jamesdillaman

Well, CP... now I have absolutely no reason to stay on property. Good idea taking away all the perks of staying on site. Econo-Lodge here I come. -James "It was bad with the Joe Cool members last year, no more people will have it IMO" Dillaman

After watching them all, and basing solely on my perceived quality and merit of the videos, My favorite so far is Kevin's Cedar Point video. I love how it syncs with the music, and seeing rides in slow motion always make it stand out from others. I was a bit worried it would all be in slow motion, and I think you could trim the opening sequence a little, but besides that, a great video. -James Dillaman

Yeah, I mentioned to the people I met up with who were here on the TPR trip that I heard this was happening. Sad to see it go. My gut tells me on slower days only one side will be running..... -James "loved the backwards racer" Dillaman

Just heard on the local news here that the Racer is changing direction for next year. I had heard this would happen from a worker I know at the park, but was waiting to poast until I had confirmation. I'll post a link as soon as i can find the online article for it. Here's the link: http://www.wlwt.com/entertainment/15788326/detail.html -James Dillaman

Here's a link to the pictures: http://www.theonion.com/content/node/49419

OMG How come nobody mentioned this?!? EUREKA, MO—Pope Benedict XVI returned to Rome today following a historic, three-day trip to Six Flags St. Louis, the first official papal visit to a major American theme park since Pope Paul VI's Thanksgiving Mass at Wet 'n Wild in August 1966. Enlarge Image Pope Benedict XVI returns from a "fucking awesome" trip on the XCalibur. As the park opened its doors to the general public last Friday, the pope emerged from the last car of the Foghorn Leghorn National Park Railway to greet the throngs of people who had assembled hours earlier for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to pay their respects to the blessed pontiff and to vie for a seat on Superman Tower of Power, a popular free-fall ride. The pope began his visit with a brief sermon delivered from the balcony of the Old Glory Amphitheatre, and blessed the park's many concession-stand workers who "provide sustenance for our brethren seeking to beat the heat." "My friends in Christ, as we stand together today among this unusually large weekday crowd, I urge you and your children to exercise the twin virtues of faith and patience, for unto those who wait will come great rewards and monstrous thrills," the pontiff told those in line for the Screamin' Eagle roller coaster. The pope was honored in a special ceremony outside the Warner Bros. Backlot, in which he was presented with a complimentary season pass, good for free entry at any Six Flags or Hurricane Harbor until August 31. "I am pleased to announce to His Holiness, the Vicar of Christ, Pope Benedict XVI, that from this day forward, June 9 will forever be known as Pope Day at Six Flags St. Louis," said Shazam! ride-operator Gary Moynihan as he lowered the safety bar over the pope's lap and locked it into place. "Now, prepare to be scrambled!" The pope took an aerial tour via Sky Tram to Goodtimes Square later on Friday, where he was greeted by Six Flags dignitaries Elmer Fudd, Yosemite Sam, and the Tasmanian Devil. The trio of characters went on to sign an apostolic exhortation on the role of bishops, a Vatican concordat with Six Flags St. Louis, and the pope's personal autograph book. The pontiff also posed for an official portrait by celebrated Six Flags caricature artist Trevor Doogan. The work depicted Benedict in his robes, mitre, and Rollerblades. The pope also celebrated a special midday Mass, in which the capacity-plus crowds received communion and cotton candy. Enlarge Image The pope joins a Six Flags ambassador on a tour of the grounds. Early Saturday morning, Benedict delivered a children's prayer in Looney Tunes Town, in which he urged "courage, resolve, and strength of stomach when you come face to face with the temptation of XCalibur," and stressed that they should all "honor thy mother and father, who paid the ultimate price for your $45 day pass." "If you are a child over 54 inches tall, your covenant with fun compels you to check out Batman the Ride," the pope added. On the third day of the papal visit, bystanders witnessed what some called a minor miracle when Benedict reunited a lost four-year-old boy with his parents. "Today, a young wayward sheep has strayed from his flock, "the pope announced over the park's P.A. system. "But by the grace of God, he has been found safe and unharmed, and can be picked up at Porky's Pavilion." According to Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls, Benedict accomplished everything he set out to do during the three days, with the exception of a much-anticipated visit to Colossus, the 18-story Ferris wheel, which the Holy Father canceled at the last moment for unspecified reasons. "This is truly a special part of the world, and my time at Six Flags brought me closer to God—particularly when I was suspended in midair at the peak of Mr. Freeze," said the pope, his hair tousled, his face and the back of his neck severely sunburned, and his long, flowing robes soaked with water from the Big Kahuna raft ride. "But there is still much more to be done, and I have a feeling that God will call me here again very soon."

^^ That makes me think that there should be a giant zipper ride. Talk about scary! I like Delirium (KI) and TR:TR (The Crypt) is okay. When I worked there, though, it had a LOT of downtime. When you compare it to how often the smaller flatrides went down, it's insane. Even delirium had some major issues with downtime it's first 2-3 seasons. As for other giant HUSS rides, I think it's common knowledge how Dollywood felt after installing their Topple-Tower and it being down for a third of it's first season. There are good ideas in theory, and there are good designs in practice. It seems to me that HUSS needs to concentrate more on the latter. -James Dillaman

I would love to get on a Starflyer in my lifetime. That looks like one of those "once-in-a-lifetime" things for me, mainly because I think I would be so freaked out by the height that I would only be able to do it once! -James Dillaman

^ Thanks for the info, guys. Yeah the more I look into it we might be looking to stop and camp/whitewater raft in the New River area of West Virginia. This would also break up our drive down into 2 parts, so it isn't a straight drive. My main concern now is the cost of camping in Williamsburg, combined with the unpredictable weather. That website helps out a lot, Chuck. I was just wondering because it seems so many trips people on here take are only themepark oriented.

^ yes but I need non-park things around there. And tourist trap sort of things are not her style. For example, when we went to Dollywood, we went to the National Park and drove up to the top of one of the domes to take some pictures, we also hiked down a rocky creek for a couple hours. We're not as interested in the popular tourist strip areas that tend to pop up around major themeparks. Also what's the cheapest and best camping sites for tent camping nearby? I know there's a lot to do at BGE, but we can't spend the whole vacation at the park, that's the point of my questions. -James "also, cheap or even free things are better" Dillaman

So here's my dilema: I am an outright coaster maniac, sick beyond cure, but my fiance isn't entirely thrilled by them. She enjoys them, don't get me wrong, and she'll get on anything, but she doesn't like the trips we've taken in the past going from park to park and just going 24/7 to get as on as many coasters as we can in our week off during the summer. My question for advice is how can I get to one of my most sought after parks : Busch Gardens Euroburg, without making it just a coaster trip. Some things Julia (my fiance) likes to do: camping, white water rafting, caving, hanging on the beach, hiking, kayaking, etc. Any ideas on what to include in a 3-4 day trip that would be doable on a budget of less than $500 for 2 people? I'm speaking especially to those of you around the park or places along the travel route (From Cincinnati to Virginia), as we would be driving. Any info on things to do in the area outside of Busch Gardens is greatly appreciated, and I'll look into every suggestion. Thanks upfront, -James Dillaman

Robb, to be honest I never look at the front page. I have a link to the forum index in my toolbar, and I always just click on that. I get your emailed updates from time to time on what's new and what's going on, but besides that I just read different threads, posting on a few of them that catch my eye. I think the site is great and if you revamp the front page I'll be sure to check it out. -James Dillaman

I don't know why this thread is still open, if I was the origional poster, I'd realize what a mistake it was to post this and be talking to a mod about locking it, to minimize the damage to my character it would already have caused. This is a momentary lapse of reason, and although creepy, I don't think we should hold it against him. Everybody makes mistakes, especially if he was a young gay man trying to deal with the stigma of being a gay man in a straight-dominated society. Although I don't agree with it, I don't believe anybody on this site has the right to judge another. That's my 2 cents, and you can flame me all you want. -James Dillaman

Honeymooners are worth double points, Second honeymooners are TRIPLE points! Happy hunting -James Dillaman

I didn't ask, but are the parks going to let us in if we're riding or volunteering, or do we still need to pay for admission? The cost of gas alone is going to be a hassle. I'll pay the entry if it has to be paid, though.

It's a funny picture, but I wonder how many of those pictures were against the park policy. I know for a fact just due to the caption of the one on Loch Ness Monster that those people were blatantly disregarding park rules. They said they had a tough time sneaking the board and chess pieces on. Besides that, I love the pictures. -James Dillaman

Call me up, Chuck. I owe you a theme park touring guide service. Great pictures, Jahan, although I am slightly shocked you didn't find airtime on Magnum. The bunny hills at the end always provide me with almost painful ejector air. -James Dillaman

^ That's what I was wondering. Either way this has got to have Disney management hot under the collar. -James Dillaman

I signed up to help out at Kennywood, Clint. I would go to another park, but Kennywood, at 4 hours away, is the closest to me. Would love to help out, though, especially taking pledges in Cincinnati which I imagine a lot of your riders are not hitting up for money, yet. -James Dillaman

Do the riders take pledges, like a walk-a-thon. (For every ride, I'll donte x amount of money?) Or is it done in a different way? -James Dillaman

Nice TR, Chuck. BGE was on our list of parks to visit this year, but I don't know if Julia would be for going to a park with you again, she's still mad about being out in the rain at King's Dominion, and BGE doesn't have scooters for her "fix". I'll see if I can talk her into it just for the coasters, though. -James Dillaman

I would say any coaster at Indiana Beach. Any ride for that matter. Being above the water just makes it all better. Look at the swings... -James Dillaman

^ Somewhere at the "front" of the park near the flume and the Hoosier Hurricane station. You asked me to take you to Holiday World, but I'd much rather you tag along to this park. I like Holiday World, but nothing touches IB in my book. -James Dillaman

^ Just sit in the "middle seat" of one of the cars (Each car has three rows, sit in the middle for the smothest ride.) Second seat of the train is the most tolerable. When I would ride there, I'd actually catch myself falling asleep at the end of the night. These seats are smoother because they are not directly above an axle. In all seriousness, though, go to Cedar Point, which as mentioned is just over 2 hours from Columbus. I take I71 and then take 250 all the way to the causeway. It's a very pleasant drive. Better yet, hop on 70 East and hit up Kennywood... about 3 hours -James Dillaman, former Beast Crew member.

Seriously, I saw this coming a while ago. The park's atmosphere has gotten more "run-down" over the past few years, and few new attractions (namely video-games) have appeared. You know they were in trouble when you were there on a weekend and the place was nearly empty. -James Dillaman