SbSteveZ

https://www.cedarpoint.com/blog-article/online-fun/Ride-On-John I thought this Point Cast was a very well put together farewell to John, We got to learn about his close ties with the park and a little about his personal life. I loved it! Slightly off topic now.... Why doesn't the marketplace have the Gatekeeper statix models? they were there waaay back in may but then vanished some time during the season, Were they discontinued or something...?

What an experience that would be! I remember that thing would give you a nice feeling of weightlessness at the top and right as the falling sensation would start to occur you were pulled back in. But stopping all together. I don't think I'd be able to even fathom that! In the end, I really did like the UFO, its a shame it was gone this year. Honestly I'm hoping it's coming back in 2014. It's a classic! And if i remember correctly, I saw somewhere it was either one of the last or the last permanent HUSS UFO in operation in the US. That's kind of a cool thing for the park to say. One of the last in operation. Unless people think its a safety thing... But I digress! Besides, I'd much rather see the return of a classic, than the loss of 2 of them (Raging Seas) in 2 years. Also, Does anyone know for sure weather or not the Scrambler is going to make a come back any time soon? Thats a good ride too and now neither Fantasy Island or Darien have them anymore!

Very true, 60" is quite tall when it comes to a minimum height requirement, but then again, the centrifugal force barely kept me in the ride at the top and i'm pretty average. So I hope I wouldn't be too wrong in saying it was probably a safety concern... right?

Sleighride removal and UFO relocation anyone? Possibly...

All I know is the Viper was re-painted in 2010, and Boomerang was repainted in I believe the same year (feel free to correct me if I'm wrong on that) So in my personal opinion i could see the Mind Eraser being re-painted before RoS would be, seeing that its about the same length and height as the Viper. And considering the Viper was repainted different colors and the Boomerang was given the same default Vekoma-boomerang teal and white, I could see them possibly changing the color scheme or just as possibly keeping it the same. When will they do this? I wish they would do it now. but odds are if they are doing a nice new coaster, they may not focus on the small things as much. But if they aren't, Maybe we will see some fresh paint on the Mind Eraser... and by the sounds of it, the Front Entrance needs a lot more work than just a new Tim Horton's... Who would've thought! In all reality though, the season doesn't start until may. A LOT can happen in 6 months... whats to come for 2014? Looks like we have to simply wait and see!

I'm gonna side with Cedar Fair for a few reasons. 1) Cedar Point 2) Kings Island 3) Canada's Wonderland Their 3 major parks within 4 hours from my home. Not to mention all three have over i believe 14 roller coasters. TONS of variety (Between thrill rides, family rides and kiddie rides) They have a lot of food options, various other attractions and they focus on customer satisfaction. Not just coaster enthusiast satisfaction. They work in shifts, some years, shows, some years kiddie rides and expansions, this year we got GateKeeper at the Point and next year Banshee at Kings Island! Sure they are huge rides but they worked on smaller things up onto that point. too off topic? Sorry... Anyways, Cedar Fair has very pretty family oriented and thrilling all in one parks. With something for everyone. And they have amazing customer satisfaction! So in the end, Cedar Fair takes Six Flags and in the nicest way... Gently pushes them to the side so they can bask in the limelight!

I don't really see why CNL wouldn't want to add this attraction to Darien considering both the actual park and Herschend are both on board with it. Logically I would say it's an involvement of Money. But if i'm thinking correctly, shouldn't the park see a boost in admissions if they add this ride similar to "the best new ride of 2013"? If they play their cards right that same award could go to Darien Lake in 2014. So in my opinion, I think it would be worth it to approve this big transformation, but then again as Screamscape said, they have a very small window to be sure this thing opens up in 2014... All opinions aside, its rush time for CNL to make a decision!

Rather fitting if you ask me

So if I remember correctly, Darien Lake shuts its gates on the 12th for the 2013 season, And if i were to call it I'd say we wont be seeing lake monster next year. so, being realistic (and I'm not saying Lake Monster Isn't) What do you think is coming in 2014? I would love to see a Frisbee because MaXair is such an awesome ride but its 4 1/2 hours away from buffalo...

Is there honestly any reason they're keeping that coaster? Seriously. What are the precautions to scrapping it all together?

So, I want to put it out there and say I'm NOT trying to spread a rumor. I just want to see what you guys would think if in the "perfect" situation in which we get Lake-monster, Side Winder, the Bar-b-Que restaurant etc in 2014. 2015 rolls along and Darien Proposes this bad boy... What would you guys think? First off, has anyone been on a ZackSpin coaster personally and if so how would you like to see one in WNY, also does anyone think it would increase popularity at the park seeing that its such a unique ride? Again, not spreading rumors, not begging for them to build insane rides every 5 minutes, but still something to talk about. I think personally it would be cool. Not to mention it's relativity small footprint. Please dont take the post the wrong way. Thanks!

Great to hear that they are trying to keep the entire park open. Especially having the focus on a specific time frame. Working with the guests and the staff they have to work with. It's the small things that help improve park stability. Good Job Herschend

As they always say: Don't fix whats not broken! I love the Raptor. that being said, I could do without the Mantis. Kinda painful on the legs if you don't stand the right way IMO. When I was on raptor this year, I forgot to put my phone in the pocket that had a zipper, and I didnt realize until we were about to descend the first hill... Scary experience but even with that, It was a great ride. I love the roar that thing has. Mantis has a nice loud roar too. Is it bad to like the B&M roar?

Probably a stupid question to ask, but considering that Dolly Wood and SDC have just received large rides (And Dolly Wood is getting a new Resort...) I know that someone said Herschend approves ideas for the parks and for Darien, CNL shells out the big bucks. Is there a company co-operating the other parks (Elitch gardens, Dolly Wood, SDC) like CNL? or does Herschend solely own those and just, well... lease Darien and Elitch or mix and match or what? because to me, I find it odd that Herschend would add major coasters in SDC and Dolly wood but then say "we aren't looking to add any coasters to Darien any time soon" Yes I agree that they needed to work on infrastructure first but I'm not sure if that was the only factor... Sorry if that sounds confusing... if it does I'll simplify a little: Does Herschend run Darien Lake differently than its other parks? If so, why? and also, Is Herschend a kind of company that would add 3 major rides to 3 of its parks one after another? Oh! and also, does CNL affiliate with any other Herschend parks? Thanks Guys!

^ IMO, Darien Lake has a lot of potential, I agree that the coaster would boost guests. But, I'm sure that Side Winder Idea would do the same. Sure I'd rather see a roller coaster but If they have a thrill ride and take care of some internal issues such as 2 train operation which I could see as them trying to fix up the trains more in depth to be sure they run nice. I remember someone saying Six Flags did not keep up with train maintenance so that's a possibility. I was happy with my visit to Darien this year. Their new show was Amazing. Blast Off! Was interesting. It is your average launch tower. The only real "problem" I had was the rain. Otherwise it was a good day. So I wouldn't say they lost too many people this year. But I can say from an enthusiasts stand point. We see things a lot more different than the General public does. So where we see them failing. (though I wouldn't necessarily say it so blatantly just yet) They see it as maybe an "off day" Which I can relate too. Anyways. 2014 I believe will be a happy surprise at Darien. only time will tell!

Practically what I was saying was summed up in the first 2 sentences of this post. if they didn't think it totally through, they should not have posted it. I was upset with that. And I mean come on. This thread was blown out of proportion for the one survey posted. That was what was insane. not the survey itself. My thing with Darien is the inconsistency with reveals, and their way of executing events such as dark waters. Don't me wrong I love Darien. But It could be better. I'm pretty much over my "poo-poo" fit from earlier. Usually I'm very bias over Darien. The news of Dark Waters was just a big let down. So sorry to the Writers/Readers of the thread! Anyways. I don't think Herschend has really gotten a hold of the Fall Event at Darien yet. I mean, not saying they aren't trying but If i remember correctly, they have had a different name for "fright fest" every year so far. The basis of the event is always there but the name. I think that's funny. Maybe we need to float away from "Fright Fest" if that name is literally that hard to keep. just IMO. Any-who sorry again about my little outburst. I agree RoS is the "poo-poo" but would it kill 'em to finish the new coat of paint? (By the ejector hills and the breaks)

What??? No Dark Waters?? What a let down! I usually don't do haunted events, but Dark Waters got me somewhat interested. That Child in the Water thing seemed like it was going to be amazing. Darien lake needs to realize that what they're doing is causing people to not only get annoyed with them, but starting to simply forget about the park. For gods sake Cedar Point is only 4 hours away, Canada's Wonderland is a stroll up north. At this point I'm saying they aren't really worth it anymore. They had better blow us away in 2014. If not; Goodbye Darien Lake! No offense to the park, but they need to get off their high horse and realize they are NOT as good of a park as they used to be. Do inside work. if you spread a rumor, guard it more carefully as to not upset enthusiasts. Start to care for your rides a little better and if you run into low staffing. close down the smaller less thrilling rides (Emitting kiddie land of course) so people don't waste their time to be there with 3 of the 6 coasters closed. Ok i think i'm done with my little rant. At this point though. No Lake Monster, will be a disaster for this failing park... Ride On Folks!

So, I heard with the new Gatekeeper restraints the ride experience is a lot better... Did anyone ride prior to the new restraints, have a good experience and then ride afterwards and get an even better experience? I won't be able to return to the park this year to see for myself so I was curious compared to the old restraints, How is the overall ride "better" or "worse"?

Is it sad to think less than a year ago someone on this very thread mentioned a possible re-theme of RoS to be called "The Lake Erie Monster' similar to the rumored Woodie? Kinda cool how the lines cross...

With the Vekoma SLC and Boomerang, I can agree they can get bumpy. But I really haven't had much of a problem with the Mind Eraser. With the exception of once in 2010. but that's another story. Usually I kinda break the rule of keeping your head behind the head banger's, and I get an enjoyable ride. Back seat of course! And as for Boomerang, that thing, differs from trip to trip... The most recent trip though, I found it enjoyable. And Viper, well. Like boomerang, it changes from day to day. So I have no complaints really. except for Predator. I don't care if Lake Monster is stalled, but predator needs to close in 2013. IMO that's what I call or for that matter... it feels more like you did something like this to your stomach Does that get my point across? I hope so!

^EXACTLY! I felt the same about GateKeeper! I rode it in early July and it was Fine (to me) But everyone seemed to hate it. Oh well.

If they were to do the Lake Monster, I'd rather they do it right rather than throwing together a few new elements on the predator. That coaster is horrible as it is now and just adding a few elements will not add to the popularity unless the rest of the coaster is completely re-tracked as well. The park has potential, thanks to Herschend but things take time. ALTHOUGH I would be okay with the ride opening Late in the year versus having to wait until 2015! And I've been saying for years RoS needs a re-paint. Maybe a theme change, maybe not. Whatever. with that I'm saying that they have already repainted the Boomerang and the Viper, so I know that there is possibility. I look forward to 2014 at Darien.

Ok so I just finished reading the 2013 Golden Ticket Awards and to my surprise, Ride of Steel is no longer in the top 50 List. If i remember correctly, Last year Ride of Steel was tied at 26 with Volcano: The Blast Coaster at Kings Dominion. Sad to say, Volcano is in 39th place and Ride of Steel is in no place at all. I hope this is a wake up call to the park to consider working at their guest services and try and fix up their rides. (Probably Not) but one can hope. If I had to guess why they didn't make the charts this year is because 1) They haven't been receiving "amazing" reviews lately 2) One train operation 3) very slow operations staff this year Of course these are all IMO but still. Darien has lost a very big placement. so.... Lets see some effort! Lastly,Dolly Wood received the Best New Ride of 2012, Silver Dollar City won Best New Ride of 2013, Can Darien pull itself together and win Best New Ride of 2014? Wouldn't that be cool? alright. I'm done here. PEACE!

Though I do find the new name for Fright Fest rather fitting for the park. and I do like the Child in the Waters story for the new "Haunt" attraction. What is TPR's general consensus on the Lake Monster actually happening in 2014? We have strayed away from the topic from time to time but IMO I would say Lake Monster is Not happening in 2014. I say this because I'm not sure if Darien could pull off a project like this starting so late, especially with the winters we get in good ol' Western New York. But also because Didn't Herschend say they didn't plan to add any coasters any time soon? I know, I know, Lake Monster wouldn't exactly be a "New Coaster" but at the same time it kinda is... right? I will be honest. I think it was just a survey that we all got excited over and then it fell flat. Not to say there wont be a "Lake Monster" coming to the park (and what bad publicity that would cause after all the coaster enthusiasts that followed this story find it to be false and what not) But based on the very little we have to prove it as a "go" is a survey, some spray painted footers, and a news article. that's about it. Hopefully I'm dead wrong. but at least there's another descent topic to mention on the thread. Is the Lake Monster Truly a "GO" for 2014? and... Que the comments!

^Thats what I heard. I found it quite comical while waiting in line on the 4th of July how every time a "Big scary cloud' would float just above Millennium they would close it. yet there was never any rainfall (From my perspective of course) and to my dissatisfaction, they were constantly switching trains, testing one train, switching them again. back and fourth for about an hour while also switching between closed and open. any one have any idea why they kept switching the trains by chance? (to help add to this, Millennium was on 2 train operation when I first went in line but right before I got to board I Believe they switched back to 3. not so sure about that though) Just to give a good visual on what they closed Millennium for CONSTANTLY. It was complete overcast all day.