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I kind of want to say I'm in love with that latest photo. Though I guess that might be overstating things a bit.

I noticed this quote (source): Not sure if that pretty much guarantees it was an employee or trespasser, or if it was just an inaccurate and poorly worded way of conveying that the outdoor dry rides are closed, but Opa is open because it's indoors. Does make me wonder if the victim wasn't riding, but rather climbing on the coaster, whether for maintenance or mischief. Of course, I'm not surprised it happened here, no matter the cause. I've seen and heard of multiple things that just don't happen at other parks, some that were blatantly irresponsible, as well as numerous signs of poor maintenance.

I was just looking at some past Mitch Hawker ballots and went into my sent emails to take a look at some lines on one of my ballots that were thrown out. Well, I finally figured out why. Through some fail of find and replace (I'm assuming), I had inadvertently listed the Minnesota coasters as Missouri coasters. Won't happen again, I swear!

This! Visually, it's always been one of my top wooden coaster designs. It really stands out even among racers. I'm not sure if it's the added height contributing to the massiveness, or just its position in the park allowing for easy access to some great views of the first drop versus it being hidden. As for the ride experience, last year it went from being by far one of my least favorite full-sized wooden coasters (I know I was in the minority there) to merely a low average. It didn't seem quite so forceless; there were definitely at least hints of airtime, but nothing to write home about. The red side often gets massive praise, and it did seem better, but not amazing. I guess it was just the wrong day/time of season/year as I've heard the quality does vary. I do like the station as well--it may not be the most overwhelmingly charming, but it does have a nice classic feel.

^That is definitely a gray area, and I can't help since I just lazily go with what RCDB says. I think this is a case where people have taken the labels given by manufacturers into account? I don't believe that the mere presence of water, or a flume section of any length, or elements more common to water rides, means something isn't a roller coaster. But there are some hybrid rides that are considered coasters that are very similar to log flumes or other rides that are not.

^They were once considered coasters when it was a newer technology--I've seen Demon Drop listed as part of Cedar Point's coaster collection in a coaster book. I'm a bit surprised this isn't discussed much, but I guess it's old news. I guess it partly depends on if you're referring to "credits" or a strict technical definition (seems to be the latter). For credits, there are several existing threads, so I won't go into it, but my rules are based on a mix of RCDB and Coaster-Count. I believe launchers, shuttle coasters and the like are coasters if generally considered to be so, and I get why powered coasters aren't "coasters" but still count them (plus some may be marginally gravity-powered in parts). Are Disk'Os and the like not considered coasters because they're actually powered and Half Pipe-style coasters are not (or less so)? Or is it just because they're seen as more of a flat ride and it simply goes against the spirit of things for enthusiasts to call them coasters? Not a big deal to me so I haven't really read up on it. I definitely don't believe that "if a park or manufacturer calls something a coaster, then it automatically is." This doesn't mean it's wrong or misleading for them to say so, but I've seen things advertised as coasters that don't qualify by any common enthusiast measures, like (non-coaster) water rides and Larson Super Loops/Ring of Fire/Fireball rides.

This is meant more as my personal opinions rather than formal recommendations for others. Here's about how I'd rank them: 1. Disneyland 2/3. Knott's 2/3. SFMM 4. DCA I've never felt the need to go to USH, even though I ADORE USO, so I might as well wait until Potterland opens. Disneyland: still a top 5 park for me. Can be beloved by all ages, though I'll admit last year it was harder at times to feel the "magic" than during my previous visit as an adult. Not sure what changed since I was simply awed in 2008. Knott's: after suffering a damaged reputation among enthusiasts for quite some time, this seems to be on a major upswing and once again much-loved. I may not fully buy into the hype but there's certainly a lot to be impressed with here. There are plenty of well-themed areas and fun little details. Depending on your tastes, you may only find 1-3 coasters to be stand-out, but the collection could be worse. SFMM: despite the heated criticism, it is possible to have a perfectly enjoyable day here. I no longer consider myself a fan, but the experience seems to fluctuate a lot day-to-day and during different times of year, and your opinion of the park will also depend on what you're looking out for. While the coaster collection isn't quite as astounding to me as it was earlier in my enthusiast career, I still think it's a solid line-up with some quality and diversity. The aesthetic pleasantness of the park in parts is often overlooked--SFMM may neglect it, but you can't deny it's in a nice setting. DCA: I'm no longer so quick to call it disappointing or underwhelming, but my second visit didn't massively raise my opinion of it, either. There are some can't-miss rides here, and even if the remaining "old California" theming isn't all it was cracked up to be, it's still highly appealing to look upon. The newer areas are top-notch as well. Obviously, unless you're exceedingly pressed for time, you should go to both parks if you're planning to visit Disney at all.

I never really got the lack of enthusiasm for Backwards Viper, on its own or in comparison to namtaB. I suppose Batman was expected (and reported) to be much more intense backward, plus I realize a number of wooden coasters have been run backwards before. But Viper does have a slightly more complex layout than the single out-and-backs that have more typically been run backwards. I almost want to call it one of my favorite wooden coaster experiences, but I don't want to put too much weight on the backwards aspect since I'm hoping I'll still love riding it forwards again. It would be "nice" to ride Colossus backwards, but I'm just happy that I've finally ridden both sides! I think can hold off on riding it again until an even bigger change hopefully comes to it.

It's also rumored that Six Flags Over Texas IS getting namtaB this summer, but has chosen to be fairly quiet and low-key about it for now. So that lends some credence to the possibility of this really being for spring only. Of course, there's no telling if there are still only one/two chassis available or if B&M has made more.

I know these things happen (to put it very lightly), but that's very unfortunate. Since they apparently have to let them keep the surviving animals for now, I hope the promise of follow-up is legit and helps get the issues resolved.

^^Ooh, I like the one you got. I can tell it's custom because it doesn't say "Donkeys are the best thing since bottled water." (Though I'm sure an argument could be made for that, too...)

When did this happen?! (And if it's not new, I certainly never noticed it.) I'm a bit surprised there's still a market for these, even though I know the tastes of enthusiasts and the general public can differ even when it comes to painful rides. But I get that they're probably one of the most compact and cost-effective ways to bring in a gimmicky coaster (with both inversions and a non-traditional riding position). To me, they're quirky, uniquely terrifying rides that may not be smooth, but aren't unbearable. The cages are a bit sketchy, but the forces are interesting. I have ridden at least one of them more than once, and likely will again...

Speaking of food, I'm still surprised I never ended up convincing myself to go to Tomo Hibachi last year like I had long planned. I know it's not the only place of its kind in the world, but I still have fond memories (or fond half-memories) of our takeover in 2011. How's it been holding up?

^Same with the recent station photos (though admittedly, it's possible those are a good taste of the final product).

This may have been discussed, but is the SLC going to stay with those teal supports, or will they be painted a different color? I didn't like the orange shown in a rendering, but now I see it looks really nice with the teal.

I WANT that dueling wooden. Somewhere, anywhere that could give it a good home.

I believe it was Kinzel who stated that (or was rumored to have), so I guess all bets are off when it comes to that. Would be a little easier to look up if "flying/flyer" didn't refer to so many different things in the amusement world!

Not saying I'm a fan fan, but I do like the cage on that. Do you sell them? I could see those in my local antique malls. By the way, I think fans are slightly terrifying. But that's neither here nor there.

Coaster: Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, easily. Comfortable, good airtime, a unique design, and the music element is impressively implemented. Plenty of awesome songs to choose from and I was a bit surprised that you could clearly hear your song rather than a cacophony of everyone's choices. Not a big fan of the other coasters. Mummy wins in theming, but not necessarily thrills. For the others I'd put Hulk first, then Fireball just above Hornball (I could swear people joked about calling it that, but I don't think it really took off...). I don't think I have a favorite dark ride or other attraction. Call me easily impressed, but I was quite fond of most of them, from the popular, to the polarizing love-it-or-hate-it rides, to the widely panned, to the older and overlooked. Before visiting I was wondering if I wouldn't get into the park because I didn't grow up as a fan of the franchises like I did with Disney. But I love the park for the overall theming and attention to detail, rather than specific characters or brands. I enjoyed many rides I wouldn't have expected to based on theme alone.

No, I'm taken. No, no, no, no, surprisingly no, and no. iPhone 4 with iOS 6 iPod Classic 160gb iPad (3rd generation) Had my last flip phone from 2006-2012 (!) Flatscreen

^It does still get mixed reviews--some say it's equally rough, just without the headbanging. I really enjoyed it for an SLC, and I'm not even sure if it was only due to the restraints. It's also in a more fun setting than some. Shame about the Great White rides reported in August. I could certainly see it being due to the un-filled trains, but I loved it when I rode it, even when I was the only one riding. Maybe it's a day-to-day thing or also weather-related.

^^I actually think both parks are beautiful in some ways. SFOT has retained a lot more charm and atmosphere to help counter its Six Flags-ness a bit, but SFMM does have a really nice setting and some decently pleasant areas. Interesting that they'll be running namtaB (assuming they didn't just thoughtlessly copy a video from SFMM or SFGAm, though it's understandable that they may just be quietly introducing it for now instead of making a big announcement).

True. I mean, there could be issues with ignorant people thinking it is legal in public or should be allowed in a park, so the policies might be tweaked to make things more clear. And maybe there will be an uptick in the same kind of illicit use that may happen in parks now. But the parks certainly have no cause to become any more inclusive of it.

I found this (anti-smoking) write-up on the e-cig advertising in Six Flags parks. I may not agree with the organization's exact biases, but the signs do make me uncomfortable. It seems tacky at best, and is promoting something potentially dangerous at worst. It's a lot like seeing the rare tobacco cigarette ad in an unexpected place nowadays.

^^ This. I was definitely going to post it if no one beat me to it.