mightypotato

So, Halloween. What goes well with Halloween? Metal goes well with Halloween. So, that being the case, a friend and I ventured to Toronto to see Epica and Alestorm. Alestorm came out first and in true Halloween spirit, were in costume. They were all dressed as Batman characters and announced that Alestorm couldn't make it, but instead Christian Balestorm would be performing. They proceeded to play a full set, but changed the lyrics so that instead of being about pirates, they were about Batman. For instance, the song "Captain Morgan's Revenge" became "Comissioner Gordon's Revenge" or "Rum" simply became "Bats". All in all, it was one of the funnier concert moments I've experienced if only because it was so wacky and different. After a brief break, Epica came out and proceeded to melt everyone's faces. They played a truly epic set that lasted almost 2 hours. Most of Epica's songs are quite long (i.e., 7-8 minutes), so it was to be expected. But, with awesome symphonic metal, that doesn't really matter too much. They also had a really good light show to accompany the music. All in all, it was a great night and the crowd as always was fantastic and fun to be a part of. Next up will be GWAR on the 24th. That will be...interesting. Here are some pictures I took last night. Epica! Alestorm, aka: Christian Balestorm!

Pardon my ignorance on this issue, but how would that work with IOA's Marvel area? Would IOA need to de-theme everything a la the former Paramount parks?

He can still use a pickup truck, providing he knows the right people. And since he is Prince Desmond, he does.

Texas/Midwest looks fantastic. I am beyond ready to send in deposits for this trip.

My first B&M was Alpengeist back in 1997. My first coaster with inversions too. Good times.

Killing him won't bring back your damn honey! Not the bees! Ah! They're in my eyes! Ahhhhhhh!

Burning Man seems to get a little more out of hand every year.

Dang, that's certainly not good news. I hope they can get it up and running again in top form for next season.

Nothing really scares me anymore. However, vertical or very steep lifts make me a bit nervous. I'm not sure what it is, but I just don't like the sensation of the steep lift. Fahrenheit or any Euro Fighter suck going up the lift...same with very steep lifts like I305 or Millennium Force. However, once the lift is crested, it's all good and fun from there. Also, my first ride on Top Thrill Dragster had me a bit scared...damn thing is real intimidating your first time.

My rankings for Cedar Point's coasters, for whatever it's worth. 1. Maverick 2. Millennium Force 3. Magnum 4. Raptor 5. Wicked Twister 6. Top Thrill Dragster 7. Gemini 8. Mantis 9. Blue Streak 10. Corkscrew 11. Wildcat 12. Disaster Transport 13. Cedar Creek Mine Ride 14. Iron Dragon 15. Mean Streak

^ I was at the park that day and in line for Leviathan when all the filming was going on. The train dispatched and there was all this cheering...then came Rick Mercer riding in the front row waving to everyone waiting. He then hung out in the ride op booth for a while before leaving.

I'd love to see S&S or Vekoma start building some suspended coasters again. They're a great starting point for kids who are looking for their first "big" ride. That...and they're a ton of fun (Iron Dragon notwithstanding )

Exciting! *readies bank account for first deposit payment*

Awesome! I remember seeing the guy and getting excited. Tragically, I'm not in the map pictures...

Everything stays open in rain. I believe Levi and Behemoth run one train during rain. As long as there isn't thunder/hail, everything stays open. I remember going to the park this year and as dark clouds were approaching right after the first flash of lightning, all the rides immediately shut down. They were both running three trains. It kind of caught me by surprise as the last time I was there during rain (last season), everything was shut down. That said, riding Behemoth or Leviathan in the rain is not a pleasant experience and I would not recommend it.

I was at the park over the weekend and those eyes are REALLY cheesy. I can only hope some more theming goes into the mailbox tunnel. Also, has Cedar Fair's rain policy changed recently? It was raining pretty good on Saturday afternoon and everything was still open, including Behemoth and Leviathan.

Out of the floorless rides I've been on (Dominator, Batman: Dark Knight, Bizarro and Hydra), I would rank them as such. 1. Batman 2. Bizarro 3. Hydra 4. Dominator Of course, if we're including the dive machines, Griffon would easily take the #1 spot.

^ That's PAX for you. All of their designs seem like they were conceived of while very drunk. Take Cobra at Conny Land for instance... Or whatever the hell this is at Fantasiana...

The Mauer-Sohne X-Car launched coasters always look "weird" to me. It's like there's something wrong with the way the track bends and such. Well...that and any PAX coaster ever made.

Seems like a good addition for the park.

^ Funny how people who have ridden the same ride have two completely different opinions. I liked the layout of Lightning Racers, but thought the layout on Gemini was boring (hand slapping notwithstanding). Not that one person is right or wrong, just interesting.

I have a huge love of zero-g rolls on B&M inverts. I love the way the train and track twist and contort. Very awesome stuff.

^ Also known as the Astrosphere Effect. Outdoor Scrambler = meh Indoor Scrambler with crazy lighting and music = OMGWTF awesome

I haven't been on many racing coasters, but out of the ones I've been on, Lightning Racers is far and away my favourite. Not only do they race all the time, but the ride itself is actually really good. The racing enhances an already good ride.