jynx242

Great report so far! Thanks for posting it. I've always love Carowinds, but haven't been in a few years (no Fury for me yet.) I, also, absolutely love Afterburn. That batwing is just amazing. One thing about the park, I've always ended up going to at least one show every day I've visited just to get in out of the heat.

For most Boomerangs I can do with or without them (I've never hated boomerangs like most seem to, but they aren't a favorite either ) On Blue Ninja Hawk, I definitely prefer the vest restraints. Although it is tighter than the OTSR's, my head used to take a brutal beating on it ( had an earring post jammed into my head behind my ear on one ride.)

Bill, great and funny report as always! The Pretzel Dogs and the Fury Bacon Pretzel are manna from heaven, and I couldn't agree more with your assessment of Kumba. It really is an amazing ride (my favorite parts are the zero-g roll and that awesome little "course adjustment' hump before the Cobra Roll.) Thanks again for posting!

^ Time can fly without wings

^ I've also always enjoyed my rides on Rocket more than I expect to.

^same park, but being a bit older - The Great American Scream Machine was my first wooden coaster and I rode it with my dad as well (mom would do steel coasters, but not woodies as she said the lift gave her too much time to panic.) Mindbender was my first looper (and is still one of my favorites of all time.)

Regarding the House on the Rock - I'd never heard about it until I read American Gods either. Great trip report! Thanks for posting. I like learning about things that I wouldn't normally think of doing! P.S. - really like your dry self-deprecating sense of humor I'm the same way

Can't help but feel a little nostalgic/sad from those pictures. I know it had gotten just brutal and that something amazing will most likely be in it's spot next year....but.... I'm old and change is bad David

The Old Texas Giant is the only time I've ever experienced anything like that. It felt like the train was going basically every direction at once (laterals with airtime.) I rode it when it was pretty new so it didn't feel like you were going to die.

^I'd like to see them re-create Texas Giant's original "Magic Carpet Ride" ending. That was one of my favorite coaster moments ever.

Should be pretty cool doing that roll inside the structure!

Have you not been to SDC? For some reason, I thought you had been. Knowing that we have a lot of similar taste in parks - you will freaking love it! I'm so intrigued by the new ride, as you just don't hear much about it, then get a new picture of it. Can't wait to see what it will turn out to be. David

Andy, as always, there are so many of your photos that I want to frame and hang on my wall (I may or may not have one or two currently .) Looks like an amazing trip. Seeing the pictures you took of Nathan made me nostalgic for the Mini-East Coast trip and our epic day at Knoebels. Thanks again for taking the time to do such a great trip report. David

I'm enjoying the hell out of your report as always. I am a fan of the Pacific Point Preserve as well. I can easily spend the majority of a day there just watching the Sea Lions - as long as I get a fix of Manta and Maco

I just don't understand the sheer audacity of some people. Everyone knows you can't please everyone - it is a fact of life. I don't understand where people get off demanding that someone please them, especially on a Trip that has organizers like Robb and Elissa to put so much thought and preparation into the trips that they organize. I've been lucky enough to go on 6 of them and all have been downright amazing. I've watched them hard at work "behind the scenes" and have always been just blown away at the amount of thought and detail that they put into the work. Robb and Elissa, I've been coming here to TPR for 12 years and still love it. It is still a part of my day almost daily and brings enjoyment to an otherwise mundane work life . Life has totally been screwing up my ability to take the amazing vacations in the past few years, but I'd do another trip with them in a heartbeat. David

I have to say that I am very disappointed with this news. They will probably put in yet another attraction (coaster section or not) that requires me to wear special glasses and look at screens. I liked the Dragons a lot. Besides being great (in my opinion) coasters, but they were also actually thrill rides. I like Harry Potter well enough, and understand the need for "thrilling family attractions," however not at the expense of one of the things that made the original park great. I just really makes me disinterested in getting seasons passes again. Instead of switching my Busch/Seaworld passes for Universal passes, I may just skip it.

Well - he did say "I Still Think" which is his opinion and perfectly valid. even though he is crazy since SFoG is the best - Mindbender

I don't know... But I've known some pretty expensive woodies in my life. Slut Back on topic - I look forward to following the speculation insanity and the announcements for this

I think that is pretty much par for the course when they close a "classic" or older ride. I have mixed feelings about the closure and possible upgrade. I remember Cyclone when it was new and it was absolutely psychotic with the airtime and layout. I've subsequently had many rides that my chiropractor loved me for . It always just irritated me how it had gotten so rough and I saw it as a huge waste of potential. If it is getting an RMC makeover, I'm sure it will be epic - but I'll always remember the original in it's glory days. D

^Word!

Thanks for posting! Is this a knock-off Loop-Screw or is it Vekoma??

What a great report! I'm hoping that there was some sort of train issue with Boulder Dash for you. It's one of those times where someone whose opinion you have come to appreciate doesn't like a ride that you like. I feel betrayed by the ride!! It's been several years since I've ridden it, but definitely remember it fondly! Note: not El-Toro fondly, but I did really like it. David

As always, what an awesome TR. You always make me feel like I'm there with you guys. I'm sure there was a whole bunch of wonderful sarcasm and cattiness as well. I haven't been on Wicked Cyclone, but I felt the same way about Superman when I first rode it, and I'll agree with Bill and Britt that it gives epic night rides.

I was able to ride this weekend. I pretty much agree with everything that has been said. It has an amazing layout and pacing and is much more substantial than I though it would be. I also found it surprisingly "shuffly," but still really enjoyed it. The shuffle/roughness wouldn't have been surprising if the coaster weren't brand new. That being said, I still feel it is a superb addition to the park and to the area and will happily ride it again.

Bert and Bill, I've really enjoyed going through this report. Looks like you guys had a lovely time and met some great folks. Coastermania is on my bucket list of things to do and this made me even more determined to do it. Thanks! David