Hockeydad

All of the sudden, going back to Disney/Orlando next spring took on a whole new interest for me. We may just have to make that drive over to Tampa. As already said, great idea BGT, looking forward to the next installment.

The Cream Puff came from Schmidt's Sausage Haus in Columbus' German District. The suckers weighs a full pound, and is absolutely incredible. Just had one a few weeks ago when they came to the Cityfolk festival in Dayton, (about 30 min. North of King's Island). If the restaurants name sounds familiar it may be from Food Network, and most recently Travel Channel's Man Vs. Food. Adam Richman visited SSH on his "Ohio" episode last season. I'm going next weekend, and I see another cream puff in my future!

When it comes to Vekomas, (esp. SLC's) I really think it varys from person to person, and coaster to coaster. Some of my earlier experiences with them was that I loved Serial Thriller at Geauga Lake, (now Thunderhawk @ MiA). But on the opposite end was T2 at SFKK...that thing has totally sucked no matter how many times I've rode it over the years! Then from park to park, I would say that X-Flight was terrible when it sat at Geauga Lake, but I ride it regularly to this day as Firehawk @ King's Island. It's rides much smoother, and doesn't bang the crap out of me on the twists near the end. I don't know, can the construction make a difference? Was it new trains or wheels? I don't know...

This is absolutely one of my favorite TR's in a long time! Beautiful scenery and some really beautiful parks to boot.

Oh, I totally agree! SFWoA was a great concept for the region. If it would've been successful the way they'd hoped, the park could've been a great midwestern alternative to some of the Florida parks. As for CF, I remember them stating that they don't do animals, and it really came across in some articles like they were really proud of it too. Boy, they messed that one up big time!

Thanks Dave! What awesome memories...esp. for Geauga Lake. I miss that park so much, and it's sad to think back at what that park might've been. It always seemed to be so much fun, even though it also seemed so mis-managed. I also loved the Sea World park the few times I got to go their throughout my life. I was actually a big fan of the whole SFWoA attempt...shame it didn't work better. Batman Knight Flight was my first B&M coaster, and X-Flight was the first and only time I nearly got hit by a sandal flying off a coaster, (really...no joke! While we were waiting in line). And I won't forget to mention that classic woodie, the Big Dipper. My daughter got to ride it as her first wood coaster, and we must've rode it half the day we were there. I always will remember going 33 laps in a row on Beaver Land Mine Ride, (that was the day she became an enthusiast for sure...that was 11 cycles with 3 laps on each). The dolphins and the White Bengal Tigers were a huge deal on that same trip, as was the Batman stunt show, and the pearl divers, (my daughter watched them for a solid hour in amazement). About the only thing we never liked at the park over the years was the food, it was always pretty bad no matter which company owned the park. You brought back lots of memories for me, but they were all good!

I can't remember SFKK ever having more than two trains on Chang during any of my visits. Plus, each train seated 28 riders, and I can't remember any time SFKK was busy enough to justify more than two trains. So I would think SFGAm would have to get another train.

Why is it always the great ones that go so early!? The couple of times I got to meet him during visits to the park, (esp. Holiwood Nights), he was always so friendly and caring. Our family always recognized Will for his infectious laugh from several videos and tv shows. He always wanted to know how we were enjoying the park, and sometimes even asked what could be better. He was truly a man who knew how to run a park, and a real teacher and leader in this industry. From the time we made our first trip to HW on Labor Day weekend of 2000, up until now, I think that park has practically doubled in size, (esp. Splashin' Safari)...just amazing! Thanks Will! You will be sooooo missed. Koch's and the whole HW family...you are in our prayers!

I'd be interested in tagging along too...been wanting to hit MiA and ST again for a while now. Let me know when you may be heading back up, it's about a 5-6 hour trip for me, but I may work it out.

I think I remember liking Hoosier Hurricane a bit more than Cornball too. Mainly because Cornball seemed so short, I was just really getting into it when...break run! Sorry you didn't get to ride Lost Coaster. For me, it was seriously the MOST FUN I think I ever had on a coaster. I really loved this park at night, it was so beautiful. We loved their little taco stand by LoCoSuMo too. It's been a few years since I had a Dog n' Suds root beer...there's a burger stand here in Dayton called Voltzy's who has it still.

I so remember those generic signs on the way to the park. Our last trip there in summer '07 was great...it's a nice little park. It was pretty busy when we went, (meaning 5-10 minutes for ST ). We really fell in love with ST, Wolverine Wildcat, and had a blast at their waterpark too. As far as Fazoli's goes, I don't know what it's like in other areas but in Southwestern Ohio they seem to have lost their touch in recent years. They used to have all-you-could-eat breadsticks that were awesome...but they're not so good anymore. Plus, their prices went up to the point that Carrabas is the much better choice, IMO.

Maverick! What a way to finish off another incredible Coastermania event.

I would say Diamondback...but I technically finished the night with Adventure Express.

C'mon Flexo, admire the waterpark...but don't go to extremes!

Great thought Robb, but didn't SFKK always have an issue with wanting bigger/taller rides but there being a max. height restriction on their rides because of the airport next door? Would Led Zep/Time Machine fit in there? Even as off-the-shelf as that ride is, it would be really nice to see it get a good home...it is a B&M after all.

I haven't been down to the park since the year before last. As of right now Chang has been completely removed, right? Is it safe to guess that SF has/will take Deluge & the Tornado too? Have the Twins been torn out, or are they just sitting dormant? I'm hoping because of it's age, and well traveled life that SF will just let Greezed Lightnin' stay where it is, (outside of Chang...GL was the best coaster in the park...Love that ride!). And Penguins Blizzard River turned out being one of the better water rides I'd ever rode. The soak factor was incredible on that ride. Sorry about all the questions, I'm just trying to get a better idea what may be left for the park to re-open with next year.

Here's another story about the possible re-opening of the park in 2011. I live about 2 1/2 hours away, but I do miss this little park already. But if it ever is opened again I hope it's operated better than what we've seen in recent years. What did SF take from the park other than Chang? http://www.whas11.com/news/local/Former-owner-of-Kentucky-Kingdom-may-be-taking-it-over-94957874.html

I thought about that myself a few weeks back...that's hilarious to think about though. We were coming over this summer as part of a Hershey/Dorney trip, but I think we'll just wait another year. Hopefully then we'll be able to collect a couple more credits. Right now, were going to replace Knoebels with SFGAdv.

I usually am the one in any group who hates the water rides...but CP is outdoing themselves on STR. This ride looks awesome! Is it do to be part of any of the Coastermania ERT's?

I've been a little undecided about the new Snoopy themes up until now, but CW's looks great! I know lots of people who are upset at CF for this change from Nick, but if they see the change with their own eyes it may sway some of those people. Haven't been down to KI yet...does it look equally as good as CW or not?

These trains are so cool looking, it's just that they look like they belong on a dark ride rather than the Voyage. Hopefully I'll get over there this year, but Holiwood Nights won't be happening for us, were going to be at Coastermania instead.

...“It’s more of a how do we make it right”. Uhhhhh!...TEAR IT DOWN?

All I can think of now is "Are those frickin' sharks with frickin' laser beams on their frickin' heads!!"

More room to build a meaningful coaster (maybe two), that are fun to ride. Please CF! Get GG, GCI, or Intamin on the line so we can have a woodie worthy of praise! I seriously don't know, but would it be possible to reuse any of the lumber from SOB in the building of a new coaster?