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Well, the name "Madrid" suggests that a new country may be coming to the park. Time will tell.

^The other local papers are still referring to this ride as a "315-foot attraction"--nothing specific. Maybe the Pilot read the planning documents more thoroughly or had an inside source. I've posted this for discussion, and while it sounds promising, I wouldn't take it as a "done deal." As for your giga question, why not build one, Kings Dominion or not?

One of the local papers is reporting that the new attraction will be a roller coaster. Virginian-Pilot: "Busch Gardens Wants to Build the Tallest Roller Coaster in Virginia" The location appears to be behind Italy. The name "Madrid" is mentioned, so perhaps a new country, as well.

This is one of the coolest new coaster designs I've seen in a while. Then again, it's RMC, so I shouldn't be surprised.

The Phantom's Revenge is a great "Frankenstein's monster" of a coaster. I remember reading about Kennywood in Funland USA, a book my parents gave me when I was a kid. The place really intrigued me, but I never got around to visiting until many years later.

^Same here--more theming that I'd expected. It looks very good.

There's an interesting story in today's Virginia Gazette: "Busch Gardens Submits Plans for 315-Foot-Tall Attraction." We'll see how this plays out.

I've been to Kings Island three times--once with TPR and twice without--and enjoyed myself each time. I haven't been on Mystic Timbers yet, but I think Robb makes a good point: Rolling through the shed does sound better than just sitting on a brake run.

This isn't unusual for BGW to do this for a new coaster. They offered a "one-off" Quick Queue for Verbolten during its first season, too. That being said, I wouldn't pay $25 for the privilege.

I've always been curious about those "haunted" attractions in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Did anyone do that hilariously bad dinosaur boat ride?

I've heard good things about this park from other people, too. Looks like a good add-on for a Texas park trip.

^Crowds shouldn't be much of an issue on a September Sunday.

I usually don't make snap judgments about rides from photos and videos, but Lightning Rod simply looks like a crazy airtime machine.

You'll also be driving right by BGW on your way to Norfolk.

Waste not, want not. I think just about every theme park re-purposes old stuff. Thanks for this look back.

It was running MUCH better than our last visit! That's good to hear. It was pretty sluggish the last time I was at Carowinds.

Dear Good People of Theme Park Review, Yes, proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation are important here. But please leave the moderating to the moderators, and stick to the topic at hand, which is Six Flags St. Louis. It seems that I've been cleaning nonsense out of a lot of threads lately. cfc

Not good. That's too bad. I was hoping it would at least be as much fun as Desperadoes.

^Speaking of Carowinds, how was that "Plants vs. Zombies" shooting simulator?

^Griffon has two such seats in the middle of each row. For Alpengeist, I think its rows 5 and 6 (or 4 and 5)--just look for the "Diamond" sign over the loading area.

I didn't go to the park last weekend, but was out in that part of town. I noticed they weren't using the overflow parking lots, which was unusual for a Saturday; then again, is was hot as the surface of the sun last weekend (temps in the 100s). On a busy Saturday, spring for Quick Queue. On other days, you probably won't need it.

Great start to your trip report, Adam! I'm really looking forward to visiting this park myself. And, like you, I think it'll be great to have Tron down in Florida.

May the vengeful ghost of Jaws smite them. While I agree that it's a drag that the Dragons no longer dueled, they were the best coasters Universal had.

^It would indeed. When I first rode White Cyclone in 2007, I didn't think it was all that bad; however, it was a different story years later. It would be the perfect first RMC for Japan.

Yep.