DILinator

Some "red-headed stepchild" parks don't even get capital investments year after year. The fact that we're getting anything is good news, and a Star Flyer will add something new to the skyline. You're right, it's not a roller coaster, but it is going to give Valleyfair an update on it's curb appeal from the highway. Personally, I think a Star Flyer, especially if it's pretty high, will be a great addition to VF, and its location at the front of the park is a perfect place for such a ride, as it greets guests, and beckons to those on the highway nearby! As somebody whose closest park is a definitely "red-headed stepchild" in MiA, believe me when I say a Star Flyer would be a VERY welcome addition to the park!

Blue Dragon for me. Though, I do get the red dragon vote, due to the proximity of Griffon.

^This. That's how I feel about the "weaknesses" of Cedar Point. (Also, their bathrooms. They are DEFINITELY in desperate need of overhaul!) However, I still feel like Cedar Point is the greatest amusement park I've been to, and I am coming from the perspective of somebody who has been a regular visitor since I was a four year old pushing my stroller around the park in 1983! Sure, I've been to tons of other parks since, and have ridden tons of other coasters, but I still feel like on the whole, Cedar Point is properly rated as the King of Amusement Parks - at least Stateside! Having said that, I totally get what Geauga Dog is referring to, when he refers to the way the park was before 2000... It did just "feel" different than it does now while you were there. Yes, they have always been about "bigger" and "better", and have made regular capital investments every couple of years since I was born. But with MF to a lesser extent, but then TTD to a MAJOR extent, the feel of the park simply changed. Before, you could enjoy the intense, thrill-heavy front of the park, with that carnival of delights atmosphere, but then escape to the back of the park for a more relaxing and leisurely jaunt through trees, theming, and personality. They still have Frontier Trail, but MF does tower over and through it, screams filling the air the whole way. They also still have Frontier Town, but replacing a relaxing log flume with the intensity-laden Maverick, has definitely changed the atmosphere back there as well. I'm not complaining about either of these coaster additions, as they are 2-3 in my overall coaster rankings, but just pointing out they they HAVE indeed altered the experience in both of those areas. The biggest change though, was in 2003, when TTD came, and transformed what was once one of my favorite places to walk through a quiet and serene part of the park (especially at park's closing, on my way out), into its most loud, crowded, and and "busy" part. Seriously, if you did not have the pleasure of visiting CP prior to 2003, you have no idea what you missed in terms of the atmosphere of the park between Magnum's queue entrance, and the Power Tower area (which really had altered the ambiance already in 1998). There was a stream that run along back there (which you can still find parts of if you look really hard), and its trickling added to the peaceful and relaxing walk back towards the din of the front of the park. Iron Dragon was affected as well, as its course was much more "in the trees" back before TTD as well, and my enjoyment of it definitely lessened with that back part opened up more to the midway where TTD is. Make no mistake: MF, TTD, and Maverick are huge and important coasters for Cedar Point, and the entire industry as a whole! But also make no mistake - and this is what Geauga Dog was reffering to - their additions forever altered the landscape (quite literally!) and feel of a day at Cedar Point, and turned it into the strictly steel and concrete jungle feel that is has currently. I DO miss a lot of what was lost over the years as The Point got bigger and bigger, but I also love what it's become, and cherish it as much as I did as a kid, when a day at Cedar Point was literally a high point of my life every time I went! It's not quite like that anymore, but I still get excited going over the causeway every time, and have the added joy of now going there with my kids as they come of age to enjoy it all, and watch their delight as they experience things for the first time! As for what park I consider the most overrated... That's a toughie... Overrated by whom? Coaster Enthusiasts? Or General Public? Regarding the former, I can't think of anyplace, but then I haven't been to Knoebels yet. I do hope that I am not met with anticipointment when I finally make my way out there (hopefully later this year at PPP), after hearing enthusiasts rave about it for years. Holiday World did not let me down, nor did Kennywood (and I actually liked Indiana Beach a lot when I went there), so hopefully Knoebels follows suit. It'll be tough though, considering how built up it's been... Regarding the GP, probably a Six Flags park, like SFMM or SFGAm, which is nice, but not absolutely amazing. Disney is an easy choice, considering how overrated I find most things surrounding Disney, but I'll pass on that, since I still think everybody should try and do the Disney Parks at least once, both as a kid, and with their kids. So those places all have a purpose, and they are "magical", in that intangible way that theme parks like them are. If I had to pick one park that people say they enjoyed, and I just shrug and wonder if I simply had a "bad day", it would be Carowinds. Fury is the greatest coaster in the world, but on the whole, the park felt disappointing to me. I'll definitely go again sometime, but for now, it's just in the "meh" category for me...

Of those three concepts, I am in with the majority here, who feel that #2 is the best option! It does appear a spinning coaster like Cobra's Curse is indeed the next coaster for SDC, Not exactly as exciting (to me) as a B&M Wingrider like was initially rumored, but still likely to be a fun coaster, and more apropos for SDC, honestly.

Well... Did you get to ride it?! Nope... Bummer... It reminds me of what I said during our recent discussion of TTD in this thread... I feel your pain man... It definitely can and has, caused a lot of people to burn a lot of time, in an eventually fruitless chase of a ride. Hopefully you can get on it next time around!

I going there next week with an enthusiast friend who loves it, and goes a lot, so I'm excited to hear this about it! I knew about Ravine Flyer II being great (my friend's #6 coaster), but like that is sounds like the whole park is nice and charming to go to as well! As for myself, The "park" that comes to my mind is Fun Spot Orlando! My kids, my sister, and myself, all had SO much fun when we stopped by for the better part of a day a couple years ago! Whether it was marathoning the amazing White Lightning, riding Go-Karts to our hearts' content, or enjoying some good, and affordable food in the air conditioning of the Skydiner, it was one of our favorite parts of our Orlando vacation! Seriously, if you go to Orlando to do all the Disney, Universal, and Sea World stuff, DO NOT forget to pay a visit to this aptly named place!

I'd definitely have to agree with the previously mentioned line of thought that an S&S Free Spin will be what is replacing Splashwater Falls. Looking at that footprint left by its removal, it would be the perfect size, and area, for one. Considering both SFoG and SFStL are rumored to be receiving one as well, it could be this year's BIG addition for the the Park Chain that just loves BIG additions!

I think Two Face would be a cool "new" name to go with as well! However, more than likely, if they're going Superhero Themed name, I'd bet another "Riddler Revenge" would become a thing! Oh, and talk about Six Flags having no chill... I just went to the SFStL website, and what pops up but an ad for a discounted Season Pass... With a picture of a B&M Hyper! Sorry SFStL fans...

Or you could park at Patriots Park for FREE and ride the trolley in for $0.50/person. Drops you off right at the front gate and you don't have to hassle with the huge parking lot. LINK This is what I'm planning to do when I go! It was going to be this year, but it looks like it'll be next year now!

LOL! I even added the smiley to make sure you knew I was saying that in a joking term and I don't emoji. I can vouch for the fact that I read that from him, and I was like "Woah! prozach626 doesn't do emoji! What sorcery is this?!" BTW, these negative reviews of The Voyage boggle me... I am one of the first to tap out of "rough" coasters, and I LOVE The Voyage! It's my favorite wood coaster, in fact! Has it really gotten a ton worse since HWN last year? That was the last time I rode it, and it was still awesome as ever!

Obviously, ride ops are not always right (you could probably justifiably say they're not often right), but I think their inability to know anything of value about park operations, is often overblown on enthusiast sites. We had a strong clue about Mean Streak closing in-season this year a couple months ago, due to ride-ops being informed they'd be removed early, and the word spreading. Again, not saying they're always right, but they are certainly not always wrong!

Welcome! I have a few tips on where / how to ride certain coasters and a few tips on when to ride them. As far as actual riding tips, this is going to drive everyone here to drink but luckily they only have to listen to me say it for another few weeks. Mean Streak can beat the crap out of you depending on where you ride it. Ride it in the very front row, lean forward with your back off the seat back and you'll have a glass smooth ride. On Magnum, the lap bars cause thigh pain for a lot of people. Tighten the seatbelts as much as possible to avoid this. Ride Blue Streak and Gemeni in non-wheel seats. So the middle row of any car (there are 3 rows per car). Ride Millennium Force in the front at night. Dragster is always a great front seat ride but you're short on time so you might not be able to wait for it. You have Kingda Ka close to home anyway. Another tip: DO NOT DO NOT DO NOT ride Raptor, Gatekeeper, Blue Streak, Valravn or Maxair in the morning. You can ride Gatekeeper during Early Entry but it's a waste of Early Entry. All of those rides have massive lines in the morning but by mid afternoon they're much more manageable. Also, Sky Ride's line moves insanely fast, so don't let a full queue scare you if you want to ride it. It's a great way to get off your feet in such a huge park and offers excellent views. Have fun! With those tips all the coasters should be very enjoyable (well... except Corkscrew. Corkscrew sucks). Man, coasterbill, sometimes when reading your posts, I feel like you are my clone (with a different face)! Yeah, just do what this guy says, and you'll be made in the shade! (Why do I have a feeling that expression dates me? ) Not trying to bring this up again, but I did just want to let you know that as somebody now in my upper 30's, I definitely see a lot of what you're saying here! No, it's certainly not across the board, but prevailing attitudes have certainly changed over the years, and in my opinion, not for the better. Again, not trying to start something, but I just wanted to let you know you were not alone in your perception. Hey, I have a question regarding Cedar Point, regarding something I actually don't know about firsthand! Are crowds on the Sunday before Columbus Day really bad? I've noticed they're randomly open later, which typically is not a good sign regarding expected crowd levels. I know normal Sundays are typically not too bad during Halloweekends, but I've also heard that this is a REALLY BAD weekend to go to amusement parks. So, anybody who has had actual experience with going this day, it'd be great to hear your feedback on the matter!

Great to hear! So glad it was open for you! Was there any particular element on the coaster that was your favorite?

It was the funniest thing, because I was reading his review (thanks for taking the time to write it up and share it with us Arthur_Seaton, even if it was a dissenting opinon), and read the part on Lightning Run, and was planning on writing a comment saying "See!! This guy gets me!!" (Though, I'd still give LR a 7.5, at least!) But then, I read his review of Storm Chaser, and my heart was crushed! "NOOOOOOOO!!!" Oh well... Different strokes, for different folks. They are extremely aggressive rides (LR is a little too uncomfortable for my tastes, but it is still pretty crazy-cool in spite of it), and probably not for everybody. That's why we have rides like Roller Skater! (Though, that's actually a better coaster than Thunder Run in my opinion! )

Here's hoping you make it on Monday!

As much as I miss WWL, and I do like Log Flumes, and it IS something the park could use... It just seems parks are going away from them pretty heavily right now. As our resident flume aficionado, coasterbill, do you recall what, when, and where the last NEW install of a Flume was/is? FWIW, I've toyed with the notion of fitting a smaller log flume, sort of an homage to Mill Race, back up towards the front of the park where MR was. With the Antique Cars there in Frontier Town, and fitting in nicely there, I could see the removal of Cadillac Cars at some point. I know that alone wouldn't be enough room, but with the removal of that, and a few things around it, I could see a Mill Race "Reborn" fitting in there!

I know I've said this in the Kennywood thread, but I just have to say it again: I love Kennywood!!! I look forward to seeing the new videos! Oh, and on a completely different note... Am I the only one who immediately thinks of "Afternoon Delight" every time I see, or hear of, Sky Rocket??? I'm pretty sure that was NOT Kennywood's intent in naming the coaster that, but for me, the auto-playing of the tune in my head (and all that comes with that) is inevitable!

Putting two and two (and two) together, I think Hurler is getting RMC'd for 2017. In the video the guy gave three hints: 1. GCI will not be coming up to Kings Dominion 2. Mentioned red (a prominent color of RMC track) 3. Said "maybe you'll ride its replacement" when asked about Hurler. Now of course I could be wrong but this is my prediction. Hey! I've maintained this prediction all along, even when most people wrote it off! Keep the faith! RMC for Hurler, 2017!!! (And RMC Streak for CP in 2018!)

Yeah, that DOES sound like an excellent card! Well, I imagine that when the time is right, we'll go back to lightly using Credit Cards. We used to do so, and for a long time were in the same position as you, working the perks, and making the CC work for us. When all the kids started coming, and then we had two back to back (the second was not planned) right when the economy went south, things got rough for a little while, so we're doing things a little differently now. But I could see us going back to having one card that we pay off every month at some point here. Thanks for the heads up on the Hyatt one! True, there is a lot of development, and some upside to Lansing too! We're not exactly Flint... However, we do have a upwardly spiraling Homicide and Violent Crimes rate in the city, and South Lansing (where I spend most of my time) continues to get worse by week it seems. That's more what I was referring do with the "declining" comment. On a side note regarding Michigan Ave., if they don't fix that road ASAP, all the shiny new buildings are just lipstick on a pig! Driving on a dirt road would be a massive improvement over the pot-holed mess that masquerades as a road there currently! Oh, and before this thread of posts is considered off topic by most... CEDAR POINTS IZ THE BESTEZZZZ!!1!1!!!1!!

To make it worse, they decide to sell the coaster to a Chinese park who takes the trims off, all the while SF replaces it with a Free Spin. Sandusky decides the coasters at Cedar Point are too high and obtrusive, and force CP to get under a 275 foot height limit.

To make it worse, they close them all so they don't compete with their current parks, and move all the coasters to the favored Cedar Point and former Paramount parks! Cedar Fair starts having assigned seating on all coasters, in all their parks.

^^^A few remarks, in response, or clarification... - I actually really like Hyatt Place hotels! The couple I have stayed in were both excellent, and a great example of what a non-resort hotel should be like! I often look to stay in one of them if I'm going into a higher price range. I'm not quite sure I understand how exactly you're getting free stays, but it sounds like you're using points from a credit card with a $75 annual fee. In which case, that's great! If I used credit cards, that'd definitely be one to look into. - As I said, we don't use credit cards, and are a cash only family. As such, all trips require a tremendous amount of pre-planning, and setting aside money in advance, so they can happen. It's a good way for us to live and stay afloat financially, but it does come at a cost, as trips are fewer, and farther between... That's why I live vicariously through all of you here on TPR these days! lol - Regarding "Ignorance is bliss", I wouldn't presume that our experience is that much different. Yes, as a Police Officer, you've no doubt seen more than I have, quantitatively, and also in the depravity department. However, I've seen quite a bit of the seedier side of life, working as a social worker for the past 18 years, the majority of that in an outreach capacity, that has made me quite familiar with all the darker corners of our rapidly declining city here. I know there's a lot of dreck that goes down in sub-par hotels, and I do try to investigate a place before going. - My wife is a social worker too, but only part-time, due to the kids, and us wanting to save money on child care. So we're definitely on the low end of lower middle class, and it takes frugality, and plenty of financial gymnastics to get by! - I agree with you 100% about Breakers Express! For the money, that is a drab, no-frills hotel. I went there once, back in 2003, and haven't been back since. Regarding Sandusky, it really is a hole! Last time I was there, I went at night to that convenience store/Shell station on Cleveland road, near the causeway. Talk about a shady place! It was definitely a memorable experience! lol. (BTW, if you ever want some cheap, lower than bottom shelf Vodka, and you're down near The Point, they have a small display there, in spite of the fact they're very likely NOT licensed to sell liquor! lol)

This is how I feel. Yeah, the ending is the epitome of lame, and anti-climactic, but that's also what makes it hilarious, and noteworthy! I love the coaster, and the ending is just a fitting capper to a fun ride!

It sounds to me like a similar situation to what we have here in Michigan. Even if you live closer to Michigan's Adventure, you're often much more likely to go to Cedar Point, or even Great America, than you are there. Now, if they were to get that Hyper that SFStl wants... Michigan's Adventure was a fun little park. I had Platinum passes this year, so after a trip to Chicago, visited MA, before making trips to Cedar Point and King's Island. I know you all would love a new coaster, but I just don't see the park having the capacity for one. Everything was walk on the day I was there. But was nice to see all the coasters running multiple trains, even with it being slow. Sure, it's a "fun little park", and if that's all it ever is, so be it. I don't buy the capacity argument for a second though, and Holiday World (and Knoebels) debunk that notion quite nicely, actually. If it were still an independently owned park, it'd actually have a lot more to do. The potential is there. But it's exactly what CF wants it to be, so... Regardless, my point wasn't that it's not a nice little family park. It's that it pales in comparison to another park (or two) nearby, which is the situation that SFStL finds itself in regarding Holiday World. I was just meaning that with their attendance, it doesn't justify adding a big new coasters. I know it is almost a catch-22, attendance low because of ride selection...need new coaster but attendance is too low. Yeah, I find the excuse about attendance to be just that. Back in the late 90's, the attendance at Holiday World was no better than MiA's, and their park was worse. But they added thrilling coasters, and other reasons to come to the park, and now look at it! Talking about attendance, and ROI, sounds plausible when a park's PR guy is trying to justify the lack of attention given to a park. But everybody knows, if they're willing to admit it, that attendance increases when investments increase. When even a park like Adventureland can add an amazing coaster like Monster, there is really no excuse for MiA not getting something similar (or WoF, for that matter.) The only reason they don't is because CF has no intention of them being any more attractive to the Michigan base than they are right now. The park is turning a nice profit, and it IS a decent little family park, so that's how they leave it. It's just hard for those of us who grew up through the 80's and especially 90's with the park when it received regular investment, to see all of its potential go to waste now. But I digress... This isn't the MiA thread after all!

Yes, that's the hotel I'm booked at for my trip in a few weeks! I thought it looked better than most Motel 6's, and the reviews were decent to good, for the most part. Somebody did mention the train noise as well though, so I'll be sure to do that trick with the A/C to help mitigate that! Like you all have suggested, I do read the reviews, and do a little research into the hotel before settling on that location. Particularly the recent reviews. I also always book through Expedia, using only Free Cancellation, and Book Now Pay Later hotels, so I can pretty much change my mind right up until a day or so before going. That's come in handy as I've decided against staying in some questionable hotels upon further reflection before! I used to stay there every time I went to Cedar Point, back in the early 2000's. However, the price point then was fantastic, we're talking in the $30-$35 range, so it made it a no-brainer to stay there right at the end of the causeway! Now that their prices have jumped way up, I don't stay there anymore, since you're right, it's not worth what you're paying at this point...