Jon Sabo

I had a thought based on the past couple of postings. One- I could see if that makes sense in not opening the ride (noise level) if the nearby waterpark complains about the noise (lifeguards). It actually could be a safety issue with regards towards the WP. Secondly, I believe that Giovanola was the mfg of the ride (designed byMr. Stengel from Intamin?). If Giovanola is no longer mfg (amusement) rides anymore, what issues would be involved regarding parts maintenance, cost in having Intamin supply those parts (if most of the items may be outdated anyway) and who would actually be able to supply any spare parts during train teardown maintenance? I agree with the other comments as well, but I really believe the cost to get the ride running efficiently and maintenance is far to great for their overall budget. (I wouldnt be surprised if Mr. Shapiro had some comments about this very ride as well).. Wonder if B&M would built something like this into their ride portfolio and add the trains with a floorless chassis..lol

Best O&B Coaster(s): Wood: I love Rebel Yell @ PKD..a classic ride (even backwards). Steel: AP @ BGE...wow! Europe: I never been there, but I would imagine that Goliath would be the bomb (from the POV-videos I have seen).

Sorry for another post, but that last post gave me an idea...I believe WE (general public) should rate the NEWS people/journalists and grade THEM. At the end of the month, the one with the lowest score gets fired (and placed in a shark tank along with all of the lawyers to see who survives...who would pay to see that?..I would). In terms of ethical conduct/codes I mentioned on previous post: the FCC (cough*damn gov't*cough) should place a set of standards on what CAN be reported...come on...look at the way stations are being looked at since the Janet-I had a wardrobe malfunction-Jackson from the Super Bowl incident. We should now monitor what NEWS should be shown...For example, those who have children on this site-voice your opinion, but look at those stupid Hollywood shows that show (sexual innuendo's) and sex-related topics regarding the celebrities and other shows (Jerry Springer) that portray sexual-controversial topics. NOW, some of these shows are not even on in PRIMETIME ...they are on around 4-6pm (in Hawaii they are). Now, do we want our children exposed to that? The same information should be reported on rollercoaster/amusement park incidents. It should be reported by fact (not opinion).

In my opinion what makes a great tunnel (effect) is that you don't really expect it during your first ride. I would have to say Grizzly at PKD..because no matter how many times you ride it, you think your head/arms are going to be taken off..lol

No parks in Maui...lol But I used to work and live in Virginia at BGE...so I would say this is my favorite....biased?...sure..lol Where else can you ride coasters, drink beer, scope out hot chics (water rides)..oops...typo...I mean have good food...(just need to add mist machines during those hot-humid summer times).

Top 5 Inverts: 1. Alpengeist (especially at nite). 2. Raptor (in the rain..lol). 3. Talon (with a trainload of Hooters girls). 4. Montu (no screamers). 5. Top Gun @ PCW (w/out the mist).

Weren't we suppose to pick just one of each?.lol Wood: Defunct Hurcules @ Dorney (old fashioned I guess...but the view over the lake) Steel: AC@BGE

Weren't we suppose to pick just one of each?.lol Wood: Defunct Hurcules @ Dorney (old fashioned I guess...but the view over the lake) Steel: AC@BGE

I recall a coaster "valley" at BGE and when I worked there, we had to repair any damage and then wench it to around the track until it was able to engage in the next lift. Then it returned to the station and wah lah....the work begins....did someone say.....OVERTIME!>>??..lol

I think there was another post earlier on this topic and I will amend that comment. I believe we ALL should be grateful for the rides put in the parks....its what makes us all come back of course, but to each of his own, we ALL have a certain way of how we "grade" coasters versus the next person...its in our nature, our genetic code..lol I think the fact that Europe, Asia AND the USA...has a great selection of coasters makes us all want to explore other countries, just as we did in the 60s and 70's when we went to the moon...we are explorers...so?...hop onto a plane and visit the other country and appreciate what we have.... One observation or trend that I will pose here is.....the market is changing...times are changing...(aka Disney/6Flags)....Europe and Asia will become the forefront in building rollcoasters and will take over records from the US (height/speed/length) within the next 5-10 yrs....how so?...well, look at countries like Japan, China, Germany, and other countries in South America. Developers are discovering the success US parks had with these thrill attractions and now, other countries are picking up on that success formula and molding that same model as Disney pioneered in the 50's. In fact, I truly believe that: 1. Kingda Ka record will be broken (not in US) in Europe within the next 3-4 yrs... 2. CP will loose is record for having most rides/coasters (tied with MM?)...and a European park will just explode in terms of future projects... 3. With current issues regarding Disney and 6Flags...(and these damn insurance issues of people suing parks and so on), it will take at least 3+ yrs for these mega companies to "reinvent" itself and look for new opportunities to become profitable and viable within the industry...(I can still imagine how Walt himself is turning over in his grave now how hard times have set on his vision)....even Mark Shapiro (6flags) himself stated: "You wont be seeing anymore 'GOLIATHS' being built (anytime soon?). The business model for 6Flags and Disney landscape is changing right before our eyes...recall back when CP built the Magnum...(Ron Toomer was surprised at how technology and the market re-engergized the coaster wars and new era for height/speed). The markets now are being saturated with these MEga-rides....Europe/Asia is just picking up on that trend and will be the next wave for development, while the US will go through a "re-engineering" stage of adding family-type attractions until that next new thrill ride debut (eg-"X"). Lets appreciate that the global-wide industry is experiencing a new generation of thrills....and I can bet my bottom dollar...that technology and materials-engineering has only "scratched-the-surface" in future thrill-rides/coasters. So...stay tuned, because we will all experience a new Renaissance in the future.

Sorry for the double post....PKD ride has 1 more inversion than Stormrunner...if I'm correct...sorry....must be the Maui sun today..lol

Stormrunner does not break any records in terms of height or speed, but doesnt it break record in terms of "most-inversions" on a launched coaster? (including PKD-V:BC?)

Perhaps people may be reading into the text differently. I personally didn't find the article to be in bad nature. Although some of the wording may indicate the story is a hash-towards Kennywood. The statement(s) I am referring to is as follows: < Kennywood is hoping the SwingShot will send attendance soaring.>> I believe the article is exploring that the themepark is trying to create a buzz about the new attraction by combining our "fears" of speed and height with SAFETY IN MIND...that balancing act is the same with rollercoasters in that designers are trying to push the envelope in technology, but the safety features designed into the rides now are safer than even in the 70's-80's. Just ask anyone in these forums that actually operate rides or have in the past...I have personally done both from a ride operator, to a engineering/design (classes and projects), to a maintenance technician (and talking to the ride design teams themselves).. Look at the ending article: < The ride will go through several safety inspections before the public gets access to it on May 6.>> Observe how NO riders are being put on the attraction as guinea pigs and "take-your-chances" on if you survive or not...perhaps the story was written as an observer (general public) about the ride, rather as an enthusiast or an extremist ride junkie....there was another post on this forum that observed the same thing about the article...in this case, I believe the article was fair and objective in their perception.... Now...onto that other link...where we ALL have a BAD perception on the media....lol! I believe this was noted by Rob himself... http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=24400

I agree with virtually all of the posts here that the media are a bunch of washed-up old bags/baggets that have nothing to do with their time than to parlay superficial stories without regard to ethics, codes of conduct or truth. Case in point 1-60 minutes and those other lame-a** shows. Dateline has recently been bashed by NASCAR for allegedly "creating" a story about how religion and NASCAR fans react towards each other at races. This incident was being filmed at Martinsville, VA and used Muslim as a religion to "create" a story....I would love to put those reporters on the track and have them run over..lol.. Case#2-I recall back when I was working the LNM at BGE and a tree (from storm) fell onto the track injuring riders as well as damaging the train and the track....while we all followed procedures (standard at most parks) in allowing Marketing dept's handle the press releases.....damned if a reporter stated that 4 passengers were KILLED on the ride....Come on Please!....not only was NO ONE killed, but the ride opened THE NEXT DAY! I remember that because I worked through the nite as well as enginneers from ARROW, inspectors and so on worked through the nite... >..Even when an accident (coaster or other ride-related) occurs, the media outlets (especially CNN and other major newsgroups) portray the parks as irresponsible, and lame ducks in providing guests with safe rides, when in fact when an "Amusement Industry Official" poses the question of safety records (facts from the CPSC)...the news groups happen to "go to a commercial"!...I wish Congress (cough) or some law would be enforced about how factual and ethical conduct in reporting news should be utmost priority...the accident rate is so rare, that it often makes HEADLINES on major networks (aka-Mission Space incident). On a note that I am sure will leave people backlashing here, but I believe we, as a society in general, have changed in our perception in news reporting that we actually "like" hearing bad news all the time now...or perhaps become sublimed to it and just take it as another day. Look back at past decades (80's, 90's, and present) on how news reporting has changed overall. When the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster exploded (w/ teacher-onboard)....the reporting was fairly accurate and objective, albeit blasting NASA for mis-management. Nowadays, news reporting appears to focus not on fact, but on OPINION (their own) and it sells!! Its becoming a greedy business to sell newspapers and media (commercials) in order to make a profit. Greed and Media....the Ying & Yang of how dysfunctional our society is becoming...lol

I have a thought or comment saying that I believe Dollywood and Holiday World are true world-class themeparks in providing guests with a real good value for the $$ as well as an atmosphere catering to the lil tots, mid-teens, adults and elderly peeps all in one truly amazing experience.... Both parks have an array of quality rides and now appears to have perhaps easily 3+ top ten wooden coasters in the world...I have not personally visited either park (unfortunately), but the quality of service and the values that themepark operators "should" possess, perhaps now should take note at how management and its employees go beyond the call of providing park goers a quality experience. Traditional "family-type" values of service.. I am now planning on attending both of these parks sometime this year for sure....thanks HW and DW for giving its guests of under-promising and OVER-Delivering on their products/service... Am I also to recall that HW is the ONLY (and original) park to offer its guests FREE DRINKS?!....talk about service, now I hear other parks are copying similar policy...

I have two moment of feeling queasy but did not actually throw up. One of the conditions I believe was heat/humidity-related and both incidents involved (how did that line go from movie..Coneheads?)...."massive consumption of liquid refreshments known as alcohol... 1st incident...at PKD (forgot name) but the buccaneer-type ride that does complete inversions... and 2nd incident (damn this is embarrasing)..but the old SEa Dragons ride at BGE (where AP is now I believe)...but we kept riding that thing like 3 times in a row..spinning the car around...and my stomach was really churning up the Italian food/wine and good ole brewery Busch samples ...mmnm lol

Im curious to see if someone has observed the same thing, or it was just me thinking of something else. Didn't the ride ORIGINALLY have 4 cars to complete the train?...now it looks as if there are only 3 cars now. If my assumption was correct (4 cars), I wonder if the momentum on that inversion stalled when having 4 cars and they removed one to have only 3 now...hmmm...just a point to ponder..

Those pics are incredible!...Too bad I dont understand German, I'll ask my g/f is she can translate since she was born in Bremen...lol... I think we will certainly have a great debat on our hands on which ride is better (w/ theming and ride quality) ....Nemisis or Black Mamba...hmmm I will be curious when they add the landscape/foliage to that scenery. If it is anywhere close to that promo-pic...look for a winner

Ok...I actually have 2 worst moments...both are seperate situations, but perhaps can relate to "both sides" of the coin....explanation as follows: Disney World-FL &&& Epcot...it was crowded, hot-humid (typical FL weather) and many attractions were open/closed/open/closed....and so on...well...we finally wanted to take a break from the action and decided to eat....well? the food was expensive to say the least and it was COLD!...we asked for food that was hot (or a new serving) and the manager (of all people) told us that we couldnt exchange our food (request) that we paid for it and thats what you got...OMG talk about customer service...we then went to complain at the GR and the woman their was on her "happy-face" and told us for some S**t reason that was park policy...please!...anyway...to add to the days 'fun-filled*cough* day' we experienced a typical afternoon FL thunderstorm and then just decided to head home....oh...and Monorail stranded us about a 1/3 of the way out..lol..... **2nd worst moment (Working at BGE-Williamsburg)- I was the lead/sup. for BBW and I swear my day started off on the wrong foot when I lost my ID (it was found in employee lot), so I had to scramble to get mgr to sign me in.....This was a Saturday (12M operation back then) and needless to say that the 2nd shift lead/sup. called in SICK! (later to find out they went to concert and had sunburn from beach..lol). So? who had to "volunteer" to stay?...ummm ME (doink* on head). To add to the misery, my second shift crew was ALL FEMALE...wait....that may sound like a dream, BUT, they ALL were having their female time of the month issue...I kid you not. The ride during the evening kept breaking down....had an axle problem on train 2 and remove it (ran 2 trains from about 6pm-til close..FULL Que!)...and then had a series of goofballs get sick on BOTH remaining trains....(God can this story get any worse?)..Well...it was hot...humid...and the crew (women) was cranky...and "moody"..lol...I rather put in a request for God to just have a train run me over in the station...Well, as the nite was ending.. (thank god) we finally had about the whole bottom Que line out...when (SHHHHH****TTTT) we LOST THE #2 LIFT GEARBOX.....hmmmm evacuation?...YEP...(I was safer in the a/c control room....lol)...after that...we had VERY LAST train and a heavy-set woman threw up in the train....on exit ramp....up the stairs/across the bridge (leaking into the entry que-line) and so on....we had to have this cleaned up before we leave....well...since I had such a miserable nite with the crew....(I just sent them ALL home and I would clean it up myself)......the next morning...(yes MORNING..I had to open next day 8am)..I got a card and flowers on the control panel from the le femme crew that gave me such a headache nite before...lmao....I'll tell you what....working 2 double shifts in a row w/ little sleep sure puts a straing on you...especially with iritating guests (you know the ones) and typical humid VA summer....makes for a "b*tchen day"..lol...

I have been searching business links and (Motley Fool) and Amusement Business in regards towards the sale of Paramount Parks. Hard finding any goodies and been several rumors floating around, but managed some scoop that: Cedar Faire is in the running to purchase the park(s)-wonder about Ohio...hmmm some competition for sure...I'm not sure on how to comment on this prospect. Another rumor was that a group (based in England) has purchased the themepark chain and will do an analysis (similar to Six Flags) and sell some of the non-profitable parks off and invest heavily into the remaining parks. Another rumor floating around is BEC (Busch Ent. Corp) is also in the running, but I cannot see that happening for their portfolio since the Sea World Parks and Busch Parks seem a good fit towards their corporate philosophy. Anyway, there was a link on the Motley Fool that an announcement was to be made official end of June/July...anyone else can confirm this?

I believe there was another posting on the site "Fav coaster, but afraid to admit it to others(?)..lol Kumba is that ride for me. I recall opening day when Michael Richards (Kramer from Seinfeld) and it was hilarious. The ride has all the classic elements that I look for: vert loop (through the lift!!!), corkscrews, a tunnel, good helix at the end, that small speed bump (before cobra roll), and who can forget about the Immelman (to me, one of the best inversions to date/next to Dive loop), and that cobra roll is pretty good. The best parts is riding at nite...but whooo that 0-g roll is probably the BEST of all B&Ms (back row). I can't figure out why, but this is one of my best all time classic rides (sit-down version anyway..lol)..

I would agree with most of the other members comments listed above. I would be more biased and say BGE since I've worked there for over 14+yrs. But, I do like PKD for their variety of flat rides and coaster selection. Best bet would be...Hey? visit BOTH parks and judge for yourself. It mostly depends on your personality/preferences what you look for most at a park. BGE offers good food/rides/shows/scenery-landscape. PKD-more coaster selections and flat rides. Another suggestion is to search links for some good deals in getting discount tickets to BOTH parks (even FREEEEEEEE PARKING!). Nowadays, parks are just making a profit in charging $8-15 just to PARK your vehicle now....I could get a mini-detail and wash for that much! My bet would be find a hotel that offers a shuttle service to the park...those are going to be the next trend since parks are gouging our pockets before we even enter the parks (doesnt that leave a bad taste in your mouth?) Good luck in your adventures

BGE-just received the GREEN LIGHT for the (200ft+) height waiver to install their next attraction. Here is a link to the article: http://www.dailypress.com/news/local/williamsburg/dp-03425sy0apr12,0,6226099.story Also, I am not only sticking to my personal theory that BGE will install a Dive Machine, but I have also suggested (on other site/links) that they may go one step further and add a floorless chassis to the ride itself. The park will no doubt up the ante in terms of size, height, inversion(s), and so forth, but their will be additional 'surprises' in store for us supercoaster freaks..lol Ciao

I would only speculate this comment, but I would assume the reason for the additional supports/bracing is to combat the potential earthquake requirements. I notice that the Steel Dragon hypercoaster has extensive support structure and bracing.

Whooo...that got your attention now..lol Anyway, here is whats going up: B&M built the worlds most unique ride. A DM-4D! With wooden support structure (and peeps wear 3d glasses-perhaps to watch those birds "close-up" when Fabio rides opening day). The trains (6) are ALL in the FLOORLESS mode and when each train hits the mid-course block brake, each passenger does a Chinese fire drill and enters into a new Flyer-train configuration. After, the train disengages and 'splashes' towards the Rhine river, swoops under Alpie's cobra-roll and heads back toward the station....hmmm I wonder if that covers ALL of the scenarios and perhaps speculation of what coaster-type BGW receives in '07....did this cover ALL the possible combinations?...hehe...Ok, back to work...lol Ciao.