Flagg O'Dim

I'll be visiting CGA for the last time this season tomorrow. I've decided against going to Haunt one more time, mainly due to the crowds. I want to be able to go on every ride one last time, because you never know what's going to be removed next season. I went to the park in the day around this time back in 2009, and it was the day I set my record for most rides in a visit (40). Ten times on Drop Tower! I'm expecting the same tomorrow. Also, I have to use my free game coupon that came with my Gold pass at Costco. I'm thinking I'll try the basketball game next to the Gametime bar. haha yeah I can't make out anything either. I don't know if it's his accent, 1930's recording technology, or a combination of both.

Skip James - Hard Time Killin' Floor Blues I remember hearing this song in my music class last year, and images of werewolves and chainsaws popped into my head...

This is off Haunt-topic, but check out this great video that was just uploaded to Youtube -- Grizzly POV from 1988! So many things can be seen in this video: -Train tracks -Dual track Barney Oldfields (also going the opposite way?) -Demon loop rock formations -All of these rides can be seen: Tidal Wave, Sky Whirl (looks like it's about to consume the Grizzly), Yankee Clipper, The Edge, Ameri-Go-Round -Grizzly is SLOW(er). 15 minute turnaround, anyone? -Check out those ride operator uniforms!

Semi-quick Haunt update from last night: The crowds are here! (Look, JMA, Halloween events bring in people!). Toy Factory's queue was nearly full, Cornstalkers' was nearing it's entrance, Werewolf Canyon (didn't bother with this one) was reaching Ghost Gliders, etc. The talent is really stepping up. Slaughterhouse was even better, the scare zones were much improved (except Dead Man's Cove...), very creepy moment on Black Widow's Cavern, and Club Blood surprised me. I have to say that it was one of the best mazes of the night, I got scared more times than I care to admit. The ending got me both times I went (slider!). Speaking of Club Blood, something that I noticed last year, and again this year: It's easily the loudest maze (on the outside)...and it's also the closest to the neighbors. I like to think that was intentional. From the parking lot, you can hear the (blasting) music echoing through the parking garage, and also bouncing off the nearby office buildings. That's one big middle finger if I ever saw one. There is fog everywhere, so much that "fog rides" were possible: Flight Deck, Grizzly, and Demon. Especially Demon, everything after the second tunnel was covered in fog (probably from Underworld Alley), could barely see. Very cool, especially in the front seat. Even Firefall's volcanoes were producing extra steam, it felt like it was raining when I was standing in line, and riding. With the way Dead Man's Cove is set up, nobody can find the Endeavor. Despite the heavy crowds in the park, there were just four people riding (including my brother and I), and when we got off, the line was still empty. I just couldn't believe it -- for the first (and last) time in the Cedar Fair era, all six cabins on Drop Tower were fully operational! Yes, even cabin #1. It was great to finally see the Tower running to its full capacity, and the line really benefited. Of course, I had to get my first cabin #1 ride of the season, it's noticeably faster when going up. It also drops immediately now, after "hesitating" last season.

^^Great report and pictures as always! Looks like the Gauntlet has improved already. The problem I had with the scare zones on opening night was the fact that there wasn't really that many monsters. At one point, Dead Man's Cove only had one pirate in the tunnel. haha! What were the chances of that happening? I'm assuming you're in one of the beginning pictures with the crowds?

WARNING! HAUNT SPOILERS AHEAD! SKIP THIS POST IF YOU'RE PLANNING ON GOING! I went to Haunt on opening night yesterday. It was great to be back! Certainly a lot more crowded than opening night last year. Nobody was waiting for the rides, all the lines were for the mazes. I finally caught the opening ceremony, after missing it last year. It was very well done, especially with the Overlord rising almost to the top of the Carousel. Lots of noticeable improvements throughout. The most obvious one being Slaughterhouse: Annihilation (more on that later), but also some surprising ones (you can hardly recognize Underworld Alley now, lots of new additions). Black Widow's Cavern seemed to have more monsters this time. Speaking of the scare zones, I have to say that I felt they were a bit underwhelming. The Dead Man's Cove "expansion" is barely noticeable, and the Gauntlet is just...there (sorry, Nibbler!). Also, having the bridge by Firefall empty is just awkward, it was better to have a mediocre scare zone (Witch Doctor's) than none at all. However, last year the scare zones improved as the month progressed, so I'll reserve further judgment, and classify them as a work in progress. They're still fun to walk through, I was just expecting more. On the bright side, Underworld Alley and Dead Man's Cove have some excellent new theme songs, exactly the type of quality you would expect from the CGA crew. Please release these songs (along with Slaughterhouse's new song) for download! On to the mazes...listed in order from best to worst. Slaughterhouse: Annihilation (x2): Well, they did it. After being the worst maze (in my opinion) last year, I can say without a doubt that the redone version is now the best maze in the park. Excellent, and very, very dark and mature (gone is the quirky Mcdonalds ending). Navigating your way through squirming (how did they do that?), hanging body bags? Disturbingly awesome! Taking a cue from Toy Factory's ending? It's all here. Great soundtrack as well. I noticed maybe two or three scenes left over from the original Slaughterhouse, but other than that, everything is new. I like the new line entrance scene as well ("Help us" in blood). Also with the new line location, you can see a bunch of old Whizzer footers. Carnevil (x2): Not much different here, but it doesn't need it! Lot of monsters in here. I've realized that the song is much better when you're listening to it in it's proper context. I wish CGA would release the alternate lyrics version that plays while you're inside the maze ("We'll deep fry anything!"). Toy Factory (x2): With the new Slaughterhouse, and the stellar Carnevil, Toy Factory's fallen a bit behind. Don't get me wrong, it's still one of the best mazes in the park, but I just wish there was something new in here, because there really isn't. The ending is still as forceful as ever, and the song still stays in your head forever. Cornstalkers (x2): New sound effects, and many new branching paths. I was disappointed in the truck part though, the horn's gotten very quiet. Club Blood (x2): The old exit is now the new entrance, and the new exit is the old entrance. As a result, you're walking through the maze in the opposite direction. Unfortunately, they didn't change the order of the scenes from last year, and now the story doesn't work as well. The vampire-infested backrooms of the club are now the first things you see, and the actual club with the dancers is at the end. Is it bad that I think the best part of this maze is being in the Pictorium? I was looking up most of the time, the height of that ceiling never ceases to amaze me. One of the emergency exits in the maze was slightly open, so I took a quick peek while walking by, and I could see some of the theater seating. Highlight of the maze. and last, and certainly least... Werewolf's Canyon (x1): If Cedar Fair was going to be around next year, I'd say this maze would be the next to be redone. There was barely any monsters here, and the maze is too long for it's own good. Although, the guy with the gigantic werewolf mask was great. Random tidbits: Had a mini-ERT session on Vortex. My brother and I were literally the only ones on it, and we stayed on for two rides. For some reason, Vortex is better on the second consecutive lap. The Spongebob TVs were on, but I don't think the Action Theater was open. Equally odd was the fact that the TVs for the right side of the theater were on, displaying some green text. I didn't see any of the shows, but I happened to pass by Blood Drums (looked pretty good) and the Freak Show (same ol', same ol'). Haunt 2011 is pretty damn good. The new Slaughterhouse alone makes me want to say that this year is better than 2010, but the fact that we're missing a scare zone keeps me from saying that with confidence. I think it's on par with last year, and that's a very good thing! On to the pictures (I apologize for the blurriness, my camera does not like the night). The Overlord summoning his minions. Look how high he is! Monsters roaming around. You can also get an idea of what the crowds were like. The monsters bowing to their master. This is one of the best costumes. The elaborate Blood Drums set. Slaughterhouse -- great entrance, even better maze. Check out the new gates for Underworld Alley. How fitting -- a hearse parked on the Invertigarden. I was disappointed that they didn't take more advantage of the "Green" for this scare zone, and for Haunt in general. The disturbingly realistic electric chair guy. Doc Brown would be proud. You know you can hear the theme song now! Toy Factory line themeing. While waiting in line for Toy Factory, the Grizzly kept going by, nearly empty every time. Drop Tower is even better at night. Black Widow's Cavern signage. Putting the "fire" back in "Firefall!" I just couldn't get a good picture of this, but it gives you a view of where the new Club Blood entrance is. I'll leave you with the Overlord hanging out by Flight Deck!

I don't think this has been posted yet, but an interesting quote from a new article: "New" but "familiar" Great America sounds promising. http://www.santaclaraweekly.com/2011/Issue-38/Cedar_Fair_to_Sell_Californias_Great_America_Sell_Would_Negate_Lawsuit.html

I've been trying to think of potential name changes. So far, I keep coming up with "Touchdown" for Drop Tower . Flight Deck and Drop Tower will most likely have new names...aren't those Cedar Fair trademarks? Since I've completely given up hope for a new ride during this transition year, the most exciting thing about the 2012 season will be seeing the new ride names...

^^Good, but what's so special about just those two? Does Santa Clara consider only two rides on a piece of property as a "theme park?" Interesting. I wonder if the Mercury knows for a fact that those two rides are staying, or they just chose any two rides to demonstrate their point. EDIT: Something that should go in the GP thread, from the comments on the article:

So long Cedar Fair! (and Haunt...and Snoopy). Goodbye Great America (as we know it). My thoughts exactly. I'm excited that SOMETHING is happening to the park...whether it's good or bad remains to be seen. Guess we got our official reason why Invertigo was taken out. For next season, I think we can pretty much guarantee that there will be rides (yes, plural) removed. The Demon demolition doesn't sound so far-fetched anymore. Probably more older rides will demolished (Orbit, Centrifuge, Berzerker..the list goes on). I don't know what to make of this yet. Looking forward to announcements in the weeks ahead.

They just posted again: I looked up this company, and it is real, located in Alameda, California. hmm...

Someone started a disturbing rumor on the video that CGA just posted: I replied back, asking them where they heard that from and if they were confusing Demon with Invertigo, and this is what they replied with: Didn't answer my question. I call BS on this one (for now). Even if CGA did contract a demolition team, we would have seen it on the permits page (like the Invertigo demo permit). Sad thing is, though, that removing Demon is totally plausible.

Haunt map is up: http://haunt.cagreatamerica.com/_upload/californias_great_america/attractions/map/2011_haunt_map.pdf Maybe I misunderstood, but wasn't Dead Man's Cove supposed to begin at Witch Doctor's Trail's old spot? The map shows DMC starting at the Kidzville bridge, and stretching out to Black Widow's Cavern. The bridge by Firefall is blank... guess I have to wait and see if they added anything in the bridge.

^Thanks for the info, that's good to hear. I definitely plan on being there early (and the first day as well).

I'm really looking forward to the new Slaughterhouse. Few things about the new entrance: Glad to see some life brought to that area of the park. There used to be a store that sold wood products (I believe) last season in that area. This season it's been boarded up and painted over. Isn't that the path where the Peanuts characters walk out of at the start of the Party in the Plaza? If I was a little kid and saw Snoopy, Charlie Brown, etc. running out of an entrance that had a dead pig on it, I'd be a little disturbed. Lastly, the new entrance is a bit close to Club Blood's entrance. Since I have no faith in the GP, I hope they can differentiate between the two mazes.

^Haha! Just an observation: While on the Grizzly's ten minute turnaround yesterday, I spotted a bulldozer parked behind the Invertigarden's fence, about where the Beverly Hills Cop 3 shed is. The stage is gone, with only dirt in the middle, but the grass is greener than ever. I also rode a new coaster at CGA...Woodstock's Express! Even though my legs barely fit, it was awesome! Got to ride it twice in a row due to no lines...The helix is fun, and the ride was faster (and rougher) than I expected! It was good to get a new credit.

I go to that permit site everyday (sometimes multiple times a day, yes I'm desperate). If history is any indication, I'm beginning to think that we won't get anything for 2012, as the planning permit for the last new addition (Firefall, obviously) was applied for on August 16th. Unless Cedar Fair plans on announcing something before they apply for a permit, but that's unlikely. Anyways, from the permits, it's interesting to see how large each Haunt maze is in terms of square feet. Werewolf Canyon is the largest (no surprise there) at 9,700 sq ft.

Even though it's tempting, I have to hold back. The person who runs the page already has to deal with enough crazy GP, I wouldn't want to add to it. Maybe if it was April 1st...

You should totally post this on CGA's Facebook page - "2012 park map leaked!" I was looking around on Westcoaster.net's forums, and came across this...someone estimating Cedar Fair's 2012 spending so far: http://www.westcoaster.net/community/viewtopic.php?f=29&t=4330 So if Cedar Fair plans to spend approximately $10-$30 million more, and with six parks still without a new addition...looks like a few parks are going to be left out. At this point, if CGA were to get anything, a Windseeker would be the most likely, due to it being relatively inexpensive. Someone did mention on the same thread that they heard that CGA would be getting "something."

Good news--there will be a 2012 season! (for those who were in doubt). 2012 season passes went on sale today: http://cagreatamerica.com/shop/shopping_season_pass.cfm (I know someone is thinking, "Well, Geauga Lake did start to sell 2008 season passes...") Let's hope this isn't the only 2012 announcement.

I was looking around on http://www.italintl.com and it looks like this will be the last year for Crazy Surf. It's listed as being available in October: http://www.italintl.com/detail_page.php?record_id=1516

Just a note to let everyone know that Rue le Dodge will be closing for it's Carnevil transformation on August 22, and the Rapids will close on September 5th. http://cagreatamerica.com/attractions/category.cfm?ac_id=5

Exactly. I remember when the Invertigo removal was announced, and thinking "It's going to be a LONG season." But for some reason this season seemed very short, Haunt is just around the corner already! Disappointing that "the green" will be probably be there next season, so I'm not really expecting anything new for 2012. Unless they were planning on taking something else out for a new attraction. The future is beginning to look bright for CGA. Can it be 2013 already?

^I've been seeing the front doors open, but not all of them at once, maybe 2 or 3 at a time. I also saw all the exit doors open once this summer. I also noticed this season that the theater's arcade is looking pretty empty. Maybe over a quarter of the machines are gone.

Speaking of the Action Theater, I've seen the doors to the right side open nearly every time I've visited this summer. I've never seen them open in prior seasons. Hmm...prep work for yet-to-be-revealed fifth Haunt show? On the official CGA site, they say that there will be five shows, but on the (unfinished) Haunt site there are four. In all reality, the fifth show will likely be in the Great America Theater to replace Fangs. I've also thought that a coaster like that would fit. Although, fitting in a queue area could be problematic.