ytterbiumanalyst

^ Okay, I see what you're saying, and in that case, I agree. CGA's hyper is coming sometime, but not necessarily right away. Likely it's not for several more years, as that is a 20-year plan. I know others would be disappointed, but I really would love a Sky Rocket II at Worlds of Fun. All of them are on the coasts, and the ROI on that ride is bound to be insane. It would represent the most thrilling ride to come to Worlds of Fun since Prowler, and would be very different from anything the Midwest has ever seen. They'd make a killing on that ride, which would only help improve other aspects of the park. It's really a great choice.

Festival of Wonder! The last couple of years World-Fest has been a little short on entertainment, and it's clear the park was struggling to find enough acts. This year Festival of Wonder takes its place, and while there are some World-Fest favourites returning, such as the pan flute band, the retooled festival gives SDC a wider range to choose from, and it's really paid off. Just like World-Fest, the Festival of Wonder focuses on food and shows, and my photos reflect that. There are many shows that sounded great, but we selected Dan Dunn, a pop artist whose hook is that he can paint a portrait in just a few minutes. It's a really fun show, high energy, and everyone liked it. Progress is being made on Wild Mountain or Time Traveler or whatever, and the park has started putting teaser signs all over the place. The facade toward Echo Hollow is taking shape and betrays a significant level of thought put into the sight lines from the amphitheatre. I'm very interested to see how it fits in, as it's very prominent from the theatre seats. We stayed until close, so I have some photos from the Echo Hollow path that is closed throughout the day. Enjoy! First ride of the day is Thunderation. Could not wait to see the progress on Roller Coaster 9. They'll need a crane, they'll need a crane.... And also a cherry picker, they'll need one of those too. Ride Thunderation in the front row for this view! Station facade has some new vertical beams. What could it be? Also ride Thunderation because it's the best mine train not at a Disney park. Lunch from the newly expanded menu. I'm so glad they're focusing on food this year. It has been a major guest complaint. Not that their food was ever bad, but it had slipped a bit in quality as attendance rose. This was a great lunch and represents a return to form for SDC. I can't believe I'm sharing a kebab with the hottest girl I have ever seen with a kebab. My daughter was viciously attacking her salad. Yes, she ordered a salad. Apparently I'm doing this dad thing all right after all. On to the show! Little known fact: Midway once attempted to make a Paint Jam game as a mashup between NBA Jam and Microsoft Paint. True story. Dan got his purple on for the first work. He paints really frantically, only a few seconds in each spot and then moving on. You lookin' at me? I don't see nobody else paintin' right now, so you must be lookin' at me. I think I might know who this is now... And he flipped the canvas around to reveal the portrait. At this point the music changed to "Purple Rain." Not too bad for 5 minutes of work. This one took a bit longer, but was the same process as before. Then he challenged this kid to an art fight. On to the Frisco Barn to check out the festival food. Want to know? Read on! Through a hole in the fence that definitely isn't there for this specific reason. Station from the Echo Hollow path This station is enormous and is shaping up to look really great. Note the vertical metal beams on the side facing Echo Hollow and the vertical wood beams on the side facing Thunderation. Let the speculation begin! This is the side facing Echo Hollow. The cutouts for the windows seem vaguely Georgian in style. Classy. Oh hell yes. My favourite festival. Or is it Old Time Christmas? I'm torn. There were several tour buses today. These guys are going to see the cow beneath the sea. Parking lot coaster? This is by stop 3. More parking is definitely needed.

Ecosystem

Yes, but I never really got into it. Have you ever read a banned book?

^ Actually, a hyper is currently in the plans for CGA that were revealed a few months back. Obviously plans can change, but at the moment it's as much a fact as it reasonably can be. First post on this page has an illustration that shows a 245 foot tall hyper coaster: http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=42682&start=10480

Yep! With the hashtag #walmartoftheseas! http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1156055

Because they're waiting for the most appropriate anniversary year to do it.

Love the name "Perler for Svin." I don't speak Norwegian, but I know what that means! So...how does it pair with bacon?

Larry's latest contribution as the official spokesman for reason: Six Flags... smart?!?!? Ahahahahahaha!!! Oh. Wait. You were being serious?? SixFlags, the stupid company that has the only Intamin Plug and Play woodie in the United States. The stupid company that installed the first RMC, and then repeated the mistake by building more. The stupid company that is expanding their theme park season in many northern US parks because people want to visit parks even if not every coaster is open. Are they perfect? No. Are they bumbling fools? No

Die Young - Ke$ha Yes, my 9 year old daughter chose the music for this car trip.

Snorkeling. I've been, and it's fun! No desire to skydive. Would you rather eat earthworms or hang upside down for an hour?

Dollywood shared your video on their Facebook page! Not surprised. That is basically a professional promo video. Excellent work--seriously makes me excited for our trip next month!

I love this Storm Crow concept. Would totally go there if I ever get to Vancouver. Phil, you are a man of good taste. That burger is perfect. I think I'd roll the dice though, just to see what craziness ensues.

I'm still not sure how I feel about this. My only experience with VR is New Revolution at Magic Mountain, but that was during WCB ERT, so I really can't say anything accurate about lines. I'm leaning toward wanting to try this, but it's causing me to wonder how the lines will be. I'll definitely be watching this thread the next few months to see how this all plays out.

CP is already trying to keep their guests safe. They have security. Metal detectors don't increase security; they just increase its visibility. This is a CYA move, plain and simple. They're avoiding lawsuits, not incidents. A million signs, a big ol' fence, a warning from the ride ops that loose articles should be left with a non-rider, a dropped phone, and one stupid decision later, the park comes under fire for being unsafe. People will complain, whine, and grovel to every lawyer in the world if they get so much as a nightmare about getting a paper cut at an amusement park. Yes. THIS is why they're getting metal detectors. Because people are so stupid they can't tell what is actually making them safer. Because every time our freedom is eroded in the name of security, people just say, "well, you know, that's how the world is" and the terrorists score another victory.

CP is already trying to keep their guests safe. They have security. Metal detectors don't increase security; they just increase its visibility. This is a CYA move, plain and simple. They're avoiding lawsuits, not incidents. Bingo.

The only two on your list I've been to are Kings Island and Cedar Point. Kings Island: You've listed three children's coasters, but keep in mind that to ride Great Pumpkin Coaster, you need to either be a child or ride with a child. If that's not you, don't worry, it's nothing to be excited about anyway. Woodstock Express and Flying Ace Aerial Chase are legit. Otherwise, your itinerary looks fine, except you'll want to go back to the Beast at the end of the day for the best roller coaster experience of your life. Cedar Point: I wouldn't prioritize Iron Dragon too early; it's got good capacity and the line moves quickly. I'd prioritize Maverick, Millennium Force, Top Thrill Dragster, and Valravn, then head to the back of the park and work back to front. Save all the stuff at the front for last; they're mostly high capacity B&Ms, except for Wicked Twister. Make sure to budget for a Fast Lane. You may need it at Kings Island; you're almost certain to need it at Cedar Point.

And feeling safer is exactly what you're going to get. It won't actually make you any safer. What's going to happen instead is this: I'm pretty tired of the charade, never explained other than it's "for security reasons." The idiots will swallow that line every time. The terrorists won, guys, and they continue winning every time we're afraid of our own shadows.

There are several alpaca farms in the Ozarks, none of which to my knowledge slaughter. They do, however, make many items from the wool to sell at farmer's market. We do have a good supply of bison meat around here, though.

No, Mon-Thu. 4x10 with a three day weekend every week! Do you enjoy birdwatching?

Give it time. Love the look, though. Very impressive.

You might have a bit of difficulty leaving on June 31st.

The UAE is one of the Muslim countries our president loves because he has a golf resort and gets money from them! We did a good 'US Apology Tour' while there, and it was interesting how so many people thought EVERYONE in the US voted for Trump. We explained that less than half of the country voted for him and don't share his values. So we're trying to help with how the world views Americans!

Yes, Monster. Amazing coaster. Have you tried the new Starbucks Unicorn Frappuccino?