larrygator

I love that the border patrol gives everyone who travels to amusement parks a hard time. I got strange looks going to LaRonde last weekend even after saying I only drove 3 hours from Albany and not 7 hours from my home. I also told them I was going to the Casino de Montreal, which ended up being the truth in the end. These border people just find it hard to believe that coaster enthusiasts exist.

For the safety of all the ride ops will make every attempt to squeeze and staple a larger person into the seat before telling a guest they can not ride. Sometimes much to the dismay to others waiting. If you fit comfortably it is all in the hands of the ride op if you will get stapled. As far as larger people riding. I know a couple of guys that at over 250 pounds rode El Toro and enjoyed it immensely even with the stapling.

Ahem Ahem - Where are the Midway Park pictures? Batting out of order is an automatic out.

Big Mouth - no problem I'll make sure to invite you to the next one.

New Jersey drivers were recently judged to be the worst drivers in the USA. http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/daily-news/080523-The-Worst-Drivers-in-the-U-S-Live-in-/

I did appreciate the invite Rich and sorry I couldn't make it. Also, I did not win money in the Poker Tournament. However, I did go to LaRonde on Sunday (because it was open) and stopped at Casino de Montreal and won some money there.

I'm going to lock this. Robb and Elissa have a lot going on with 2008 Trips right now and will address 2009 trips at a later time, but certainly will not have the time to address this before the middle of July. Answers to most questions not relating to a specific destination (types of accomodations, transportation) can be found in the links provided by mcjaco. TPR hopes that you can join us on these trips in the future.

Where are the Midway Park pictures??????

Anyone else find it ironic that The Land of Giants is getting the smallest Intamin Accelerator?

Also one thing to keep in mind. If you are reporting on a local park and have information about how to get there via public transportation that would be very helpful. Sometimes this is the most useful info for guests visting your park from out of town.

I guess I should have used "not overwhelmed" instead of "not impressed" to describe Aladdin's funhouse. I think one of the problems was that many of the stunts were not working on my visit.

Derek/Nicole - so you saw Big Mike, took a picture of him and then avoided him for the rest of the day. AWESOME!

I'd go as far as to say Pirate Funhouse might be the best walk through funhouse remaining in the US. I too was not impressed with the Arabian walkthrough.

I barely got home in time to watch the new episode - what was in the new scenes. Sorry Elissa - I didn't want to tempt you by writing anything before you watched it.

tntornadox - thank you for taking the time to explain the situation to TPR. Your dedication to your park and ride are a credit to you. People on TPR are at various stages of this hobby and it is always good to hear the justification behind park/industry practices. All enthusiasts need to understand that safety must always be the primary concern in the US. Otherwise the industry, as it exists in the US, is going to continue to be strangled by over-regulation.

Are you serious? Mike is more concerned with food quantity than quality? The pizza he devoured in Benidorm was horrendous.

Nice pics Hector. Too much space! Those of you who are not joking are crazy. Now if they would just ban motorized chairs for morbidly obese people. Walking is good for you.

I would have thought that many people have already started cutting down on driving solo, use public transportation more often or use walking an option. Now I know that for some people these are not realistic options, but I have been practicing all 3 over the past year. Yes, each of these options also takes a little more time but it's a lot quicker (and more feasible) than reverting to a horse and buggy.

Splash Mountain and Dudley Do-Right aside, US log flumes pale in comparison to those that I have ridden in the UK and Spain. Alton Towers' bathtub themed flume rocks. Practically everyone one in Spain allowed us to jam up to 6 adults in the boat and had a reversing turntable. A lot of the ones in Spain have blended together but I think it was the one at Terra Mitica that provided insane air when we were going backwards.

I think value/cost always has to be included in the equation, especially with today's economy. Also the atmosphere is a huge intangible. Knoebels last weekend had an unlimited wristband for $19, add $1 and change for the haunted mansion and maybe $15 for a boat load of food for a total of $35. Granted the cost would be higher on weekend without a wristband deal. A day at SFGAdv with Flash Pass and discounted admission, parking, food could run you between $150-$200. Even though Nitro is a Top 10 coaster for me, I would rather ride the Flyers at Knoebels for an hour non-stop over Nitro. The Skooters are incomparble to anything at SFGAdv.

OK, I read (this is not a spoiler) that the person in the coffin that Jack visited will be revealed in the season finale. My guess is Michael. He gets off the freighter but somehow is not part of the Oceanic 6 and has to take on an assumed name that's why the name in the newspaper clipping was not familar. Also, I think somehow Miles helps save Ben in the end and Ben pays him back. Remember that flashback when Miles pulls the money out of the wall at Walt's grandmother's house. I'm predicting that it is not a flashback but a look forward.

Maurer Sohne hands down! Not even close. Similar to asking who is a better Major Leaguer: Alex Rodriguez or Adam Everett

Why don't you try Dollywood and Lake Winnie, they are pretty close together. You might get some arguments on this. By this I mean when I was at DL I only had the inclination to ride 3 flats. At Knoebels there are a dozens that I always try to ride every time I visit.

Team Larry starts with "Team" and it was great having you join. It was a blast hanging out with you again along with Derek and Nicole. Now I know why you wore the Ferrari hat.

^^So true, I visited Magic Forest Park (Lake George) this weekend for the first time in over 30 years.