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Nice back views of El Toro.

Rough top three... 1. Thunderation: Probably the most awesome setting and layout, and it has a bit of force to it if you're lucky. Seems to have turns, lifts and drops in just the right places to keep it interesting. 2. SFOT: One of the better-themed ones, and the drop is a memorable surprise moment (though it can be rough). 3. SFFT: Seems to be one of the more forceful ones, though that isn't saying much. Ones I "remember as forgettable": SFGADv, Hersheypark, Magic Springs, SFOG, Cedar Point, The Great Escape, KI. All with little to no forces, though some have a decent wooded setting. Gold Rusher wins points only for being one of the most authentic terrain coasters of the bunch, but it has sometimes-painful laterals and no other forces to speak of. The Carowinds one I forgot existed. River King Mine Train is terribly dull until the surprise drop. Mini Mine Train is the worst of all by default.

Same here! At least in my case it was some random kid, but I believe they were still going inappropriately slowly.

Just want to comment on a few I've seen on this page. Gauntlet: For what's a surprisingly pretty park, they chose an insultingly ugly color scheme. And I do remember it being confusing to get there. Arkansas Twister is worse, clearly seeming to be a relic from an earlier era of the park. It's isolated from the other dry rides and I had to walk through the water park to get there. Desperado: I used to think it was pretty well-visited among enthusiasts, and maybe it is, but I haven't heard much about it in a long time. I guess it doesn't help that it doesn't draw as many repeat visits as a more substantial park. Steel Hawg: I remember it being awkwardly (and perhaps poorly) placed far from the other rides.

Neat photos. Kind of puts it in perspective when you see the machine and paper like that.

Yeah, somehow this is decidedly worse than most of the rest. Except for the surprise drop.

This. So cool that the tours are free and open to everyone.

"Miss Misery" - Nazareth

^Cute name (and unique)! I wonder if it'll have custom themed cars, but it's understandable if it doesn't.

Not quite as poetic-sounding now. Oh, well, "Guardian" is the important part of the name.

No complaints here. I always like to see what's been picked and brought to greater attention, like trip reports, news updates or interesting older threads. I like the little descriptions, even if I'm already aware of most of the topics.

^Thanks. Park name looked familiar, but I don't think I paid attention to any construction there.

^^Happy to spot some American Thunder love. It was about the same this year for me as in 2010--maybe marginally less airtime-filled, but definitely not to the point of disappointment. Nice to see this as a sticky. Already having a fun time looking at ballots!

Very nice touch. I like when parks transform these empty ride pads so they don't remain awkward eyesores; I just saw that Dollywood turned Timber Failure's spot into a small picnic area, and I admire that, too.

Yay! I know it comes out at different times from year to year, but I was getting worried and even wondering if I was the only one who missed it, as I didn't notice anyone asking about it. All good now of course!

^Reminds me of this...

Like others on FB, I had to do a double take thinking that was a miniature model of a coaster. Easily one of the smallest loops (and looping coasters) around! By the way, I was inspired to look up Mumbai parks, and I was surprised to see a new Premier launcher and B&M floorless at another park. Did we all miss this, or just me?! RCDB

Or a Zamperla interpretation of an El Loco!

^^^I do like how SDC offers so many creative food and drink items. Also, they have this combination of ambiance, prices and promotions that makes even the more mundane items enticing. I saw they still sell the Dippin' Dots cones that are both larger and cheaper than the large cups. And we had an offer good at a sizable ice cream float station--simple, but worthwhile. Just throwing out a couple examples of many. It's not all about the cinnamon bread and skillets!

^I'm thinking that still qualifies as genius. Whatever works to get us those RMCs.

^I still hate beer. At this point I'm doubting any potential to acquire a taste for it. Currently quaffing a white zin courtesy of ol' Two Buck Chuck. (Charles Shaw, the quintessential cheap Trader Joe's wine.) Very smooth and tasty; just what I need after being unnecessarily keyed up all day. Edit: haha, accidentally responded to a way older post! Previous poster disregard my ^.

^I have no idea what you're talking about.

Oh, that one was poignant.

Surprised so many of you managed to escape hearing of this until now. You were all so lucky before today... I feel sick.