cal1br3tto

(And I personally think the "LOL" works--might be a bit too subtle without it. Fun either way.)

^^I lost it at #SWAGsauce.

El Toro.

"On the Border" - Eagles

^Premier or Chance? That's...imaginative.

"Changin' Times" - Nazareth

On the bright side, Coast Rider is the smoothest mouse I can recall riding. (Granted, there could be times I didn't pay any mind to equal smoothness on other mice.) I know the characteristic herky-jerkiness of wild mice is supposed to make them more intense and fun, but usually I just find it uncomfortable without being thrilling.

^Could be another error (or at least poorly explained). At least White Lightning and Hellcat show that there's precedent for 12-person trains on larger woodies. The White Lightning train looks so normal that I never noticed it was shorter, but the Hellcat train strikes me as a bit...odd.

Thunder Road really needs an overhaul, so I hope that helps a lot. In 2012 it was shuffly and uninspiring, with no airtime to speak of. Much worse than KI Racer or Rebel Yell.

^Had to do a double take there--didn't know there was a coaster simply named Bob.

Yeah, the reported train size sounds baffling. I mean, the capacity might work for the park, but coasters that big don't usually have trains that small. Then again there are small coasters with big trains and big coasters with small trains. I don't know why this is so exciting to me; I guess because new wood coasters are always a good thing (unless they're Son of Beast). What are the chances of this working out? Here's hoping.

Seems like an awesome little ride. I feel like we didn't hear that much about it this past season (might just be me), so hopefully this year will put it back in the spotlight.

I never thought I was into grainy, distant construction cam photos. This thread is proving me wrong. It's fun seeing this coaster take shape even when the changes are small.

Interesting comparisons between Boulder Dash, Phoenix and Blue Streak. I think my views are more typical. I consider Boulder Dash an airtime machine, but it's the setting that makes it outstanding. Phoenix does have some tamer moments that don't get pointed out much, but overall I'd call it highly intense with its forceful airtime and laterals. I've found Blue Streak to have consistently good airtime on the out run, but it seems to vary when coming back. It was a bit more impressive last year riding in the front car, but I only consider it a "good average," and not notably intense.

"It's Only Rock 'n Roll" - The Rolling Stones

^That was actually an interesting read. I had no idea Nova Scotia was so accessible from Maine; I thought it was absolutely in the middle of nowhere so that gives me some perspective. Tree Topper is certainly on my radar.

^^Ha, "rare" was definitely an exaggeration, and I'm always relieved that every year some people manage to love it. Even if you account for reasons people may have gotten a better ride or be biased: even last year I believe some level-headed enthusiasts visited alone (not as part of an event), in late summer on a hot day, and still loved it. I've heard a theory that the newer GCIs tend to be perennially overrated for a few years before dropping down to a more realistic level. But I do think a few are deserving. Again, I love that others are loving American Thunder; I will admit to non-ironic affection for Prowler; and of course Thunderhead is always a fave. I am a bit curious about all these top-tier rankings for Lightning Racer: does the racing give it a big boost for people, or do y'all think they are solid as separate rides as well? I don't think they're very intense, so it's the racing that keeps them in my top 20.

I...feel I may have worded something poorly earlier in this thread. As punishment, I shall meekly offer myself up to be mercilessly pelted with loaves of freshly baked cinnamon bread. Cinnamon bread is the one true food. ALL HAIL CINNAMON BREAD.

"Bangin' Man" - Slade

Rode plenty of greats this year; this might not even be a precise ranking, but they're the 3 that stand out the most. 1. Maverick 2. Outlaw Run - I'm not quite as fervent about it as some, but it's a thrill in an unbeatable setting. 3. Iron Rattler - Possibly the most purely satisfying new coaster I rode this year. Awesome forces and so rerideable. I'm liking the praise here for Backwards Viper. It really showed me what that coaster can do; it only went up a bit in my rankings, but quite a bit more in my heart. While the backwards element was uniquely exciting and more than just a gimmick, I hope the forward version continues to dish out some great rides that won't disappoint.

I'll admit I do really appreciate when parking is either included with gate admission or is surprisingly cheap, even though I understand the arguments against free parking. Parking lots are expensive, so you really are funding their upkeep. Parking fees are per driver/carload whereas all guests are ostensibly forced to pay for "free" parking. Comparable places or events charge fees that are similar or even several times higher. But I still like that some parks keep it reasonable.

He must not, since my ballot always gets counted. Yes, I am one of those seemingly rare Voyage fans (2010-era). The layout takes the out-and-back concept to a new and innovative level with all its unusual twists and elements. I personally thought the initial, straightforward airtime hills were a highlight, but like (a much more brutal) El Toro, Voyage doesn't let up until the very end. On Apocalypse: I thought it rode about the same this year as it did in 2010. The modest total amount of airtime was still disappointing, but one of the two or so pops was surprisingly intense on at least one of my rides. However, I was one of the few who never thought much of the ride, so it's relatively low on my list.

I like food, food tastes good!

"Riverside Drive" - Tora Tora

THIS. That was absolutely insane and shattered any illusions that I could no longer have a new "best flat ride experience" at this point in my enthusiast career. So many crazy forces and a delightfully torturous ride cycle. I missed the Flipper at Adventurers FEC in Brooklyn by one year, but I'd question whether I missed much. That's a kiddie park through and through (with a few basic family rides and a dark ride), so I doubt it was run too intensely.