DerekRx

Probably some disgruntled ACErs looking to add the coasters to their list. Still, I thought the park was closed forever and would never reopen. The lake was probably drained so they could asphault it and park more RVs there.

Today starts off with one of Vermont's finest, Magic Hat #9, a pale ale with a little apricot tinge. OK, now I can start my evening routine Really nice on a summer day, but I'm eyeing that empty bottle of Vertical Epic and wondering when I can drink another one of those

The park needs a carousel, badly! Theme it to turkeys and there ya go!

Part 4: Martin's Fantasy Island A small park that I've never been to, but passed by in the winter time, home to a wooden coaster, and a mile from my girlfriend's house...you bet I'm going there! The park was really small and strangely laid out and themed. The only real theming was around the western entrance and then it basically turned into a kiddie area on one side and a carnival midway on the other side with a few traditional park things like antique cars, a log flume, and a train. Everything else though was trailer mounted, except for the wooden CCI Silver Comet. SC was a lot better than I was expecting, with some good airtime and turns. It reminded me of Great White at Moreys, but with not as good a location, but much more airtime (and little risk of getting hit with sand). Sadly, with only 1 train operation, us only going for sundown admission, and a nice sized crowd, I only managed 2 rides on Comet. Its ok though, as long as Nicole or her parents live up there, I'm sure I'll go back. and no BACT attack would be complete without beer Kim gets a little crazy with her wing order Everyone is sunburnt, exhausted, and hungry After Martin's it was off to Buffalo, and the Anchor Bar, birthplace of the Buffalo Wing One last photo to show to Mark of his awesome Nitro No Sea Ray for us, as we needed to ride Silver Comet again before the park closed. Darn 1 train operation (of course, that's all they have!) I love the new lapbars so much more than the old ones It was highly popular too, we waited almost as long for this as we did the Tivoli at Marineland Too bad it didn't spin all that much, though we got a little bit of action out of it Another credit, even Nicole didn't have this one, and its been there for over a year! The Ferris Wheel is right up next to the Interstate I'll pass on this Patriot, as its not a credit, not even to Jeff Wow, thats like 2 operatings Chaos' I've seen so far this year (and as full as the park was, there was no line for this!) Chance Slingshot, L to the A to the M to the E Zamperla frisbee type ride (Mark, I've got more if you want them, $100 each!) Lots of turns, just like Great White Great airtime in the first couple of hills. Too bad they reprofiled this turnaround The main draw, Silver Comet First ride we see, the super fun slide Malaria Lake Niagra The western section leading to the carnival midway "Waaaaazup!"

Next up, time to try something I forgot I bought earlier this summer, the Weyerbacher Blanche, their hefe. Eh, its ok. Not my favorite hefe by a long shot Yup, smells like Hot Dog Water, just like Victory's Sunrise Its all like, German and stuff

7/10 on the first one, 8/10 on the second (though I still say the top speed of SD2000 is 0mph!)

Happy Birthday, Mary! Have that husband of yours make you some pepper steak as if you were at Liseberg and then walk up and down lots of stairs and pretend you're at Chessington again!

Also Silver Comet, front of back car, sandwiched betweeen screaming girls, but at least we bypassed the idiotic kids who had no clue how to line up! Silver Comet at Sunset, actually a really good coaster!

Today I start out by drinking another Thunderhead. At some point I'll need to go back to the distributor for more beer, but I'm hoping to hold out until the Fall stuff comes out. Awesome IPA, I can't wait until the CalIPAs in a few weeks New photo spot for the thread

After a good 4 hours at Marineland, we were pretty hungry and tired of walking so much. After seeing the huge lines for food at Marineland, we opted for food we know would be better and possibly cheaper, so we headed out for Clifton Hill, the tourist trap area of Niagara Falls, Ontario. Heath the Sally Fan wanted to ride Ghost Blasters anyway, and we decided to check out the Falls and stuff while we were there. Thur they is! Heeeeey!! Dude, where's the ton of Wandas? Either it was really crowded that day, or another ACE Group photo was being planned at the moment From the top of the Horseshoe Falls. Anyone have the urge to go over in a barrel? The closer we got to the falls, the wetter and the better it felt! See that Maid of the Mist down there, it was a long line, no thanks A closer look at the Canadian side of the Falls So yeah, here we are at the Falls Off in the distance you'll see how much more spectacular the Canadian Falls are So here's the American side of Niagara Falls (notice, its not called Niagra Falls, its not spelled like Viagra and the water doesn't flow up) Its also home to Marvel Superhero City, but we weren't interested this time Lots of other touristy stuff in Clifton Hill, like Rainforest Cafe, and HOLY CRAP! Piledriver is working finally! Keath and Him are ready to blast some ghosts. The guns worked pretty well for a Sally ride Nice animatronics outside try to coerce you inside Right below Boston Pizza was Ghost Blasters. Not too bad a price at $5 CAN per person Only in Canada would you find the hockey simulator For lunch we stopped at Boston Pizza. We were so thirsty, we didn't even get beer! They've got a new ferris wheel, but Nicole wasn't interested, so we skipped it Welcome to Clifton Hill, much like Pigeon Forge or the Wis Dells, its a tourist trap, full of these expensive and lame haunted houses

Today for lunch, we stopped at Don Pablos since Carrabbas doesn't open until later. I love tacos!! Nicole shows just how big the nacho chips are! Dos Equis Amber for me Ole, ole, ole, ole!

Woohoo, Shirtless Ted drives lots of people crazy, as does Terrapin Rye! Since we were in Buffalo for the weekend, there was something we just had to do when we were here, get wings! The team enjoyed the late night snack With live loud jazz, there was even some congo lines forming and then lick a path of sauce But to keep my hands as clean as possible, I take the wings without the sauce Heath thinks the hot wings are pretty zesty, and he loves that sauce Kim gets a HUGE portion of wings Heath and I enjoy some Sam Adams Saturday night the team went to the Anchor Bar, home of the original Buffalo wings

More of Marineland, animals and stuff Yeah, its getting full, lets get outta here! Dude, where were the dolphin strollers when I was a kid!? Another fairly new ride. This was probably purchased in 1999 and finally opened in 2005! The line was long, the coaster was short, but at least it didn't require a kid to ride Sweet! Credit #2 at the park With its tandem seating, I'll gladly take a ride on the Condor And whale themed Mack teacups More rides! Like this chair swing Yeah, right. Maybe my grandchildren will see this occur! This one waves goodbye just in case she disappears in the near future (to be turned into caviar, right Heath?!) Here are the Belugas that are currently alive "Mommy, if I was born here, that makes me a Canadian Whale, eh!" "yup, there she is!" "Hey, I'm a killer whale, just like Shamu, but I'm in Canada instead. I think my sister escaped..." Ummm.....ok?! Nicole is so impressed with that rack, she wants to pound it. Dude! Check out that rack! But at least you can feed them ice cream cones and nutricious stuff like that The men ruined free time for the ladies, now they're behind bars Run, Buck, Run! A concentration camp for deer Welcome to Deerschuwitz!

And now, Part Deuce: Marineland So after a good night's sleep, Heath and Kim rolled into town right as planned and we were off to Marineland, a park that only Nicole had been to, and hadn't been there in about 10 years, even though its like 30 minutes from her house. A few words to describe Marineland; big, spaced out, odd. The park seemed huge, the space between the rides was ridiculous, and the whole theme was weird. Everything was like a chalet, with 1970s lettering, and there weren't that many marine animals, so why is it called Marineland?? It was a neat sort of park, especially for a family. Operations were kinda strange though, with them not adding a second train to Dragon Mt or a 2nd tower to Sky Screamer until the queue/station was completely full. We ended up spending more time here than we probably expected, mainly because it took forever to walk somewhere. But we also wanted to get our money's worth since it cost close to $40 to get in. From the hill you can see Niagara, and from the top of the tower you can see the falls Of course, we ended up waiting about 40 minutes once we got there since they were only running 1 tower at the moment. Hooray, we finally made it! Too bad the restaurant isn't completed yet, we could really use some water! This thing sits at the top of the hill and the path wraps all the way around the hill And we thought the walk to Dragon Mountain was bad! A new ride, but the same signage as every other ride in the park And the finally finished 23 years late "Volcano"/Toilet bowl At the top of the worlds slowest lift, you can see how terrainy it is Here we go, on the worlds longest unfinished themed coaster called Digestive Mountain And roomy too, even Casey would easily be able to fit! And the front of the train was oddly Chinese dragon themed The station has a really neat looking entrance. The tunnel exit into this one of a kind inversion was pretty cool Heath needs to get a good shot of the coaster, but its hard to do because its so spaced out and hidden Dragon Mountain was surprisingly fun, and not too rough (in the back) Da bears, day hungry! See, its testing its toppleness The Heathface Topple Tower is going to open real soon! The condor is no longer the tallest tower in the park Look, its a magic carpet (known as a "this" ride [does weird hand motions] to the Tourots) Finally we see our first ride, a Mack SeaStorm Woohoo, Canadian in an electric cart, does that count? We're not even sure if we're going the right way, our DOT matrix printed maps make the park seem a bit smaller LOTS of walking! Thats right, bathroom credit Where does Nicole go first? Ah, welcome back to 1977 and so does Nicole Kim loves Tim's bits Even I got an iced cappucino. Look out Canada! Heath shows off his box of Timbits First stop of the day though was Timmy's as the Yorkers needed some coffee For Casey, here's a shower pic, this time of me (since I'm so incredibly beautiful)

So, since I have a girlfriend near Buffalo and lots of coaster credits to ride there yet, I decided now would be a great time to go up there, see the woman, ride the coasters, and have some fun! Of course, this trip wouldn't be done alone, and fellow BACT members Heath and Kim will join us later. Onto the pics from tonight as I present "Derek gets to Buffalo" Page 2 contains photos from Marineland Page 4 contains photos from Clifton Hill and the Falls as well as Martin's Fantasy Island And well worth the journey! Let the coastering begin....in the am. First goal of the trip, see Nicole, accomplished! Ok, a Sprite will do, thank you In 1st class, its boring. Bring me the head of a pig! Never done before, I drink a free Budweiser, just for Wally Hasbro, Paramount, Takara, and Activision magically transform this seat into a vision 10 years into the future: "Nicole, get me a HopDevil, and tell those damn kids to go to bed they have school in the morning!" Like Mommy James, I decide its best to fly 1st class, especially when going to see a 1st class woman OK, after a few drinks, here's the gate, where my plane awaits See? Happy! Yup, thats the REAL reason I came back! At the Philadelphia Airport, I arrived early enough to enjoy some beers

So tonight I was back at the Philadelphia International Airport, this time to fly to Buffalo. While here, lets kill some time by drinking! And, I can't believe I did this, but since I was in 1st class and it was free....Wally, this Bud's for you! And then an enthusiastic return to more HopDevil Followed by an average Lancaster Gold Star Pils And so I'll have one of those to begin the night OH, of this I am well aware! Yup, back to Independence Brewing. I wish they had a mug club

Yes, please don't think of us as a clique or anything like that. Some of us just know each other from years ago, but we still want to meet new people. Its only a certain few that would constantly be there (closer than your shadow!) that started getting annoying after a bit. These trips are a great way to meet new people, finally get to meet Robb and Elissa, get in the videos, etc, but there comes a time when its "too much". Its ok to be a fan, recognizing people from previous years videos and such and bringing up past things occasionally, but Robb and Elissa are honestly just normal people who share the same passion as the rest of us, and they'd probably like some privacy from time to time, or to take care of something in private. Certain people had a difficult time understanding that, and thus became known as the "fanboys". I've met some great people for the first time on the last trip, many of which I look forward to seeing again and maybe spending more time with them. In fact, I met my girlfriend thru Theme Park Review, so we're all anxious to meet new people (except Dave!) These trips are a terrific way to venture out into the world and ride some amazing rides that you may have a difficult time getting to on your own. You'll also be able to meet a bunch of people who share the same interests and who are a bunch of fun to be around. Its definitely an experience of a lifetime and you'll have lots of fun and bring back lots of stories and memories. Plus very few people actually know each other to begin with, which is why once you're on the list to go, there'll be a place on the site to get to know everyone else going a little bit better. So if you're thinking about not going because you may not be accepted, please don't think that, because there's a 99.9% chance that you will be accepted by someone. (that 0.01% is in case you follow so closely that you try to get into the same seat as someone else or race out of the bathroom when you're not finished going just because everyone else has left the bathroom already. If they like you, they'll wait. If they don't wait, there's probably a reason for that, or they just forgot because the group was too big to keep track of everyone) Of the 50 people on the UK trip, about 35 of them I really got to know and like, 7 were cool but kept to themselves, and another 5 I didn't really see much at all the entire time. Heck, when the trip was over, I even missed Ryan! In short, fans are fine, fanboys are not, and these trips rock, so you should want to go!

Sorry dude, but my tolerance for people has gone down dramatically. Sadly it was only a few people, but I was on vacation too and didn't really feel like having that throbbing vein in my forehead always popping out. Besides that, I figured at times the groups were getting a little too large for my pace, which is why I'd normally be in groups of no more than 6. Another reason I didn't really hang out with you guys all that much was because I have also been to most of those parks before, and felt like I should also try to take a few people and show them around the park, kinda like you did with us at Blackpool the last time we were there. Also notice that when you finally made it known to me that you were tired of the fans thats when I starting hanging out with you again? I'm a doctor, not a mindreader! You two are awesome and you know I love hanging out with you guys. Of course, its also nice to have a few more friends with on trips, especially when you guys don't want to ride all the darkrides, spinny rides, or I'm tired of McDonalds And I'm not giving you shiit for the fanboys liking you or wanting to hang out with you. Its your gift and your curse to be so fun, loveable, and desired. Its people like Tommy and Dave that I'm giving the shiit to for being all "we're definitely going, even if volcanoes explode, the earth cracks in two, and Michael Jackson takes over France!" and now saying "we're not sure." Boo to them, not to you! As long as certain other fanboy haters go with on the trips though, don't worry, we'll use Operation: Tool and make the trip fun for us all.

I really can't tolerate the park much anymore, especially in the summer, but a good plan would be get to the park at opening (probably either Wednesday or Thursday would be best, base it off the weather). Go right to get a Flash Pass, then head to Superman and ride that. By then Kingka Ka should be opened, so go Flash Pass that, and while you're waiting for your return time, hit El Toro and Rolling Thunder. If there's time, do Medusa and Runaway Train. Hit Ka, followed by GASM if its reopened, and then head over to the other side of the park. Flash either Batman or Nitro, waiting in line for the other, credit whore the kiddie coaster if you want, and then hit Skull Mountain followed by Blackbeard. You've now done every credit. It'd probably be a good idea to then return to El Toro and Flash that again and then ride anything you want to reride while waiting for Toro. If the line isn't too bad, even stand in line for that again while waiting for your Flash Pass time to come up.

^You're forgetting Labor Day, Forest. That takes your 12 down to 11. Keep in mind Japan is pretty much a day ahead of us, so if you leave on Sunday, you'll get home on Sunday. Unlike how when we get there we'll have to leave at like 6am on Friday and won't get there until like 2pm on Saturday. Trust me, its 10 vacation days thanks to Labor Day, thats the only way I have enough days to do both that AND Spain.

Hey Einstein, how do you figure its 16 days!? Its more like 10 days off, especially since you're a banker and don't believe in weekends and holidays at work. If you guys don't go to Japan, there will be very few peeps for me to hang out with while all the fanboys follow R&E everywhere. If you guys AND Dave end up skipping Japan, I'm totally going to have another 10 vacation days to use next year!

Joey pretty much summed it up. The park used to be run great, look great, and have some classiness and history to it. Then CF bought it and started sucking it all out, replacing it with concrete and trash cans. Operations have gone down, and it really shows the ops aren't payed that great. Funny how you won't compare Knott's to Disney, but in the past they were very comparable. When CF took over, they went the other road and tried to compete with SF. In the end, they saved a lot of money by lowering themselves to the SF standard, but the park also suffered. Now a good portion of the history of Knotts is lost, as the park has become Cedar Fairized. Dorney and Worlds of Fun also suffered the same fate. I still like the park, and think it has some really great coasters (Montezuma, Xcelerator) but with operations the way they are, the retarded height requirements, and more and more history being taken out every year for "improvements" I still find myself going out to SoCal just as often as I used to, but go to Knotts less and less. That is why I dislike Knotts, not for the park that the Knott's family built, but for the changes CF has been making to it. I really think they need to take a trip over to Blackpool, Liseberg, or Europa and see how you can combine history and modern in the same environment.

Forget that! I'm certain Elissa will build up a quick tolerance early on with just these questions and comments on announcement day 1. Therefore, I'm either going right for the straight morphine for her (help save her liver) or just implement Operation: Derek, Dave, Rich, Joe, Rich, and Casey kick the crap out of all the tools. With Balder hammers, handcuffs, and lots of papers to file at the ready, they'll be battered, bruised, and papercutted so badly they won't be able to send in their deposits!

I was on Speed, now I'm grounded.

I'm throwing my support to Nolan. I think Batman Begins was the best Batman movie to date, with lots of focus on Bruce Wayne, starting Batman, and plenty of action from the supporting cast and gadgets. I only hope it doesn't get too summarized with the addition of another main villain in Penguin, ala Batman Returns, etc.