cfc

BGW had one of the funniest endings for a safety spiel during DarKastle's first season. It played in the boarding area. A German-accented voice would go through the usual stuff ("hands inside the vehicle," etc.), but it used to end like this: "And be sure to obey the instructions of the castle attendants WITHOUT QUESTION!" But they changed it--too authoritarian, I guess.

^All riders will become "sleeper" assassins after riding.

I rode it once in the backseat and liked the ride a lot (especially the non-inverting loop). My only complaint was a bit of "whiplash," which I understand isn't as much of an issue in the front.

Donuts--this will be a 4D movie with Donuts. I wonder if they're hinting at something along the lines of DarKastle or Spider-man--that is, a dark ride with 3D projection and physical effects? Here's how the "Ds" breakdown: 3D--sit in theatre, things jump off screes 4D--sit in theatre, things jump off screen, characters sometimes spit water on you. 5D--site in ride vehicle, roll around show building, things jump off screen, characters sometimes spit at you, occasional fire Sounds a bit farfetched for Six Flags, but who knows?

^Hmm--doubtful. The old story was that Arrow built BBW based on a Schwartzkopf design, but it's a bit murky. This story has been kicking around for some time (RCDB lists only Arrow Dynamics as the ride's builder). Schwartzkopf had developed some sort of "flying coaster," but never got the chance to finish it (it may have been meant for Busch Gardens). I'll bow to those who are better at coaster history than me.

But not 70 years, right? I mean, we're TOTALLY lying about being "America's First Theme Park", but we DO have the longest-continually-running Halloween Haunt event, right? Right? ~Zen As far as I know, yes. But not even Knott's has been doing a Huant" for "70 years. "

God, I saw that steaming pile of crap when it first came out. All I remember is being more and more irritated as droned on. Congratulations to you and Cassie, Jim! Looking forward to seeing more of your honeymoon. Well, not all of your honeymoon. Just the public part of it . . .

I so want all that "haunt" stuff for my front yard--it would really annoy my local homeowners association.

From Amusement Today: [ I hope that the museum can provide a good home for this important piece of BGW's history--I wish them well.

^The secret to the Liseberg flume--only two to a boat. What a great day that was.

^Kings Dominion has had some form of a "Haunt" for a number of years. When Paramount owned the park, it was called "Fearfest."

^A Vekoma Suspended Looping Coaster, although I prefer "Satan's Lousy Coaster." That being said, Kumali, a custom SLC, is pretty good.

^I think I just caught a glimpse of your back after hearing my name. Thanks for the shout out.

So, it just looks like he's hanging from his crossbar in the corn field. I agree that the scarecrow is the best one, but they all look great.

Now that's my idea of a conference vendor show--checking out new rides is way better than just getting a new tote bag or water bottle from some booth. Nice job on the video--really enjoyed it.

Count me in for that one.

So much depth, you just might drown in it! Thanks for sharing all the pictures, Robb and Elissa. I've been enjoying these updates all day.

Now that is just too cool.

"Blue Fire, sponsored by Lipidor."

A coaster on a barge that's loosely tied to a dock?

It's too bad the POTC idea didn't pan out, but Grizzly Mountain and Mystic Manor sound great.

^^Don't miss your chance to snag an old net and some plastic fish!

Interested in owning a piece of Holiday World? Well, here's your big chance! You know that you want this hanging in your living room! Hey--what do I have to do to put you in the driver's seat of one of these babies now?

To be fair, there probably is some sort of DSM-IV disorder associated with people who have traveled to Santa Claus, Gothenburg, and Jackson just to ride roller coasters. So, I'm not sane then. Oh, well . . . Woo hoo! Bwa-ha-ha-ha-ha! Boogie boogie boogie! Boi-i-i-i-i-i-ng! Beedybeedybeedybeedybeedy . . .

I have a "Space Station X-1" poster hanging in my office: "See America from OUTER SPACE." Although I was rather fond of the old "holographic" stuff in the old queue, it was all looking pretty beat up and rundown. I'm glad that Disney has given this classic some TLC. Thanks for the pictures, Adam.