QueerRudie

MMMmmmmmm... New form of Meat product.... I'm SO there!

Sausage > every other meat product.

Sausage. Could life get any better than Sausage?

Resolutions? Aren't those screen types? Anyway.... 1. Get the hell out of DC 2. Forget 2008 3. Eat more meat.

A nice, sharp Shun 9 inch Carving knife A set of Anna Russell CDs Gift cards galore... Sausage.

Back in 2003, I visited PGA for the first time, and whilst standing in line for Vortex, I could see the 'leftovers' from the Tidal Wave... and got a tear in my eye for the loss of a great ride. I still have very fond memories of King Kobra, and despite how much I like Anaconda, wish I could ride it again.... It is sad to see such great pics in a way. Beautiful as they are, a Schwartzkopf coaster will always get my vote over anybody else's coasters- as they are simply classic. (See my AVATAR for that vote!)- This summer I finally logged Whizzer- and if sources here have been correct, none too soon. My hopes if I ever hit the lottery are to setup a 'retirement' home for Schwartzkopf rides in the Desert- so all may enjoy them in the future!

OK- THAT WAS WAAAAAAAAYYYYYY TOOO COOL! AMAZING! Whomever is doing the Marketing for them needs to get a BIG bonus for that great effort!

Having made three trips to SFA during the 2008 season, I can say, without question, that it was the single WORST year in their history, period. The first trip, to get 'processed' I spent nearly three hours in line, just to be told that they couldn't enter my mailing address into the system- as it would not recognize my zip code. I had to use somebody else's address. The second trip was, in all of my years of going to SFA/AW/WW or any other park I've been to, the -worst- excuse for a park's operations in my life. We're talking PURE trash. NOTHING could have made a bad day any worse than having SFA Staff throw trash at me based upon my looks; or finding out that all the rides were 'out of order' due to power problems- yet- EVERY food booth, shop and game was FULLY powered for you to spend money. Seeing staff standing around with 'Oh, we're sorry, you can go shop' emotions on their face was a true DISGRACE. I have -never- been so angry at a park before in my life- and I made it quite clear to managment through SIX letters to various channels- of which I've not heard ONE PEEP of an apology or even a response. The third trip, this fall, was the best of the three- and even that 'good' experience was WORSE than what I would expect at a travelling carnival. I used to thing SFA had some good potential behind it, and had the ability to be a great place. I'm beginning to think that unless they put some real managment in place and to train staff better, the future is going to be bleak at best. If they don't make those changes, move the rides to other worthy SF parks, sell the land and make some good use out of it, as without changes, the park is DOOMED.

Wow- thanks for the great thread; I have never seen so much great stuff on Opryland before- a park I'd had the chance to go to, but didn't- sadly. Back in 2000, I was 'sentanced' to Nashville for a previous employer, and was there for the opening weekend of Opry Mills- having a few days at the Opryland Hotel, I wandered around and saw the hulk of Grizzly River Rampage- thinking, at one point, that it was 'scenery' I looked closer, and saw the thing sitting there, deserted, with assorted bits and pieces of ride hardware inside of it; this having been just a few short years past the execution and demolition of Opryland. I got a 'very odd' feeling staring at it; almost like ghosts were about, something that to this day creeps me about seeing ANY defunct ride- (Drachen Fire, prior to it's execution, for example)- and I now kick myself for NOT getting there in it's final season.

For me, there are two simulators which stand out above the rest; not necessarily because one is particularly more advanced than the others, but rather: They were FUN! #1: Questor (both OLD and NEW cuts)- Nothing beat a long cool tunnel, a fun ride and some very cheesy dialogue- plus that cool-ass animatronic figure before boarding the boxes; I still remember most of the dialogue that was said, and miss the ride itself- as it was always a fun stop off at BGW during my early college years, and was a great place to 'ride out' the storm at the park during the summer rainy afternoons. #2 "Elvira's House of Superstition"- Nothing will every come nearly as close to beyond campy, silly and downright fun as riding Superstition; I've never ridden it outside of an IWerks Motion Seat theater. At one point, the local Dave & Buster's at White Flint Mall had a IWerks ride theater, and I'd often spend more money on the sim than the actual food/games/adult beverages provided therein. Nothing complicated about it, but the sheer entertaiment value was for me worth every single minute of it. Nowadays, even with the different ride technologies out there, nothing can touch these two gems which are missed and beloved; I'm finding it harder to find Superstition close to home, but when I do find it, I'm always the first in line!

A great collection of posts, no doubt about it- and a little bit of trivia back about Ocean View Park's Rocket.... Back when I was in College in Tidewater, a friend of mine (also an enthusiast) showed me something that made me DROOL... It was THREE of the cars from the defunct Rocket, languishing away next to an old warehouse near the Campus of Old Dominion University. When I left Tidewater in the late 90s, they were still there, but as that area has been 'redeveloped' I'm quite sure they are now gone, sadly. If I'd only had a trailer and a place to store them...

Having now spent several days going thru the 'attic' as presented, I can say without any abandon: Thank you! You have brought back so many memories of my life in the Souithwest during that era, and so many MANY different images of growing up- Thank you so much- It is beyond what anybody has ever posted and I look forward to furture postings- as they bring be back to my pre-coaster youth (YES, I didnt start riding until I was 13; too scared back then!) R.D.

From September 2003-August 2004; I was too sick to ride anything execept Bed: The ride and Work: the Adventure.

Fast pass and all the things associated with it. No questions about it. Those things deteriorate capacity, lengthen lines and result in people waiting longer for rides than they should, just for a theme park to make a bigger buck.

100: Thriller/Taz/Zonga (SFMW, vallejo CA) 150: Mindbender, SFOG 200: Goliath, Walibi World 250: Giant Dipper, San Diego 300: Demon, SFGAm and counting....

Nucking Futs, really. It's an interesting concept, and looks -way cool- really if you consider that the lift is 'exposed' as it is; but the drop leaves something to be desired- Perhaps at least 15 degrees more angle? That said, Way to go HW for an innovative new ride!

I guess I'm blessed- I've only had 'grey-outs' on the WCM Mindbender- and that was after the third ride of the day. But then again, I must be sick/twisted. I LIKE the feeling- I'm a PosG whore- give me Gs! The only time I've gotten them was when I was dehydrated and hungry at the same time- which caused me to get very VERY nauseus. Either way- if that's becoming a problem- check out what's affecting you at the time- I.E. whether or not you ate right, are drinking enough fluids etc. If all else fails, a trip to the Drs might help as well-

Perhaps it's due to my size/stature: Any TOGO Standup Death Machine's done it for me- I end up like a deranged sounding Mickey Mouse when (they) hit the brakes at the end of the ride- (In Mickey Mouse-esque voice) MOTHERF#$&^%^& BRAKES. WHAT THE F*&! AND I ALWAYS WANTED TO HAVE KIDS.

Having read the follwoing posts about SFA from all those who have had trips there this year, I am quite happy to see the posts by Robb and Elissa about the park. I used to defend SFA in the same way- I actually ENJOYED the 2Face coaster- and the collection sports many good rides therin. Here's the problem: No love, no park. And it appears that the love is now missing from the park is causing great grief- and I've been a victim of such love. I posted earlier in this thread about a -miserable- experience at the park- and I'm standing by it- I've not heard ONE iota of apology from the park- I've been going to SFA/AW/WW since 1991 when the park was 'reborn'- and I've seen the 'highs' and 'lows' of the park and it's environs. Up until 2001/2002 it has always been a good experience, although a bit crowded and not the fastest operators in place, but still a generally good park. It's however disheartening to see the park decline- and in the past few years, so quickly. Rides not operating, broken or unpainted (Sorry, peeling paint DOES NOT count as theming!) nor do I see any real care for the parks's infrastructure. Let me break it down this way: If one takes a look at the 'activity' of the park we might be getting clues to the park's future- so here goes: 1.) Rides: Last major Coaster, 2001. Seven Major coasters, Six operational at any one time, most operated under capacity. Many times single train operation on 'off' days, despite heavy crowds. Low capacity due to operators. 2.) Cleanliness: Generally good. Trash is obvious, but not overflowing. Some areas need a good sweep. Parking lots not maintained very well; trash abounding. Paint is peeling and in many cases needs replacement outside of the park's gates. 3.) Staff: Poor. With the exception of a few (Front gate/security; some shop people) Poor. I've never had such a surly experience as the operators there this season; it's as if customer service training was forgotten along the way. Beyond poor. 4.) Price. Obscene. I've seen parks hike prices through the ceiling as of the past few years, but there is some limit to the levels of cost for simple items: Water, 3.50 plus tax, for example. I will admit that I'm a bit more finicky than most on this respect, but when I'm paying around 20.00 USD for a meal, it had better be worth it. Sorry SFA, missed again. 5.) Infrastructure: Good, Bad, UGLY. The front areas of the park (Main Street, entry gates) are in good shape. Very clean and well attended. Parts of the Southwest Territory need attention (Stucco is cracked/failing; paint needed, etc.) and some rides are -certainly- in need of a good plastic surgeon. (Wild One's platform roof is missing shingles; peeling paint; Jinx has bars falling down from the queue line, lap bars inop on select rows, and 'restricted' with black electrical tape)- It looks awful to see that on every other train; even worse when that ride is one of the 'higher' capacity rides to work with. Pathways and lighting are good. What does this spell to me: Sale of the park. It is almost inevitable at this point that they're considering it simpy to pay down debt; I can ONLY hope a good family comes along to take over SFA and make it into a decent experience once again. Good transport access, plenty of land to work with and a general re-trenching of the park is necessary to make it a viable alternative park again- as it once was. 2001/2002 were (in my opinon!) the best years of the park when they REALLY hit their stride- and with some love and attention, they could be again.

Whizzer at SFGam- and worth it's weight in GOLD.

Thanks to all who have posted GREAT info on SFGAm- A photo trip report is pending- with TONS of shots of the 'classics' which I was very happy to get credit on- but due to circumstances beyond my control (As in, Josh was 1/2 inch SHORT of the heights for the Beemers- sadly- and due to -beyond- overcrowded conditions...) I was unable to ride as much as I'd like- but a basic rundown here before the BIG post early next week- 1.) First ride was SUPPOSED to have been Spacely's Sprocket Rockets BUT- my Vekoma curse kicked in- Every time I try to ride a (new to me Vekoma) the ride INVARIABLY breaks down before I even get the chance to ride it! 2.) Logger's Run: For the flume enthusiasts: WOW! 3.) American Eagle: Overtrimmed, but still a FUN FUN time- but DESPERATLY needs retracking around the first helix. GREAT drop! 4.) DEMON: Of all the parks I've attented over the past 25 years, they had the SINGLE FASTEST loading of any of them: Three trains, and a full house done and on in 20 minutes. WAY TO GO! Also was playing the cheesy and very funny 1980 recording made about how ToC turned into THE DEMON. Two hands WAY WAY UP! 5.) Whizzer: The last Schwartzkopf coaster I needed to 'complete' my Collection. 1.5 hour wait- Full house, out the door. Front seat ride, have some on-ride shots (I Hope they turned out!) Of all the rides that day, the one which was, at least for me, the best. I'm a purist when it comes to my coasters, and one who appreciates the TLC that a park needs for such a grand Dame of coasters. A well run, very VERY smooth and all-around winner of a coaster, one of the greats. BEYOND fun. Ran like her track was made of glass- and for me a DEFINITE thriller! 6. Yankee Clipper: Having done the West-Coast GA, I never had the chance to ride it, was glad I got to at SFGam- Good ride, although ended up BEYOND soaked (Memo to Fat guys like me out there- NEVER ride the YC in the back seat- you'll get DRENCHED.) 7. V2: Good. VERY good. Long line, but moved relatively fast. Love the 'vertical' spike which I'd not been able to experience at SFMW in 2003. AMAZING experience. Caution: Eating Candy Floss before riding NOT good. Eating Candy Floss less than 2 minutes before riding: REALLY BAD IDEA. Also: My apologies to SFGAm for destroying the bush just to the left of the exit path. More to come next week...

Anton is now rolling in his grave- sadly.

I might be in the minority on this one: 1.) TwoFace at SFA- I -never- have had a bad trip on him when he WAS running; 2.) The BAT at Canada's Wonderland- Also a pleasant enough ride...

There is NOTHING quite as sad nor as 'haunted' as a theme park that's been left to die.

OK: Here goes! Headed to SFGam for the first time- and will be taking a friend and his son with me. I'm a die-hard coaster enthusiast, and his son is 8- so I have to be mindful of him. That having been said: Which rides tend to have the longest lines and when do they get that way- I'd like to ride all of the 'big boy' rides- but don't want to leave my companion and his son abandoned due to the inability to ride- Lemme know what y'all think on this!