Raven Maven

At some point, we'll have to take some sort of rump measurements ... as the seat diameters are different on the different types of boats. REALLY looking forward to that process ...

Yes, we plan to run both (we'll only have a few of the 8-seaters). I'm waiting for the second design to arrive before adding info to our website.

So would I. Ha! We'll post photos as soon as they arrive.

Dan is calling them "row boats" because they have three rows of seats. Two seats in the front row, then three in the middle and three in the back row. Three positives: highest capacity boats available to us, they don't spin - if you're concerned about that, and the diameters of the seats are larger than in the round boats. Thanks!

We won't know till testing resumes in the spring. We'll keep you posted ...

Not sure how it will all work yet, Daniel.

We'll have both round (6 seaters) and tobaggan (8 seaters) on Mammoth.

Heh heh. Thought that was the most intriguing video grab in the bunch. If you're not already a subscriber, here's our YouTube Channel address. We plan to make this video public tomorrow (noonish). It'll be on the HoliBlog, too.

Thanks. I pestered the heck out of various departments to try to get this budgeted for this season. Plus Dan (much like his late brother Will) likes tech toys, so he was all for it. Hoping the "Friend Finder" feature on our "Holiday World & More!" app will finally work properly, thanks to this upgrade.

The restraints on the two rides are very different - I would guess that's why. The smaller tykes will have to ride with an adult (the seats are two-per-swing). Thanks, Paula

^ kcsteve -- that's correct. Thanks, Paula

As promised, here is an update about the Timberliner trains for Voyage: In 2011, The Voyage will use two seven-car PTC trains (The Raven will have two six-car PTC trains). The Timberliner models tested here in 2010 will be upgraded after similar models are used at other parks this season. Because of the extreme speeds and forces on The Voyage, we feel it is better to wait until there has been a full season of Timberliner-use elsewhere (on less extreme coasters which were designed with Timberliners in mind). GravityKraft will then refurbish our trains so that we’ll have the most up-to-date models. We intend to introduce Voyage’s Timberliner trains at the start of the 2012 season. Happy St. Patrick's Day! Paula

Thank you. Matt's a wonderful guy. Head injuries are scary; we're praying for full recovery. Paula

^ Wildebeest are known for their frenzied migration. We didn't think of that when we named the thing, but it's sure turned out to be true! Here's that link again: http://bit.ly/fCSYKS Thanks so much! Paula

Me again--trolling for votes. May we ask your help in voting for Wildebeest today in the About.com poll? (We lost the lead and have some catching up to do!) Just 2 clicks: http://bit.ly/fCSYKS Thanks! Paula

Or was it "fu-u-u-u-u-u-un?" Yeah, something like that... Any more votes for Wildebeest? Sure would appreciate TPR's help: http://themeparks.about.com/b/2011/02/11/readers-choice-awards-water-parks.htm (just takes 2 clicks). Happy weekend! Paula

You're welcome. I rode it with my GM, Matt, twice early one morning before we opened for the day. He accused me of using unthinkable language when the LIMs kicked in, especially in the tunnels. I was aghast that he could have thought that of me. Quite simply, I was quoting Ralphie from my favorite move: Fu-u-u-u-u-u-udge!" Really.

They were the longest lines we've ever had. Ugh. Ninety minutes to 2 hours during the middle of the day on most days. You know how wildebeests are known for stampeding? (Sorry, Mufasa.) That's what we'd see every morning when we dropped the ropes in the water park. Get the HECK out of the way! (I'd stand there like some kind of moron: Please don't run. Um, please don't run. We want you to be safe. Please don't run." Paula

I nearly died that day -- lordy, it was hot! It was a fun day, though.

Thanks for the Wildebeest votes. Here's the link again: http://bit.ly/fCSYKS (just 2 clicks). Paula

Since I hear/read this is THE place to go when you want a poll swayed (j/k) ... Have you voted for Wildebeest yet today? About.com allows once-a-day voting (just takes a sec): http://bit.ly/fCSYKS Seriously, your help in spreading the word is sincerely appreciated! Thank you! Paula The late Will Koch and ProSlide's Rick Hunter ... the proud creators of Wildebeest.

We're running out of month, aren't we? No testing yet ... and I haven't heard any updates, sorry. Paula

Yes, we put in several huge umbrellas mid-season, but feel this new shade structure will be more effective. Thanks, Paula

We'll know more next month, when testing resumes. I'd tell you if I knew... Paula