PhantomNick

This is such a true statement!! When my wife and I visited Kings Island for the first time the year Diamondback opened, we both commented how weird it was when you walked over to that section of the park and people didn't so much as even look at it. I was enthralled by it to be honest.....I know how bad a reputation it had, but I oddly wanted to ride it anyway. It's just funny having a 200-foot ride sitting there as an afterthought, when many parks would long for something of that stature. I'd be pretty surprised if the park didn't cut its losses and demolish it. I'm sure Rocky Mountain could do wonders to it, but it'd probably carry a hefty price tag.....one probably higher than what the park would be willing to shell out.

I would love to go on Saturday for Opening Day (I've still yet to go to any park's opening day), but alas other plans are scheduled. Looks like the weather will be pretty perfect for them. On the plus side, the day that looks like it will be our first Kennywood trip this season (May 27th for the season pass Bring-a-Buddy day) is late enough in the month that Black Widow should be up and running! Can't wait to ride it! Incidentally, it does look like Kennywood is a big fan of the spinning rides, but I truly feel that each ride offers a different feel. I would say the closest 2 are Cosmic Chaos and now Black Widow, but I'm perfectly fine having both. If anything, Cosmic Chaos would be a good stepping stone for the younger riders before moving on to Black Widow, which looks much more intense/thrilling.

Nitro at Six Flags Great Adventure

GREAT Caps-Rangers game last night! I ended up staying up watching the whole thing. Those multi-OT games are a heck of a lot more entertaining to watch when you don't have an allegiance to either team. Whenever you do, however, they can be nerve wracking and brutal! Ahhhh, the joys of playoff hockey! So many OT chances in that one too. Several posts hit, and that one shot by Rupp that got blocked.....by his teammate!.....when he had an open cage. Good stuff!

And the excitement level for this coaster jumps even higher! Awesome to see Skyrush testing! I can't wait to see a video of it in action......of course, that'll probably be when the complaints start. Is it August yet and time for my trip out to Hershey??

^^ Amen on the lack of a dark ride! Wildcat was a nice little coaster that I always would ride a couple times during any visits there. With the recent maintenance problems they had though you knew it was only a matter of time. A bit sad to see it leave, but I can totally understand their reasoning. This should really open that area up for the new Luminosity show! I'm curious what their next coaster installation will be. I still think a GCI woodie would be a nice addition, and that's something kids could go on as well. It will be interesting to see what may happen heading into 2013.

^^ THANK YOU!!! Good lord, I don't know what's so hard for him to understand - it WAS designed that way.....deal with it!! If it bothers you that much, b&mforever, then don't ride it. I'm sure there will be plenty of others (myself included) that will gladly take your place in line for Leviathan.

Says the armchair engineer who obviously sat in on the design meetings between CW and B&M..... Seriously though, they designed a freaking giga for the space that was picked out for it. Yes it has an elevated brake run. So what? I dunno, maybe it's just because I love the sensation of speed, but I prefer just going balls out until you hit the brakes. That's a main reason Intimidator 305 is my #1 steel. In fact, 4 of my top 5 coasters are ones without any MCBR and "second half". Could they have put in another hill or two? Maybe, but who really knows with the other buildings (and coaster!) in that area? I just don't see how you can guarantee that it wasn't in fact CW's decision to end the ride this way. Just my 2 cents.

My wife and I were thrilled with the Broadway Across America season announcement for Pittsburgh in 2012-2013!! Several GREAT shows on the list! Jersey Boys is returning, which we saw last time and thoroughly enjoyed, along with the 25th anniversary of Les Miserables! But, best of all, Book of Mormon is coming!!! We are so excited to see that one, and kind of surprised it's already touring. Good stuff! On a somewhat related note, we are planning a trip in the fall to Vegas (wife has never been there), and were disappointed to find out that the Phantom Spectacular at the Venetian would be closed by the time we go. That was one of the shows we wanted to check out.

Great update with some great photos, Chuck! The more finishing touches they add, the more I like the entire package that is Verbolten. It really looks like a perfect addition to their coaster collection. That final bridge drop looks sweet as well. Can't wait to go back to the park anyway, so these added rides are just a bonus!

Wow!! Iron Shark looks freaking awesome, especially for a coaster on the pier! That's a lot of twisted elements in that limited footprint. Morey's, do you see this thing??

^ That could make for potentially the greatest and most bad-a$$ ride sign ever!! As for Leviathan, color me stoked to ride this beast at some point (hopefully sooner rather than later!) Robb said it best, different strokes for different folks.....and for me, this coaster looks right up my alley! I love airtime, but right behind that for me is the sensation of speed - I absolutely love that! And watching the POV from the excellent coverage of media day (thanks guys!), it looks like that is one thing Leviathan does really well. The speed looks relentless as it navigates the course. I'm also loving that it's just a loooong chain lift - talk about building up the anticipation!! Cool ride sign too with the glowing lights. Now I just need to get to Canada.....

Considering this is really a water ride, I think it looks pretty good! I like that they gave this a bit more of a layout, as opposed to Pilgrim's Plunge (which I've yet to ride but would like to). And I'm guessing the first drop will likely stay like in the video and skim across the water without much splash. This thing's themed to a speed boat, and when those really get moving that is exactly what they do. I would definitely love to visit Mirabilandia someday, as it looks like a really nice park!

I have to agree that Black Widow is looking awesome! They're really moving with the construction, and I love the look of the whole area, with the landscaping and the pavers around the ride. Can't wait to see this giant flat start testing! I'll be curious what they decide to do from a lighting standpoint. Simple flood lights, or something more detailed?

Dominator @ Kings Dominion

Wow, that new lighting package on Giant Wheel looks stunning!! I can't wait to see that in person. And it was so needed too, as the last time I made a trip to CP it looked pretty sad at night with so many burned out bulbs. Looking forward to seeing Millennium's new lights as well!

Well, I've been away from the thread for a while thanks to an obnoxiously long work trip to Wyoming, so I have some items to catch up on. First, Kara, that letter was so touching and totally made me tear up! I hope you don't mind, but I'm linking to that post on my Facebook page. People need to see something like that! Also, major CONGRATS to the entire Team TPR crew for breaking $15,000!! That is just remarkable! I'm so proud to be a member of this awesome website full of generous, compassionate, and fun people....I can't wait to meet some of you at Dorney!! Lastly, I'm also ecstatic to announce that my brother has joined the Dorney event as well! I'm so proud of him for joining me for this event. How awesome to get to take part in this with my brother, while also being a happy member of Team TPR!

Hey Big Mike! Some really awesome updates recently, as I'm catching up through them. Loved the Knoebels wedding....that was really cool. And those SCAD towers are something else! I'd have to do it if I came across one, but I'm positive it would scare the bejesus out of me!!! Your trip to southern California sounds amazing and is jam-packed full of fun! Have a great time!!

^ Wow, that was fast! Thank you very much Josh! My matching $25 donation has been sent your way! Good luck on the rest of your fundraising, and have a blast up at CW!

Well, as my fundraising sits on the precipice of the $1,000 mark, I thought maybe I could spur that milestone to happen a little quicker! If the next person who donates the $25 required to reach my initial goal happens to be a member of Team TPR, they will receive a matching $25 donation on their page! Want an extra 25 bucks added to your total?? Here's to 4 digits.....and beyond!!

I'm definitely looking forward to seeing this coaster go vertical. This project intrigues me, as I'm a huge fan of Sky Rocket back here at Kennywood. Although Superman's capacity might not end up being the best, I have a feeling it will be a blast to ride! SFDK is on my wish list of parks to visit someday. The wife and I have talked about a Napa/SFDK trip at some point.

First, I have no problem at all with Kennywood selling beer. The area they picked (by the lagoon) will be nice, and the park will make sure people don't abuse it. Like others have said, many other parks offer beer and there aren't any real problems. I just think it's another great way to get some added income for the park! Kennywood has posted a nice photo update on Black Widow to their Facebook page: Black Widow Update! I'm very excited for this addition, and I really like how the ride area is shaping up! The "garden areas" they're setting up for the queue will look nice. I can't wait to see what this looks like assembled!

WOW Jason!! That is absolutely phenomenal!! Kudos to you for asking your boss, and kudos to him for his amazing generosity! That post made me smile today.....and it also led me to email my boss as well. Figured it couldn't hurt, and I never even thought of it when I sent out my many emails and messages about this cause! Kara, I've really enjoyed these dining options updates! It's very clear that there is loads to choose from for both the kids and parents. And on a personal note, my fundraising has chugged along and now sits only $25 away from breaking the $1,000 mark!! Going in to this I never thought I'd get such an amazing response! Soooo, who's going to make that donation to push me up to 4 digits?

Looks like a pretty cool show! And their nighttime show was something that definitely needed a breath of fresh air. Quick question - does Cedar Point still have the Starlight Spectacular back in Frontiertown? I looked on their website and didn't find anything. And if they do, is it up and running when the park opens in May? Just curious, as my wife and I loved the one at Kings Dominion last summer.

Agreed! I have to say Kara, it has become a highlight of my day to see what the latest update is showing off another piece of GKTW! Everything is so beautifully done there. If I ever visit the area, I would be VERY tempted to come over and volunteer for a day (if they even allow that) and see the wonder of this place in person. I honestly wish my funds would allow me to donate even more to this cause!! And hooray for Dorney's Team TPR, as we are officially up over $2,000 raised!! Imagine what we could raise by June 10th!