Taylor Finn

Great report! Glad you enjoyed the great food (you picked some winners). Definitely seems like the crowds made it difficult to really get on some of the other must rides (carousel, skooters, flyers), but there's just so many must rides. Also, pro-tip, if you ever think you won't get your money's worth with the wristbands and want to opt the ticket approach, go to Weiss Markets and pick up $20 ticket books for $16. This basically means that if you go on a normal priced day, you can get $60 in tickets for the price of an all day band. We opted for a wristband for the first time and had to ride pretty nonstop to break even.

Just got a few questions here: Thinking about making the trip up to Dollywood for Smoky Mountain Christmas in early November for the first time. Any tips/info are appreciated! 1. I haven't really followed this thread enough to form a strong consensus. But is Lightning Rod operating most every day recently? We've not had good luck, so that's gonna be a slight factor in our decision to head up there this time. 2. I can buy season passes at the event that are good for admission this year and also unlimited access through end of next year? If this is the case, we'll almost certainly be going because we can go this year for Christmas, next summer and next Christmas two days each and easily get our money's worth. I just don't see any info yet online about 2018 season passes. Does that come out just once the Christmas event starts? 3. Crowds are pretty manageable for the event early on during the week? Thinking of going November 7th and 8th. Thanks for the help, guys!

Great report! Looks like a pretty decent little amusement park haunt and I've always felt the park looked pretty nice!

Great report, as always! It seems like every time you write about Knoebels, I find myself nodding in agreement to every sentiment you share. As far as Impulse is concerned, the line looked rough when we got to it, but we asked the attendant if they were doing a single rider line. They hadn't been, but she took it upon herself to ask the top of the ride and they let us walk right up a separate set of steps and we are on in two trains. They oughta always be running that because if they can fill every train full, it would help a bit with the line. I was also disappointed with how they were running the flyers (we got a bit lucky riding it early Saturday).

Some thoughts on my first PPP. No pictures, but I think there are plenty to go around elsewhere. My girlfriend and I arrived at the park around 2:00 PM on Friday and spent the day exploring the Covered Bridge Festival. An overwhelming (in a good way) number of craft and food vendors. Was really neat how it was all set up (even overflowing throughout the park this year). Had some yummy Iron Kettle Ham and Bean Soup ($3) and grabbed a few other things from the festival. Also enjoyed the pierogies from the proper stand ($5.75/6) and a KFC bowl knockoff ($5.50) (much better than KFC). This was all before the Friday Night preview was to start. The event description had listed "light refreshments" so we filled up a bit too much before the event started only to realize that there was an abundance of food to be had at the event. In the back of my head, I figured "light" was an understatement. This included: round-stand pierogies (fried without butter or onions, still yum but not AS yum), hash browns, bacon-on-a-stick (incredible, but they ran out pretty quickly), hamburgers, hot dogs, candy apples, cake, kettle corn, and roasted corn on the cob. Got practically all of that and scored 7 laps on Phoenix, 2 on Flying Turns, and a quick walkthrough of the mini fun house they brought in for the Halloween Season. Dick Knoebel sang with the band and they auctioned off a bunch of cool stuff with proceeds going to GKTW. So then Saturday. Started our day right with breakfast at the food court. Shared a platter of 2 pancakes, 2 eggs, toast, ham, and home fries for $7, before grabbing our hand stamp and coupon book for the day. This was my first time not using tickets and we kept track of what we rode out of curiosity to see if we would come out on top (accounting for Weis Markets discounted tickets). Rode a bunch of rides we had never really ventured to (Satellite, Whip, Ole Smokey, Loopers) and got re-rides on the Flyers and Skooters. I loved seeing the park all decked out for Halloween. Literally everywhere. A highlight that I didn't capture in time was a lone skeleton riding the Skyway. A really clever little touch. Used my coupon and got our pizza for lunch. We made it a few more hours before craving food again. We shared the pork chop on a stick with mashed potatoes and sauerkraut ($6) which was really yummy. Played some fascination (and won!) and also noticed a really strange happening on the motor boats. Folks were kinda getting stuck in the current and using supports for Kosmo's Kurves as leverage to propel themselves forward. There were multiple boats kinda all bumped together. Later on, we visited a pop up shop right near the Round Stand that was selling soup and picked up a bowl of Chili ($5). Oh my goodness, this was the best chili we have ever had. I can't recommend it enough. Ventured right around the corner and we shared a neapolitan ice cream waffle sandwich ($4). Another new one for us, it was so, so good. Honestly, the food is every bit as much a highlight as the rides every year and it is great to experience new things every time and revisit old favorites like the Sweet Tea Slushes ($2.50) and Pierogies. Phoenix was running better than ever and we experimented across the train, settling in in row 2 and 3 mostly (I still give an edge to row 3. The tunnel was nicely spookified and the ride was hauling. Twister was a bit rough, especially in the back, but still a quality ride. The train ride being all decorated was great and was done in such a charming way. Our night ended with a real highlight, the Haunted Antique Cars. My girlfriend was skeptical because the line was so long at dusk, but we waited it out and returned around 9:30 and got on in 20 minutes or so. This is an incredible experience. There were countless sets and lots of good scares along the way. I honestly felt like I was getting a haunted house level experience but for a fraction of the price. All said and done we rode about $60 in rides for our $42 wristband (plus coupons for food), which is like $48 in discounted ticket books. I can see why the park doesn't normally allow wristbands to be purchased on the weekends, because even if with a lot of Phoenix re-rides and a pretty full day of riding, it is hard to break even. I think this will become our annual visit, because of how wonderful Friday Night was, coupled with the Covered Bridge Festival. Crowds were manageable for rides, in spite of the parking lot being filled to capacity.

Loved loved the Live Stream. Absolutely plan to make a visit soon. Saw Olympia Looping was 9 Euros and Drifing was 6. Normal flats are a bit cheaper than that? I'm fascinated by the whole thing, so many individual ticket booths and all those ride operators on Olympia Looping. And the Helter Skelter, Alien Encounter, and live band half speed Casino like ride. Have fun!

Whew! What a great report. It is always so wonderful to hear a first-timer's opinion of this place. Got me all hyped for my first PPP, now. Also, I'll likely be going with the wristband for the first time ever (for the coupon book), so I'll probably ride some things I haven't before (Paratrooper Roto Jets).

I know this ride doesn't have the same historic appeal as the Kangaroo, Auto Race, Turtles, or Noah's Ark, but to me, this ride felt integral to that area of the park. I know it frees up a ton of space (especially with the pavilions back there being excessive probably), but this was one of the better flumes around. The uphill portion was unique and the ride really hauled through the course. I really don't enjoy Plunge rides, and Rapids often just get me too wet. The Log Jammer consistently drew a long line. I recognize that maintaining such a ride becomes expensive with time. It is a weird thing to say, but I really don't want another coaster. I thought Sky Rocket was perfect for the park (just like Impulse at Knoebels, really), but a big RMC is going to really shoot attendance up and take the attention away from the wooden coasters that make this park what it is. I mean, it is weird to think they haven't put a wooden coaster into the park in SUCH a long time, but maybe that is for good reason. I recognize I am probably misguided in feeling this way, but I like Kennywood for what it is right now. The additions of the last decade have all felt appropriate and they haven't had to remove much of anything (Pitfall was disposable).

This model is absolutely incredible. What a great thing to be able to show off and display!

Can someone give me a quick sell on why I oughta go to Phoenix Phall Phunfest? Never been before, obviously love the park. Just curious as to what separates it from other days (aside from the Friday preview)? Thanks guys!

Yeah, I got 48, and nothing outside of US/Canada. It was an odd list in that it wasn't totally mainstream (some weird deep cuts like Leap the Dips and some of the foreign coasters), but it was still really off the mark.

Yeah, it's definitely no Waldameer. Oh and on second look, yeah they're pretty creepy. I'm gonna be trying to check out Ghost Lake this Halloweeen season finally. The park seems perfect for that sort of event.

Hello, guys! I was able to make a trip down to Conneaut Lake Park again this year, this time with my parents. My mom has never been, and my dad hadn't been to the park in around 40 years. First things, first. I understand opinions on the park are sharply divided. I am of the belief if the park can make it, that would be great! I was able to notice quite a few improvements in the park from last year, but work still needs to be done. I feel good about giving the park a few dollars given the current direction seems positive. The event took place last Saturday from 9 PM-1 AM. Wristbands were $5 more than usual, but did include the two waterslides (it was far, far too chilly for me to consider that). I took a bunch of pictures and have some thoughts scattered throughout. For a park that just celebrated it's 125th anniversary, you do have to applaud them for being so stubborn. There are so many parks that were nicer that closed, too. I think the Conneaut Lake area has a chance to prosper, especially as things continue to get more expensive elsewhere. People might return to this area for vacations, because it is cheaper than heading to the coast. I also took a few pictures (crappy) of the Hotel Conneaut. It's over 100 years old, and it shows in both good and bad ways. We have arrived! So, we didn't go through the main entrance, but they have apparently done some work to make it look a little nicer, including a fountain out front. Those ticket booths are no longer used, just this building in the center of the midway. A line. At Conneaut. I have only been visiting the park for four years, but at least in that time, I haven't witnessed one of these. Empty midway at beginning of night (would change). Gift shop is off to the left. They don't sell Geauga Lake merchandise anymore, so that's an improvement. A lot of the stuff was a tad bit pricey and seemingly cheaply made, but they did have fudge and other goodies for sale. Devil's Den actually has a really nice facade and has been taken care of about as well as I could expect (in a good way). The ride is honestly a lot of fun and my parents both were pleasantly surprised. There's a facebook page ran by a guy named Dan detailing all the work he does to update the ride and keep it running well. It is certainly an interesting follow. High tech braking system. Didn't catch the pun at first. But seems very fitting for them to embrace the gum wall for what it is. High tech dispatch system, as well. Two things noticeable that definitely need improved. You can see it in the corner of the railing, but it is obvious that they are painting over existing paint and not stripping and re-painting. Especially obvious when you switch colors, but this was also true on the tumblebug. I know they have volunteer in the park days and if I can make it down for one, I would really enjoy trying to help out. The other thing is they only have 5 operational bumper cars. I'm not thinking they really would have use for a whole set at this juncture, but I think 8 would be a whole lot better. The pavilion is pretty large, so this is a must. Also, wikipedia indicates that this ride was built in 1937. Does that sound right? The carousel runs really nice. My mom really, really loved the organ. Anyone know if it's the original by chance? Nerd shot. Is this the original organ? Blue Streak. It is real neat that they run the original trains. So, they have two rows that are not operational and have no seat in place. Wheel seats, so that's good. But that only leaves 7 rows running, which is kinda disappointing. The once-a-month Sunday wristband special attracts "large" crowds, so I imagine Blue Streak actually has a decent line on those days. Last year, I hadn't known they were bringing the water park after 8 or so years vacant, so when I saw these slides, I thought they were just brand new. They look so radically different from what was there, abandoned before. I know 2 slides, a lazy river, and kiddie area isn't much, but I think for , it has drawn some locals in and helped provide an additional means of cash flow. They expanded the hours from Friday-Sunday (like the park) to Thursday-Monday, so they must be doing alright with it. So, the Music Express was bizarre. They have this speaker here and another one near the operator playing music (ghetto, but whatever). But the ride itself crawled. It was permanently stuck at like 50% speed. You didn't even slide from your seat at all. This was the only ride that didn't seem to be operating as it should be. Also the ride cycle might be like based on how many times you go around, and not a specific time, because we were on it forever. Another shot of Blue Streak with a line. The station itself has been improved a lot, and the ride itself received significant track work on the second hill. Last year, there was an intense jolt on the way up the hill, and that has since been fixed. The ride really runs pretty well and it was awesome to get some night rides in. I avoided wheel seats (didn't want to risk it), but rode in the second row from the front and back. You get a pretty decent pop of airtime going down the first hill in the back. It turns 80 next year and Devil's Den turns 50! Couldn't get a good shot of the Tumblebug, because it wasn't lit great. This version seems to run a lot faster than the one at Kennywood and is a gem. My mom doesn't really like to ride all that much, but she was having a blast on this. Cool that the only two models are within an hour of one another. Last year, the train was not open when I visited, so I was glad to give it a go. It's a nice long trip. They had a few lights set up along the way, so I could tell there were some little scenes placed along the early part of the ride. Were they corny and clearly low budget? Yeah, but I can appreciate the thought. This operator was determined to kill my dad and I. My dad agreed to ride, because they aren't too crazy a ride. But we legitimately were on the ride for what felt like 10 minutes. They have potential as flyers, but just aren't run quite fast enough to get a good snap going. Tilt-a-Whirl from 1949. Didn't ride. They've done some work adding these signs to the rides. They come off a little bit amateur, really. But the effort is nice. A really nice lighting package on the paratroopers that rarely gets used (park closes at 8 every night). Classic entrance to Kiddieland (which was not open for the event). This ride is very interesting. I rode it last year, but didn't partake again. Cute kiddie rides. Kiddieland is pretty well maintained. And 12 kiddie rides, plus pony rides makes it really above average for a park like Conneaut. I'm beginning to care a lot less about getting kiddie coaster credits, but this one is an exception. I can't seem to find out exactly what year it opened. The oldest continuously operating steel coaster is a clone of this built in 1952, not using its original cars. Conneaut is running the original cars still. If anyone can shed light on this a bit, that would be great. Another nice little kiddie ride. Games, games, games. That's more like it! They did have some games set up, and later on, people were playing them. However, they would be better served to only open them on nights like these and improve the prizes a bit. Yeah, there was a time when they were charging for a wristband. I know the days are hardly profitable. The hope must be people will buy the water park pass, too for an extra , or fork over money for games, food, merch. Mini golf seemed well-maintained! Here we are! Yeah, as I said, about two weeks into the season, they expanded the hours of operation. Tumblebug. Eh, or would be better, probably. Line. Another shot of those two rows that aren't operating. I can appreciate the ride still uses its original braking system. The operator was having a great time with all of us and was really enthusiastic. Some shots of the midway. My girlfriend made me a Christmas ornament a few years back that looks nearly identical to this. A cute little touch in the station. It was real late, but we strolled over to Hotel Conneaut on our way out. My mom is fascinated with haunted places, so she wanted to see the place. We checked out the lobby and walked the upstairs briefly. The rooms have to be incredibly dated. They use skeleton keys to get in. Rates are like /night for the cheap rooms. Antiques. If there is one part of the hotel they seem to take a lot of pride in, it is the wedding facilities. The bridal suites have been remodeled recently and this reception facility is kind of out of nowhere. There was a wedding reception still going on when we arrived and the bar was crowded. I wonder if the hotel is actually profitable or not. More antiques. I hope this report sheds a little light on where the park stands right now. I dunno, maybe it will inspire you to head over to check it out. Maybe it'll reaffirm your desire to stay the hell away. Either way, I enjoyed my time there and it really made me happy to see crowds enjoying the place. I especially enjoyed seeing the kids at the park running from ride to ride. Thanks for reading and let me know what you guys think is next for the park.

^Yeah, I really enjoyed Adventure Mountain when it was around and thought it was a great component of the park that is usually an upcharge. It was extensive, too. Of all the water rides to go, this is the one for me, and it would be interesting to see an expansion out this way that involves multiple rides. The park is really in need of another area with multiple flats, imo. Spread the guests out a bit. I am curious to see what ends up happening here.

I read this article when it was posted. This seems like a ridiculous increase to experience in one year, but I guess when you were struggling as much as they were, doubling profits is more doable. I am glad to see some renewed interest in the park. If they can make payments on their debt and back-taxes and still have some money to make some improvements, that will go a long way.

Yeah, I was at the park this year and noticed some ads for the new water slide placed in Water World. Truly, they have a great water park as it is, and this is just another solid addition.

I did notice the work that was done on Rebel Yell and it seems like both times I rode it, one side dispatched a good second or two early which made all the difference for the race. I obviously want it to stick around! I mean, I know it's been like that and I guess that's just the difficulty of the design,but it seemed a little worse than 5 years ago. And yeah, that's what we both assumed since it started back up so quickly thereafter. I dunno, it was still a little rough for my liking.

Visited the park on Wednesday with my friend, who has really only ever been to Kennywood and Disney World. So her coaster experience was limited. She came in pretty much only down to ride non-looping coasters, but we worked our way up to riding Flight of Fear, Dominator, and Volcano. She didn't ride i305, but that was alright. I can understand her hesitation. Just some thoughts on my visit: Rebel Yell runs really well in non-wheel seats, but it's actually quite jolty and rough elsewhere. I know this is on its way out sooner than later, which makes me sad. Grizzly also ran pretty bad. It was spooky, because we stopped going up the lift hill and when we resumed, we CRAWLED up the lift and hit the first turnaround at a ridiculously slow speed. Avalanche also seemed really questionable at parts. Like after the lift and first little bit of course, you go up a straight section and get slammed back and forth until your car runs flush with the track, which was really awful. I want this to stick around, just needs a bit of work I would think. Dominator was great, great and reminded me why it's one of my favorite floorless models. Volcano is another ride that I find highly underrated. The double launch is fun and flying straight up is a sensation you don't get on a lot of other rides. It's a fun, smooth ride that is forceful enough. i305 was every bit as intense as I remember. First ride in the second row, I came off with a bit of head rush and slight neck pain. It had been such a long time since I had ridden it and you truly have to "ride" the turns to prevent some pain afterward. I got a second ride before we left and someone called me up to fill in an empty seat in the front row (another single rider), which was really nice. I told them how much I appreciated it. I wasn't about to keep my friend waiting 8 trains (1 train operation) to ride in the front. It's a whole 'nother experience in the front. Going up the hill with nothing to look at but the sky and the pending peak is just incredible. That and the eye watering. I really enjoyed my day at the park. I think I prefer Kings Island by a hair, but it's pretty close I think. I found a dole whip float at the park, which was delicious, albeit expensive at $8. Did the flyers and they were solid as I remembered them. Got some small snaps going and scared the crap out of my friend who has never been on flyers before. All in all, solid day.

Hey, great report! Just read through it all in one sitting. Your writing was funny and you seem to plan trips a lot like me, so I can appreciate that. One day, I'll make it out to Mall of America!

I visited Six Flags America on Tuesday for the first time. A couple thoughts. The park is kind of oddly organized, especially the Gotham City area of the park. The long walk from Superman to Batwing is kind of bizarre. Also, there's an even more than expected lack of shade throughout the park. The water park is certainly alright, but I found it odd (and maybe this is typical everywhere) but the concrete throughout the water park was very unpleasant for the feet in the sun. Finally, I'm sure this is standard fare across Six Flags parks, but it seemed like the advertising for other products was excessive and really annoying. I heard the same Wawa Hoagiefest jingle 40 times that day. The park seemed clean enough, but you could notice that practically every building could use some TLC, with the exception of maybe the front gate. Overall, it was definitely my least favorite Six Flags so far (out of Great Adventure, New England, and Georgia). As far as the coasters, Superman and Roar stand out, Wild One is passable, and everything else is really meh. I know it doesn't seem likely, but the park really needs a lot of work. Like, it's been 5-6 years since Skull Mountain closed and the drop is still there along with the mountain itself? I find that really odd. It's a shame that ride went, because it looks pretty nice from what I see online. It's just too pricey for what you get. I'm happy to say I went and got the credits and I really did enjoy Roar and Superman, but my trip to Kings Dominion the next day sharpened my opinions even more.

I have made trips down to Pigeon Forge the last two years and for the foreseeable future. We go to a music festival down in Atlanta and pass through on our way down for a night or two. We did the Great Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster at night and it was great! What's your favorite of the alpine coasters down there? We also considered the Jurassic Jungle Boat Ride (which I did on the New Hotness Tour followed by a meal in the adjacent TGI Fridays). We ran out of time. I was going to pay for my group because I really wanted them to experience it. The "Now Open!" sign and fake customer mannequins are just too perfect. Glad to see you guys enjoyed yourself there! It's just so nice to have Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and the Smokies right there. Four totally different places all within such a short drive.

Hey guys, considering a visit next week on Tuesday or Wednesday. Just looking for some general tips. Is it best to do the water park early and then hit the park up? Any specific coasters that I should head to first? I don't see a whole lot of non-coaster rides of interest besides the flyers, and rapids? Am I wrong? "Best" food option in the park? Thanks for all your help guys!

Great report. I absolutely agree about the relaxing feel of Dollywood. It's so nice to walk up Craftsman Alley and just stop in the different stores. It honestly doesn't even feel like an amusement park at times, just a small town. The employees are always so wonderful. I've missed Lightning Rod my last four visits, and Mountain Sidewinder doesn't open until summer, so I've missed that too. One of my favorite rides in the park, just super unique. i'm excited to keep reading what ya'll are up to next.

Great TR at my home park. I agree completely about Garfield's Nightmare. The ride needs a re-theme.Something less trippy. The best fun is forcing all your weight to one side of the boat and essentially stopping. I remember back in middle school, I had the last boat of the day with my friends and we came to a halt with a few empty boats getting stuck behind us. It's really impressive how it is all gravity driven with the small little lift at the beginning of the ride. Also, I really hope they don't remove the Log Jammer. I dunno, I'm not sure a huge new woodie will fit in with the rest of the park, but I guess we'll see.

In general, I am pretty floored by these announcements. Some thoughts. Sure, Universe of Energy wasn't a great ride. But I don't necessarily feel that the Guardians of the Galaxy ride fits into the vision of Future World. The whole land needs revamped, for sure. There are obviously some rides that you don't mind seeing go because times change, but for whatever reason, I really enjoyed The Great Movie Ride. I know it probably just wasn't responsible for Disney to invest heavily in a refurb, and if they can make this new ride work well in the Theater, I guess all will be alright. The park is going to be kind of barren for a while here. Nothing new has really opened up and a whole lot has closed down. The Magic Kingdom theater up front is brilliant. I hope they don't tear down anything and just put it off to the side by the parade prep area. If they do that, it will sure help out some of the congestion in the area and will eat up a good bit of crowd every few hours which is nice. I wasn't thrilled when they put Frozen in Norway, not necessarily because I thought Malestrom was perfect, but really just because I felt uneasy about including Disney movies so heavily in the World Showcase pavilions. I guess I was okay with character meet and greets because they were subtle. But if this is direction they are going, so be it. It would definitely be interesting if half the countries had an actual ride in addition to the entertainment and movies available currently. So Tron has me torn. On one hand, the movie lent itself very well to a ride like this which makes it such an easy choice. It seems like the Shanghai version is wonderful and immersive. But, on the other hand, the movie isn't necessarily a Disney classic quite like most other movies that get a ride after them (with some exceptions, I guess). Really, though... it seems like they announced a lot of new stuff and provided some additional details on quite a few existing projects. The parks are going to look so so different when I return sometime after 2020. Thanks for the great, great report. It was exciting to read and really thorough!