jynx242

^ I got to go see it with friends for the Cast Preview last night. I won't give any details away, but I thought it was beautiful and really technologically impressive.

^^Still sending good mojo your way - big hugs from the Deep South.

It's good to hear about the work being done on both coasters. I absolutely LOVED Boulder Dash and hearing that it had gotten so rough was very disheartening. As far as Wildcat - I've always wanted to like that coaster, but have never had an enjoyable ride on it. It isn't rough in a fun way, it has always been just shuffly and uncomfortable (I didn't yet know of the "Mean Steak" method which might have made it a bit better.) David P.S. I also agree that their boomerang is probably the best of the ones I've ridden.

^Regardless of political affiliation - I would laugh at these people....then hide because they're scary

DILinator - Important to know: Cinnamon Bread from the Grist Mill is food of the gods - do not miss it. It is a moral imperative that you also get food from a Skillet I'd definitely recommend seeing at least one show. I've found that Dollywood has some pretty fantastic offerings in that department. David "Dollyfood" McCollum

But.....but....the "two scoops of crazy" during the off season is a constant and lovely form of entertainment!!

Phil - I'm sending all the well wishes and good juju at my disposal your way! Hope things get better quickly!!! David

I'll just put this here for you guys: A real estate investment trust (REIT) is a company that owns, and in most cases, operates income-producing real estate. REITs own many types of commercial real estate, ranging from office and apartment buildings to warehouses, hospitals, shopping centers, hotels and even timberlands. I actually work with clients who have REIT's as part of their retirement plan. Generally, REIT's do not close down income-producing properties. When a REIT approaches maturity, they will usually transfer ownership (sell) the property to another REIT or investment. It is in their best interest that the property still be income generating. Darien Lake was part of the CNL Lifestyle REIT. CNL Lifestyle Properties invests in properties with the potential for long-term revenue generation and appreciation based on demographic trends, associated concentrations of wealth and other proprietary underwriting models. This particular REIT closed to new investments in 2011 which tells us that it is at the end of its life cycle (hence the purchase and sell agreement with the new owners.) The new owners of the property "should" make capital improvements to the property as that will increase its overall value to the REIT's shareholders. Just thought I'd define the term for some of the folks who might not know exactly what a REIT is and how it operates. Hope this helps David

Thanks for sharing all of the pictures. Just getting caught up on this now. I did not know that Funtown/Splashtown had great bumper cars when I visited so I unfortunately skipped those. I didn't realize Roarasaurus was as large as it is - definitely need to stop and check it out as I really enjoyed Wooden Warrior. You should post a selfie so we can put a face to the screen name. It's nice to know who is talking to you David

^Psychotic Meth Fueled Reindeer Flight" would be more apt - don't you think?

I was fortunate enough to marry my best friend on October 29th I'll have some pictures to post soon. We had a Disney inspired wedding (Tigger and Maleficent) and it was a great even. I'm now broke with a capital P-O-O-R, but it was definitely worth it. Now we just need to figure out where to move to get out of this backward and redneck state to somewhere where we will be safe and comfortable

Hey Coasterking - thanks a ton for posting the pictures from your trip! Those are some great shots of Firechaser Express along with the other rides. I'm glad it seems like you had a good time. Dollywood is one of my favorite places anywhere.

Although you feel the trim kick in on Mako, it really doesn't affect the ride for me. It is kind of a small slowing, as opposed to trims that really slow things down like on Raging Bull and the Beast (both are coasters that I really like as well, but the trims are so noticeable that you are forced to wonder what it would be like without them.) In my opinion, Mako wouldn't be that different as the trims really don't knock that much speed off. David (SFoG Goliath is still better ) McCollum

^These young whipper-snappers and their "trash Grabbers," back in my day it was a broom and dustpan....uphill....both ways......in the snow Honestly, it's great to see upper management is still involved inside the park.

To comment on someone's post earlier - as far back as I can remember the Park Presidents at SFoG have usually spent time walking and WORKING in the park itself. When I worked there in 1986 and 1987, the park president was known to walk around with a broom and dustpan - it seems like it has always gone on which helps me understand why SFoG usually does well with service (except for food service which is always understaffed at every park anywhere ) It truly is still my favorite Six Flags park.

Hey, a neighbor! I like the way you put this and I am exactly the same way (car repair and P-House ) David

^ I was thinking the same thing. It looks much bigger than I thought it would! I do love the sight of that swooping GCI first drop though David

What an AWESOME report! I'm glad you all had such a great time (bear bites and all.) If you need a chauffeur when you come down to Orlando / Tampa - let me know. I'd be happy to drive and it would be a blast to hang out with you at a park. David

luc - thanks for sharing your pictures and talking about your trip. That really sucks about El Toro, but it looks like you had a great time anyhow!

^This We haven't been dealing with health issues, but with a wedding coming up and a new baby in the house (not ours, our nieces...but still...) we haven't done any trips this year and only did one to SDC last year. An "off" year will give parks a chance to improve infrastructure, and us a chance to get out there and ride some new things that we've missed.

A couple of things.... Bert - I LOVE Mercedes Lackey's books. Been reading them for years. For YAY and DIAMONDBACKER - take this from me. During your coming out process and after - you will find some AMAZING new friends. Simply AMAZING. You are young and have everything in front of you. It's hard to see now, but you will get to create the life that you want as you get older, get out of school, etc.... I know it is very rough right now, but please trust me - the best is totally yet to come!!!!!

That sounds like an awesome surprise and a great day! Thanks for sharing the pictures. I REALLY enjoyed Wooden Warrior - just tons of fun.

Yeah - to add to what Bill said, use your normal sense and caution. Most likely, nothing in or around the park will happen - but if you are there and start to feel weird or unsafe, follow the gut feeling and leave or get inside somewhere. I went through this in Atlanta during the Rodney King riots - most of the city was perfectly fine - but I was at Georgia State University - right next to the capital - and we had to go into one of the school high rises and wait (the police strongly suggested this so we did it.) David

First off..... BOAT BOAT BOAT BOAT BOAT..... whew - got that off of my chest. Now - Am I mistaken that Mean Streak was very similar to Texas Giant (the original?) If so - I certainly wouldn't complain with an "upgraded" NTAG at the Point. It would definitely get me to make the road trip or fly up there again to ride. Either way, this is pretty exciting Last note - I never found Mean Streak to be particularly rough. I found it to be exceptionally boring, but never too rough. David

Great Pictures! I really enjoyed Canobie on my visit a few years ago. Definitely a "charming" park, and also a SUPER nice staff.