DILinator

Just avoid super 8 at all costs and you should be ok. I (once again) will voice dissent with this commonly held opinion/statement, as I stayed in that Super 8 near Kings Island just last year, with my three kids, for two nights, and it was a fantastic experience, for the money. The kids loved it there, especially the nice Continental Breakfast, and the pool, and I liked the cheap cost, and the free shuttle to KI that saved me the cost of parking! I would gladly stay there again while going to KI, and assuming the price was cheap, and I feel like whatever issues it may have had before that led to its bad reputation, I saw none of that when I was there, less than a year ago. I would actually recommend the hotel, especially to anybody with kids. And as a parent, that is not a recommendation that comes lightly.

Got my ticket earlier, and got all my lodging reserved now! Can't wait for my first Coastermania! I typically don't go, because I go to CP so much all throughout the year anyway, but figured with Steel Vengeance there now, I'd give it a try! On a slightly different, but similar note, has anybody heard anything about a Passholder Preview night for the ride?

This whole "poor operations" line is like some TPR urban legend at this point... They've had some rides closed in recent years for very specific reasons (again, WT and Magnum), but on the whole, the park runs as it usually runs, just with less staff, and probably a little less efficiency. Believe me... I've been going to CP my entire life, in every month and season it's open, and the lines, even by mid-June, are nothing like the glorious weekdays in May. I mean, people can take CP advice from whomever they want, but it sounds like they're taking it from people who attend maybe once or twice a year at best, rather than somebody who knows the park like the back of his hand. I'm not sure why people are pushing this "poor operations" in May narrative, but if it keeps more people away, all the more benefit for me! (And I'm not exactly "close", at 3 hours away, but I simply haven't seen in reality, these terrible operations others keep posting about...)

While I appreciate Bill trying to keep crowds low for me, I do have to post a differing view regarding the "sweet spot" of Cedar Point attendance, which is weekdays in May. I have been making a living for well over a decade of going to CP almost exclusively in May, during the week, and it's BY FAR the best time to attend the park! While operations may not be in mid-season form, and there have been some older coasters down only in recent years (though nothing that bothered me too much (WT, Magnum), by and large, from extensive experience going these glorious days, the crowds are low, the lines very nice (as in non-existent on all but the most popular coasters, and even then, we're talking 30-45 minutes, tops), and your only real downside is the unpredictable weather. I highly recommend going during this time to everybody I talk to, and plan on being at CP at least one day a week those three weeks in May after it opens, and possibly the first week in June as well! But again, by all means, stay away! Just one less person in line in front of me while I wait maybe half an hour for Steel Vengeance!

I looked on the SeaWorld Orlando website, but unlike BGT, didn't see anywhere they have posted ride refurb closings for this year. Does anybody happen to know this information, where to find it, or whether the coasters at SWO even go through the scheduled downtime? Thanks!

Ahhh.... The dreaded double post! I think this is my first one... I guess it had to happen sometime!

So, I got all excited planning my first ever trip to SFOG at the end up April, but then I realized the SF rarely ever opens their new coasters with the park. From those of you following Twisted Cyclone's construction closely, does it look at all possible it'll open before Memorial Day? Or is that the most likely outcome? Thanks!

Count me as another who is on Tony's side here regarding SteVen!

I'm also going to be making my first trip to Branson, and SDC this year, but I am making it a family trip, and taking three of my kids. Thanks for the info above, as I will take that under advisement! However, I also was wondering what the BEST time to visit SDC is, as far as low crowds is concerned? My trip out there is flexible time-wise, so if there's a particular time that's better to go than others, I'd like to shoot for that. Also, are the nearby Alpine Coasters restricted regarding children, concerning age and height? I went to Pigeon Forge last year, and attempted to go on one, and none of my kids could ride alone, making it cost prohibitive. Thanks!

I went to Dollywood last Tuesday, the 21st, and took my kids for their first time, and we had a great day! They loved the park, and my second trip was even more enjoyable than my first, last year! Of course, going with my kids probably had a lot to do with that! The park was open longer than when I went in November last year, but was much more crowded, with wait times approaching an hour for the major rides a few times. Still, we got to ride all of the major coasters once (I passed on Whistlepunk Chaser, as I'm just not a Credit Whore these days, but two of my kids rode it), and rode Wild Eagle twice, and Lightning Rod four times. I enjoyed Drop Line a ton, and it definitely shoots right up to near the top of my favorite drop tower rides! It's a great setting, and just the way it rotates on the way up, giving you a fantastic view, and then pauses just long enough to crank up the anxiety, before a free fall drop that is sure to leave your stomach up at the top of the tower. Great addition for the park, and the location is perfect, too! Additionally, I introduced my kids to the amazingness that is the Cinnamon Bread, and we inhaled one loaf, and promptly had to go get another! Their minds were definitely blown! We got it earlier in the day, so there wasn't a long wait. When we came back at the end to get some for the road, it looked like another hour wait for that, so we passed. But we still had eaten plenty, so it wasn't a big deal... I've been wanting to take my kids there for a while, and the time did not disappoint! In the end, I think everybody agreed Lightning Rod was the best, but Wild Eagle was really popular as well, and after a lackluster ride last year, I rode in the front both times this year (each side), and enjoyed it much more! Riding at night the second time was also awesome! The park looked beautiful all lit up for Christmas, and even at night, the temps never dipped below hoodie weather - at least for us Michiganders. I'm guessing all those people traipsing around the park, even in the daytime when it was in the low 60's, in their heavy winter coats, must have been from the South, like Georgia, or Florida, because for us, it was great weather! Next year, my plan is to take the kids to Dollywood's sister park, Silver Dollar City, and hopefully we have as awesome of a time there, as we did here!

A glorious night ride on Lightning Rod last Tuesday! One of three night rides I got that day on it! It was definitely a great way to close out my Coaster riding for 2017!

I'm with you on this... I was thinking of swinging by KI with my kids for Winterfest on the way back from Dollywood later this month, but after checking it out, and thinking about it more, I decided that what was actually open to ride, for the cost, wasn't really worth it. My kids are old enough that they want more thrills than just the kiddie area, so while they would enjoy some of what Winterfest had to offer, and would definitely love marathoning MT, for the cost, it just ended up being something I decided not to bother with...

I had completely missed this announcement until today, when an enthusiast friend mentioned it to me, because I avoid coming into this thread like the plague for the very reasons I just saw reading back through the last 15+ pages! Regarding the new coaster, I think it's a great addition for the park, and though it does look short, it's sure to be a hit! The only thing that's slightly puzzling is removing the Flume to place it there, when there's a huge, and ugly plot of vacant land nearby where Cuda Falls used to be. But it sounds like maintenance on the Flume had become a major issue, hence, the reason for its removal. Hopefully I get to DL before too long, and it'll be nice to have this there to ride when I do!

Don't forget to show her the proper way to go through that Maze!

Not sure how to do a screen shot on my particular phone, but my top four are the TPR Expedition GeForce video, TPR Prowler video, TPR Matterhorn Blitz video, and then the Cedar Point Official Steel Vengeance POV. Definitely looks like the rout is on for TPR!!!

Next time you're FL'ing for Steel Vengeance just smile, wave, and say "you're welcome" As one of the more vocal non-FL people around here, my response to this, while I go to the park in May during the week and wait in minimal lines without FL for Steel Vengeance anyway, is: "Thank you, suckers!!!"

Man! I really want to take my kids there! Maybe next year as part of our trip out to Branson and Silver Dollar City!

Well, TTD reopened today, so.... Assuming this is true, I read that as Intamin updated the design of the catch car to improve what they saw as a design/safety issue and Cedar Fair isn't happy that version is more expensive. Which would make sense, since it looked like whatever the catch car did caused a lot of damage and needed to be corrected. But design/fabrication of a specialized part isn't cheap. Cedar Fair doesn't have a say in the matter, as running a ride without manufacturer approved parts would be negligence on their part and illegal in states that do have amusement ride laws on the books (they all say something along the lines of "follow all the manufacturer guidelines"). This is in line with what I heard. And I also heard CP was considering opening it regardless, which it looks like they did. So bravo to them, I say! Hopefully Xcellerator can open up soon as well!

Woah! That is a scary sight! What do you know... More themeing for Haunt!

Count me in as part of the Screamin' Swing fan club! Love them, and love Sky Hawk! I only wish the max portion of the ride cycle lasted a little longer... I'd love to be in that upside-down on either side part of the ride for at three swings each side!

Maybe if you read the last few pages? The whole point was how the Alton Towers fanboys have been hyping this up to be something special (launched lift hill, some sort of secret element, the whole 'washing machine' mentality all over again, etc...) but really this just looks like your average sized GCI woodie with nothing special at all. And you're right, if this turns out to be a fun family coaster, there is nothing wrong with that. The negativity wasn't really towards the ride itself, but all the fanboys making it out to be something more than it is. Yeah, I hear you... I don't really frequent any other sites, where said fanboys may lurk in larger numbers, but I see some of what you're talking about now. And I do recall there being talk about this having a launched lift hill back in the beginning. I guess my main point was just that I think the ride looks fun (I love Mystic Timbers, for comparison), and I'd take it over a Log Flume, even though I like Log Flumes a lot too! But yes, perhaps I spoke out of turn, given the back and forth with the fanboys over this, so I shall slink back into the shadows, and just wait for my chance to check out AT's good, but overrated collection of coasters myself!

I don't agree at all with the estimation of Wing Coasters being boring! I love GateKeeper, and Thunderbird, and quite enjoy X-Flight and Wild Eagle as well. On top of that, all the normal (read, GP, non-enthusiast types) people I know, and have heard from, love them as well! So I'm fairly certain ^THIS was NOT the reason they aren't being added to SF parks anymore! Like both previous posters alluded to, the reason is fairly simple, and it has to do with $$$. B&M's are expensive, and Wing Coasters are really pricey in particular right now. SF just isn't spending that kind of money on ANY singular addition in ANY of their parks right now. That's just not their current business model. In fact, the last major expenditure of that size and scope, WAS X-Flight here at SFGAm. I'm not saying it will never happen again, but for the time being, it's just not their game plan, and when it does happen, you can bet it'll be limited to a major revenue producing park like SFMM, SFGAm, or SFGAdv.