SFOG1991

White Lightning might be my favorite GCI I've been on (along with Gold Striker. Although Thunderhead and American Thunder also come very close) so honestly this might be better than a custom GCI. They did a great job on White Lightning and I would love to have one at my closest park!

^All I can say is the park from my experience has been very busy even when it isn't July 4th, so I can only assume it will be busier on July 4th. Also, the park layout goes around the behind the scenes facilities, Gwazi, and the concert lawn/venue, so it takes a LONG time to make a lap around the park. In addition the pathways are twisted and sometimes tight so the crowds can make for a lot of congestion and slow movement. I would normally suggest arriving well before opening and hauling it to each coaster before it gets too busy but with two two year olds that isn't possible so you would probably be best off investing in their Quick Queue.

The Zamperla Giant Discovery is a far superior ride. They don't even feel like the same type of ride (considering visually you would think the experience is essentially the same). I probably won't get back to KD this season, but I want to get back to SFOT just because they are adding a giant discovery. I would love to see Carowinds get one as they are my favorite flat along with a Mondial Top Scan, which Carowinds is getting! That would be a great one two punch flat line up.

Normally, the park has always had 2 train operations throughout the park all season, but that hasn't been the case so far this season. They did manage to get Great American Scream Machine up to 2 trains this past weekend (it was 1 train opening weekend) so here is what the rides are like now: Goliath: 1 train (causing 3 hour lines when it would probably be about 20 minutes with 2 trains) DDD: 3 or 4 but the VR brings the ride's capacity down to about 60-100 people per hour, resulting in 4+ hour lines Scorcher: 2 trains (10-15 minute line) Cyclone: 1 train (2 hour line) Mind Bender: 1 train (2 hour line easily) Superman: 2 trains (still a slow long line) GASM: up to 2 trains now (15 minute line last Sunday, was a 2+ hour line with 1 train opening weekend) Ninja: Closed until Memorial Day Weekend Batman: Not sure, haven't gotten around to it. Canyon Blaster/Joker Funhouse Coaster: Closed until Memorial Day Weekend Dahlonega Mine Train: 2 trains (20-30 minute wait last Sunday) Sky Screamer: 30-45 minute line (running on the short cycle mode) Acrophobia: 30-45 minute wait (as of Sunday) Even if they get 2 train ops on all coasters for Spring Break, expect it to be surprisingly busy for a weekday.

I've always found the smaller GCIs to be the most exciting and intense. I love American Thunder and White Lightning and find them to be better than the larger GCIs (although Thunderhead and Gold Striker are amazing too and they are relatively large). Honestly the newer GCIs have a new level of crazy compared to the old ones and I'm beyond excited for this one!

Heading to the park. Going to be there really early but after the chaos of opening day I'm hoping today will be better! Bringing my dad who hasn't been to a theme park in a few years. I love going with non enthusiasts.

My first major roller coaster was Jack Rabbit at Kennywood.

When did you go? Usually even when the park is packed the coasters aren't. Tennessee Tornado with one train holds a 20+ minute line and both Mystery Mine and Wild Eagle will push 20 minutes. Firechaser can be bad but you really only have to ride it once. Same with Blazing Fury. Thunderhead rarely has a line and before Lightning Rod is the star of the park IMO. I've never visited the park where I felt lines were too long.

I'm surprised that they were only open until 8 and now only extended to 9. Six Flags Over Georgia is open until 10pm every night for HITP and the place seems plenty busy. I wouldn't mind them staying open later even! What time does it even get dark at Magic Mountain in December? Here it's just before 7pm.

Woot. The more I hear this the happier I am! I should get ready to submit my PTO from work. The running of the bulls part is both depressing and kind of hilarious.

^That's too bad but good for you for going even by yourself. I would feel awkward alone but I think if you can get over that awkward feeling it can be fun. Whenever I come up from Atlanta with a friend we would totally be willing to meet up with you for a while so you aren't visiting completely alone.

It is only open May 27th through September 5th sadly.

For a park without custom content this is actually really nice! I really like it!

I'm actually all for them not breeding orcas. Are there not enough orcas that need rehabilitation or that could come from other facilities trying to get rid of their orcas? Anyways, the park will be fine. SeaWorld has a lot to offer. The only reason this bothers me is because it will encourage the egos of the blind people obsessed with Blackfish nonsense.

Dollywood doesn't sell alcohol... That's what packing it or purchasing/consuming off-site is for. The game doesn't have to happen in the park. Many possibilities Be careful. I had a few drinks nearby Holiday World during a break from HoliWood Nights (that event is so awesome you can go elsewhere and not feel like you lost time on rides) and they breathalyzed me. I was under the legal limit and all was fine but the attention that park pays towards everything is amazing. I expect no less from Dollywood, their unrelated sister/doppelganger.

Sad.

^My thought as well. Not that that is a bad thing though!

From my experience with SFOT or any park in the chain, a Friday in April can be easily busier than expected. I almost always buy a flash pass when I know it's a once in a life time (or long time) visit. I know money can be tight but it is an investment that has a great ROI in terms of experience. I would say just go without the pass and if you encounter lines you can always opt to buy one once in the park. No risk that way other than maybe having a bit of a wait at the Flash Pass building.

Mind Bender at SFOG 3 times in a row, last rides of the night in the dark! (Thanks to the awesome crew running it and giving us extra rides!)

Regardless of wait time, a few full height swings will not make a significant difference compared to the unload/load time, so hopefully they always run it where it reaches peak more than one time. Nothing is worse than riding one of these and only getting one full swing.

Alright, I'll bite. What the F**k are you talking about? I have my 200th spot reserved for Valravn. B&M's 100th coaster. That seems really silly to me but to each their own. I just ride coasters when I can, not avoid them to apply preferred numerical milestones. Either of those rides are great #200s anyways but again to each their own!

Why not, Let's play the game: Ninja Rename: Titan 2017 Attraction: RMC Georgia Cyclone OR S&S Free Spin I wish they could keep the Ninja name/theme as I assume the elements of theming like the ninja statues would go to waste and we would doubtfully see a new theme added. Whatever it takes to keep the ride around and justify the new restraint expense is fine with me though. As for the new coaster possibility, I hope it will be something custom and not come at the expense of an existing coaster, but based on my conversation with Dale, the next major attraction/coaster is likely to go in the old spot of Whistlestop Park (which expands infinitely into the parking lot). I would love to see Cyclone stay as is, but since they stopped the full RMC topper retrack after phase one, I assume it is on the "to be RMC reprofiled" list.

Dollywood is more than worth the time off and the 4 hour drive. Now that Lightening Rod is not going to be open, I want to go as I won't be tempted to mess up my coaster count with RMC. Alas, funds prevent me from going this time. (Unplanned emergency Florida trip last week) I have a lot of friends going this weekend and would love to be there with them. Like i said before. GO. Enjoy the amazing park. Lightening Rod will be there next time. I have a season pass and will be going a few times this year anyways, but I figure I might as well wait until Lightning Rod opens, especially if I am going to take off work and book at least one night in a hotel. Honestly, I am trying not to visit my nearby parks as much this season, and instead spend more on big trips, but Dollywood is an exception since I love the park, love Dolly, they have great coasters including the new Lightning Rod, and I am an avid hiker and cabin fan. I don't need much of an excuse to go to the Smoky Mountains. Parks like Carowinds, Wild Adventures, and Alabama Splash Adventure may not feel my presence this season though. I will always visit Lake Winnie a few times a year (support classic small parks!) and SFOG is my local park so I go way more than I should.

I have no idea in terms of safety, but that's surprisingly impressive coming from them. The second inversion looks unique and surprisingly fluid. I love how, like with most of their designs, the pacing dies off quickly and the ride crawls through the last bit.

I read on another thread that the CGA Vortex conversion may have been put on hold or cancelled because Rougarou ended up costing more than expected, so I'm not sure if it would happen here. Speaking of Vortex, I'll be riding it this year, and it will be my first time riding a stand-up coaster. Since most enthusiasts say stand-ups are painful or unpleasant, is there any way I should ride it so that I have a decent ride? When you get in the seat, adjust the height to where your knees are ever so slightly bent. That way, when you stand up straight (don't lock your knees), your weight won't be on your crotch but on your feet. It's actually not all that uncomfortable when you do it right. Do NOT put the seat all the way down. I've seen people do this, but it puts ALL your weight on your crotch, kind of like riding on a bike seat, but with g-forces. This is completely accurate! You still deal with head banging and on the larger models, the feeling that your legs are dying from positive Gs, but this will save your crotch and make the ride enjoyable.