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From what I've heard about crowds at Cedar Point during the summer (I've yet to visit the place), if any park needs a "Fast Lane" type system, it's this one.

Miss Lillian is a stalker!

That was such a great weekend. I've been to Clingman's Dome, too--just when you reach the top of the long, uphill trail, you have to climb up to the tower (sneaky). I think your comparison of Wild Eagle to Wildfire is pretty apt.

^A huge grain of salt--BGW rarely "soft opens" a ride. These rumors pop up whenever the park is building a new attraction. Definitely on the "believe it when I see it" list--but I may be surprised yet. The park has been testing the ride, but hasn't posted any video of it as far as I know. When talking about the ride, BGW usually refers to Verbolten as the "first of its kind in the U.S." (or something along those lines).

^Yep--Busch also does well with their shows and special events, too.

^Keeping Volanco off Fast Lane is, indeed, a possibility.

My main reason for ever returning to FujiQ would be to check out the Haunted Hospital. I'm glad you had an unusually good day there. It's like Bizarro Japan.

^Same. Afterward, I spent 50 cents hosing people down on Escape from Pompeii.

Viper actually runs pretty well for an old Arrow. But GASM ran more like a device of the Spanish Inquisitiion ( at least to me). I was not sad to see GASM go, but every ride has its fans.

^ & ^^Agreed. I like to see the waterfall return, as well. We should have our answer soon enough.

Now that I've seen the Avengerail up close thanks to Adam's photos, I think it looks OK--but it's just so weird to see Marvel stuff on Disney property.

I agree that Volcano would be the toughest of KD's rdes to adapt to Fast Lane. It's always been a problematic (if fun) coaster with lousy capacity. It'll take some time for KD to work out the "kinks."

^The bright colors are meant to match the atmosphere of Oktoberfest Village--so, a "moodier" paint scheme wouldn't make a lot of sense. I like contrast, myself, so I've appreciate the little touches of how the Black Forest is intruding on the station. Watch out for Gunter in his "oil-stained lederhosen."

^As I recall from the hard hat tour, the park is using "real cars" in the theming, but I think they were just shells of old Euro sports cars. From what I've seen of the animated videos BGW has posted online, I imagine there's some classic sports car tangled up in some evil tree or bush in the show building.

It is, and it's a very good ride - but it still feels quite fluid and controlled unlike the older coasters. I like Black Mamba, but I think the theming is what makes the ride (I agree that it isn't all that "forceful"), and Asterix did a great job with Oziris, too.

^^I'm amused that these complaints are coming from a real-estate company. Did they not notice the theme park next-door when they moved in?

^I'm hoping that they get it right and it works, myself.

^At least you can get real Guinness there now.

So, it was a double win? I agree--Toyko DisneySea is a park you never want to leave.

Speaking of Verbolten, I spent a few hours of this very pleasant Easter Sunday at the park. Although I have no idea what's been going on in the show building, the park has been adding more touches to the station's elaborate theming, as well as some landscaping. Care to have a look? "Officialness" of opening date confirmed. Noted! So, what is new over at Verbolten? Looks they've been planting a few trees. Gotta keep their reputation as the "World's Most Beautiful Theme Park," you know. These trees and shrubs will look very nice after they've grown a bit. Looks like some more theming is waiting to be hung in "Gunter's Creepy Office." Hi there, water-filled dummies. How's it going? They treating you well? Looks like the painting of the station is finished. They've added some new signs since our last update, too. The station looks great. The CM working by Verbolten mentioned that the office, which was a empty shell during the hard hat tour, is now full of interesting stuff that adds to the ride's backstory. Uh oh! Looks like the Black Forest is creeping up on the station! More of Gunter's creepy collection of stuff from abandoned cars he's found in the Black Forest. Hmm--don't mind if I do. So far, so good. You can get a closer look at the wrecked car now. I think Gunter's gonna need to keep this one in the shop for a few extra days. I understand that car-eating trees are a common hazard in Germany. So, they need their own sign. Here's a look at what I think is the ride exit (lockers are behind the tarp on the left). They've added more stuff under Gunter's creepy car, as well. Hmm--I don't think those barrels contain beer. Not even this poor bike can escape the wrath of the Black Forest. Nothing can, it seems. Looks like they've planted some new trees over by the second launch section. The station is looking more and more like a particularly bizarre garage. One last look at the station . . . . . . and another "Black Foresty" detail. Here is the backside of Verbolten. Nothing much to see here. Men at work in Gunter and Gerda's garage. Verbolten is starting to appear on shirts now. Here's a particularly interesting new park shirt that you can scan with your iPhone. Remember--save the date! Or sign up for East Coast Bash! Or both!

I thought this was just one of Carnival's usual shore excursions.

The Bashes are events involving lots of ERT (exclusive ride time), backstage park tours, and, above all, fun! Click here for a look at the first East Coast Bash at Kings Dominion in 2010.

I've always found Grizzly to be boring--that's my issue with it. I've never thought Grizzly was the "worst" wooden coaster ever (Anaconda at Walygator and Bandit at Movie Park are much worse), but I still rank it pretty low.

I've yet to visit Cedar Point, but Fast Lane sounds like a good option to have. From what others have told me, you have to budget at least two whole days to get everything in due to the summer crowds--this just gives you an alternative, if you want to spring for it.

^I'd like to see the rethemed SLC myself sometime--any excuse to go back to Australia and Movie World. I had a great time there last year with TPR.