cfc

^I found Robin Hood kind of boring, actually.

Nope--I'm looking forward to those, too. ^Actually, they removed the old "Bavarian village" set when they dismantled the Big Bad Wolf. Will it make a comeback? We'll see.

Thunder Coaster at Tusenfryd was good last year. It's held up well since my first visit to that park with TPR in 2006.

Technically, Ireland did get a new simulator ride this year: Europe in the Air.

^I think we're talking something bigger than Backlot Stunt Coaster, but time will tell. Das Katapult is, indeed, going to be moved.

The only ride they mentioned as a candidate for relocation was Das Katapult.

Busch Gardens held a special event as part of its "Annual Passholders Appreciation Weekend" today--a presentation of their two-year plan for BGW and Water Country USA. The keywords here are drop tower, multi-launch coaster, and pretzels! The presentation began in the Festhaus at 11:00 am for 1,500 passholders. To give you an idea of the turnout, I arrived at there around 10:20, and there were already 1,100 people partaking of complimentary coffee and strudel. The presentation was divided into five parts: 1. The expansion of scarezones for this year's Howl-o-Scream (that is, "The Scare Is Everywhere"). 2. The expansion of Christmas Town into Italy this year, with new shows, food offerings, and "1,000,000 lights" in Italy alone (not mention the rest of the park). 3. The "re-envisioning" of Oktoberfest. This will include new performance areas (such as a regular Maypole dance), new buildings, fresh baked pretzels (you can watch them being made), and a beer garden--and the new, 240-foot Mach Tower. This will be the tallest struture in the park. The ride will seat 30 guests, and the seats will roatate as they climb up the tower at six feet per second, thus giving everyone a great view--at least on the way up. They promised other "surprises" at the top . . . but you'll have to ride it to see what those are. Mach Tower will sit where Das Katapult is currently located, but not to worry--the old flat ride is going to return in 2011, too. 4. Vanish Point, a new set of slides for Water Country USA. These will be freefall slides with "2 super loops" and a 75-foot vertical drop! And sliders will have two choices--to launch themselves onto the slide, or to have the floor dropped out from under them! (I think these have the potential for being the most-insane rides at Water Country.) 5. A new "multi-launching roller coaster"! This is really all they said, but my guess is a ride along the lines of what Tampa is getting for 2011. They mentioned the old Big Bad Wolf prominently, thus hinting that the new ride will follow much of the same route (this is just speculation on my part). All-in-all, it was nice event to thank passholders for their loyalty to the park over the years--and Busch's plans for the next two years sound pretty impressive. Here's a look at the event along with the official press release below: Official Press Release http://www.buschgardensvablog.com/coming-soon-drop-tower-new-water-slide-and-coaster Just announced, though it's no Secret. Mach Tower and Waterslides in 2011 and The Launched coaster in 2012 Here's the announcement from John Reilly, president of Busch Gardens and Water Country USA. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSr2PcUttU4 Photos from today's event: Hmm--I wonder what it's all about? Destination Festhaus for coffee, strudel, and announcements. The front tables were reserved for local media. Happy passholders with some swag. Dan DiPiazzo, vice president of marketing, fires up the crowd. BGW and Water Country's president, John Reilly, takes over. Howl-o-Scream is expanding its scarezones--unlike previous years, there will be no avoiding them! John plans to "work days" during late September and October. Scott Gasparich, vice president of entertainment, fills us in on the park's expanded Christmas Town for 2010. Here's the concept art for the "re-envisioned" Oktoberfest (looking from the bridge to Italy). After filling us in on the new Oktoberfest food and entertainment offerings, he turned the mic over to Larry Giles, vice president of engineering, to tell us about . . . Mach Tower! More concept art. (Look out! You're going to crush a Maypole dancer, an old gent with an accordion, and a little girl!) For all you statistics geeks out there. Moving on. For all you logo and signage fans. Prepare for the ultimate "atomic wedgie"! So much for 2011--what about 2012? Wait for it . . . . . . and that was all they were prepared to say, but it is something to look forward to. They raffled off some nice prizes: meal vouchers, iPods, and Christmas Town tickets. (I didn't win anything--oh, well.) There's a display in Oktoberfest about the new additions, as well. A clearer look at Vanish Point . . . . . . and another angle on Mach Tower. That's all for now.

^They said that Mach Tower will include some "surprises" at the top--but that you'd have to ride it to find out what they are. (So, you may get your wish. ) I'm going to post some pictures from the event today (still have to sort through them).

Based on that picture, I'm waiting for Piers to star in a new "Death Wish" series. Or maybe "Dye Hard: Salon of Doom."

The question here is not "Is cloning rides a bad thing?" It's "Is a ride worth cloning in the first place?" The Batman rides were; the SLCs were not. That being said, Vekoma does make a good mine train that lends itself well to theming. Their work with Disney has yielded some good rides, too, with the big exception of the Paris Disneyland's version of Space Mountain, which is one of the worst rides anywhere.

Really? I'd rather have a gorilla whack me in the head with a 2x4 than GASM. I'm not a big fan of stand-up coasters myself, but if this is as good as Riddler's Revenge at SFMM, it's OK by me. EDIT: But I wouldn't want the gorilla to whack me in the head with GASM.

Hmm--we already have a thread for best and lamest coaster finales: http://themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=18774. Please post your comments on this subject there. Thank you.

Great pictures, as usual, Hanno--and you spelled "beaver" correctly. I think Tennessee Tornado is probably the best ride Arrow ever made (at least in my experience). I remember thinking "this cannot be good" while topping the lifthill, but ended up loving that ride.

I respectfully disagree. I don't think i305 will ever get too high on a top coaster list while it has its trims. Do I think it is a top 10 coaster? Absolutely. Do I think the trims have "ruined" it (from a actual stand point and from a whiny coaster enthusiast stand point)? Absolutely. It is a great ride, but it will never live up to its potential, and for that reason alone, I doubt it will peak a top 10. Jordan "Funny argument, it is my 6th" Darrington The trims have "ruined" I-305, yet you rank it sixth overall? Yes, that's a strange argument, indeed.

Nah, it's not that you're too young. I remember Tron back from when it first came out and I've never really cared for it much at all. Tron is just one of those things that you're into, or not. Don't get me wrong, I don't have anything against the Tron fans, it just isn't my cup of tea. I remember seeing Tron twice in theaters, mainly because I was impressed with the visuals. As for the "story," well, not so impressed. (I did like the "Deadly Discs" game on my Intellivision, though--boy, that dates me!)

This is particularly funny because Valleyfair was the first park to "join" the chain when Cedar Fair bought them out. ^If this was a "Ghost Hunters" episode, someone would say, "Did you see that--whoa!" Then they cut to a commercial, return, show the same guy saying the same thing, then show a shot of an empty hallway. At least my Renegade picture delivers!

And now, we must bid adieu to Valleyfair--and TPR's Mid-America Trip! What a great time that was! And now, forbidden views of Renegade! Please send our Mamas this telegram: We are in fear of our life . . . . . . from the long arm of the law STOP . . . . . . Hangman is comin' down from the gallows . . . . . . and it won't be very long STOP . . . . . . Yes the jig is up STOP The news is out STOP They finally found us STOP" "Domo, I'm taking this picture whether you like it or not! Quit biting my nipples, damn you!" Well, if they had to name a ride after a Styx tune, "Renegade" was probably the best choice. Beats "Mr. Roboto," that's for sure. Head 'em up, move 'em out! See you later, Renegade! You're a great ride--much better than that stupid Lorenzo Lamas TV show that shares your name. Valleyfair does not believe in air-conditioning the great outdoors. The park's train gives you some nice views of Wild Thing. Yes, you see? It is just as I had foreseen! And still you think me mad? OK, this group is going to be hopelessly lost in a moment. "Ah, so we meet again, Bryan! You have a nasty habit of surviving!" "Soon, someone go wrong way! Then DOMO FEED!" Time for a snack . . . . . . and a song. (Chicks dig the hat.) You enjoying that brew, Dave . . . oh, wait . . . TPR + Buffalo Wild Wings = Total Devastation After dinner at BWW, it was back to the park . . . . . . for nighttime ERT on Renegade! Let's see: Divv and Scott are fired up and ready to go, while Jake and Dave are practicing their Stan Laurel impersonations. This is what TPR is all about, folks: great people and great times! Yes, this was a terrific topper for another great TPR Trip! Thank you, Valleyfair for being such great hosts--and thank you Robb and Elissa for making it all happen!

And now, presenting Valleyfair's official mascot--at least until the end of this season. Meet Colonel Oom Pah Pah! Looks like this is the last year for this proud military man, as he has to make way for the Peanuts gang. "Vell, if this is indeed my last season, I spend it making zee vhoopee mit frauleins, ja?" The High Roller just kind of ambles over its course, but it's an enjoyable ride. Cheese Curds--The Official Food of the Midwest. Do you realize how many cows have to get knocked up each year to provide the milk to make the cheese that the park deep fries each season? It's a staggeringly large number of bovines, I'm sure! "Whosoever pulls this sword from this stone . . ." Damn--somebody beat me to it. This is the only picture I have of Excalibur. It looks like Wild Thing and Big Thunder Mountain had a baby. "The Renegade, who had it made . . . . . . in jail for a bounty!" (More on this ride later.) The park pulled out the stops for our group lunch. Hmm--a woman blowing a t-bone. Now that's an unusual sight. I'll bet she can blow that thing in seven positions, too. "Allo, ladies! Omm Pah Pah ist here, ja! Time to make mit der vhoopee!" Aw-w-w-w . . . sweet, chaste Domo love. The backstage tour begins. Taken from deep in the bowels of Valleyfair's uber secret area: The park's drop tower, Screamin' Swing, Wild Thing, and Mad Mouse. Yes, even park staff have to be reminded not to climb the handrails. Behold many strange and wondrous things! Like these big yellow balls! Yes, they are the Balls of Destiny, and they call for thee! Yes, you will encounter wheels of all kinds here . . . . . . and this parade car. OK, which wheel would you rather have: This one? Or this one? Dave, you forgot your package. Oh my god! You've seen the BIG BOARD! You may not leave here alive! If you have a serious polyurethane fetish, this is the place for you. Unfortunately, I've forgotten our guide's name, but he's been maintaining Valleyfair's rides for a long time and gave us a great tour. "I know. You're wondering about the scars. Well, it's a very interesting story." Hmm--unless I miss my guess, this is a prop for Haunt. I'm rather intuitive that way. Next up--a closer look at Renegade.

Chapter 11: They Put the "Fair" After "Cedar"--Valleyfair The last day of a TPR tour is always full of mixed emotions. Everybody's sad that the whole crazy experience is coming to an end, but they still make the most of that last 24 hours or so. And I think visiting Valleyfair was the perfect way to end the Mid-America Trip. This is the "Fair" in "Cedar Fair," and the park reminded me a lot of Dorney in Pennsylvania. They're both good examples of a traditional amusement park gone "corporate," both are attractive and well-maintained, and both, of course, have plenty of those Cedar Fair trash cans. But VF still seems to have a "family-run" spirit to it; the staff there remembers that in addition to turning a profit, it's all about making sure guests have as good a time as possible. And they gave us a great finale to TPR's Mid-America Trip! Morning ERT on Wild Thing, the park's Morgan hyper; a group lunch complete with a brass band (Minnesota Tex-Mex, anyone?); a great backstage tour; and one of the best ERT sessions of the whole trip--nighttime on Renegade. Now, what about those coasters? Renegade: Outlaw Coaster--This was a great trip for GCI woodies, and Renegade didn't disappoint, especially after dark. As you'd expect, it's all twisty and out of control, with some decent airtime, as well. Night rides on this sucker were a great way to end the trip. Wild Thing--I am a fan of the Morgan hypers, even if they do seem like "mine trains on steroids," sometimes. Wild Thing, although it isn't quite as good as Mamba at Worlds of Fun, is a kick. Besides, I do like those big, comfy Morgan trains. (By the way, this was credit number 500 for me.) Excalibur--This is an old Arrow wood/steel hybrid and, frankly, I expected the worst. Fortunately, I was pleasantly surprised! The ride has a unique layout and wasn't nearly as rough as I'd feared. (During a Q&A at lunch, the park mentioned that they had been tweaking Excalibur to smooth it out--especially right after the first drop.) It was running very well that day, too. Steel Venom--I prefer this Intamin impulse to the one at Six Flags Great America, mainly because the hold brake on the back spike works (it's a great "WTF" moment). High Roller--This is an odd (although I'm not sure why) old woodie with good ol' buzz bars, in addition to seatbelts. It probably ranks a bit below KD's Rebel Yell, but it's a decent ride. Corkscrew--I wasn't quite as sold on this Arrow loopscrew as others were in the group, but it is a better ride than others of its vintage (for example, Carolina Cyclone). I think Valleyfair maintains it pretty well. Mad Mouse--You know, I think this is my first Arrow mouse, and I don't think it's any worse than other such rides by different manufacturers. (I did get a kick out of the very Roller Coaster Tycoonish cars.) My thanks to Valleyfair for showing us a great time--and, again, to Robb and Elissa for setting everything up. Everybody got their lanyards? Time to go to Valleyfair! Good morning, Valleyfair. Your entrance is small, but cute. OK, gang--are we ready? TPDave, Bryan, and Lou are ready, as you can tell from their "superhero" poses. As for this group, well, I'm sure they'll be ready soon. Damn! And I was hoping to do some skeet surfing in the water park today. But will it make my "heart sing"? The color scheme does, indeed, "make everything groovy." Again, two trains at once! I am on fire! "Wild Thing, I think you move me . . ." and everyone else riding in this train. Here's a shot from the point of view of a bear sitting in a tree. Yes, this is an acceptable 500th credit. But it was close. Number 499 was Miner Mike! Sorry, Bryan. It's no longer "all about you." Quit jumping in front of my camera. Hmm--that mouse does look more than slightly perturbed. That's it , Jon! Sell that ride, baby! Sell it! "Pink. Why did it have to be pink?" "Yes, the red cars are much more macho!" "But it takes REAL MEN to ride a pink mouse!" This is one of the weirdest ride names, ever. How does "venom" suggest "steel"? You may as well call it the "Twisted Titwillow" or the "Bratwurst Bomb." This twisty bit is pretty freaky, though, The hold brake prompted Martin to ask, "Is it supposed to do that?" Death, taxes, another old Arrow ride (Corkscrew--catchy name, eh?). Not bad as these rides go. Would I make a special trip for it? Eh, probably not. More to come.

^Mindbender is definitely in my top ten--best ride at SFOG.

^They can blame it on BP.

^The next morning, they would find a trail of dismembered bodies leading to Angus, who will be grooming himself at its head.

I've only been to Blizzard Beach, but would like to check out Typhoon Lagoon someday. I do appeciate a good suspension bridge.

I did vote--and no, I didn't.

^Good point. This is why, from one perspective, it makes sense that Amusement Today also encourages participants to consider voting for attractions they haven't experienced, based on what they've read about them elsewhere from those who have. This does give attractions in other countries a better chance. Then again, I have mixed feelings about this because I could never vote for a park or attraction that I haven't experienced personally. Now, do I think that KW's Noah's Ark is a good walkthrough? Certainly. Do I think it's better than Liseberg's Hotel Gasten? No. (And here I can speak from experience.) But it's all a matter of opinion.