ryder

Except for those staggered opening times they're doing this year. Makes things quite confusing, as some mazes open at 6, some 6:15, some 6:30, some 6:45, and the rest at 7... but there's (currently) no place to find that out except for asking a team member while there. It's a mess. And I wouldn't say a lot of those other houses are necessarily better. They all have their own pluses and minuses.

Based on what I've seen on visits about a week ago, I think the only path open there will be via Roaring Rapids. I doubt the path from Jet Stream will be ready. I have no idea about the bathrooms, but I'd suspect no.

I'd imagine it's very slow load and relatively long ride cycle has quite a bit to do with it.

Been wondering this myself. It's like they've totally forgotten.

^They announced that this will actually sit and hold and wait for the other train before dispatching. So it's a guaranteed race this time.

Did the press release say where it was going? I couldn't find that, but maybe I missed it?

Echoing that I've had minor issues with Scream as well. It's not the worst, but it's there. I find the worst element in terms of the rattle is the first loop. The rest of it is not too bad, but it definitely has a bit of a rattle throughout. Note: I typically sit near the front, so it could be worse in the back. Going into the park today, so maybe I'll try it there and see if things are worse.

Reports on twitter (including a dated video with it running) say Desperado is back up. It's claimed the log ride is open, though employees are alternating between them on 30 minute shifts or so.

I’ve never been to Dorsey before, and I’ll be going next week... any suggested plan of attack for the order of the coasters?

You find it mediocre? Why? What do you consider a good drop tower? Not trolling, genuinely curious.

I’ve actually been on the ride, and the screens are super impressive in person. And I say this as someone who is on the “universal has too many screens and I’m sick of screens” bandwagon. But the size, clarity, and synchronization of these screens in person are pretty incredible. It just doesn’t come across on a video. As for the old opening, it was impressive at one time, but let’s not ignore the facts that the parking structure was clearly visible, the animitronics never really worked very well (always seemed like that first dino had a broken neck), and the doors rarely worked well—if at all. Even if it did work, the sound was nearly always out of sync. My biggest issue is the entire middle section is basically a total void. However, word is being spread that there’s still more to come both there and in the ending. So this may not be the fully finished version. After, this is still a technical rehearsal, not the grand opening.

^i believe so, back before it was a Six Flags park.

I've never had a problem before.

I mean, I'd rather be texted and do other things to stand in the bar, rather than stand in line for 2+ hours only to stand MORE in the bar, so...

While I've never actually done it, it appears Ghost Town Alive at Knott's Berry Farm (the attraction Forbidden Frontier was based on) is wildly successful, and hosts a very loyal and devoted following. Sounds like Cedar Point is off to a good start on their. Families seem to absolutely love it.

I don't know if it's credible, but one twitter account was claiming that after that opening weekend, they are now taking text reservations for the Cantina. If true, it'd be like a restaurant: you check in, given them your number, and when they're ready to seat you, you get a text. That way you're free to enjoy other shopping and whatnot instead of wasting your time in that line. If it's not true, it ought to be. If others visit in the near future, confirmation would be welcome. I'd also appreciate confirmation if they're allowing multiple rides on SR, or instead marking your wristband and only allowing one ride.

I'm not saying I agree with this, but I was seeing articles that were stating that the powers that be in Vegas are seeing less of a future in running expensive, high cast shows (like Cirque), and shifting the focus to DJs and starpower acts (Elton John, Lady Gaga, Cher, etc.). They feel those are the draws for that all important "millennial" crowd. And strangely, they seem to feel no one really cares much about the parking and resort fees. Personally, if this is true, I feel they have their heads up their asses.

I agree the parking and resort fees are diving people away. I've also heard the rumors that the Cirque shows are not doing all that well anymore either, and that they may be removed within a year or two. I used to go once a year, but not so much anymore... it's just not the quick, affordable weekend getaway it used to be. When I do go, I go primary for food, shows, Bellagio Conservatory/Fountains, and unique events (Neon Museum, The Haunted Museum, Pinball Museum, Ethel M Chocolate Factory Tour, Atomic Museum, and Raising Caine's--as there aren't any near me, haha)

I know, I'll be going around July 11, and I'm kind of holding my breath to see if it'll be open by then--seems like it could be a close call. My travels are tied to a business trip, so the dates are kinda inflexible for me. :/

I just don't understand all the GP love for Gatekeeper. It's a mediocre ride. But maybe that's exactly the draw for GP: many of the other rides are too intense for them? I kinda feel the same way for Valvarin. It's a great novelty the first time, but it's pretty much an overrated one trick pony, and I don't mind skipping either one when I visit CP.

California's Great America still has a working Calypso, and it has great ops. CGA actually has 3 Schwartzkopf flat rides that are still operating: the Calypso (Centerfuge), Orbiter (Enterprise... many of these are starting to disappear from parks), and Beserker (Bayern Kurve... only 2 left in the states, here and Kennywood). I'd add that classic Chance Trabants are pretty rare now, and many Condors are now extinct. And my own personal Holy Grail, the Chance Turbo. Never got to ride one, although I remember many vivid memories of seeing one operate at the LA Fair, when I was too young to ride it. But I watched it for hours (well, it felt like hours, lol). I do know now a few parks had one in operation, Idora Park being most notated.

^That's very easy on the operations side of things, but how is a guest supposed to know how many people are in the line/ride capacity? Let alone the possible downtime you mention.

This was my plan, but I saw on another credible site that they will not allow people to do this. Although how that will be enforced, and if so, when the cut of time would be, was not clear. The same site said they do intended to offer single rider line, even for the previews, so that may be helpful if it pans out.

I was going to ask, even though it's not new, it's new to me: how is the Melt restaurant? I'm a huge fan of grilled cheese, so it sounded appealing to me.

No.