Nozzy

Happened to be home for the weekend and just got off Zumanjaro! Think it opened right before I got here- took about 40 minutes to get on. It's pretty cool watching Ka come out while riding up the tower (it opened as I arrived as well) I was amazed how long the drop was, and thought it was awesome. Glad the park could get it open for the weekend and that we finally have a drop ride again!

Thanks again to Robb and Elissa! It was wonderful- I was blown away by the amount of ERT and group meals, and I still can't believe all the different experiences we had. I still can't believe some of the things we did (climbing Eclipse especially!) and it was great to see how the Scandinavian parks have their own character. I wish our playgrounds were that cool (and a giant pyramid of sliding death would be awesome to put in a backyard!)

I didn't realize how crazy Canada was about Pumpkins, but the booth tells me they are (and the pumpkin mousse is of course covered with maple syrup- I saved that one for next time though!) I did really like the projections, the stage and crazy costumes and I would agree that it's better than Entwined or those supposed Pet Shenanigans. I just couldn't get in to the music, which doesn't quite work for a music based show... It was very educational though, as I didn't realize a good number of the songs were British (essentially anything not by the Beatles... this also caused me some distraction )

So I missed out on meeting up with everyone last weekend, but went and stuffed myself today. The park was nice and empty and the weather was perfect! I really liked how all of the food booths had nice character to go with the countries- I had almost as much fun looking at the details as I did eating. None of the stands look temporary from the exterior (though during the normal season I find the Greece stand always looked weird as the pizza cone hut). I may have missed it but I don't think we've heard yet about London Rocks, so I took the task upon to watch it so you don't have to! And I don't think you really do... It is nice to see the Globe being used again, and the stage set-up is quite impressive, with lots of projections providing a drawn video backdrop before and during the show. While technically cool, you still need more to make a good show, and if the name of the show is London Rocks then you'd better have a lot of London Rocking! I did not find this to be the case, as each show scene consisted of 2-3 songs being sung, interspersed with one another so it's one line of song A, one line of song B, some lines of song A, back to B. At one point there are 3 songs, each getting merely one line at a time (and I was being driven crazy that 2 were Beatles songs and 1 was not- where's the pattern!?!) Anyway, I really just couldn't get into it. There's some attempt at a story throughout, but it's very inconsequential as well. They definitely achieve a psychedelic feel, which was the strongest part of the show- seeing the crazy costumes. I might stop in again to check it out, especially on a hot day, but I enjoy Mix it Up or Celtic Fyre much more. And so, without further ado, too many pictures of food: But first we go through Rock and Roll land- er, I mean jolly jolly London. Remember you need a ticket to see London Rocks except when they decide you don't and are puzzled why you are asking for one! Over in Germany, the Schinken Nudel had ham, noodles and cheese and was interesting, but it was really all about the Linzer Torte- excellent crust with a raspberry filling. Over in Spain the Ham Wrapped Scallop was a real treat. I was excited that my favorite show at the park, Mix It Up was back! A bit different than last year, but still a fun time. Pretty sugar sculptures in DaVinci's Garden. The Halloumi in Greece is a grilled cheese with honey that is not to be missed. Preparing my taste buds... If only Prince Ludwig had gotten more chocolate as a child maybe he wouldn't be so cranky. Swedish Meatballs with Lingonberry jam were one of my favorites today- I look forward to seeing what kinds of Lingonberry treats I can get in Scandinavia. The dessert was very good as well, though not quite sweet enough for my tastes. Obligatory coaster picture. Shrimp Fritters in the Carribean! The chef was very proud of them and I loved them- very theme park-ey but that's what my tastes are. Here's a fine example of the cool booths, though I never knew Canada loved pumpkin so much! And finally chicken with a chocolate sauce and lava cake. I liked the cake a lot, but it could use some more lava... So first Mexico is fatter than us, now Canada's beating us at Macaroni and Cheese? What's happened to this fine nation? Let's see how it is- nice, cheesy, but I wasn't quite feeling the Canadian Bacon. WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?!?! Octopus's Garden vs. Come Together vs. obligatory "I am The Walrus" line vs. We Will Rock You. But hey, pretty colors! France band on the other hand was plenty funky, and are so Rock and Roll they won't even tell you when they're gonna play- they just show up and rock the bass! Chicken Stew on a Belgium Waffle. Highly recommended. The clock figures are moving! Have I just never noticed this or have they just been reactivated?

The pretzels at the shop in Germany. Don't even think about buying a pretzel anywhere else in the park. I usually just eat them (or a pretzel wrapped sausage) rather than meals. The BBQ in New France is good for a big meal. I also enjoyed the Irish Stew in Ireland, and the Italian restaurant is pretty good. The only time I've been disappointed in the food was when I tried the pizza/pasta buffet- never again!

What, and let people see the ocean without having to stand on the beach? Without an endless line of high rise hotels there'd be a risk of being in the sun on the beach! Next I suppose you want there to be more than 1 arcade on the street that tries to fill the role of a proper boardwalk but has entirely too many pancake restaurants! Thanks for posting this report- I made it to Blackpool in 2010 but don't remember seeing a lot of this- I think the only dark ride I got on was Alice (and I stupidly missed Valhalla- I was already soaked to the bone from the weather, so it wouldn't have made a difference)...

Awesome, all signed up! Thanks for the responses partycat, I'll throw a small thanks your way... After a year off (I'm going to blame my thesis) I'm happy to be getting back on the King's Dominion team! Let's raise some money and ride some Hurler and Anaconda!!! Yeah!

Yeah, it's the title from that step, so I'll complete it and assume that it is putting me on the Team...

No, haven't completed it yet. I searched for Team TPR and hit to join it on Step 1, but then nothing on the confirmation page... The Individual Coaster might just be the pricing option, but I'm a bit confused.

Trying to sign up now for King's Dominion, but the final confirmation page doesn't say anything about TPR, just "Individual Coaster". Is that normal?

I rode it twice on the TPR trip last summer. The first ride was alright, but we all were somewhat confused about whether score was kept and wanting to win (of course) we spent the entire ride crazily waving our flashlights around trying to hit every single target. Finding out there was no winner was a bit of a letdown. On the other hand, my second time through where I just relaxed and took the route of "I point my flashlight at things and then I can laugh at the sets" I enjoyed it much more. I think the point of the lights is to immerse you in the ride a bit more and perhaps increase desire to ride again to try seeing different monsters. It's something that I really liked about 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea as well, where the flashlights are needed just to make out most of the sets. Having the task meant I was in less of a "it's a ride" mentality.

^^^Those are bizarre.. I saw a ballot with El Toro dead last a few years ago that I figured was one of those "El Toro's not a real wood coaster" people, but to scatter it in the middle of everything else is just bizarre.

Iron Rattler Outlaw Run Divelooping Ultratwister I always had a soft spot for Viper, but never thought a TOGO would be among my favorite rides for a year.

Rolling Thunder HAD huge capacity, years ago (before the seatbelts). During my year working it, the standard throughput was between 400-500 riders per side an hour. To ride it with a 1 train wait could take 15 minutes if you add in the time spent sitting on the brake run... It's time had come. Hopefully they soon add another coaster for the smaller set, but there's still Blackbeard, Runaway Train, Skull Mountain and the Dark Knight Coaster Really excited for the drop tower, and the return of the ferocious baboons. It would be awesome if they put a car in their exhibit for them to destroy!

The set of switchbacks at the bottom of the picture is the only part still used- path to them, then to the station.

Grand opening was amazing! I was staying in Dallas with friends and just drove down for the day (even through some minorly flooded interstates!), and was pretty scared the park wouldn't open at all. Instead, we arrived at opening and got straight on Iron Rattler, the only issue being a flooded queue line but after the fear of not getting to ride we were glad to just have to get soaked feet. I never saw the line go out of the ramp all day. Otherwise, the rest of the park had some downtime due to rain waterlog, but we rode everything without any wait over 30 minutes. We ended up with 8 laps on the Iron Rattler, each one better than the last. It's an amazing coaster, and I wish I was closer to it. I think Fiesta Texas is one of my favorite Six Flags- the setting was gorgeous and the park had a lot of atmosphere. Glad I made the trip down, it was a pretty perfect day! Gonna ride Texas Skyscreamer this morning, then it's back to Virginia...

I think the video of KidTum's first SkyCoaster really showed off your technique well- I was amazed how calm she was throughout! I think it's also best to start with something more "fun" than "intense." I talked to a father who took a very tall 5 year old on El Toro- big mistake.

Where in the park is the Safari Discoveries? I have an idea where it is but I think I always end up walking right past it. It's the old tiger show and adjacent area, with the entrance on the path to Kingda Ka and exit through the Golden Kingdom gift shop (but I think I've entered there before too).

Not quite- the premium pass includes the NJ Hurricane Harbor but that's pretty much it (every other "benefit" also appears under the normal season pass benefits)- unless you buy 4 you don't even get free parking at Great Adventure. The gold passes at the other parks are including parking at all Six Flags parks.

And another announcement from the email they sent out this morning: Looks like free parking for every park is coming back, at least for people from St. Louis...

I figured why not give it a try. Never have any experience editing, but tried this in original... Sheikra Soaring Over Trees

Skyrush isn't really rough (as in bumpy) as much as it is the most insane ride you've ever been on in terms of directional changes and out of control feeling. The curvy section, like the stengel dive and "twisty" crossover in particular were very intense. Man, if only they had gotten through the technical difficulties I could of tried the new train yesterday! Oh well still was a great ride, next year!

I had a blast in the park yesterday! There were highs and lows, but it was nowhere near as bad as I expected with all the complaining on here... let's see Skyrush: As others have said there just isn't anything like it. The different seats all offer very different experiences, but all have great intensity. It's completely out of control... The lap bars can be tight, but it's not unbearable... especially depending on seat. With how much you fly around within the seat I'm kinda glad they are that tight! One train operation isn't too bad since the circuit is so quick (gotta love cable lifts) and while the unloading needs work the crew was good. The only time I saw two trains on the ride was broken. Operations in general: They definitely weren't the best in the business, but I've seen much worse. Dispatches were timely on all the coasters, and while it is stupid to have seats roped off for a system that seems very underutilized at least they were being filled before dispatching. My biggest complaint has to be the Claw: some guy's cell phone flew off the ride and slammed into the loose article bin (Ha! Irony!) and the ride then closed for "technical difficulties" as the operators and phone owner stumbled around looking for the pieces. Employees in general: Wow, what a mixed bag. We had some great employees during our visit, especially at the nice fry stand near the Kissing Tower (mmm Taco Fries). I also had employees slow to acknowledge our presence, looking uncertain about what to do at the front of a line (hint: smile and greet), and, my personal favorite, sitting on the ground hiding behind the counter at Subway! Improvements are necessary. The park was a mess on Friday too... lots of broken rides (though I think some was due to some tree damage at the Minetrain and Storm Runner- did I miss an overnight storm?) and unfortunately, the great path under Skyrush was closed off so I couldn't get pictures. I had a great day (helped by great company) and lines were short all day, despite a Dave Matthews Band concert last night. I'll definitely be returning next year for more, and hope to see more smiling employees.

Just had preview and real deal tomorrow. My friend didn't get here til 9 so just 2 rides on Skyrush, but I have to agree it's an amazing ride- a real nice blend of fun and intensity. There were people complaining about their legs getting off, but I didn't find it to be bad at all. It got tighter throughout the ride but never became a huge distraction- I was too busy trying to comprehend how I was moving in the complete opposite direction of the train on the turns. Airtime was extreme, but also very different from anything I've felt before- I'd almost call it "bouncy" airtime as it's very extreme but not in any way sustained, just up and right back down. Great ride, can't wait to try to get more in during daylight tomorrow! I also did SuperDooperLooper and Reese's Cup earlier. Loved new trains, same in all the good ways but more leg room. While I'm used to occasionally getting massive scores on laser rides from stacking in a final room, tonight was the first time I've stacked in EVERY SINGLE ROOM of a dark ride... I don't really know what to think.