ytterbiumanalyst

Originally built as Turn of the Century in 1976 with two corkscrews In 1980, an airtime hill was replaced by two vertical loops and the ride was renamed Clone of Demon at Six Flags Great America, since both parks were owned by Marriott at the time Next up, courtesy of RCDB's Random Roller Coaster, Boomerang at Qindao International Beer City!

Well, this was unexpected, and awesome. Condors are great, and it'll provide the park with a kind of mini-Windseeker for the guests who may be intimidated by Steelhawk's height. Troikas are also solidly popular rides, and different from anything the park has currently. Worlds of Fun always had great flats, and this addition definitely solidifies that. So...placement? They have an empty pad where Scrambler used to be. Troika would fit well there. Condor is a fairly visible ride, so near the highway would be good. I could see it going by the petting zoo between Americana and Planet Snoopy.

I agree with the Dark Ride, but I remember Frank Wilburn specifically saying they want to see a family launch coaster, however things could have changed since then. I know this is a past topic on this forum, but I'd love to see a custom family/thrill coaster by premier sort of like Premier's version of Manta at Sea World San Diego or something like Verbolten. I guess with what Premier has already developed, I could see something similar to the Backlot Stunt Coaster design. He has said openly that he wants a "family launch coaster like Tempesto". Must have missed where a family launch coaster has to be mild. So did the Herschends when they built Powder Keg. Tempesto looks like a lot of fun, and would work really well at WoF.

^ So far, it's confirmed that the park will open on 3/12, that this will be the last year for World Fest, that there will be Father's Day and Mother's Day specials and a Founders' Weekend. Nothing about 2017 is confirmed.

I went there on a Sumday in late august and the only big wait was justice league(when it works). Looks like the majority of the rides are at the one's you're aleady going to, but considering it's directly where you'd be driving(assuming you're using I-44), Id say go for it. You should stop, at least for a little while. Screamin' Eagle, Boss, and River King Mine Train are unique, and Ninja and American Thunder's clones aren't on your itinerary. That's five coasters there, plus Mr. Freeze and Batman are very good, and if you have time, they are worth it even if you've ridden them elsewhere.

Opened in 2004 Built by B&M Has 6 inversions Next: Silver Streak (Canada's Wonderland)

Built in 1976 John Allen's last coaster Tallest and fastest coaster in the world at its opening Next, just for fun: Screamin' Eagle (Kingman County and 4H Fair)

Awesome! Thanks so much for the update!

said the man who reins over Silver Dollar City. I'm pretty sure "reins" is not what you meant there but pretty amusing typo. You must admit that your posts do tend to have the air of ex cathedra with none of the infallibility.

This is great! Backstage tours are a lot of fun when you get the chance. I was very impressed with Frontier City last summer, and it really does look like it's on its way up.

Colossus. I'm a fan of Ferris wheels, and this is still the largest one I've been on. Plus it gives us a chance to catch our breath, talk, and see the whole park from above. Which coasters I ride varies on each visit, but we never leave without riding Colossus.

^ I'll be happy as long as it's open before I'm there the end of July. Oddly enough, I was already planning to visit before Monster was announced, since we're going to Minnesota and Des Moines is right on the way. The announcement sealed it, and made it a must stop. I'm really looking forward to the US' first Infinity coaster!

http://www.explorebranson.com/news/branson-ferris-wheel For Immediate Release Contact: Craig Wescott President and CEO, The Track Family Fun Parks Phone: (417) 334-1612, ext. 13 Email: craig@bransontracks.com Website: http://www.bransontracks.com Thursday, January 28, 2016 Branson, Mo. – The iconic 15-story Ferris wheel formerly featured at Chicago’s Navy Pier will be the newest attraction to Branson’s Highway 76 at The Track Family Fun Parks in 2016. “Branson will be a great new location for this amazing Ferris wheel,” said Brian Murphy, COO of Navy Pier. “It was a landmark here for many years, and we are happy to know that it will continue to attract thousands of visitors each year to such a family-friendly destination.” During its 20-year history in Chicago, the Ferris wheel helped make Navy Pier a top tourist destination. The Track Family Fun Parks anticipates the Ferris wheel will continue to draw both repeat and new visitors to the Branson community. It is anticipated to begin operating in the summer of 2016. “We are very excited to be the new home to this iconic Ferris wheel,” said Craig Wescott, President and CEO of The Track Family Fun Parks. “Our hope is that adding this unique attraction, which is enjoyed by people of all ages, will enhance our guests’ experience during the time they spend in Branson.” This Ferris wheel, which was modeled after the first Ferris wheel built for the 1893 Chicago World’s Columbian Exposition, stands 150 feet tall and can hold 240 passengers in its 40 gondolas. At night, the Ferris wheel shines with 16,000 lights, making it a beautiful addition to the evening skyline. Guests of The Track Family Fun Parks will be enjoying the iconic Ferris wheel, a $2.5 million investment, as part of the company’s 35th anniversary. For more information about the Ferris wheel moving to Branson, please visit http://www.explorebranson.com/news/branson-ferris-wheel. For more information about The Track Family Fun Parks, please visit their website at http://www.bransontracks.com or call (417) 334-1612. About The Track Family Fun Parks The Track Family Fun Parks started entertaining local and visiting families in 1981. The four Branson, Missouri locations offer high-rise and classic go-kart tracks for all ages, laser tag, bumper boats/cars, mini golf, batting cages, kids' rides, arcades, and more with no gate admission charge. http://www.bransontracks.com

- Gerstlauer Spinning Coaster - Formerly known as Tony Hawk's Big Spin - Built in 2007 Divertical

If you're going for the first time, and you can spend two days, you really need to spend two days. It can be done in one day, but two really helps you to pace and enjoy your time more.

^ What about Hurricane Harbor, Adventureland's Tornado, Disney's Blizzard Beach, Morey's Great Nor'easter, or any of the dozens of rides called Cyclone? Look, people die from weather all the time. It sucks, but welcome to Earth. There's nothing wrong with naming an amusement ride after these things. In fact, there may be a deep psychological reason why we want to name rides after things that threaten us.

Fair enough. Not having worked for a theme park, perhaps I'm not using the right terms in the right way. I tend to judge a business by its ability to deal with those one off situations. Anyone can be trained to follow a procedure, but when there isn't a procedure in place, can your people make decisions that are in the business's best interests? That's always the test for me. Oh, and no offense taken. Flag on the field: Opinion vs. Fact Yes it is! It's important to know the difference. I don't think I'm alone in that opinion, either. It's the sort of coaster I'd travel a long way to ride, and I'm very glad to have it in my local park and open 9 months of the year.

- Is not open yet - Will be on the lakefront - Is the second most complained about new coaster on this site after Valravn Silver Bullet (Frontier City)

You bring up some good points. Yes, SDC has a longer operating season, and I have experienced the insane Christmas crowds many times. I will stand by the assertion that it's more likely to be crowded on any given day, and I'll point to WoF's and SFStL'S onsite waterparks as a big reason. As for operations, yes, the numbers aren't available to me. When I say that, I mean how I personally as a guest feel overall the park employees are taking care of me. Their attitude when I get a drink refill, their willingness to help give me directions or assist with a fluffy bunny issue, their engagement with me while getting me onto a ride. I went to all 3 Missouri parks last year, and while a good number of SFSTL employees were quite good, it felt like they were inexperienced overall. Here's a story from a visit in May of last year. I tried out the floating fluffy bunny system for the first time that day, since it was a rare occasion I was visiting the park by myself, and rented the ones near American Thunder. I rode that several times and then went to Mr. Freeze. I left my stuff in the fluffy bunny while I was on Freeze and also rode that several times. Since SDC also has floating fluffy bunnies with no time limit, I stupidly thought these would be done the same way and my time expired. I'm sure it was stated to me when I rented. Whoops. Silly park guest. I asked a games operator if he could help, since he was the nearest employee, and he called for a fluffy bunny guy and even checked up on me after a few minutes. The fluffy bunny guy explained my error, and since my wallet was in the fluffy bunny and I couldn't open it again without that, he helped me to open it, having me first describe my possessions. Perfect! Later that day, I was on Boss, and while I was putting away my soda, another guest took my seat. He was already buckled and the operators were about to check restraints (I was sitting in the front and it took a long time to push through the crowd exiting to get to the soda holder). The operators really didn't know what to do. I suggested to them, seeing that it would be a hassle to try to remove the guy who took my seat, that I wait at the exit and get on the next train, and they took that suggestion and dispatched. I'll use for comparison a story on Outlaw Run from December. I was paired with another single rider (still can't get anyone in my family to go on it with me) and since I sat on the right, the woman next to me asked me to put her soda in the cubby for her, which I obliged. She was older, but man did she have fun on that ride! Don't grow up! Anyway, a ride operator asked me if I had just gotten off, as there was some confusion among three people about the row in front of me. They got it sorted quickly and found the proper seats for everyone, and off we went. That's a bit long-winded, I know, but I hope it illuminates. I don't know all the numbers, but I do know my experience as a guest. SDC is always on top of things; I feel like I'm in good hands no matter what I'm doing. WOF and SFSTL are just not at that level, though to be fair, few parks are. I will say SFSTL is leagues ahead of where you were 10 years ago, and really seems to be improving. That's a lot of why I'm sharing these stories, so you can keep moving the park in the right direction.

Great to have you here! Missouri is not that big of a state really, especially for a state west of the Mississippi. I would strongly recommend, if you have 4 days, to do 1 day at Worlds of Fun, 2 days at Silver Dollar City, and 1 day at Six Flags. Even in the summer, you shouldn't need flash passes at any of the three. For Worlds of Fun, ride Spinning Dragons first, then Patriot, then you're good. At Six Flags, do Justice League first, then American Thunder, then proceed clockwise. For Silver Dollar City, do Powder Keg, then Lost River and American Plunge, then you're good. And go through the cave. If you do choose to do only Worlds of Fun and Six Flags, that is the option that will get you the most coasters. I personally would say Worlds of Fun and SDC is a much better option if you're only going to do two Missouri parks. But it really depends on what you're looking for in a park. Worlds of Fun: Strengths - Mamba, Missouri's only hyper coaster; the most flats of the three parks; the best water park Weaknesses - no launch coaster, theming is weakest of the three Six Flags: Strengths - Mr. Freeze, the best shuttle coaster there is; the most coasters in MO; the best overall wooden coaster collection Weaknesses - lack of flats, weakest operations of the three SDC: Strengths - top notch operations, theming, and food; consistently reliable coasters; the cave; Outlaw Run, the best roller coaster in the Midwest Weaknesses - Waterpark is subpar, ticket prices are high, and crowds will be higher than at the other two (SDC has about double the yearly attendance of the other MO parks) I hope that helps in your planning.

Some hotels require that the name on the reservation, the name on the credit card, and the name on your ID all match. I'd check with the hotel to be sure they're ok with your parents paying for the room but not actually being present. A lot of hotels will be ok with this provided they know in advance and have your parents' credit card on file to charge in the event that you break something. I would not just show up without having made that arrangement with a manager.

It's obvious they wanted a bunch of page clicks. A year ago. Moving on.