Ed Farmer

Precisely the concern.

No problems with Iron Wolf either. I can't help but think (and maybe not fair in all cases) that a good portion of those who do are just capricious and would be thrilled with a park full of Time Machine, Hydra, and S:UF clones- of the very same ilk that feign horror at SLC and Boomerangs before even riding them, and then when inevitably they do (for a credit, what else), and it rode fine, act like God had mercy on them and performed a miracle.

I posted this in the SFA thread, but I'd be pretty pissed if that rumor about Iron Wolf ceasing to operate came to fruition. If true, what purpose did denying it serve?

I'd be pretty pissed if that rumor about Iron Wolf ceasing to operate came to fruition. If true, what purpose did denying it serve?

Is it the general consensus among Wonderland locals that Dragon Fire is finished?

If you're coming to America (Florida) for coasters, I would strongly suggest Busch Tampa.

As time goes on I actually find myself less interested in both riding and visiting parks. There are just plenty of other things I would rather do. If I'm travelling and there is a park nearby that I've never been to or am especially fond of (the two Busch parks are pretty much the extent of the latter), and time permits, I'll dip my toes for a few hours. When this does happens, it's almost exclusively to catch a few rides. Despite all that, I still like keeping up with the industry through websites like this and those like it.

Why are people so insistent on building rides within existing rides?

No. There was a time when it was pretty bad, but it seems to me like that's in the past. It's no Holiday World (service wise), but it has improved, and it certainly warrants a visit. When was your most recent visit to SFA? End of May.

No. There was a time when it was pretty bad, but it seems to me like that's in the past. It's no Holiday World (service wise), but it has improved, and it certainly warrants a visit.

I took what you wrote and rearranged it.

If I had to rate, my two favorite B&M sitdown loopers would be Kumba followed by Dark Knight/Dominator. I'd imagine Dragon Khan would be 1a to Kumba had I ridden it, but can't say. That said, the 1st Generation sitdowns seem to give a more intense ride for the most part, and not simply because of the infamous "B&M went soft" line of reasoning. It was mentioned that the floorless rides seat you higher than Kumba/D. Khan/Hulk. Wildfire has a 2nd Generation sitdown train (almost like a floorless train with a floor or Megacoaster train with OTSRs), and I was pretty underwhelmed by the ride.

Not judging, just wondering. The same song can bring two different responses out of two people.

My home park replaced a forceful Arrow megalooper and a Vekoma GIB with a fairly unique (and despite that, awful) Superman: UF, two wild mice, and a Splash Battle. I'm aware that it wouldn't be unique, and it would never happen. I'm also aware of the mediocre reviews Gardaland's Wingrider has garnered thus far, as unique as it is. Before I get responses explaining that it was a prototype, so was Batman: The Ride. Flyers have gotten bigger too, but remain mediocre (though admittedly less so than S:UF, and while I haven't ridden it, popular opinion says Air as well). B&M hasn't made them like they used to for a decade or so. For that reason, I wouldn't be bothered in the least by a ride that is relocated/a clone when it's the best in it's class. All hypothetical, anyway.

Unless it were going to be a Knight Flight clone.

Not sure as to the validity of it, but I kept hearing about "Tumbleweed" at SFGAm. From what I recall it was a 4D (S&S, I believe). Also read several articles about a Riverview II for the Chicagoland area, and even recall visiting a fully operational website for Fantasia Park (or something of the sort) for Poland, which also never happened. *Edit* http://www.park-fantasia.pl/corp/en/index.php About as pointless as the beloved Zacspin, for the most part. It was essentially the same concept (don't recall if it flipped or not, but according to Green Lantern @ Magic Mountain reviews, it's not a big deal if it doesn't). I thought the Frequent Faller at Hershey looked great from the concept art. Some time after it got cancelled, I looked back at the concept art and realized the seats faced forward/backward (same as a Zacspin). Originally I had thought the seats face outward, which I think would have made a hell of a ride, especially on the taller/extended model Frequent Faller concepts. Sorry that this one didn't pan out...

It's been updated- he was an Iraq war vet who lost both his legs in a roadside blast.

/\ Yeah, breaking stories don't usually have their facts straight until much later.

/\ Why do you say Kashmir is disturbing?

I don't do the kiddie/mouse coasters either, but really only because they're awful- so you're not alone. Great pics in the TR, Steve. The Point certainly is a fun place. One thing- I feel like I've been taken when I get a polish w/ grilled onions and drink at for $10 @ Sox Park (US Cellular Field) here in Chicago, and their food is generally seen as some of the better ballpark food around. I guess that's the advantage of operating on a peninsula in Sandusky, though. It looked pretty good though (the pinks dog).

I'll add Pitt Fall, if indeed it's time is limited.

I'd say rides like Invertigo, Shockwave, GASM, BBW, Drachen Fire, etc. but the circumstances surrounding those removals weren't that mysterious/surprising, and made sense. I would however nominate Stealth- only because at the time it wasn't really clear that the park had no future.

He was pretty good. I didn't make it to the start of his set, but the few songs I've heard were just fine. I guess I'll get the chance to see him again Labor Day weekend because he's an opener for Pearl Jam.

Just saw Eddie Vedder @ Chicago Theatre last night. He did stuff from Uke Songs/Into the Wild/Pearl Jam. It was a great show.

Second Gen/Giant Drops- and it's not even close. For whatever reason the GyroDrops don't produce that insane plummet sensation the Giant Drops do. The drop feels more gradual/tame. I assume this has something to do with individual cars v. one vehicle.