Geauga Dog

Both coasters are in my top 10 but I prefer Twister over Phoenix.

I could see an entirely new structure built to house the carousel if they were to decide moving it. Didn't get to experience Haunt this year but have read a lot of good things about the Midnight Syndicate show. Jack Aldrich Theater may be a bit small for that type of show yet it's bigger than the other venues the park has (Red Garter Saloon, Lusty Lil's).

^Are you by chance confusing the carousel directly inside the entrance area with the carousel in the middle of Kiddie Kingdom? Why not Frontiertown, which used to have a carousel way back when (and I believe was moved to Dorney). Actually Kiddie Kingdom's carousel would make a nice addition to Frontier Trail either in the MF area or closer to Thunder Canyon/Shoot The Rapids/Petting Farm.

Then you'd have to explain Michigan's Adventure, which is even smaller than DL. I think CNL may have a hard time selling the parks as a whole, with or without Darien Lake. Each property appears to be smaller, local parks that lack the wow factor of the larger parks, which are easier to sell.

Another set of great photos! The two rides that have always intrigued me are the Intamin mine train, whick looks great weaving in and aoround the theming, and Fireball, which has a great looking layout for a wood coaster. In what way does the Intamin Gyro Swing differ from the Huss Giant Frisbee? Better restraints? Better overall ride expereience?

When CP announced the new atered events area by Breakers my first impression was they were getting rid of the Point Pavilion catered area by the main gate, which is behind Raptor but the more I thought about it the Pirate Ride building is too small for someone like Triotech to work with plus you couldn't really expand it with Raptor and its queue behind the building. The Coliseum is very under-utilized other than the massive aracde on the ground floor but the only use I can see the second floor be used for is a ride like Kennywood's Ghostwood Estate (a Great Pumpkin dark ride perhaps that would appeal to families with gentle scares than the all out creepiness of Ghostwood). Then the question is where would the queue fit since Kiddieland is right there on one side and Planet Snoopy on the other side. The Good Time Theater/Turnpike Cars area is a nice plot of land and I'd hate to see it all used for one large adark ride.

I've always liked Predator's layout and I'd much rather they just add topper track rather than Iron Horse it.

^I can imagine what the skyline looks like now if one were to drive south on I-77 and seeing the park in the distance.

Wow, that sure came out of left field but it seemed like only a matter of time before IMAX/Good Time Theater would disappear. However I had thought the old Oceana Stadium would have been long gone by now. BTW, how much longer until Luminosity runs out of gas? It's not that I don't like it, it certainly brings new nightlife to the park but the location sucks and can be a bottleneck just like during the old crappy laser show days. So much more potential for that entire midway now that GTT is leaving.

Beautiful photos. I'm going to have to make a stop there to take a spin.

I don't have an issue with the blue track but the orange supports just don't seem "right" for BGW. They usually come up with better color schemes for their rides and I am surprised they used this for Pasta: The Ride.

Wow, that Viper car looks awesome. Now Iron Rattler has an Asian cousin.

It will be VERY busy. Opening day is the most anticipated day in these parts since we're suffering from cabin fever by that time. Better save for a Fast Lane pass.

Looking forward to the coverage, Robb, and thank you for bringing us the highlights of the event every year.

As creepy as the Jungle Mouse is it actually looks pretty cool weaving around and through the trees. Too bad Arrow isn't arround anymore. If there were royalties given for roller coaster design they'd be making a killing off of those loop screw knockoffs.

I don't see vertical loops disappearing any time soon. Despite all the newer ways to invert people I still consider them a staple in elements. All RMC has to do is look at Son of Beast for inspiration if they want to try doing a vertical loop, which other than the first drop, was the best part of that ride.

The Beast and The Boss (though I am in the minority on this one) would top my list.

I love that photo of the zero-G set among the trees. I like it when parks build rides without needing to level everything around it *cough Cedar Fair cough*. The orange track really looks great among the barren trees.

After watching the video the whole concept just seems far too ambitious for the area to sustain. Seems like something you would find in Branson or Gatlinburg.

Another great set of photos, especially of Extreme Rusher. I'm somehwat fascinated by these newer S&S air launched coasters since you don't hear too much about them and I really like the look of the trains.

I agree. I like the look of the building but a lot that "stuff" on the front isn't needed. I am not against some theming optons but I am/was hoping that this new version of RCT would stay away from the cheesy themed elements that are found inthe prior versions.

I know it's been said that the theming in the Chinese parks are cheap if you were to look closely at it but I must say that Viking theme at Happy Valley looks great. Thanks for sharing your photos.

Worst: 1. Maverick - The line can move painfully slow but the payoff is well worth it. 2. Gatekeeper - They have shade canopies along the fence but I've hardly seen anyone use that area of the queue. The part where majority of the guests wait in is has no shade plus you feel boxed in 3. Raptor - In certain parts you get the boxed in feeling like at Gatekeeper plus no shade 4. The Bat/American Eagle/Viper (SFGAm)/The Boss - All four suffer from having queues that feel like it takes forever to get through. Viper's not all that bad but still rather lengthy. 5. Volcano - While a little lengthy the indoor part right before the boarding platform feels claustrophobic. 6. Grizzly (KD) - It's on this list due to its location. Why do we have to go through Dinosaurs Alive's gift shop just to get to it? Favorite: 1. Banshee - With it right next to the vertical loop and zero-g it helps get you pumped up for your ride. 2. Curse of DarKastle - Well themed and it gets you in the mood for your ride. 3. Verbolten - There's plenty to look at while going through the office and garage portions of the queue. 4. The Beast - I don't know what it is about the Beast's queue that makes it among my favorites but walking through it really gets my adrenaline going and excited for my ride.

Acrophobia may look painful but I didn't think it was painful at all. It's my favorite drop tower. All they need to do is add the floorless element to the ride - put in a retractable floor and your legs will just dangle freely. Of course the trains may need to be raised a little higher so that there is enough clearance between rider's feet and track.

Based on the schematic drawings, which you can't really base what the actual park will look like, it seems these Fantawild parks look nicer than the Happy Valleys.