socalRCfan

I really love these classic coasters. Too bad it isn't there now. I remember visiting PGA in the early 90s and seeing Tidal Wave not operating, almost as if it had a severe fire in the station/train. Does this ring a bell with anyone else?

Nice pictures Hector! Is there a Hector fountain pic spitting water? LOL. Palazzo is such a nice place, it almost doesn't seem like it should be in Vegas. Only complaint, no buffet! Oh well, Wynn's buffet is close enough. Yummy.

Has anyone been to The Experience? Is it something a theme park enthusiast should try this summer? I also have passed up this attraction because of its price. I was never into Star Trek.

X - I never knew an Arrow would get so much attention and such rave reviews. I mean, maybe in 1980, but today? I haven't been on X2 yet, but I don't really have high expectations. I do love how the long lines at X/X2 keep the other lines that much shorter. Dueling Dragons - Ok, I am a huge B & M fan, but really, the two actual circuits are fairly basic and rather short. Give me the intensity of CA's two inverts anyday, B:TR at SFMM or Top Gun/Flight Deck at PGA. Raven - For years I heard about this coaster on TV specials and online. Yet, when I was on it I kept thinking to myself, "It must get really good towards the end!" Honestly, I thought much higher of both Legend and Voyage. Manhattan Express/Roller Coaster - This is the worst roller coaster with the craziest price. If you haven't been on it, fine, go get your credit. Otherwise, you need to be evaluated if you have ever had a second trip on this thing.

For comparison, I recently rode Millenium Force and Dragster for the first time a couple weeks ago. I am 5'11'', 245 with pretty stocky thighs. I was concerned before my trip, but it was all the more motivation to drop a few pounds before the trip. My favorite moment at Cedar Point was hearing my seatbelt on Millenium Force click! Start sweating now if you are concerned!

I was planning on going to Cedar Point for the first time this Thursday and Friday. Can anyone tell me if there are waterfalls on the rapids ride? It looks like it will be cool enough without going under a waterfall.

Great trip report Hector! So did you enjoy Sea World Orlando more or less than San Diego?

The time zone boundary is just east of Holiday World. You will lose an hour when traveling between Holiday World and Louisville (SFKK).

Which hotel will you be staying in at Disneyland Paris?

Strangely, it is so great and so sad to see EPCOT Center as it should be. Is it me, or does Future World seem like a complete disaster now? I so miss Horizons and World of Motion. Sure, Test Track is a moderately pleasant attraction, but in EPCOT? Also, Mission Space is just a steaming pile.

Kings Island has just released their 2008 operating schedule.

Does anyone know if I can use my Knotts Maxx Pass at all the entrances to Cedar Point? Or, do I have to go to customer service at the main entrance?

Does anyone know why Kennywood doesn't have Season Pass? It seems unusual that such a large park wouldn't offer that option.

Taking advantage of Extra Magic Hours is a huge benefit to staying on property. Yet, I like to beat the crowds and keep an alternative schedule for the majority of the day. For instance, when the Magic Kingdom has extra magic hours, visit one of the other parks for the day and show up for the Magic Kingdom only for the extended time to play. I found myself waiting in no lines or much, much shorter lines when following this type of schedule. Also, fewer kids and fewer monster strollers make for pleasant park visits.

What day of the week were the lines 3 hours? I was planning to go to Great Adventure during a week day. What are lines like during the week?

I think many international visitors will visit Disneyland before they visit Walt Disney World. Many international visitors want to visit major American cities (NYC, LA, LV, and SF) and/or national parks/scenic states (Grand Canyon, Yosemite, California).

I don't think DCA is in as much trouble as many trip reports claim. It is just always compared to Disneyland, one of the most attraction packed Disney parks out there. Like Jahan said, DCA is actually a pleasant place to spend time. I think the attraction line-up is on par or exceeds those of Disney-MGM and Animal Kingdom. It has at least four E-ticket attractions, Grizzly Rapids (the best out there), Soarin Over California (wildly popular), Tower (not like the original, but it is still Tower!), and California Screamin' (a very long, smooth, launched coaster by Disney!). Considering how small this park is, I think it packs quite a punch. That said, I am eagerly waiting for the expansion. More is always better.

Memorial Day weekend wasn't that bad for me this year. On Saturday, I went to Carowinds and it was crowded. But, Sunday was at Six Flags Over Georgia and Monday (the actual holiday) at Lake Winnie and Beech Bend were quite pleasant. No crowds to speak of, so that was a nice surprise. Also, does anyone have any advice on motels/hotels when visiting Six Flags Great Adventure? That park seems to have nothing nearby.

I went to Kings Island on May 23rd this year, a Wednesday. I know they weren't open the previous Monday or Tuesday. Basically, the week before Memorial Day weekend.

Well, at least I don't have to worry about Geauga Lake. Now, what about doing Dorney in the morning and Knoebel's in the evening? The second week of June, the 11th, to be exact is a Wednesday. Both parks seem great but not full-day excursions. Dorney opens at 10 AM and Knoebel's probably closes around 8 PM. Also, does anyone have much experience with Astroland/Wonder Wheel and Coney Island? Surprising, those parks get very little attention on the website. If Astroland is there next year, where would one park? Any suggestions?

Mapquest has the GL to Kennywood trip at 2 hours and 16 minutes. I was planning to hit the parks in late May or early June. Oh well, nothing is set until next year's schedules are posted.

I was wondering how they crowds were during these trips. I was interested in the East Coast trip, but it seems like it is during the peak of attendance at most parks. Was it ever an issue to get all credits during a park visit? Second, what kind of hotels/motels did you stay in during the Mid-West trip? I thought they would be most similar to the East Coast accommodations. Last, what kind of food is included? More than continental breakfast? Any input from TPR trip alumni would be appreciated.

OzErik- I think I would spend at Sat/Sun doing Legoland, then San Diego Zoo. It will be more crowded on the weekends, but there are less rides (lines) at those two parks. Also look into going to Belmont Park after the zoo since it is very close. Beware the traffic going to San Diego on Saturday morning and Sunday evening. Simple rule, go early and return late. Go to Knott's and Magic Mountain (check the operating days) during the work week. You won't have much of a commute for Knott's, so very little traffic to deal with. Also, the crowds will be a fraction of what they will be on the weekends, especially a Saturday! Disney is generally a more pleasant place to be when it is crowded, especially if you have covered the "E-ticket" attractions on previous days. There are more diversions for the entire family. Eat at Blue Bayou! Evenings during the holidays are a real pleasure at Disneyland.

Hey grotslurf, cool trip. I am planning a very similar trip within days of yours! I was wondering if it would be possible to do GL in the morning at Kennywood in the afternoon? I thought GL can be done in a couple hours and have the balance of the day at Kennywood. Also, can anyone give me a heads up on the best possible route between Kings Island and Cedar Point? Whatever is fastest.

I don't know why anyone would be upset Space Mountain was refurbed. The new version is so much nicer. The station looks better, the special effects are better, and it is soooo smooth. In my view, it puts the WDW version to shame.