jfruge

If anyone was planning on coming to Branson, stay away! It's unbelievably cold and snowed in!

^ I hate to be such a stick in the mud, but please, please don't be the cause of an accident, nor a hindrance to those trying to enjoy the park and its rides. Ride operators are responsible for the safety of all, and true patrons of roller coasters and amusement parks are not willing to try and circumvent the word of someone who is trained as the first line of safety. A word of caution...test seats are just that. They are present to act as a comfort and luxury to patrons who wish to ride. However, the final word comes to, as it always should, the ride operator. NTAG has been shut down for nearly the entire season because of an accident, please don't allow yourself to be involved in another.

I'm going to SDC....I'm GOING to ride Outlaw Run...roller coasters are my passion, I think some on this site could use a reminder.

I want to state my complete confidence in the Rocky Mountain Construction team, Gerstlauer, and yes, even in Six Flags and hope for the quick resolution of this matter. I would ride the Texas Giant tomorrow if given the opportunity.

Mr. Freeze: Reverse Blast (SFOT/SFStL) I'm unsure if it is, in fact, more powerful, now that the trains have been reversed. The physics/aerodynamics would make sense, seeing as the rear of the train provides much more wind resistance. 0-70 in 2 seconds. Powder Keg (SDC) I'm still blown away every time I ride Powder Keg. There is a completely different feel to the compressed air launches that is simply wild! 0-50 in 1.5 seconds.

Least Favorite Element of all time: The Fan turn on Rattler pre-2012. Talk about snapping necks...

Realistically, KT would probably enjoy Judge Roy Scream. I've ridden the ride in just about every seat, and have found the roughness to be sparing compared to what you might have read. I would also state that not only is the Judge Roy Scream the only wooden coaster at SFOT, it is only the second left in the state of Texas and is also a classic wood coaster a la Screamin' Eagle, American Eagle etc.

So I keep reading and hearing from people that WingRider coasters are force-less and boring, and I wonder why? I'd love to say that I've actually experienced one, but I haven't had the pleasure. What keeps these visually attractive coasters from being more entertaining?

No! Please stop requesting parks get "B&M Wing Riders!" Seriously, they are the most boring roller coaster genre to come out since like...ever!!! Good to know Robb. I wonder, though, if having that sort of force-less ride experience might be a draw for SW?

I've always had a real fascination with roller coasters. I've explained to friends and family that some people can look at a piece of artwork in a museum for hours, and never quite catch everything in a painting; for me, that artwork is roller coasters. I have loved looking at and studying them since I was a child, although, to be honest, I never rode. In 2000 on a church youth trip, my youth minister convinced me to ride The Rattler at SFFT. Having never been on a wooden coaster, and most definitely not on any coaster over 30-40 feet tall, I freaked out the entire time we traveled up the lift hill. I can remember, very clearly, the moment when we started heading down the first drop. Since then, it has all been, no pun intended, downhill.

I think SeaWorld is catching quite a bit of flack for it's lack of coasters, but I think that is part of what makes it so charming. However, since we are talking about the prospect of a new coaster, I would absolutely love to see a new Manta themed B&M Wingrider coaster. I really do believe they are intending to do something big with the area formerly occupied by Texas Splashdown...

I rode Outlaw Run in the rain this past Wednesday.

It's highly unlikely, since Judge Roy Scream is an ACE Coaster Classic, that the ride will be removed. There are actually many, many other options and places to build in the park that don't affect the future of the currently standing roller coasters. I will also state that overall ridership for all of the coasters is good, so removing another coaster from the mix isn't necessarily the answer. I do think SFOT could take a cue from CP and create a wing rider that incorporates the front gate area. There is also the option of having the coaster jump the entry road like Goliath at SFOG.

I have always wanted to visit Alton Towers, and admittedly, I have never had the chance, but does anyone know if it's possible to visit the park during a 1-2 day layover in London on the way to Paris? My wife and I are planning a trip to France next year, and would love the opportunity to experience this park.

I'm so glad that SDC is pulling in so many patrons right now, as it really is helping to spark the economy here in Branson. I am returning to the park tomorrow with some performer friends who haven't ridden Outlaw Run, and am so excited to introduce them. Just a quick note...I spoke to a park worker last Thursday who was a ride tech at Celebration City for Ozark Wildcat (the now defunct GCI twister), and asked if SDC had ever considered relocating the ride. This was, of course, before I knew that some of the ride systems from OW were recycled for OR. He informed me that because the ride has been sitting non-operated for so long, it would cost too much to relocate and make it operational again. I have to say that I am a bit disagreeable with this statement, and, quite frankly, I truly believe that SDC would be absolutely untouchable with OR and OW in the same park. OW would definitely fit into the park's theme and ambiance. Anyone have thoughts on this?

Possible names for Iron Horse Boss: 1. Iron Boss 2. Boss of Steel 3. New Boss None of those really have a good ring to them. Six Flags should completely rename Boss if they give it the Iron Horse treatment. Actually, I think something like "The Boss 2" wouldn't necessarily sound bad. I will say that the current layout of the Boss is great, and RMC would have a heyday with it, were they to do the iron horse remake.

I'm not sure of any discount tickets unless they're sold through the ticket brokers here locally. Today was a particularly busy day, Lots 1,2,3 and 5 were full plus Bus and Disabled parking, and they were moving lines quite smoothly. Outlaw Run was running both trains, but was down 3 times in the 3 hours I was at the park. I'm sure this ride is getting some last minute kinks worked out...even so, it is totally worth waiting to ride. I finally was able to take a ride in the very last seat...it is an absolute must for any coaster enthusiast. Wildfire and Thunderation were running one train a piece. Wildfire had a decent sized line, and was using all but the upstairs portion of its queue. Thunderation was all but walk-on. Today had several big named artists presenting concerts, so there were lines for the theaters that were substantially long, but again, the park ran as smooth as always, and friendly as ever. Again, if you have not ridden Outlaw Run, do yourself the favor of making the trek to Branson. I promise it's worth your while.

Just rode twice in 15 minutes. If you're not on Outlaw Run you're seriously missing out!!!

Maintenance is Block-Checking right now...not too bad, I think.

They've just cleared the line...so I won't be able to post much about what's happening.

^^ Johnny, Do NOT take the I44 route, take I40 to Ft. Smith then 540 to Fayettville, then 412 to hwy 65. You will save yourself a lot of time and heartache, plus this route is free (no tolls). Outlaw Run is tending to breakdown at mostly midday hours. Try to get here early and hit it first.

I'm at SDC right now...waiting in line for Outlaw Run. It appears that the sensors that operate the station brakes are the guilty party in the consistent breakdowns. In fact, just now they are having to evac a train from both the lift and the pre-station brake run. I'll keep everyone updated!

I could see RMC installing a loop, but not at Six Flags Over Texas. If we're talking about true woody loopers, I don't know if I trust anyone but RMC...

Has anyone been on the ride yet? I'm thinking about making the jog to Chicagoland to try Batman and X Flight during Memorial Day Week.

Hey All: My wife and I are looking into a cruise in January or February of 2014 (My show season ends Dec. 31), and were really looking into sailing with either Disney or Royal Caribbean. What are the current sentiments toward these companies? We are looking at Bahamanian or Caribbean itineraries only (Although RCCL has an epic-looking Trans-Atlantic itinerary).