cfc

I've been to Howl-o-Scream and Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Haunt at Kings Dominion; in fact, I've been back more times to both events than usual due to friends blowing into town who want to do Halloween stuff. HOS (review here) is fun, but, frankly, KD is doing a better job with Haunt this year (theri mazes are better, even though their shows aren't as good as BGW's). Howl-o-Scream. Haunt

^Take care that your "love" isn't misplaced.

You're wrong. Just kidding. Timing is everything, though, and any event can have an "off" night. I agree that the "scare potential" tends to drop the more crowded a Haunt becomes. One of the scariest experiences I've ever had was at a "Scream in the Dark" event in Modesto, California, back in the 1970s (one big house that took about a half-hour to get through). I think it depneds on what you're looking for: Startles and scares? Creepy atmopshere? Grim, dark humor? HHN tends to offer all of those in a single night. (Personally, I go for creepy atmosphere and a dark sense of humor.)

You can "officially" introduce yourslf here, too: http://themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=177. Welcome!

^I would have them over for tea to discuss current events.

^With mazes, timing is everything. I went through Cursed with a friend last night, and there were witches and goblins jumping out everywhere. Of course, it helps if your companion is easily spooked and walks through with her hands in front of her face all the way. That was the only maze we did. She was one and done.

Saturdays during HOS are always crazy. Quick Queue is a must.

^I'm not understanding your point here. Yes, these are words that were unfamiliar here, so it simply makes sense that BGT would want to define them. From what I understand, "Cheetaka" was simply made up--unless I'm mistaken here. Sorry if that wasn't clear earlier.

Am I the only person who thinks that "Cheetaka" sounds made up and silly? I was actually relieved that they decided not to go with this name.

I think the immersive aspects of the ride (theming and scenery) look as though they're every bit as important as speed and layout. I like what I've seen from the park so far.

^It hasn't. People like what they like.

Ruder than those who post a link to an Internet petition against the ride's name to the park's Facebook wall multiple times? This is like spraying graffiti on your neighbor's house. Frankly, I doubt that any sort of response along the lines of the one you suggest would satisfy critics of the ride's name. My best advice is this: If you are so offended by the ride's name, then vote with your wallet and stay away from the park. I commend you for stating your case reasonably--but take care that you don't beat it to death.

Twenty species of crabs?

^^I understand this, too. But it seems that people no longer like to be "surprised." They want to be in the know from day one.

^Bacon and green bell pepper for me.

I know for a fact that if you have two pretty big guys on one side, Insane is pretty damn scary!

Never been to a Fatburger, but I'd like to check it out. I tend to lean toward Five Guys over In-n-Out (even though I like both) because it's easier to get a burger made the way I want it at the former and I don't care for 1000 Island dressing. As for the fries, it's a toss up for me.

I was shocked that I liked the two Scandanavian Zac Spins in 2009 (especially Insane), because I'm not a fan of spinning rides. They're definitely a cut above the Tony Hawk-themed spinners. But, yeah, I see where capacity could be a problem; still, I'm glad these rides are finally making it to the U.S.

Either that, or TPDave had just farted. Hanno, I saw quite a few things in your photos that I never noticed while I was there.

Instead of lapbars?? Actually, I think they would be more accomodating for larger riders, but I missed any mention of the restraints . . . but let's not get into that again.

I agree with this--lack of a "true family" coaster was the biggest complaint among people in the Williamsburg area when BBW was removed (riding it was sort of a "rite of passage" for local kids). If Ted Nugent sponsored this ride, you'd have to hunt cheetah with a bow and arrow. I'm hoping for "I-305 style" restraints.

Seconded! Looks like 2011 and 2012 are going to be great years for the Busch Gardens parks. As for the name, I thought "you're the cheetah on the hunt," too, but agree that it's a bit awkward. Still like it better than "Chee-taka," though (which sounds like something on the menu at Taco Bell).

I've lived in Williamsburg since the mid-1980s, and this was the best day I've ever spent at Busch Gardens.

The kid's party place in Williamsburg went out of business--you can probably rent that space cheap!

Popcornopolis's carmel corn is great (they have a stand at the Yankee Candle Factory in Williamsburg). I can't remember the last time I visited Universal Hollywood, but ET was still there and Jurassic Park was fairly new.