BeemerBoy

^^ Yeah, I'll take my chances with moron and a defibrillator versus a moron and NO defibrillator.

Yeah, aside from Mission:Space's problems, it's truely unfortunate that Disney has had such bad luck (for lack of a better term) over the past few years. Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't a young girl (12-13ish?) die, or suffer a heart attack on ToT a while back? M:S is it's own separate situation, but man, there's really no explanation why so many have suffered on Disney rides that are no more intense than anything else out there. My prayers go out to all the families.

That could be right. But along with every other launched coaster in existence, it's only a brief period of force...not sustained.

Yeah, I know there's too many parks there to not have at least a few great examples, but I'd agree with what Elissa said...go to Japan for the atmosphere and the parks. Basically, just the overall experience. I know half of what interests me the most about Japan is the culture and the beauty of the land itself. The parks and rides make up the other half. The two combined make up a great vacation, as I'm sure the UKers can surely attest to (okay, a couple parks weren't so beautiful, but you get the idea). One big plus for Japan on the parks side of things is definitely the Disney parks. Japan may not have a plethora of world-class top ten coasters, but it's hard to top Tokyo Disney Sea from everything I've ever seen of it.

^ You're getting the bill for more bandwidth.

Not the best promotional material for the upcoming Japan trip. "Come to Japan....most of it sucks, but come anyway." I'm kidding of course, it just caught me funny. Seriously though, thanks for the input. I'm curious, since I just recently saw a good overview of the Pyrenees layout, how does it stack up to the rest of the world's B&M inverts? Scott "what, no Thunder Dolphin? I'm shocked. " B.

^^ Yeah, I figured mediocrity would play a big role in this one. I guess that's what makes this list so intriguing to me.

Well, I can't really argue your points on higher numbers of visitors, visitors ignoring signs, etc., but I just feel that the underlying point is that there's something "odd" or "just not right" about this ride when you consider the number of riders that go through the turnstiles each year relating to the number of incidents. I mean, if just spinning in a centrifugal manner was so potentially deadly, then RoundUps and Gravitrons would never have exisited as long as they have, right? I don't know, just a thought? I'm not sure on this one, but I'd be willing to bet that this suit was well thought out before they attempted to challenge Disney's legal team.

So for all the well-traveled coaster enthusiasts here, what would you consider as Japan's top ten coaster list? I realize EJ is opening soon, but perhaps it could be judged based on it's similarity to X? (rollermonkey, notice the first usage of your abbreviation? )

^ Yep. You're both right. The reason this case exists, and will probably be won by the family, or settled as Joe suggested, is basically due to the history of the ride. That's the reason I brought up the fact of the high number of incidents that have occured over a 3 year period (and thanks to the ops that replied). I know many of you (heartless Doug, so heartless ) have suggested this case is frivolous and the family is just greedy, but someone also said Disney deserves it, or had it coming......I'd agree more with that. When you break things down to simplest terms, here's what surfaces: Disney's Imagineers (usually brilliant) + highly trained Air Force pilots and NASA astronauts as "technical advisors" + $100,000,000 = a ride that does a good job of simulating liftoff from a launching pad, but doesn't take into account that the constant forces applied won't work for a broad group of theme park patrons, most of whom don't really know what they're stepping into..which results in 135-140 paramedic calls over a 3 year span....and two unfortunate deaths. Say what you will, but like I said, there's a TON of very forceful rides around the world. I'd venture to bet that a very small percentage, if any can match the incident record that this one has amassed in such a short period. Therefore, a lawsuit is inevitable, and IMHO, deserved. Sorry Disney, although many enthusiasts will miss my point, the fact remains....one death not due to rider stupidity (i.e. undoing safety restraints, standing up, etc.) is one death too many in the "happiest place on earth." Two? Well now you're really pushing it.

^ She doesn't need to....Robb will be there.

Excellent choice, Kumba9. You got my vote of approval already.

I never realized that was a woodie. Hmm, anyway......Voyage's triple down for me. And in the pitch black of midnight, it's pure bliss.

I'm still waiting to hear from some ride ops out there. Any ride op from any thrill ride....I'm curious about the average number of times the paramedics are called to your ride in any given season. Help a brother out on this one, please. Actually, when you think about it, why aren't there defibrillators at all major thrill rides? I've seen 'em all over the airport before, so why not where it may easily come into play?

Hmmm, Storm Runner is looking alot like Goliath these days.

^ Could you hire me as general manager then? I'd appreciate it, Scott.

You're right, they are a bit wierd, but actually a really good live band. We saw them at the Tabernacle with NIN, and they won over the whole crowd. I went in there not knowing much about them, and although they're still not my cup of tea, they made a big impression on my wife and I. The chick is kinda like Tori Amos on crack. She rocked that piano/synthesizer/whatever it is (can you tell I'm not musically inclined?).

Based on your Mission:Space response......yes. (you said be honest) Have you ever ridden the Dania Beach Hurricane?

Say what you will about the ride, as many of us did in an older thread on this subject, but without knowing the validity of those numbers, I'd guess that's still INCREDIBLY high for any ride. Ride ops of the world, help me out on this one. In a regular operating season, how many times are the paramedics called to your ride? If those numbers are even somewhat legit, I'd say a lawsuit is justified. Just my opinion, I could be wrong.

And yet, why do I get the feeling there's a lawyer just waiting somewhere to try and blame this one on the park somehow.

Easy there, chief. I'm not quite sure that's the best way to make friends around here.

^ I believe you saw the 2005 Golden Ticket winners. This year's hasn't been voted on yet. Besides, the true list is Mitch's Poll. Sorry, can someone else get that link? Thanks.

^ Well, you could almost forgive 'em for that. This is a slightly larger project, and one that they really fumbled the ball on, you know? But, yes, good point anyway.

^ Yep, nothing screams old west like huge amounts of bright red steel. Psst, hey CP, guess what, I'm told Intamin also makes woodies. Oh, you mean you could care less about fitting in with the theme of the area? Oh, okay, I just thought you were smarter than that. Nevermind then, go about your business.

NO. Is it gonna rain today?