hoppedup

^^FWIW, I can lap Fury a dozen times in a row and be fine. For some reason 2-3 in a row is all I can handle on Intimidator before getting the uneasy stomach. Having ridden a lot of B&M inverts in the last year and a half, Afterburn is one of the best, if not the best out there. There is one snap that gets me near the end if I forget to ride defensively for it. But even that one isn't bad. Fury and Afterburn are the stars of the park for me.

I almost made a game out of it when I posted this! It was interesting to see so many enthusiasts in one spot. Although I did talk to a family from Ohio for a bit in Harmony Hall, I mostly just observed. It was also fun to try to evaluate the 'nerd' level of the enthusiasts based on their conversations in the queue. It would be interesting to know the number of platinum pass holders there opening weekend. I think there were actually more people there Friday night than Saturday, or the full day just handled the ebb and flow of people better.

Is there a tactful way for a Carowinds employee to suggest that larger people use the test seat at Intimidator? There was a walk of shame on the train before us, our train, and the one leaving the station as we pulled in. In every case, the ride op spent way too much time trying to make the person fit, even coaching them on posture. Three fails in a row. I've seen more walks of shame on Intimidator in the last year and a half than all the other coasters I've ridden combined. Some overheard quotes from Saturday: "I ain't going on Fury 325. It goes upside down." "I was on the first train this morning on Copperhead Strike, so technically I was on the first GP train ever." (to cashier): "I know it's not my dining plan, my mom is letting me use hers." "It's actually taller than 325 feet, that's just the height of the first drop." "Fury is fun but that trim brake ruins it." "You guys can ride Vortex without me. I might want to have children one day." I actually agree with this one.

The offerings we had at Blue Ridge Country Kitchen were delicious. For those who are interested in such things, here are a couple of pics: Rotisserie beef from Blue Ridge Country Kitchen with greens Rotisserie chicken with mac n cheese

And the new hotness is down. We came back for our third ride with FL+. Problem is you can't see the FL + line wait until you are way into the queue. It's been down about 15 minutes. I think we are going to bail. We didn't even attempt CS last night. Line was ridiculous. My thoughts on the coaster: it is unique. It is fun. The slow loops give great hangtime. The inversions are fun and there is some good airtime, especially on the last hill before the station. Probably my 4th favorite coaster here. But again, perfect addition for Carowinds. ETA: I'm wearing a purple Phoenix tie dye. If you see me, say hi.

Fahrenheit - Hersheypark

I've only been watching sporadically this morning, but I haven't seen a test run yet. Was hoping to see CS testing in the 30s. We could have low 40s/high 30s Friday night and Saturday morning.

I remember being amazed by Blackbeard's Revenge at Carowinds when I did it the first time as a kid. Looks like it was one of two Magic Rooms built by Arrow. Once I figured out the illusion, the re-ride factor dropped considerably. My daughter and I did Houdini's Great Escape at Great Adventure during a coaster break last year. I had no clue what it was going in, but memories of Carowinds in the early 80s came flooding back after it got going.

Copperhead Strike has been testing this morning. The Carowinds live cam isn't great, but I'm watching anyway.

Teachers work day for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Might not be as empty as you think.

That's all I need, hence the disclaimer: Also: coasterbill's experience seems to indicate that you can get other benefits with a pass from out-of-state. Even the receipt for my pass said it was only for purchase by Texas residents. A quick email to SeaWorld confirmed that wasn't true. I will attempt to use my pass for other perks at BGT, SWO, and BGW in the coming months just for shits and giggles and report back. But really all I need is admission and parking. I do not care about animal shows or food/beer/wine events. It's all about the coasters for me.

https://www.sixflags.com/overgeorgia/special-events/celebration/season-pass-holder-appreciation-day Per the SFOG website: How To Bring a Friend Free: No coupon required. Just bring your friend and your Membership ID card to the front gate. Have your friend stand behind you as you enter and let the attendant know you brought a friend. They will scan your card to validate your free friend offer and then both of you will be allowed in!

It's not for everybody, but I planned a trip to Texas to pick up a platinum pass at SWSA. It was $132.99, 1/3 the price in Williamsburg, Tampa, or Orlando. Not worth it to make a special trip to SWSA just to get a pass, but it worked out for us, as we were going to go to SFOT and SFFT eventually anyway. We now have trips to BGW, BGT, and SWO in the works this year.

Wow. Did not know that. If that is a recurring promotion, then it's bye bye, Wyndham for good. I figured all the hotel hopping was for a purpose, but damn.

^^Thanks. I have the Comfort Inn booked for pass holder preview night. Going to book one of my rooms on my spring break trip at a Choice hotel to get that bonus.

Having done all these parks except Kennywood on a trip last June, I like this plan. Dorney can be done fairly quickly. I highly recommend the preview at Hersheypark. We got in all the coasters except the boomerang, with multiples on a few, during preview. The next day it was pouring rain at HP, so we went to SFGAdv and had a great day, with little regret of missing a full day at HP (we are going back this June). A quick review of Knoebels calendar shows that wristbands are available every weekday in June. That may be subject to change, I don't know. They have a pre-season wristband purchase option if you are going June 3,4,5 or 6 for $38.00 (normally $43-50) including wooden coasters.

[youtu_be] [/youtu_be]

I'm buying season passes for my daughter and I. We will be visiting all three locations next month. I'm hoping those cool go-kart tracks will rekindle my love of go-karts the way Kings Dominion did for roller coasters in 2017. I figure with them being open until midnight and the fact that we will be in the Tampa/Orlando area for 3-4 days, we will get our money's worth.

Just piling on here. My daughter and I pretty much only ride coasters. We planned a day split between Dorney and Knoebels on a trip last year. We ended up at Dorney the night before and got our fill there in a couple of hours. Since we had a full day for it, we spent more time at Knoebels than any other park on that trip. I expected to go in and ride Phoenix, Twister, Impulse, and Flying Turns and boogie on out of there. Didn't happen. I could ride Phoenix all day. We will be getting wristbands with coasters next trip, which will be this summer. When I asked if she minded going back to Knoebels (we are trying to hit as many new parks as possible each trip), she said, "Heck no. It's like the best park ever." This is coming from someone who visited 13 parks last year and did a total of two flat rides. I was skeptical of all the advice given here about Knoebels. Now, I'm a believer.

^^ I'm glad we went to Texas the week before Christmas. We had daily highs in the mid to upper 60s all week. I can't imagine waiting in lines in triple digit heat.

None of the parking in the East lot is really close to the main entrance. The West lot is closer but was not open on either of my visits. If I am going to be walking 5-10 miles a day, I'm not really concerned with a few extra steps. But if you have it free, I can't see the harm. If you have to buy it, I'd say it's not worth it at all. YMMV if you have small children or elderly with you. As far as leaving and coming back, I'm not sure. I have a diamond membership and did not use preferred parking at any of the six SF parks I visited last year. Traffic in Atlanta (even on Saturday) is awful and I would subject myself to that as little as possible.

I heard the banana roll got traded to Six Flags Magic Mountain for almost nothing in return.

Copperhead Strike IPA: https://www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/news/2019/03/08/carowinds-popular-charlotte-brewery-collaborate-on.html I personally think Sycamore's IPAs are all too malty for my taste, but this is a pretty cool tie-in. It will be on-tap at Carowinds.

New craft beer and wine spot at KD. Paging coasterbill: https://www.kingsdominion.com/blog/2019/3.7-parched-pig?fbclid=IwAR0L-zFsAqkEKHdhgMMXrlJZgHjyDw2j522AW5Jr-Zp1RXCFe19gELY4JM8

Next trip is in the works. Should be a good one. Anything else on this route we should take a look at? (Wild Adventures is closed for Easter Sunday) Apr. 19 - Drive to Decatur GA to see a friend play a show Apr. 20 - SFOG > Drive Apr. 21 - Weeki Wachee Springs > BGT Apr. 22 - BGT > Fun Spot Kissimmee Apr. 23 - SWO > Fun Spot Orlando Apr. 24 - Return to BGT or SWO or touristy stuff> drive north Apr. 25 - Day in Savannah or Charleston Apr. 26 - Coaster Campout at Carowinds Apr. 27 - ERT on Fury > National Whitewater Center> Home