larrygator

As mentioned in my last post, after leaving Kentucky Kingdom I traveled to Beech Bend. I had only been to Beech Bend once before for Rumblefest, the year Kentucky Rumbler opened in 2006. I was not a fan of the park in 2006, but I liked Rumbler. In 2017, I liked the park a little bit more, but it still looks like a spread out carnival built on cement. Although the waterpark expansion is 100 times better than its predecessor. On the ride side the Drop Tower, renovated haunted house (even though it lost its classic cars) and Air race were all solid additions since my last visit. Rumbler on the other hand is not the same, but is still fun and pain free even with a mostly empty train. I would have to say it has held up a lot better than Thunderhead, although it probably only gives 20% of the rides as Thunderhead throughout each season. I think this is a new wave swinger since my last visit. This also replaced an older version of the same ride These look nothing like the old Pretzel spinning cars. The single row version of the Air Race is much better than Zamperla's original elevated row. The ride operator had nothing better to do and no one wanting so I got what seemed like limitless laps. Vortex was down today. One of the best flats in the US is still there. Michael Jackson lives on Zero G is great Kentucky Rumbler is holding up well Leave the park I saw my first under $2 gas since New Jersey raised their gas taxes in October 2016

Well I did ride The Cyclone at Coney Island 155 times in a row. But that was 7 years ago so I might just be getting old.

The next day July 20th I visited two parks Kentucky Kingdom and Beech Bend. I had visited Kentucky Kingdom when it was a Six Flags park and again in 2014. I continue to be impressed with the actions taken by Ed Hart. That's not to say that re-opening T3 was a great move. However, it makes sense in the short term before they replace it with a proper looping coaster. Lightning Run and Storm Chaser are a great 1-2 combo for a park this size. Thunder Run runs well enough as a third coaster. The park continues to bring in mid-size flats to complement the older flats such as the Breakdance and Enterprise. The water park is still a huge draw although most say it is not up to par with Holiday World. It seems like everything Ed Hart is doing is strictly to combat Holiday World and keep the Louisville locals. Since I'm not a water park fan, I would probably choose to spend a day at Kentucky Kingdom over Holiday World next time I'm in the area. I arrived a little before opening to a moderate sized crowds. Most looked to be water park fans. I got 3 quick rides on this incredible coaster. Still scratching my head wondering why no other US park has purchased this model from Chance. Then headed over for about 5 rides on Storm Chaser Even my poor photography skills can capture hairtime from a distance Waiting to ride this was a lot better and pining over missing one side of Twisted Twins My only issues were some of the transitions were too abrupt and snappy. The airtiime hills towards the end gave me a slight headache, but that's my fault for being dehydrated at a park that offers free drinks. The alcohol is not free, but there is happy hour. The bar was empty but it was still early in the day. Is there a flat ride Hall of Fame? This might not make the first ballot but will be inducted someday. Another fun flat if you don't get motion sickness The one flat ride I regret never getting to ride. I'm not talking about the Super Loop. But have no fear. Fun is under construction. Although they try to hide the ride with high growing bamboo, it is still there and I was willing to give it a shot. And I have been saved. There is a god. Thank you Jesus. Yes, I did. Mindless entertainment. Just in case you want to know all the famous carousel vendors, they are memorialized on Kentucky Kingdom's carousel panels. Rumpke! It is fun say in a fake German accent. Yes, I know why it is on the garbage cans.

^you mean "world famous flags chicken strips"

It seems like an April Fool's Day joke in September but luxury brand conglomerate LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (80% owner or Jardin d'Acclimation) wants to give Jardin d'Acclimatation a steampunk themed makeover, including 17 new rides and attractions added to existing offerings. https://www.pedestrian.tv/travel/paris-making-one-oldest-playgrounds-90m-steampunk-theme-park/ Paris Is Making One Of Its Oldest Playgrounds A $90M Steampunk Theme Park By Lucinda Price September 4, 2017 There are a million excuses to visit France. Half of those reasons involve croissants. And now, there’s another reason why the sophisticated destination ought to be on your ‘go as soon as financially possible’ bucket list. Paris is getting a brand spanking new, $90-million-dollar amusement park next year. The project is led by LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE, the French multinational conglomerate that owns pretty much every luxury brand under the sun, and their plans to reinvent the city’s Jardin d’Acclimatation have just been approved. Despite the fact that LVHM own fashion favourites Kenzo, Fendi and Céline, the theme park won’t be fashion focused. Instead, it’s gonna be a full-blown steampunk paradise. Steampunk is a style of design and fashion that combines historical elements with anachronistic technological features inspired by science fiction. Think Mad Max, The Wild Wild West and some of the goggle-themed fashions at Burning Man. At the moment, the Jardin d’Acclimatation is a 19 acre park – the country’s oldest leisure park. It was opened in 1860 by Napoléon III as a zoo before becoming a children’s leisure park, complete with rides, in the 1930s. The park already boasts an archery range, house of mirrors, miniature-golf course and pony riding among its attractions, as well as a puppet theatre, shooting galleries, a science museum, and an art museum for children. Around 17 new Jules Verne-inspired steampunk rides and attractions will be built between 4 September and 1 May 2018 as part of the AUD$90-million-dollar upgrades. Delphine Pons, head of development at Compagnie des Alps, said at a press conference that the goal of the park is “to rank second or third among theme parks in France.” (Of course, they’d be going up against Disneyland Paris, no mean feat.) Full-steam ahead, baby.

It could be this http://newsletter.technicalpark.com/newsletter/news-2/?frame=0

Holiday World on July 19th, 2017. This was my third trip to Holiday World but the last trip was back in 2006, the year Voyage opened. Even back in 2006 I also proclaimed The Raven was one of those coasters I just didn't get. I rode it dozens of times on early trips and it did nothing for me, but I did enjoy Legend back then. As far as Voyage, I loved it in 2006 and rode it many times during Holliwood Nights however it was very aggressive and tough to ride repeatedly. Now to year 2017, not only don't I get Raven, I find it getting rough. Legend is also not aging well as aggressive laterals are now becoming rough. Voyage is just not as enjoyable as it used to be. I was trying to ride as defensively as possible but could no longer enjoy it. It is very aggressive in parts (just like before) but there are too many rib breaking lateral movements now. Voyage is now more rough than aggressive. Although, I did love Thunderbird. I loved the pacing and the fly throughs. I passed on the waterpark, which is probably the best part of Holiday World these days. I also skipped most of the flats. I still like Liberty Tower, Turkey Whirl is just brilliant with its customized vehicles. Gobbler Getaway is a relaxing break, but it is sad that so many walls in the queue are still bare. All along I had planned to eat at the Thanksgiving restaurant. I was glad I did as I love turkey and gravy and you really don't find it Thanksgiving style at many amusement parks. The side dishes were also not notch. I know I would rate this park higher if I spent time at waterparks, but in all honesty the wooden coasters don't make Holiday World a destination park for me anymore. Plus, there are not enough flat rides to keep the park interesting to me. Sorry, I just find you too rough nowadays. This used to be my clear favorite over Raven. I still like it, but it is declining in my view. The coaster I never understood. Front, back, middle, just don't get it. And now with roughness. But I really, really liked this coaster. I even made the long walk back from Raven to Thunderbird for one last ride to end my trip. I have always liked this sign. The Wave Swinger is always good on the hot and humid day. Why are these walls in the Gobbler Getaway bare? Why? What's up with this? I never did ride it? Even though the Thanksgiving Cafe was on the agenda, I deviated with the Chicken and Dumplings instead of turkey. The sweet potato casserole was excellent and the stuffing was a solid side dish. Just because it is fun going to a Christmas store in the middle of the summer. Hi Elissa! Hi Robb!

Thank you for the appreciative comments. I just got back from a two day trip to Dallas last night (Sunday) and I dragged my feet without posting an update. So Monday, Labor Day may be a twofer. If I don't drag my feet again.

I like the fact that Halloween events are the primary reason northern parks extended their operating season, but I'm not a huge fan of the houses and mazes unless it is part of a large v group of friends.

Ok, you got me, I did enjoy the trainer. I prefer the back on almost every B&M except Alpengeist

Kristen, what is your favorite language you like speaking when you travel internationally?

I realize this PTR is going to get lost during the Six Flags announcements but I have a schedule to hold to get all parts posted by the end of next week. Right now, I need to get to sleep because I have a flight to Dallas at 6AM tomorrow. Kings Island on July 18th, 2017 was the next park on the itinerary. I had been to King's Island 2 years ago and this was my 7th visit to Kings Island. Kings Island was one of my favorite parks when I first visited in 1990. However, over the year's I grew to like it less and less, but since it became part of the Cedar Fair family I visited in the same years I had a season pass and was hitting up Cedar Point. My feelings for Kings Island changed again after Diamondback was built. I love Diamondback, I get the Fast Lane just so I can power ride Diamondback. Then the park put in Banshee, another winner in my book. And Mystic Timbers is now another solid addition. I like The Beast, I love night rides on The Beast but don't need to ride it more than once during the day. I'm still a sucker for Flight of Fear and Invertigo. Lastly the park has solid and a decent supporting cast of coasters. It is interesting that before Cedar Point bought the Paramount Parks they had Cedar Point as the main park and Knotts as their number 2 park. So much focus has been put into 4 of those 5 Paramount Parks that I now view Knotts as the 6th best CF park and they are not even close to the Top 4. And their is still a gap between Knotts and the others. Overpaying for those Paramount Parks almost killed Cedar Fair but you have to credit CF management for seeing the potential of those parks and markets. After leaving Cedar Point that night prior, I stayed in Columbus and the strain of getting up 1AM the day before took its toll. My body just wanted to stay in bed and my mind listened so I got a late start. After eating brunch at Waffle House I did not get into the park until close to noon, but luckily I had a FastLane budgeted for the day. This is where I parked. Front Row! It's Mystic Timbers and the shed. #whatsintheshed I have to admit I had no idea what was in the shed. I refused to watch videos or read about it. Still to this day I don't know how many versions of the shed their are. People posted so much crap in the Kings Island Discussion thread that I had no desire to go back and search for an answer. On my first ride, I don't recognize the song and I think we were attacked by gargoyle bats. OK song, dumb visuals. The second time I rode the song was Maneater and we were attacked by Snakes. Dumb song, good visuals. With long lines and no guarantee that I would see a different show in the shed I passed on a third ride, but David S Pumpkins is about the only thing that would have pleased me in the shed. I loved the ride, but not the shed. Elissa would be happy that one of her Shark Tank favorites is in the park. But if I'm going my manage my dairy intake, I'll go for a Graeters sundae over cheese. Like I said I'm a sucker for Flight of Fear, I miss the old pre-show. I used my FastLane to cut a both of families multiple times and the guns were working great, I never scored this high before. However, the FastLane entrance was very dark and it took my eyes too long to adjust and I nearly face planted. But no one saw this. The first time I did a Top 10 list of coasters, this was in my Top 10. I won't even ride it anymore. I caught the trained dog show since it was right next to Chick-Fil-A and I needed someplace to sit down and eat. I sat in the last row to chow down with the thought that I could leave before every else. I feel asleep so I wasn't the first to leave. I have always liked the wide open nature of the Coney Mall. Obligatory shot from the Eiffel Tower and another one Even though Diamondback is a people eater, having that FastLane saves 5 minute walking through the queue and about 15 minutes waiting each ride. I assume the park kept the Reds Hall of Fame Grill instead of adding a Chickie and Pete's Good night everyone!

What flags are flying at other US parks?

But they have other rarely used structures that can still be removed such as the theater across from the Justice League and the Batman Stunt Show Arena. Also a few years ago there were rumors that Skull Mountain (sorry Cult of Skull Mountain members) might be at the end of it life cycle. I'd still like one more indoor ride/attraction to help the park in inclement weather. The Showcase just got repainted and I do think will be utilized more in the next few seasons now that the area is seeing attention. With the Granstand and Fort Independance gone, the Showcase is one of the only spots to see a traditional show left. As I mentioned earlier, the Batman Stunt Show area is another good candidate for removal. Combined with the old Freefall spot and you have a pretty solid chunk of unused land. Agreed, I was just trying to point out that you have two roofed theaters in Showcase and the 3D Building, so if the park was to demolish one either could go. I agree the 3D building is more likely to go first, since the Showcase Theater is in an area open for HITP. However, combining the Showcase Theater, old Freefall spot and Stunt Show Theater creates the large footprint for something big in the future.

But they have other rarely used structures that can still be removed such as the theater across from the Justice League and the Batman Stunt Show Arena. Also a few years ago there were rumors that Skull Mountain (sorry Cult of Skull Mountain members) might be at the end of it life cycle. I'd still like one more indoor ride/attraction to help the park in inclement weather.

It's been open on and off this year, a few times I went I've been able to walk through it, they would then shut it later at night. Yes, I experienced it once, but no one seems to know for sure the common thread or logical pattern to the days when the path is open, but i think Boldikus is right about large group events in the picnic area. Most people that found it open said it was before 3PM, pre-lunch

I still think we are 1 or 2 rides away from the Old Country path being re-opened.

*^I don't know what your have park is, but with Six Flags Great Adventure a lot of the GP call it Six Flags. Whenever I mention amusement parks to my students (11-14 year olds) or fellow teachers they always refer to it as Six Flags Granted older folk call it just Great Adventure. I would almost guarantee one for SFStL in the next 3 years and I'd be 90% certain that one ends up at SFA also. I agree about TGE as it is is a different type of park

Enthusiasts are likely to agree with you as homogeneous names for homogeneous makes it easier compartmentalize what you have ridden/not ridden and discuss the new rides. The vast majority of park guests (who only visit their home park) won't know, therefore they won't care.

Sometimes the new finds aren't all they are promoted to be. I was really looking forward to the pork chop on a stick. It was reasonably priced, but it was too dry and bland. But I'll give it one more try next visit.

Sorry to double post but I think this proves it to be from ABC https://www.facebook.com/abcrides.ch/

I made that assumption when I listed it on the first page of the thread, I have not heard of any other companies with a similar ride. I did check ABC's website this morning (5AM EST) and didn't see any announcement/recognition of the installation at this. However, I think one of the press releases mentioned the ride as a Tourbillon, which is ABC's model name for this ride. However, now I've just seen that Robb updated LaRonde announcement to show LaRonde's "Tourbillon" is actually a scrambler.

Pretty much solely because no one has seen a Skywarp previously in an amusement park. That's my guess.

If you rode it 20 years ago when it wasn't nearly as rough you would probably feel differently. I just can't believe how many of the first people to comment have not been fully appreciative.

A shorter ride means the line will move faster. I can't believe someone has a complaint about an RMC conversion of a coaster that has seen its day.