boldikus

Its fun to see old posts I made about this kinda stuff. Only managed to cross off Kennywood and Cedar Point this year but the gears are turning already for 2016 trips to Kings Dom/Busch Williamburg, a weekend trip to see my sister and visit SFOG, day trips to Coney, SFNE and probably Knoebels. Maybe BGT if I can convince the wifey. We have a place to stay there. Add to my list Dollywood and Lagoon but probably won't make those next year, I'm a realist.

^^ Also now the Batman wait will go back to its normal 5-10 minute duration. Not sure if I'm gonna make it this weekend, if that changes I'll let you know.

Yep. Hershey would basically become the most perfect park on earth if they - added an Intamin Skyjump/some other drop tower - add another adult flat like a Screaming Swing - RMC Wildcat The end. Best park on earth. edit: Oh and implement some sort of worthwhile fast pass system.

Skyrush is already both of those things.

From RMC's Facebook page:

That's OK, just think about the rider experience that only Hawkules will give you in 2017: launching up 399 ft into a brake run, only to be held under the edge of a 399ft vertical drop while standing on a bicycle seat suspended from underneath the inverted track. Worlds first!

They could call it Hawkules.

399ft B&M launched giga standup inverted dive machine across the front entrance for 2017

Its a shame they didn't use this opportunity to get a new lighting package for the Ferris Wheel. Or at least replace the numerous broken bulbs.

From Playlands' Facebook Page:

Most of Bizarro looks OK, its only bad on the rails and the catwalks, you can really see the old Medusa paint in spots. We were just talking about that when riding on Sunday. Overall the supports look OK still. And I'm conflicted about them painting Nitro. Hell yes it could use it, it just looks terrible, but the majority of the ride can't be seen from the park so why waste the money they should use to completely redesign and repave the parking lot.

CBS2 Exclusive: A Look Inside The ‘American Dream’ At The Meadowlands (<<<<- featuring video clip with footage of them pouring footers for water park, etc)

If the map is anything to go by, I'm gonna say no. Also, looks like the Flash Pass building is gonna be closed/cut off too. I'd be amazed if they weren't trying to rob people with Flash Passes. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe both 2015 and 2016. When they announced it they sold it with "free to all 2015 passholders" and I think they're using the same line with their 2016 pass advertisements. edit: Just logged into my passholder portal and my SP expires January 10, 2016. It's safe to say both 2015 and 2016. Also, just noticed BAF for $19.99 Nov 21st - Dec 13th.

So many cobra rolls!

Straight from Great Adventure's website:

^ I don't get it. I'm not a big fan of Ka but imo its even more forceful than Dragster, but overall they are pretty similar (TTD gets the edge for me due to its superior restraints).

Kingda Ka & TTD.

Haha! Nice one. So I guess you got a free on-ride pic thanks to me! LMAO. The funny thing is, the guy working the photo booth tried to crop you out! LOL

^^ My thoughts exactly - looks like a sports team logo.

^ Agreed. I only rode it once but Wildcat was rough like a good older woodie should be. I've ridden much worse. Also glad to see we have some more Skyrush geeks roaming this great planet.

Hey, thanks for posting a picture of my car! LOL too funny. I took that from next to the car as we were leaving so we parked literally right behind you. Small world! Sounds like the Mountain rejected you. There's always next time. YES!!! Mucho excitement!!

Seriously. Off season? What off season?

I was also there for a bit yesterday and the crowds were light and totally manageable, but we didn't stay all day. I guess between Halloween party hangovers and a chilly, overcast morning it kept things quiet. What was originally going to be just me and my bro-in-law Tom turned into my sister and 2 yr old nephew joining us so it turned out to be a little more low key with a bunch of kiddie rides mixed in with our favorites. We arrived early, around 10:20, and joined the season pass line - I'd say there were maybe 10-12 people in front of us. At 10:40, they started to open our line and then just opened all of them. No rope drop or anything, just let everyone right in 20 minutes early. I'm not complaining, there weren't very many people waiting. We headed toward El Toro of course and as we walked up to the station the first train of the day was dispatching. I rode first with my sister while Tom hung back with my nephew, and when we got up into the station there was 3 people waiting for the front, with every other row empty. So where did we go? Dumb question. It was chilly and the first ride was slow but still amazing, with my sister chanting "I'm not ready for this" as we ascended the lift. When we pulled back into the station she said "OK let's go swap out with Tom and you can ride again", to which I replied "Just go tell him to come and meet me, I'm riding again, I'll be back by the time he gets up here" and off onto lap number 2 I went. By the time I finished he had just gotten into the station and he hopped in and joined me for my 3rd lap. After, the station was still empty but now someone else was lined up for the magic seat so we just jumped back to the last row and rode again. I absolutely love Sunday mornings where the ride is empty and you can re-ride for an eternity. With my sister waiting for us w/ my nephew at the exit we knew we couldn't keep at this all day so sadly out of the train we climbed and grabbed the on-ride of our (possibly) last ride of the year. My nephew was getting ants in his pants so we took him into Bugs Bunny National Park where he rode just about everything, most of which I didn't even know was back here. He loved the Daffy's Hot Air Balloons and the mini-Himalaya ride, Canyon Blaster. While Tom rode a bunch of stuff with him, my sister and I ventured off for a bit to ride Bizarro since it won't be open after this weekend and on our way I realized I haven't ridden Runaway Mine Train all season so we checked the line and there was none, we walked right onto row 2. Always a good ride, a true classic I hope this park never gets rid of. Crazy airtime on the hill over the lake. Off to Bizarro and we were able to walk right up the steps and right onto row 7. I love this ride so much, and think its extremely underrated. Its so forceful in the front or back of the train and the zero-G is one of my favorite elements in the park. Only effects working were the fireballs but whatever - the effects are really only great at night. They were of course running 3 trains even though the park was fairly dead and stacking like only the Bizarro crew knows how to. After we were finally released from Bizarros grip we met back up w/ Tom and had a seat in front of the lake across from Toro and just enjoyed the weather and the park itself. It is so beautiful this time of year with the leaves changing. I kinda went nuts and took a ton of pictures because of that. We shared a jumbo pretzel w/ cheese which was super salty but delicious. We wanted to take my nephew on the Skyway and over to Safari Kids but just as we decided to do that they came over the loudspeaker and said it was closed for high winds. Boooo. So we walked over which was cool because we spotted a ton of trees and buildings covered in lights for Holiday in the Park as we walked through Fantasy Forest and Adventure Alley. We stopped in Safari Kids and again, my nephew rode just about everything, including Road Runner Railway, twice, which seems to be his favorite ride in the park. Unfortunately one of these times he wanted to ride with me, and jesus that thing is brutal. The last little dip during the turn before the brakes is insane and just about broke my back. Meanwhile my nephew is chanting "more! more!" While we were over there we admired Skull Mountains running waterfall and Tom and I were able to pop over to Nitro which was another walk on for row 7. Very noticeable drag on the train from the high winds which we suddenly noticed as we ascended the lift. We spotted the ToteMay supports from the lift, as well as the boats from Congo Rapids, which was all emptied out (as was Sawmill LF). Our train on Nitro had a tiny rattle that was noticeable but was still a great ride. No wait when we returned so we went out for 2nd verse, same as the first. Here comes the problem with taking a 2 year old to the park: nap time. He'd gone from ride warrior to cranky cry baby in a flash, so we decided to end the day on a high note, but Tom was determined to do Zumanjaro since we might not be able to ride it til next year. Earlier in the day we hadn't seen it run at all with people - we did spot it testing a few times empty. We headed back towards main street and Tom sorta ran up ahead. As we neared the fountain we got a text he was already in Golden Kingdom and it was running, so we made our way over to a line of about 10 people and got on the next drop, then ran around for a similar wait to do it again. Such a great view of all the fall foliage all around us. We didn't go crazy riding but still managed to have a great time and it's fun to see the park through my nephews eyes. This was his 2nd visit and he seems to love it and love rides. I was a beaming proud uncle when we got in the car to leave and asked what his favorite ride was and he responded with perfect pronunciation "the roller coaster". This is probably my last visit until Holiday in the Park but there is a small chance we might go back next weekend. If not, we ended the regular season on a high note. Count: El Toro 4x Bizarro 1x Runaway Mine Train 1x Road Runner Railway 1x Nitro 2x Zumanjaro 2x To get to the park I have to take two trains and a short drive after I meet up w/ the fam. This is the first set of rails I'll ride today. Just before my train came, this pulled in. And you guys thought Six Flags were bad w/ the train wraps... Good morning. Errr... not really. Toro's open? Ok, moving on. To be fair we were early but it was QUIET. Thanks Great Adventure! The Fright Fest decorations have taken a beating by now but overall the park still looks great. The changing leaves are amazing. I *LOVE* the Bloody Fountain this year. Pumpkinhead makes it looks so great! Off to Plaza Del Carnival we go Kids Trick-or-treat trail Shhhhhhhh Not even testing yet. Yes! I love that when you exit you can see the next train dropping. I could stand here all day. As slow as it was running you still get absolutely ripped over this thing. Ominous. Amazing how many little rides they cram into these kiddie areas. And most times to me its like they are not even there Sup guys? Quiet on the lakefront, but won't be next year. Someone is out there fishing. Beautiful park, - lockers and all. Yeah I know, you've seen this shot a million times. Now you are seeing it again. Themeing Don't think you are getting any drinks today. My nephew loves the M&Ms guys, and loves to point them out all over the park. OK I feel bad for the person who has to go around and take all these cobwebs down, they are everywhere! Bizarro would be hugely popular if it wasn't in a dead end of the park. Get twisted Til next year, Sawmill. Nephew loved watching Sky Screamer. It is coming... We started to notice tons of lights already strung on all the trees over here Need a chiropractor? You will. Yes, I took this picture, and like an idiot didn't take any of the ToteMay supports This is what I like to see! *Mortal Combat theme* See? Last row, last ride of the year. The turnaround is getting bad on these wheel seats - otherwise smooth as silk. Super windy and slow but still fun. Foliage The waterfall!!! Also the sun came out! We didn't ride, 15 minute wait (according to the wait times on the app). I'm saving all my Skull worshipping for HITP. While Skyway was closed due to winds early in the day, it opened before we left. We never got a ride. I took these for Billy. Fun fun fun One of the great things about Zum are the views of Toro from back here I think the ridiculously long path keeps people from riding. I love it now that everything is growing in. I have no problem walking back here for Zum - its such a great ride. All in all a good day. In and out in 3 hours, rode everything we wanted to more than once. Love days like this!

Likely: Great Adventure Moreys Dorney Busch Williamsburg Kings Dominion Coney Hopefully: Hershey Knoebels SF New England SF Over Georgia Busch Tampa Would love to but not likely: Dollywood Magic Mountain