JT325

^Heck yeah! I'm 44, so... used to skate to their songs. Moderate fan of the band; I guess enjoying some of the non-hits would make me a moderate fan and not a crazy one. Now that I think about it, a lot of younger people probably know "Fox on the Run," as it was just in the last Guardians of the Galaxy movie - I think? Those wigwams posted look very nice!

^That is horrible! A few years ago at Kings Dominion... I DID contact security over a line jumping issue. It was right after it happened and security seemed more mad at me than anything. It was a horrible situation and dealt more with stuff that I probably shouldn't talk about. Bad stuff... very unfortunate. I almost asked for a secure escort to the car at the end of the day.

You think they'll finally get it this time? I'm remembering Six Flags' promotion a few years ago: "Our cheapest season passes in 20 years!" They have a knack for taking something that is bad and trying to market it as a good thing.

In reality, it's religious people who are trying to hide what they are doing wrong who caused everything Not to be confused with religious people who are good and loving. That's my take anyway.

You should have been there when the first Batman opened. THAT was weird. "Really?! They're calling it Batman." Now it's standard.

My SFGAm book finally arrived today! The pictures inside are stunning... I mean, if you enjoy see Schwarzkopf coasters being built and stuff like that, then you will love it. It's available on amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Flags-Great-America-Images-Modern/dp/1467117021 It was supposed to be out a while ago, but they had some supply issues. All seems good now!

^Very cool! I will fetch a copy. Zippin Pippin was the only coaster I ever ate an ice cream cone on. True story.

Teehee, you said Wigwam Great review! Geez I miss Greezed Lightnin... For years I would stop in just to ride it!

Great pictures! Reminds me a little of one of my (previous) favorites, Indiana Beach. I really need to get out that way, luckily I have a friend who lives very close to the piers, so I'll have a tour guide. So many credits and awesomeness, from what I've heard and seen!

It sickens me (ok, strong words) that such a big change has to occur because someone didn't follow rules. It's horrible the toddler was hurt, but the ride has ran for what... 7 decades with out incident? I believe those were oldest PTC trains in operation. They were beautiful, super comfy and meticulously maintained. I'll kick myself over and over for not getting there more. Our society is so fearful of everything. It's really stupid. I'm sure the new PTC train (or trains?) will be nice, but what a loss. We don't have much classic rolling stock around.

^Those 2 will always get a smile outta me. Thank you

Arrow designed it... so gotta give em credit. Excalibur came out at the same time as Magnum. At the time, it was a BIG deal that Arrow was going from 55 degrees to the steeper 60 degrees for the first drop(s). Personally, I LOVE Excalibur. We have a shortage of "weird" layouts (but not of short layouts... that part I don't care for.) There was originally a speed bump after the first drop. It was too intense, so the bump was removed and the drop went into that cool "dugout." I heard the ride will be safe from removal "through 2018."

I certainly understand your frustration. My apology was because my initial statement may have sounded harsh and may have offended or hurt someones feelings. I'm a gay guy. My statement came out of love, not condemnation or hate. This Pride event is marketed to the glbt community, with a big push towards the booze they offer. Which is perfectly fine. If people can have some drinks - or many - and be ok, then more power to them. Drugs or alcohol, it doesn't matter. Alcohol is a hard drug and kills more people than all illegal drugs combined. Alcoholism/drug addition abuse is very common in the glbt community. As a gay guy in recovery (I'm "clean and sober" from drugs - including the worst one I ever did and almost killed myself with - alcohol), I'm keenly aware of the issue first hand. It would be appalling and sad to NOT admit that the glbt community has a HUGE issue with addictions. And when I say addictions I'll confidently expand that to alcohol/drugs and what is usually at the core - depression/related illness. Every minority group has problems and we can't get better if we don't admit them. The gay community is well known to have over double the standard addiction rates. Don't get me wrong, I have plenty of glbt friends that have never touched a drink or drug. But I promise you, it's still a big issue. I had lunch with an old friend today, and he told me yet another one died. This guy couldn't keep sober so he finally finished the job himself... this happens way too much. It's natural to take offense when someone makes a blanket statement about a group. But the statement I made is coming from a gay person (me) who cares about his fellow brothers and sisters. It needs awareness and needs to be talked about. Addiction and abuse (and depression, etc. etc. etc.) do not make a person bad. They are illnesses that need to be addressed and hopefully treated. A few weeks ago, a friend who works for the group sponsoring "Pride Night" at Great America asked me if I was going. I said no, that I wasn't going to pay an extra $45 to watch a bunch gay men "act out" at Great America, in various states of intoxication... and that "I can see that at any bar at no extra cost." Now, that was a joke from a gay guy to another. The thing that makes jokes funny is that there is some truth to them.

^^I just thought about it some more, and my original comment sounds harsh. I'm sorry if I offended or hurt anyone.

^And my brain shouldn't necessarily go there... but as a person in recovery who knows very well the reputation that event has for heavy partying, it's the first thing my brain goes to. Of course, the guy could have been a total teetotaller. Either way, bummer he passed away.

Bummer. I would be curious to hear about any toxicology report... probably won't happen though.

Let's hope to get some of these creepy masks and characters on/in/around the ride.

^Signed up can't wait. (not for the bumper car part... I didn't know Jack). I get there Thursday and leave Monday. Always wanting more... now THAT is the sign of GREAT park. And friends.

Probably the Revere Beach Lightning. Glad I held on to my "Harry G. Travers: Legends Of Terror" book! Comes in handy. Plus, it's really freakin awesome. There were 3 of the models built.... that I knew of. I had never heard of a 4th mirrored version. Enlighten me!

Schwarzkopf And the finest damn looper in the chain. In the world. And to some, top steel coaster.

Nice to see Holiday World taking home some 2017 Golden Tickets. No huge surprise, but always good to see! Especially for a fanboy like me. - Cleanest park (hmmm... but SF Great America keeps claiming this?? Oh SF, you so silly) - Best water ride

If anyone is interested, my Magic Mountain collection auction had to be relisted on eBay. Mostly 80s and 90s stuff: Magic Mountain auction Lotsa goodies!

The "wtf is this" ride is a classic "Bubble Bounce"! That used to be a standard park ride years ago, and this one looks to be in tip-top shape! Speaking of tip-top, I think there is a similar classic flat called "Tip-Top." Perhaps I have them reversed... I see others have chimed in on this. This is going to be a flashback for a few of us on here: there was a Bubble Bounce (the late great Whalom Park, Lunenburg, Mass) in The Cars' video "Touch and Go." Classic stuff! I really need to put this park on my calendar for next year. I'm the biggest sucker I know for classic coasters (even the small ones!) and classic rides. Great trip review and pictures, thank you!

The Python Pit at Go Bananas, about 3 miles away

Duplicate post ooops