VF15

They’re back at it again.

Thunderhead at Dollywood in mid-October.

At the rate we’re going now, I’m afraid things won’t look much different at parks for at least the first half of 2021. With a vaccine expected sometime in the next several months, hopefully that will allow restrictions to be gradually eased, but I expect most parks probably won’t be back to 2019-level normalcy until 2022.

Top Thrill Dragster at Cedar Point on Labor Day.

Thinking about taking a weekend trip to Dollywood in October, any recommendations for hotels in town for someone on a budget ($80-$90 a night or less) but aren’t completely terrible?

If a vaccine and/or effective treatment for COVID becomes available before the end of 2020 and enough people take it, I think there’s a chance we could have a relatively normal summer at the parks next year. If that doesn’t happen, then I worry next summer may look fairly similar to this one. I’d bet most if not all parks will be open next year regardless instead of the hodge-podge of open and closed parks we’ve had this year.

I’d be sure to head right to Maverick right after the gates open since Maverick passes can run out quickly, but overall it’s a very doable plan.

If you head straight to Vengeance after the gates open, you should be able to get passes for all three rides. If you happen to miss out on a Millennium pass, they distribute more passes at 3:30. They do allow walk-ups until noon, and they may allow them for the last hour (7 to 8) if the line isn’t too long. Don’t know for sure if they accept late passes during normal ops but they will take it later if there’s any downtime during your time slot.

Ravine Flyer II at Waldameer today.

Kennywood has announced that their last operating day in 2020 will be Labor Day, September 7th, due to continuing uncertainties about COVID-19. https://www.kennywood.com/calendar

Steel Vengeance a few hours ago.

Looks like Intimidator is getting a fresh coat of paint. Photo from Carowinds Fans Only on Facebook.

While the other closed Cedar Fair parks have cancelled their seasons, Cedar Fair recent said in their 2nd quarter report that they’re still hoping to open Canada’s Wonderland at some point this year. Wonder why CW is the single holdout?

^ Yes, face coverings are required on all rides.

Nickelodeon Universe at Mall of America will begin a phased reopening on August 10th with select rides open. Park capacity will be limited to 250 people. https://nickelodeonuniverse.com/opening/