larrygator

^If you plan to hit up Nathans while in Coney Island, sign up at nathansfamous.com for their mailing list. They send coupons via e-mail each month for the following month. When they offer a hot dog coupon that special can save can quite a bit on their hot dogs. Usually knocking $2 off the price of each hot dog.

Today was the groundbreaking ceremony for Thunderbolt. I stopped by after work today to see exactly what has been done (even though I generally stop by every 2-3 days anyway). The field where the coaster will sit still needs to be leveled. It was truly only a shovel in the dirt photo op/ceremony. Although it was re-iterated that the coaster will open May 22nd. I do have three pictures of the field but it's not even worth posting them at this point, as there is only one small pile of dirt. Credit to a local Brooklyn paper (Brooklyn Spectator for this report) Luna Park breaks ground on famous Thunderbolt coaster BY JAIME DEJESUS jdejesus@homereporter.com Good things come to those who wait, even if that wait is 32 years long. On March 10, Coney Island’s Luna Park broke ground on its newest attraction and the return of an old favorite, the Thunderbolt roller coaster, which closed in 1984 and was demolished in 2000. Politicians along with representatives of the Alliance for Coney Island, Amusement Rides Company Zamperla, the New York City Economic Development Corporation, Central Amusement International and the New York City Department of Parks were on hand to celebrate the construction of the ride which is slated to be completed by Memorial Day weekend. “The Thunderbolt roller coaster represents another exciting step forward in the continued revitalization of Coney Island,” said NYCEDC President Kyle Kimball. Although it will inherit the same name as the original wooden coaster which opened in 1925, this isn’t your grandfather’s Thunderbolt. The thrill ride is set to fit modern times. “We’ve come here to Coney Island with the mind to respect the memories that lie here. I think it was very important to be able to bring back a ride like the Thunderbolt,” said Alberto Zamperla, president and CEO of Zamperla S.p.A. “Of course, it has to be something new. It can’t be the same because the memories are good, but the world is moving ahead and to respect the Thunderbolt, it’s good that we have something completely new.” The new iteration will sport the park’s first ever vertical lift steel coaster. “There’s a new safety system and new cars with three passenger seats. (The original) had an even number, but now families are different. Demographics are different. We keep things updated. That is very important,” continued Zamperia. Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams is excited about the new addition to Luna, although he’s not eager to test out the thrill-seeking ride. “One thing for sure, I will not be the first person to ride this ride. I’m afraid of roller coasters,” he joked of the ride that is expected to last two minutes with speeds of 55 mph, including a 90-degree vertical drop. “But Thunderbolt is going to be a lightning rod of entertainment, economic development, and a new family friendly environment. Coney Island is back.” Adams praised the collaboration behind the area’s resurgence. “It is an indicator of EDC and the mayor’s commitment to the development of Coney Island and how we’re going to develop, along with the local alliance and community groups and organizations,” said Adams. The new coaster is also expected to continue to improve the area’s economic growth. “It is music to my ears to hear that this is an opportunity to create further jobs for local residents who are seeking employment,” said Councilmember Mark Treyger. “It is also important that we further stimulate the local economy here in Coney Island as we are still recovering from Superstorm Sandy.” After addressing the media, shovels were handed out for the groundbreaking ceremony, which was met with cheers. “I’ll say that Coney Island has always brought the thunder,” continued Treyger, “whether it is history, culture, food, people, amusements, and now it’s very fitting that the Thunderbolt will be calling Coney Island home. “We are in this together,” he went on. “I am so proud to represent one of the most historic neighborhoods across the entire country. I will be looking forward to more thunder.”

I was not a fan of Brice so glad he is gone, hoping that juice head cop from New York is the next to go but I don't think that will happen.

I approve of this announcement, outside of Potato Patch fries I never cared for the park's food options.

MOD EDIT: merged into existing thread

Thanks to Goliath513 who keyed me in that Elitch Gardens recently made an announcement for 2014. It appears to be a old school Ring of Fire. http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_25287065/elitch-gardens-adds-new-7-story-thrill-ride Elitch Gardens adds new 7-story thrill ride The Denver Post Posted: 03/06/2014 Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park announced Thursday the addition of a new 7-story thrill ride that will debut this season. Slated to open in May, the Brain Drain is a 360-degree steel loop that sends thrill seekers forwards, backwards and upside-down. Marketing director Tracy Durham said it's the first new thrill ride at the 124-year-old park in a decade. "Guests can let their hair fly as they shuttle back and forth with suspense before wildly looping seven stories in the air," Durham stated in a news release announcing the new ride. "With back to back seats facing either direction, each ride on Brain Drain is a unique experience with great views of the Denver skyline and the Rocky Mountains." Elitch Gardens is scheduled to open for the season on May 3. Season pass holders will have an early chance to ride Brain Drain on May 2.

Great now you can get an unobstructed photo of what pain looks like.

LV was where I ate one of the worst "burgers" ever. It was like those odd ones they servedin my old high-school cafeteria that seemed to be made of no recognizable meat product. I still remember Big Mike feeding a hot dog to a duck there, too. I got the burger and fries, looked at the burger and tossed it. I ate one fry and threw them out. Then I bought an ice cream cone.

The great thing about Europe is the number of parks that are in major cities. Outside of the parks you mentioned you can also consider Tivoli Gardens, Grona Lund and Wiener Prater. Grona Lund has the best coasters of these additional three parks. Stockholm / Grona Lund

No, I don't. If Mitch needs to limit the number of coasters due to the limits of the spreadsheet and/or his algorithm I have no issue. The main purpose of the poll is to determine which coaster is number one, not which one is number 78.

Ah, Drayton. Where I tried traditional British fare, "Toad in a Hole". I did not like it. I do not like G-Force. I did not like the shooting dark ride where half the guns did not work. I did not enjoy the stench of the Super Loo. I was not pleased the Drunken Barrels was not completed for our visit. I did not like the torrential downpour that ended our day and prevented me from riding my first reversing "flume/splash boat". Other than that I enjoyed my visit, glad to here they have greatly improved the place.

Just like any business, every high profile decision made by a theme park is about money. The expenses and ROI need to be approved by the bean counters and senior management.

^I moved your thread into an existing thread.

When there with TPR in 2007 some of us noticed that every tenth boat or so would get drenched from another boat going in the opposite direction as the troughs were very close to each other.

He would never be able to do all this in late October.

^^The kid should sue the parents after they told her they wouldn't show the video to anybody. And the kid did disregard instructions. People are told not the lift the food tray that high. At least that's what ABC News reported in 2012. ^Yes, Adam the video was originally released in December 2012.

For the majority of US parks In late October, only parks in Florida and California will be open every day. Regional parks outside of those states will have limited operations Friday night, Saturday and Sunday. And those parks will be extremely crowded due to the popularity of Halloween Events. Flash Pass (Six Flags parks) Quick Queue (Busch Parks) and Fast Lane (Cedar Fair Parks) will be a necessity.

^Well played I admit I've been a lurker in this thread. I don't know how I feel about the funding and backer's ability to turn it on again. But I won't feel bad if this post gets no reply at all.

Guilty Pleasure. Already enjoying the new season of Survivor. Loving the dysfunctionality of the "Brains" tribe.

Do you have a webcam we can follow? Very interesting, I love seeing restorations but don't do any myself. Although I do have an old fan like this sitting somewhere in my mom's house.

Awesome find Dave Thomas. If a recall he wasn't even the Staten Island champ at his weight class. He had a nemesis Fred Davis whom he could not ever beat. They drew a few times but Gary never beat him. Now you have to hear arguments about actual soccer with the world cup. All the foreign players will be murdered in Brazil! I jest, I jest.

Some suggestions Big Daddy Don Garlits Drag Racing Hall of Fame Spongeorama Skunk Ape Research Headquarters

I don't know the answer, but if no one can help you here on TPR, I'd expect a quicker response with the question directed to a Dorney Park fan forum, than the Park itself.

Their attendance is only about 1.4- 1.5 a year. I wouldn't expect big from them unless it's Gerstlauer or RMC. If that attendance number is correct, that is more attendance than Valleyfair and Worlds of Fun. (I think you can fill in the blanks that these two parks have some large coasters.) Source of information: http://newsplusnotes.blogspot.com/2012/01/cedar-fair-is-looking-fun-forward.html Wild Adventures has a much longer operating season which means higher operating expenses.

Keansburg is holding a naming contest for their "new" Pinfari. I've already enter the name "Loop de Loop" so don't even think about copying me. http://www.app.com/article/20140224/NJLIFE/302240011/Contest-gives-patrons-chance-name-Keansburg-roller-coaster?nclick_check=1 Contest gives patrons the chance to name Keansburg roller coaster Feb. 23, 2014 8:27 PM | The Wildcat roller coaster at Keansburg Amusement Park was destroyed during Superstorm Sandy. A contest is underway, asking patrons to come up with the perfect name for its replacement. Attention, everybody who loves roller coasters! Keansburg Amusement Park will be introducing a new attraction this spring — a brand-new roller coaster to replace the Wildcat, which was destroyed by Superstorm Sandy in October 2012. A brand-new coaster needs a brand-new name, and the park is turning to its patrons for their creativity. Now is your chance to be part of amusement park history! Go to www.keansburgamusementpark.com, and enter your idea for the perfect name, along with your contact information. If your idea is chosen, you will be invited to the ribbon-cutting ceremony and will be seated for the first run of the new roller coaster. The Gehlhaus family, owners of the amusement park, purchased the new roller coaster from a company in Italy. The roller coaster’s given name is Pinfari ZL42, but that sounds more like an android from a Fellini-like “Star Wars” than a name for a Jersey Shore thrill ride. So, should it be named Jaden or Sophie? Neither? Hmmm. Here is some food for thought: The new roller coaster has loops, sharp turns and high-speed banks. It is the heir to the Wildcat. It represents revitalization after a hurricane. Storm-Cat? Survivor? How about “Coasty?” Entries will be accepted through March 1. And while you’re thinking of the perfect name, start preparing for the perfect summer. Now through March 21, Keansburg Amusement Park is offering a “Two-for-One Spring Sale.’’ Buy one book of tickets and get one free. The online rate for ticket books is $89.95 for a book of 200 tickets or $49.95 for a book of 100. The ticket books do not expire. The sale also applies to three-hour passes to Runaway Rapids: buy one for $26.95 and get another pass free.