HWFan

EDIT: Sorry, it posted it twice...if only the wifi in my dorm was as good as the wifi at Holiday World.

From what it seems, the Guest would transfer from their wheelchair over to the large padded seat and then down to the middle level that is over the other coaster seat. Finally, it's just a nice small final transfer down into the seat of the coaster. The only park that I've seen anything like this at is Disney. All of their rides have either special vehicles or special ways to get into the vehicle. While I honestly will probably not use this at Holiday World this summer, having the option there, especially for Guests who have even harder times moving around, is great. Now one thing that I would love would be a little hinged/door thing that allowed a larger area for your feet to get in/out of the car. That is the thing that trips (pun intended) me up every time, as someone with size 15 shoes. Gobbler Getaway's special ride vehicles are also nice, as they are equipped with a special door that opens to make it easier to get in and out of. However, while it could be either bad design by Sally or bad employee training by the park, you're lucky if the team member can even get it open with the key. Most of the time, once it gets to the point where every single ride vehicle is stopped from them taking so long to open, I just get help and squeeze in the normal way.

It's funny because whenever I ride Mr. Freeze, I always feel especially guilty. In the time it takes me to roll backwards down that skinny exit 'catwalk' to the second or third car and then somehow get my 6'2" frame & size 15 shoes into the vehicle, they always end up running the other train twice. That ride is by far the hardest to get into as someone in a wheelchair (at least between SFSL, HW, Disney, Universal, SFMM, and Cedar Point), and the operators don't even open the gates to load everyone else until I'm fully loaded (I understand why they do it, but it just poops on capacity). Sorry for that random story, but I guess I should also give you some information about the park in it as well...so uhhhh...oh! The bumper cars, which could be seen in a pic or two that I posted in April, are no longer idly (pun intended) in the employee parking lot. They were recently picked up by the Shriners to be turned into go karts for use in different parades!

At least in 2012 and 2013 (and I think in some years before that too), it was used quite regularly as an "Online Purchases Only" season pass processing center. It was used all weekend during September & October and was also used a lot on busy weekends in the summer (at least once or twice a week during June and July), in addition to any other busy day we had. Now that the passes are processed at the front gate, 99.9% of people who purchased passes online never even have to visit the season pass service center all year. However, at least for much of 2014, it was kept stocked and ready in case it was needed, as many of you unfortunately know there were definitely some crazy times at the front gate last season. With the computers and season pass stuff now gone, the only thing that it is really used for is its kitchen. All of the big pretzels and some of the other snacks in that area of the park are all cooked inside the kitchen at Calicos, the name of the former restaurant and season pass center. While projects and things are constantly, I can say that there are at least a few preliminary plans/ideas for the building. As the season dining pass continues to grow in use and popularity, I think you'll see the park needing more food service infrastructure. While I don't know any specifics, I do know that there are plans for the refreshment of the other three sides of the building including that one. (Btw HARLEYGUYJB, do you mind if I post your pictures to show some people on reddit? I can't take my phone out while in the park, so I wasn't able to get any pictures this weekend. I'll give you credit.)

The overall tone seems to be less negative than it was back then too Although, I like a good mix rather than in threads like Holiday World where (until the Voyage mid-course break drama started) everything is 110% magical. I think you're going to see Six Flags' reputation really turning around in the coming year. It's a company that just a few years ago came out of bankruptcy and being eventually getting back on the NYSE at $7.36/share, which for the first time passed $50/share recently. Even comparing the Triotech ride at Knott's to this monster, as those pictures don't do the size/scope of it justice(league).

As I sit here, under the tent outside the employee cafe & eating my pudding cup, my overall feeling is that the park just looks good. I mean, with just DC Comics Plaza having a ton of refurbishment, new restaurants to increase capacity, so much fresh paint and renovations all over the park, plus the fact that they aren't stopping the aggressive paint schedule anytime soon, it just seems like the park feels "alive and healthy" as weird as that sounds. This has the potential to be the best season in a decade or two, in my opinion.

If you didn't see it already, SFSL posted a current pic of the facade on Twitter. Now that that is out there, here's a couple other pics of the area. Remember that this was Wednesday, so the facade has even progressed since then. The large approx. 5ft tall pillars for the fence in front are being installed now. Finally, the old shirt tie dye stand across from the log flume exit has finished it's transition into a food stand, which is in addition to the food carts below.

I just updated my post above with all the official info!

Sounds like fun! Do you know how long the event will last? If I had to guess it would be about an hour. I'd also guess about an hour. The website only says "we’re keeping select rides open AFTER the park closes". According to the official internal memo, the ERT will be 30 minutes at Batman from 7:00-7:30. All Guests with a yellow wristband are welcome to participate. You can get the wristband by either exchanging a voucher (received from an online special) at the registration table in front of the Palace Theatre from 12:00-3:00pm. You can win a wristband during the fiesta event with fun games & prizes at the Palace porch. Finally, you can purchase any Ortega product from the Outpost location to receive up to four wristbands (for a family per purchase).

Exactly. ERT's are usually towards the front of the park as well with the main two groups being: -American Thunder, Moon Cars, and Shazam -Batman, Ninja, and Joker With the rest of the park being closed, it would be a pain to have the rides spread out like that. If it takes approximately an hour to clear the park at the end of the night, just think how much of a pain that would be. If the rides are grouped together at the front of the park, it's easier for both attendees and the park.

When you work in a theme park, especially on days that it is closed, you'd be silly not to take advantage of some of the perks. With the beautiful weather, I took full advantage of my 45 minutes (which is up in about two minutes) by grabbing McDonalds and heading down to the JB's Patio. The facade has come a long way even since the pictures from Sunday. You can now see the massive words, "Hall of Justice" with the Walmart-type stars around it. I rolled up the Mr. Freeze exit ramp to the bridge that crosses Thunder River. That is by far the best view of the whole building, and the only place where you can really see all of it at once. Hopefully a picture of it will be on the park's Twitter tomorrow, but if not, with the pace they're working, it'll be even more amazing come Saturday. (I'll post my pics on Saturday sometime after the park is open for the day and Guests are seeing the same.) Another small but appreciated upgrade came in the form of a new Dip-n-Dots & Oreo-logo cart that are side by side on the pad of concrete between Shazam & the refurbished store. For years, the spot was just home to a couple vending machines, but the new food carts really make that spot look much better. Well, I'm clocking back in from my break, so I've got to go. Hope to see you all in the park soon!

It's honestly just one of those "depends on the person" type things. I always see non-enthusiast Guests loving the ride. The enthusiast community will rant and rave about how amazing Maverick at CP is (which after my first ride on it last year at CoasterMania, I agree with them), but my mom, who is 43 and loves the Voyage, hated Maverick. During the following fifteen minutes, she developed a horrible headache that then made her nauseous, and upon exiting the ride, her eyes were watering because it hurt her so bad in terms of her head getting slammed into each curve. Many may chalk it up to the fact that she didn't know the ride or how to brace for each turn, but maybe the same could apply to some enthusiasts and the Voyage. I agree with the other's who have said that the Legend beats them up more than the Voyage. For me, the Legend hurts me more than the Boss at SFSL. Just a "everybody's different" kind of thing I guess.

As a big HW fan to begin with (as evidenced by my TPR forum name lol), I was really excited for this ride. I remember, as the speculation was really building before the announcement, how a lot of people thought that HW was too much of a "small" park to build anything this big and great. After announcing 1.2 million annual attendance numbers in the past and very successful financials that came out five years ago or so in a state audit (I believe), it's obvious that HW is a small-park at heart that has been able to grow at its own pace over the years. While the Voyage was just another chapter in a history of additions (like the Raven) putting it more and more on the map, I think that Thunderbird is finally that top tier level, just because it is a $22 million, one-of-a-kind B&M. As far as I'm concerned, this park has nowhere to go but up! It's officially been a decade since I first visited Holiday World, and I look forward to seeing how to park continues to improve in the decade ahead. Just a quick note for Robb: I'm sure I'm not the only one who found the unique perspective you gave, as a member of the media, to be interesting. It's easy to be critical online, but a lot of people (myself included) don't see the running around and constant rushing to get videos/posts edited and uploaded. Thanks for the "behind the scenes" info, and it doesn't surprise me that HW did some out of the ordinary things to take care of the media just as it does for its Guests. Thanks for the TR and videos!

I think you're forgetting that the wonderful thing about the internet is that you can say and promise whatever you want without having to follow through. Kinda like being a fifth term, white, US Senator.

It honestly wouldn't surprise me if it was closed for the cheer competition. The main reason would be the noise as some of the younger girls try to do their cheers and stuff.

Even though a poster above gave a great plan of action and other advice for your visit, IF it is open and IF you plan to ride JLBM, head immediately for that ride when the park opens rather than one of the coasters.

There is a pretty diverse group of preferences out there, so I'm not sure I would want to add in that "highly unlikely" if I were you.

From my experience, HWN is definitely more than worth it. I would check the official webpage, but usually tickets are on sale all the way up to check-in at the park (if you are willing to pay the dreaded procrastination tax). I'm sure this year will be more crowded than some previous events, due to Thunderbird, but you will get more than enough time to enjoy the coasters (steel, wooden, and water) without much time waiting. Besides that though, HWN was always special to us for the welcoming environment created by the Kochs, Matt, Paula, and the rest of the staff. Their crazy antics, puns, and interactions make it truly special (as if the food like the free fudge wasn't enough already). I know there has been some less-than-flattering talk about some people at the park, which is really sucky to see. I have said a few ignorant & critical things in the past, which I truly regret, so I can personally say that if you just go over and talk to Matt, Lori, Eric, Leah, Lauren, Paula & whoever, they really love talking to people who share the same passion for their park. If you see them standing around (usually enjoying some refreshing Pepsi beverages), just go up and introduce yourself. Once you get to know the people behind the park and they get to know you, the whole event and park itself just takes on a completely different feeling. If you go to HWN, ride the rides, eat the food, and make some new professional & enthusiast friends, but in the end you don't think that it was worth it or just another regular "enthusiast" event, I will personally reimburse your ticket price. Changing the subject, I also thought the detail in the sign for the Pepsi Oasis where they used the old Pepsi bottle cap logo and made it look weathered is really cool to see!

For those who weren't able to make it to the park this weekend, the JLBM building is really starting to look cool. They added a lot of the foam this past week, making it stand out more and more. It was the first time since I had originally seen it a few months ago that it made me say "wow!" If the weather cooperates, visitors next weekend will hopefully see a nice white building as the ride construction progresses perfectly on schedule. It's crazy how much larger and "fuller" the facade looks compared to its Texas counterpart. I've noticed more and more Guests stopping to look at it.

I'm a bit late on this, but thank you to those who posted all of the the great pictures! Anyone else see the theming of the buildings in Thunderbird Plaza and feel like they were looking at SDC or Dollywood? It's great to see such an emphasis on theme. Now while this has nothing to do with Thunderbird or The Voyage, I wanted to thank Holiday World for something that I noticed last season during HWN. As someone in a wheelchair, new tables at the different food locations around the park were installed that do not have a bench on one of the four sides so that someone in a wheelchair can roll up and eat comfortably. In the last three years it seems that I've grown accustomed to not being able to eat at a table comfortably at a lot of places to the point where I don't even notice it anymore. However, that little thing that HW did to make the park more accessible got me almost more excited than the coasters. The only place that I didn't see them was the picnic grove, which wasn't a big deal because an end of one of the tables works just fine. Paula, if you see this, would you please pass along my appreciation to Matt, Lori, Leah, Lauren, and whoever else is there? I know that investing in accessible features that will only be used by less than 1% of your Guests might seem pointless to some, but it seriously made my day to see them. Since then, I was actually able to discuss it with the Director of Ops & Park President at our park to install similar tables and other improvements for Guests with disabilities. I'm sad to miss HWN this year, but I can't wait to ride Thunderbird soon!

In other news! Is anyone currently enjoying the media day for our new launched, B&M wing coaster?! It seems like it will be a great addition to the Coaster Capital of Missouri, and the way it interacts with the Boss & Screamin' Eagle should make for a thrilling ride experience! Don't forget the relocation of SkyScreamer to new new coaster's plaza, which will open up a place to add something in SkyScreamer's old spot. This looks like it will be a great addition to Six Flags St. Louis! (TPR is posting some great pics on Twitter for those interested!)

WTF? Not one sentence of this post makes any sense... Anyways... Are there any small improvements to Hurricane Harbor this season? There is one big improvement at HH this season that you will never see and hopefully will never be used. Some huge new backup generators were added, so that if the power goes out, the pump houses won't flood, which would lead to a major delay in reopening the water park. That is why, last season, a power outage would result in HH either being closed for the full day or reopening later in the day then the rest of the park. While it will hopefully remain unused, it's good to know it's there.

You have to remember: not only will lighting completely change the look, the cars themselves can rotate so that riders could end up having their backs to the speakers you pointed out. That construction tour really didn't reveal anymore than we already knew. I think it looks awesome so far! I kinda wish they wouldn't have released that video, because it actually made the ride look worse for me at least. There is so much that you miss, especially the things that will bring those places where it seems very minimalistic (especially one OMFG feature that is one of the unannounced special surprises). Remember, the top set & lighting designers in the industry are designing this ride, so you at least can say 99% that it will at least look good. This video is also at least three weeks old as well. I can't say why I know, but I am absolutely positive that it is. My advice: Take this video as a way to just get an idea of the ride but know that there will be so much more to it.

Two great trip reports of a park that I'd really like to visit sometime. I always check out the different parks through the TRs posted to search out any good ideas or things that we could possibly steal/implement at SFSL. One thing that Cedar Fair has done extremely well with CP and Carowinds is the complete rebuilding of the front entrance plazas. When the majority of parks were built, 90% of Guests still had to purchase their tickets at the booths, which is why most parks have them directly in front of the gate. However, today, it can be almost the opposite with online sales and increased season pass holders. As an Admissions & Guest Relations guy at heart, I truly marvel at the beauty of those entrance plazas. Besides the huge front gate facade/canopy things, the coaster going above and below the entrance path really creates one of the best thresholds possible to really build excitement. I also have to really say how surprised I was with the thrill level of Windseeker, for me at least. I've ridden the original size Sky Screamer dozens of times and even got to be one of the test riders when they were looking into running it backwards for a limited time (which was definitely a very unique experience), but for whatever reason, Windseeker felt scarier for some reason, whether that be the height or the fact that I actually felt safer with chains holding me up rather than this smooth, silent piece of equipment.

I was gonna say, "Sorry for the triple post," but then I realized I'm not. So anyway... There was a lot of nastier weather days during the week this month, which is the reason why the Palace roof isn't quite done yet. I would guess that it is probably the same with JLBM. Plus, with a lot of the same crew members working on different parts of the project, there might be some that are finishing the inside before devoting their time to the exterior once the weather gets better. Idk but with JLBM, this weekend I'm just feeling like IT'S ELECTRIC *boogie woogie woogie*. Yeah, I don't know why I forgot about the whole weather situation. I had a brain fart. I forgot to mention: Even though it's not done yet, it's obvious that SFSTL's facade is going to be tons better than SFOT's. Not only is ours at least double the width, but we don't have a giant metal building popping out over the top like theirs does. It should look really nice when it's done. I can't wait! Dave said that everything is exactly on time at this point. The bigger thing, besides the weather, is that the people who are doing the facade in Texas are the people doing the facade for our park. Once Texas' facade is done, they'll fly out to St. Louis and finish the much larger and more impressive SFSL facade. Remember, everything isn't bigger in Texas.