DILinator

What do you mean, "we enthusiasts"? I love B&M hypers, every one I've been on is a great ride experience! Not everybody who is, shall we say, more enthusiastic than normal regarding coasters, thinks they are tame! I am very excited to ride Mako, and considering that both of SWO's previous B&M coasters are in my Top 15 coasters overall, I have a feeling it'll be another great addition!

One thing I've noticed a lot since my return to reading and posting in online coaster forums (I haven't posted anywhere regularly in over 10 years), is a lot of debates surrounding what coasters are intense or not. Most of them seem to ignore a few principles. 1) Intensity is not subjective. It is quantifiable. A coaster like Millennium Force IS intense. Fact. It can't really be disputed, even though many like to call it the oxymoronic term Millennium Forceless. Though I have not ridden it personally, it is quite clear that I305 is intense. Fury is also intense. I just rode it not too long ago, and the tremendous forces it displays were not a figment of my imagination. Wilderness Run is not intense. Fury (and Thunderbird) should not be confused with Wilderness Run. There is a difference between intense rides, and non-intense rides. 2) Intensity is subjective. Now you're like: "Wait a minute!" While intense forces are a fact, something that most roller coasters at least present in some small manner (though neither MF nor Fury could be accused of small dosages, rationally at least), the kind of forces that a person prefers is completely subjective, and specific to that particular individual. Some prefer rides like I305 and MF that deliver speed relentlessly, others prefer rides like Bizarro (SFNE) and Magnum, which feature relentless ejecter air. Both types of coasters ARE intense, though I have seen many an enthusiast insist MF is not, because they prefer Magnum's air. That really doesn't wash on a practical, factual level though. It just speaks to a personal preference. 3) Not all Intensity is created equal. The Voyage has a near-universal reputation for intensity, that is well deserved, as it combines both airtime, and a twisty, out of control configuration which does what I can best describe as simulate a bull riding experience. Obviously, while MF IS intense, and has tons of force, is doesn't deliver as much in the way of quantity of intensity, as a ride like The Voyage does. I view Fury as a similar ride to The Voyage, but on a steel level, which is obviously not equal to what a wooden coaster can deliver. For a B&M, I felt like it was very intense, however, and would describe it more as controlled chaos, as opposed to The Voyage's out-of-control chaos. Fury features speed, airtime, laterals (sideways ejector air!), as well as environmental interaction, all of which contribute to what is indeed, an intense ride experience. So, how does this relate to the matter at hand? Clearly, we have some people in this thread who prefer the kind of intensity that I305 delivers over the kind of intensity Fury delivers. No problem there. It goes back to personal preference. I understand the general feeling about B&M's being less intense than Intamins. I would agree, that on a quantifiable scale, they typically (but not always) are. Three of my Top 5 coasters are Intamins. But my new #1 is a B&M. Fury. Because I feel like it took a bunch of aspects of various coasters I liked, all of which are forms of intensity, and packed them all into one coaster, unlike MF and Maverick, which directly follow it. That's just my personal preference though, and somebody who prefers I305 to Fury isn't wrong - they are just different from me. And that's ok. No need to fight about it. The only place I take exception, however, is when somebody says "B&M can't make intense coasters," or "MF is forceless" like it's a fact, when in fact, that is not true factually, and is only a reflection of their personal preference. Regarding my comment about Thunderbird being intense, a launch, is, by its very nature, intense. So yes, it IS an intense coaster. Maybe not stem to stern intense (though it maintains its speed very well), but definitely still intense in parts. Sorry KD fans for my intrusion! You may now return to your regularly scheduled park discussion!

Regarding the RMC name, my first thought was "Iron Roar", since it gives the idea of a Roar with real strength behind it. However, somebody else mentioned "Mighty Roar", and honestly, I think that's even better! It gives the same connotation, and sounds cooler. I wouldn't be at all surprised if that ends up being the name!

Hersheypark is easily in my Top 3 Amusement Parks, up there with BGW and CP! It is SO well rounded, ride-wise, and is a very pretty park as well! It also holds a special place in my heart now as the place where my oldest child first conquered his fear of roller coasters! Though he passed on the steel coasters, he went on Comet and Lightning Racer and loved them. Next time we went to CP, he was finally willing to ride many of the bigger coasters there. So, that was exciting to see as a coaster-loving father! Regarding the comparison to GAdv, I too think HP stacks up extremely well against it. I do prefer El Toro over every coaster at HP, and my second favorite at GAdv, Nitro, is pretty much dead-even with my favorite at HP, Skyrush. However, after this, HP dominates, in my opinion! I love Storm Runner, and definitely put it over Kingda Ka, and I'm even a big fan of Fahrenheit. Lightning Racer is a fantastic racing woodie, and is in my Top 10 Wood coasters, and I prefer my Inverts to be more than just intensity, so I actually rate Great Bear higher than Batman at GAdv. And if you have a family, I don't think there's even any comparison between the two parks! This isn't to dog GAdv, to be clear. It's not a Top 5 park for me, but it's pretty close (though I'm still bitter Batman & Robin got taken out! .) But Hersheypark is just an amazing, complete park, in my book!

As a near-lifelong Michigander, and a long time attender of MiA, from back in the Deer Park Funland days, I have a LOT to say about the park, and its current situation as Cedar Fair's red headed stepchild (though conveniently, a very profitable one!) However, I will refrain from saying too much about it right now, since admitedly, I haven't been there in quite a few years (part out of protest, part out of simply being too busy with my burgeoning family, and also being too poor!), and I haven't seen any of the more recent changes CF has made. I will be attending in just over two weeks, bringing my kids for the first time, and I am looking forward to it quite a bit , honestly! I will further assess the park at that point, combine that with my other observations from being familiar with the coaster/amusement park industry for many years now, as well as my knowledge of sound business principles, and post my "official" opinion of the park's state - both now, and for the future at that point. Regardless of any of that though, I have to say that we are blessed to even have what we have here in MI, as there are many parts of the country that would love to have something like MiA within a three hour drive, and they do not. So, for those that may be concerned about my perspective on this matter, be assured that it will be informed by that acknowledgement right off the bat!

A question for my Western Michigan brethren, and regular MiA attenders... What have the crowds been like this summer so far during the week? I am taking the family August 4th (a Tuesday), and am hoping for a lighter crowd. However, the last time I went was a mid-week in August, and it was still fairly busy... I'm just curious what it's been like lately so far, for people that go regularly.

I'm taking my family to Michigan's Adventure in a few weeks - my kids' first time! Or is this asking about my next NEW park? If that's the case, my plans are to hit Dollywood for the first time next year, though I may yet sneak in Knoebels in October... Time will tell!

Speak for yourself, my friend! I am much more excited (typically) when a fun, reliable, B&M coaster is announced, as opposed to an intense, fun, but frequently broken down Intamin is announced (not that many people are going with Intamin these days - which should tell you something). Doesn't mean I don't like Intamins. Two of my top 3 coasters are Intamin (MF, Maverick), though an intense B&M, Fury, just surpassed both of them. Fury (and Thunderbird) is proof that B&M can make intense coasters, and as others have said, it's more a matter of what kind of coasters parks want B&M to build, rather than whether they can. (FWIW, RMC is the coaster manufacturer that gets my blood going the most upon announcement these days! )

Cedar Creek Mine Ride. Also my favorite coaster in the world after I first rode it back in the early 80's! (How times have changed! )

I agree. One of the reasons they typically have a line, is because they take so long to load and unload. I figured somebody would try this line of reasoning as a comeback. However, while they do have slower than usual load/unload times, that does not diminish the fact that they are very popular as well. Other coasters with poor load times, but without GP interest, aren't going to have the lines that every Flying Coaster consistently has, and has had for 13 years. I see no less excitement about the ride type from "normal" people (ie: not any of us here) now, than I did back in the early 2000's when I was riding them. Poll random people at the park, and you'll see this corroborated as well. People, generally speaking, enjoy the concept of flying. It's a fact. I've only seen the ride type denigrated or belittled as a "fad" or "gimmick" among enthusiast circles. Nobody else feels that way on the "outside" of our little clique here...

I completely disagree on this, and I think ridership proves the opposite. People have always had a dream of flying, and these coasters are the best ones made thus far to simulate such an act. Not surprisingly, Flyers are always popular rides wherever they are (I am speaking of the GP here - ie: the majority of the people parks appeal to - not enthusiasts), and while admittedly, some of the layouts aren't that thrilling, some of them really make good use of the flying effect. I don't see this excitement about Flying Coasters dying off any time soon either, or going the way of the Stand-Up, because while that was truly a novelty (and a painful one at that for some people), there is so much that can still be done with a coaster in the flying position, that hasn't yet. B&M has been making these since 2002, and they are still very much alive, and popular, so clearly, they aren't dying off quickly at all!

My wife and I did this two times in a row without getting off (after Midnight) at an enthusiast event back in 2002, and I have to agree with your assessment! It truly was an almost ethereal experience! Fog and mist coming off of the ground everywhere, and a complete sense of wild abandon. Definitely a great way to close out the night!

I've never heard of such a thing, but I can assure you: if they made one, I'd be first in line to right it!

That's my hope! I just hate to assume anything until the time gets closer, and we at least have an official announcement about the estimated time of opening.

Honestly, I think this thread is a tad premature. since so few actual announcements have been made. However, we can all revisit it later in August, after we know most of the new additions most likely! No harm in speculating early, however. So for now, I would have to say "Shot Rod" at Dollywood is my most anticipated 2016 coaster, especially if it turns out to be everything it's rumored to be! Heck, just the fact that it will be RMC is enough to put it up there on my list. Also, I'm not going to bother anticipating a coaster that I know I won't ride next year (like Taron or Wildfire), and I know I'm heading to Dollywood for my first visit, which makes for perfect timing. If Twisted Twins gets RMC'd (pretty much a given), and it is open next year (maybe NOT a given?), we'll also swing by there on the return trip from Pigeon Forge, and hit that up. This all could change depending on what Cedar Point announces, or any other surprise announcements (Michigan's Adventure, for instance!), but I suspect it'll be hard to top what "Shot Rod" is shaping up to be!

I agree! I do a lot of Google Maps "stalking" (don't worry, not of people, just places - especially amusement parks!), and Michigan's Adventure's satellite image, even as recent as last week, was old, and very blurry. This is MUCH better (and newer!)

I'm taking the kids to Michigan's Adventure for the first time on the 4th of August, and then likely going to Six Flags Great America with my wife and another couple on my birthday August 19th! Probably my last two parks of the year, unless I can magically find some more money and make it out to PPP in October...

Fury, at Carowinds. My 4th (maybe 5th?) spin of the day on my new #1 coaster!

I believe it was Afterburn, at Carowinds. My coaster count varies, depending on a number different variables (including whether I've remembered every coaster I rode as a kid, long before becoming an "enthusiast" and keeping track), but according to my higher count, it was #226.

I'm making my first trip out to Dollywood (with my wife and four kids!) in 2016 too! Not sure of the month yet, but I'm hoping earlier, rather than later. Definitely after Shot Rod opens, however! From what I've heard, this year they are offering a free day the following day if you purchase a ticket after 3 or 4. I can't remember which. Somebody who is a regular here can probably confirm this, or dispute it, but I know a friend of mine used this promotion last month, so it's definitely something along these lines... At any rate, if they are running this same special next year, I certainly plan on utilizing it, getting a solid day and a half in there at Dollywood. It would probably be a good way to go for you too, assuming they are still running it!

Agreed! My jaw literally dropped when I watched that, because of how stunningly corny it was. But hey, maybe it worked for others...

Heh, funny guy. This was my first thought upon seeing the thread title too - both the original post, and the response!

It also seems strange that they would add another Orange colored coaster one year after debuting Rougarou with that as the dominant color. I actually kinda liked the Rougarou color scheme, but to do something so similar as a primart color the very next year... It just doesn't seem very creative on CP's part. I'm not aware of any reason that a dark coaster on a peninsula would be a problem, but I do agree that CP definitely seems to prefer bright on all of their coasters. Aside from MF, they are all on the light spectrum of color. If somebody known an official reason for this, feel free to enlighten me.

I won't lie: I seriously hope that is NOT track for CP's next coaster, especially if it is this rumored Valravn. Not only is yet another derivative of Orange the last color CP needs to add to their skyline (alongside Red and Yellow), Valravn, and its dark theme is just begging for CP to finally add a black colored coaster to their lineup. I think dark Purple would be a good accent color (and also new to the park), or something else dark. I'll enjoy the coaster no matter the color, obviously, but I do appreciate when an amusement park shows some creativity and variance with their coasters' color schemes. I know most people don't care about such things, but as a study of color theory and somebody who does appreciate coaster aesthetics in addition to ride experience, I do take note of it.