cal1br3tto

^I would definitely "count" them as inversions if there were an easy way to do so. In the sense of CoasterCounter's inversion count, they clearly count as "times you've been upside down". They just don't happen to be unique elements. As for the V2 thing, I've gotten used to not considering it an inversion, but I used to be confused by that. I know people sometimes get into in-depth debates over the necessary angles, etc., but I don't care enough.

I might as well post my other stats as well. They're kind of fun to check up on every now and then. Total Inversions: 835 (plus extras from some of the shuttle coasters) Average Speed: 42.47 mph (35.66 mph steel, 49.29 mph wood) Distance Climbed: 16.83 miles (10.56 miles steel, 6.26 miles wood) Distance Dropped: 13.49 miles (7.83 miles steel, 5.67 miles wood)

^Heck, even in arbitrarily chosen middle seats I found it to provide a great ride pretty consistently.

According to CoasterCounter, I've traveled 460.27 miles, 232.51 of them on steel coasters and 227.76 on wooden ones. This is a low estimate, as many coasters on the site don't have lengths noted (I try to add them in when possible). My lap counts may be a bit off at the moment, as well.

^Green Lantern is the stand-up that hurt my legs the most. It was basically on par with a good Batman in that regard (but so worth it). As for headbanging, while it is similar to Iron Wolf, I think Vortex (CGA) was much more painful. I'm not even sure if I bothered trying to ride Iron Wolf defensively or if it just wasn't especially rough to begin with.

I'm somewhat drawn to car-cars myself, and I'm liking the continued popularity of iconic late 50s-early 60s designs. That theming aspect really added to the appeal of NTag for me.

^More free Wi-Fi in parks (and everywhere) is always a good thing. I don't know how widespread it is now, but in '08 I remember having trouble finding it in parks.

Yeah, Takabisha just sounds so awesome and powerful. Which is quite fitting, since Takabisha apparently translates to "dominant".

I was practically scared to visit in 2009 after reading a number of terrible reviews of the place. However, when I visited a few times that season it became apparent the park had moved on from their dark era, as I had no problems or complaints of note during any visit. I just hope they keep it up (and people are aware of the improvements).

^Too many NW rumors haven't ended up coming true. I've heard some great ones... Nevertheless, I'll keep alert for any resurfacing of the idea.

I was all set to continue being disappointed when I suddenly remembered I didn't actually care for the old bobsleds. Maybe I just didn't ride with the right person... I do think the old ones looked better, unfortunately. Something about the design and even the colors.

1. Top Thrill Dragster: I think the theming, although not immersive, is somewhat underrated. The pre-launch portion of the ride really gets me psyched up, even to the point of being fearful. The launch is intense, and while I know not everyone feels airtime on the ride, I found some when sitting near the back. I like the views during the few seconds you're actually able to look around, and I appreciate how well the ride carries its speed. 2. Storm Runner: Great airtime and hangtime, interesting layout, unusual inversions, refreshing scenery...all done up in a nice Accelerator package. 3. Kingda Ka: Yes...I did enjoy this ride. The launch is forceful and the speed is satisfying. But yes, it's shaky, simplistic (without any of the extra benefits TTD offers), and has fairly restrictive restraints.

^Speaking of that park...the name "Takabisha" really appeals to me.

I find that even as it becomes harder and harder for me to narrow down a specific list of least favorite coasters, it's increasingly easier to identify general types of coasters I often don't care for. Wild mice: plenty of them hurt and/or have no airtime. I'm fine with the ones that have decent air, though. Vekomas: SLCs are generally the most painful, but overall there are maybe 5 Vekomas I've truly enjoyed. Corkscrews, loopscrews: an unfortunate number are rough and/or entirely forceless. Mine trains: there are a few fun ones, but too many do little or nothing for me. But as for ever, my vote still goes to Pony Express.

^Well, in that case, I'm glad it went to SFMM. I know people complain Tatsu doesn't use the surrounding terrain as well as it could have, but at least the views are still miles better than they would've been at SFDK. Even a flyer in the vein of S:UF would work for me (I actually like those somewhat), but not at the expense of Tatsu at SFMM! Of course, if one were to be installed now they'd need to choose a different name for it...

^Where did you hear that? If that rumor has any legitimacy, I will be following closely, as I'm "done" with the park for now and a new credit would be the only good reason to return (alone, at least). One reason it could make sense is that their main announcement for 2012 is modest (starting to stay open during the Christmas season again), so maybe they are building up to something major next year.

^^I could hardly stay away from their Friday's last year. Then again, I'm partial to American food. But I do get the impression the chain is not highly regarded. Tomo Hibachi was where the really great food was at, though...I daydream about hibachi sauce all the damn time now. What I really can't stand are the in-park meals. I stopped eating there after my first nearly tasteless burger-in-a-bag.

Seeing more of how the new coasters are progressing, I'm getting a better idea of what interests me. Wodan: I'm sincerely hoping this lives up to the expectations I've developed based on all the tantalizing construction pictures I've seen. The layout looks like it could deliver some fantastic speed, airtime and overall excitement. Plus I love the interactions with other rides, the impressive structure, and the thoughtful attention to theming. Skyrush: I'm not the biggest fan of Intamin, but I'm drawn to their rides based on their reputation. Looking at photos, I see signs of a thrilling ride in the midst of the picturesque Hersheypark scenery. Leviathan: This is another one of my favorite projects to follow, albeit largely because the design and color scheme are so beautiful. But really, for me all it needs to do is ride like a good hyper and/or Millennium Force, and I'll like it.

^^Almost, but not quite, like being there. Funny to see how various details have changed over the years, like train colors and the sign.

I still think that layout looks wickedly delicious. Thanks for the in-depth look! Now I'm all the more eager to hear rider reports once opening day comes around.

^The separation between the two main coaster areas at SFDK has always felt a bit odd to me. Even though they're actually pretty close, they feel so distant from each other due to the effort it takes to walk from one to the other. Also, it seems like I always get lost looking for Boomerang, since it's tucked away among of group of lowly flats. I didn't even get the credit the first time I visited, as I'd forgotten about it and didn't even see it while I was there.

^Sadly, I wouldn't even consider that hyperbole.

Fully agreed. Voyage hurt me more, but at least it's exciting. Mean Streak just meanders about, and most coasters shouldn't do that. It's almost like a Grizzly with a longer and more interesting layout.

This thread has it all. Love it. Liseberg looks absolutely amazing. And Four Corners is ridiculously fun for what it is; looks like it hasn't changed much. Most importantly: 4 duckies!

Well that's too bad, as I'm partial to the Chance version of this ride. I find the Bertazzons tend to be much tamer. That said, I'm sure it's a well-warranted replacement.