cal1br3tto

^Good point. Another thing I've noticed is that, with all the coasters out there to keep track of, I actually find myself forgetting a lot of stuff about some rides, even things I'd once been well aware of. That can lead to some rather surprising surprises, so to speak. Anyway, Superman is looking sexy (and pretty darn unique). Hopefully it does open sooner rather than later.

Yeah, I'd love to know more if there's any news out there. It would be great if they could actually accomplish that during the season (without major disruptions) instead of waiting.

^So the paid bathrooms are real! I remember seeing a sign about that at Deno's. Yes it is. Riding the back seat alone, I felt as if several bones in various parts of me were actually breaking on the first couple drops. And despite knowing how unrealistic this would be, I swear I was honestly a bit surprised that my thighs took that much pain and didn't literally snap. I ended up with the most bizarre, abnormal-looking, lumpy hand-sized bruise that took at least a month to disappear. Also, the other rows in the back car are noticeably less rough than the very back (I was informed of this by others and wasn't sure if I'd actually find it true...but I definitely did). I'm looking forward to reriding now that the worst drops are supposedly smoother, but part of me wonders if I'll miss the murderous intensity of years past (or if the rest of the course will just about make up for it).

I think every time I've wanted to avoid reading reviews for a new ride, I've given in pretty quickly (though I usually hold off on watching videos for rides on my short-term agenda to visit). There's still a lot that can only be conveyed through personal experience, plus there's no telling how closely my opinions will match up with others' (I could be word-for-word in line with the majority, or end up feeling like the only person who disagrees, or anything in between). Sometimes I'll try to limit the number of reviews I read before a trip, though, and I can certainly understand trying to avoid them completely.

YES. Note that it's supposedly much better with a full train (I experienced my excellent rides during an ERT marathon, and I'm not sure of typical crowd levels). Also, it can be rough, and only five laps are permitted with the all-day pass. Take this with a grain of salt because I occasionally find myself inexplicably immune to rough rides, but I was okay in the first row of the last car on Hades (the PTC seat), so you might want to consider that. If you're into credits, note that the Go Gator at Noah's Ark does not allow adults, and Little Titans at Mt. Olympus hasn't allowed adults for the last several years, either. You could try the Miner Mike at Knucklehead's, though.

Exactly how I feel. The airtime is the only thing that partly redeems it for me. Also, that sea serpent is absolutely freakin' adorable. Sorry you ran into some issues, though. Coney Island thoroughly creeped me out last year (in a mostly bad, non-charming way). The run-down attractions and possibly insane staff at the older venues were fine by me, but the clientele rubbed me the wrong way for whatever reason. I'm only willing to re-evaluate the area and potentially become a fan because of its fascinating history and its location in NYC.

^Well, let's hope. I would think people could put up with the current capacity issues for the rest of the season.

Overall experience-wise, I can't imagine picking Dorney over Hershey, unless one of the rides at Dorney is a major draw for you. However, in this situation the Dorney-Knoebels combination seems like the right choice, as stated above. Personal opinions: at Dorney, my favorite coasters are Steel Force, Talon, and Hydra. Possessed is decent as well. Go for the front seat on Thunderhawk for a bit more airtime, and the third row on Steel Force. You might want to check out rides you won't see in many other places, like the Whip (also at Hershey and Knoebels) and Demon Drop. Oh, and definitely take the Wild Mouse-first advice seriously, since only two adults are allowed per car!

^That's interesting, since those are two coasters I rank very differently. I thought Yankee Cannonball was a semi-underrated airtime machine, but I thought Comet was no more than a tame nostalgia trip. As for Cyclone, I enjoyed it and put it somewhere between those two. It had a few strong, surprising pops of airtime, but overall it felt a bit slow, and the airtime was lacking overall. It actually reminded me a bit of Viper at SFGAm (even though it doesn't share Viper's Cy-Clone layout).

^From what I've heard, the front row is an absolute must on Rattler. That's probably the only reason I got some marginal, Mean Streak-level enjoyment out of the ride (and yes, I lucked out and was assigned the front without any pleading and begging).

Same. I wouldn't call myself a fan based on the picture, but I doubt I'll even think about it while at the park.

I can't say I've sought out any "great" food at DCA, but I've certainly had some decidedly mediocre food at Disneyland.

I felt more airtime in the front of Lightning Racer than the back (but there isn't much overall). I like Storm Runner in the front row, or the front of any car. I'd probably go for the front on Fahrenheit when convenient, as well. I don't care for Trailblazer, but at least the scenery is nice. Unlike many people, I didn't find Wild Mouse unusually great, but maybe I am desensitized to all but the most amazing mice (usually classics). Coal Cracker, the flume, is surprisingly good, with a unique theme.

On Saturday, May 19, I ended up at Elitch Gardens in the early afternoon. Throngs of adolescents surrounded me as I made my way through the security line, only to hold it up [clueless tourist/obnoxious coaster enthusiast] style (take your pick) with that must-have fashion accessory, the fanny pack. Apparently gravy isn't a "necessary medical item" (I beg to differ). While expecting to enjoy myself, I had heard mostly bad-to-neutral reviews of the park, which supposedly lost all its charm (and all but one of its existing coasters) after its 1995 move to downtown Denver, Colorado from a location further out in the city. It's also easy to see that the coaster collection is fairly generic, and very modest for what could be called a "major" park. How did my day turn out? This is what you see before entering the park proper. Exciting, right? Hey, at least there isn't a giant cobra roll looming over the building and ruining the atmosphere. You enter through this building, where fresh hot popcorn may or may not await you. But this is Elitch Gardens we're talking about, so it probably doesn't. The waterpark was still closed. Denver is known for finicky and obnoxious weather, so that made good sense. Wow, that's really big! I wasn't expecting it to be so massive. You quickly find yourself facing the park's carousel, PTC #51. The original Elitch Gardens owned PTC #6 from 1905-1928. It now resides in Burlington, Colorado as the last American carousel still in original paint. It was so quaint! The horses didn't even have noodles (but don't worry, they got plenty of hay and sugar cubes). Like most normal people, I spent my ride arguing with the ride op over whether band organ music is enjoyable. Granted, a quiet 3-track loop of recorded music is far from ideal. Main Street is reasonably charming, though probably no more so than at any comparable park. Hey, I'll take it. Obligatory Ferris wheel/cliched sign shot. Hey, at least the drop tower is running. In case you wanted to know what time it was when I took this picture. (I sure as hell couldn't tell you...) First credit of the day, Cactus Coaster...for all you coaster enthusiasts under 48", and the less daring among those under 54", as well. Kiddieland looked cute from a distance. Not sure I saw a single child in the entire park all day, though (and definitely no married ones, either, for that matter). Hollywood and Vine delivered ironic "not actually legal in California" forces toward the end of the cycle. Bravo! Sidewinder, the launched Arrow shuttle, was a major draw for me. The park is compact and very easy to navigate, so I was able to quickly make my way over there. It took me a VERY long time to climb the lengthy (or heighthy?) staircase. Thankfully, I was rewarded with an overview of Twister II. Snakes on a Train! Sidewinder met my expectations: a deceptively simple yet exciting ride with decent pops of airtime and some strong positive forces. Also, Sidewinder goes UPSIDE DOWN. Impressive! Near Sidewinder you can enjoy the TroikaTroikaTroika, which sadly is only named "Troika." (Oh well. I already knew I wasn't at Cedar Point.) Let's scope out some wait times before attempting to ride the other coasters. Mind Eraser has an agreeable wait of 120 seconds, or 2 minutes, so we're good to go here! Wait, did I read that wrong? Damnit. That's over 25% of the time I have left here! Look! Up in the sky! It's a wristband! It's a pager! No! It's Rapid Ride! A little-publicized (even on TPR!) benefit available at Elitch Gardens is Rapid Ride, a skip-the-line system that is probably closest in practice to Cedar Fair's Fast Lane, The Great Escape's Go Fast Pass, and SeaWorld's Quick Queue. The unlimited version, VIP Rapid Ride, costs a reasonable $29.99 plus a few sneaky dollars' tax, and the basic (one lap per ride) version boasts a base price of only $14.99. All coasters except Sidewinder are available, plus Ghost Blasters, Tower of Doom, Shake Rattle and Roll, and a couple water rides. Unfortunately, I discovered that Half Pipe and Tower of Doom also offer a single rider queue, which of course decreases the value per ride of the paid system. Overall, I was impressed with the VIP Rapid Ride experience. Guest service was average to very good, rider response was not harsh or intimidating, and I consistently rode within one to three trains of arriving. Seating choice varied, and I'm not sure if the differences were due to crowd levels, individual ride policies, or operator discretion. On Boomerang, a third row seat was always assigned (after a short wait); on Twister II I always had free choice; and on Mind Eraser I was assigned toward the front once and once specifically told I could ride any seat, including front or back. Time saved varied, but overall worked out to make this a cost-effective and convenient choice. A major problem with Rapid Ride is signage. I only noticed a few signs with specific, accurate instructions. Generally, you board through the exit, but in many cases there were Rapid Ride signs or painted instructions that lead "nowhere," but no signage on or pointing towards the actual exit path. At Ghost Blasters, the Rapid Ride queue was chained off even when open for business (and clearly warranted based on the main queue). Now that the 120 minute wait is something I can (and did) point and laugh at, let's return to Mind Eraser. Wait time notwithstanding, I'm shocked there is a full train. MIND ERASER IS THE GREATEST COASTER EVER! I LOVED IT SO SO MUCH!!!!!!1 I can't even tell you how many times I rode it. Actually, only the "SO SO" part of my last caption was accurate. And I can't tell you how many times I rode it because I'm ashamed to admit I rode it twice (and because my mind is now the size of a pencil eraser, so I barely even remember). Seriously, this beautiful headbanger is marginally rideable at best. Do yourself a favor and take the front for the views. Yes, you saw that right in my last photo. We are indeed near Ghost Blasters. (I know everybody notices these things.) Ghost Blasters outdoor queue. It's really long! That's what she...I mean, that's all she wrote. This creepy fellow moves and says stuff. (He's an audioanimatronic, so he's paid to do just that.) One time, I shot well past the highest scoring category, but I don't know if I should count that as a dark ride high score credit or not since I was riding alone. New thread idea? Let's check out Half Pipe why don't we? As a single rider or Rapid Ride user, you are gently merged directly into the queue by an employee, a couple trains away from boarding. I found the ride experience to vary a bit, but there was a decent amount of airtime and a good overall fun factor. Halfpipe is picturesque in all its simplicity. Nearby is everyone's favorite coaster style, the Boomerang. Kind of like how the coaster here that HAS a sidewinder isn't called Sidewinder, the coaster that is sometimes called Sidewinder at other parks is here called...Boomerang. (The coaster actually called Sidewinder got here FIRST and messed things up for the others. Meanie!) "Please valley so I don't have to ride. Please valley so I don't have to ride. Please valley so I don't...damnit!" Actually, I enjoyed this Boomerang, despite a slight, fairly innocuous neck chop on the return trip through the cobra roll. And the fact that it's a Boomerang. There are TWO TRAINS in this picture of Boomerang! How can that be? Photochop? MIRACLEZ? No, one of the trains is simply on another coaster. Tower of Doom was average. Especially because there isn't fire on it anymore. I mean, what a buzzkill, right? In case you were wondering what Dragonwing looks like. I have never once found one of these operating. Granted, it was a lot shorter than I was expecting, so I wasn't as disappointed as I might've been otherwise. Surprisingly enough, there IS actual theming to be found within the park. (Perhaps equally surprising, it isn't in the form of "gardens.") However, it did seem haphazardly placed and didn't appear to be carried through many, if any, of the surrounding rides. But it was a cute attempt. After seeing the pouring rain in the previous picture, did you REALLY think this ride would be open? Indeed, masochists get a mixed reception here. You can't ride water rides on a rainy day (unacceptable amounts of wetness are bad for business, apparently). But on the bright side, you CAN ride an SLC, a Boomerang, AND a rough woodie! Doesn't the park know that zombies are the cool thing now? Pirates are, like, so passe. But there's one thing that will never go out of style, and that is a good old-fashioned Tilt-a-Whirl. (And I mean it about the "old-fashioned" part. The new models suck. Unless they're in the form of giant turkeys, but I digress.) Hey, speaking of rough woodies, it's time for me to get on one. Elitch Gardens LOVES to joke around. They actually say Twister II was "Built Wilder The Second Time Around." Ha! What comedians! Much of the queue is located within the sizable structure, like at the SFNE Cyclone. Also, the ride is named Twister II. Now you know! (The park realizes that those who previously rode Mind Eraser will forget the name of Twister II in the 5 seconds it takes to walk through the entry plaza to the official beginning of the queue.) I know every TPR member's favorite subject is history, so I searched for some juicy tidbits. In order to do so, I had to slum in the queue for the people who serve me French fries. Sign: "'You dont need a degree in engineering to build roller coasters, you need a degree in psychology--plus courage. A roller coaster is as theatrically designed as a Broadway play.' John Allen, President of the Philadelphia Toboggan Co. 'Mister Twister' Designer" ...Well, Arrow and Vekoma have definitely proven that first point. Sign: "In 1964 the original Mister Twister, located in Elitch Gardens at 4620 W. 38th Ave., opened to the public. It was designed to weave in and out of its fellow coaster the 'Wildcat'. They and the park's management immediately declared it 'Boring!'. The original design barely had enough speed to return its trains to the station." Sadly ironic. Sign: "Mister Twister re-opened in 1965 after John Allen changed the angle from 42.5 degrees to 45 on the first hill and increased its height from 72 ft. to 96.4 ft. It featured a double helix, fantastic curves, and a hidden tunnel. It gained 'cult' status amongst North American coaster enthusiasts. 'At The Park' magazine declared it 'A Masterpiece!'" As Cee Lo Green might say, "Oh, 'forget' you!" Seriously, what a slap in the face to read this. In case it wasn't obvious, I forgot which setting on my camera cuts through the glare. Oh, who am I kidding, it could not have been more obvious. I was just feeling envious because I KNOW SOMEONE WHO RODE THE ELITCH GARDENS WILDCAT. But at least they didn't get to ride Mister Twister. Sheldon Cooper would LOVE Elitch Gardens. By the way, it's unfortunate that I took the second row once to avoid sitting in someone's spot...then no one wanted it on that lap, but I didn't have a chance to move up! Last time I am ever polite about the front or other valued "spots" (unless I find myself in Sheldon's apartment). Now that history class is over, let's get our last credit. It helps if someone doesn't bring a camera onto the ride, shutting it down for 15+ minutes and requiring multiple employees to climb the lift. BUT. Someone did. I quietly laid low at the exit and pretended not to know the...I mean, pretended not to be really annoyed. TWISTER II UPSKIRT PRAWNS. Also...the tunnel! I had fun on Twister II. It was shaky, but not really rough, though the back seat definitely proved it wasn't the place to be. However, there was NO airtime unless you count a slight hint of maybe-quasi-airtime on the second drop. But the tunnel was fun, the layout was semi-interesting, and despite being newer it still managed a bit of character. Thunderbolt was right by the entrance to Twister II. I always try to check these rides out, as there is the rare amazing one. This one was surprisingly good, running a fairly fast forwards-and-backwards cycle. And with that, it is time to bolt from Elitch Gardens. I had a great time! The park seemed decently kept, employees were friendly and helpful, and fellow guests were polite. Also, Rapid Ride is a good idea and you should buy it. The end.

^Yeah, it can be easy enough to say "always plan to go later than the expected opening date," but in practice trip planning doesn't always work out that way. I've actually scheduled a trip before knowing an opening date once, and felt so relieved when it turned out to be on the day I'd be at the park (and, in fact, did open then without trouble). I'm not at all surprised about this delay, either.

^^Wow, what a shame! I feel bad that the group had to miss out on such a great ride (hey, even if it's not the "cool" group here, I'm still sympathetic). I really hope this does not affect operations in any way, capacity-wise or experience-wise. This is one ride I would hate to see change (unless the original Prior & Church trains are involved...ah, wishful thinking).

^How have I not heard of that before? That is tragically awesome.

^I find that setup refreshing if you have free choice of seats, but don't appreciate it when rows are assigned (or otherwise controlled) and all need to contain the same number of people.

As it turns out, my dad knows a lot more about this man than I do. From the bare-minimum context I started out with, I'd actually expected him to be a young guy with some wacky made-for-Youtube video, so I was glad to realize he lived a long, full life. Anyway, the official video is awesomely hilarious, and nowhere near what I had been expecting.

Well, at least they listed a bunch of little things that realistically could happen (and that some people need to be reminded about avoiding or preventing), instead of sensationalizing rare, extreme, isolated incidents. But of course, with that title especially, it's only going to provide more fodder for those who seriously believe parks are dangerous.

^Alternatively, "flight deck" is another word for "cockpit"...why not call it Cockpit? Actually, don't answer that.

Same. I'm pretty sure I only got my last credit within an hour or two of leaving, though admittedly that was partly due to thoughtless planning on my part (of course, everything TPR set up was perfect).

^^Yeah, I don't really have any problems with Kingda Ka. I know it's rattly, doesn't have the most highly acclaimed launch, and has a very quick and simple layout, but I still find it thrilling. I really enjoy the launch, speed and views.

Some people also swear by the "reverse ejector seat" on Magnum which is simply the first row of the last car, but I chose that once and found it noticeably tamer. And I do know people who insist the back row is actually the best.

^Same! And I'm so glad they're going the route of actually addressing the lap bars themselves rather than interfering with some other aspect of the ride. Too bad about the spin bins. I thought that sounded pretty clever. I always liked how Hershey has straightforward signs and locations for loose articles.