cfc

There's an old woodie in Ohio they can probably get cheap. Can the I-Drive area really support another big park so close to Universal and Sea World? Seems a stretch.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on Oktoberfest. It would be a good idea to upload a few of your photos here, rather than just using a link to a flickr account (such accounts often "disappear"). You can still include the flickr link, of course.

I had a great time hanging out with you and Gewn at KD's Haunt last Friday, Rick. How does KD's Haunt stack up against CGA's?

^Thank you, Dr. Science!

I haven't been to Knott's Haunt since 2001 (I enjoyed it a lot)--sure looks like it's picked up its game since then.

^Not "campaign." A "compaign."

I think it tends to cyclical. For a few years, it's all about gore and general grossness, followed by a concentration on "storytelling" and general atmosphere. Both approaches are OK. (My answer to the the "How do HOS and Haunt in Virignia compare?" is to say that BGW is like a Hammer movie while KD is more like a Sean Cunningham or Rob Zombie flick.)

^Two of my coworkers took a cruise up the Danube and absolutely loved it.

Robb has never threaded anyone.

Which "Haunting" are you referring to--the original version directed by Robert Wise or the later "remake"? The Wise version is much, much better. You might want to add The Legend of Hell House to your list. The original Richard Matheson novel Hell House is very good, too, and the story is sort of a reply to Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House.

That pretty much sums it up.

Fixed. ^No kidding. If the ride itself was so special, why didn't the locals support it while they could?

Very well said, Wes. While I won't be giving money to save the Big Dipper (although I wish them luck), I have given to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. As for the cause you mentioned, Robb, just send your money to me. I'll see that it goes to the right place.

The new trains look very "Texas"--the horns are a nice touch.

Yeah, I'm pretty sure that this won't be an "off-the-shelf" Moser tower. I imagine it'll be customized.

I think we have thoroughly exhausted this topic.

Let's wait until the Friday announcement and hold off on any "speculation" threads. At that point, the mods may start some sort of official Six Flags Discovery Kingdom discussion thread. Thank you for understanding.

(I know its a joke) Hey if this is sucessful we can have him save Son of Beast Let's not be silly, now.

I am now convinced, more than ever, that the Big Dipper should be relocated to Freestyle Music Park, where it will be truly appreciated. Thank you for showing me the way savethebigdipper.com!

Just keep monitoring the Heide Park Web site. Thread locked.

I haven't ridden everything on your list, but here's what I think of those that I have (for what it's worth): Silver Star--Looks like it should be great, but it's just OK. Mammut--Kind of weak (nice-looking trains, though). The little drop into the lifthill is quite a spine adjustor, but the bit through the tunnel is fun. G'sengte Sau--I love this ride (as for reasons, see Larry's post). The world needs more Gerstlauer Bobsleds. Troy--Excellent GCI. It's been in my top ten ever since I rode it in '07, which was during an ERT session involving free beer (might've colored my opinion a bit). Desert Race--Fun Intamin launcher, but basically the same at Rita at Alton Towers. Colossos--One of the best woodies I've ever ridden (only Balder and El Toro are better). I've heard that it's had off days in the past, though. Speed--Yep, this is still the best Eurofighter. Megaphobia--I last rode it in 2006 and liked it a lot. Tonnerre de Zeus--This has been in my top ten since I rode it in 2008, but it can be a bit rough. Gourdix--Tear it apart, melt it down, and use the steel to make bolts for building a good ride.

I think your query has been satisfactorily answered. Bags 'o' crap are usually mailed in batches, so if you've won one, please be patient. Thank you.

Haunt does look amazing this year (haven't been since 2001). Howl-o-Scream at BGW and KD's Haunt are fun, but nothing near the level of what goes on at the Universal parks or Knott's. Robb, maybe you should use that "vampire" look during TPR trips--might help to keep some people in line. A litte fog and a few pole-dancing vampire women would ensure that no one misses the bus ever again.

Seems to me that if "industry people" were involved that's something you'd want to promote to drum up donations. I don't wish this project ill--if it's legitimate. We shall see.

^Indeed. One of them is actually "lucky enough" to live in Ohio, while her partner in this endeavor has a "fair idea of what's going on." Hoo, boy . . . This sounds like a prank to me.