bert425

I followed along on the socials too, but really enjoyed re-looking at your coverage here in one post. biggest eye-opener for me is that the "bike-seat" really is just a pretty standard coaster seat designed to look like a bike. I was thinking it would be more akin to a moto-coaster, or pony-express seat. Those are pretty standard on some Disc-O's now, so a little surprised they went for a standard seat configuration. tho it does LOOK fantastic themed wise. I'm not a big Potter film fan, but I did really enjoy the books (starting with the 2nd one, the first one was a bit too young for me. . but gotta read it to know the characters so I plowed thru it in a night). So I'm sure I'd recognize some of the stuff, but not a lot if most of it is based on the films - several of which I've still not yet seen. it does look like it's a fun experience, just for the low lying track. shame they didn't do more outdoor theming, and slowdowns to enjoy the theming they DO have on the ride. but I'm sure it will do gangbusters for them, drawing in more folks with such a heavy tie to the Potterverse. thanks again for the coverage.

Day 1: part 1 St Louis Zoo So we got up insanely early, and headed to the airport in Austin for our 5:30 am flight. Because we were leaving so early on a Friday, the traffic was almost nothing so we made great time. Parking was a breeze at the airport. Checking our bag, and Security were very fast too, since we were there before the morning rush of Business Travelers. Heck, we were actually at our gate by 4:15, a good 15 minutes before even the Coffee Stands / food stands in the Austin Airport were open. Austin – Bergstrom is an International Airport, but if you have a flight before 4:30am, or arrive back post 10pm? Good luck finding anything open in the Airport – which is a shame, since the Austin airport is filled with local eateries / companies, and there really are some great options. We flew Southwest - our preferred carrier for direct flights - and as is typical these days (especially with some other airlines cancelling flights due to the Boeing stuff), the flight was COMPLETELY full. At least we know the drill to check in 24 hours in advance, so we had our choice of seats as we were low B boarding numbers. Nick prefers window, and I get a little claustrophobic, so I like the aisle seat. But as it was a full flight, we did end up with someone between us – who in addition to her huge bag, also had a small dog in a carrier that she put under the seat in front of her. Side note: it’s been about 9 months since I’ve flown anywhere, but at that time there wasn’t this current thing that folks travel with animals in animal carry ons. Not only on our flight, but we saw TONS of small dogs in travel carriers in the St Louis airport upon arrival, as well as while waiting for our flight back. Is this the new trend? Anyways, she was a nice enough center seat companion . . . although she kept opening up the carrier zipper while boarding, all the while saying “I’m not supposed to open it, but look how sweet he is!!!” Nick and I just rolled our eyes at each other behind her (she was leaning forward rubbing the dog’s head), and getting a little concerned when she turned to me and said “you’ll have to watch him when I get up to pee, which will be a lot”. Turned out not to be an issue, as by the time the plane started to back away from the gate – literally 5 minute after she was telling me about how much she had to pee – she was out cold. And slept thru the 1:45 flight, only waking up long enough to shift over and fall asleep with her head leaning into Nick’s space, or into mine, or with her head lolling straight back in the chair. It was pretty odd, but gave me the impression there was some sort of “self-medicating” that had taken place prior to the flight .. as quickly as she was out. At least we didn’t have to make conversation during the flight (and the dog stayed quiet the whole time too). . LOL We arrived in St. Louis just after 7am and I was pleased to note how nice the weather was looking. I hated booking a flight so early, but did so because: 1) it was a direct flight & 2) it would put us into town so early, we could spend the whole day at the Zoo and still make it check in by 4pm. My plan had been: pick up car rental, get to zoo by 9am opening, stay in zoo until at least 1 then head to Art Museum for a couple of hours, and head to hotel by 3:30. Backup plan for rain was to be Art Museum / Science Museum as they are both indoors. . but didn’t need it as the day was gorgeous. We were able to quickly get our bag, and since so early, we stopped at the Info booth at the airport where a very nice gentleman pulled out a St Louis map (that included all the tourist areas), and gave me a quick tour of routes that would be good to use to get where we wanted to go. I had google mapped everything, and had the print outs with us, but I liked his map better. It was so easy to follow, and we made great use of it during our days in town. We took the shuttle to the car rental (Dollar), and again the folks there were very nice and happy to see us – again no lines. . LOL, I guess flying early on a Friday is the way to avoid lines everywhere. He “liked” me so much, he offered me a Mini-van for only $55 a day “usually $105”. I told him no thanks, so he offered me a Sedan for $35 a day. Again, no thanks, the $24 a day car I had booked was just fine. Ended up being more than fine – a Toyota Corolla that got fantastic gas mileage, as well as having a big enough trunk that we could easily lock the Suitcase & Carry on out of sight. He wasn’t thrilled I didn’t upgrade, but handed over the keys and we were off to the zoo, with the map I had gotten from the information booth guy. One thing we noticed while driving: not one cop spotted on Fri/Sat or Sun on the way to Six Flags. The only time we saw any police in St Louis was on Monday coming back from Grant’s Farm – and I think that was only because we were taking side streets and got a “tour” of some of the city neighborhoods. But on the main freeways? *everyone* was speeding, and we never saw any Police Cars. Maybe they all just drive undercover cars? Not that it mattered, as *I*, of course, drove the speed limit. Anyways.. . . . on to 1st batch of pictures: St Louis, I am in you! we're looking pretty perky considering how early we had gotten up (with only a few hours sleep). . and considering how long this 1st day was gonna be. but I think that's the Spirit of St Louis (or at least a replica, since the original is at the Smithsonian), so of course we stopped to take a pic. we got to the zoo about 30 minutes before opening, but that was fine as it allowed us to get some great parking near the entrance, as well as to take our time looking at all the great sculptures scattered around the South Entrance to the Zoo (the North Entrance is facing the interior of Forest Park). Parking was $15, but once we parked at the zoo, we left the car there when we went over to the Art Museum later. this sculpture is a lioness carrying one of her cubs. . . but from the angle Nick too the picture? I think it looks like a lion carrying a warthog's severed head ! multiple sculptures all around the entrance to the Zoo, here in the parking lot, and also across the bridge toward the entrance gates. said bridge, over the road. Chronologically, we're 112 years old together. mentally? we're maybe 12 total? on the zoo side now, looking back at the bridge. what's great about the attractions in Forest Park, and many of the attractions in St Louis, is that they are all free. The only cost is the parking. So the Zoo, the Art Museum, the Science Museum were all free admission, and you only pay for any "upgrade" or special attractions you want to do. in the zoo, I/We absolutely wanted to do the Train and the Carousel they have on site, and I had just planned to buy tickets for those - but the zoo ambassador out front did a fantastic job of upselling us to the Adventure Pass - which at $14 was only $2 more than it would have cost us for just the train & carousel. Instead, with Adventure Pass wristband, we got unlimited rides on both, plus the Sea Lion show, an opportunity to touch stingrays/sharks, and a 4D film (which we didn't bother with, as it was themed to the movie "Smallfoot", so we had no interest). A great deal. Nick attempting to "kiss the cobra" we're now inside the zoo, and we headed directly for the train, to take a lap around the zoo and get the layout. and to experience the train, which several folks has told us "DO NOT MISS" because we had gotten there right at opening, the train wasn't quite ready yet, so we hung out near the "River's Edge" section station, and took some pics. Granted, it was helped by all the rain the city had been getting, but the grounds of the St Louis Zoo are SO lush. Just beautiful. the "River's Edge" section is the only portion of the zoo we didn't end up going thru - not that we woudln't have minded seeing the animals over there (even tho we'd seen them before at other zoos, or at Busch Gardens' parks). . but because this one section is heavily themed with winding, uneven paths and hills - and Nick had left his cane in the car, thinking the zoo would be mainly flat. I had MADE him take his cane on the trip, and he begrudgingly agreed to make me happy. He didn't want to go back to the car and get it, and since we had seen all of the animals featured in this section, I was fine to bypass it, and focus on the rest of the zoo. Spoiler, all the walking this first day really did a number on him, and by the late afternoon he was using the cane, and used it heavily for the rest of the trip. these shots are from the first few hundred feet of the River's Edge section. it really is lovely. .but honestly, the whole zoo is amazing. I think it might be my favorite zoo I've ever been to, knocking San Diego out of my top spot. yes, I loved it that much. River's Edge waterfall and with the tooting of the train horn in the distance, we knew it was time to get a ride on the train so we went back to the station (about 9:15 am). We were the only ones in line at this station -- something that would change in just a couple of hours, when they went from just 1 train to 3, and every station would have full queue lines. (but with the 3 trains on the tracks, the afternoon lines still went pretty fast) so the Station Engineer posed with me as did the Train Conductor who came over to say hello to us, as we were joining his train at this stop. wood seats, but an absolutely lovely train. that makes a nice long loop around the zoo, and you can see some of the exhibits from the train only (or better from the train). and here it is. . the back side of water! (that's the South Entrance to the zoo out there) a view from the train across the lagoon, looking towards the South Entrance take the tunnel ! there are 3 tunnels on this train (I think) . . several of them very long. So damn neat. and like at a theme park train tunnel, everyone hooted and hollared when the train went thru the tunnels. at the train station, you get an amazing view of the Tigers. (yes, this is while we are on the train letting people get on from this station) we rode completely around the park, then stayed on the train to go back to the station over in "the Wild" area. why? because that's where the Zoo's "Conservation Carousel" is of course! we passed another train getting ready to be added to the tracks on our trip around the 2nd time. for Larry - if he wanted a ride sign this tall guy squeezed onto this tiny puffin, cracked me up. (but i got a chance to ride it later in the day too ) just beautiful. yep.. . . everywhere you look. . beautiful This is an absolutely stellar Carousel. yes, it's themed to animals/conservation, so no standard horses or chariots here . . but they are taking incredible care of it (a couple of animals were "missing" and the operator told me they cycle them off occasionally to rehab them). the array of animals to choose from is among the best I've ever seen, with some gorgeous painting all over it - interior panels, exterior panels, all over this carousel is just some fantastic artwork depicting animals. Most of the animals are "sponsored" with plaques under them, and all of them have the name of the animal on the wooden beams overhead. so it's a learning experience at the same time as a beautiful carousel running a nice long program. I *loved* this thing, and we rode it multiple times, including back to back after our 1st ride (got off and immediately got back in line). if I had to say one negative thing about it? the lack of classic carousel music. yes, they were playing some music thru speakers, but it was all more modern songs, mainly with "animal" themes. I mean, I get it . . . . but still wish it had Carousel music. Still loved it tho, and it made my top 3 favorite carousels. technically, according to the wooden beam above, I was riding a constrictor snake. . .but c'mon. I was riding a Log. and I loved it. Nick rode a hippo I love my log. I wanted to carry it around with me all day, like the Twin Peaks lady. beautiful the view from my log. . . after we got back in line, for our 2nd ride. . . I chose to ride: a Silverback Gorilla. while Nick rode a Black Leopard. I thought it was a Panther. but nope. . the wood don't lie ! hey.. .they have a b-unny here too! (the b_unny is "my" ride at SFFT Grand Carousel). But with so many options here, I had to play the field a little bit! they even have a sea lion and her pups as an option to ride. We took a break to eat something, as it was already 10:30 and we hadn't eaten anything yet since getting up that morning. I know it was ~10:30 by now, because we had decided that we'd catch the 11am Sea Lion show (it was included with our adventure bands), and then after that start exploring the animal exhibits. we weren't super hungry, so ended up at Carousel Cafe, which overlooks the lake across from the carousel - a lake full of ducks and flamingos. Very pretty. we had pretzel wrapped turkey and cheese - it was an "almost as good as Busch Gardens Pretzel stand" snack. more zoo pics in next post.

I did want to note - while I'm thinking of it -- that it's very odd to me that SF StL is still using the fingerprint scans to get in. the Texas Parks all switched to the Ipad photo at the gates, but here? still scanning fingers. and when I commented that I was surprised they are still using fingerprint, the lady at the gate looked super confused -- (but then again, she was super confused anyways: the people in front of us (a man and his Mother) had apparently bought passes/dining pass during some sale and they had to be picked up by that Sunday (?). . but the kid they bought the pass for was not with them. so they had a the man getting a pass, and the Grandma (not getting a pass, but standing at the gate with the man to pick up the kids pass). . . after going back and forth a few minutes with the older lady not understanding she can't come in to get the dining pass fulfilled since SHE didn't have a ticket..the gate agent just threw up her hands and said "just come in" and waved them into the park). we thought it was idiotically funny . . .LOL in terms of coasters at the park, this would be my ranking (from best to worst): American Thunder Screamin Eagle Freeze Batman (didn't ride it, only coaster skipped, but it looked as intense as other Batman clones) Boss (tho the laterals are a bit rough) Pandemonium River King Mine Train (that sucker hauls, and the last drop was great) Boomerang (yeah, still pretty sucky, but the location/view was fantastic) Ninja - ugh. . . .

Great report Zach, and glad y'all had a good time. but to you (and Bill), I have to say I'm glad the game was so bad (I know, I know. . . . .but remember, WE were literally less than a mile from the stadium, with hotel on Washington (that was functioning as media center hotel) - so thanks to the Blues getting creamed so early? It was quiet by 11, and we were able to get a good night's sleep -- the better to prepare for drinking at Grant's Farm the next morning ) so sorry/not sorry for the St Louis Blues fans -- at least from what I hear, the player who was suspended for the game on Sunday (apparently the best player on the team? per our Airport shuttle driver) is back tonight. . so in all likelyhood, the Blues are gonna win the cup

speaking of the flume. . . I have this pic handy, since it was put on my Six Flags Photo Pass. not sure which version I like best. . but they all make me smile. I think I'm partial to the one with just Greenery. .going over a waterfallllllllll. (the little red target, was so they knew to let us go thru to the exit so Nick could get out at the ramp. it was funny as hell hearing the cast member shouting "duck! duck!" since the log goes under a walkway, with some pipes (that are well taped up and padded, so someone, somewhere got a good whack on the head there).

as long as "Garfield's Nightmare" is running, you'll get the full Kennywood "WTF" experience. we loved it - we didn't understand it (and oh, that smell in there). . but we loved it.

so every year, my spouse and I try to do a trip together to someplace we've never been. it's always a fun adventure, and if you've read my TRs in the past, you know we try to mix in a lot of culture with our fun, even if it's a quick trip (I never have a lot of vacation time for "our" trips, since I do a lot of solo things - mainly Dragon*con in Atlanta, but also other solo trips - that eat up all my vacation days). last year, we did a 3 day visit to Niagara Falls - and had a blast. This year we bounced around a few ideas, and tho Dollywood/Branson/the Smokies will happen some day, I only have so much vacation time . . so we settled on a trip to St Louis to experience the Arch. Something neither of us had ever seen, and always wanted to. so after planning it out, we got up early - like 2:30 am early - to head to the airport for our 2019 adventure. it will likely take me a week or more (at least), to get the days up, since I took a lot of pics . . . and you may have noticed I tend to get overly detailed and type a lot. But wanted to at least get the TR started, so I can tell what I'll be posting. on this 4 day trip, we went to: -- St Louis Zoo -- St Louis Museum of Art -- the Old Courthouse (site of Dred Scott case) -- the Gateway Arch National Park -- the City Museum -- Six Flags St Louis & -- Grant's Farm every one of them was excellent and can't wait to share my pics/stories from each stop. oh, and we had GORGEOUS weather, for all 4 days - our trip weather mojo working in full effect. yep, it had been pouring for weeks, and the rivers and large portions of the area were flooded (which meant cancellation of our Riverboat ride, but what can you do? nature) - but from the moment we stepped out of the airport, until the moment we flew back home yesterday? beautiful weather in St. Louis, and perfect for all of our sightseeing. will try to get up the first part in the next couple of days! -- have to start typing up, and get the photos downloaded from the phone. I tell you, only 2 days off of work (with the weekend, 4 days total), but still got creamed today with action items .. so didn't even get to upload pics today! one "funny" thing to note - I purposely planned this trip on a weekend the Cardinals were out of town, since we were staying in downtown St. Louis. Right by the convention center/Gateway Arch National Park/Stadiums. so what happened while we were there? Yep, the St. Louis Blues (who were ranked last in the league back in Feb), ended up in the Stanley Cup playoffs - with game 6, that could win it all for them, happening on Sunday night. oy. yep, downtown was NUTS, with "Blues" parties everywhere, and our hotel actually ended up being the home base for the news organizations that were covering the playoffs! LOL. . .it was noisy until about 11pm, when it was obvious the Blues weren't gonna win, and the series ended up tied 3-3 and going to game 7 to decide on Wednesday night. I mean, because they didn't win, we weren't kept up all night with the partying - the St. Louis folks LOVE their hockey (we had no idea). But it was funny to us. anyways. . full TR starting soon. bert

BWAAA-HAAAA-HAAAA. . . . absolutely priceless.

^ that's a great pic you should post it in the "Picture of Me" thread on the Random board

we experienced only longer than station wait on Montu, if Cobra's Curse went down. . . since it's right next door, the minute there's a problem on CC?. . seemingly the majority of the line exits and goes directly into Montu's queue. I enjoyed Cobra's Curse for what it is, tho still don't really understand why it pulls such waits (we barely even noticed the spinning while riding), but it DOES look great. and if a longer line, the queue is quite entertaining - especially the Hieroglyphics room. . . so you have stuff to watch while you wait

did you take pics the moment you got to the car? hopefully so, and even if you did not? email corporate. Tell them you were injured, tell you have witnesses, and tell them the ride ops/security/First Aid reaction you got. they can't make improvements (or even give lip service on the improvements), if they don't know. we just visited SFStl, and despite the horror show of Justice League running reduced capacity, and the lady working the ADA / Flash Pass entrance being completely slammed (and I'm certain dealing with complaints about how dang long the line was and how slow moving it was).. I made sure to note her name (Denise), and sent off an email to Six Flags StL this morning, complimenting on how much we enjoyed interacting with her, and how much we appreciated the help she gave us in getting our ADA help needed person on the ride. so yeah. . tell them bad and/or good. .they need to know. and hope you're feeling better.

Nice pics, tho it sounds like the park often is that dead (it was like that on our visit last summer too). I'm a little shocked at the price, but hopefully you didn't pay near that much. I'd guess that Six Flags has the prices jacked to drive folks to Season Passes/Memberships. Really, they've been running Season Pass sales out the wazoo over the past week (I keep getting emails saying this is the LAST sale for 2019), with Season Pass running under $60. . and it's good at all parks, and upgraded to Gold (which gets you parking at all parks free). so surprised y'all didn't just do that- if you visit any other Six Flags park during the year, would have been worth it. . and heck, was cheaper than the 1 day price anyways. glad you had a good time tho!

really fun trip report. . and yep, I too now am hearing Vanjie in my head re: Apple Zapple!

that's so interesting, as it TOTALLY looked abandoned. Like it had been sitting empty.| and totally makes sense why they would choose to open that side, since we used the ADA entrance for Nick (I got him an ADA pass, and he used it for a total of 3 rides all day (flume, Justice League, & Pandemonium) - he needed it since was having trouble walking even with the cane on Sun). Kim did mention to us that they run occasionally, but it truly did look like it had been sitting unused for at least 6 months or more.

yep. . . "one of us, one of us, gooble gobble, gooble gobble"

Great report, Melody.. really enjoyed reading it. LOL. . you wouldn't have worried if yours was too long, if you've read some of my past TRs. . LOL (tho I will say that I would guess lots of folks skip the type in my long ones, and just look at the pics. . so maybe long does work against others "reading" a TR, but I'm sure everyone enjoys looking at the pictures regardless). and as noted, I've loved reading and looking at the pics you've posted, so thanks for sharing!

it was the Mine Train at SFStl. wanted to close it out with Batman, but after Ninja kicked my butt. . . Mine Train was the only other thing we could ride. . .LOL and to be fair, despite the oncoming headache (still glad I did Ninja to experience it. .but that transition out of the 2nd loop. . wowsa, that was awful). . . . I still really enjoyed the Mine Train. way faster than I was expecting, and pretty dang smooth.

luckwished from me too.. but you won't need it. you got this, and if they don't react the way you wish they do? remember what RuPaul says: "What anyone thinks of me, is none of my damn business" (in other words, you keep living your truth, and the loss will be theirs, not yours. . . but hopefully will NOT come to that, and so thrilled your parents got your back).

Completely drained yesterday still. With no apparent work happening - the area was full of branches and leaves too (looked just like the abandoned side of the flume - which is VERY “Six Flags” in that the abandoned side is the one you get the best view of from train. Why not cover with tarp or put a mannequin family in a log There???) Sad to see Excalibur sitting unused too. But employees said they are simply waiting for the new ride carriages at this point We really enjoyed the place today tho regardless of some things that stuck out big time (biggest horror for me was the carousel. Which *could* be lovely— but desperately needs an extended rehab . The chipped and cracking horses depressed the hell out of me. Especially since it has those gorgeous chariots on it Overall tho we liked the park a lot (and the company we kept yesterday). And will come back if in the area again Will do a full St. Louis “bert” TR in the coming days once we are back

Supergirl is freaking amazing. Very very forceful. And it’s on flash pass My 2nd favorite ride here (1st American Thunder. Which is all kinds of awesome-sauce) Glad I did flash pass. Just on Freeze (only running one side). And justice league (only running 4 cars). Well worth if Met up with teacherKim and having wonderful time

and since I'm posting pics of Cedar Downs, and Liz just posted! (Hi Liz) seriously, it's my favorite flat in the park. . would be happy just riding it over and over.

I've only been to CP twice (the first time for Coastermania!). . but each trip was 3 days, and I have TONS of pics on Cedar Downs. I love that damn thing

really great report. . . when we were at SFOT last year and i *finally* got to ride Mr. Freeze (after years of trying, and it ALWAYS being down every time we made the trip up to Dallas). . . it also broke down on me while I was in line and I went right next door to an almost walk on Batman LOL. .it's like the park planned it. tho we didn't see any puke on Riddler, and LOTS of it at Catwoman (the Enterprise) - you'd think they wouldn't have built it behind the Johnny Rockets, and many people do seem to eat first then get on it. At least Catwoman had a hose there tho. again tho, great report, and worth the wait to read.

the critics don't seem to care for it, but the Audience reviews have been good. per Rotten Tomatoes: 275 critics rated it only 40% fresh but 15,167 Audience members rated it: 85%

wow . . I'm so envious of those queues!