DILinator

I agree that a S&S Free Spin seems like the most likely addition there. However, every Six Flags installation of these coasters so far has come with a DC theme, and while the entrance to SWF does/did come back to where the edge of Screampunk District now is, the coaster itself would be nestled right in between DC Super Friends theming, and Metropolis Park theming, and I suspect that it will be DC themed as well. Especially since they place big logos right on the coaster for whatever the DC character is, it would fit in very well there with a DC theme. They can either leave the entrance where it was for SWF, since it's not far from either the DC Superfriends entrance, or the trail on the backside of Carousel Hill, or they could potentially create a new entrance closer to the actual ride. I don't think that's really necessary though, and they'll probably leave it as is. There are already three different themed areas in that junction area there, including the DC Heroes Store right around the corner, so I don't think it'd be a stretch to have it there, and not have it be a part of Screampunk District. I do agree a launched coaster (perhaps a Maxx Force clone, or something like it) will likely come soon, in a couple years or so, and be a part of Screampunk District. As for the theme? If an S&S Free Spin is the way they go, and it's DC themed, it's obviously not going to be The Joker or Batman at SFOG, so I honestly think they'll go with Wonder Woman, like SF did for their Mexico installation. Not only would it be a character that didn't have a major ride at SFOG before (I suspect they'd just re-theme the Flyers to a lesser DC character, such as Shazam - Shazam's Flight School would fit right in with the movie's plot as well!), it would pretty much coincide with the next Wonder Woman movie coming out the beginning of June 2020. It'd be the perfect storm of marketing for SFOG!

Is it sad, that I literally have no idea what the last coaster I rode was, since it was so long ago? I know it was last year sometime, probably at KI's Haunt. But that seems like ages ago now, with coaster season in full swing. Hopefully my plans for next month work out, and I'll be back on a coaster again within three weeks!

I'm planning to make my first visit to Stricker's Grove next month on their Family Day, and taking my kids with me! I don't know what to expect from this small, family run park, so any commentary from those who've been is welcome! Also, if anybody else from TPR is going, let me know, and maybe we can meet up for a ride or two! The day after that, I'm going to Kennywood, my first time in years, and my kids first time ever! So I'm super excited about that as well, since I love that park!

Honestly, it's not something I care THAT much about, and my post (complete with laughing face and winky faces) should be taken with an appropriate measure of exaggerated humor, as that's what I was saying it with. Obviously, it has had zero bearing on my life, and I almost never think about it. But do I wish Drachen Fire had never been removed, as it was a very fun coaster? Yes. Do I wish it had been replaced with something similar there, in the 20+ years since its removal? Sure. BGW is an awesome park, that has put in plenty of awesome coasters since, but nothing that directly replaces Drachen Fire. So sure, why not? It's not like I am upset about it, but I certainly think it is something that would have been nice to have. Do I think they should still utilize that land for something in the future, assuming the locals allow it? Yeah, I think it's a fine expansion spot at some point, in spite of being a little out of the way. Believe me, as somebody who has actually ridden the ride, and gone "way back there", it wasn't that far off the beaten path or out of the way. No more than a number of places in other parks I've been to. The Bat at KI is probably twice as far off the closest midway that Drachen Fire was. Besides, you can always build up that area around it in tandem, and then it's more of a draw, and less out of the way. But no, that specific area, or the trees around it, aren't the issue, and for me, it's as much a musing based on nostalgia for a fun coaster, and a great experience in my youth, that sadly has gone and will never be again. So while it brings a twinge of sadness, as the departure of all things that bring good memories do, it's not something has affected my life in any negative or lasting way, nor do I feel any serious lamentation or depression over its loss, and those comments I posted above were being said in a tongue in cheek, grandiose way!

Yeah, for me, Flight Deck is definitely the bottom of the coaster barrel there. Volare's are uncomfortable as all get out, and certainly a wonky ride experience. However, if I was forced to pick one of the two coaster types to ride repeatedly for the rest of my life (which won't last very long either way!), I'd go with Volares over a Vekoma Hang n Bang, personally.

^No, I've also been bugged about that plot being empty, ever since Drachen Fire was no longer there! As one of those (apparently few) people who loved the coaster, and didn't think the roughness (even with the removed corkscrew) merited its removal, I've lamented its lack of existence for years now, and the lack of anything directly replacing it has been a bit of a sore spot too. However, I think I've heard that there are some issues with the neighbors in the area back there putting up a stink about noise, which has probably led to the lack of anything new there. However, I'm still holding out hope for a B&M Floorless Drachen Fire tribute coaster back there, and choosing to believe that's why they haven't put anything else there! Another issue that could explain it, is that one of the stated reasons for Drachen Fire's closure is that it had low ridership numbers since it was a bit out of the way (it really was - though not on the level of The Bat at KI or Thunderbird at HW). So they may be gunshy about putting anything else there, unless they build up that entire area alongside it.

Yeah, I know that, but I just goofed when typing it out, mixing it up with another PPlunge! I never cared for the name Giraffica, so I guess it'll always be Pilgrim's Plunge to me.

Are they not allowing preferred seating at this point on Steel Curtain? Also, will the park have more than one weekend of Phantom Fright Nights this year? Or is it just a two day event? The calendar doesn't go past September currently. For those who've been to PFN, what do you think of it? Should I wait to go until then, since I've never been? Is it crazy crowded? Thanks in advance!

Very exciting announcement, and definitely one that seems aimed at the water park! The best is just going to get better! A couple of thoughts on what is coming, are either that it's that new "Slide Coaster" that debuted at the IIAPA this year, or a MACK Power Splash, utilizing the old Perilous Plunge area. Honestly, I think it's going the be the first thing, as HW always seems to be on the cutting edge with their water attractions, and that totally fits the clues, while also being something different enough from Wildebeest and Mammoth to not seem redundant. The additional information in this thread of "Take a walk on the wild side" threw me at first, as that doesn't sound like a waterpark addition. However, I think it refers to this ride being placed in the area of the old Perilous Plunge, if not using the same land, over near Hyena Falls. You're certainly taking a walk to get over there from the rest of the water park, and it's also a separate "side" of the park. So it would seem to actually fit that area well. I guess we'll see before too long!

For those of you who work there, and know what's going on, is there any chance Sky Rocket will be operating by mid-August? I'm planning to bring my kids out for their first visit on my Birthday around that time, and am really hoping all the coasters are open so they can get the full KW experience!

As somebody who freaking loves KI, I can't imagine being upset over any new coaster there, let alone a Giga! Sure, my feeling all along was that a Wing, B&M Flyer, or something else unique making use of the wooded terrain would be "better" than a Giga, but that's merely semantics. A Giga is awesome, and KI is awesome, and pairing the two only stands make even more awesomeness! Can't wait to get out to KI next year and ride whatever this ends up being!

I honestly don't think they know yet... but as you would imagine, they'd want to get it open ASAP. I'm going to KennyKon on July 20th, and they have Steel Curtain ERT on the schedule but with a disclaimer: Thanks for the response! That sounds like about what I was guessing, based on where progress is at the moment. Another question, for you, or any other locals or regular attendees... Is there a particular time of year that the crowds at the park thin out again, after mid-June? Perhaps late August? September? I imagine that's when we'll end up going, but I've only ever gone earlier in the season, so I'm not sure what it's usually like then. Thanks!

Due to a serious lack of funds this year, I'm going to be doing hardly any roller coastering... However, the one trip that I am hoping to pull off with my kids, is taking them to Kennywood for their first time there! I love the park already, and Steel Curtain looks absolutely awesome (well, except for the name, theme, and colors! ) Hopefully it runs well, and consistently, once it does open! For those that work at the park (I know there's at least one of you!), have you heard if there's any idea currently about when this will finally open? I'm not in any super rush to get there, thanks to the aforementioned fundage issues, just curious.

After years of remaining steadfast in my declaration that Gwazi would eventually get the RMC treatment, at long last the naysayers have been silenced! As for BGT, what more can be said that hasn't already! The park is simply phenomenal, and one of the best in the entire country, hands down! I already considered it my favorite place in Florida, yes, even more than Disney and Universal, and that was before Tigris and now this. I was already planning on returning to Florida sometime in 2020 with my kids for a vacation, and Disney trip, as most of them have never been, and BGT is definitely going to be on the itinerary as well! Star Wars Land, or RMC Gwazi... Even as a huge Star Wars fan, I genuinely don't know which addition I am more excited for!

Demon Drop. Now THERE is something retro that would be awesome to see back at CP in 2020 for the 150th!

I'm with you about the Giga. Honestly, I'm hoping it's a different B&M model, like tallest and fastest Wing coaster, with a layout that takes it out through the trees for near-misses, similarly to how Thunderbird is. Heck, maybe instead of tallest, they'd become the second park with a launched wing - fastest, naturally! But yes, KI has a little bit of everything already, and has firmly established itself as a yearly place to visit for me and my kids, in spite of the lengthy distance to get there! I have not been on Diamondback, but I have been on Intimidator (CW) and Fury 325 and I felt that they were both unique from one another that Fury didn't really overshadow Intimidator. I've gotta disagree on this. Maybe it's because I've only been to Carowinds since Fury was there, and perhaps it's because I rode Fury first, but I've never had a ride on Intimidator that I thought was particularly special, or noteworthy. I consider it my least favorite B&M Hyper. Not saying it's a bad ride, as I like every B&M Hyper. Heck, it's currently my third favorite coaster at the park (though that's not saying a lot, given the competition.) But I would definitely say that it's overshadowed by Fury, and it's hard not to feel like it's a waste of my time waiting in a long-ish line for that, when I can wait in a faster moving line for Fury (true experiences from both of my visits.) When I went there with my kids this year, we took to calling Intimidator - Marginalized: The Ride. Again, it's not a bad coaster, but I do think Fury being there affects it. Now, I haven't been to CW since Leviathan, so I can't comment on that park's experience (though I hope to change that the upcoming year.) But Behemoth is an amazing coaster, and arguably my second favorite B&M Hyper behind Mako, and just above Diamondback. I can't imagine not still enjoying a ton even after I ride Leviathan. I know people tend to regard Leviathan as the "worst" of the B&M Gigas, so that might be a difference as well, since Fury is such a strong coaster. But it could also end up showing that people who rode Fury before Intimidator, have a harder time appreciating the smaller coaster, while those who rode the Hyper first, still enjoy it plenty, and don't feel the experience has been overshadowed. The Season Pass Processing Center is in the building to your left, as you approach the entry gates, in the front building. I think you have to go through the metal detectors first, though I can't swear to that. I purchased and activated my SP prior to Haunt last year, and didn't wait long at all. However, it is later in the Haunt season now, so it's possible the line will be longer now, since the park's lines are usually longer. Yes, I got my Funpix SP at KD before going anywhere else this year, and used it tons all year at both CP and then KI. So you should be good!

I've been to Haunt at KI four years running now (and will be doing it every year for the foreseeable future), and it's been amazing every single year, as far as I'm concerned! Now, I will admit I'm not big into the actual scarehouses, so if that's what you are mostly referring to, I can't speak to that. Also, the lack of any scare actors at the front of the park when you enter, and randomly walking around the rest of the park this year, was a little disappointing, though honestly, I think it was best, considering my kids were on edge enough already. But I will also chime in and say that the 2 new scare zones were nice. Pumpkin Eater especially was really well done! I did think the ambiance of the park was still top notch, and they really upped the ante with some of the animatronic spooks scattered throughout the park. And as others have mentioned, KI drop kicks CP in this department, that's for sure!

I'll add to this, that when we were at KI for Haunt earlier this year, they closed the line for The Beast RIGHT AT 1:00, if not a little before. We got off our last ride on it, ran around, and with 1:00 showing on my clock, there wasn't even a worker around, but the line was closed. Being used to CP closing rides around 7 after, I was surprised, and a little bummed. But again, given the late hour, I can understand why they do it that way.

Chlorine - From Twenty One Pilots' latest album TRENCH! Such a great song, and album!

Ditto! It's actually the intelligent way to handle the cell phone situation, and one that should have been implemented right away, rather than how they handled it banning them entirely. However, I suspected that we'd always end up with something like this long-term, as it's a much more guest friendly way to handle the situation. I'll definitely be interested in seeing whether CP follows suit with SV, and I'm guessing they will, and hope that's in place by next season!

*Shrugs* Don't know what to say. The park didn't seem crowded in the least, the entire night to me. Even walking the pathways, there didn't seem to be that many people. I've never had really bad crowds at Haunt, and this was my least crowded time there. Strange...

Awesome announcement by one of my favorite parks! I wasn't sure if I could make it back next year and take my kids, but now I'll just backburner that, and look forward to enjoying this amazing new addition the following year! I love the look of the new entryway and plaza, and having it not be so far back from the parking lot down that path will be an improvement as well, in my opinion. I look forward to learning more about the new coaster, and I would love for it to be a Giga, instead of a Hyper, as the world always could use more B&M Gigas! Regardless though, even if it's a Hyper, it'll be a fun addition! I'll be honest... SkyRush being a Hyper is almost lost on me, because the coaster just seems like another beast altogether. It certainly rides WAY differently than a B&M Hyper, and will therefore retain a unique experience. I personally LOVE B&M Hypers, and don't consider them for the weak, or pussies, and I'm sure this will deliver plenty of airtime! But it'll be the long, out of your seat, floating kind (which I find exhilarating!), contrasting it with the violent, malevolent, thigh assaulting kind on Skyrush. So there shouldn't be much ride confusion between the two. Also, while they will be in a similar part of the park, the entrances won't actually be too close to each other. At any rate, another FANTASTIC addition by this phenomenal park, and I look forward to seeing it all come together over the next year-plus!

I'm not a big fan of wet rides in general, but I would definitely bring sandals, and plan on riding this the next time I go to SWO! Looks great! How dare you. Trolls and oil rigs made for one of the most cohesive storylines any attraction has ever seen. I actually have memories of enjoying Maelstrom, but that WAS back in 2001 the last time I rode it! My standards for entertaining rides were a little lower then!

Wait! You forgot Mia!

Strange... I witnessed none of that! lol The Beast at the end of the night, when it's usually the most crowded, was almost a walk on. Banshee had a couple of switchbacks, but was less than a 15 minute wait. Not bad at all. FoF was the worst (next to Firehawk), but only 1 and a half switchbacks outside of the building, and all of the interior switchbacks closed. Diamondback wasn't past the vending machines all three times we rode, so only about 15 minutes. Mystic Timbers had the shortest wait I've ever had for it, nearly to the bottom of the stairs the first time! Second time wasn't very long either. Maybe 20 minutes. I guess I just had absolutely amazing timing ALL night long! Yay me! (You DID go Friday, right? Not Saturday?) Regarding The Racer, I think the idea of a traditional woodie, and an RMC woodie racing (or dueling) is great, and would love to see it someday! Not sure if a conversion would work, but as a ground-up concept it's pretty cool! As for The Racer itself, I rarely ride it personally, not so much because it's rough (though it IS a bit rough, at least in certain places), but rather it's just uninspiring, at least compared to all the other great options at KI. I think only one of the four Haunts I've gone to in recent years did I ride it, the first time back in 2015. I rode it again with my kids when I took them for the first time last year. But it's not something I'd typically ride when going there, and if it was gone, it would be less missed by me at least, than Firehawk will be. But I do appreciate the fact it's a classic racing wooden coaster, so I'm glad it's still around!