anonymouscactus

Great report! Glad you had such a good time. It's an interesting park, with some interesting rides, for sure.

Appreciate all the information!

Do most of the places around the park accept credit cards, or should I instead plan on using cash? I read that credit cards aren't as popular in Germany, but specifically at Phantasialand they have some weird policies just for booking and paying for the hotel (my friend was telling me CC was not an option and you had to do a wire transfer?? Really?). I was curious if it was the same around the park? I couldn't find a whole lot about it in my internet searches other than some info from as few years ago. I don't know if things have changed or if I should rely on cash for things around the park?

Great review and photos! Interesting to see a different viewpoint from the usual. We worked together at SeaWorld at one time, I think JTA brainwashed you into disliking (other?) water rides. I didn't realize Tripsdrill was going to be so awesome! I love weird stuff. Looking forward to my visit to these parks. Not trying to over hype things in my head, some pretty harsh realizations and opinions here, but obviously everyone is different and it is nice to hear the good and bad.

I'm hopping back into this thread. So a buddy of mine invited me on a trip to Germany in September! I can't believe it's only 2 months away.... but that also means I need to lose some weight as I'd imagine the rides over there are a bit more restrictive than in the USA. So I want to lose as much weight as I can, but it has been so difficult as I have been eating and snacking even when I'm not hungry. I'm going to whip out the dance dance revolution starting tomorrow to get a little exercise in but I really need to limit my eating. I did Carowinds and Kings Dominion recently and was barely able to fit in everything, but I did need to use modified seating on Afterburn. The others were close calls. Wish me luck I can't think of anything more disappointing than traveling all that way and not being able to go on a long list of bucket list rides. You would think that would be motivation enough....

What specific dishes did you have that was good?

Well, I am officially reserved for hotel Charles Lindbergh in September! We will be spending two full days at the park, along with 2 full days at Europa (+ waterpark twilight admission) and Tripsdrill and Holiday Park. Most excited for Phantasialand! Any recommendations on food? For dinner the first day we will be eating at the hotel since it's included, but what recommendations for during the day? I'm pretty open to anything / any type of food, so I'm curious as to what some of your favorites are. Thanks again for all the advice.

Thanks for the thorough review. And yes I will give you flack for your Noah's Ark review, lol. (Imagine doing that whole experience, including the stairs, in pitch black during a special Halloween event). I do agree despite living so close to Kennywood we've only been there twice in the past 8 years or so. I want to like it, but there is always something wrong with it, things are closed, or I expect rides to be better than they actually are. I think the spinning mouse is really fun when you get it spinning right (the theme is very unique and cheesy and that's why I love it) but besides a few rides I am usually underwhelmed. So you're not the only one.

Yes, I'm aware they are definitely tiny, but the location is the equivalent of people who like being able to walk right on the beach... but for a coaster enthusiast. The only negative in my eyes is my snoring will probably rumble the room in such a small space... I can do a Google search for some photos so no need to go out of your way, but thanks!

Yes, it's in the comment section on the official Hershey page / post on Facebook, I know that for sure. It was the first thing I checked because a lot of people do fake these kinds of things.

Thanks so much for the (quick) feedback. We will definitely do two days. now to convince my friend to do the Charles Lindbergh hotel!

So... I think I will be going to Germany for the first time during the middle of September, and one stop will be Phantasialand on a Wednesday or Thursday. I know this was JUST talked about, but they have shorter hours so I'm assuming the crowds will be lower, but is it absolutely a 2 day park even during what might be the slower part of the season, for a first timer? Or is it definitely 100% a two day park. Just reading in this thread I've seen waits of 45-60 min for things, and if that's the case, im definitely thinking 2 days. And if I'm thinking 2 days I'm also thinking of the Lindbergh hotel as an option. I know it's been asked before but I'm just trying to get a feel for the park. I don't want to be spoiled by stuff so I don't want to go through this thread too much, though I did watch a documentary on FLY because I never thought I'd ever visit Germany.... but here we are. The new area looks fascinating. Outside of the new area, I know absolutely nothing. I don't want to rush in 1 day or risk missing out on anything. Just go for it? I saw there is a fast queue option but it seems to be pay per ride?

Unless the ride was in manual mode, I don't think this is possible. I don't know why everyone thinks 4th of July weekend is always crazy busy just because it's a holiday. Since the end of time since I was a kid I think people have been scared to go because they think it will be crowded. And this year has the added fact of gas prices for those traveling from afar; I only say that because every highway I was on all weekend seemed pretty dead in general. I know there are a ton more factors and this is just an observation by one person. I was at Carowinds on Saturday and it was the same thing. I've been to Dorney (ok bad example) and it SFNE and Darien Lake in the past. Everyone this weekend seemed to be in the waterpark. Cedar Point appeared to be the same based on trip reports and queue times. As was many other major parks. Not empty but very light attendance compared to any normal summer day. I feel like I say this every year.

Was driving by the park today on the way home from a different excursion so I stopped in for an hour. Tunbili -- went here first after the park opened (after getting lost a few times) ---- despite only having 3 groups ahead of me, they were only running 1 train. Being the smaller model the ride is REALLY way too short. Got 2 good flips but otherwise I've had better rides on the various Jokers. The op asked me what my favorite ride in the park was, and said I was "basic" for liking i305 the most. Pssh. INTIMIDATOR - walk on. Jesus Christ how does this ride exist. Usually greying out is fun but I think it was just too damn hot and uncomfortable this time around. And I was also getting lightly misted in the face by the sprayers in the station and residue on the train during the lift/1st drop. After the turn and being fully recovered the ride was fantastic and I still can't believe how intense this thing is. I could only do 1 ride this time around... I'm getting old. Twisted Timbers - after trying to open the package to the FL+ wristbands (I have all season platinum for Cedar Fair) for 5 minutes because neither me or the shop owner could get it opened (I wasn't going to be nasty and use my teeth) finally she found some scissors as I figured there might be a line by this point (there was not ... 3/4 the trains were empty). Damn this ride is fun, but still a little uncomfortable. Not nearly as bad as some of the other RMCs. I really dig this ride and layout. That's all I rode in my hour there. Too much walking for things days prior so I was hurting, it was too damn hot, and I wanted to be able to get home by 10pm with an 8-9 hour drive from the area. I was just there in October of last year, so it was really just a "bonus stop" since it was literally off the highway where we were driving. Not sure why I made a not very exciting trip report, but whatever lol

I think it's just the lack of beer that most people here can't stand holiday world, not objectively looking at the park as a whole. And they've never been on the water coasters, because they will change your life. They had another set of slides for solo riders way out near Thunderbird but they took them out. They were decent.

Random Question: we have platinum passes, does Carowinds have the option of the self-service parking kiosks to scan your season pass to get in like some of the other CF parks? Going with guests and just want to know if we have to separate in our cars or not or just swap places before going into the park.

Just get there when the park opens and you can do a quick stroll around to get on all the rides. Even on holidays we never spent more than a few hours and lines were non existent.

Thanks for the info! I will be making a quick stop at Kings Dominion on the way home on July 4th as well. It will be a long day of driving so I won't be there too long and I've been there quite a few times. Carowinds I have as much time as I need so I may even ride some flats and stuff I normally wouldn't ride, especially having FL this time around, and going with someone new to the park. Looking forward to it! It was a last minute decision so I'm excited to have a park planned so soon. Never done Apple Zapple so if it's like the one at Carowinds I'll do one or the other. I've only been on a Boo Blasters once in my lifetime surprisingly. I see it's on FL so I'll definitely ride it at Carowinds. How does the Plants vs Zombies line get? I remember it being a huge room so I would figure the line probably wouldn't be outrageous, I just remember not enjoying it so much because it was so hard to figure out which target you were. I didn't even realize they had a waterpark. I just feel like the crowds on a Saturday wouldn't warrant it since FL is no good there, though.

Haven't been to the park since Fury first opened. Will be visiting on Saturday July 2nd. Yes, the busy holiday weekend with fireworks etc. Luckily for me we have platinum all season fast lane. - Anything special I need to know about FastLane? Should I go anywhere first due to a merge point, or just ride and reride whenever and wherever? - According to queue times it looks like nighthawk is still closed. Any idea when/if it's going to reopen? - What's the best food in the park? Don't know if I'll eat there or not since I scoped out some restaurants in Charlotte that look delicious but maybe we'll get a quick lunch or snack, depending. - How is Hurler? Never been on it. Front vs back for the best ride? Is it going to kill me? - Copperhead is also new to me, any seating advice? Looks very hangtimy and seats may not matter, but thought I'd ask. I'm excited for the JO-JO - Probably won't be a super long trip with FL and I don't know if I'll stay for Carnivale OR fireworks stuff... or do they put on a really good show and I should stick around and deal with people and traffic? - Any other advice? I'll also be going with my Sister who has never been to the park so that will be fun too. - Any other big boy seats on any rides? It looks like Afterburn has them based on my limited research. Thanks!

Even with two metal detector sides going, when the ride reopened from a breakdown a few weeks ago it still sent at least 6 trains with only a few people in them and then gradually filling in. They definitely need to figure that out.

I know it doesn't matter anymore, but i definitely vote Scary Farm over HHN Hollywood. In September you'll have a great time. It's more unique and if you're not seeing repeat houses since you've never been, it'll be a good time for sure. Glad you now get to experience Disney too! Still never been to Oogie Boogie, let alone Disneyland or California Adventure. Was hoping to go this year but it's just not going to work out. ..... I don't think....

lol.... as a ride op I always loved the parents who said they would "sign a waiver" when their kids were way too short. I swear someone would say that at least once a week. Ok sir, sounds great! Let me get a pen for you...

True Story: the one ride you can always count on to be open in the rain is wick.... oh.

Well, it may be garbage, but the $$$ is going to charity, so there's that at least.

Was supposed to go to an all inclusive resort and do a family trip with my parents and siblings next month in Cancun. Unfortunately my brother was diagnosed with cancer recently and treatment keeps getting longer and longer and he would not be done with treatment in time for the trip, so we decided to cancel/delay until next year. All is not lost, however, we just booked a 6 day Western Caribbean cruise on Royal Caribbean just my wife and I. Looking forward to December! I love the trip planning process, it makes me happy inside!