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I think well-placed designated areas are the best answer for now. There may be increasing support and motivation for having all-park bans as a few parks do now, but I can understand and sympathize with the inconvenience to smokers (some of whom may light up more than once an hour). It's interesting the variation in enforcement. I've heard of parks (I believe) immediately ejecting and banning people for as little as barely stepping out of a marked area (though I believe in that case, there was more to the story that the guests weren't being open about). On the other hand, the Washington State Fair has openly posted on Facebook that they have chosen not to enforce their policy because it's too difficult when so many people flout the rules. I saw (and smelled) a number of people smoking tobacco and e-cigs there even in the queues. What bothers me is Six Flags parks are now advertising e-cigarettes (and also have designated areas for e-cigs only, though I'm not sure if that's for the comfort of smokers who want to avoid tobacco smoke, or just a marketing gimmick). I'm not in favor of promoting any kind of smoking, and the jury is out regarding the possible risks of e-cigs.

^I'm not sure that has anything to do with it. I've seen this discussion a number of times over the years for this particular Batman. But like I said recently, IDGAF about wheel covers unless they're sharks. As for Superman:KC, that went from one of the most underwhelming floorlesses for me in 2011 to on par with any of the best. I'm pretty sure nothing about the ride changed, but in marathoning last year I noticed all kinds of forces I didn't remember feeling the first time I rode. At any rate, the zero-G roll is one of my favorites.

If you can't find it that way, this explains it. (I think I just misunderstood the other instructions, though.)

Well, this will be fun. Of course, several states could have a number of honorable mentions, but I suppose that's not really in the spirit of the thread, so I won't mention any unless my rankings are just too close for comfort. I noticed that a healthy majority of states I've visited have at least one top- 10 or 25 coaster for me. And all but Oregon are at least in my top 50 wood or steel (which in either case means I like plenty about any one of them). Arkansas - X Coaster California - X2 Colorado - Cyclone Connecticut - Boulder Dash Florida - Montu Georgia - Goliath Idaho - Aftershock Illinois - Viper Indiana - Voyage Iowa - Tornado (long-held soft spot) Maine - Excalibur Maryland - Wild One Massachusetts - Cyclone Minnesota - Renegade Missouri - American Thunder and Outlaw Run New Hampshire - Yankee Cannonball New Jersey - El Toro New York - Comet North Carolina - Intimidator Ohio - Maverick Oregon - Ice Mountain Bobsled Pennsylvania - Phoenix Tennessee - Thunderhead Texas - Iron Rattler Virginia - Flight of Fear (maybe?) Washington - Classic Coaster (Coaster Thrill Ride) Wisconsin - Cyclops British Columbia - Coaster Quebec - Vampire

If I'm seeing things right, that looks way more intense and complex than the usual ones. I feel like I'd want to really practice and try to take full advantage of it. But I can see why they developed a more compact version.

^Just kidding then! But nice to see those behind-the-scenes photos. It was actually a TPR backstage tour report that first brought them to my attention. I don't geek out over wheel covers in general...just when they're sharks, I guess...

^Not what I was hoping (or expecting), but thanks. I always thought those birds were eagles, but I just saw some pictures and they were cardinals? Ha, guess I never really looked at them in person.

I was looking forward to the imposing wood structure I was expecting, but I'm intrigued by this novel take on wooden coaster design. It's interesting how it's seeming to bring some extra praise for an already-hyped ride, even though the ride experience (apart from visuals) hasn't been altered. I don't remember as many people previously thinking it might be better than Outlaw Run, but I've seen that several times since the change was announced. As for me, I could totally see it being on par with Outlaw Run and I'm open to the possibility of it being better, but I can't think of many parks that could ever top the combination of quality ride and stunning setting that SDC pulled off so well.

Better that than the yellow paint from the i305 supports...

^Don't believe I've ever noticed a balloon ride with that design. That is seriously cute.

^Isn't Elitch Gardens also expecting a mystery flat ride? Then again, I guess there's no connection there, since I'm pretty sure Herschend recently ditched Elitch.

It's funny, I used to be like several recent posters and didn't care or understand the hype about construction updates. But for a while now I've enjoyed tracking a few projects here and there. I'm not sure if it's the aesthetics, the sense of a mystery being slowly solved when we don't know all the details beforehand, or just a way to kill a few minutes a day during the off-season. Could be all of those or none, but it's something I've come around to enjoy a bit.

That's a shame. It was tiny, and purely a kiddie park, but somehow I still have fond memories of spending a few minutes there and riding the Wacky Worm. On a random note, I always remembered where this park was because Sea Isle City is a beautiful name for a town.

Sweet! The theming as depicted looks pretty fun. Great they they could work out such a low height requirement for a bigger ride. I loved the charm of Tree Top Racers, but from what I've read, this new coaster will be a better fit.

^True. Personally, I can't form a detailed opinion just based on a few construction photos; I'll have to wait and see what the finished product looks like, but I definitely still like the Gothic detailing.

Yeah, this. Do the wheel covers still have the sharks and birds? Hope they keep 'em, assuming they stay with the current theme.

"Back in Black" - AC/DC

Definitely no need for shame! It's interesting to learn about the trip that started it all. Chessington looks very well-themed.

Yeah, my concern would be people wanting to know why they can't do the same thing, or must pay to do something similar. It may be easier or kinder to make an exception if it doesn't negatively affect operations, but it just looks unfair.

Never heard of it. The surrealist theming looks exquisite, and indoor coasters are always great fun.

At first, I'd forgotten it no longer tells you when you're wrong. I really thought I was on a roll then!

For once, I seem to be tearing up some of the leaderboards. You guys better jump in and give me some competition!

Word! I know I've been witness to at least three "chapters" (though I may have deleted the sound-memories from my brain). This was easily one of the highlights of the trip, and I hope this unexpectedly awesome park can manage to hang on (I'm sure it has some advantages over the surely-crowded fair time). I was surprised that log flume was so well-themed and permanent-looking, and I'll be stoked if more places get those deceptively tiny spinning coasters.

I'm not a "McDonald's coaster" fan, either, but I do find it oddly appealing when two nearby coasters have the same color scheme. Just adds to the mess of track effect, I guess, plus it can be funny when people get confused. By the way, I love how KD did their 12 Days of Christmas posts on FB. I like that they announced actual improvements or additions to the park rather than just random park pictures. A great way to highlight small changes that might not otherwise open to much fanfare.

Are you also going to Beech Bend? I noticed it's in Bowling Green. I can give some personal opinions based on one visit in 2011. --Diamondback had at least one or two good pops of airtime (I believe more) that can take you by surprise. I like how the layout is a little more varied than the norm. --I'm not one to give the most unbiased opinion, but I didn't think Beast was unbearably rough. It was way more tolerable than Ghostrider. --I enjoy both the Vekoma and B&M flyers. The Vekomas don't have a single moment of extreme intensity like the B&M pretzel loops, but are more forceful throughout the course compared to the overall gentleness of the B&Ms. --I think any inverted Boomerang is much more fun than the standard ones.