Thunder_Run

Kentucky Kingdom Steeplechase/Derby-themed Motocoaster There needs to be some sort of steeplechase or horse-themed motocoaster in this state, we're the purported "horse-capital of the world" so it would be so fitting to see one at Kentucky Kingdom if possible, not only due to it being in Kentucky, but also since it's very close in proximity to the famous Churchill Downs. If it was a steeplechase ride of the sorts I'd most likely limit the number of tracks from 3 to 4, seeing as they suffer a bit of a capacity problem with individual cars. If a motocoaster was the choice, I'd go with just a single track at the minimum due to cost measures, but if there was enough cash to go around, adding another track would be a nice idea.

With how much people comment on Beech Bend's aesthetics, thought it'd be interesting to post a picture from what I think was 1996, the year before the park reopened (or at least, the old water slides and the swimming pool.) While I'm not exactly sure of the date since I found this on a now long defunct site years ago, Beech Bend Hall can be seen in the area where the old dancing pavilion was, which also was demolished in that very year, so this may have taken between 1996-1997. They added a brand new picnic shelter as well, which can see below. Pretty much almost anything you see in the picture, otherwise, is what remained untouched from when it closed seemingly for good in 1984. The lake really was more of a lake before it was partially filled in. Fun thing: I didn't realize until I was looking at the picture while typing this up, you can actually see a ton of evidence of the rides from the Garvin days: The old footers for the Tumblebug's loading platform where Scat 2 is today, the footers for the Wild Mouse where the Dragon coaster is, and incredibly even the old ferris wheel still standing in its original location (originally it was in the spot where the Tilt-A-Whirl was today.) Hard to believe it managed to last another 14 years, even if the last one was only while in an SBNO status. 77 years old, pretty impressive for a typical Eli-Bridge. 1996-1997 Aerial

Beech Bend's Air Race arrived and was assembled yesterday afternoon. Not surprised it's a portable model, but that could be a good thing in case they decide to relocate it to a better spot in the park. Some photos can be seen up on their facebook of them setting it up. If anyone was planning to visit this year, may be important to inform you that Power Surge has officially been removed for the addition of Air Race in its same spot. I've kinda been expecting this for a year or two now, it originally scared me nearly to death back in 2009, but ever since it was relocated across the lake to Looping Star's old spot it began to be plagued with mechanical problems about every week. Really started to show in 2013 when the ride cycle was significantly tamed. Sad to see it go, but I'm happy at least it's been replaced with something outstanding.

Any kind of automobile track that allows you to control the car's direction with the wheel. Honestly surprised I haven't seen anyone else mention those already.

Probably Ninja at Six Flags St. Louis. Even though I personally found it just mediocre (except the surprise element of the chainlift headchopper), losing one half of the River King Mine Train (from what I heard it was the better side as well), the Condor (even though it was in the ride rotation program), and especially Jet Scream for a relocated Arrow/Vekoma coaster is definitely up there as one of the worst.

Very nice additions for next year, especially the air race and new wave swinger! I remember back in 2007 when they attempted to bid on Wild West World's model and their Flying Scooters, but lost. I don't know where the wave swinger went, but the flyers unfortunately were bought by Granite Park, which never got off the ground. I am curious to see what the Monster Truck ride looks like, I figure though it is probably intended for kids. Only wish they didn't have the 5th ride be a new model of the Tornado; that is probably one of the least fun rides I have ever been on. The concept is nice on paper, but trying to spin it in the air in reality is just frustrating.

Scat 2. There are no words upon hearing children utter "I wanna go on the Scat!"

Not a surprise to anyone is El Toro, with a surprise 2nd being Lightning Run. It may sound weird to call it the "kiddie coaster companion to El Toro", but that's what it kinda is to me, considering how violent the airtime is on El Toro (you wonder why it's named the Spanish translation for "The Bull"? You're gonna be pale and speechless after riding it. ) and how similarly powerful it felt on Lightning Run, especially that last bunny hop into the break run! For floater airtme though, I'd have to say Kentucky Rumbler wins hands down. Pure bliss with a coaster chock full of airtime like that that seemingly never looses any momentum as it twists and turns through its wicked layout.

Beech Bend made another post yesterday, along with teasing one of the new attractions. Looks like one of the propellers on the arm of an Air Race. Most likely getting one then. Though I'm still anxious for the announcement on Monday; more curious about the other rides.

Considering that one of the best wooden coasters in the US is almost always a walk-on, yes, it is indeed a shame. You really can just marathon the Rumbler very easily, that is, if you don't mind having to constantly walk down the weird exit down to the Rumbler Cafe and back to the queue over and over. If I didn't know any better, you could literally call the Rumbler a "backyard roller coaster" for Bowling Green. Though it does really need a lot more attractions to keep visitors from just repeating the same rides over and over again, it can be a pretty nice park for those who seek what can be considered non-existing lines, if a bit pricey.

Beech Bend announced on Facebook today they have purchased a couple of rides from Zamperla, curious to see what they may be. Wouldn't be surprised if one of the additions was an Air Race, given that they have become quite popular. Not exactly sure where they would possibly place it given its large ride pad, though. Only locations I can think of that would allow it to fit would be where the Magnolia and Carousel shelters stand between the Haunted House and the Wild Mouse.

People in queue lines who swat at bees or wasps. Its not only dangerous if someone could be allergic, but often the insect goes after someone else instead like a little kid and they get stung horribly.

I've been able to tolerate and actually sometimes even love a lot of coasters most hate. I adored Looping Star when it was at Beech Bend, Vortex at King's Island was awesome, Ninja at Six Flags St. Louis was pretty good, sans the first loop and the corkscrews, almost all the coasters I've gone on have had little to no headbanging. But when Ninja at Six Flags Over Georgia already was giving a quite bit of headbanging before the lift hill, it already was near the bottom of my list. The first drop, butterfly loop, sidewinder, and corkscrews acted as concrete blocks attached to it to make sure it stayed down there. My ears were about red and seriously sore for four days (wouldn't be surprised they enforced the no earring policy due to several bloody ears), and all I heard when we got back to the station was groaning and swearing like no tomorrow. I feel bad for people who think it's going to be a good coaster when they go to ride it for the first time, because behind the beautiful lake location and the seemingly-shiny new paint, it's really the poster child for Vekoma's infamous headbanging association.

Six Flags Over Georgia. For the most part, we had a blast at the park, but Georgia Cyclone and Mindbender had atrocious operations. Georgia Cyclone had three people operating it, one who seemed amused and chatty, only doing the visual scan and not helping a woman who was doing the lap-bar check. The woman definitely seemed unenthusiastic, as when it came to check the lap bars, she could just casually and tiredly walk alongside the train. When we got seated, the woman was about to check, when her coat fell off one of the queue bars... she kept trying to put it back up for around two minutes, each time she heard it fall over she turned around as she was just about to start checking the lap bars. I had never seen anything like it. Unbelievable. Mindbender wasn't as bad, because we understood that it had one train operations. But the queue was moving at a horrid snails pace, and when we got to a good view of the station, we saw it was taking them 4 minutes average to dispatch. It got better when we finally reached the station, averaging up to two minute dispatches, but they apparently thought it was a good idea to not alternate between flash pass and the people in the normal queue each train, and packed as many flash pass people into a train for 3 dispatches in a row. In all, we waited AT LEAST three hours for Mindbender. It was worth it in my opinion however, because we were able to essentially get a night ride and earn myself a new all-time favorite coaster.

I'm honestly completely surprised that Soak'd and Maximum RPM have been bought by someone. Both pretty much are capacity nightmares given their design (all mini-suspended coasters like Soak'd have been, and the ferris wheel lift hill for RPM... no thanks) and both are equally not that enjoyable in layout. I was seriously expecting them to bite the dust and be cut up. Then again, this may give credibility to the whole Vietnam park rumor if they bought these for usage other than scrap metal.

To be honest, I never really got why there was suddenly a craze or if there even was a "demand" for wet-dry slides in the early 1990's other than the fact that some parks didn't want to spend too much money on a whole water park. And then there's the fact some parks even added the slide complexes right before or just after they gained a water park (Astroworld's Adventure Rivers, Worlds of Fun's Python Plunge, Kentucky Kingdom's The Squid, etc.) Only notable case I can think of where they were decently popular was SFGAdv's Adventure Rivers section with the three complexes... and those only lasted 8 years at the park before being removed for Looney Tunes Seaport. I will say, however, that this one certainly looks more exciting than any other thus far with that half-pipe section. Never seen one themed before either, so it looks pretty awesome!

Kentucky Kingdom as a whole has had a weird problem with placement of various rides throughout its history, bad or just odd.Bluebeard's Bounty was hardly ever filled once Vampire was removed due to it being on a dead end, the entirety of Northwest Territory was difficult to find due to the large amount of trees blocking the view of the only small entrance to the area between the Flying Dutchman and Bella Musica, and now Skycatcher and Cyclos (Why directly behind the flying scooters?) Even some sections of Hurricane Bay have been placed in weird places, like the play structure and Tornado (especially Tornado, given that it basically looks almost like its in normal part of the park since it was built where the Quake was. Really garish too in the Belgian Village) Kentucky Kingdom has the weirdest layout for a park. Period.

Sorry, should have put an indicator of the old go-kart queue. Added one now to make it more clear.

For those who cannot see the newest park map linked on the last page (probably a majority of you, the image is ridiculously huge, it took around three minutes to load for me), I've created an image showing where Skycatcher probably will go based on both the map and an aerial from Bing Maps. It seems it may be reusing the old go-karts queue, which I've indicated with some blue lines. Estimated ride pad location marked by teal circle with red circle inside. Note the former go kart's currently unused queue.

It's pretty obvious by my username which is my number one pick for this. Said this before in a previous thread I believe, but my first time riding Thunder Run, (second car, front row) the third airtime hill basically just threw me up with enough force the seat-belt unbuckled. Got scared for a moment, but looking back on it, that was a pretty fun ride. I really can't wait to ride it again since the park re-opened. Somewhat-related, but I don't think anyone has mentioned that Thunder Run was re-profiled some time between 1990 and 1995. Not minor, mind you, it was quite major; just given how low to the ground most of the track is though, most people pretty much have no idea it was. Before the re-profiling, the second airtime hill was more parabolic in shape and somewhat higher. On that long stretch leading to the third major turn, there used to be a double-up, and the small hill following the turn also was more of a parabola. Shame, because considering after they replaced the train, the ride became a fully enjoyable experience with not that much roughness, and oh yeah, the shuffling was practically non-existent then (at least when I rode it).

Took a look today on their website, and saw that they recently updated their park map for 2014. Like they announced on Twitter before, they have relocated the kiddie bumper boats from Christmas all the way over by Hyena Falls in Splashin' Safari under a new name. But that wasn't the only thing I noticed that had changed on the map. Giraffica escapes from the Safari? Not going to give any ideas about what may be going on, but my curiosity is piqued that such a large attraction like Giraffica is missing from the map.

I think it would be particularly interesting to see something along the lines of Powder Keg at Silver Dollar City be featured on this show. Besides being an interesting, semi-unique coaster in the region which would be great to see behind the scenes, it'd be even more unique to show it as a prime example that sometimes a faulty, mediocre ride can be turned into something spectacular. It still would be nice to see the details of it as Buzz Saw Falls and as Powder Keg, but what I think would be the highlight would be seeing how S&S reworked the ride, the incorporation of elements it retained from Buzz Saw Falls, etc. Heck, any coaster that had a transformation like Powder Keg did would be a neat little feature!

Hmmm, renaming the Congo back to Safari Village? I can understand the other details, like Anaconda being refurbished, Candy Apple Grove getting its name and theme back, but I wonder why they are changing it back to Safari Village? I doubt they are bringing back a safari, since the land is overgrown now and used as a bone yard, and running a safari would require a LOT more budget focused separately on them, but this intrigues me nonetheless. I wonder if they might re-theme Intimidator 305 into something safari themed now to fit in with the area? Flight of Fear can stay with its current theme as a secret base within a jungle, I think, but Intimidator getting a retheme would be interesting, IMHO.

So far there has only been two cases where I found that the experience was either different from what I was expecting or didn't appear to match with enthusiast's opinion, the first being Beech Bend Park's Looping Star. I hardly remember any headbanging, and the loop in the middle was pure bliss! The second one definitely had to be the Ninja at Six Flags St. Louis... what the hell, it's actually PRETTY decent! Definitely has some headbanging (I felt as if with my braces on my teeth were like baby teeth about to fall out) , but the ride is pretty unique for an Arrow/Vekoma hybrid, especially with that surprise headchopper!

Oh man, this is terrible to hear. I really hope this doesn't result in another New Jersey pier being lost to fire forever, that seems to have been a common fate for many of them over the years, like Long Branch's pier had burnt to a crisp back in the 1980's. Here's to hoping no one gets seriously injured during this chaos, and especially hoping that it just sticks to the pier.