BeemerBoy

^^^ And I'll never appreciate Carrabba's either. So there!! In all seriousness, I've always been amazed at people who are that particular about the different soft drink companies. Not that there's anything wrong with it. I've just always been one who thinks a soft drink is a soft drink is a soft drink. They're so similiar to me, that the subtle differences never matter when I'm thirsty enough to drink 'em. As far as HW goes, I was more impressed that they offered Gatorade than anything else. I knew that the typical Pepsi drinks were prominent, but I drank more Gatorade than anything else. And that definitely helped in the heat.

The wife and I may be down for this event. You guys could always make that a full size suv and we'll jump in on your way past Dalton towards DW. In fact, I might even be able to arrange some accomodations for a small group of us near the park. I got friends who live in the area. I could give 'em a call and look into this.

Okay, so I think it's time to give up on the local phone company, and Vonage has me intrigued. Without turning this into some sad infomercial, does anyone out there have Vonage, and what are your thoughts on it? Worth it, or not? Thanks.

Eh, I haven't posted in here in a while, so here goes.

^ So it really felt like you were trying to commit suicide then, right?

Nemesis @ Alton Towers. I've been fascinated by this coaster since it opened, and I've even had a trip to it cancelled at the last minute. So naturally, I'm still dying to experience what the States have yet to provide....an incredible terrain inverted beemer.

Don't forget Pedroland Park at South of the Border (on the border of North and South Carolina). Okay, if you're heading from NYC to Tampa, you've got plenty of options. First, there's SF Great Adventure in Jackson NJ (ocean county if you put it in Mapquest.com), which is only about a half hour off of I-95. After that, you've also got Hershey Park and Dorney Park, which are both within about 2 1/2 hours west of I-95 just south of the exit you'd take for SFGADV. From that point, like what has already been mentioned, you've got SFA which is only about 10-15 minutes off the beltway bypass around DC. From that exit, it's about 2 hours to PKD, and another hour or so to BGE, which is actually about 40 minutes or so off the bypass (I-295) around Richmond, VA. After that, it's another 4 1/2 to 5 hours before you reach the aforementioned PedroLand Park, located at one of America's finest roadside tourist attractions, South of the Border. www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=27131&highlight=pedroland+park And after that, there's not much else to worry about. Of course, there's plenty of smaller parks along the way that aren't too far off the beaten path, but I was just listing the big draws for you. As far as how scenic it is...well, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It's a nice drive, but nothing drop dead spectacular, IMHO.

Yeah... and an inflated cost of admission to cover the drinks... Not a waterpark person? To be fair, I don't seek out waterparks either, I'll do them if included but not so much the seperate entities. Though I must say I have always been pleased with White Water. Well, had we paid for each drink individually based on what almost any other park charges, it probably would've at least equaled the cost of admission. Remember Joe, you visited on an overcast, and much cooler day than we did. You really learn to appreciate the Pepsi Oasis when the sun is beating down on you. And I still contend that HW's admission is very reasonable for all that it offers, even though I sense a curious trend among some in here to dispute the park's lofty status. Anyway, we'll always disagree on this one, so no need to get too far off subject I guess. And I actually really enjoy waterparks. That's why I can't figure out what's taken us so long to get down to Whitewater.

^^ Well, isn't the launch part of the "speed feel?" As far as pure speed burst, I'd say KK's or Hulk's launch....the short amount of track in front of you adds to the OMG factor. In terms of a ride maintaining it's speed throughout...MF or The Voyage.

^ It's an Intamin.

Nice pics, but what's wrong with the "tacky" Superman music? Wouldn't that be considered part of the overall "theming" that you thought was great? Just wondering.

I don't think there's a difference unless they've built onto it since I've been, and are now calling it a "resort." It's a great looking place. House of Blues is there, and the "waterpark" area is very nice with a great wavepool. The aquarium is also topnotch from what I hear (didn't go in that one, so can't help ya there). The problem with Mandalay is that it's at the extreme south end of everything. I mean, there's nothing beyond it to the south. If you plan on walking to alot of things, this is NOT the place to stay. EDIT: dangit Elissa. I guess I need to type faster. Oh yeah, and Speed is very underrated IMHO. Great launch, and thankfully you get to do the ride twice for what you pay. See....I stayed on topic too.

NY NY is actually a really cool looking Hotel/Casino. It's also right down the road from In'nOut Burgers......mmmmm In'n Out. But seriously, if you're thinking of staying at any one of the places with a coaster just because it has a coaster....don't. Pick the best, and most interesting place to you and your party, and then plan on just visiting the places with the rides. That's how I'd do it anyway.

Stratosphere is pretty ghetto too, IMHO. Not quite as bad as CC, but close. Not sure about the discount thing, but if price isn't a problem with where you stay, then a cab ride and a ride pass to Stratosphere is the way to go.

If price isn't an issue....then Bellagio hands down. Although you really can't go wrong with Bellagio, Caesars, or Venetian if you ask me. And for the record, Circus Circus may have a coaster in it, but I felt like I needed a shower after just walking through that place! Venetian and Alladin both have ceiling light patterns that change to simulate the 24hour daylight cycle. Now that I think about it, Caesars is where you should really concentrate on though. Their forum shops are tops, and you're right in the middle of everything on the strip...not to mention they have my favorite sportsbook.

Hooray Holiday World. Not so great waterpark, but unlimited drinks included. Yes, but the information you can get here is priceless. Yeah, stick it to the man next time! Just call your key a rare souvenir. How is it that I have never been to Whitewater yet?

Sooooo, any reports on the new trains, or did I miss something elsewhere?

I'm gonna take Joe to school on his fantasy draft. Oh wait, you meant....

Just performing my civic duty, and bumping this to the forefront. Would people be dying as often as they have been this season if the rides were on the moon? Talk amongst yourselves.

That should give you a pretty good hint.

"Hi, I'm Buddy, what can I get ya?" "I'll have the steak." "How do ya want that, burnt to a crisp or bloody as hell?" "Bloody as hell. And to drink, A vanilla Coke." "And how bout you Peggy Sue?"

Staying here this week, and wishing I was headed north in search of more coasters.

"Girlfriend In A Coma" - The Smiths

I'll be there that week too. You should be more worried about possible approaching hurricanes than long lines. I always found October to be a somewhat slow time for the parks. Still a bit warm, but slow.

Are they $90 shoes?