itnotfair

Screamscape just posted that Ghostrider is now open after its "extensive refurbishment." Has anyone ridden it yet, and if so, is there any improvement?

I must admit that I am an occasional rail-sitter, though once a ride op tells me to get down, I stay off for the duration of my queueing experience. I understand why it annoys ride ops. It probably gets really exasperating to have to repeat that phrase over and over again, day after day. I work in customer service. I know. People suck. Let's get to the root of the problem, though. The US is a ridiculously litigious society, full of people waiting to sue whoever they can for their own stupidity. Six Flags and other theme park corporations are covering their collective buns by posting these signs and having the ride ops try to deter rail-sitting. So don't be angry at me, guys, be angry at sue-happy Americans in general, always out for the easy buck. Also in my defense, sure I sit on rails sometimes, but if I ever fall and hurt myself, there will be no litigation on my part. I'll simply limp home and hate myself. Just like always.

I'm in it for the glazed-over looks I get from people when I tell them that Goliath was built by Giovanola, who also supplied steel for B&M and Intamin, and who also built an inverted coaster in South Africa called Anaconda that I really want to ride. If I meet anyone who says they like coasters, I can usually completely lose their interest within one sentence!

One more vote for Ghostrider. I love the layout, and love the speed, but my spine just can't take the pain! Someone said Roar at SFDK, but I just rode it a few months ago, and I must say that compared to Knott's spinal accordion factory, that thing is like butter.

Glad to see the first drop's nearly complete. We should be seeing the lift hill come up very soon! Thanks for the regular updates, and nice photo on the electric cart!

I was totally afraid of the Matterhorn until my grandparents made me ride it. Then I loved all Disney coasters, and eventually moved up to Knott's and Magic Mountain coasters. I've always looked forward to theme park trips, but I wasn't obsessed like I am now. I remember hitting SF with my friend, and he was like, "Oh yeah, Batman, that's a B&M. They are great coaster manufacturers!" And I thought he was a nerd. "Who cares?" I thought. Since I discovered the internet's many coaster resources, my obsession has grown exponentially. I'm probably way more obsessed and dorky than he ever was!

I really hope that rumor proves false. I've never gotten sick on a coaster until I rode THBS up in SFDK. Though I didn't lose my lunch, that ride nearly ruined our trip. Even after the ride stopped, the car spun like a Gravitron on a centrifuge. We had to sit down for a couple hours before either of us could even think about riding Medusa. I think that Sierra Sidewinder at KBF is a much better spinner, though rather short... I'm still hoping for a modest little El Loco model, or a new launched coaster. As for all the flyer haters out there, I've only ridden Tatsu, but I think its incredible. Sorry you disagree, but I think it would be an amazing addition to any park, and I know many enthusiasts feel the same way! Pretzel loops rock!

^So true! I think I'd rather take my chances with the Surf Buffet!

Best news I've heard all month! Thanks to the Sahara for reopening this ride! Nascar sucks. IMHO

Actually, that's a normal wine glass, and the beer bottles are 12 ounces. The Fireball crew is entirely made up of elves, that's all.

I'm still thinking about renewing my annual pass, but honestly, it just doesn't seem worth it this year. By 2011, the parks will be looking awesome, but I have to agree with Robb. The most beautiful section of DCA looks like crap, and let's face it, Disney parks are all about looks, not thrills. Compared to the new GCI construction at SFMM, the progress seems glacial at best. Sadly, it will get even worse as they begin construction on the entrance, the Hollywood area, the Little Mermaid ride and Carsland. The only reason I might still get the pass is the new lay-away program. Normal price for a day admission, and then a monthly payment plan seems doable. Otherwise, I'm not sure I want to fork over all that cash at once for such a lack-luster park experience. Its fine if you disagree, just my opinion.

This is amazing news. I've been planning a Vegas trip for the end of March, and I was assuming I'd only be riding Desperado, Canyon Blaster, and Manhattan Express. After High Roller was taken down, and Speed was closed, I feared the age of Vegas coasters was coming to a close. Just the possibility that they could reopen this launcher by the time I get there is making me giddy like a school girl.

^ Well done. I wish I rode that beast before it got so painful. Maybe the rehab time will smooth it out a bit? I've heard a lot of complaints about KBF's inverted coaster. I'm glad to see you guys defending it. Silver Bullet is a good time, and while it lacks the jowl-inducing forces of Batman, there are at least three coasters at Knott's that I'd rather see scrapped before that buttery B&M. Boomerang (Cookie-cutter Vekoma, boo-urns.) Timberline Twister (Not even worth the credit.) Pony Express (Its short, boring, and has terrible capacity.) Yes, though, Xcelerator is incredible...I rode Superman at SFMM today and the acceleration is paltry in comparison.

^^I think that sign is from Goliath Jr., which has been rethemed to Percy's Railway as part of the new Thomas the Tank area. ^Bah, quicker on the draw!

^^ Josh, why does it say "OFF" next to Jerry Jones' head when he's clearly in the "ON" position? Is he related to Tom Jones or something?

Holy crap that was seriously one of the best MM trips I've ever had. Laurice and I got on all twelve open coasters (the loading teams were all on point today), got to check out the sky tower for the first time, and I got to meet three famous TPR personalities, all three of whom were very gracious, and one of whom had a boob-related t-shirt. What else could I ask for? Oh yeah, Terminator is looking GCI-licious! On a side note, I've been pretty hard on SFMM for the condition of their bathrooms in recent history, and I must say they have really stepped up in that department. Like I said, just an awesome day overall. Pics to come later. Of coasters, not bathrooms.

^I will gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today! I'm expecting a pretty packed day, as the sun is finally out after a couple weekends of rain, so I'll be there for the park opening. I look just like my avatar, same shades and all, so if you happen to see me and a pretty Pinay at the JR's around lunchtime, come say hi! Maybe I'll give you an "American" fry (I can't believe they still call them that)! No word on closed rides yet, which could be a good sign. Can't wait to see Terminator's progress up close! Hopefully I'll see ya!

^^Totally understandable why you turned right around. What a let down! But while I'm here, can I get a little Schwarzie love? Montezooma was a great ride 20 years ago, and it still is. I'm so glad we have a Schwarzkopf on the west coast.

Hey guys, I'll be hitting SFMM this Saturday, and was wondering about three things: 1. Anyone else who's going wanna get a Rocket burger with me and the gf? I've never actually met any TPR folks (that I know of)! 2. Are there any rides closed right now? 3. A little off topic...Is West Coast Bash sold out already? We're gonna be hitting the back of the park a lot, because for some reason its been a while since I've done Gotham City and Cyclone Bay (soon to be Time Travel Terrace?). My name is Ben, btw.

I was trying to think of a good supplement to your Oingo Boingo quotation, but all I could come up with was.. "Don't run away, its a woodie!" Ouch. Thanks for the photos!

^I'm not a huge fan of concrete either, but if it means that the ride integrity will hold up better than Psyclone after the next earthquake, then I'm all for it. Great pics, thanks for the update, Jahan. Well said. I need mop and a bucket over here!

Thanks for the pics! They made me all the more anxious to hit Ohio sometime in the near future. You must have a pretty quick shutter speed? Not that I know a thing about photography...

Thanks for the photos! And... Nice Stephen Stucker reference!

^^I'm pretty sure I've heard that the parachute drop is just a placeholder on the Blue Sky Cellar model. I have heard talk of a parachute drop for the newly planned Toy Story area in Paris, though. ^I agree, that was a rather uninspired piece of decoration. "Come to DCA, where you can see a Mickey head made from Beige Steel." Striking.

Mr. or Mrs. Lupe McAirtime is the obvious answer. I can't believe no one else has come up with that one... Seriously though, Immeldog is clever, and I think Millie is very appropriate, especially considering MF is your fave.