Cannonball, and Boulder Dash. The most that I have ridden a roller coaster consecutively would be Excalibur in 2006-2007. I went the weekend before Labor Day and the park was deserted since the Maine schools had already gone back. I literally rode it for 2-3 hours straight and got 35 or so rides in a row.

Wow! It has been a very long time since I have posted an update on this park. With that being said, in now way was this project dead. For the past two years, I have slowly but surely been making many improvements to the park. It was just that until now, I had not gotten around to posting an update. With that being said, here is the current progress of Easton Gardens. Keep in mind, I have not finished adding scenery, so there will be several areas that just seem kind of empty. First off, the park decided to paint the Blue Streak a natural brown color so that the ride blends in with its surroundings better. The ride still kept its distinctive blue trains though and rides just as well! Schwarzkopf was contacted to build the Comet, the park's family coaster. Following the spiral lift, riders are treated to a very steep and thrilling plunge. Despite being more of a family ride, this oddly-shaped hill provides some top notch air time. The rest of the Comet's layout consists of two helixes (one upward and one downward) and a few twists. Wanting to increase its flat ride quota, Easton Gardens decided to add this well landscaped section of spinning rides. Tucked in the corner of the park is the Balloon Race. While not particularly popular, the attraction is still great for families. Next door is Easton Creek Falls, the park's log flume. Off-ride, it is extremely tough to get a good picture of the ride's layout since it meanders through a dense forest. The final plunge is fairly tall for a log flume, and the subsequent splash is an excellent refresher on a hot summer day. Here is the park's Arrow coaster, which is appropriately called the Corkscrew. With Canobie Lake Park being my home park, I had to give it the exact same colors as my local park's Corkscrew. Lines are non-existent for the Corkscrew due to a two train operation...and it may be a bit rough considering it is an Arrow. B&M was contacted to design this delightful, little dive machine. Called the Wild Thing, this coaster may not have any inversions, but it makes up for it with two vertical plunges. If you remember the first park that I ever posted here on TPR, this exact ride was also in my Fun Forest park. The park's signature attraction, Goliath was constructed by Intamin AG. As Goliath begins its rapid ascent via a cable lift, riders can see two of the park's other flat rides, the Sky Diver and the Caterpillar. Goliath has a maximum height of 240ft. Following the mammoth first drop are three outstanding air-time hills. The 3rd hill seen dives underground. Here's a closer picture of Goliath storming underground. After re-emerging, Goliath has yet another air-time hill. After this hill, it dives directly underneath the Water Wheel. After this hill, Goliath zips around a quick turn and then enters its return leg. Here is an overview of a majority of the return leg. Goliath's final element is a tight, downward helix that is very intense. Adjacent to this helix is the park's terrifying top spin, the Twister. Two more flat rides can be seen here in the Whip and the Round-Up. Also, Easton Gardens has a few more thrilling flats next door in the Giant Drop, Crazy Bus, and the Sky Master. Riders are anxiously anticipating the Giant Drop's sudden plunge. Near Wild Thing is this cluster of flat rides. Like I said earlier, I am not done landscaping this park. Surrounding the lake is Surf Glider. Built by B&M, the Surf Glider is a one-of-a-kind attraction, a launched B&M flyer. Riders await the launch. Following the relatively gentle launch is a barrel roll. Most of Surf Glider's layout can be seen here. It consists of several small dips, many barrel rolls, and a few helixes. Surf Glider really brings riders close to the water! Surf Glider's first helix is an upward one, and it is followed by the ride's largest drop, which is 25ft tall. Shortly after, Surf Glider takes riders through its second helix. Here is Surf Glider's final turn. Nearby are several flat rides. A better view of some of the flat rides can be seen here. Finally, I leave you with an overview of the park. Basically all I have left is landscaping the park and adding several food stands. Hopefully, the next update comes much sooner!

While I thought that I finished this park last summer, I decided to open it back up recently just for fun. When I did, I realized that the bottom right-hand corner of the park seemed a bit empty. As a result, I decided to build one final addition to the park, the Forest Flyer. Constructed by Vekoma, the Forest Flyer is a custom SLC. Fortunately, it actually provides a very smooth ride just like Kumali. Inspired by Dorney Park's Hydra, the Forest Flyer has an inversion right away. This barrel roll provides incredible hang time. But the Forest Flyer outdoes Hydra as it has two additional inversions. Seen here, the short train travels through a corkscrew. Then, it is followed by yet another barrel roll. Finally, the train reaches the top of the lift hill. Following the twisting first drop, the Forest Flyer charges underneath one of Excalibur's wicked air-time hills. After this inversion comes the ride's largest drop. Riders towards the back are treated to some fantastic ejector air. Then comes the heart loop, a varient of the standard cobra roll. Before reaching the brake run, the Forest Flyer has two more fantastic inversions. After the brake run, the Forest Flyer treats guests to one final surprise, a 50ft drop that returns them to the station. While realistically I know that this element probably would never happen in real life, it was the only way to complete this coaster. Plus, I really thought it looked cool.

Currently the best coaster at my home park is the Yankee Cannonball. However, there is a chance that this could change after I ride Untamed this year. I've never been on a Euro Fighter before, so I am really looking forward to it.

I just read that it was a 2 alarm fire. Hopefully this attraction isn't in too bad of shape since it was one of my favorite rides there and the best log flume I've been on anywhere except for Splash Mountain.

Glad you had a great birthday at a very nice looking park. Worlds of Fun seems to have a pretty strong coaster collection led by Mamba, Patriot, and Prowler. You didn't have Spinning Dragons at all in your TR. Was it closed for the day or did you just not get any photos of it?

Excellent trip report. I play the Walibi World scenario often in Roller Coaster Tycoon 2, so I really like to see pictures of the park in real life. Goliath looks absolutely sick and I hope I get a chance to ride it someday.

While I personally wish that a mouse coaster was not added, I actually feel that it is a good addition for the park AS LONG as they market it as a family attraction. Sure we have Pandemonium, but the general public will notice a difference between that and Pandemonium. One spins and the other doesn't. As a result, it is a better coaster for kids to ride after they have been on The Great Chase and Catwoman's Whip. Honestly, Six Flags was going to send this to one Six Flags Park, and while I wish that the Six Flags closest to me got something different, I am not at all shocked since we essentially we supposed to get this ride 2 years ago.

I've had a great year thus far. Every park I've visited except Canobie Lake Park (my home park) has been a new park for me. Going on college road trips definitely have their advantages! June Canobie Lake Park- June 25 July Seabreeze- July 17 Darien Lake- July 18 Marineland- July 19 Canada's Wonderland- July 20 Martin's Fantasy Island- July 22 August Six Flags Great Adventure- August 25 and August 26

Hydra the Revenge- I love the jojo roll. The hang-time I experienced during that inversion is simply amazing. Revenge of the Mummy (Florida)- A very well themed dark ride portion begins the ride. This includes going backwards too. Big Thunder Mountain (Florida)- The beginning tunnel is very dark and disorienting. Space Mountain- There is just something memorable for me about riding down the launch tunnel. Bobsleds- While not very big, there are several tiny bunny hops out of the station that really set the tone for the ride. Nitro- I love the swooping drop out of the station, as it gives an incredibly tiny pop of air in the back. Phoenix- The dark tunnel is a really nice beginning to one of my favorite coasters anywhere.

^ I thought the station was still there since I saw the ride's logo and ramp while I was walking over to Superman.

Very cool TR. You seemed to have a similar experience to me when I visited Martin's Fantasy Island last month. Silver Comet was a really good ride as you described, but I too was hoping for a bit more air. I rememeber hearing that the ride heated up as the day went on, but unfortunately I couldn't stay until closing so I have no idea how much that the ride does in fact heat up. Overall, Silver Comet did make my personal top 10 for wooden coasters, and it reminded me so much of Funtown USA's Excalibur. Also, the Starship 2000 was really strong. I personally enjoy these Wisdom gravitron/starship rides more than the older Rotor rides. The cushioned pads are so much more comfortable than a rubbery wall that smells like puke. Also, did you have the op who continually yelled "Starship!" during the entire ride? I didn't expect to get soaked when I rode the flume, so I was totally caught off-guard. The ride just looked so innocent, but boy was it a soaker. Crazy Mouse also did spin for me, but compared to other spinning mice out there, this is one of the weakest in terms of spinning in my opinion. Disney's Primeval Whirl has far better spinning in my opinion. Lastly, as for the shows, I am assuming that you are talking about the Fantasy Island Theater where they had the really odd show that had Captain Skyhook and some princess. I wasn't watching the show, but I overheard the production while I was waiting for Flight. I hope to make it back to Martin's Fantasy Island someday, but I would only really visit if I were in the area since the park isn't overly large.

After riding Kingda Ka at night in the front row, I would have to go with that. Prior to this, arguably the most intense ride I have been on would be SFNE's Bizarro (Summit Plummet and Canada's Wonderland's Drop Tower are scarier, but they aren't as wild of a ride). The sudden launch is incredibly forceful and I could just feel the ride pushing against the skin on my face. Then, the massive top hat gave a major burst of floater air going over the top and the twisted plunge is incredibly disorienting. Kingda Ka may be a blur, but the whole ride is incredibly intense in the front seat, especially at night when it is your first time on it (like it was for me). El Toro also deserves an honorable mention. That beast really is intense. Without a doubt, El Toro contains 4 of the most powerful moments of ejector air I have ever experienced. That alone makes the ride intense, but the twister section towards the end was really thrilling as well. The laterals and positive Gs during that section really caught me off-guard in a good way.

I was at the park on Wednesday and Thursday. The Great American Scream Machine's first drop and first loop seemed to be standing, along with one other section of the track that appeared to be a turn. Also, the station is still standing. However, other that the entire ride has been completely taken down.

Thanks. I haven't seen a forecast where there is going to be a thunderstorm tomorrow. It just looks like it is going to rain until about 6-7 PM. Also, would Skull Mountain stay open in a thunderstorm like the Dark Knight would since that one is indoors as well?

I'm going to Six Flags Great Adventure for the first time and I know that it is supposed to rain. So what is Six Flags Great Adventure's rain policy. Will they keep most of the major rides open? I know that Kingda Ka will be down for obvious reasons, but would anything else like El Toro, Nitro, Batman, Superman, or Bizarro be closed? Also, would Ka reopen later in a day where it rained once the rain has stopped. I just figure that lines will be almost non-existant tomorrow due to the rain, but even if rides are closed, I'm also going on Thursday which looks to be beautiful.

2010 Revolution 360- Seabreeze 2009 Sasquatch- The Great Escape 2008 The Simpsons Ride- Universal Studios Florida Toy Story Mania!- Disney's Hollywood Studios 2006 Backlot Stunt Coaster (then Italian Job Turbo Coaster)- Kings Dominion Reese's Xtreme Cup Challenge- Hersheypark 2005 Flying Tigers- Knoebels Hydra the Revenge- Dorney Park

I have to go with standard wild mice. While I enjoy both types of mice, I find the standard mice to have better drops and more thrilling turns since you have a better visual of the upcoming turn. The spinning mice have a great two drops; however, some of the segments in the spinning portion can be kind of uncomfortable. If I were to include Mauer Sohne or Gerstlauer spinning coasters such as Seabreeze's Whirlwind or SFNE's Pandemonium, I would definitely go with spinning mice; however, they are not mice coasters in my opinion. Rather, they are just spinning coasters to me.

I went to the Great Escape last year and had a great time. Flash Pass will not be necessary as lines are no longer than 15-20 minutes even for the major attractions. First thing I'd hit would be the Alpine Bobsled. Why? First, it has a really low capacity. Also, it closes for the day if there is any rain. If you ride this unique Intamin bobsled coaster immediately, it should be a walk-on. I recommend riding in the 2nd and 3rd rows since they are the smoothest rows in my opinion. Then, hit the park's Ferris Wheel. It gives great views of the area and shouldn't be missed. Next, hop on the park's Raging River river rapids ride. Later in the day, it will have a 30-45 minute wait. Right now, it should be a walk-on. While not the best river rapids ride out there, it is still an enjoyable ride. Afterwards, I recommend doing the water park immediately before it gets busy. While it won't get packed later in the day, the lines could be about 30-40 minutes for the Mega Wedgie bowl slide and Tornado funnel slide. However, in the morning Mega Wedgie had a 10-20 minute wait last year, Tornado was a 15 minute wait, and the raft slides were 10 minutes each. I recommend passing on the Black Cobra since it is really slow and uneventful. Don't miss the Banshee Plunge! While only about 5-10 seconds in length, it may be one of the most thrilling water slides I've ever been on. Make sure you really hold onto your tube! Following the water park I'd head right for the park's star attraction, the Comet. It should ultimately be about a 5 minute wait each time thanks to speedy two train operations. No seat is a bad seat on this amazing wooden coaster. It is currently my 4th favorite wooden coaster, so I recommend that you get several rides on this wooden coaster since it is far and away the best attraction at the park. Then I would move back towards the front of the park hitting some of the park's flat rides. I'd hit the Cannonball Express (himalaya), Blizzard (scrambler), and the Flying Trapeze (swings). Make sure you hit the unique Alice in Wonderland walkthrough on the way by. It is a really cool little walkthrough. Also, skip the park's Sky Ride since it is a really long and boring ride. Now I'd go for a ride on the park's Boomerang. It should be a 15-20 minute wait. Don't worry, this is the smoothest boomerang I've been on so it is actually a really fun ride. Next go for a ride on the park's S&S Tower, Sasquatch. The down side is the better of the two sides, but sadly this is one of the weakest S&S Towers I've been on. Regardless, it is still arguably the park's most thrilling attraction and shouldn't be more than a 15 minute wait. Now head into Ghost Town and ride the park's Canyon Blaster mine train if you want the credit. It will either be a walk-on or have a slow-moving half hour wait. This thing loads incredibly slowly and isn't even all that great of a coaster. The downward helix is cool, but it is quite bumpy and the overall ride is way too short. Then, I'd go for a ride on the park's flume, Desperado Plunge. It should be a 10-15 minute wait. While not a really big or special flume, it is a nice relaxing ride. Finally, go on Screamin' Demon, the park's Arrow Loop & Corkscrew. It should be a 5-10 minute wait. I hope you have a great time at The Great Escape!

I can't wait for the park to open their new signature attraction. Not only will it probably be the park's best attraction, but it also will fill an empty patch of land quite well. Finally, the train won't seem so empty. Until the coaster is built, the park's Train will continue to simply navigate it's rectangular couse around an empty field. Once the coaster is finished, I should like their Train so much better since it will probably provide some amazing views of the coaster. The Monster Mouse has definitely served the park well, but when I've visited the park the last couple of times, the Mouse has had some downtime. While the park definitely takes good care of the coaster, unfortunately the age of the coaster itself makes it incredibly difficult to find replacement parts.

I wear my glasses on almost every ride since mine stay on very well. However, there are a few rides that I take them off for. Potential Headbangers (I don't think it is very good for the frame of my glasses to smack the OTSR.) such as Arrows and Vekomas. If I know that one is smooth, I will wear my glasses the second time. Examples of this would be Canobie's Corkscrew, Dragon Mountain, and Darien's Viper. Hyper Coasters- I used to always wear my glasses on any roller coaster without restraints until I almost lost my lenses on Behemoth two weeks ago. During the ride, I was amazed by the wind in my face feeling that the front seat provided. After the ride, my vision was a tad blurry so I looked at my glasses and saw that my lenses were very close to completely popping out. Needless to say my glasses weren't on for the rest of my Behemoth rides. Inverting Flat Rides With Hang-Time- While my glasses are fairly secure, prolonged hang-time on rides such as Huss Rangers or Zamperla Hawks make me a bit nervous. Some parks like Martin's Fantasy Island make my life easier and just ban me from wearing glasses.

I've only visited Six Flags New England once on a Saturday before and lines were incredibly long for the park's major attractions. Bizarro was a 2 hour wait. Batman was a 1 1/2 hour wait. Cyclone was a 1 1/2 hour wait. Mind Eraser was a 1 1/2 hour wait. Pandemonium was a 2 hour wait. Scream was a 1 1/2 hour wait. Thunderbolt was a 1 hour wait. Water Park was crowded. So for SFNE on a weekend, I suggest that you immediately head for Bizarro once the park opens to hopefully get a ride on that before lines get really long. Afterwards, hit the Joker's Wildcard and Catwoman's Whip if you wish to ride either of those two rides. Then, hit Thunderbolt if it still doesn't have a long line. Next, use the single-rider line on Scream (at the exit) and it should be a walk-on. Since very few people know about this, you can ride Scream almost all day without a wait. Following Scream, I'd head over to Tomahawk and Houdini and ride those two if you want to because they should still have minimal waits. Then, try Shipwreck Falls if you want to cool off. Plus, it rarely has a line I've found. Now it's time to hit the North End. Flashback would probably have a half hour wait by now, so unless you really want the credit I'd skip it. Pandemonium should have a really long regular line, so I'd use the single-rider line to get on very quickly. Following that, I'd try Cyclone. By now it could have an hour wait, so this may be your first major wait of the day. Also, I'd skip Blizzard River since it will probably have a pretty long wait. Afterwards, take the Skyway back to the center of the park. Then, I'd ride Twister, Buzzsaw, and the Tea Cups since all three usually have minimal waits. As for Batman, Mind Eraser, and Splash Water Falls, all three of those attractions should have really bad waits by now. If you want to, I'd ride Batman. I would skip the other two because they are slow-loaders and simply not worth it. With Lake Compounce, I've found that lines aren't overly bad on any day of the week. Well, except for the water park. Lines at the water park are really bad on hot days, so I advise you to skip Splash Harbor. Boulder Dash typically has a 20-40 minute wait. Make sure you get tons of night rides since it gets way better at night! Other rides worth hitting would be their amazing Thunder River Raft Ride (20 minute wait), Saw Mill Plunge (30 minute wait), Wildcat (20-30 minute wait), Zoomerang (30 minute wait), Down Time (20 minute wait), and Thunder n Lightning (15 minute wait).