coasternut

I just wonder what kind of testing process will be required before the G.P. will be allowed to ride that new train? I'm sure it will be extensive. Also will they take down the original train for work?

It was a very very cold day at "the Mountain" today. The hill on Goliath took my breath away between the wind and cold. The lines were short today except for the bus loads of kids coming in. Without them the place would've been deserted. For a time they ran 1 train on Scream which really surprised me with all the wind. Ninja was closed because of the cold temps. Oh well, good bye to So Cal and back to South Florida (my home), so I can thaw out. I'm at LAX right now (3 hours before flight time), and there's nobody here. I guess everyone already left.

That's an unexpected positive from the work on this ride. I was considering ear protection waiting in line for Goliath.

My last day at "the Mountain" before I take the red-eye home tonight. It's going to be quite nippy , so I hope that keeps the crowds down. The wind is forecast to be up, so I'm expecting ride closures. Saturday was a better day for me. Lot's of reps on Goliath at opening and things were moving most of the day. Also the nice warm sun was a pleasant visitor.

Today at "the Mountain" was a little better than my "whine list" from yesterday. Still very busy, and I was there from open to close. Major complaint today: one of my favs - Terminator was running 1 train (passengers riding) for about 7 cycles. Someone puked in the other and they were unprepared to take care of it. I was trapped in one of the "presentation rooms" and should've left. I wasted too much time there. Oh yea, one other thing. The Superman tower really looks great at night (lighted) especially from Goliath. If nothing else this is turning out to be a beautiful ride.

I hear what you're saying about staffing. I don't have a choice, I came here from South Florida to ride. I had the same line experience the previous 2 days at Knotts. I thought you "So Cal" folks stayed home when the weather wasn't perfect. I'll be back for the next 3 days before I fly home. I'll try to control my complaining.

I was at "The Mountain" today. It was very cold and had a lot of people. Here are a few things of note: - X2 (I don't ride it anyway) was not operating because of the wind???? - Riddler only has 1 train. The wait times are outrageous. Good thing I'm a single and used that line. The other 2 trains missing. - Scream operation was occasional because of the wind. The line was out the entry. - Goliath line was out the entrance with all switchbacks open. I waited 1 hour to ride. 2 train operation. - Deja Vu down for maintenance. The train was missing. I didn't have a good visit . Not their fault - just too many people, cold and windy and not enough resources. Sometimes "you just pays your money and takes your chances." Yes, Superman does look great!

Another busy day today at "the farm." They did let everyone in early (not sure when), but I cleared the turnstile at 9:50. This wasn't a good deal. The only ride you could walk to was Ghostrider. The other parts of the park were chained off until 10. I normally get on the first or second dispatch on Ghostrider. I was on #8 of the morning. The second train is complete now for Xcelerator. The fourth and fifth cars were added by noon (including it's wheels). Lots of work still remain on it I'm sure. None of the fiberglass parts are on yet, and who know about inspections.... There is progress though

For Thanksgiving I'll be giving thanks to God in the morning and at Magic Mountain riding afterward.

Whenever I hear or ride Collossus (I'll be there this weekend) , I think of the movie National Lampoon Vacation and Wally World

Yes, I too was at "the Farm" yesterday after flying in from South Florida. Lot's of activity by the maintenance folks reassembling train #2. I wonder what testing will be necessary after the train assembly is complete? I wish the activity on the platform was as swift . I didn't get many reps yesterday, but hoping for more today.

Yes there are lots of woodies that can use this "kind of love!" Maybe they could be ride able again. The first one to come to mind is Mean Streak at Cedar Point. It's been unride-able for years...

Does anyone have any quotes from Kinzel that he was personally responsible for no fast pass system being implemented. Cedar Point did have their awkward Freeway system years ago. While I love the system when I'm using it, when it is an upcharge it does cause hard feelings to many who will not splurge for it. My biggest problem with Kinzel was him trying to sell out to Apollo Group to make a quick buck at $11.50 per share/unit. Since that was halted and larger shareholders have stepped in the company is doing much better with the stock 20-30 percent higher and the dividend returning. I loved the "freeway system" since it cost nothing and was a great advantage for 2 rides per day. Free is good

Back at Busch Gardens today (Sunday) for another visit. The train(s) were running, so I was able to see the construction status. As I said yesterday, lot's of green track and yellow supports in a lot near Adventure Island. There was a crane near the boarding area for Cheetah Hunt, but didn't erect any steel today. I do understand it is Sunday, a day of rest. I even went on Rhino Rally to see the progress from there. Not much to speak of so far. Lot's of sand still needs to be moved beyond Rhino Rally. That seems to be approximately where they stopped "the hunt" as of now. As I headed for Montu for the first train out (total of 3 riders counting me) the construction gate was open. There is a trailer with supports on it near the crane I spoke of. I'll be back for a few days after Christmas to ride and see the progress - I hope.

Agreed

If I were you I wouldn't hold my breath. Have fun at the wedding...

Until I got out of California I had no idea what airtime was. After riding El Toro and the Voyage within 1 week of each other, they successfully broke my infatuation with Goliath's "airtime". Granted I still love Goliath but in relation to other rides, it really has minimal airtime. Well, I've been on both El Toro (my #1 wood) and Voyage (hated it and prayed for it to end), so I too can compare the "airtime." El Toro has a lot more "forceful airtime," but the sustained airtime on the third hill on Goliath is extended - nearly 6 seconds.

I was at BGT today. Lots of stuff closed mostly due to all the construction: no train, monorail and only 1 side of Gwazi running. What ever happened to the idea of putting Millennium Flyer Trains on this GCII? That would definitely improve the Gwazi ride. I do question the statement that Cheetah Hunt will open in the spring. I'm guessing late spring if not summer. Not a lot of work completed so far, and I was a little disappointed. You can only see the construction status from the Crown Colony balcony. Lot's of Intamin track at Adventure Island awaiting installation. I'll be back tomorrow - Sunday. I wish I thought to bring my camera, but not too much to see so far.

That happened after the girl died on the ride. Mid-course trims also got stronger after that. Not that the ride was that much better before hand. I always thought of Goliath as a mediocre hyper-coaster at best compared to the Intamin's and B&M's. Fun? Sure! And if you've never been on any of the other hypers, you're going to love it. But as most coaster enthusiasts goes, Millennium Force opened the same year as Goliath. It was no contest which was the better ride! I agree. Over the years I have adobted a fondness for Goliath, but it really can't compare to the other hypers out there mainly because it was designed to feature one set forces (positive Gs) and little else. I think back to all those "Goliath vs Millennium Force" fanboy threads and think "really"? Goliath isn't even it the same league. And it's just a big, clunky mess compared with the hypers that have opened since. lol I dream of the day SFMM takes another crack at the hyper/giga genre, but there's really no logical reason they would. So, fingers crossed for Knotts! I disagree with the quote above from J. Knotts that Goliath has only 1 set of positive G forces. Yes, that helix is intense. If you ride in the last car the negative G's in at least 2 parts of the ride are enormous! Millennium Force used to be my #1 steel (now #7), but in my opinion it has little airtime and hasn't been worked on or painted since 2000. "Big Dick" Kinzel has got to go! The ride has gotten quite rough in the back with a lot of lateral G's which I don't enjoy. For me the 1st and 3rd drops on Goliath give EXTREME AIRTIME in the rear. I guess you can call me the rear admiral..

Article Nothing like Bar-B-Que Kinzel!!

Gwazi has gotten rough over the years. I was there for the media day opening and it was great. The experience isn't the typical GCII woodie which I love . This ride was pre Millennium Flyer trains. Montu and Sheikra are great . I've had good and bad rides on Kumba. It's really not too bad for it's age. I can't wait for their new ride to open. Another Intamin I'm sure I'll love .

Screamscape Industry News Sandusky Register This is great news. "Big Dick" was a true leader / innovator in his day. Unfortunately, his day has passed many years ago. Good Bye Big Dick.

You're exactly correct Finally "Big Dick" is leaving. He was a leader / trendsetter in his day, but his day has long past! I wish his retirement was effective 2011. He's run Cedar Point and the entire Cedar Fair parks into the ground the past several years. Rest in peace -- Big Dick

Nice live video taken today. Thanks for the update. The should be interesting...

Nothing as of yet. Still working on dates and details. As soon as we have something, trust me, it will be posted and emailed! Thanks chief, keep up the good work.