DILinator

DLinator, we've got a group of three guys (me, freefalling45, and Richard a.k.a. richjabb) going to Coasterstock booked for Thursday and Friday night. Feel free to PM about joining us. Thanks for the invite to join you! I PM'd you back!

^It's all good! I definitely didn't want to go around that Maypole again, so I'm glad it's in the rear view mirror!

Thank you, I appreciate the apology! Believe me, I'm not trying to pee in anybody's corn flakes here!

Not sure, but the ride really looks like a smashing good time. Too soon?

Clearly, nobody is actually reading my posts, but just participating in groupthink regarding what they think I said. I think enough time has been spent on misunderstanding my point, and attacking my perspective, so if everybody could just move on, that'd be great...

^Yeah, in your situation, coming across the country for the first time, it does make sense to consider FL+. I think you have a good plan though... Wait and see how things are Sunday, because oftentimes, Sundays aren't too bad. Monday and Tuesday should be low crowds, especially Tuesday, if you're going in May. Enjoy! CP is a magical place for coaster lovers!

I've tried to graciously bow out of this conversation, because you all have gone off on a tangent that I never intended. So I'm done with it. You do CP your way, and I'll do it my way, and I will continue to offer the minority report, if people ask for advice regarding this time of the CP season. I will say though, if you all aren't getting payola from Cedar Point for your ardent views on FL, you're doing something wrong!

I definitely agree with you here! If Cedar Point, or any amusement park, had a system like Disney's, I'd be 100% in support of it!

If you noticed in my second post, I clarified that I wasn't only referring to enthusiasts. I' feel like people who think FL+ is the only way to do amusement parks now have been "spoiled" by it. But that's pretty much just using the word "spoiled" as it's contextually used. To use a personal example, if I go during a mid-week May day this year, and the park is busy, and I have long waits due to SV's popularity, then I would say I have been "spoiled" by all my previous years going during this time. Or, another example is my beer snobbery, and my complete inability to drink any domestic or cheap beers, because I've been "spoiled" by craft beers! So that's what I was meaning by using that word. However, I regret "going there" now, as it was certainly NOT my intention to insult, upset, or offend anybody with my choice of language. Personally, I think there are some philosophical problems with any skip the line concept, but that's not something I'm interested in getting into, because that wasn't my whole point in speaking up. It was in regard to specifically whether somebody would need FL+ during this early season at Cedar Point, and my opinion on that based on extensive experience going to the park during this time. As for sounding old, I am old!

To call the FL upgrade only "marginally" more, isn't quite accurate, at least according to what that word means. And that's the reason I'll likely never get FL. If it were only a marginal extra cost, I could see myself using it on days where lines get longer. But at minimum, on its cheapest days, at nearly double the cost of admission, it's a HUGE extra cost, not a marginal one. Yes, again, if you were coming one time a year, from a great distance, during the busy season, for only one day I could see that being "worth it", and something you should budget for to get the best Cedar Point experience. But during a May weekday, trimming your wait on only a few of the most popular coasters, just 25 minutes, does seem like a "waste" to me, at least given my pauper's budget. So when I advise people, and they ask if it's worth it, I'm always going to say "no" during this time, assuming they are looking to save money where they can, and are willing to wait what I consider a reasonable amount of time, for only a few coasters, while saving no time on most of them. Again, that's my perspective, and you're certainly welcome to FL+ it to your heart's content. I'm just providing people with a different viewpoint, if they're more cost-conscious like me. EDITED: Because my intention was not to insult, offend, or upset anybody with my choice of language.

Kings Island next weekend for my first Coasterstock!

So true!

Check their events schedule to see if the fall fantasy parades are scheduled for then. They usually bring schools to the park and it can be busy. Sunday is usually the better of the weekend days if you do go. Depending on how much time you have it may be a non issue even if it's busy. Their lines move fairly well and are nothing like the bigger parks. Cool, was planning on Sunday anyways, and the Fall Fantasy is earlier in the month. From what you said, does that mean that Kennywood is more of a half day park? In my opinion (and I think many people's), no matter how busy, or not busy Kennywood is, a full day there is always awesome!

Going then, I'd be surprised if you actually needed FL+ for the park... That's why typically it's a good idea to wait until getting to the park to see what the crowds are like. I just know when I go to CP (between mid-May and mid-June during the week), on most of the coasters, the FL+ is a complete waste for those who bought it. Basically, it'll help you get on SV, and Maverick faster, most likely. Too late now, but for future reference, especially when going during the week early in the season, and for multiple days, you probably don't need FL+ unless you absolutely abhor any waits at all. Complete waste as in everything will be station waste, or complete waste as in everything will be 10-20 minute waits or are we talking station waits?If he's like me, bypassing even 10 minute lines on the semi-good coasters and 20-30 minute waits on the really good coasters will be worth it. I guess it all depends on your preferences. As per CoasterBill's recommendations a couple years ago we got BGT's skip the line system to ride "Cheetah Hunt and the Log Flume whenever we damn well pleased," (almost exact words) despite everything else being near station waits. Our only regret was waiting a couple hours to do this and getting stuck in an hour long Cheetah Hunt queue, when we could have waited 5... (We would have left the line, but I wanted to prove the value of the pass to my wife so I made her suffer). I'm trying to gauge if it depends on what kind of experience you're looking for or if it will be a waste as in everything will be nearly walk-on. I also have a question for everyone as far as when we will know we won't be completely wasting our money when we go to Coaster Campout. We'd like FL+ both Saturday and Sunday, because we're spoiled rotten pricks. How can I get the best feel for if the pass will be necessary in the morning? I'd like to get the pass as soon as possible to take full advantage of it. I hope my question makes sense. Well, I know I may be in the minority, but I don't consider waiting in lines 30 minutes or less to be untenable. I call it just a normal part of the amusement park experience. Did you not go to amusement parks, or Cedar Point before the advent of FL? Because waiting in lines was 100% a part of the deal... I get not liking waits that get into the 45 minute - 1 hour mark, and that's why I only go to CP when I do, weekdays in May and early June. But when the longest wait I have had during this time for a brand new coaster (like Valravn a couple years ago) is 45 minutes, and I had multiple waits in the 10-20 minute range, I consider that to be not bad at all, and well worth the MASSIVE savings in money! Regarding almost everything in the park except SV, Maverick, MF, and Valravn, you're definitely talking station waits, assuming you hit Raptor in the afternoon, and not first thing in the morning. Sure, if you're talking about people who rarely come, or have never been to CP, and it's their one trip, obviously, if they want to do every single thing, and they'll only be there one day, they may "need" a FL+. However, if they are going to be there two days or more, during the week in May, I don't really see any "need", for FL+, from my extensive experience going to the park during this time. Now if somebody has the money to burn (because that's essentially what it is), and cannot stand waiting at all for SV, Maverick, and maybe Valravn, then sure, they might "want" to get FL+. But I just know that when I'm there during this time of the year, it's always humorous to me watching all the FL+ people who spent tons of money, not saving much time over me... As for your second question, I think you should get your first ride in on SV first thing, then when you get off, see what the wait is, and if it's too long for your tastes, then get the FL+. Or, if you go there for your first ride, and the wait is already longer than you prefer, then obviously, you'll want to grab it then. Given that it's a Saturday/Sunday thing, and there's a special event going on, you will likely decide you want them, at least on Saturday. I would probably try to save the money the second day, and try riding SV once to gauge crowds. Since I'm assuming SV will be the main reason you want the FL+, that's what I recommend. Obviously, going there first thing will be what most everybody does, so it could skew the crowd size. But SV will have a steady line all day, especially if it's only running a train or two, so it's probably going to be your best barometer. I should add that the size of one's group can make a difference in this FL matter too... If a couple is going, the cost may seem worth it. But when I'm taking my kids there, as a parent of 3 (who are riding age), the cost is astronomical, and simply not at all worth it - especially not on weekdays in May. EDITED: Because my intention was not to insult, offend, or upset anybody with my choice of language.

It's been a minute since anybody has posted in this thread, and I still haven't ridden them all yet. However, I have added a couple more to my experience, and figured I'd weigh in at this point! 5. Goliath - Even the "worst" RMC is still amazing, falling just outside my Top 10 coasters currently! I wish it was a little longer, but the elements it does have are amazing, and that upside down dive is still one of my favorite parts of any RMC! 4. Storm Chaser - My first RMC, and still one of my Top 10 coasters! It blew my mind from ride 1, and after 20 rides (the same day), I was in love with the RMC experience! The last couple of violent ejector hops always made me brace myself, and are one of my least favorite parts of any RMC. But the overall package of SC is simply fantastic, and will be a crown jewel for KK for a long time! 3. Lightning Rod - In what may surprise a lot of people, LR isn't my #1 or #2 RMC. I loved the coaster, and it falls just outside my Top 5 overall. Day rides are out of this world, and night rides take it to a whole other level! At the end of the day though, I think the lack of any inversions may have hurt it, at least in my rankings... I mean, being one of my favorite coasters I've ever ridden is no bad position at all! But I think that reason may be why it barely tops SC for me, and comes behind the most recent two RMC's I've ridden... 2. Twisted Timbers - Cedar Fair's first foray into the RMC market (barely) was absolutely phenomenal, never losing any steam at any time (well, after the abrupt slow-down at the top of the lift), and cramming so many elements into a tight and compact layout, it keeps your head spinning the entire time! My kids and I all loved it immensely, and to think it used to be the debauchery that was Hurler, is amazing! It was my favorite RMC... for 4 days at least! 1. Steel Vengeance - I rode this at the First Rider Benefit, four days after Twisted Timbers, and it took everything I'd loved about that coaster, and all the other RMC's, and pretty much every coaster I've ever ridden, and crammed it into one absolutely coaster-experience-altering two and a half minute ride! It's hard to add much to what's already been said about this amazing coaster, so I'll just chime in with the rest of those who have ridden it already, and say it's one of the best, if not THE best coasters in the world! Ride it in the front, ride it in the back, ride it during the day, ride it at night, ride it anywhere, anytime, and you're bound to have a mind-blowing coaster riding experience! It'll be hard for any coaster to top this one, but it'll certainly be fun watching other ones try!

I couldn't ride The Crypt on my recent visit to KD, as I was already feeling sick all day. I love Top Spins though, and hate that they're all getting removed. I do hope The Crypt can avoid the ax for a little while longer at least, until I can make it back!

My kids and I hit up those exact four parks on our recent vacation to Florida! We had such a blast! Definitely my idea of Florida done right! Montu is a fantastic coaster, and while I prefer Banshee, it reminded me of just how awesome it was on this past trip! Kumba is still my favorite coaster at the park, and an amazing coaster after all these years! I too was a little "disappointed" by Cheetah Hunt, even though it was still a really fun coaster. I don't think I was expecting Maverick, but just... more. BGT is probably still my favorite Florida park, though SWO really gave it a run for its money this trip! Glad you had fun, and thanks for sharing!

Ok, so now that the deadline for Coasterstock has passed, and I failed to be proactive enough to get anybody else to go with me, I'm wondering if anybody from here is planning on going, and going to be solo as well? I'd be interested in both splitting a hotel room if you were up for it, and also spending the days riding together. Feel free to PM me, or post below if this sounds fun to you! (A group of three needing a fourth would work as well!)

Going then, I'd be surprised if you actually needed FL+ for the park... That's why typically it's a good idea to wait until getting to the park to see what the crowds are like. I just know when I go to CP (between mid-May and mid-June during the week), on most of the coasters, the FL+ is a complete waste for those who bought it. Basically, it'll help you get on SV, and Maverick faster, most likely. Too late now, but for future reference, especially when going during the week early in the season, and for multiple days, you probably don't need FL+ unless you absolutely abhor any waits at all.

^Yeah, I'd say that's fair. I've had more good, nice May days at CP than bad ones, but that's not to say there haven't been some rainy days mixed in there, and it IS very unpredictable weather. Plus, they have been getting worse every year with getting things open on time for the start of the season. I'm traveling 3 hours to the park, so it's not like I'm a local, and I'd recommend people within a few hours distance still take the chance, rather than deal with the Summer crowds. But yeah, if it's your big trip across country to enjoying the park for the only time, the first week or two of June during the week is probably a safer bet!

From Memorial Day to Labor Day you're golden. I avoid this park like the plague outside of those times though. Yes, everybody should listen to coasterbill here! That way I can continue to get amazing, low crowd days in May, with sub half hour waits for the brand new coasters! (While operations on Opening Day are indeed awful, and there may be a few other hiccups here and there, talk about how poorly staffed and operated the park is in May is GREATLY exaggerated! I've been going regularly and frequently during this time for over 20 years, and wouldn't dream of doing CP any other way! )

This is exactly how I feel. I wouldn't say it's "useless" during the daytime, but it's definitely nowhere near as good as it is at night in my opinion! And if I'm going around, making sure to ride everything, and have to plan my day, I'll definitely plan for that to be a night ride, as opposed to a day ride. I'm just not the biggest "Beast" fan though, truth be told... Is it unique? Sure. Is it fun? I mean, it's a roller coaster, so yeah, generally speaking! lol But there are many wooden coasters I prefer to it, and I think it gets a bit overhyped due to its night rides.

^^I was actually in line for the back row, my last ride of the night on SV at the First Rider Benefit, and Anne Irvine Ondrey and Brian Ondrey were just ahead of us in line! They were engrossed in conversation with the single rider in-between us, but it was still pretty cool to see them there riding! Also, to chime in on the FL merge spot convo, it does merge before the ramp, and both the left and right side of the ramp are for anybody.

And if you're riding it in the daytime, you're doing it wrong! Seriously though, you're bound to be disappointed by that experience... At night though, it's a different beast!

^^Well, they are an Ohio State fan, so what do you expect???