FutureMan2

Completely disagree. I cannot be the only one who always thought that Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels was completely overrated, difficult to navigate, slides were totally "meh", and overall the park was a pain the ass to visit, right? And trust me, I've tried SEVERAL TIMES going to that park with an open mindset and I've always walked away going "I really don't get it." IMO, calling it the Knoebels of water parks is a huge insult to Knoebels. Ah, I was wondering why this was the only forum where I’ve seen negative comments about Schlitterbahn. I understand it might not be for you (or your followers) but it is widely considered to be the best water park. Wrong. Show me a list outside of the Golden Tickets claiming it to be the "best water park." Screen Shot 2019-06-14 at 8.30.44 PM.jpg[/attachment] Sure, this is just the "opinion" of one organization, but when you have parks out there like BIizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, Volcano Bay, WIld Wadi, Siam Park, Yas Waterworld, Aquaventure, you're giving it to Schlitterbahn??? For TWENTY YEARS in a row??? Yeah, no... that doesn't add up. That's what we call "bullshit." Well first of all. I never mentioned the Golden Ticket Awards, you did. On the subject of them, part of their goal is to highlight parks outside of Orlando. Does Knoebels really have the best food of ANY park? Does Busch Gardens Williamsburg really have the best landscaping of ANY park? No.. of course not. obviously not. But that’s a different discussion though. People do base their opinions off their own experiences but you can’t deny your effect on others. Robb you have an entire website and people are influenced by what you say. It’s very clear. I’m not offended by anything said. I’m not that kind of person. I’m just making an observation. At the end of the day I thought it was strange this was the only board I’ve seen with negative comments on the parks themselves and I’m not one to believe in coincidences. When it comes to “proving you wrong”. Really it’s moreso on you to prove that it isn’t a top water park than for me to prove to you that it is. Every person I’ve talked to (GP or enthusiast) across the country says how great it was when then went. They light up and say something to the effect of how it was so different than anything else they’ve ever seen. Something to add here: I realize the internet isn’t the best place to have debates but I want to be clear. At the end of the day we disagree and that’s OK. I do appreciate what you have done for the industry but we don’t have to agree on everything.

Separating the person from the product is a very important thing Ive learned to do. There isn’t a single industry out there that doesn’t have an example of this. I understand a lot of y’alls struggle with it. I have as well. No doubt he was a terrible terrible (going straight to Hell, do not pass go, do not collect $200) guy but that doesn’t change the fact that he did revolutionize the water park industry. When it comes to safety the parks are no less safe than any other waterpark our there. Verrückt was ridiculous, recording breaking slide that was rushed to completion. It showed his ego and pride and it’s terrible what happened. But, at the same time, you have to realize just how different this was from the rest of the rides related to Schlitterbahn. Additionally if you think he is the worst person in the amusement park industry ever (which is primarily based on servicing families and children) then you are in denial. He was arrested after the incident. That should speak volumes as to what’s out there.

Completely disagree. I cannot be the only one who always thought that Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels was completely overrated, difficult to navigate, slides were totally "meh", and overall the park was a pain the ass to visit, right? And trust me, I've tried SEVERAL TIMES going to that park with an open mindset and I've always walked away going "I really don't get it." IMO, calling it the Knoebels of water parks is a huge insult to Knoebels. Ah, I was wondering why this was the only forum where I’ve seen negative comments about Schlitterbahn. Anyway. Comparing Knoebels to Schlitterbahn isn’t outlandish at all. In fact, I can’t think of a better comparison. Both parks are so incredibly original. They also have that anti corporate feel as well. I understand it might not be for you (or your followers) but it is widely considered to be the best water park. However I do agree with you on the layout of the park. There is certainly an opportunity there. My biggest fear is that Cedar Fair will take out some of these original attractions for some of their cookie cutter slide complexes.

I realize the severity of what you’re referring to however the Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels is easily the best Waterparks out there. You might want to make it down there soon since Cedar Fair has a very corporate way of doing things. Schlitterbahn is (was?) like the water park version of Knoebels

Yeah... a cobra roll wouldn’t be a fair comparison here. I think the issue might be with the angle of the picture itself. It doesn’t look like it “completes” the first inversion for it to be considered two inversions.

The 3 parks in question are SFOT, SFOG, and Whitewater Atlanta This rumor is so hard to believe. Those parks are not even worth 1 billion let alone 5 haha When I first heard this I couldn’t help but think of Dr Evil: “5 Billion Dollars!”

Man I’m so excited for this coaster! I want to start booking our trip to Charlotte but I want to try to go when they have some kind of special event. Does anyone know when they typically announce them? It’s almost March so I feel like it has to be soon right??

Such a bipolar day for Virginia. First the closure of Volcano is announced and then some huge news on the Busch Gardens coaster. I’m very sad to see Volcano go. Such an incredibly unique coaster. I remember going the first time and riding Volcano, HyperSonic XLT, the Italian job coaster, and Tomb Raider. Hopefully they can use the volcano Itself for a future ride.

What makes you think that it is “definitely” coming back? I consider myself an optimist but just looking at where things stand it makes me think it not returning. I’d prefer the park to stick around but did you read anything promising?

At an “unknown” location. Doesn’t sound very promising. Either way it looks like a trip to Denver is in order!

The park can certainly get crowded. It was slammed on Saturday for example. Also since this is the biggest Sea World even if it’s moderately busy it can seem like the park is dead. I’ve always felt that Steel Eel is vastly underrated when it comes to airtime. I can’t help but feel that you didn’t get a good ride on it since the bunny hops at the end are sometimes crazy. With Wave Breaker a lot of people were expecting something different since it was built by Intamin. A ton of people immediately thought it would be more intense but that kind of ride wouldn’t have fit well with the parks clientele. Luckily, the turtle addition will help with the lack of animal exhibits. There are a ton of rumors out there about additional exhibits/restaurants/rides. The last few years have been such a great improvement and the next few will help the park even more.

Ok, darn. For the record I’m not doubting what you’re saying. In fact, I agree with you having also worked for the company and doing the same thing you’ve done, talking to the right people. I’ve just always had an assumption as to the ranking of the parks: which ones are making money, breaking even, and losing money. Getting back to the subject of Busch Gardens Williamsburg I hope if they move forward with Sesame Place 2 that they don’t stop adding capital investments to the main park. Typically my wife and I won’t revisit a park until they have added a few larger rides but Busch Gardens Williamsburg is one of the parks that we will visit after each one. Additionally from what a few of you have said we missed couple good spots but it may have been because we were very “focused” on the food and wine event haha

Hmm... I’ve gone through their quarterly reports before but maybe I’m missing the part where it says each parks attendance and profitability

Do you have anything that can show that? I’ve always been curious as to how the Seaworld / Busch parks rank amongst themselves with attendance and profitability.

Does anyone know if the food and wine booths stay open until close or if they shut down a little early?