DILinator

Cedar Fair likes to mess with over-analyzing enthusiasts as much as anybody, so as much as I would LOVE an RMC SOB, I remain skeptical that this is anything more than a fun attempt by CF at trying to stir sh*t up...

I certainly hope this isn't said in regard to me! I am glad CP is drawing crowds, as I don't ever visit during the Summer (due to crowds and the heat), and obviously, I like my favorite park making capital improvements. That being said, I will NEVER hope for a crowd on a day I visit a Cedar Fair park (or any other park), and that's why I only go to amusement parks prior to mid June, and after late August, usually. Another important thing to know about me: Just because I love Cedar Point, and many Cedar Fair parks, doesn't mean I'll EVER be a blind CP or CF fanboy, or shill. I call them on it when they blow it, and just because they overall run their company better than SF, doesn't mean they're perfect. Far from it!

Uhhh... I've literally heard about large crowds of people on virtually every page in this thread lately, including the post above yours! Maybe cancelling your pass is not worth it to you, but that doesn't mean it's not worth it to me. I feel very good about the decision, and honestly, it'll save me a lot of money next year I won't really have. That doesn't mean I won't go to CP once next year, but that will likely be it.

I ride Bat everytime I go to KI, and it's one of the better Arrow Suspended coasters still in operation. But intense? Not exactly how I would describe it! Now, on the other hand... I'll never understand people who can ride any coasters like those three Zach mentioned, and say they're not intense, or thrilling! I don't really have anything to add, because what he said is 100% how I feel about it. Personally, I think KI is an awesome park, with a ton of fun coasters and rides, and a great place for kids as well! Plus, they have the best Amusement Park Halloween Haunt, in my opinion! I'm planning to take my kids and girlfriend there this year, for their first time, in what will probably be my only remaining coaster trip of the year. It's become an annual tradition, as it's SO great!

Between massive crowd reports, the apparent bug invasion, and the SV fluffy policy, I'm glad I got in a satisfying number of visits by mid-June this year, and don't feel any need to go back. Hopefully they've come up with a more sane policy regarding the cell phones/bins/fluffies by next season, or I'll have to cross the bridge of whether I return then. They've already lost my Platinum Pass renewal due to this, and I WAS going to get my kids passes next year as well. Now, I'm not so sure any of us will... I just think the way they've handled this is beyond poor, and as much as I love the park (it's pretty much always been my favorite place on earth), the overreactive mismanagement has put a bad taste in my mouth. I'm not even an obsessive cell phone user, but for me it's the principle of the matter, and for now at least, I will simply stay away, since I've been plenty already, and would rather just avoid dealing with it all. Again, I love Cedar Point, but I just disagree with the way they (Cedar Fair as a chain, really) do business sometimes, and while I respect the fact they have the right to do whatever with their parks, I also can choose to do whatever with my money, and time. As Robb has mentioned multiple times, there are many other parks around the country that have handled this type of thing much better, and if this simply diverts me to those type of places, that's not the worst thing ever!

^I was going to say, "How very traumatic for the trapped viewers!", except a POV could never do justice to just how soul-crushing, and back-breaking SOB was!

THIS

Nothing would make me happier than a Larson Looper marketed at a coaster. Nothing. I respectfully disagree with any person or park that labels a Larson Looper a coaster, but I too immediately thought of this, and the hilarity that would ensue! And you KNOW CP WILL market it as a coaster, since they've already jumped that shark with Pipe Scream (which is actually one of my favorite underrated "coasters" at CP!) It's actually a brilliant move on CP's part, as they look to quickly inflate their coaster count, without actually adding another huge coaster. And that location really would be a perfect spot for it. Heck, they could even still call it Witches Wheel! My sentiments exactly! I've been on a TON of coasters, and there aren't many that are better than MF! (in my opinion, at least.) The funny thing, is that CP has two of those that COULD be considered better! And as far as coasters that I've ridden with non-enthusiasts, that prompted orgasmic reactions out of them (seriously), MF is far and away the king (though SV is off to a strong start in that department as well!)

I am eagerly awaiting the announcement of this new coaster, and have enjoyed the descriptions and pictures of what's going on at CW from all those contributors who have posted them! But I'll be honest... I've never once clicked through to any of the links offered. In fact, I rarely ever click ANY link when I'm on TPR, that takes me away from the site. But that's just me... So I guess my bottom line recommendation, is more pictures would be lovely, in the place of the video links!

I still think that a B&M Invert is a little ambitious for Valleyfair, at least based on what we've seen from CF lately. However, I think that a RMC Raptor is a more reasonable addition, in the near future, and I suspect that Dinos Alive land will be the perfect fit for it! It certainly would be an impressive entryway coaster for the park!

In response to your question, Nitro1118, and alongside what prozach said, earlier this year when RawkinCoaster and I stayed at the Breakers Express the night before Coastermania, we ordered pizza delivery, and it was absolutely delicious! I think the place is called Mamma B's, though I wouldn't swear by that being the name. They were advertised in the book inside the hotel room though, so that should steer you in the right direction. Also, I highly recommend the Seafood pizza, if you're into Shrimp! Oh my, was it amazing tasting!

I have a lot of thoughts on this whole situation, - especially given the latest information - but I'm just going to leave most of them as thoughts at this time, and in this place. For now, it is what it is, and there's no point ranting in a lengthy post about it. All I'm going to say, is that I'm sure glad I got to the park a bunch, and got a bunch of rides in on SV already this year, before this nonsense started! I thought I might go back once or twice this year yet, but as long as this policy is in place, I'll pass. I know the loss of my meager in-park expenses is only a drop in the bucket, but if enough people feel the same, maybe CP will come to their senses, and reverse this over-reactive "policy". I suspect that over time, or by next year, they'll have figured out a better way to handle the situation, and I'll be back. I'm not even super obsessed with having my phone in line with me, but for me at least, it's the principle of the matter, and I'm more than fine saving my money and not going again this year.

The bottom line in all of this for CF with this latest "overreaction", is liability. There was no outright ban on cell phones at KD, therefore, the woman who got hit with one can sue the park for "allowing this to happen". However, with the new ban on TT and SV, signs posted, and all that fanfare, anybody getting hit in the future is going to have a much harder time in the future winning any suit or claim against the park for getting hit, since the park's stance is they are not allowed. It's clearly posted, and known. Tweeted about and everything. However, having said all that, I would be SHOCKED if the park ever actually goes after somebody who has their phone out in line, or has their phone secured in a zippered pocket while riding. This new policy saves the park money in the event of a lawsuit, and makes the park money from increased fluffy bunny usage. It's really a business win/win for CF, while undoubtedly a nuisance for the majority of us sensible, coaster riding public. But honestly, I wouldn't get too worked up for it, because I wholeheartedly think this nothing more than a CYA policy change by CF, that won't affect you if you're sensible and responsible with your cell phone when it comes to coasters.

There's a reason why I specifically bought khaki shorts with a "secret tech pocket" (actual manufacturer description!), that zips up, and is pretty incognito! I knew that with riding Steel Vengeance like crazy this year, that'd be the only way to go (and it came in pretty handy on TT, too, though that was before this new policy!) If KD isn't cool with people stowing phones in zippered pockets, that's just craZanity!

Hopefully you haven't gone to Kalahari before. When I first went to Castaway Bay, I thought it was great! When I went this year, after going to Kalahari a couple of years ago... Let's just say it pales, substantially! However, I'm sure you'll all have a blast, especially if you haven't been to Kalahari yet! This man is right on the money, in both regards here! I've literally NEVER ridden MF with a non-enthusiast, where their mind wasn't blown by this coaster! I've had the privilege of riding with many first time riders over the years, and I always relish those moments after the coaster ends, when they're simply going crazy, trying to describe how amazing the coaster was, and how they've never experienced anything like it! I always refer to riding it as a re-birth, BMF, and AMF, because at least when it comes to the normal, non-enthusiast riders, it's like a momentous life experience for them! As for TTF and KK, it's nice to have another voice in the minority report, that thinks KK is better than TTD (or at least not worse!)

So is Fury an "I need to rent a fluffy, fluffy bunny filled with medicine and goo" scenario, or an "I can toss my stuff onto the platform" scenario? Yes, you do need to rent a fluffy fluffy bunny filled with medicine and goo to ride Fury. Or you can just do what I see a lot of people do when I've been there, who chuck their backpacks and bags behind the hedge at the entrance to the queue! (Please note that I am NOT recommending this practice, and would never personally do it myself! But it's definitely "a thing", much to Carowinds' chagrin!)

I LOVE Kennywood, and am stoked to see them adding a coaster of this size, and caliber! I've been wanting to take my kids to KW for a couple years now, so it looks like 2019 will definitely be the year! However, the only shame is that I will not be able to add this credit to my count, nor this amazing looking coaster to my experience, because I cannot in good conscience ride anything that has anything to do with the loathsome Stealers! Too bad... In all seriousness though, it makes a ton of sense for it to be tied in with that team, as the city truly does worship them! Hopefully it works out great for KW, as I really do love the park, and not even a giant coaster named after the 3rd worst team in football can change that! Also, as one of the site's resident Drachen Fire lovers, let me just say I immediately noticed the similar lift hill/first inverted drop, and I heartily approve of somebody FINALLY copying that amazing element!

I'd prefer it to be open, but I don't think we're missing much. There are plenty of similar launched coasters out there. I'm more focused on Pantom's Revenge, the classic wooden coasters, and Exterminator. Those rides seem to be a bit more unique. I know Exterminator seems somewhat typical, but apparently the themeing is great. Having been to KW and ridden Sky Rocket, I'd agree. It's kind of fun, and not a bad coaster by any means. But at KW, you have those older woodies, with both Jack Rabbit (awesome!) and Thunderbolt being very unique (Racer is probably my least favorite coaster there, honestly though), as well as a riotously fun indoor coaster (I'll leave out any other details so as not to spoil it) in Exterminator. PLUS, one of my personal favorite roller coasters, the amazing Phantom's Revenge! So yeah, a coaster like Sky Rocket that's just "good", isn't anything to lose sleep over missing, unless you're hung up on your coaster count - which I know you aren't! Enjoy your time there! I can't wait to take my kids to this awesome park! Though I'll probably wait until 2019 at this point!

Wow! That's really cool! I actually would be totally down for doing that, for the slightly higher price than a normal daily ticket! Now, if only I could afford another vacation down to Florida this year to experience it with my kiddos!

Dang! Before this year's visit, I would have said it's an easy call, go to Hershey! But after riding the amazing Twisted Timbers... It's REALLY, REALLY close!

I'm glad to see the park appears to be doing better, as even the staff were pretty doom and gloom about its future a couple of years ago when I went. I will say, however, that having been there once, and experienced the place, I probably wouldn't be too inclined to go back myself, unless it was at a discounted gate. It just seems like a "discount" park to me, so I probably won't ever pay full price again...

^I laughed, prozach! Regarding the attendance, I think it's interesting that arguably the best coaster in existence opens up at CP, and their attendance is down. Yet, a couple of years ago, Valravn opened, a massive Dive Coaster, and business was booming! I know just from talking to my GP friends and acquaintances (which constitute most of my actual interaction with real live people), the hype over Valravn was much greater than what I've gotten from them regarding SV. This probably doesn't explain entirely the drop, but it could play a part, and at the very least, it's interesting how it again shows how different the GP view coasters, and enthusiasts view them! This bodes well for another banner year for Canada's Wonderland next year! Speaking of the Canada issue, I have a funny story from years back when I went to CW last! On the return trip to the States, at the US border, the agent there was an emotionless, no-nonsense gal, and she gave us the business getting back in. When she asked where we were coming from, I answered "Canada's Wonderland", and she glared at me like I was being a smart @$$, and was not impressed! She literally had no idea of CW's existence, and seemed dubious even when I explained it was an amusement park. So yeah, even many years ago (2009), it was a lot rougher getting back into the US, than it was getting out.

Last time I went to MiA, was 2015, and it's only 2 hours away! I will have had CF Platinum passes twice now without going once as well. If that's not a stinging indictment of the place from a local, I don't know what is!

Interesting... Because I've literally never had any issue with it for years, including at the front entrance as recently as two years ago. Methinks it's just not something that they are so dogmatic about, that they are going to stop everybody who is a part a group, when the "group leader" has the pass and shows it. I've entered at the back entrance multiple times this season, and the Cedar Point Shores parking lot has been open every time. The only lot that is closed off now, is the small lot I used to always park in, that's right next to Gemini. Additionally, myself, and my sister, purchased SP Bring a Friend tickets for our siblings at the "Resort Entrance" no problem. Maybe they did things differently last year, but it appears they've changed it this season, likely because of SV, and knowing entering back there would be popular, and convenient. Practically speaking, it helps distribute crowds better, and lessens the number of people making a mad rush from the front of the park for SV.