DannyBoy

For those flying in, you may want to check for flights to Buffalo or Hamilton (Ontario). These typically have cheaper fares than flying in to Toronto. The only catch is that Buffalo is almost a 3 hour drive from the park and Hamilton is about an hour and a half drive away. Just putting that out there. And if you live in/near Washington DC, Boston, Chicago, NYC, Burlington VT, or Myrtle Beach, Windsor ON, or larger Canadian cities you should definitely check http://www.flyporter.com. This is a smaller airline that typically is used by business people that lands at the smaller Toronto island airport rather than the international airport. Psyched! D

I'm all in!

Yes, yes, 1000 times yes! ....to a bash, that is.

I'm not calling them idiots, just unknowing on this subject. They don't analyze rides to the level we do. The majority just go to the park, ride the rides, eat some funnel cake and go home happy. I've showed several local non-enthusiasts friends of mine Raptor (CP) and, without fail, the first thing they say is "Oh, that's like Top Gun (CW SLC)." Remember, this is the Toronto area GP. I have no doubt that the Ohio, SoCal and Florida GP, who are a stone's throw from 3 or 4 major parks, are more educated in the coaster realm. Weird because Ive had the opposite experience. But even if they "thought" it was the same thing, they would STILL go to the park, ride it and be like OMFG thats not the same. Your point doesnt include the fact that new rides still draw people in, especially locals who probably make it at least once a year trip. So while from a video it may look the same, they arent going to not go just because of that. Its a new ride, people go to ride new rides. Correct. That exact thing has happened. The same people have come to CP with me, rode Raptor and basically said "that destroys Top Gun". New rides do draw people in, except a new type of ride may have a better effect. Granted, Leviathan is quite similar to Behemoth. In my opinion, CF just went with bigger and faster (or were forced to, if Robb's hunch is correct) in this case rather than radically different in order to avoid too-much-too-soon in this market. CW is doing gangbusters as far as attendance goes. My belief is that we'll see a couple of different styles of coasters hit CW over the next 10 years.

Very well put, Erik. You're exactly right in that die-hard customers will provide the best feedback. What can I say, I'm a "glass half full" guy

I'm not calling them idiots, just unknowing on this subject. They don't analyze rides to the level we do. The majority just go to the park, ride the rides, eat some funnel cake and go home happy. I've showed several local non-enthusiasts friends of mine Raptor (CP) and, without fail, the first thing they say is "Oh, that's like Top Gun (CW SLC)." Remember, this is the Toronto area GP. I have no doubt that the Ohio, SoCal and Florida GP, who are a stone's throw from 3 or 4 major parks, are more educated in the coaster realm.

I'll come out of the wood work to say this looks like a pretty great new coaster. It will be a huge hit with the GP in the Toronto area. Here, the GP only really knows Canada's Wonderland. A handful know of Darien Lake and if you mention Cedar Point, most people think you're talking about a camp ground. As for this being too similar to Behemoth....again the GP here has a very limited scope as far as coaster knowledge. If they put in a B&M flyer, they'd think it was the same as the terrible Tomb Raider/Time Warp. If they put in a B&M invert they'd think it was the same as the terrible Top Gun/Flight Deck. This is a group that happily queues for an hour for a boomerang or SLC. 99% have never been exposed to a launched Intamin coaster or a dive machine. CF is avoiding blowing their wad with the Toronto market by giving them taller and faster before heading in to coasters that do more tricks (floorless, dive, launch, wingrider, etc.). Mention the word Intamin at Canada's Wonderland and people think you're talking about cookies. In a nutshell, CF is still keeping it simple for a customer base that doesn't know better. The only people that this announcement has disappointed is a few spoiled coaster enthusiasts. I would have loved for the park to get something launched, an Intamin pre fab woodie or a wing rider, but Canada's Wonderland isn't worried about the local enthusiasts. We'll go to the park for the new credit, no matter what it is. Count me as pretty thrilled. Pockets of the world are in dire straits and we still get $30 million toys built for us. Bring on Leviathan!

Ditto on the "best video" comments. Is there any chance of drunkpiersreview.com existing any time soon? I'd like to become a charter member of Club DPR.

Definitely a park that's on my to-do list. Thanks for posting the TR Robb and shooting the Master Blaster POV Joey. I've always been curious how they compare to the ones at Typhoon Lagoon. D

That's some pretty fascinating stuff! Thanks a lot for posting this TR. Very unique!

I had no reason to ever go to St Louis until I saw the mayhem that is the City Museum. You guys are starting to make a habit of putting random, amazing, theme park free days in the middle of trips.

Hey Davon! Thanks a bunch for taking the time and effort to put this TR together. You managed to get photos of some cool things I didn't even see. The football bumper cars at Europa Park in particular. For the record, I slept in the horsey bed in our room. I'm grateful for the tail, since I was sure it would keep me from taking a long spill to the floor (yes, it has happened). I didn't leave the beer tent at the fair, so thanks for detailing the rides like you have. I like how Germans seem to perceive America. Hans definitely helped create an unforgettable bus ride. Later, I recall randomly waking up to the looping EuroMir theme over and over. It was a very Twilight-zone like time. Looking forward to the rest! D

First of all, I have to completely agree with Brian's (STR8EDGE) post a few pages back - well put, my friend. I 110% appreciate all of the effort that Elissa, Robb, and others put in to making sure people have a great time. I knew about some of the on-the-fly changes that had to be made, but getting the real inside scoop just makes it that much more impressive. I have no complaints whatsoever and I'm still telling people about what a great time I had and all of the people I met. To keep this short, I'll just say that this was the most fun week I ever remember having in my life, and there's some pretty heavy competition for that. A million "thank you's". Fingers crossed that I can make it to Japan, Dan

My girlfriend (Jana) and I will be there! I've managed to cram my first two TPR events in to a time span of less than two months Noobs, have no worries. R & E put on a great time and newcomers are made to feel welcome in the group. Anyone else looking to hit up BGE on the Saturday?

High quality content as always, Hanno. Thanks for making the effort to get to those hard to reach places to get the unique photos that you have.

Thanks for posting, Divv. Although brief, it was cool to meet you. Looking forward to the next portion of your PTR. D

Thanks for posting Ken. I'm foregoing my annual trip to CP this year, but things are looking good. If they can get DT out of the front corner they should have room for a nice new addition to the park. I'd love to know if Mean Streak has really been smoothed out or if coasterdude was just lucky!

Probably 15 years ago now, I was on Iron Dragon at CP and just before the pretzel ending my OTSR made a click, started hissing then began to slowly rise. I just yanked it down and kept it there for the rest of the ride. The only other time I feared for my safety was during an E stop on RotM Orlando - at least until I realized that it was an E stop. That's a sternum snapping good time!

I was thinking it would be weird for them to force other park's Maxx pass holders to go to the front gate for entry too. I read a post somewhere about them only having the scanning equipment for the ex-Paramount parks Maxx passes at the front gate. Glad to hear you were able to use the Magnum entrance, coastrfrk. I'll play it safe and ask at check in too. Thanks for the responses. Can't wait to go again. Its been a few years.

Hey all, Two quick questions about Cedar Point... 1. I have a Maxx Pass from Canada's Wonderland and will be taking advantage of early entry for being a Sandcastle Suites hotel guest. Do I have to go to the front of the park to enter with my Maxx Pass or can I use the Magnum entrance? 2. Does anyone know the price of the 2 day Ride and Slide tickets for CP hotel guests? I swear I saw the price somewhere on the official site but can't seem to find it again. Any help is much appreciated! DB

In response to the PCW haters (and I was one for a long time), Nicole has made a very good point. What do we have near us that's better? Marineland, SFDL? The closest thing that's better is about 6 hours away (I can't speak for La Ronde). I know its the cool thing to do to bash PCW when you've ridden Millennium Force, Kraken and Tatsu when the GP here in Ontario talks about Top Gun like its the best thing since sliced Montu, but the reality is that its not a bad park in the big scheme of things. If you don't like the food there, then you aren't going to like the food at 90% of parks. You generally get fast food and that's it. PCW ain't Epcot. Go eat and SFMM and then talk about PCW's food. PCW = not a Disney park I would consider it a bit better than average park. Here's to optimism! DB

Thanks Erik. I'm glad I could provide a few laughs!

continued...one more time So that's all of my first photo TR. Although late, I hope you all enjoyed it. Nice view from up there. Slightly nervous, I headed up the Stratosphere. I'm the blue blur here on Insanity. There are two men in this photo. Can you find them? Throwin' dubs on Fremont for the G A P. Unbeknownst to us, homosensuals were having a parade that night. For those wondering what the Fremont Street Experience is...here you go. And welcome back to Las Vegas! I couldn't resist the giant chicken. I don't have a photo of it, but what's with Silver Bullet? Kind of a yawner there. Xcelerator! My first Intamin launch. A warm up for Kingda Ka. Next park was Knott's Berry Farm.

continued... My overall impression of the coasters on the mountain. OK so X was a mixed bag for me. First 2/3rds were niiice. Last 3rd left me with spina bifida. Viper didn't seem as rough as I'd heard. Three days too early for TAHTSOO. No flyer yet for Dan Riddler's Revenge. Even Flashpass had a long line due to technical difficulties (I think). Fine stand-up though.....beats Mantis....badly. Scream was my first floorless, so I rode in the front on the first go 'round. Major good times there. Thank you B&M! I swear no one has ever taken this photo of Goliath. Let's call it "exclusive". GREAT coaster. Probably the strongest coaster I've ridden. So I made it to Six Flags Magic Mountain. Why do y'all have Dharma plates?DID YOU TAKE WALT!?!? Hi Mom! Hi beer! Hi House of Blues! Dougie like horsie. Mulholland Madness was Emily's first ride on a non-kiddie coaster. She liked it a lot. It begins... And here we are back on Disney ground. I remember California Screamin' being better before. Must be the changes they made after the "incident". The deadly koala assumes the striking position. It will now begin to levitate, spin, and whip your ass! I want one of these things. Do they count as rodents? The rare and majestic panda....taking a big luxurious dump. The San Diego Zoo was the next place we visited. Aren't rhino lips hot?

So before I start any of this I have to give major overdue thanks to the TPR folks I was able to meet up with at SFMM. To Elissa, Robb, Jahan, Guy and Joey...THANK YOU. You made a busy Saturday at Magic Mountain far more enjoyable than it should have been by helping me out. Although brief, it was great meeting all of you! So this trip happened in the first two weeks of May. Hope you enjoy the recap! And as per usual, they blowed up their wee castle real good that night. Space Mountain part 2. I don't know what the ride was like before the big rehab, but its purty sweet. That's my dad giving the big thumbs up. This is us after Little Miss Overcorrect almost broke the Autopia car This photo only included for looking-stoned purposes. That's my sister, Erin and niece, Emily with me. We lucked out and got to see the Haunted Mansion changes that had just been put in. Nearly crapped myself when I saw the new bride! Second order of business.....DOLE WHIP. Since it was closed during my first trip here, Space Mountain had to be done first. So then we ended up in this place. Should be familiar to everyone. Moving on..... And as we leave Vegas, I give you the Mirage volcano. More Vegas to come at the end... 2nd coaster of the trip. MY ANUS IS BLEEDING!!! Nuff said. We happened to be in town on May 1st. Kind of a surprise to see this when you're a vacationing Canadian. Ah. Here we go. My first ride of the trip was Speed. Good coaster, but what's up with this loop? I can't believe I missed this! I probably would have broken it though. But first it was to MGMs Tranq-an-animal attraction! I've been here twelve hours and haven't been on a ride yet......soon... The hotel we stayed in on the first Vegas stop was Paris. Is it a good idea to put a pool directly on top of your casino? Blue Man Group. Good stuff! If you want to know what "What the hell, Bill?" is all about, email Canadian Nicole at jndabird@hotmail.com Who wants to be price gouged for M&M's? Yes I am! If we ever lose Joey, Caesars has a store where we can get another one. And a cawk. Every trip report needs some camel toe right? I don't know? A buck fifty? Ted is just a little guy. So our one layover was in Chicago. I never knew Ted felt that way!