Chrisrad

How come nobody has suggested a Windseeker for SFMM.. on top of the mountain, with fire, and a backwards program during October? Seriously though.. Intamin drop towers > S&S But I'd still take an S&S if they put it in a kick ass location (up there with Tatsu). Knowing SFMM, they'll stick it out in the parking lot next to scream.

Weirdest: Pony Express at Knott's - it's pretty much 'Bondage: The Ride.' Most idiotic/wtf/I don't have a good feeling about this: Cobra at La Roooonde. Most redundant: Revolution at SFMM I'm surprised at how often X2's are mentioned, yet nobody has mentioned the B&M fliers. I think X2's are like a life vest - pull it down and latch the front - I find them both reassuring and comfortable. As for the B&M fliers.. Let's see - it's an OTSR with a soft, vest-like harness with straps built in, then the OTS bars, and finally, the ankle restraints. And that doesn't include the part where they make you do go doggy style... They could at least call you the next morning after such treatment.

Wow, despite their top beers tasting like, umm.. What I meant to say was: "Yay, you went to the Blue Moon/Killians factory!" (those are the only beers I saw) Looked like a pretty cool tour! Thanks for sharing. And no Fat Tire tour?

Yeah, the alcohol exchange was a blast.. If I remember correctly, didn't the buses go too far past the hotels because they were pitch black? I remember there was a U-turn involved. I was also thinking that, because it was Canada and things are strange up there, maybe they don't leave lights on at night. Wasn't it Michael Moore who said they don't even lock their doors? But yeah, the alcohol exchange... lots of booze, crazy conversations with random canooks off the street, a room lit up by the glow of a cell phone, and a shower that progressively got colder.. It was seriously awesome and was slightly more enjoyable than La Roooonde.

It's probably similar to how the locals here treat SFMM - it's a love/hate relationship. While people outside of the area/CA might drool over SFMM and think it's the greatest place on earth (in terms of coaster count), us locals might fault it over the way SF runs the place (operations, wrapping the trains with ads, removing certain rides, taking forever with construction, etc.). I think the best thing about Great Escape was the area - you can't really beat upstate NY for its beauty (ok, you can, but it's nice to see a theme park in the middle of a forest).

But in all seriousness, Great Escape was a very nice place! Did NOT feel like a typical SF park (ok, there were ads, and theme park prices) and had a lot of remnants from its earlier days, plus a lot of family rides, car rides, a swan ride, and a train. Plus, Google was there filming! Comet was very fun - I kept thinking that these old ACE landmarks would be rough and uncomfortable, when, in reality, they were very fun! I don't really recall any portions of the ride that were rough or painful - it had some nice little pops of airtime, too. Also, there were some good water canons - sorry to those of you who got wet on the log ride.

And honestly, I was so tired, I didn't really have the legs for Darien Lake. And plus, during that leg of the trip, we were still pretty far from Darien Lake. I'll just go out on a limb here and say that it will definitely be an add-on, or part of, a future TPR trip.

^ Exactly! I have all segments of yesterday's news - 6 am (the very first group shot), 7 am, and 9 am. There are random clips throughout each segment. If you're missing anything, let me know and I will get them online somehow.

From what people have described, I'm bummed, too. I liked the coaster when I went last year, before they went trim-happy on it. That drop off the MCBR made the entire ride worth it. Now because of the trimming, it sounds like the last good part of the ride has been sacrificed. I have an analogy for Ghostrider, but I don't know if it's inappropriate/lame. But anyway, the last part of the ride yesterday made me think, "Okay, I want this to be over now." It seems to slow down toward the last few turns and loops that it's really shaky. I've heard so many good things about Ghostrider when it was new. Plus, I really like the layout. It's a shame that the ride can be really good..

Nice! I can tell by the rider's face in the first row of the Great Nor' Eastern that it was a painful ride; I rode it twice just to make sure. Otherwise, Morey's was awesome! Very neat rides.. and cool boardwalk area.

Great report! Thanks for the opportunity! After riding the Ohio Windseekers, I really wanted to ride the one at Knott's, so yesterday worked out perfectly. I'll also admit that yesterday was the first time I had ever seen 'real' ACErs in person.. Sure, you hear stories, and see pictures.. but I got to see them. It's like a rare jungle animal/creature that you only hear about. But when you seem them in action, it actually takes your breath away. You have to figure out whether you want to respond with awe and go up to them, or simply keep your thoughts inside; I chose the latter. And yes, Ghostrider was not 'painful' (compared to previous rides/Wildcat at Compounce), but it was just shaky - it was all over the place.

That's really good to know for tomorrow, thanks! I suppose I will take some pictures of how the park looks if anyone is interested.

I honestly couldn't do a better job of describing the parks/rides myself! Another fantastic segment of your TR! As you said, Untamed was... kind of rough! Patrick and I kept changing seats to find the best one(s) - some were quite brutal. The right rear seat seemed the best to me. And the picture of us after the log ride - AWESOME! I'm glad someone got that. I guess that's what happens when you put four adults in a log.. At least my camera/phone survived. Keep the pictures/dialogue coming - loving every bit of it!

Woah... woah...woah.. Laura is, am I reading that right... Admitting to not liking something? Laura you liked Mean Streak so I had my doubts about you. But with your opinion of Demon Drop, I will trust your opinions now. (some of them..)

^ & ^^ I rode it at Dorney for everyone who wanted it at Knott's.. It was... interesting, to say the least. After going on a lot of drop towers on the trip, a couple of people (who shall remain nameless), told me that Demon Drops were 'insane/scary/etc' compared to regular drop towers. Honestly, it was not scary, just amusing. And loud and shaky at the end. It really would have been out of place at Knott's.

Well crap, I posted a review for Quassy and meant to give it 3.5 stars, but after going 'back' to log-in, it removed my star rating. It doesn't look like I can edit the review just yet, but I don't want to bring down the park's rating.

Great report so far! I'm liking your perspective on the US! Also, it was great meeting you two - I'm sure we'll run into each other on another trip someday!

Nice! My thoughts exactly with the Windseekers. What kind of music did you get on your ride?

It can't be denied that SFMM needs flats. However, when the park promotes itself as having more coasters than any other park, then removes one of them (and a pretty decent ride at that), it seems mind-boggling. I think most of the speculation relates to Deja Vu's replacement, and, possibly, the fact that most So Cal parks (heck, US parks, right?) are getting pretty substantial rides for 2012.

If SFMM ever got anything remotely close to Maverick, I'd be thoroughly impressed, satisfied, and beyond excited. Not to upset any Cedar Point/Millennium Force fanboys, but Maverick was much more fun that MF - I think the second launch was one of the best elements; it simply does so much, without breaking records for height or speed. I'm pretty sure a lot of people stayed on the entire time during our one-hour ERT - they were running six trains so you didn't have to get off. But yeah, it would definitely complement SFMM's collection of coasters that are all somewhat unique.

Hmm. I didn't know about that either. Can't they find somewhere else? Crazy Ford people Maybe they could name it Mustang and Ford could sponsor the ride! Lol. Haha.. I think there are other car shows throughout the year, as well. With 1000 - 2000 cars, at $35 each, plus a lot of sponsors, Knott's selling food, etc., I'm sure Knott's makes a few bucks when they rent the space out. Plus, when you register your car, you can buy discount Knott's tickets, which I know a lot of car owners take advantage of. I must say, your proposed roller coaster design is quite intricate..

This isn't all that great, but it's just a little something I made for fun. But as you can see, all hope for fitting in a Giga is not lost Yeah, I'd love to see that plan come into fruition - you'd have 2000+ Ford owners come after you in defense of one of the largest Ford/Mustang/Mercury shows in the US - one that has been around for a few decades. While most cars are parked on the paved lots, the grassy area is the 'hub' of the show with showcase cars, anniversary car displays, Ford booths, vendors, etc.. Just throwing that out there.. And since I show my Mustang there every year, I'd tell everyone that it was your idea.

Yeah, same with the ones at Kings Island and Cedar Point - even if it's not windy on the ground, it will be windy at the top, especially since there aren't any obstructions to breezes (trees, buildings, etc.). Which is also why they named them Windseekers

Your TR pretty much craps all over the one I was going to do, so I won't waste my time - I will do one for the Cedar Point trip, though. Some awesome pictures you got there.. Since I was too busy eating like a healthy person at all the breakfasts, I didn't even see a pancake machine.. holy crap.. Did anyone try them?

Two parks are offered - you can do both, or choose only one. It's your responsibility to find a room for the night(s). The parks are a good hour apart, and there are plenty of hotels near each. For WCB 2012, follow the forum/thread as there were a lot of hotel room/transportation discussions last year. I'll also mention that it's a 'must do' if you live near So Cal (or are a short flight away) - I've gone two years in a row now and have a hard time visiting the parks in a 'non TPR' kind of way.