Movieguy

Wow...I've never seen MF in that state. I can't go to CP this year, once again, but it still depresses me to see that MF will be out of commission for a while.

^ No, it's not Godly, but the change is subtle enough for my pallet for me to really enjoy it. You should do what I do, and pour some into glass. It tastes even better that way, to me.

I haven't heard anything, but I did just realize that MF has been running for about 9 years now. It was bound to start having technical issues at some point. Probably nothing major in this case, though.

Don't be so tough on yourself...you got some great shots.

Great pics! I especially love the sunset shot of Maverick from inside the station.

I'm also surprised that The Beast has such a lackluster entrance. That's the coaster that put KI on the map, for god's sake. Vortex still looks pretty well-maintained after all these years...I'll bet it's just as head-bangy as the other surviving Arrows though.

^ I can see why you'd think that. I don't really mind though, because Gerstlauer simply designed something that caught on. I think all the great coaster designers tend to borrow ideas from each other from time to time.

A few years ago, I would have probably backed B&M, because of my positive experiences on Raptor, Mantis, Apollo's Chariot, and Alpengeist. Plus, back in those days, my only other experiences with steelies had been on Arrow and Vekoma rides... >.< But right now, I think I have to pick Intamin, because they've really been going out there, taking chances, and trying lots of interesting new things with their coasters. I've already had good Intamin rides in the past on MF, Wicked Twister, and the Ride of Steel at Darien Lake, and I'm really looking forward to riding the two major Intamins at Hershey. I still have a lot of respect for B&M for what they've done for the industry in the past. But today, in Hershey's case, Storm Runner and Farenheit look way more exciting and innovative than Great Bear. Plus, from what I hear about Balder, Intamin makes a hell of a woodie too. I don't think a coaster company has EVER mastered both kinds of track to the extent that Intamin has.

Very nice, but I think this probably belongs in the underrated dark rides thread, which talks about both the operating, and defunct rides.

Really? I like Knoebel's, but I also Looooooovvvve Pizza Hut. Even in a town full of great pizza places. It's the only one of the three major chains I really like. You've got me curious though about the one in Blackpool. I've never been there, so I'd like to know what makes it so unique from the ones here in the US.

The difference IS very subtle. I suppose you have to have been born in the 80's or earlier, like me, to understand the difference. I'm not sure when Pepsi made the switch to corn syrup, but I'm assuming it happened in the late 80's, when Coke did it.

Space Invader seemed to have had a doomed existence since day one. It's a shame to see another indoor coaster die (Like Black Hole at AT), but from all the things I've heard about the ride, it's probably just wise to put the thing out of its misery. I had heard that Kumbak coasters had renovated it a few years ago, but I guess that didn't help it much. As for Roller Coaster, I'm sad to hear that this classic ride may be removed as well. I remember seeing it in the 2002 Europe DVD for the first time, and geeking out over the lack of restraints back then.

I think that mainly has to do with the ride's reputation...stories of crying little kids leaving the attraction have traveled fast, ever since it first opened as Countdown to Extinction. One ride I'd like to add is The Great Movie Ride at Disney Hollywood Studios, or whatever it's called now. No one ever talks about it anymore, but back in the day it was quite an ambitious, and impressive project. I think if they gave it a little more TLC (and perhaps a major rehab), it could really stand out again.

SFOG looks like one of the more impressive and well-kept parks of the SF chain. I haven't been back down south in a while, but if I get a chance, I'd visit this place in a second. Great job with the photos and video

Wow, those are some funny rider pics...I should take photos like that when I go on my trip, now that I've got a digital camera. Farenheit looks like it's such a rush. Can't wait to try that one. Great TR

I've always loved pinball, and I was pysched when a local company called the Games People took over the Arcade after the old one left, and filled it with retro games, as well as some pinball. There's even a new Shrek table from Stern there.

Really? I thought Tim Duncan and company were a bigger draw than that.

Bizzaro has to be the most awesome re theme of a coaster I've seen, bar none. SFNE's version looks interesting too, but for some reason I really dig it on a floorless even more. The flames, mist, and other items go way beyond the simple repaint I was expecting when I first heard about this. Great TR Mike, and it's nice to see your dog gets treated so well too.

This is what I've been talking about. Back when Shaq was with the Lakers, the refs used to let him get away with murder so that he'd make it to the finals yet again. Then we had that ref getting caught for screwing Phoenix against San Antonio a while back, because the Spurs were a higher profile team that would have gotten bigger ratings in the finals. This is precisely what I don't like about the NBA today. TV is more important than the game itself. Everyone seems to want to see the "superstars" show off and dunk all over the place. Small market teams aren't generally allowed to grow and develop, because they don't get ratings RIGHT NOW. Competition is discouraged, as the same teams win titles year after year. Dynasties are only fun for the people in dynasty cities, and vastly overrated IMO. So my prediction...the Lakers, the NY Yankees of the NBA, will win yet another title, against a small market Cleveland team that was just lucky enough to have a superstar like Lebron on their squad. Sorry for sounding so negative...this is just the ramblings of a frustrated Orlando fan.

Terminator Salvation 8/10 Very exciting and enjoyable flick. It more than makes up for the horrible third movie.

Great photos! I have to imagine that Phantasialand is the most intricately themed park in Germany from looking at these (Though I haven't seen pics of Europa Park lately).

I'm personally glad that Darien Lake is no longer a SF park up here. When they brought us the Ride of Steel, we were really hoping that would have been the start for even bigger things...then SF proceeded to do NOTHING with the park. We didn't even get a new coaster until after they left us! So while I don't celebrate the apparent failure of the SF chain (I've heard good things about the other parks), my personal experiences don't exactly endear myself to the company either.

My thoughts exactly. Last time I was there, I didn't even bother going to AK (Though that was in 2005, before Everest was completed). Right now, I don't think Disney feels the pressing need to add another park. I think they're more concerned about keeping the guests coming in spite of the struggling economy at the moment.

I've been an Orlando fan ever since Shaq joined them, and have been ever since he left. GO MAGIC! Though, I have a feeling it'll be Cleveland going to the finals. Like you've all said, it was a close game, and I can't help but shake the feeling that the refs are going to try and turn the series in the Cav's favor (remember Phoenix and San Antonio a couple of years ago?). Because, we all know that LeBron James in the Finals means even bigger ratings...

Oh yes, because we all know just how "bitter" they are.