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Your description of Magnum reminds me of Pepsi Max: The Big One at Blackpool--starts out promisingly, but is really kind of dull (the ride, not the description, that is). Still haven't been to Cedar Point, but this TR has piqued my interest again. Maybe I'll renew my Maxx Pass after all.

^The coaster was shut down, Bill. But some of the group did check out the park.

Steel Pier must be a classy joint with that "No Vulgar T-Shirts" rule.

^And let's not forget Everest, Tower of Terror, and Rock'n'Roller Coaster at Disney.

^^"Southern California" begins at Santa Barbara--at least that's how we used to look at it when I was growing up in Central California--while the area between "northern" and "southern" California was called "the Central Coast" (that is, San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara). But it's all pretty subjective.

^Mike, be sure to let me know what weekend you'll be hitting KD (I assume it'll be after Dominator opens).

^That's what I was thinking, too. Amazing how it recovered when it slipped on the ice.

Hmm--at last, something lamer than the People's Choice Awards and Golden Globes combined. Mike, I like ya, You're a nice guy. But . . . CUT IT OUT, CAN'T CHA? I feel better now. Please excuse me.

^I would say that it was a picture from another TPR trip, and that Big Mike is having some sport with Larry. I'm just amazed Mike remembered to bring his camera this time.

I think Steeplechase is the best coaster there--wish we had one like it in the states. And you gotta love the Ghost Train and Trauma Towers. Thanks for the look at BPB--I really like that park.

^Interesting--you can see the "noninverting loop" it in the concept art. As for airtime, we shall see, eh?

So, "variety" would call for yet another B&M ride at the Universal Florida Resort? That being said, I prefer B&M to Maurer rides, myself. I like Hollywood Dream at Universal Osaka quite a bit, but I'm glad that they're not just cloning it in Florida.

I don't get it. Why not build another nice B&M in Orlando? Well, variety is the spice of life an all, so why not give Maurer a shot at their own version of Hollywood Dream? I echo Derek's concern about the X Car restraints (G Force does, indeed, suck), but I understand that Abismo, another X Car coaster, was a big hit with the Spain trippers. Maybe they've solved the kidney-crushing problem.

The last West Coast "Small World" advantage trumps all others at any other park.

That would be "udders." When he "utters," beware his "udders"! That is one gender-bending cow. Unless those aren't teats and he's multi-phallic or something. Thanks for sharing your pictures. I'm hoping to get down there this summer.

^So, when it comes to some rides, Gewn is smarter than you, Rick? Well, I have ridden Vekoma Boomerangs, so I'm hardly one to talk. Looks like y'all had a great time.

^^^Nice to see you on the job at Alpengeist again, John. They should let you run the control board all the time--no stacking. But when you switched with that other guy, stack city! As for the rain, tell Julie to look at it this way, James--unless there's lightning, BGE won't shut everything down. I wouldn't mind seeing some flyers at Euroburg, myself.

That "Toy Story" zoetrope display was pretty cool. I'll have to put WCB on the radar screen for next year.

Maybe because those parks haven't opened for the season yet? (KD doesn't until Saturday, at least.) I was never bothered with the movie references; after all, the parks were owned by Paramount then.

I was wondering if your were around, Jeff. Nice shot of Griffon with the flowers--and I'm glad Aidan got his shot at BBW (it was having some issues that day).

^"Pointlessness" is in the eyes of the beholder. For me, a "pointless" topic would be one of interest only to the initial poster and to almost no one else. It's like butting into a conversation about "rides on the moon" by blurting out "I like muffins!"

Yep--BGE. When it comes to coasters, they lean toward quality over quantity, the food is much better, and the park is far more attractive.

^Part of the trough for the Haunted River ride is still there (just to the left as you face Volcano). The old Smurf train station is still there, too (you can get a good look at it from Avalanche's lifthill).

Just to clarify, as Elissa did--good TR, weak park. Thanks for sharing the pics and the changes. It'll be interesting to check out KD (it opens next weekend).

Thanks for the comments, folks. Paul, let me know if you're coming down to meet the crew (you can crash at my place). Elissa, when I walked past the kiddie swing ride I found myself speculating about whether it was KT friendly. It warmed up later in the afternoon when the sun finally came out to stay, but my early afternoon ride on Griffon was, let's say, "invigorating."