jedimaster1227

^^While I think it is fair to defend one's home park (or any park for that matter), I think that everyone has the equal right to trash it all the same. I can appreciate the fact that you are the original poster, but you can't dictate what people talk about on your thread, or on any other for that matter. And truthfully, the conversation that has gone on over the last few days is still technically on topic--it is in regards to Six Flags America, its status in the Six Flags chain and the quality that is associated with it. From my point of view, the conversation has not taken a turn off the main road. Again, I think that your passion for the park seems to be typing for you, because if you had read into the conversation that has been going on for the last few days, you would see that it is still on topic. The only place you will ever find "purist" Six Flags America fans congregating (and even then, there will still be the negatives) is on a SFA-focused fansite. Since you've posted on an open forum, you've got to be willing to accept the fact that the response may not be the one you like...

Let me just say that this has been a great report! I think your video gave us an idea of what the event was like, and for those of us that were interested (and you know my interest in Morey's Piers), this delivered a inside look at a historical occasion. I don't know if you'd be able to do so, but for those of us that didn't get to be there, would you be willing to upload some more video of the event? I'm sure I'm not the only person that would be interested in seeing you walk the attraction (for whatever portion you were able to)... After all, I did get to see you on the walk-thru for Flying Turns, and you (and your video) were living it up! I think any additional footage of some of the guest speakers and the event would be greatly appreciated. Either way, I thank you for posting this insightful report on an event that I personally would have loved to have been there for. Keep up the great work Matt!

Today I've got some photos of the remaining track in the vacant lot where Rip, Ride, Rockit's storage has been for quite some time. It seems there isn't too much left to go, though I haven't been back inside of the park to see the physical construction (that should come soon). Not too long until this is all gone... A full view of the remaining track (save a few pieces behind the piles of dirt)... The number of remaining track pieces is dwindling. And progress greets me every morning that I pass... Every day of the school week I am welcomed by this view...

^I will gladly film ride testing when they start--its just a question of when. If I'm there, I'll be filming it for sure! That will be a highlight moment for me in regards to this coaster...

Today I had the chance to stop by Seaworld Orlando, not only to pay my last respects to the Hospitality Center (those photos can be seen here. It had been a while since I had revisited the attraction, having not seen it since the trackwork was still being done, so seeing the completed ride was definitely a treat. Now, much of the work is being focused on the landscaping of Manta's features and the theming of the station and queue areas. Work on several smaller stands or buildings has begun as well. Even the base/frame for Manta's wing dip splash effect has been formed. There is much to be seen! Whether just entering or leaving the parking lot, Manta makes guests aware of its presence. Manta is sure to be an excellent addition to the already stellar thrill lineup at Seaworld Orlando... Summer 2009, here we come! Approaching the wing dip... Some of the station's architectural styles are becoming more visible as construction continues. This ride's location at the center of the park makes it a prime icon for the entryway and a visually highlighted attraction from any side of the park itself. Rockwork has begun on the Key West side of the ride's station. Something about this twisted mass of steel is just visually appealing. B&M-quality inversions--I'm looking forward to experiencing this! I'm sure that Seaworld's creative team is just dying to get testing started so they can see the beauty of their creation in real life. I love "sun shots!" This shot makes the flat spin look extremely long. This ride truly is massive! Interior work on the station continues as well... The ride's station receives some additional framework (presumably for new theming), which will likely offer an extra "fly-by" moment for the riders. Manta is also very close to Mama's Kitchen which features "Healthy Alternatives" for meals. Manta gracefully weaves in, out and around itself during the course of its run... The new quick service location aptly titled "Pizza" (the former Smokehouse BBQ) will offer diners an up close view of the ride's "action section." The station continues to receive plenty of attention as construction of the area's theming and landscaping continues. An overview of the entire coaster from the Sky Tower. Another new building frame has gone up, as seen here. The train storage facility and transfer track from overhead. Not much else has been done to the "action" part of the ride--at least not that we can see. Please note that the on-ride photo is at the bottom interior of the pretzel loop. A new building has been framed and is awaiting roof-tiling. I would assume that this will be a place for locker rentals. The concrete frame for the wing dip effect has been installed, likely to be revisited once the rest of the area's "ocean" is ready. The second half of the ride is complete and awaiting landscaping. Manta is a great addition to the park's skyline which can be seen from all angles. It is quite different to see the ride from the second loop and airtime hill on Kraken as well. The train storage facility is complete and ready for use as the trains for Manta begin assembly for testing over the next month and a half (according to several managers with whom I spoke today). Much work has been done since my last visit...

Hello everyone! As the day when the Hospitality Center will no longer offer free beer (or exist in its current form) approaches (that day is February 2nd, 2009), my family and I felt compelled to make a return trip to take in the experience one more time. My father and my brother enjoyed the beer while I took in the atmosphere of the location, noticing how much of a presence Busch really has in the parks. The more I look at the eventual sale of the parks, the more I realize how different the parks would be without the Busch presence. I am saddened by the thought, but realizing that change happens, I walked the park looking at the little traces of their influence, to catalog them while they are still there. The photos below are the result of what I saw today. The park has stated that they plan to continue selling their beers in the park, regardless of the closure of the Hospitality Center itself. Not for long... A nice shot from the Hospitality Center's entrance plaza. Seaworld Orlando's Hospitality Center March 1, 1992-February 1, 2009 Farewell. An American icon. I applaud the cast members for their ability to maintain their focus and dedication as their place of work prepares for closure. Closed doors foreshadow the eventual closure of the entire Center. Here's hoping that BEC is granted the almighty spinoff option... Years of history... The Hospitality Center was extremely busy, regardless of the notice of impending closure. All was as it normally is. This may be outdated soon. The classic brewing equipment of the Hospitality Center are sure to be removed when repurposing the location to be a simple restaurant. And so, the end of an era begins. Seaworld and Busch Gardens were the parks I grew up with (even though I visited Disney frequently as a child). So many memories came flooding back as I walked through the Clydesdale Hamlet and the Hospitality Center. Its the little things like this that remind me of how much I'll miss Busch. Today, the park had one of the signature Clydesdales out for photos near the Seafire Inn quick service location at Seaworld's Waterfront.

Compare these two pictures: The trains pictured on Premier's Service and Maintenance page obviously don't match those seen at Six Flags America. I don't think Ultra Twister is coming back at all--Six Flags is currently investing in new attractions or upgrading the old ones that are already installed. The only other possibility that I see is that a functional attraction from Six Flags New Orleans will be transplanted to the park (like Sasquatch or Goliath have been at the other Six Flags parks). The fact that this ride has been sitting in the open in the elements for years (not in storage), including the trains, I doubt that Six Flags will spend the money which could be used on a greater capital investment.

^^I believe that is just an assumption based on a hypothetical possibility. There is nothing yet that leads us to believe that Ultra Twister will (now or ever) be rebuilt anywhere. The way I see it, this ride is as dead as Astroworld's standup coaster which sits in a field behind Ride of Steel at Darien Lake. They've yet to put it up (and thats been in storage for a few years as well), even installing a newer coaster (Motocoaster) in its stead. I'm pretty sure that says something about the park's plan for the former ride.

The day Winnie the Crap is resurrected from his misshapen grave... Or the day that the United Nations officially rules that you are not allowed to touch Red Bull for the rest of your life.

Maybe it is just me but I find that your defense to be pointless... As I said earlier, it is at a park's discretion to embrace fan sites, and considering the poor state BPB Guide was in, I don't blame them for their decision. Companys and organizations carefully watch the sites associated with them, whether official or not, and any misrepresentation is a fault in their eyes. One thing I've learned over my last two years in dealing with the parks is that regardless of who's fault it is, you still have to be accountable and prepared to make ammends. If a site misrepresents the company or create a negative association, then the company has every right to defend itself. In fact, if a park finds a site unsatisfactory and has legal standing to file a suit against a site, they have every right to take matters into their own hands. If a site isn't willing to work with them properly, then it is the folly of the site, and all legal action is/was brought upon themselves. Maybe I just find your preaching to be lost of the wrong audience, but seeing as how BPB Guide's flaws are absent on this site, I think you're preaching to the wrong crowd...

Personally, I prefer Voodoo, but I think the name change is decent... I'm just relieved that they kept that wicked logo!

^Would it ruin the show if I told you that I don't typically smile as much as the photos seem to show?

I think I know where this is headed: http://www.holylandexperience.com/ Whispers of a "Divine Ride: The Ride" come to mind here...

^^^I'm not sure a park would admit in a letter (regardless of how far out a project is/was) that a new ride was on the way without announcing it or hinting it to the media beforehand. I just can't imagine them nailing down plans to the point where they'd be ready to disclose even the most basic information... But then again, most (if not all) of my local parks enjoy secrecy when it comes to these things.

Personally, I think it was a gift for Six Flags America to not receive The Dark Knight coaster... The ride (to me) wasn't worth the investment, especially for Great Adventure (which really could have used the money for something better). I hope the guests of Six Flags Mexico enjoy it, but looking at my experience with its New Jersey counterpart, I shudder to think what damage it could have done to the already ailing Six Flags America. That park needs more than a mouse in a box to raise its sub-par lineup.

I just upgraded to my LG Voyager just last week and I have to say that it can be tempermental... Some days, the phone will have no problem viewing the site (though embedded videos seem to incite issues), while others will see it crashing by the time you reach the main index. My one word of advice in regards to the Voyager's internet capabilites in regards to all sites: do not use the "Web Enhanced" feature on the phone. Just stick with the standard viewing options and you'll find your phone crashing far less than it would with the enhanced options.

The G-Force Dragsters have been replaced with a new (albeit standing but not operating) dragster/simulator. From what I can tell from the site when I saw it last week, you are rigged up in a simulator that happens to be mounted to a dragster base. While a movie plays on the simulator, you are launched down the track to simulate acceleration. I have to say though, the new dragster/simulator looks mighty comfortable next to the SBNO S&S Screamin' Swing...

SFAfan, I have to say that you seem to be taking this the wrong way. Knowing Brent personally, I know without a doubt that he meant no offense in his words (and from the looks of it, no one else found any harm in them). If anything, I think the fact that his thread, which has been continually updated for quite some time is filled with similar[ly funny] comments, jokes and statements all made with the best intentions--to entertain and deliver his report on the trip that many of us shared this past Summer. In regards to Six Flags America, I can tell you that the park definintely earned its status during our visit--but that isn't to say that anyone specifically was to blame. In fact, I found management at the park to be some of the most personable and dedicated we saw from the Six Flags parks we visited on the trip. Our ERT was plagued with multiple break downs, and each time a problem came up, management gave us an alternative to appease--and in the end, we still ended up getting to ride the coasters we wanted to (including Superman) multiple times thanks to their continued hospitality during our visit. While its not to say that the management doesn't try hard enough (because they were one of my favorite teams that we met during the trip), their A+ work ethic (at least that I saw) wasn't enough to reflect positively on the other aspects of the park. Dead atmospheres, disinterested (if not unconcerned) staff and an overall unwelcoming air of the park (and I don't mean the kind that you breath) overpowered the positives without a doubt. To me there were very few attractions in the park of value, with Batwing, Joker's Revenge and Penguin's Blizzard Run leading the pack. Of the many parks we visited on the trip, there were a few that seemed to be a little less safe, friendly or welcoming (at least in appearance) and this happened to be one of them--again, not a reflection of the superb management team. I guess what I'm trying to say is that the park just didn't deliver the experience that almost all of the other Six Flags (and most of the Cedar Fair) parks gave throughout our three week journey. Back to the point of Brent's comments, I can assure you that there are no racial remarks or slams intended. Maybe you are looking into this a little more than you need to--people see things the way they want to see them... All in all, I find that most of us here could distinguish joke from prejudice, and seeing as that is the case, I will refer you back to what I believe is one of the greatest rules/disclaimers/terms of use on this site: Oh, and back on topic: I've loved all of the latest updates Brent! Let me just say how glad I am that you haven't posted that picture of me with Yosemite Sam near Mind Eraser... I'm not sure I could handle that!

^Mike, it sounds like you've got good intentions but I find your post somewhat unclear. I'm not sure how your video is news about the hotel, or the park for that matter. In regards to the creation of video for sale, I'm sure the question will come up--will all of the profits go to Conneaut Lake or will some be retained? Also, have you been given the proper permissions (if there are any needed) to utilize archived footage for potentially profitable distribution? Looking at this with a limited knowledge of Conneaut Lake, I am curious if management (or the current owners) know of your intentions and if so, have given you their blessing or approval. The website as well as your above post don't offer up much information, and what we were given is difficult to read. I'm sure that you have good intentions, but from what I can tell (from what you have shared with us here and on your website), there isn't much of a base to build on yet. I support pro-park endeavors, but I have to wonder how much work has gone into the research and planning stages of this project. I hope you don't take my statements the wrong way, but I am commenting purely on what information you have given us. If and when you can share some more information, I'm sure this project will gain some speed.

I've completed the survey as requested! Hope this helps!

^As you said, it was "all about Bryan!" I did not touch her, as I knew you were attached, but Bryan on the other hand... Well... Watch the video starting at 1:31 for some news that may not be too comforting. Just remember that it was all about him and not about Adam. I've done nothing here except be honest with you! In regards to the actual adventures, there isn't any specific award for completing the challenges (except completing the challenges). Basically, you complete the activities and drop off the phone in a drop box. Game finished. The original test from two years ago featured a finale in the former Imageworks upstairs at the Journey into Imagination pavilion. This finale featured a mock-shield generator type device which, through the use of patented "air blaster" guns, you would destroy to stop Drakken. That was the reward--being able to go and stop Drakken.

^^Universal has not announced whether the videos will be priced or not. There is some described cability of uploading your ride video (after being able to edit it yourself) to major video sites like Youtube, but not much is known otherwise. Hollwood Rip, Ride Rockit will open and close within the hours of operation of Universal Studios--just because the ride exits the park, it is still considered an attraction of the park which will only operate during the hours offered with the park itself. If any attraction was to be removed to make way for the coaster, it would have been done a while ago, so the answer to your question is no. Mind you, any future attraction closures or removals will be announced by Universal if they are to happen. I'm not sure what you mean by release date, but I'll assume you are referring to an opening date... There is not an opening date (that I know of) for the ride, as it will all depend on the pace of the construction and eventual testing. It was speculated earlier that the ride would be open for Grad Bash, but since it has been removed from the event's page, I doubt it will make it. Most of the information you are looking for can be found within this thread... You just need to read and search for it!

^This is probably my favorite episode of our "adventures" so far! I'm really looking forward to the game premiering--you all will really love my dancing walk! We're hoping the game will be ready soon; interactivity is a facet here at the Bryan and Adam Show! Like Bryan stated earlier, we are taking demands for Bryan to do whatever you want (provided I'm not harmed in the process), so feel free to share your requests. Thanks again Bryan for the great update! Now I'm going to go watch that video once more!

I've got some new (albeit semi-blurry shots) of the far away views of work on Rip, Ride, Rockit as well as a few shots of the remaining track pieces that sit on the vacant lot... Bryan made it into this shot... Sorry guys! Rip, Ride Rockit's brake run towers over the park. I can't imagine what the even taller points will be like! I [think that I] see another piece of a brake run! There is still plenty to be installed...

Happy Birthday Big Mike!