thrillseeker4552

With GCI's introduction of their Titan Track (steel track introduced at IAAPA last year), I wonder if Knott's is interested. I know Knott's wants to keep GhostRider a true wooden coaster. However I can't help but wonder if putting that steel track at high stress areas (like the bottom of the first drop, or various places in the second half) is attractive for the park. I know they dump so much money into maintaining that ride each year. And don't get me wrong, the ride is currently running great (well, when it was open... sigh). But when it comes to something long-term for the coaster, I could see Knott's jumping on it. Thoughts?

It will definitely run fewer trains given the length of the brake run/station. However, I wonder if this will be a taller version with a third "level" of hills. The tight radius of the raven dive on the far left seems to point to that. Maybe not. Smaller or bigger, it is still cool to see a custom layout.

It carries a lot more speed through the heartline roll than I was expecting. Not quite Maverick-pre-opening level, but that is going to be a great element to finish the ride. And it has lap bars! Intamin is just

Wait, there is actually going to be a safari-themed ride in Safari Village? Is that allowed?

This sounds about right. In 2020, we want to go back to 2019. In 2019, we wanted to go back to 2018. And so forth. I am hoping, at the minimum, that all parks are able to open in 2021. Even if all of the same guidelines are still in place, I would hate to see a park not be able to open *again* due to some ridiculous state/county mandate and likely close indefinitely as a result.

I know you are subtly referencing Nitro here. I am curious: what is the lowest temperature you have seen Nitro run? Genuine question from a West Coast-er who thought 40 degrees at SFMM's Holiday in the Park was absolutely freezing.

I actually really enjoyed Harley Quinn at SFOT when I rode it last year. Although I can see why a park would want to remove a ride like that to cut costs. I am sure they are very complex rides to maintain.

I am interested to try Shellraiser eventually. Gerstlauers (or at least the ones I have ridden) seem to be hit-or-miss when it comes to smoothness. But the launch and drop look fantastic. Tentative summer plans include flying into Newark, so I am hoping to include Nick Universe on the itinerary - mostly for Sandy. That coaster looks so wild.

Adventureland posted a photo of construction on Dragon Slayer. It looks like this Free Spin will have a custom layout! Not super different, but definitely noticeable.

The Axis prototype at the S&S facility last week. Was very fortunate to be invited by S&S! Such a cool concept with an insane launch.

This was the first coaster that came to my mind. Six Flags cannot possibly be pleased with their investment in that ride over the last 8 years. Thinking of my home Six Flags (Magic Mountain), the two that come to mind are Viper and Ninja. Not sure which one is more of a maintenance headache, if either. But it does seem that Viper is much less popular. Fingers crossed these removals turn out to be old flat rides, etc. rather than iconic, classic roller coasters.

Yeah, this event (and the other ones this year) are almost certainly for the locals. My family lives less than an hour from the park and usually go dozens of times per year, so it was a no brainer for us to visit Taste of Knott's because we miss the park and wanted to support them. With that being said, I completely understand why somebody would not want to travel a significant distance for this. I most definitely wouldn't.

^I see where you are coming from. I just look at it as supporting the parks during a very difficult time. I am very glad Knott's is running this event and will gladly pay that price (plus purchasing stuff during the event) to support them as much as I can. I definitely plan on visiting in November and/or December.

^I agree. Usually I find floorless coasters somewhat forgettable, but Superman is excellent. The layout is top-notch.

I am excited to try Orion next summer, hopefully. I have thoroughly enjoyed every B&M Hyper/Giga I've ridden, but I can also see how Orion may fall short in some areas. It has definitely received some polarizing reviews. Regardless, whether it's "meh" or amazing, it really looks great. The color scheme, area, and theming seems very nice.

Knott’s posted this on their socials. Announcement tomorrow. I am sure it is about their presumed Christmas/Holiday food event!

Great report. I really do love this park. Thinking of going on the last day of their operating season, November 1st, if weather permits. But it's been a crazy warm September and October here in Utah so fingers crossed it stays that way a little longer.

I am convinced that Spongebob is the greatest kid/family animated TV show to air. And the memes that come from it are spectacular. But I guess people who grew up before the 2000s probably cannot relate as much. But back on topic... I totally agree with what you said, Bill, about Great Bear. I think it is severely underrated and is a fantastic invert.

It is actually pretty funny to see a "modern version" of Hulk. Vest restraints, smoothed out transitions, and slightly different shaping on the inversions. All of the characteristics of 2021 B&M vs. 1999 B&M. Nonetheless, the park looks great.

Bingo. Could not have said it better myself. When I visited Taste of Knott's back in August, this was constantly on my mind. "This event is great, but the park literally feels like it's open already - just no rides. What's the difference?" Wacky policies are one thing, but inconsistent wacky policies are much more frustrating.

Sigh. I am glad I kept my expectations low. I hope the parks push back as much as possible.

This screams Cedar Point to me. Their drop tower is a little outdated considering how modernized the park has become. This would be an excellent (and affordable) way to upgrade Power Tower and market it as "first of its kind."

Yeah, I can't see this coaster opening before Spring/Summer 2022 at the earliest.

I've had this idea in my head for so long and wondered why nobody has done it. Of course, S&S are the ones to innovate like that! Love it. Supreme Scream... please! Just one of the towers?

I am often indifferent when it comes to most coaster removals, but one coaster I don't miss AT ALL is Mean Streak! I rode it in 2012 and 2014 and never enjoyed any part of it. On the flip side, Volcano will always be the most difficult and unfortunate removal for me.