cfc

Welcome to Theme Park Review. If you're curious about certain parks, you should probably ask your questions in one of our numerous par discussion threads. Just click on this link for a directory: http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=63853. You'll notice that Kings Dominion and Cedar Point have specific threads devoted to them. I hope this is helpful.

Fixed that for you. Fury is a lot fun, as is Afterburner. The park also has a good set of flyers. The Taste of the Carolinas food festival, which ends May 1, is worth checking out. I was there for it last year and was quite impressed with the food and beer selections. Overall, Carowinds is a nice park that's steadily improving.

High winds will close down the Sky Ride, but you shouldn't have problems with rain short of a monsoon or a thunderstorm.

Well, let's not go crazy here. I like Flight of Fear, but I would rather ride either of the U.S. Space Mountains.

I don't think so. Scenic World doesn't really need a coaster. It's more of a "national park" type setting. The old coaster track is just a curiosity and an eyesore now.

Larry speaks the truth.

A trackless Beauty and the Beast dark ride would be a big step up over the Tomorrowland Raceway (which I think is the park's weakest attraction).

Agreed. It's nice to see Universal after dark when it isn't Halloween Horror NIght.

Wildcat, The--Hersheypark

^Ruling, please? Road Runner Railway--six Flags Great Adventure

Sounds like a better use of the space.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure KD already has a family launcher. XD Backlot Stunt Coaster says "hi."

Agreed.

At least they nearly filled the little beer cup at the Ireland booth; the others only gave about half a cup.

Limit--Heide Park (Germany)

I checked out the park's 3D movie du jour while I was there: Robinson Crusoe. It wasn't very good, and having a bunch of fold-up risers stacked in front of the screen didn't help it much (the bottom of the projected image was lost). Other than that, here's one last set of photos from a beautiful spring day at Kings Dominion. "Psst! Hey! Be a pal and bring me some of the Legend Porter, OK? Like maybe a whole keg! Thanks!" Like winged Icarus, they dared fly too close to the sun . . . . . . only to plummet to their doom! Well, I think I'll take a spin on Shockwave . . . what the hell? What happened to the greatest stand-up coaster in all of Virginia? Not even the Dippin' Dots guy could tell me. Where is guest relations? I wish to register a complaint! What? Anaconda and Hurler are both closed? Where is guest relations? I wish to write them a nice thank-you note! Grizzly, you were very rough and mean to me today. But I think I could find it in my heart to forgive you. Someday. Nice t shirt, though. What's better than a one-headed dinosaur? How about a two-headed dinosaur? The Clown Band consoled me after Grizzly roughed me up and left me for dead, like Leonardo DiCaprio. I understand that we have a few fans of KD's log ride on the site. Well, here you go. This band was part of the entertainment at the Spring Bloom Festival. They were a pretty good rock-and-blues outfit. The festival also features flags of many nations, . . . . . . which hide deadly lizards! Didn't hear the mushrooms singing that day . . . . . . but I did report the piano player for lighting up a cigar outside of a designated smoking area. I think we have some carousel fans, too. And this is just for you. The park does have a nice one. Well, just about time to head home. Here is proof that Dominator was, in fact, running that weekend. I didn't ride it myself because the line was a bit long by the time I got there. You're welcome, Kings Dominion! And thank you for reading.

Spring is in the air again, as you tell by the pretty flowers, chirping birds, and people sneezing, rubbing their eyes, and grousing about how much they hate Nature. Yes, it is a truly magical season in Virginia. Kings Dominion started ringing in the season with the Spring Bloom Festival last year. While I wouldn't call this an "epic can't-miss event," the park does, indeed, look its prettiest in the springtime, and they give a guests a chance to sample some international cuisine under the Eiffel Tower (but, oddly, nothing French). Four European countries are represented: Ireland, Italy, Switzerland, and Germany. Think if it as a "micro mini" version of Epcot's Flower and Garden Festival. And how is the food? Pretty good, overall, although they have a ways to go before reaching the quality of Epcot's (or Busch Gardens') Food and Wine Festival. They also feature some local microbrews, too. I purchased a sheet of tickets for $25 that entitled me to four food samples and four drink samples. Here's what I tried. Ireland: Irish Banger with a Legend Porter. This was the best single dish I tried--a nice take on this Irish pub staple, with mashed potatoes, crispy onions, and onion gravy. It was very tasty indeed, and the porter was excellent. (Legend is a Richmond brewery that also makes a nice brown ale.) You'll feel magically transported to the Emerald Isle. This is worth of banger and worth of a very tasty porter. Gotta love theme-park prices. Italy: Tiramisu Parfait. Now, in the words of Shrek's Donkey, "Parfaits are delicious." This was a nice one, too--definitely a cut above the standard pudding cups you see in the park's cafeteria restaurants. It would've been nicer, though, if there had been a trace of liquor in that cup. It now seems appropriate that the "Theme from the Godfather" was playing as I entered the park. The presentation is very nice, and the pudding is very tasty. But how about a splash of rum to go with it? Switzerland: Swiss Mac and Cheese with a Slingshot Kolsch. They used smoked Gouda and diced bacon to jazz up this standard food offering, and I think it's a bit better than the mac and cheese offered at BGW's Canada booth during their Food and Wine Festival. The Kolsch was from Center of the Universe Brewing in Ashland, just one exit south of the park on I-95. It was a decent, light brew--better than your typical Pilsner. Can you not hear the alpenhorns blowing? Pretty good for mac and cheese, and it went well with the beer. Germany: Black Forest Ham with Havarti Cheese with a Hardywood Pils. OK, this looks like something you'd find in a particularly disappointing box lunch when you're with a tour group. But I like Havarti, and it was a pretty decent sandwich. Oddly enough, the crisp, fresh slice of cucumber was quite good, and made the sandwich. I'm not a fan of pilsner, and Hardywood's version didn't change my opinion. I'll stick to this Richmond brewer's Bitter Valentine IPA and stouts, which are very good indeed. Hang on to your liederhosen! The sandwich and coleslaw were OK. But the pilsner was like making love in a canoe. I'd tell you why, but it would violate the PG-13 standard of TPR. All in all, a nice break from the usual park fare. I hope that KD expands the offerings a bit in future seasons. I did a wee bit more than eat food and drink beer while I was there. Let's have a look, shall we? Giant mutant butterflies invade Kings Dominion! That is no way for a Viking to die! You shall not have a seat in the Great Hall of Asgaard! This is where you'll find the food booths, and you can buy your meal tickets here, but . . . . . . first things first. This is why you get to the park at opening and head straight to Volcano--a three-train wait for the front row. Now, this would be a good way for a Viking to die! Based on his expression, I think that guy in the front row just saw Odin. Yep, this sometimes grouchy old Intamin ride is still great. But I do find this plush ape rather disturbing. I305, Anaconda, a bird, and the Chicken Shack in one shot! I rule! Hello, Rebel Yell--I see you. But we have more important matters to which we must attend. This is where you emerge from your gray out feeling either refreshed or extra woozy. Can one ever have too many pictures of Intimidator 305? I'm not sure that's possible. I think the people in this train would agree. Yes, Rebel Yell. I see you. I'll get to you eventually. Sigh! At least Backlot Stunt Coaster sill has fire . . . . . . and flashing police lights. Oh, good lord, Rebel Yell. You're just embarrassing yourself with these obvious pleas for attention. Cut it out! More photos to come.

I think you're confusing Disney with Six Flags Magic Mountain here. If this comes to pass, I'm sure we'd see substantial changes other than just a "new pre-show" and sign.

When it comes to coasters I expected to be flat-out bad, I'd say it was El Condor at Walibi Holland. It was the first Vekoma SLC. As for a coaster that I fully expected to be good, I'd say it's another Vekoma creation, this time in collaboration with Disney: Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars at Hong Kong Disneyland.

Why is there any "rattle directory," period? Folks in this hobby sure get interested in cataloging odd stuff, but so be it.