ytterbiumanalyst

Day 1 Continued: Kings Island With Kings Island so close and Kentucky Kingdom closing early, the opportunity presented itself for a night ride on the Beast, and that was my goal for Wednesday night. I left Kentucky Kingdom about 5:30, which may seem pretty early, but I know from experience that when travelling, prepare for things to go wrong. Here’s the story of why you should always overplan. Coming out of Louisville on I-71, there was construction for several miles and heavy traffic. A minor slowdown, but not a huge delay. Then once the road merged with I-75, I hit a small but furious pop-up shower that only lasted a mile. Okay, I knew there was a chance of rain, but I’m still several miles from KI. Maybe it’ll miss the park. I got closer, hit some more construction, but Cincinnati was better able to deal with it than Louisville and it didn’t add any time to the drive at all. Everything was looking good as I got into Mason. I turned onto Kings Island Drive to a view of some ominous-looking clouds. It just has to hold off for a little while…. I arrived about 8, so they were no longer charging for parking, and I was directed into the preferred lot. For free! I grabbed my stuff and walked quickly against the massive flow of people leaving for the parking lot. Shorter lines! This could be good…. Then I heard the PA. “Due to lightning in the area, most rides are closing….” Okay, worrisome, but I’ll wait it out. They’ll reopen as long as it blows over quickly. I’ve got a dining plan, Skyline Chili has indoor seating, I’ll be okay. The chili was very good! I’ve had chili mac at Steak ‘n’ Shake, but the stuff at Skyline was leaps and bounds better. The rain wasn’t letting up, but I didn’t want to go to Kings Island just for chili, so I went over to Flight of Fear. The line was long, as expected, since it was the only roller coaster running (Boo Blasters and some flat rides with roofs, such as the bumper cars, were also running, but no other coasters). Unlike the other rides here, I hadn’t watched videos of Flight of Fear, so I really didn’t know what to expect, and that ended up being a very good thing. I love that this ride tells a story. I grew up with Silver Dollar City, and this is exactly the sort of thing they do (well, not with aliens). I waited in the covered outdoor queue and slowly made my way down the ramp. Capacity is clearly not great on this ride. Then I reached the end of the ramp, and went through the door to see the most impressive theming this park has to offer. And then it broke down. I’m not giving up. I’m not going anywhere. I am going to ride a roller coaster at Kings Island. They can’t do anything about the weather, but they can fix a ride, so my chances are better here than anywhere else. Plus, I’m not being rained on. So I stayed. Many people left the queue at this point, so many that I moved from just inside the door to the bottom of the ramp into the spaceship! There I waited for about 30 minutes until the ride was ready to go again. I have now waited over an hour, and I don’t even care. I am going to get to ride something tonight! I stepped up the ramp and into the spaceship. This queue is so cool. I turned right, then left, and here I am, in front of the familiar Premier trains I know so well from Mr. Freeze. And I am launched into space. This ride is incredible. I have ridden Poltergeist at Fiesta Texas, but it was back in 2004, so I don’t think I can fairly compare them. Flight of Fear does a great job at making you feel like you’re floating in space. It was a wonderful conclusion to the story begun in the queue, and a great example of what great theming can do to improve a ride. I got off completely satisfied with my day and prepared to go out into the rain. Only it wasn’t raining anymore. And as I walked out, I saw that Racer was testing. Racer…was testing. That means Beast might be testing! I ran to the Beast. And here it is. The nighttime ride that mauls all other nighttime rides. The line for the front row was forever long, so I took the second row. The air was electric, full of excited people. I’ve felt such emotion in a coaster station, but always for a new ride. Never for one almost 40 years old. The hype was contagious. Each train dispatched to cheers, and those of us queuing felt the anticipation increase. Finally, it was my turn. I sat down and prepared for the ride that almost didn’t happen. It was happening. We turned out of the station and down the long pre-lift. Time distorted as euphoria set in. We took 6 hours to climb the lift hill, and we reached the top in 6 seconds. And dropped into oblivion. It was the single greatest roller coaster ride I have ever had. I thought about maybe trying for a second, as it wasn’t quite 10:00, but decided I would follow Seinfeld’s advice. I had hit the high note; it was time to walk away. My goal for tonight. I was floored by the theming in this queue. The mirror wall is a really cool effect. Seriously impressive. Spaceship! SpaceshipSpaceshipSpaceship! Thanks for a good time, Kings Isla--wait! Is that Racer testing? I made it! I'm going to ride the Beast! And with that, my work here is done. I am completely happy. Fireworks boomed as I headed to the car. This has been one great day. And I capped it off with a beer.

Yep, it's a 3d simulator. It was pretty cute, and the kids in the audience really got into it. It reminded me a lot of the Tom and Jerry cartoons.

Steel Hawg!

Tig'rr at Indiana Beach

According to Coaster Count, it's Little Fire Ball at Kiddie Park Bartlesville. I rode it at least 3-4 times with my son last year.

Day 1: Kentucky Kingdom I arrived early and was able to take a few pictures before opening. The out of state deal was amazing. I got a wristband for free drinks, and I didn’t have to have a souvenir cup. Really helped not have as much stuff to drag around. Overall I was impressed. It’s still a small park, but it has a handful of great rides, and it’s a good foundation to build on. They’re in for the long haul for sure. Theming: There isn’t a whole lot. This is more an amusement park than a theme park. The landscaping, however, is incredible, and it was a joy to walk through this park. I prefer parks like this as opposed to the ones where you’re just running from ride to ride. Food: The drinks were a great perk! I didn’t buy any food here, because I had a big breakfast in town and left around 5:30. Service: All the ride operators were friendly, efficient, and seemed to be enjoying themselves. I didn’t encounter a bad employee all day, and there were several stellar ones, especially on the Lightning Run and Storm Chaser crews. Waterpark: Very good, on par with Crystal Falls for sure. The lifeguards were efficient at operating the waterslides, and really did their best to keep lines moving. Some lines were long, but I never felt like any were dragging. The only disappointment was that Deluge was down all day. I saw mechanics there most of the day, so they were obviously working on it, but it never opened. I loved Wildebeest and was looking forward to this the most of any waterslide, more even than Deep Water Dive. So, it’s top priority next time I’m here, which is hopefully soon. Tornado was great as usual—I always like those—and the other tube slides were very fun as well. The best of them was Calypso Run. Not a fast slide, but the three mini-tornadoes were very cool. I enjoyed it a lot. Deep Water Dive was incredible, but I don’t think I’d do it again. First of all, the 110 foot climb left me out of breath by the time I got to the top. I will admit to being no athlete, but I do walk, jog, and bicycle regularly, so I’m not out of shape either. It’s just a lot of stairs. Second, there isn’t a canopy at the top, so the concrete platform is brutally hot. I didn’t realize that they would allow you to wear water shoes (most body slides don’t)—so my feet were burning. The dive itself was great—pretty much like a drop tower—and I had a lot of fun, but the other factors made this a once-only ride. Water rides: Both are great! On my ride on Mile High Falls, the boat failed to engage the chain and I was stuck at the bottom of the lift. Maintenance was out quickly, though, and we didn’t have to evac. They just reset the sensors and away we went. It makes a huge splash and was very satisfying. I did this before the waterpark, so it was just enough to cool me down before resuming coaster riding. Raging Rapids was very cool. It had this industrial sewer theme to it which was kind of creepy. I’ve never been on a rapids ride quite like this one, and rapids are one of my favourite ride types. It had some good splashes, and left me good and soaked without being uncomfortably so. Great ride! Flats: I considered this my waterpark day on this trip, so I didn’t ride very many flats. Fearfall was great, as ARM towers always are. Giant Wheel is the biggest ride in the park, and a lot of fun. I always enjoy Ferris wheels, and this one being in the centre of the park gives a great vantage point. Himalaya was the third flat I rode, and it’s a personal favourite ride type for me. I don’t do spinning rides normally, but that type doesn’t bother me at all. Gentle rocking back and forth, ups and downs—it’s very relaxing. Himalaya has a long ride cycle, too. If I had more time, I probably would have done Skycatcher, Bluebeard’s Bounty, and Prof. John’s Flying Machines, but I had a date with the Beast that night. More on that later. Coasters: Lightning Run: I cannot say enough good things about this ride. It’s small but feels fast, is very forceful, and has great airtime. It’s very re-rideable as well. I think I may like it more than Storm Chaser, honestly. Storm Chaser: It’s really Lightning Run with inversions. The barrel roll drop is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. The drop doesn’t feel fast, but it’s really hauling at the bottom of that drop. Just like Lightning Run, it has ridiculous amounts of airtime, and the inversions are perfectly placed and perfectly executed. T3: Burn it. Kill it with fire. And yes, it’s steel. Steel burns too if you get it hot enough. Make a 2500 degree fire and burn this SOB down. I take back every negative thing I said about Gauntlet at Magic Springs (the only other SLC I had been on at that point). Gauntlet is unicorns and rainbows compared to T3. I actually wanted to ride this because of the new restraints, and I will say there wasn’t any headbanging. But the shuffling on the track was painful and headache inducing. This goes in the category with SFStL’s Ninja. It’s that bad. Thunder Run: It was good, but nothing extraordinary. I’d ride it once per visit. It was decently smooth for a woodie and had some good speed and a bit of airtime in places. I took a walk around the side of the park before opening. Fearfall is very prominent. I promise you'll be my first. Maybe we could let Giant Wheel watch? I see you, Lightning Run. This is the warning light. Don't get on this ride. Deluge was down all day. :'( Such a pretty waterslide. Don't do a barrel roll! I loved T3's plaza. Straight Outta Gotham. Queue through the woods! I'll be back for you, I promise. What? No, that's not what it looks like. You're perverted. Thunder Run looks nice. Then off to the new hotness. More fun under construction! Storm Chaser wants to rock! Tear It Loose! The jet wanted to ride too. The ride plaza is really great. Ooh! Fun under construction! Pretty plants. Mile High Falls was not quite that tall. Come out and play! Ride to live, live to ride! The price is our own life until it's done. I like this picnic area as well Fun ride though. Skloosh! At least Tornado was running. Pretty ponies here. I love this version of the Flying Dutchman. The klompen are awesome. Roller Skater through the trees! Giant Wheel could wait no longer. You watch out for the gators, boy. This here's Kentucky! Nice semi-secluded path. Really great waterpark. Really great roller coaster. Every park should have an Enterprise. I will not ride any of them. Himalaya had a wonderfully long ride cycle. I then went to ride Angry Birds. They had this sign right next to the entrance to the theatre. So how do we get in? These cars go bump in the night. I haven't seen this version of this ride before. It's double the size they normally are. I fell. I was afeared. Once the park opened, I made good on that promise. Save the frogs!!!!! Wheeeee! There's a train for miniature people. Frogs this colourful are usually poisonous.... This is the coolest carousel idea. I've never seen anything remotely like it. Toward the end of the day, I went to see the sea lion show. Wheeee! No, go back to your place! Somewhere over the rainbow.... Bullseye! (Wait, this is a female sea lion....cowseye?) This ball is about 10 feet above the pool. Very impressive. Thanks for a great day at Kentucky Kingdom!

I have wanted to go to Cedar Point ever since I was a teenager. I had a good friend back then who was originally from Cleveland and spoke very highly of Cedar Point. He was the one who dragged me on Mamba in 1998 against my will, and I absolutely loved it. I blame him for this obsession. So when Millennium Force opened, we were floored by a coaster a mind-boggling 100 feet taller. It has remained on my bucket list until just this past weekend. I really enjoyed Holiwood Nights last year, and I was looking to do something similar this year. I had heard Coastermania was making some great changes, and of course there is Valravn. When I bought RCT2, I had no idea it would have real parks in it, and I loved watching Oblivion drop in the rendition of Alton Towers. I had read reports that the two Busch dive coasters are very good, and I was excited that one of these beauties would be within driving distance. All these reasons combined made Coastermania my destination of choice this year. I bought a Platinum Pass for the first time ever and decided I would also go to Kings Island and Michigan’s Adventure to make the most of it. The trip was beginning to take shape. I had a friend in college who was from Lexington, Kentucky, and often bragged about how their state fair was so good that it had a Six Flags. Similarly to Cedar Point, this park went on my list to visit until 2006…. So I was very excited to see it resurrected a couple of years ago and decided to visit once all the rides were up and running. This year marked the completion of the initial reconstruction phase, and with an RMC with a barrel roll drop , I had to go. Indiana Beach was added on late as a brief stop on the way home, and the itinerary was complete. I was all set to go to Cedar Freakin’ Point!

Well I guess that asking where a Diary Queen is would be better then asking where the Diarrhea Queen is. There's one right across the street from Breakers Express. I guess it depends on how generous of a "nearby" you're using. I'm pretty sure that's a Dairy Queen, not a Diary Queen. Different sort of business entirely.

Mean Streak is far too mean to yield for some dumb little storm. Remember, the more enthusiasts complain, the meaner the streak becomes. Don't say I didn't warn you. Mean Streak opens for another glorious day of family fun tomorrow morning at 10AM sharp. Yeah, I'll have more to say about this when I type up my TR, hopefully tomorrow, but your Mean Streak trick worked perfectly. I heard a bunch of people behind me groaning in pain, while I enjoyed my ride in the front seat, leaning forward, laughing and smiling all the way.

That security guy deserves a raise. That is too good.

This discussion happens weekly, but the short answer is this: they want to make money.

Thanks, Thad! Really great photos!

#100 Millennium Force!

Yeah, Beast at night is that good.

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See, that's exactly what I loved about it. It's got the same intensity as Batman, and there's more of it. I kind of feel that way about Rougarou, though, so I get where you're coming from. I think if Rougarou had ended at the MCBR, I would have liked it better.

Valravn! Raptor invented the moves. Banshee is the inexperienced young punk that copied them. Yep, after riding Raptor today. I totally agree. So Banshee got to be my favourite invert for one day. Good for her.

Iron Dragon

I've ridden Outlaw Run, Storm Chaser, and Goliath, and I'd put them in that order.

Updated...my favourite Cedar Fair coaster is now Millennium Force.

And it is now Magnum. Sorry, Thunderation. You're still my favourite mine train.

All of them wearing one mini skirt. It's misnamed slightly, as it was a size 78 so all of them could fit. So there they were, all standing in their van wearing one mini skirt, when...

Kings Island's Racer

Banshee! My new favorite invert. Raptor, you're up next, time to prove you still got the moves on the new kid.

He speaks from experience. When PhantomPoster32 first started on these boards, he spouted some crap about knowing insider stuff, and we all called him on it. He's changed a lot since then and is actually cool now--or at least, as cool as any of us who obsess about this stuff can be. Which is honestly not very cool at all. Buy hey, do what you like, and have fun with it.