HPCrazy

I know what you mean. When I was there Sunday, you could even hear them playing the announcements for Coastline Plunge amongst the Big Band era music while walking past Coastline Plunge's tower, almost across the midway from the Fun Slides. Too bad they had to remove two flats for this new area. The area next to the Whip would have been an ideal location to re-locate one of those two rides, especially Rodeo.

Thanks for the comment! Yeah, even though I wasn't really a fan of the rapids, I always enjoyed walking around and seeing the expressions on the people's faces, especially when they went under the falls. However, I think this expansion really makes up for the loss, especially since I now experienced it for myself. I can't count how many times Trailblazer runs one train. On ocassion, I do see it run two trains but for some reason it usually runs one. I guess on non-busy days with the ride mainly being a walk-on, I guess it just helps them cut cost.

We stopped to see the Boardwalkers as they passed by. Alex relaxing and chilling during our Ferris Wheel ride. I got my first Wildcat credit done for my 2009 coaster season. It was running great. Actually I thought the ride itself didn't seem as rough as last season. Perhaps the feeling of the newer trains is improving some. We did Lightning Racer on both sides and happened to win the race per side. Something that doesn't happen too much. Some random park shots. Just chill'n! Trailblazer was a walk-on and was running great as usual. I got to ride Comet twice in the front seat and had to be some of the best rides I had on this coaster, besides my night ride this past Halloween. Storm Runner was the longest wait of the day, due to one side of the station being open. The ride operators were excellent on dispatching the train and although the line seemed to move slower than with both sides open, I only waited about 20 min for the front seat. A few more Great Bear and Fahrenheit shots. Alex showing off some "Fahrenheit madness". Although the park refers to the ride as "Pirate", the old sign still shows the ride's name as "Pirat". Mr Reese's stopping by to say hi! On our way out, we caught some more street performers. Alot of them were out this year, versus other years. And I leave you with the new Hershey Sports store and Hospitalality Services center in Rhineland. Few notes of the day: -All rides were running for pretty much of the day. Monorail opened late and remainded open for the rest of the day. Wave Swinger, Roller Soaker, and sooperdooperLooper all shut down momentarilly but all re-opened. -Bayside Pier apparently shut down, although it was not listed as temporarily out of service on the sign at the entrance. -All coasters were running all trains with the exception of Storm Runner and Trailblazer. The Storm Runner ops really did a good job in getting the people on and off the one train that was operating. -The park wasn't crowded all day, except for some huge masses of bus groups who arrived around 8 pm. Overall, it was a faboulous day. Even though the rapids will be missed, I think the SEA-qual definitely makes up for it, and if it will help with the huge crowds to come, then it is definitely worth it! Enjoy the photos!

New signage in the SEA-qual. After looking at this structure, I do agree with a member over at Hersheypark Crazy that this indeed looks like something that was recycled from Canyon River Rapids. Not sure though, any ideas? Various shots of The Shore. The corridor underneath the wave pool building. The new locker and shower facilities. The Shoreline Grill Standing in the SEA-qual offers some great new views of some of the roller coasters. Chill'n out with the Jolly Rancher guy at the Boardwalk! The entrance/exit for Intercoastal Waterway. Roller Soaker broke down momentarilly, but was back up and running again. Some general shots of the original Boardwalk area. Coastline Plunge aerial. Another overview of The SEA-qual. And a complete Boardwalk overview. One more page of pictures coming in a few minutes!

The Coal Cracker featuring some boatloads of riders. There was an owl encounter going on at the new Animal Encounter area by the zoo entrance. "Just had to show off my big hat!" Looks like the mother was enjoying herself more than the kids. Are they pointing at me? The park wasn't crowded at all for pretty much most of the day. There were a bunch of bus groups coming in during the evening as we were leaving. The Hershey Kiss giving "Hersheypark Crazy" as shoutout! Some 2009 aerials. And an overview of the SEA-qual, where we're about to head to next. The area where the old Canyon River Rapids queue used to be. This whole area is alot open now. The entrance to the cabanas. And the old games booth that is now part of the cabana rentals. Looks like there are cabanas available for rent today. The area that housed Canyon River Rapids' old entrance. Getting ready to head on over to the SEA-qual! Intercoastal Waterway wasn't busy at all. The Shore restriction sign. Like the sign said, "there are cabanas available today". The old Canyon River Rapids photo booth is now another "Get the Picture" souvenir photo booth. More pictures coming in a few minutes!

Alex and I have returned from our annual summer trip to Hersheypark. All I have to say was we were both happy by the gorgeous weather we had, as well as the low crowds throughout the park. The Boardwalk had the most people all day and even that area wasn't as crowded as last year on the same weekend. Perhaps the wave pool and lazy river contributed to this. Now let's move onto the pictures: First off, we make our trek into Chocolate World for a spin on the tour. I managed to get some good outside shots with the clear blue skies on our way to the gate. Welcome back, summer 2009! Alex getting pumped for the day ahead of us! Another summer season trip ahead of us. The skyride/Kosher Mart with a brand spank'n new roof. This, along with last year's new paintjob, makes the whole structure appear brand new. I immediately kicked off the day with my Fahrenheit credit for 2009. This was only about a one/two-cycle wait for just about anywhere with the train. They were running three trains throughout the day. The ride experience is so intense in the front seat versus from anywhere else on the train. By mid-day, the line only filled about half the main switchback, so the singles line was closed for the day. Great Bear was also running great for the summer. I rode it twice in the front left seat and throught both experiences were the most intense I have ever had on this ride, probably since I have began riding it. More pics coming up in a few mins!

This probably has to be the BEST Cedar Point PTR I've seen so far this season! This really has me hyped up to get back up this August! I remember alot of that stuff but I really do think the park looks alot better now. Planet Snoopy definitely outdoes Bearentein Bear Country any day! I'm also sorry to hear that you didn't care for Maverick. I'm actually excited about riding that one and comparing it to Fahrenheit. They both look very similar and the trains pretty much identical. By the way, was that skyline pic taken from a place called "Battery Park"? I ask because some people here and over at Coaster-Net have suggested I go there for some skyline shots the night before I go to the park itself. After seeing that shot, that will even make that spot more exciting to get some pics!

After I looked at the aerial view of the park, I do agree that everything seems a little cramped. I thought the park itself was actually bigger than it really is. Perhaps you can build around the lake more and spread everything out. Other than that, I really don't see anything else, but that's just my opinion.

Wow, this park looks very amazing! You amaze me at your RCT2 skills. I haven't tinkered with RCT2 since I got RCT3 when it first came out. The Thomas Town section really came out great! Well the whole park seems to be coming out great....what more can I say! Can we see an overview of the entire park?

I'm not sure on this one. My guess would have to be Hercules when that was at Dorney Park. That was probably the roughest coaster I've ever ridden. I'm not too sure on the steel coasters I've ridden though, I'll have to think about the ones I've ridden and decide on that one.

Thanks guys! Yeah, I remember when Wildcat opened. It was for my "end of the year" 6th grade trip. Even in 97 when the Ferris Wheel, Whip and Famous Familgia's Pizza were added, it seemed like they were in an open field compared to the rest of the park. I also think Flying Phil's Photos has some 1997 aerials that show this from a distance.

HERSHEYPARK 1998: Sure, a new constillation may have landed in Hershey, but let's take a look at some other things: Walking back out to Midway. Haven't seen a milennium flyer fly past me yet. Hmm...I guess we have to wait for two more seasons. What's here now? How about an ENTIRE Boardwalk! More of our beloved GCI woodie. HERSHEYPARK 1999: A county fair has set up shop within the park, bringing us five brand new rides. And here you go, the Hersheypark Fair, that is! I don't see those duelling lift hills back there yet. Frog Hopper in its proper location. Some Wild Mouse madness. How about some 1999 aerials to bring back some memories. HERSHEYPARK 2000: Looks like some lightning and thunder are in the forecast for the new millennium. Remember the old parking entrance? Well, there you go! Look, no water play structure to obstruct the view. Lightning Racer overview. For all of you CRR enthusiasts, you'll be happy to see that it's there and better than ever with the new "Canyon Pass" behind it. And I leave you with two remembered rides that will never be forgotton - GIANT Wheel and Cyclops. Expect my update from tomorrow sometime either on Monday or Tuesday evening. Enjoy the pics!

Hey, just figured since I will be going to the park tomorrow for my annual summer trip, I thought it would be cool to kick it off with some scans of some old photos that I have from previous trips to the park beginning in 1995 and going up through 2000. Let's get started shall we: CHRISTMAS CANDYLANE 1995: The main entrance back when they actually outlined it with Christmas lights. I'm guessing as they began to expand further into the park, they recycled some of the lights as the main entrance gate is currently no longer outlined during Christmas Candylane. Hmmm we didn't have Milton yet, but we had two gigantic toy soldiers dominating the entrance into Candylane. HERSHEYPARK 1996: I want some Dunkin Donuts! Oh wait....the Dunkin Donuts isn't there, nor will it be for another eleven seasons. Remember Comet Hollow BEFORE Great Bear? The first GCI woodie to ever debut in all of its splendor! How about that big splash....an nothing else around it. Let's take a ride on the Dry Gulch Railroad. Wait a second, we don't have an Intamin rising into the heavens about our peaceful train journey..... Now let's take a drive around the park. Hmmm, I wonder where everything is? Wait, our beloved GCI woodie IS the only everything that exists....for right now. More scans are coming in a minute!

I'm sure all the people on Fahrenheit are getting a drench as well! lol! (just had to say that even though they aren't) ! Again, I must agree with everyone else on this shot. You are like me when it comes to the eye with the camera. What kind of camera do you have by the way?

I have several flats that I really have enjoyed and still do: -Tripple Spin (Kings Dominion) -Monster (Kings Island/Dorney Park) -Scrambler (at pretty much all of the parks I've been to, other than Disney and Universal) -Tilt-A-Whirl (same as above) -The Howler (Hersheypark) -Flying Falcon (Hersheypark) -Ferris Wheel (at several of the parks I've been to. I love them because of the great views as well as prime pic-taking spots) -Chance Wipeout (Knoebels - one of the best updated Trabant rides around) -Tea Cups (WDW Magic Kingdom/Storm Force at Islands of Adv) -Flying Scooters (Hersheypark and Kings Dominion) -Huss Pirate Ships (Hersheypark, and I'm not sure if the Knoebels model is from Huss, but it reminded me of Hershey's) That's pretty much most of my top favorites of flats at parks. I know there are probably more that I never listed but it's hard to keep track.

Nope, but you would think it would with that shot.

Again, nice pics. Fortunately, along with Sunday, this one one of the few days that turned out nice this week. I'm happy this weekend's looking good for my trip up there. Is that you in the Milkmen pic by the way? How did you manage to get that shot?

Good PTR! Was this before the SEA-qual officially opened because there were work trucks parked in there. If so, I'm surprised you didn't get this up sooner. I'll be there this Sunday with loads of SEA-qual pics to share on here when I come back! By the way, I've been on RXCC when it e-stopped during the ride (block brakes). Gives you a shot at really racking up points while sitting there. EDIT: I just took notice you said these were from May 20th, so no Boardwalk yet.

Sorry, can't help you there. I've never been there during a race, but I would think it would be no different than a typical Sunday during the season.

I wouldn't doubt it was red/Lightning. That side usually wins more than green/Thunder - lol!

Nice park! I like how your invert uses the hillside and terain. I love building terrain coasters in RCT3! Could we see an aerial view of the whole thing and what is done so far?

Great park, at least what you have done so far! I love that shot of the green coaster, Viper. Reminds me of a postcard shot.

Yes, the mobile site would definitely be helpful with a cell phone, that's if you have internet usage available on it. Mine is capable of internet but we never got connected to it. You'll also be able to tell on the sign in front of the entrance which also informs you what is shut down, but then you will not want to get your hand stamped to see what's shut down all the time. One thing I wish they would get is somekind of flashpass system, like what was mentioned here. They are popular and would definitely cut the wait time down on most coasters. I definitely see how popular such a system is (Fastpass) when we're at the Disney parks. I do love how they put the singles line with Fahrenheit, they need to do something similar with Comet, Great Bear and Storm Runner due to their popularity, if the park doesn't want to invest in a virtual queue line system.

Well they did say it would be shut down for the month of May so this seems to be accurate, especially with June beginning this Monday. This is great news, especially since I'm going next Sunday. At least I'll be able to get my 09 Storm Runner credit in for the summer.

Perhaps they'll expand to the golf course or what someone mentioned in that other thread about crossing Rte 743. I really hate to see them sacrificing rides for new ones because there isn't any room. It was nice seeing Rodeo getting a new life at Dutch Wonderland, but that will definitely be missed for all the Hershey fans out there.