DougMJr

This looks like it is really using the hill to its advantage. I like how it launches through the corkscrew and then uses the hill to gain enough speed to make it through the pretzel element. Then, fires you back up the hill for the second half. I can't wait to see a POV!

^^Judging by the POV it looks like it might have had just enough speed to get through the second loop at that larger radius. Maybe it was re-profiled to reduce the likelihood of valleying.

^It probably isn't dangerous if you know what you are doing... but perhaps people panic and that is why they drown. I can imagine a situation where somebody gets pulled against the grate and then thinks "I'm trapped, better panic and struggle!" That sad truth is there are probably a lot of people in wave pools who have no business being in wave pools, especially in the deep end. I feel like past a certain point there is an amount of swimming proficiency expected from the guests, and people do not realize that.

The "Banana Roll" on Takabisha at Fugi-Q is new and unique. Kinda like a cobra-roll and an overbanked turn had a baby.

This is very interesting. Soon, the only thing I will have to bring into a park will be my cell phone!

^Yeah, but it will be a GP-Eater! So there is that.

Just noticed that Shiekra will be closed for little more than a month for some fresh paint. http://www.buschgardenstampablog.com/sheikra-closed-fresh-paint-job-jan-7-feb-16 How faded has the paint gotten? I know that Red Paint doesn't age well. Glad to see that BGT is investing the Time/Money to keep this ride looking good.

After the work RMC has done, plus the old Voyage Trains Predator is now tolerable. It isn't smooth by any means but you will get off in one piece. And I don't think Predator has that bad of a layout, it just needs work.

Star Jet

Last year I didn't make it to Darien Lake once, and it is my home park... I'm planning on getting a season pass again this year and I hope that the changes HFE will really change my view of the park. Excited for Space Shot, I feel like it will be a good addition to the park. I feel like Darien Lake has needed a shot and/or drop tower for a while.

I love that moment when the train disengages the lift and you just start to get a little bit of airtime, when the ride really starts. You know the exact spot, you can see it from off the ride too. Watch the train crest the lift and you often see "the wave" as everybody puts their arms up.

Last visit to the Adventure dome Rim Runner was running, but barely. The boat kept catching on something in the station. There was a loud scrape and the ride op would "rock" the boat by moving the drive tires back and forth until it got dislodged from whatever it was catching on. Also, I think having a water ride inside the dome made it unnecessarily humid in that area last time I visited.

It just looks so vivid. Especially when it competes with the sky in contrast with the white snow. A work of art really.

^Did I miss something? I swore it appeared on a ride exchange site a while back. In fact, isn't that what broke the news of its removal?

^So am I to understand that Rim Runner is being removed. I wouldn't be surprised, it was looking pretty beat last time I was there.

When I was at MFI in June I remember seeing one of the Ride Ops on Silver Comet leap across the track from station platform to station platform while the train was on the course. I just remember thinking that running and jumping that distance is what is dangerous, not so much the act of crossing the track. What really irked me is the fact that you are not allowed to lower your buzz bar on Silver Comet, instead you must keep your arms up and they lower it for you. And if somebody lowers their own by mistake they raise them and start all over... why?

^Hmmm, interesting. Not sure where they would put it but I could be cool if the incorporated the big ol' fake mountain in some way like they did with Canyon runner.

Actually got a credit today, kind of. Did the Alpine Coaster at Holiday Valley while skiing today. So, I guess that was my first "coaster" of 2013. As it stands, my first real coaster of 2013 will probably still be RoS at Darien Lake.

Happy New Year! Can't wait for the 2013 tours!

^ Yeah, I realize that. It just irks me when people use something like this to "cash-in" and sue for more than they really deserve in compensation. I don't know how serious the injuries are, but like I said before I think the park should be responsible for little more than medical bills, lost wages, and legal fees. And I certainly wouldn't want this to be the end of the ride.

Probably Ride of Steel at Darien Lake. I usually open the season with that.

I'm guessing the future of Stagecoach will rest in the hands of the three guests who were injured. I personally would just want the cost of my medical bills covered and compensation for any lost wages if I was in the hospital for a few days. Chances are the guest who was kept in the hospital will lawyer up, it is the American Way.

^You realize that you would be "piling-on" as well right? Just because people do not agree with the OP doesn't mean they are "dog-piling" him. And I think that the OP asked for this "dog-pile" effect when he used the term "most people." When you ignorantly generalize your opinion as the opinions of everyone you are asking for trouble.

I'm sure that this has been mentioned, but I wish I could have ridden Eagle's Fortress. The POV looked awesome!