larrygator

I was hoping you would chime in. I remember your cruise stopping in Oman years ago, but couldn't recall your thoughts on Oman.

I remember looking into this park back in 2010 (?) when there was the possibility of ConnyLand being including on the mini-Europe Trip. It's not really a big place but is quite unique.

I can't say I know too much about the country of Oman, but a large indoor futuristic/alien themed park is being planned for a 2017 opening. http://www.tradearabia.com/news/TTN_278578.html Oman's biggest indoor theme park to open in 2017 MUSCAT, 1 days ago Majarat Oman, the Sultanate's biggest indoor theme park being built in the premises of the Al Sawadi Beach Resort, is planning a soft opening in 2017. The promoters of the theme park organised a major event to unveil the project in front of a high-profile audience and media, said a report in the Times of Oman. Majarat Oman, which is just 45 minutes by road from Muscat, will be able to accommodate 2,500 to 3,000 visitors a day, it said. The theme park is a futuristic, alien themed, indoor park, which offers a classic mix of all entertainment elements that a family is looking for, making Majarat Oman a complete family destination from the age group of three to 93. The project would create 300 job opportunities for Omanis as well as generate huge business opportunities. With an envisaged built-up area of 25,000-sq-m, the theme park will have a capital expenditure of $120 million and construction will start by the third quarter of this year, the report said. Sanderson group, the world renowned Australian theme park consultant, will pick up 51 per cent equity stake in Majarat Oman, it said. Majarat Oman is the first undertaking by Arab Malaysia Development Company, which was established in 2011. The theme park is the company’s first project in Oman, and will be developed by Amusement Cities, a special purpose vehicle (SPV) formed by Arab Malaysia Development Company.

Yellow journalism has been going on for well over 100 years. Media outlet put out these article/stories because the general public wants sensationalism.

I don't think too many people caught this when you posted it. That is called "burying the lead" in journalism.

Another person taking a myopic view. Even if the ride is not for you it balances out the park and will be a crowd pleaser for many. People waiting for and riding Iron Reef will be the people that will not be waiting for the same roller coasters as you at the same time.

People on the East Coast are going to say they are more interested in Wicked Cyclone while people on the West Coast are anticipating Twisted Colossus. When Wicked Cyclone opens people on the East Coast will say it is the "bestest coaster eva". When Twisted Colossus opens people on the West Coast will say it is the "bestest coaster eva". Only people who have ridden both can decide for themselves which one is better. Since neither is open yet and you are asking which one is better I'm locking this thread. If you want to know what people are thinking please follow the SFNE and SFMM threads.

What flew under the radar was the addition of some rides to Deno's and one at Luna. The additions are tailored to families with younger children. http://www.amny.com/lifestyle/coney-island-2015-new-rides-new-eats-1.10152485 It's Coney Island season! 7 new rides and eats to try By NINA RUGGIERO March 29, 2015 Forget the groundhog-- The Coney Island Cyclone seemed to predict spring's delay this year, as it made its way slowly up its track on chilly opening day and then thought better of it, stopping short of the first drop. Everyone made it off safely, and the 88-year-old coaster will be back up and running soon, Luna Park says. But if you're not quite willing to take the risk, there are plenty of other reasons to visit Coney Island this spring and summer. Here's what's new. The Scrambler The Scrambler, an old Astroland favorite, makes a comeback this year at Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park, and the strong-stomached can't wait to get scrambled. Its new home is between the Wonder Wheel and the bumper cars. The Jump Around Kids can now jump behind the wheel of a car on springs for a bumpy ride and cruise around a festive, summer-themed sandcastle inside Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park. The Jump Around is located before the entrance to the Wonder Wheel. Speedway This new mini-racetrack, located to the far left if you're entering Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park from the boardwalk, is built for kids who have the need for speed. Twist & Shout This kid-sized drop tower is for mini-daredevils who aren't afraid of heights. It's located in the southeast corner of Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park, not far from the Speedway. Brooklyn Barge This wild, water-themed ride (Zamperla Rockin' Tug)will open in Luna Park before summer hits, a park spokeswoman said.

Thanks Eric, I'll leave it to you to pick an choose the best photos for the Park Index, since you may have more you didn't post. I was wonder how people will feel about Intimadator now. especially after you commented how small it feels. The folk in that area are partial to Dale Earnhardt (and quite touchy about it) and will they be upset that his ride is being overshadowed.

I agree, the plantation house really gave it that southern feel. I have to be honest, I've been to the park twice and never noticed the old Plantation house themeing at the entrance.

A reminder to Team TPR members--this offer expires at midnight, EST! I'm assuming you mean MARCH 30th, not MAY 30th. Looks like you need a new proofreader.

Roll n Roasters looks good to me, but how old is that commerical? Would like to give them a try someday. I've updated the index on the first page. I stop by the place at least twice a week on the way home from work. That commercial is from the late 70s. The staff does not quite look like that anymore.

I'm sure that Disney is evaluating every IP in relation to its popularity and familiarity in China.

HWFan - thanks for all the info and congrats on being assigned an " official" liaison by the park. Hopefully it helps further your career.

Robb would like the price of this one. A two prong to three prong adapter. 69 cents

Casino Pier has submitted a proposal to expand their pier northward (over the beach) versus east into the ocean. Highlights of the plan include a "major new roller coaster and ferris wheel" The historical carousel that was up for sale would be saved. Land for the pier expansion would be given to Casino Pier in exchange for vacant lots in the area owned by the park, which will be turned into parking. As an aside, government officials are still deciding if the go ahead for a new Funtown Amusement Pier will be granted. http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/local//item/80067-casino-pier-amusement-park-damaged-by-sandy-announces-expansion-plans/ Casino Pier amusement park damaged by Sandy announces expansion plans By Wayne Parry, Associated Press The New Jersey shore amusement pier that became an iconic image of Superstorm Sandy when the storm knocked its roller coaster into the ocean will be rebuilt — on dry land and not over the surf. The owners of the Casino Pier in Seaside Heights have submitted plans to the state Department of Environmental Protection seeking to expand the pier on the north side of the remains of the old one. The expansion will be done over the beach and won't jut out over the water; a small section of the original pier still extends beyond the surf. "It's definitely safer than rebuilding the pier out over the water," said Maria Mastoris, a spokeswoman for Casino Pier. "Building that far out over the water would be unsafe in future storms." The company says extending out over the water would cost at least three times as much as adding to the pier over the sand. Mastoris would not estimate the cost of the project, but the company's permit application to the DEP lists it as $3.5 million. The department is currently accepting public comments about the proposal, and the permit remains under review, DEP spokesman Bob Considine said. The Jet Star roller coaster that plunged off the pier into the ocean became one of the most enduring images of Sandy. The Storino family, which owns the pier, decided within days of the Oct. 29, 2012, storm that it would be rebuilt. Undamaged sections of the pier closer to the boardwalk were open for the 2013 and 2014 summer seasons with fewer rides than the original pier. The expansion will replace much of the space that was lost when Sandy damaged the pier. "Without this project, the future of Seaside Heights as a coastal tourist destination will remain threatened," project manager Karen Gruppuso wrote in the company's permit application. "This project is essential to the post-Sandy recovery efforts, not only for Seaside Heights but for this stretch of the Jersey shore." The pier will have 23 rides open this summer, including a new Double Shot Drop Tower. The selection of rides for the expanded area of the pier will be determined in the fall and winter, but the application says a major new roller coaster and Ferris wheel are planned for the area. It will involve a land swap between Seaside Heights and the company, with Casino Pier getting a section of beach to build upon, while giving the borough vacant lots to support beachgoer parking and preserving a historic carousel that the company had intended to sell. Seaside Heights is where MTV's "Jersey Shore" reality series was filmed. A second amusement pier between Seaside Heights and neighboring Seaside Park, the Funtown Pier, was damaged in the storm, then burned in a catastrophic boardwalk fire in 2013. The towns and the state are considering rebuilding plans for that pier as well.

Park is set to re-open on June 19th. http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2015/mar/27/margate-dreamland-reopen-19-june-tickets-on-sale All the fun of Dreamland: Margate amusement park set to reopen in June Tickets are now on sale for Britain’s oldest amusement park, which has survived property developers and arson attacks and will be up and running again on 19 June Roll up, roll up … Tickets went on sale today for Britain’s oldest amusement park. Dreamland Margate will reopen on 19 June, 10 years after it closed and following an £18m refurbishment that has seen some original rides restored and the addition of a host of retro-style amusements harking back to Dreamland’s 1960s heyday. The centrepiece of the new park is the original Grade II-listed scenic railway, which was damaged in arson attacks in 2008 but has been restored piece by piece. The 17 rides, evoking the old-fashioned fun of the traditional British seaside, include a replica helter skelter, a vintage pedal car roadway, a Wedgwood teacup ride, dodgems and a ferris wheel. A roller disco, Punch and Judy show and Messhams Wall of Death motorbike show will add to the nostalgic atmosphere. Dreamland's scenic railway under (re)consctruction Dreamland’s scenic railway under (re)consctruction The redevelopment is led by king-of-kitsch designer Wayne Hemingway, who is overseeing the restoration of original rides and the design of new rides and attractions. Tickets went on sale at 10am today, (£14.95 for adults, £12.95 for children). The box office opened this morning two hours before tickets went on sale online, allowing locals to buy tickets first. The first 500 people received a Dreamland souvenir – a cube of wood crafted from the original railway planks. The reopening follows years of lobbying by local campaign group Save Dreamland, which saw off an attempt to redevelop the abandoned site for retail and commercial use. The resurrection is the latest in a series of developments that have helped transform Margate from down-at-heel forgotten seaside town to thriving artistic community. The opening of the Turner Contemporary in 2011 marked the start of its transformation, encourging a new generation of artists and other creative types to set up studios, shops and galleries in the town which is now as well-known for its vintage shopping as for its artistic heritage. The opening of Dreamland will cement Margate’s reputation for vintage fun.

No problem, I just wanted to make sure you had not miscalculated your times.

About two miles west of Coney Island is a local institution Roll n Roaster serving great roast beef sandwiches, just in case you are not in the mood for great local pizza (at Totonno's or Grimaldi's) or Nathan's http://rollnroaster.com/custom/rollnroaster/commercial.htm

What time are you leaving Kings Island and what time are you planning to arrive at Busch Gardens. It is a long drive between those parks to do them on back to back days

The Whipper is classic, but not very good. Don't skip the Cosmotron or the kiddie coaster. Knoebels does not serve alcohol, you'll have to settle for birch beer

You mean "Lightning Looping Dragons", but I don't think that is the announcment. It will be NAMTAB, but the only way to access the ride will be to walk backwards through the Old Country

That is not a good excuse on a mobius coaster. Back in 2013 during the TPR visit the lines were pretty long and they did the same thing.

Considering it was over $60 for admission, it would have been stupid for us to skip it. Honestly, I had such a good time that Bandit Bomber didn't matter in the end. I'd go back regardless if it were open or not! What I meant to say is I would not even consider visiting Yas Waterworld if it didn't have a coaster, then again I would certainly ride some of the water rides if I paid $60 to get in.

Do you have friends in Kingsmill?