ytterbiumanalyst

Very awesome. TDS never disappoints.

Any place that can use the phrase "eleven of the mustards" is a place I must go.

In general, tolls in the US are on Interstates, bypasses, tunnels, and bridges. If you take the old roads, they're free, but you will be winding through the country and it potentially will take much longer. These routes are sometimes very scenic, and that would be worth it, but a lot of the time they run parallel to each other, just the old road has lower speed limits and stop signs. For example, I can go to Oklahoma City in 5 hours on I-44 or in 6.5 hours on Route 66, and they're right next to each other most of the way. I-44 has an $8 toll. Completely worth it to save an hour and a half.

The trophies are a nice touch, and that Dok-Ondar animatronic looks great!

We're wanting to get to Six Flags St. Louis and maybe Worlds of Fun for the Christmas festivals.

^ They'll probably want to have a second hotel in the town before they attempt that.

If you loved Blue Fire, Silver Dollar City's Time Traveler is the closest in the US to it. I actually think you're probably going to be ok, this is a very ambitious but pretty doable trip. I live in the central US and do a lot of road trips, and it isn't as exhausting as coastal people will tell you. I like the idea of doing just SoCal (Southern California, means LA and San Diego) and then flying to Dallas and renting a one-way car from there to Ohio. I've driven from Missouri to Dallas in one day and from Missouri to Ohio in one day, so it can be done. SFoT > travel day > SDC > travel day > Kings Island > Cedar Point is pretty reasonable. Knoebels is a must, don't miss that. Look into a membership in KOA, they operate campgrounds nationwide, and often have rates of $50/night or less. With a membership you get 10% off that rate too. We have a membership there and use it every year for camping near theme parks. It's a very safe place to spend the night. I know you think you're good, but the United States is a very dangerous place. Really. I've been to Europe and Latin America, and the US is absolutely the most dangerous country I've been to. I love this country, and there are some great aspects to it, but if all you've experienced is Europe, please please listen to us when we say you need to very seriously consider your safety here. KOA is a good, cheap, safe option throughout the middle of the country. Definitely consider it. https://koa.com/

Pantheon's looking great! Man I need to get back to Virginia.

Puns that aren't funny are my speciality!

^ I would love to see them replaced with Spire machines. It would be the most Six Flags thing they could do.

Outlaw Run in the dark last weekend.

All the food and drinks are made with Earth stuff! They lied!!! Everything looks awesome, and $60 for four drinks is about what I would expect.

Well, I for one applaud Kings Island for their valiant effort. It takes a lot to piss off enthusiasts with a giga coaster, but they have gone to extreme lengths to ensure an enthusiast-free experience on Orion. Hats off to them!

All right, first trip report of cold season. 33 though...wow. 61 here last weekend, we had to break out the light jackets. Good on y'all for not letting the cold faze you. And you're correct on apple beer. Cider is great. Beer is great. Apple beer is a monstrosity.

Again, though, New Jersey has roller coasters that are $10 per ride. This isn't as far over the market as some are making it out to be.

^ & ^^ Both of those are very exciting.

First weekend of Old Time Christmas! Waffles and wassail! Haven't noticed this before. No need for it today though. TREES!!! The outdoor seating pavilion is taking shape. Through the glory holes! Glass has been installed in the BBQ place. Photo op at Santa Claus Lane (River Blast) Outlaw Run is sporting some lights. Midtown looks as great as ever!

Well, that's really not a fair headline, since D'Avanzo threatened to sue HFE first. They named Mystic River Falls after the Mystic River Passage that has been part of Marvel Cave tours for decades. He doesn't have a leg to stand on in this, and frankly his calling HFE "bullies" just makes him look pathetic. As we say 'round these parts, his claim's a hollow log without a single rabbit in it.

How fun! That's a good read. Thanks!

That's not true. I paid $85 for Morey's Piers a couple of years ago. I went to a couple other piers too and just paid per ride, but as the rides were similar prices to Morey's, it wouldn't shock me if their all day price was similar too. Six Flags is the cheapest park in New Jersey.

That is beautiful.

Yeah, it's been terrible ever since they ripped up I-55. Sucks having to take all those gravel roads now.

Miner's Landing looks great if you're unto kitsch. Which I am. So it looks great.

I'm an expert.

Larry and Gwendolyn.